Finalizing end of school year, laying plans for next

DAYTON-Five student presentations were given to the Dayton School Board to start their regular monthly meeting on May 17. Reports were provided by ASB President Hudson Reser and Athletic Director Sam Korslund before moving into administrative reports from Elementary Principal Amy Cox and Secondary Principal Guin Joyce. A report was given by Superintendent Rich Stewart, as well as from Head Custodian John Delp.

Topics for student presentations included Title I from fifth grader Sam Woodend with Para Cole Kenney, Accelerated Reader from fourth graders Lily Smith and Ronan Gemmell with ParaPro Carolyn Laib and family engagement events like the recent Cinco de Libro by sixth graders Ian Rushing and Ellie Sabin with teacher Jami Rushing, the fourth and fifth grade ski program by Brooklyn Pounds and Kylie Fletcher with teacher Wendy Richards, and ASB by seniors Emily Rodrick and Hudson Reser with teacher and advisor Kristine Warren.

Lastly, Christian Gonzalez winner of the regional Eight Grade Career Showcase gave a short presentation about his experience. He said, "I was grateful for the experience. It taught me a lot about public speaking. I appreciate everyone from Gear Up trying to push me along, to try to take my journey to a whole new level."

Following the presentations ASB President Hudson Reser gave his report on Spirit Week leading up to prom where each day was a different themed dress-up days. They held an assembly, a video game competition, and a lip sync contest. ASB elections were held and Wynter McCauley is president, Nolan Korslund is vice president, Kameryn Tupling is secretary, Grace Trump is treasurer and public relations is Lila Hutchens.

Athletic Director Sam Korslund reported that as the high school spring sports season winds down there were nine track athletes who qualified for the district meet on May 16 and the softball team looked like they would also be going to Districts. High school baseball and golf already concluded and middle school sports are in their last week. There will be summer camps and activities offers for football, volleyball, and basketball.

The PTSO and Boosters Club sponsored the Second Annual Mother/Son Dodgeball Event with many pairs participating. The students went on a recent walking field trip to the courthouse and other field trips are planned for the sixth graders to visit the Whitman Mission and for the fourth-grade class to release their salmon in the river followed by a trip to the Lyon's Ferry fish hatchery. The school hosted a successful book fair and the students participated in a Book Blast fundraiser for the school library. Each student received at least two free books from the company in appreciation. The spring music concerts were held and were well attended.

Secondary Principal Guin Joyce said recent efforts to improve school climate have been through offering a Social Emotional Learning Day for students where middle school students went to see a movie at the theater and high school students chose activities for each period. Students also enjoyed the activities of Spirit Week. For staff, they provided lunch the Wednesday and gave out prizes for staff appreciation week of May 8.

Improving communication, Academic Advisor Sarah Reser has kept in regular contact with staff, seniors, and their families about their progress towards graduation. 18 seniors are on track to graduate. Plans are being made to hold monthly Parent Information Nights next school year on topics of interest. Working towards academic excellence, the school will be reviewing results from the standardized tests.

A schedule is being made by the Advisory Planning Team for staff sessions of 30 minutes each week on various topics including suicide awareness training, internet safety, and goal setting and conference prep with students. They continue to offer alternative distance learning options for students who qualify.

Superintendent Rich Stewart said he wishes to add to the district's goals of academic excellence, improved communication, and school climate the goal of improving school facilities. To help with this, he would like to work on passing school levies. He also would like to see reading scores improve by 15% in elementary students.

Head Custodian John Delp said that they will be working with McKinstry on the electrical upgrades in the elementary school beginning the week of June 19. The rekeying of exterior doors is planned for June 24-25. Other summer projects planned are to remodel the greenhouse and rebuild one of the boilers and work through some other classroom maintenance issues.