001All right, everybody stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Heavenly Father, we're thankful for tonight. Lord, we can do the work of the school. Lord, we just thank you for this school and students and the staff we have and the community that we live in. Lord, as we uh enter the Christmas season, we just give you the thanks for the ultimate gift of your son, Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Okay, I call the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Um, first thing we're going to do is start the students of the month. Miss Claire, you want to go last, right?
002>> No. >> Oh, okay. >> I want to go first today. >> Okay, then it's all stage is all yours. >> All right. First on my list is Braden Combmes. Come on up, sir. while I read some nice things about you. Braden teachers nominated him for student of the month because he consistently brings a positive attitude to the classroom. He works well with partners and groups and he always turns in his assignments on time. Braden asks questions when he needs clarification and he isn't afraid to participate in class. I also made a note because our character education word this month is integrity and I think Braden is a perfect example of what we look for when we talk about integrity. Um he consistently displays this at school. He chooses to do the right thing even
003when no one's watching and others notice and follow his lead. He's not a loud leader. He is a very quiet, just lead by example type of guy and I really appreciate him. Um, he doesn't make excuses. If he does make mistakes, he just owns it. We move on and he learns from it and we move forward. So that willingness to grow combined with his steady positive presence makes him a strong and respected leader among his peers. Congratulations, Braden. My second nominee was Piper McCoy. Is Piper out there? >> No. Well, I'm going to read what Piper's teachers had to say. Uh, we nominated Piper McCoy for student of the month because she's always attentive and prepared for every class. Piper takes excellent notes and consistently comes ready for assignments, projects, and tests. She uses her
004class time wisely to ensure her work is completed and she collaborates well with both partners and groups. Um to add to Pipers, Piper is also a perfect example of integrity. She is always the first one to stand up for everybody else at school. She just comes and says, "Hey, I saw something that's not right happening." Um and wants to make sure that everybody is treated fairly. And I really appreciate that about Piper. So I can point All right, for the elementary school, we are going to start first with Amethyst. Come on down. This is Amethyst Ferguson. Come on down. I'm going to have you stand here while I talk about you. Okay. So, Amethyst teachers said they nominated her because she is consistently engaged and enthusiastic about learning. Amethyst has served as a leader in
005her reading intervention group until she no longer needed that additional support. She is now uh truly soaring with her reading skills. So, way to go with that. She is also rapidly building her math skills by staying attentive, embracing challenges, and putting forth her best effort. Amethyst approaches every task with determination and pride in her work. She handles setbacks with resilience and maturity. In addition to her academic growth, she is kind, helpful, and patient with her peers. She is a wonderful example of a dedicated, hardworking and compassionate student. Congratulations. All right. And next we are going to welcome um Isaac Griffin. You want to come on down? Congratulations. Give that to you. Isaac has been nominated by his teachers because he is responsible and a kind role model for his classmates. Someone the teachers can always
006count on to be a strong leader in the classroom. He brings a consistently positive attitude, celebrates the successes of others, and understands the importance of being a good friend and a good human. I often hear him offering sincere compliments to his peers. He is also quick to support others when they are upset. Along with being a wonderful social example, Isaac works incredibly hard academically. He challenges himself, embraces the tasks his teachers give him, and rises to meet every expectation. He collaborates well with classmates, works well independently with focus, and demonstrates an outstanding work ethic. Ethics, sorry. He actively seeks opportunities to learn and grow. Congratulations. >> Thank you. No problem. Um, so we have two honores tonight for the high school. Uh, for the month of December, Mr. Kirkind Doll and I, we kind of
007wanted to focus on growth and perseverance. Uh, and so every year our kids come back in August and we hear a lot of things about what they plan to do and a lot about their goals and a lot about um what new versions of themselves they're going to bring to the school. Uh, but today we have two people who have actually followed through on all those things, who have met all those goals and have made those positive changes. So our first student of the month is Mr. Logan Foster. >> So, Logan loves when we say nice things about him in front of people. So, trying to make this killing him. >> We were trying to make this quick. Uh, so Logan's a junior at Eastern Green High School. I think >> your time. >> Okay.
