001Hey, hey. I love the school. Um the students [music] are like really nice. Um the teachers they really positive and yeah like the teachers at my old school I never ask questions with my teachers. And now at this school since my mama went here, so I basically know all the teachers that's here. So now [music] I can express to what I'm feeling and what I need to ask, my friends, you know. [music] Yeah, cuz you know the education is pretty good. the the teachers are [music] great, you know, but my friends is the best part. >> I like most about H Central is definitely the students, the people, you know, all the people I met uh since I've been here cuz I moved [music] here on uh middle school. So like the people have been
002great. I made a lot of memories [music] since freshman year, uh sophomore year, all the years, you know. Some days you going to have days where like you don't want to come but like like the days I [music] come like it get funner and funner as like I get in the older grade but [music] it's not it's not easy but like when you do what you got to do it become easy. So it's really just chill for me. >> It's good. [music] There's never any like problems or nothing and it's always like good vibes. Everybody's like chill. I like the people. I like the community. I would definitely say it's [music] fun. It's definitely creative. Like, you definitely don't know what you're going to get coming [music] through the door every day. In a in
003a good way, though. Um um I would say it's safe. It's loving. Um it's definitely welcoming. >> The teachers the [music] most about the school. Yeah. Say my experience in pretty good. I don't have any complaints. Okay. The atmosphere is good here and there's there's good people here because um when she teaches [music] it like actually makes me want to actually try the things she teaches cuz of the way she [music] she does. It is uh so like inspiring to me. >> Go Nation, let's rock. Hey, I love the school. Um the students are like really nice. Um the teachers [music] they really positive and yeah like the teachers at my old school I never ask questions with my teachers and now at this school since my mom went here. So, I basically know all
004[music] the teachers that's here. So, now I can express to what I'm feeling and what I need to ask, my friends, you know. Yeah, [music] cuz you know the education is pretty good. The the teachers [music] are great, you know, but my friends is the best part. I like most about H Central is definitely the students, the people, you know, all the people I met [music] uh since I've been here cuz I moved here uh middle school. So like [music] the people have been great. I made a lot of memories since freshman year, uh sophomore year, all [music] the years. You know, some days you going to have days where like you going to come, but like like the days I [music] come like it get funner and funner as like I get in the
005older grade, but it's not it's not easy, but like [music] when you do what you got to do, it become easy. So, it's really just chill for me. >> It's good. There's never any like problems or nothing. There's always like [music] good vibes. Everybody's like chill. I like the people. I like the community. I would definitely say it's fun. [music] It's definitely creative. Like, you definitely don't know what you're going to get coming through the door every day. In a in a good way, though. Um I would say it's safe. [music] It's loving. Um it's definitely welcoming. >> The teachers the most about the school. Yeah. To say my experience in Morn's [music] pretty good. I don't have any complaints. atmosphere is good here and there's there's good people here because um when she [music]
006teaches it like actually makes me want to actually try the things she teaches cuz the way she she does it is uh so like inspiring to me nation let's rock Hey, I love the school. Um the students are like really nice. Um the teachers [music] they really positive and yeah like the teachers in my old school I never ask questions with my teachers. And now at this school since my mom went here so I basically know [music] all the teachers that's here. So now I can express to what I'm feeling and what I need to ask, my friends, you know. Yeah. [music] Cuz you know the education is pretty good. The the teachers are great, you know, but my friends is the best part. I like most about H Central is definitely the students, the
007people, you know, all the people I met uh since I've been here cuz I moved here on uh middle school. So like the people have [music] been great. I made a lot of memories since freshman year, uh sophomore year, all the years, you know. >> Sunday. >> Good evening everyone. Uh we welcome you to our Tuesday, November 4th, uh 2025 regular school board meeting and we welcome our ver virtual audience as well. Uh let's stand for the pledge of 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. Thank you. Roll call of trustees. Trusty Guierra >> present. >> Trusty Spencer >> present. >> Trusty Stanford >> present. >> Trusty Candelera >> present. >> Trusty
008Blake King present. We have a quorum. Um Mr. Selenas, we're ready to proceed. >> Thank you, Trusty Blake King. Good evening, community members, our virtual audience, and schoolboard members. This evening um our first public presentation I would like to call our director of school safety and security Mr. John Suarez who will be presenting our two speakers who are going to talk about an exciting partnership. Mr. Suarez. >> Good evening school board members and pres president superintendent Selenus. Not yet. Not yet. Not president. [laughter] I got used to it in my past career. I'm sorry. Um all right. be back to reality. Okay. I am presenting uh team court. Uh one of the things that I appreciate um in my job is seeing a lot of changes in students and I've seen some that needed different
009opportunities to try to make a better decision. So throughout the years um I said before 24 years in police department 20 22 years I've worked at schools and I've seen a lot of kids come and go. One of the things I did not like to see is students get expelled, they're farther behind on education. Once they [clears throat] come back, they're even that much farther behind and then they go right back into what got them into being suspended or worse. So, I want to think of another way to give them another avenue for them to try and do something to help them. So, I remember back in the police department, I had seen some uh we had teen court for a lot of crimes that students would commit that would not justify going to Lake
