Goals set to restore confidence in local school

DAYTON-The School Board heard from Superintendent Rich Stewart about the goals of the district to improve community perception of the schools by having consistent discipline and a positive learning environment. The principals provided updates in the schools on ways they are using behavior interventions and promoting a positive school culture. Participants suggested expanding the methods outside of school in athletics and at The Club. Stewart presented information about the funding options of running a levy or a bond and to seek input from the group. This was the second monthly Key Communicators meeting for the Dayton School District which was held on October 21. Seven attended along with Superintendent Rich Stewart, Administrative Assistant Suzi Tasker, principals of both schools Amy Cox and Guin Joyce and School Board Director Jeff McCowen.

Stewart began the meeting with having the attendees introduce themselves. Following the introduction of Jim Pearson, Director of The Club, Stewart said they are working to form more of a partnership and are seeking grant funding with a focus on social emotional learning programs and materials.

Stewart then went on to emphasize the goals of the district to restore confidence in the schools through consistent discipline in a positive learning environment. He said the State has passed legislation to support keeping disruptive students in school. The challenge is to bring a commonsense approach to teach them to respect others while still meeting their needs.

Attendee Elissa Eastvedt who is a parent to a child in the district said that she sees positive changes coming down from the administration and leadership.

There are several specific ways the district at both the elementary and secondary level is working towards the goals. Both schools are using PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Systems) and the school slogan of BRAVE which stands for Bold, Responsible, Attitude, Value and Empathetic.

In the elementary school, Principal Amy Cox said they are using PBIS. When a student is struggling, the staff works get to the root of the problem and teach the student skills to avoid the behavior issue. When necessary, they use natural consequences. The goal is to teach good habits and practices.

For the student body as a whole, the entire staff presents behavior expectations the same way for a consistent approach. When staff witnesses a student demonstrating good behavior, they are given reward tickets.

Jim Sueuga, who is an athletic coach thought they could implement these ideas for the athletes, though Cox thought it could be challenging with the combine and different expectations and systems in place at Waitsburg.

Secondary Principal Guin Joyce said they are also using PBIS and have their own reward ticket system where you can "spend" tickets on items. Staff presents the same messages behavior expectations as the elementary school, but they are adjusted when appropriate for the older students.

In addition, they are designating a classroom for students who could benefit from learning in a different setting where they would be able to access their classes online. The room can be used to separate a student who needs to deescalate from a situation where they can also continue working until they are ready to move back to the regular classroom. It will be managed by a paraeducator who will be overseen by Sarah Reser. The room can also be an environment where students who are credit deficient, can have focused learning time to get back on track for graduation.

The secondary school is also looking to offer apprenticeship or intern opportunities for students to earn credit while they gain work experience.

Stewart reported that since the start of the year and with the new approaches, data is already showing a reduction in some behavior issues. Jim Pearson from The Club said they already work with the school counselors, but he also wants to implement and reinforce the school strategies in their after-school program.

Stewart also provided attendees with information about levies and bonds for school funding. He said the community has had a history of supporting levies. Bonds are for large construction or restoration projects. Levies are for specific projects or needs. Elissa Eastvedt thought that many in the community would have a better chance of supporting funding efforts if the needs are clearly presented.