008If you were to ask Logan, he would probably tell you that school is maybe not his favorite place to be or his favorite. >> It's a wonderful place. >> Okay. >> With wonderful principles. >> Okay. Perfect. >> And wonderful ex science teachers >> from all the walking. >> No, it's him. >> So despite all that, has really stuck with it and risen to many of the challenges that teachers and other school staff have set for him over the past couple years. And we've asked him um to do more school work, to show more maturity, to disagree appropriately, and he has risen to those challenges. Right now, he has A's and B's >> and is looking forward to opting out of multiple final exams >> and getting a little early Christmas vacation. Um, so his attendance
009and academic performance have been great this year. One of his teachers, Mrs. Shiveley. Probably said it best. She said, "He'll sit there and work with me even when he isn't feeling it. He makes himself do it." And that speaks volumes about his overall character and determination to be better every day. I really admire him for that. Perseverance is paying off. So, we are very proud of Mr. Logan Foster. Thank you. I don't need all that. >> Our our next student of the month is is not here with us, it appears, but it's Winnie Roberts. Um, similarly, Winnie is a sophomore at Eastern Green. Uh, and we did get to know each other quite well during her freshman year, so it's been very gratifying to see her step up and make make the most of her
010time at school. Her attendance grades and relationships with others have all improved dramatically. She's on track to earn all her sophomore credits and is someone who brightens the day of others whether she knows it or not. Mrs. Wolfer sent in that a lot of the positive changes have really allowed her personality to shine and I would 100% agree. Uh Mrs. Rert says that Winnie has shown growth in communication, empathy and confidence this year. She's going to a better friend student and allound person and I can't wait to see her continue this year. So those are our two honories. We have heart. We do not have a special presentation. >> Okay, I'll let I'll let Jake go. So, >> okay, we are going to move on since that pretty much cleared the room. >> Even some
011of the board members. Wow, it's going to be a doozy in a meeting. Um, okay. is recommended that the agenda for the December 8th, 2025 meeting be approved as presented. Additions, corrections, or deletions as recommended. Do I have a motion? Dennis second for 600. It is recommended the minutes from the um November 10th, 2025 meeting be approved as presented. I know you guys >> second Dennis all those four >> 600 >> is recommended that the claims numbers 2120 uh 294 through >> 21425 >> be approved as presented. Is there any discussion on any of the claims? Okay. If not I have a motion. Dennis second Natalie. All those four 70. >> All right. >> Yeah. Mr. Lewis, would you like to take over? >> Yes. Uh, well, December is a very busy month in our
012treasur department, so we've got a couple of uh housekeeping uh emotions here. First, the year-end account maintenance and transfer. Indiana law law requires I seek a motion because Indiana law requires all school boards to complete the financial year with all the accounts in the black. Therefore, we are allowed to transfer money from surplus accounts to deficit accounts. Uh, in accordance with the provisions of opinion number 11, office of the attorney general, dated June 28th, 1996, transfers within the education operations fund, the school lunch fund, and the debt service fund are recommended. So, I just need that motion. >> Do I have a motion? >> Second. Sure. All those four >> u another year end claim. It is recommended that the board allow the superintendent, the treasur to pay all claims necessary to finalize year end
013closing. That would be any uh claims that come through that must be paid between now and December 31st or our next board meeting. And there would be select few that would just absolutely have to be paid from that. >> Okay. Do I have a motion? Other second Dennis all those four 70. Uh, next, uh, we speak a disposal, we seek, excuse me, a disposal of items that the, uh, IT department or FiveStar requests the approval to dispose of, uh, some of the following items. We have some old keyboards and old monitors that are just no use. Many are not working. They're just in storage and we're just asking for permission to dispose of those. >> All right. Do I have a motion? Dennis second four. and get rid of those things. Okay. >> Uh next,
014I'd seek a motion to approve uh theou memorandum of understanding to partner with ROI in the Indiana Uplands Micro Electronics Academy. To give you a little bit of a background, uh there the the micro electronics academy was started this current year uh down at Crane and there's three schools that are currently involved. the students get training. Um they get some dual credit courses and get training in micro electronics which is uh there's always workers needed in that field. Um we've had the opportunity to learn a little bit more about it. I've worked with Mr. Kirkindall and the high school staff and I believe that uh we could get anywhere from two to five students that get this opportunity. they would spend about half of their day their junior year down there and if they continue
