Stewart makes funding clarification

DAYTON- Superintendent Rich Stewart made a correction to information of grant funding at the Dayton School Board meeting on October 19.

Stewart corrected a previous report, confirming that the district is on the list to receive $5 million in State grant funding, likely next year.

He assured the Board that he is aware of challenges in utilizing preventative behavior techniques with some of the students in the K-8 workroom and is working to develop strategies for success to discipline without restricting the student’s ability to learn and do schoolwork. The workspace provided in the secondary school would be an option for some students. The district is also pursuing the addition of more CTE classes.

ASB Representative Grace Trump attended a leadership conference where they focused on team building, as well as ideas to implement and ideas for changes. They have planned themed football games such as a USA football game, a Neon game, a Hawaiian themed game and the last upcoming game on October 28 which is also senior night will be white-out or letterman jacket themed. They will be hosting a school district “talk show” where they will invite Board members and administrators and ask them questions to help students “to get to know them as people.”

Student Representative Madison Richardson reported that the PSAT was offered in the library to prepare for the SAT. Military recruits have been on campus meeting with students to give them guidance and information for those considering a military path. The leadership classes are working with Character Strong, and Richardson said, “I really like it and I’m excited for the rest of the high school to be able to do it next year.” Leadership projects include putting together bulletin boards, making athletic buttons that will be sold at games, and giving out individual birthday treats for students.

Fall sports are coming to an end and the high school football team could be in the top three and go on to play-offs according to Korslund in his Athletic Director’s report. High school wrestling practices begins on November 14 and will be held in Preston Hall because they have use of the mats there. Also beginning that day will be practices for high school boys’ and girls’ basketball and winter cheerleading. Middle school boys’ basketball will begin on October 31. Middle school boys’ basketball has the highest number of students signed up at 18, followed by high school boys’ basketball at 10. All other sports have only single digits registered at the time of the report.

Principal Amy Cox provided updates about the elementary school. She continues to work with the staff Leadership Team, and they are currently setting goals based on the work session with the School Board over the summer. They have started with setting a SMART goal for culture which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The goal is “by the end of the school year students will be able to understand and demonstrate the components of the BRAVE code created by the positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) team. This goal will be measured using the BRAVE code expectation for each area of the school.” The BRAVE code stands for Bold, Responsible, Attitude, Value, and Empathy. These new systems are already resulting in very few referrals this year according to Cox. School Counselor Caitlin Patterson continues to meet with students facing challenges and is working with students as a whole on writing positive affirmations for themselves. The school held the PTSO Carnival in the High School gym on October 22. Fall and Halloween activities included games and crafts, a haunted locker room, face painting, temporary glitter body tattoos and more.

Principal Guin Joyce reported on efforts to educate about bullying, suicide awareness and disability awareness. The district has a principal intern who is creating a survey for sixth grade students to get input about their transition from elementary to middle school.

Standardized testing results are being reviewed and students who tested two or more grade levels below their grade in math and English will receive specialized learning support. The school also has formed a team for reviewing curriculum to verify that it meets grade level expectations and developing an individualized plan for student success. Joyce announced they are offering an alternative learning room for the students who need it due to scheduling conflicts, courses not being offered, to work towards credit recovery or other reasons. Academic Advisor Sarah Reser will work with the student and parents to develop a plan that will work with the student’s High School and Beyond plan. Students will access their coursework using their district issued Chromebook. This will allow them to work at school, but in a different setting which will be managed by a paraeducator and overseen by a teacher. The goal is to support students until graduation and prepare them for post-high school opportunities.

Business Manager Jana Eaton said she is still working through the long, arduous process of closing out financials from last year. She continuously watches for and has applied for several grants with some help from the OSPI. Current revenues and expenditures are within budget.

The FFA advisor and a few officers shared updates about their activities which include chapter officer training, a hygiene drive to collect and distribute personal needs items. Local FFA members showed animals at the Columbia County Fair in August. Also, during the fair FFA made breakfast sandwiches. They also went for livestock judging last month in Yakima and have been learning about soil judging based on permeability, textures and land grade. They have had two competitions and plan to go to State competition in Pomeroy. The group has established social media platforms for FFA to share information, updates, and to spotlight members. At the regular monthly meetings, they have dinner and team building activities. Information is given and discussed about upcoming competitions, training or skill-building activities and community service projects.