The regular monthly school board meeting was conducted Jan. 20. The board members present were Kerry Baumgartener, Bobby Medlin, Lance Fulks, Michael Bolinger, Shawn Higgins and James Bonecutter. Also present were Principal Tanya Brown, third and fourth grade teacher Rachel Swillum, fifth and sixth grade teacher Angie Shane, and kindergarten teacher, Ruby Hibdon. Before the meeting began the board members were given a small token on behalf of the teachers in recognition of Board Appreciation Week. The gift was a 100 Grand candy bar, Extra gum and a can of Mt. Dew, with a note saying "100 Grand for all the Extra things you Dew!" Swillum also presented "thank you" notes from her class. In old business, School Board filing was reported to close at 5 p.m. Jan. 22. In new business, E-Rate, school safety, bus diesel fuel, MAN- IT contract, Local Wellness Policy, 2014-15 school calendar, proposed 2014-15 budget and administrator evaluation for next month were all discussed.
In honor of School Board Appreciation Week, the students were asked what a school board did. Although many students have no idea, a few had some very good ones. When I asked one particular student, kindergartener, Garret Roush if he knew what a school board was, he pointed out our west facing window and said "it's out there." I then asked "what does it do?" He very confidently responded "it just sits there and has Latham Braves on it." Meaning our school sign out by the highway! To quote an old show "kids say the darndest things!" Thank you Latham School Board from the faculty, staff and students.
Immediately following the board meeting, the CTO met. Those in attendance were Roberta Gunnerson, Shanay Stuedle, Tanya Brown, Rachel Swillum, Angie Shane, James Bonecutter, Jennifer Liebl, Ruby Hibdon and Julia and Waylon Potter. The group discussed the fate of the organization and purchasing sweats for the two new basketball players. A spring fundraiser was decided upon with a tentative date of May 3. Elections for officer positions will take place in May. It seemed to be the consensus of the group, they would like to see the CTO continue, but realizing without active members, it will not be possible. Please mark your calendars for Feb, 10 and plan to attend the next CTO. Pizza will be provided and your children are welcome. Letters will be sent home with more information.
Principal Tanya Brown treated the student body to hot chocolate every morning this week to help warm everyone up.
Seventh and eighth grade teacher Diana Norris had to be out this week due to her dad, Allan Taylor, having a heart attack while cutting wood Monday. Both Rachel Swillum and Coach David Austin were gone because of illness.
Thursday the first and second graders enjoyed an ice cream party provided by the American Red Cross. They received this treat because they had the most representation at the school blood drive in December. The next blood drive will be held Feb. 18, from 3-7 p.m.
The school will have an Awards Assembly Feb. 4, at 2:30 p.m.
Students have Friday enrichment classes and they are on a six week rotation. This week was the first round of the new classes. The classes are "We Built This City", "Readers Will Inherit the Earth", sketching and drawing, "Where in the World is...?", and science fair.
The school newsletter, The Brave Bits will be sent or e-mailed this week. If you do not see one ask your child, check your e-mail or call the school and ask to be added to the mailing list.
Forty-three students met their second quarter AR reading goal. They will be going to Jefferson City to enjoy a movie Friday.
Third graders Carly Messerli and Wiley Roush received the title of Student of the Week from Mrs. Brown Friday. She described both as excellent role models in the hallways. She mentioned Messerli is always willing to help clean up around the building. Roush was chosen for his manners and the thankfulness he always shows. As with all students of the week, each received a Latham Braves lanyard and were treated to pizza for lunch along with all the recipients from December and January.
School will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. this Friday for teacher in service. Hope everyone has a nice long weekend. The Braves will play at Clarksburg Monday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Eric and Theresa Guhr took their children Heather, Destinie, and Daniel Tunis to see the Harlem Globetrotters.
Blaise Stuedle turned 18 on Jan. 24. Blaise along with Jim and Shanay Lepper, Bethany Stuedle, Wanda and Greg Wilde, Brian and Shawna Shewmaker, Trisha and Haylee Berve, Mark Leath and Ashtyn Higgins had dinner at Outback Steakhouse, Lake of the Ozarks. Jim, Shanay, Bethany, Blaise and Ashtyn were also Sunday dinner guests of Greg and Wanda Wilde.
Brooke Liebl celebrated her 11th birthday a bit early with a sleepover. Those helping her celebrate were Alexis Mullins, KaLynn Irey, Chasilynn Higgins, and Tally Easton. They were treated to Chinese food in Versailles and a cake from Cold Stone Creamery.
Kutter Baumgartner and Weston Liebl joined the youth of, Family Worship Center, Versailles, for an all-night trip to St. Louis. While there the group went to the City Museum, ice skating and a community center.
Brittany Liebl, a junior at Versailles, was one of only two students recently nominated for National Honor Choir.
Kenny Sullivan has recently joined the Liebl Tree Service crew.
If you've driven down Turkey Trot Road lately, then you should have noticed that the house on the old Riggs place is no longer standing. Travis Riggs brought it down with intentions of getting the spot cleaned up and building a new home.
The Friday night volleyball players had a nice crowd.
Natilee Gunnerson turned four Jan. 26. She was honored with a party which included a butterfly cake and ice cream. Celebrating with Natilee were Randall, Roberta, Breanna, Kylee, Logan, and Jonathan Gunnerson, Andrew Salmons, Shelbie Schatzer, Jason Schatzer, Robert Williams and Bethany Stuedle.
Jerry Fulks went to Bolivar Friday in honor of his grandson Grant Fulks' 16th birthday. He, Kevin Fulks and Grant cut wood Saturday. Also on Saturday Chad and Lee Fulks and Karen Pendleton, Terry Fulks, Hannah, Emmett and Myra Haas joined them. Sunday, to finish out the guests from Latham list were Justin, Mandy and Gatlin Fulks and Larry Stokes. The group was treated to a supper of bear that Jerry's granddaughter Cheyenne shot last summer.
John Allee and Paige Hibdon were both recognized at the Latham Christian Church, for having recent birthdays. Jim Randall, pastor at Latham Christian, used a great analogy during children's time. He explained the wind is like the world and at times blows really hard against us. He mentioned sometimes we grab onto heavy things or seek shelter from the strength of the wind. He closed with telling that the Bible can be our something strong each and every time we need it.
Wayne and Morgan Miller were Saturday supper guests of the Hibdon's and Edith Drinkall was a Sunday afternoon visitor.
The Latham Ladies Bunco players will meet Tuesday, Feb. 4, because of the Braves basketball game on Monday. Bunco will be played at the school. Snacking begins at 6 p.m. and dice rolls at 6:45 p.m. sharp.