015in the second year of the program there's an opportunity for some internships uh that could lead straight into the workforce or if a student chooses they could go on to college and get um more advanced training in micro electronics. So it's just an agreement that we would send two to five students down there. That number could fluctuate just depending on uh the available spots and the uh number of students that are interested. >> Anything to add Mr. Kirkoff, >> we have a uh a meeting in January where they'll be coming in to showcase them themselves in the program uh to Mr. Tar's classes. So, >> fantastic. Any discussion? All right. If not, do I have a motion? Okay. Second, Dennis. All those four. I guess they got to go. >> Uh next, uh we have
016a Neola. Um I seek a motion to approve the first reading of the Neola policy updates as presented. >> Any discussion on that? Okay. Do I have a motion? Chair and second all those four. >> Okay. Um next um the motion is in regards to classified staff stipens. Um, I seek a motion to approve classified staff stipens as follows. A $500 stipen to classified employees that make under $30,000. A $750 um class stipen to all classified employees that make between 30,000 and 40,000 for the year and a $1,000 stipen to all classified employees that make over $40,000 a year. um to to share a little bit with the board and the community where those uh numbers come from. When we negotiated with our certified staff, which would be the teachers union, uh we came to
017an agreement of a $1,000 raise to their base salary. When you take the average salary that our teachers are paid and the percentage that that $1,000 was, it was about 1.8%. So, I fell on about 2% to 1.8% 8% on the raises and that's where I get the $500 for those that are 30 or less and 750 for those that are 30 to 40,000 and 1,000 those making over 40,000. Um that is in line with what we have done with our certified staff up to this point. Um I believe that's the fairest way to do it. Um and in a perfect world, we would have put those on the base um instead of as just a stipen, but uh we do have some concerns with the operation budget um in the future uh especially this
018coming school year. And we'll talk more about that in January uh once we get the 1782 finalized, which is um from the uh Department of Government Finance when they give us our final numbers and they approve those. But we will uh I just worry about the uh cuts to the operation budget. So I have to be careful. So that's why we do have um a few extra dollars in our operations fund and I felt it was only fair to uh reward our classified staff that works hard and the stipen was the best way to do that. >> Okay. Any discussion? If not, do I have a motion? Dennis second chair. All those four 70. >> Thank you very much. Uh, next, um, I seek an admin renewal resolution. Um, I need a motion to approve
019the resolution regarding administration renewal or non-renewal. Um, basically this is in line with Indiana code 20288-3 and 20288-4. Um there are some deadlines in there that it is it is customary that schools typically give notification to um school administrators that the plan is to retain them or to not renew. Um the dates in order to do that uh and meet all of those dates. I asked for this resolution. The board basically is giving me permission with you know their guidance to either give renewals or non-renewals. Um and then we can meet all that criteria. We did not do this last year because I was a new guy and I missed it. I mean to be own to own it and be honest. Um but it's it's good for our admin and to be having been
020a former school administrator. It's nice to know that you get that uh that renewal that that you know that you have that even though it may not have been formally approved. Um and and I think this is the best way instead of waiting till that deadline which is March 1st. Okay. >> Any discussion? If not, have a motion. Dennis second Natalie. All those four 70. >> Thank you very much. >> And while we're talking about our admin, um I seek an administrative increase for our administrators. A motion to approve a $1,000 base increase on all admin contracts. That would include Lindseay Bailey, Don Hosteder, Eric Kirkindall, Ken Howard, Allison Clary, Cara Quimby, Gretchen Morgan, Aaron Buskerk. Um, >> Lindsay's only going to get it once. >> She's only going to get it once. She's on
021there twice. Um, again, >> love you, Lindsay, but >> u again I wanted to stay consistent. Um, our teachers at the top of the scale. I am Am I in the right place for the student? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Because we were told it was the high school. So it was the high school first. So >> come on in. We'll we'll go back and we'll redo it. We'll redo it. No, it's okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. Come on in. >> Well, never mind. They all abandoned me. >> Yeah. Well, we'll be here. >> We'll bring it back. We'll do it. >> We'll do it. >> Because we were so confused because Howard told me to be at the high school and I got there and there was only three cars and I was like, If they're
