Greene Academy Director talks to Shakamak School Board

Hennie explained that there were two programs at the Academy -- a suspension program and an alternative program.

The suspension program was implemented to keep kids off the street during days of suspension. Hennie noted that there is an average of 15 students in the suspension program.

The alternative program is for students ages 13 to 16 years. They are enrolled for various reasons including discipline and motivation problems or because they have moved from school to school and need extra help.

Hennie said the program is good for students because they can learn at their own pace.

In addition to academics, students are taken on field trips, have PE classes, are encouraged to do community work, and learn life skills.

"It's nice when a student makes one poor choice and has an opportunity to correct it," noted Hennie. "Hopefully, they can return to school."

Upon Superintendent Mike Mogan's request, the board voted unanimously (James Yeryar was absent) for Rich Moore to be volunteer assistant track coach, for Kim Bell to be the junior high study hall and lunch room monitor for the rest of this school year, and to hire Larry McNaughton as technology coach through Sept. 30, 2010. The technology coach is paid by a technology grant.

Mogan announced that graduation would be Saturday, May 29 at 2:30 p.m. and said May 28 was the last day of school.

Mogan also congratulated the boys basketball team for their success this year and for playing in the sectional.

"They gave their all," he noted.

Upon Jr. High/Sr. High Principal Vanessa Hodge's absence, Mogan read her report.

She reported that the Countywide Band Performance was Thursday evening.

She also reported that the Red Cross blood drive is Friday. If the school reaches a certain amount of units, the Red Cross will provide scholarship money for seniors.

As an example, for 30 units, RC will donate $250. Students 16-17 and 18 may participate; however, 16 year old students must have parental permission. Also, anyone else who would like to donate blood is welcome.

The winter athletic award program is scheduled at 6:30 p.m., March 30 in the high school cafeteria.

The North Central Accreditation Team will be at Shakamak to evaluate the junior/senior high school on April 6-7. There are seven areas in which the school will be evaluated by the documentation the staff will present and personal interviews with students, parents and community members.

The Business Educator Workshop is March 19, and grade cards will be sent out March 31.

Elementary Principal Chris Ross said he was proud of the sixth grade students who raised $300 for Haiti victims.

"They worked hard and did it on their own," noted Ross.

Ross said he was also proud of the fifth and sixth grade boys basketball team and the cheer leaders.

"They did a great job. It's a lot of work for both the students and the parents," Ross added.

Continuing his report, Ross said that a portion of ISTEP is completed, and it went well.

In other business, the board voted for the 2010--11 school calendar.

Mogan noted that five snow days were included in the calendar.

During remarks from board members, Brian Stockrahm applauded Robin Hill for helping with students' prom expenses.

Board members Mike Stevenson and John Gambill gave accolades to the band and choir for performances at ball games.