022still here, bring them back. We'll stop everything and do that. That's >> We'll get it done. >> Sorry, guys. >> No, no worries. You're good. >> So, I I'll go back and just say, you know, the $1,000 raise is in um in it's equal to the percentages. It's actually a little less, but it's near the teachers that are at the top of the scale. Their percentages and what the admin is getting is is a similar percentage. And since we gave our certified teachers who um have the means to negotiate, we put it on their base. Um I felt it was in the best interest to put it on the base for the admin at this time as well. >> Okay. Any discussion? If not, I have a motion. Dennis Dennis is on fire tonight. Second,
023Kim. All those four. All right. Okay. We will we're going to take a pause in this meeting. in honor one of our students of the month. >> And that's exactly why we do it. >> They read all these awesome things. In the meantime, does anybody >> Well, we're going to do it again. >> Debbie, >> come on out. >> This is all about you. >> So, just so you are aware, Mr. Howard was here earlier and he he read um a lot of awesome things that uh >> you have that >> I don't I don't still have it >> but Mr. Howard has it. Um we had several people who actually wrote in just expressing how much growth and maturity that you've had that you've had over the past few years. Obviously um I think
024Mr. Howard coined it best. You got to know him really well freshman year, right? and uh you have uh just exceeded all expectations and we're so proud of you. Grades are you're doing really well in your in your classes and uh and everyone's just incredibly incredibly proud of you. So >> I remember there's a quote from Mrs. Wolfer. >> Yes, Miss Wolfer and Mrs. Roupert also said something. >> I'll misquote it, but something about what a light you are, what that you don't know how much you bring to everyone. >> Yep. You have a positive influence. So, >> okay. >> So, >> hold your thing. >> Get get a picture. Yeah. >> Not you, Eric. >> No. Congratulations. >> You like cakes? Like little cakes? >> Yes. Come get them. You sure? >> Come on.
025>> Your brother wants some. >> Come on. >> Your brother want them. >> He does. Mr. Howard's going to send >> It's a way. >> I just called >> and then we'll >> You can reread it, too. He said 30 seconds. >> 30 seconds. Good job. >> That's fine. All right. I'm happy to watch the meeting. >> We'll just hang out. >> You like some? >> Yes, it was. >> Where did those come from? >> I brought them. They go along with my shirt on the >> Oh my gosh. I want one of those. I was at Sam's the other day and they sell like a like a huge package of >> They sell an inflatable one from the yard, too. >> I have more. Oh, there's But wait, there's more. >> Would you like
026>> I'm not the new face of Little Debbie like Will Frell. But um if you've seen that on SNL, you should probably look it up if you haven't. But Lil Debbie You can also later on you can get on our YouTube channel >> and you can see Mr. Howard actually reading >> a picture of it. >> Okay. >> Here. Come back up here. Come back up here. Mr. >> Doll will no share what >> Mr. Howard had to say. All right. So, uh, let's see. Next student of the month is Winnie Roberts. Winnie is a sophomore at Eastern High School. Winnie and I did get to know each other quite well freshman year, so it's especially gratifying to see her step up and make the most of her time at school. Her attendance, grades, and
027relationships with others have all improved dramatically this year. She is currently on track to earn all her sophomore credits and is someone who brightens the day of others whether she knows it or not. Miss Roert says, "Winnie has shown so much growth in communication, empathy, and confidence this year. She has grown into a better friend, student, and allound person. I can't wait to see her continue this year." All right. Awesome. >> Well, thank you guys for stopping your meeting and >> Oh, no worries. And you're welcome to stay, but you do not have to stay. >> Yeah. No, it's our pleasure. >> This is the most important part. >> Bye. >> I'm sorry I can't get up and give you a hug right now, but I will the next time I see you. Yeah. >>
028He's so cuddly. >> All right. We'll we'll jump back here to the uh agenda. The next uh item on the agenda here is an overnight trip approval. I seek a motion to approve an overnight trip for the high school girls basketball team to stay overnight at French Lick for the Orleans tournament. Uh this is an over this overnight stay will be either December 26th or 27th depending on uh game play time. Uh this activity will be paid by the girls basketball boosters club and I believe they did this same trip last year. And we're to emphasize there'll be no gambling. >> Yes, they they are just staying at the resort. I do not believe that they will venture into the casino portion. >> Okay, good. Okay, any discussion? If not, do I have a motion?
029Dennis, second, Natalie. All those four. >> Okay. Next, we'll move on to some personnel matters. Uh first, I have a resignation. I seek a motion or I have a motion uh to approve the resignation of Beth Deckard as elementary secretary effective December 5th, 2025. >> And we want to thank Beth for all her years of service to Eastern Green. It's very appreciated. >> Yes. >> Okay. Do I have a motion Kim? Second, Dennis. All four 70. Thank you. >> Uh next for a kid zone assistant. I a mo I seek a motion to recommend of I'm always I always mispronounce your dog. >> Leila I don't know why I always mispronounce Laya Quimby as a kid zone assistant effective immediately. >> Do you have a motion? >> Sharon second Natalie all those four. >> Sorry
030Dennis you're just too slow on that one. >> Uh we have another kids zone assistant. I see a motion to recommend Rhonda Feifer as a kids own assistant effective immediately as well. >> Have a motion. Natalie >> second. >> Heather's Dennis. Somebody's got a feeling hurt. >> I'm going to eat my cake. >> Uh, next I have an elementary instructional assistant. A motion to recommend Sierra Ralph as an elementary one-on-one instructional assistant effective November 24th, >> 2025. Mike >> second be >> Sharon all those four 70. >> Wow. I think I heard some feelings. >> Um >> page it's pinned to the top if you want to see the days. >> Okay. Um, next, uh, for a high school substitute, a motion to recommend Demetria Christos as a permanent substitute to fill the open high
031school history position for the remainder of the school year. I assume once all licensing is met, we would then hire as a temporary teacher. >> Correct. >> Is that the one that Mr. Burch was? >> Is that? >> So, yes, that is the one she is replacing, Mr. Ael. Okay. >> Except for the dual credit in which Mr. Burch is >> because >> finishing up this semester. Yeah. Finish up this he'll have US history next. >> Okay. Do I have a motion? >> Dennis second. Sharon for 70. >> Thank you. Uh next, uh some we have some extracurricular uh events or appointments here. A motion to recommend Elijah Ramy as the high school softball assistant coach for the spring 2026 season. Do >> I have a motion? Natalie second. All those four 70. Next for
032high school track, a motion to recommend Jason Childris as assistant track and field coach for throwing. Um that'll be for the spring season as well. >> Heather second chair. All those four 70. Uh, next I have an additional softball. Um, a motion to approve Casey Butcher as volunteer high school softball assistant coach for the spring season 2026. >> Have a motion. Natalie second. All those four 70. >> Next for middle school track, a motion to approve Jake Cole as the middle school head track coach for the spring 2026 season. I believe Mr. did that last year as well. >> Motion and that's Natalie. Second, Dennis. All those score seven. >> Uh, next, another middle school track. Uh, I seek a motion to approve Ashley Hudson as middle school assistant track coach for the spring 2026
033season. >> Have a motion. Sharon. Second. Natalie. All those four 70. Uh, next, uh, middle, another middle school track. A motion to approve Karen Dunar as volunteer middle school assistant track coach for the spring 2026 season. A motion, Heather. Second, >> Natalie, sorry, close for 70. >> Okay, we have some donations. Um, first, I seek a motion to approve the following donations. $4,67916 to the Eastern Green Girls basketball booster club to from Eastern Green uh girls basketball booster club to Eastern Green High School athletics department for travel gear and huddle fees. Huddle is the video program that they use to video and stat the games and that's traded with um opposing teams. And the other one, guess I need to do them both, don't I? I'm sorry. Uh, the other uh donation is $162 to
034Eastern Green High School FCCLA or from FCCLA to the Eastern Green High School Riley Dance Marathon. >> Okay. Um, do I have a motion? Heather second Dennis for 70. >> And we do have one late item. Um, it should be at the back of your packet if you want to flip to that. For elementary secretary, um, I seek a motion to approve Ashley Goodman as the elementary secretary. Um, effective December 8th, 2025. Um, Ashley is currently an employee here at Eastern Green. She works with our kindergarteners as an instructional assistant. Has done a great job. She's been here for a number of years and uh we felt she was the best candidate after going through the application. >> She will be wonderful. >> She's great. >> Yeah. Do I have a motion? Dennis second. Natalie,
035all those four seven. >> Okay. Which of you would like to start on the >> I'll go first. That's right. >> Um, so just a few updates from elementary, >> please. >> We are sitting at 95% attendance right now. I want to give a special shout out to our third grade. They have 96% attendance right now. >> Wow. >> Um, we are looking to do a attendance challenge for the month of December. So, um, we'll see if third grade pulls that off. Our enrollment is sitting at 384. Um, since we've last met, we've hosted several events at the elementary school. Our Veterans Day program was a huge success. So, I want to thank everyone who had a hand in that. Um, especially the IAS who hosted the meet and greet before. They do such a
036great job of getting everything set up and just making it a really special event. Um, Mrs. Drummond hosted the Terote Symphony Orchestra shortly after that, which was a really unique opportunity for our students. So, I want to thank her for taking the time to organize that. Um, Thanksgiving break brought a welcome rest and reset as we move into a very busy month of December. Um, this past weekend our PTO hosted a highly successful event, the breakfast with the Grinch. Um, I want to thank the PTO for organizing this event. The FCCLA and the National Honor Society high school students who volunteered. Uh, Mr. Lewis was flipping pancakes all morning. We really appreciate that. But the star of the show was the Grinch. >> I heard he was really Grinchy. >> I mean, real. I set
037him his standard. I mean, he was covered in sweat at the end. I truly appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. So, thank you to everyone for that. Um, this Thursday, our first graders will be performing a concert of the carols at 7 p.m. in the elementary gym. So, you all are welcome to attend that as well. So, thank you. It's been a great month. Um, there's a lot to come, but we are all excited for the upcoming break and all the fun that will lead into that. >> So, the concert 7:30 Thursday, >> I believe it's 700 p.m. It may be 7. I can follow up with you on that. >> Hey, it shows 7 p.m. on the calendar. >> I thought it good. >> I'll let you all fly over. >> Me next. I
038guess oldest next to call out the youngest kids not >> this kid. >> Um, our enrollment is third uh 341. It's down just one since last month. However, I did have a new enrolly today. So, I think we're breaking even um from last month. Attendance is at 95% as a school. Each grade level was at right at 95%. seventh grade edged out at 95.83% I think. So they were they were the highest. Um which I think during cold flu strep >> absolutely >> funk season it was really you know that's really good. So thank you to all of our kids for showing up um and being here so they can learn. Um on Friday, we'll be providing a small schoolwide incentive to students in recognition of their hard work that they put in for the
039first checkpoint assessment. So this was our first opportunity this year to see where students are academically. And I was very proud of all of our kids for taking it seriously, trying their best, taking their time. Um teachers prepared them, they reviewed with them, they set goals with them. At the beginning of the year, I think I mentioned um that the teachers went out, talked to them about their scores from last year, talked about what we were working towards this year. And like I said, I think that the students really took that serious. Um they showed strong effort and focus during the test. The incentive is just our way of acknowledging that hard work matters. It's not just the final scores. Um, but we want students to see that when they give their best, we notice
040that, we value it, and we'll continue to build on that momentum as we move forward to the next checkpoint. Um, this month has been busy and positive. Again, our student council did an excellent job planning and leading our Veterans Day program as well. Um, I want to thank them for their hard work, their leadership. Um, they the students did a great job of speaking at the event. They made sure to use eye contact. They were very confident when they stood up there. We could hear them, which sometimes is not always the case in middle school. So, I was very proud of their public speaking skills. Um, we also took 60 seventh and eighth grade girls to the Indiana Women's Symposium at IU, excuse me, where they had a chance to speak with other women leaders
041in um Bloomington, at IU, and other places. They explored future opportunities, how to lead and grow. Um, and then they even had an opportunity to meet a player from the Indiana Fever. So, that was a really cool experience for our young ladies. Our sixth graders traveled to IU as well um right before Thanksgiving break. They went to the Holocaust exhibit at the art museum. Um, I heard that they did an excellent job. They were very respectful. They were very attentive and and showed their Thunderbird vest. So that was also very nice. In addition, Mrs. Buskerk planned a creative high ability escape room that challenged students academically while keeping them engaged. Uh I think we would have had way more attendance for this event, but it fell right when we had our snow days. And so
042the day that we had our snow day was the day that was originally planned. We just hurried up. We had bought treats. We had stuff. We were like, we don't want to waste this. So, we went ahead and made it for that Thursday. It was kind of last minute, but we still did have a few family. So, that was really nice. Choir and orchestra went um to a performance over the weekend. So, they had an opportunity to see some um some different um programs and performances as well. So overall, it's been a month full of academics, um, cultural experiences, enrichment experiences, chance to, um, grow. I want to give a special shout out to Mrs. Buskerk. She has come over to the middle school and she's just wonderful. She does so many things for us
043and obviously the latest with the escape room. So, I really want to thank her for all she does. >> All the kids made it out, right? >> Yes, they all escaped. I made sure that that was in place because we weren't keeping any um Mr. Martinddale obviously is super busy. Basketball season is not easy when you're ad there's lots of things going on. Um having fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth girls and boys. It's every night there's something going on. So I appreciate all his hard work. I want to thank um Ashley Dorman for stepping up and taking over uh staff attendance. So, she is kind of uh Beth Decker did that before and she's calling all our subs and organizing all of that and that is not an easy task either. So, and she's already
044teaching three classes, keeping up with my library and now doing this. So, I really want to thank her for stepping up. And then to my front office staff who continues to just be a friendly face. Um I really appreciate how warmly they meet everyone. I had someone call and specifically tell me that it was such a nice experience in my office the other day when they came in to do something. So, I appreciate them for all that they do. >> Uh so, uh December is very busy at the high school as well. Um it's even more busy this year because we uh have been able to reschedule ASVAB for Wednesday, December 10th. So, this upcoming Wednesday, uh we have finals coming up here in two weeks. uh seventh period will take their final on Wednesday.
045Uh one, three, and five will take it on Thursday and two, four, and six will take it on Friday the 19th, I believe. So, um so I want to wish all of the the students uh good luck on their finals um as they begin to study. Um speaking of finals, we do have an opt out policy. Um as of today, we've had 530 requests to opt out of finals. Uh absolutely fantastic numbers. Um and our overall attendance rate in Harmony is 94.46. Um so that is um slightly above what we were last year, which is fantastic. It just shows shows to me that the the policy the the opt out incentive is working. Um and it is really encouraging the kids to really focus on their grades. So uh January 20th and the 22nd there
046will be an eighth grade parent meeting uh at the middle school. Um this meeting is to focus on incoming freshman parents uh and to help them understand the new graduation requirements. Um their students will be under a new new diploma. Um that will be that took effect for this year's freshmen. Um and there's a lot of confusion with that. So I'm just trying to give them opportunities to sit down and and be able to answer any of their questions. Uh February 11th, we will uh at the high school we will be hosting our scheduling night. Um, and this is for incoming freshman to incoming seniors. Um, and everyone in between. Uh, so, and that starts at 5:30 in the high school gymnasium. Um, I also want to, uh, I have an amazing staff, but really
047want to highlight my office staff particularly. Um, this is the type part time of year where it gets a little crazy. Um, and uh, and especially with attendance and and all of the the grade calculations and things that take place. Um, and I just want to let them know that I appreciate them. Um, they they are asked to do a lot of things and wear a lot of different hats and they do it with a smile and um, it's just very encouraging and uh, really appreciate all their hard work. And last but not least, uh, just want to wish everyone also a a happy holiday season. Student count. >> You have your student count by chance? >> Oh, uh, yes. Uh, 549. No, excuse me. 349. I >> was going to say 549. Yes. This
048one. >> I want to hear that number. >> 3 349. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right, Mr. >> All right. Um, I have just a couple items here. I first want to uh thank our entire faculty and staff, our transportation, maintenance teachers, administrators, and all the support staff for all their efforts so far dealing with winter weather. We're not even officially into winter, and it seems like uh it's rearing its ugly head. So, uh we've had some challenging events, but uh all of our team have stepped up to to meet those. I certainly uh would be remiss if I didn't uh thank all of our families for working with us as well. Uh we know that winter weather poses uh challenges for them as well. Uh tomorrow I will be e emailing to all
049families anformational letter that talks about the different types of weather delays and what to expect with each one of those and I encourage all of our families uh to read those as I I will send that out directly from me via harmony. Um so please be on the lookout for that sometime tomorrow. Um, I do want to remind everyone in our school community, all of our members that uh now on Monday, January 19th, school will be in session. It was on the calendar. It was listed as a snow makeup day. Um, a day off for the students um would have been a teacher professional development. However, that is our first snow makeup day. So, we will be in session on Monday, January 19th, and all the schools will communicate that many times, but we want
050people to to be aware of that. Um, I'm glad to announce we do have some handrails on the bleachers in the elementary gym. We did get those installed. Um, so I do think that that that's a much needed improvement in the gym. Um, we also recognize we still need to get some step boxes on that first step and we're working on to getting those in as soon as possible as well. Um, I would like to invite the board uh to join us if if you're free. Uh, this Friday morning at approximately 8 am uh we will be recognizing our trans all of our transportation department with their uh we do a breakfast form every year around the right before the Christmas break. So, we're doing some >> we're doing some biscuits and gravy and some
051other things on the side. So, uh, >> this Friday at 8 a.m. So, I'd encourage you to swing in at the transportation. >> I've been to the barn. Okay. >> At the transportation barn. >> Yep. Yep. So, please join us. And finally, just on behalf of the school board, uh myself, our entire faculty and staff, I just want to wish all of our students and their families a great holiday season and let's get through the next nine days and finish strong academically and uh get a couple weeks off to spend time with families and recharge. That's all I've got. Sure. >> Um want to wish everybody merry Christmas and and hope you survive the next week. you know how crazy it can be. Um, one thing I was curious about if we could get information
052in January is just what's the update with kids? How many kids are coming and how you how it's being staffed now? >> For sure. Jim, >> yeah, I'm just real excited about the micro electronics opportunity for our students and um the first year, like Mr. L said, we have three schools participating and as of right now, we believe four more will be added on. So, we'll have seven of our surrounding schools helping in that new uh technology degree area for our students. So, real excited about that. Thank you for all your work on getting that done. Happy holidays. >> Me. >> Yeah. >> Um, yes. Happy holidays. I'm really proud of our community and I I like I know on behalf of the PTO, it means so much like getting you guys to come and
053help with things. Um, I think that is amazing the way that you're leading by example and hopefully, you know, um, it picks up interests in other people, but I I've been behind the mask the last couple of years. So, this year I was >> talking about >> able to help kind of, you know, make things go a little bit smoother and it worked out really well having our National Honor Society um, ladies and it was just great. >> It went a lot smoother. So, thank you so much. Please keep it coming. >> I want to thank the PTO for letting me play the Grinch. I met a lot. >> No, we don't. You know, you're not supposed to talk. >> Oh, that was my brother. >> Oh, that's that was the Grinch. Got to meet
054a lot of nice nice families and a lot of nice students at Eastern and even some future Thunderbirds. Oh, I have a stack of coloring pages I was supposed to bring you. I'm so sorry. >> Yes. >> Why would you bring him to Dennis? I don't know. >> He's gonna get them to the Grinch. >> Oh, okay. He's going to give him to the Take him to the Grinch. >> His brother, the Grinch. >> Do Max. >> Anyway, >> but thank you. And it was this is a lot of fun. >> Good. Merry Christmas. >> Glad you're back. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Um, other than I just want to say you kind of stole my thunder, so thanks. But thanks to the transportation department. They're not supposed to have to start this early. No,
055>> this is crazy. But they did and they kept our kids safe. You know, I know it's tough to call that, but you know, I think that they take it pretty seriously. >> 2 am Monday morning or the night that we had the snow, Dennis was at the bus barn starting to plow lots at 2 am. >> Oh, wow. So, >> dedication. >> Yep. >> I was up checking roads at about 4 a.m., but not at 2 am. >> Yes, we do appreciate all of them, but you know, Dennis does it bother me. >> Sure does. The whole staff does. So, all right. With that said, I um recommend that the meeting be adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Do I have a motion? Mike