010County Juvenile Center um such as real serious batteries or robberies or stuff like that, but something that they did in school or other things um in the school environment that would get them suspended, but they were able to attend team court. Unfortunately, um, in passing of Judge Harkkins, that system was no longer available in Hammond. So, I called around and I asked a different, uh, officers or different uh, directors that had the same position as I did, what type of things that they offered that they've seen. And in Highland, I understood that they did in fact have teen court. So, I did a follow-up and I spoke to u some representatives including Miss Phillips in reference to teen court. I physically went through teen court in Highland. I observed it. I understood uh or I
011should say I appreciated what they were doing there and giving uh avenue for students to get back to school as long as they followed the procedures. I'm not going to elaborate too much more on that. I'll let uh the two that I invited to help explain it more. So, and uh first person is director of crisis center uh Marian Collins and then also attendance teen court coordinator Sandra Porter Phillips. They could each elaborate more about teen court as well as other programs. Hi everybody. Thank you for having us. Uh so my name is Marian Collins. I'm the executive director of the Crisis Center. We have a teen court program which Sandy's going to speak more about. Um but I want to tell you a little bit about the crisis center. Uh we are a nonprofit
012organization. We've been in business for over 50 years. Uh we are located in Gary, Indiana and we have several programs. Uh we have the alternative house where we house children ages 10 to 20 depending on which program they come in with. Uh so for instance we have safely home which is specifically a Lake County law enforcement resource where law enforcement officers can bring runaway youth uh to the crisis center as opposed to the detention center. We also have a safe place program. So if you've ever seen the safe place signs, they're the yellow uh diamonds throughout Lake and Porter County. Those are our safe place signs. So, children can go uh to a safe place seeking safety and they could be transported to the crisis center uh where they could be housed with us. Uh
013we have the capacity to hold up to 40 youth at a time. 20 of them are emergency shelter and then 20 of them are long-term care. So, we do have a long-term care program where the children can stay with us till the age of 20. Um we also have a hope initiative which the hope initiative is specifically for the city of Gary. If somebody has lose lost somebody to suicide or homicide, we will support them. Um we have the 988 program. So uh that is the suicide and crisis lifeline. That is a national program and we are one of the four call centers for the state of Indiana. Uh we just received a community-based services program contract with DCS which will be expanding to four additional programs for Lake and Porter County. And those programs
014are family preservation services, uh truency termination, parent education, and homemaker parent aid. Uh and then our final program is Teen Court, which Sandy is our teen court coordinator, and she'll go into more detail about that program. >> All right. So, my name is Sandra Porter Phillips and I'm here to talk about Team Court. Our mission is to strengthen our communities and to empower our families with emphasis on children in need of shelter, safety, and support. Our motto, the staff believe that each child is unique and it is our responsibility to provide the best service possible in an environment that is challenging yet caring and inviting. Teen court is a diversion program for offenders ages 10 through 18 who are judged by peers of their own age in the courtroom. The only adult involved is the
015judge who comes out and volunteers his or her time to oversee the court. Team court have been in existence for 36 years and we hold court right now in Highland with our intent to bring it back to Hammond. Um we we do um several types of cases. We do battery, we do shoplifting, we do truency, we do vaping, we do sometimes unique cases. It just depends like um not long ago we had a incident in one of our communities in Lake County where a young man had was on his moped. He um was riding his moped and he ran the stop sign over. When he ran the stop sign over, the stop sign came off of the the stem. >> He took the stop sign. >> Oh. >> And he took the stop sign home.
016Okay. So, his punishment for teen court was to pay for that stop sign to be replaced. That was $275. He also had to come back and be on the juror six times. He had to write an apology letter to his parents and an apology letter to the Highland Parks Department. So those are the type of cases we take. They can be unique. It just depends on what happened. Um we um do team court the first and third Tuesday of every month. Um long as the weather permits. So um I can't invite. It's not open to the public because these are juveniles. Um it's only open to um invited guests >> as well as our volunteers who come out to make sure team court runs smoothly. Our kids are the attorneys. They're the baiffs. They're the
017clerks. They're everything in the courtroom but the judge. Is there any questions? Any questions of the board members? >> Sounds wonderful. >> I I have but one. who determines who actually goes through 10 teen court >> that it's it's referred um like I say um we do use our cases through every police department in Lake County or the school systems. >> That's where our cases come from. >> Gotcha. >> Basically, um my monster cases come from the police department. the schools refer those to um the police department and then the police department makes that determination. Um my lake station cases come directly from the school system. It just depends on uh what community want to do what >> I can elaborate a little bit more on that. So excuse me. So what the idea is
018I spoke to a couple of deans and principles that also stand are the um expulsion hearing overseers. So and I explained them what I wanted to do to so they would have another option for the families. So when they talk to families during expulsion hearings that's another thing that they could discuss. Either you take so many days of expulsion or you could do teen court. So that's the introduction to it. It's not just we just come out of the wind. So it's it's pertaining towards uh those are during expulsion hearings. Now, if there is something that happens in school, that's something we could elaborate more maybe down the line, but my initial thought was to bring it up during expulsion hearings so that they talk to them and explain [clears throat] to them if you
019follow the guidelines in teen court and you sign in and you attend the the court process as a juror and so on afterwards, then your expulsion will be hearing so they can go back to school. That was the whole idea is to get them back to school as long as they follow everything in teen court. If they violate teen court proceedings as Miss Porter advised and she explains to the family they have to do this, they have to do whatever it is that the magistrate and the juries decide on them. If they follow that then they could decide on either uh dismissing the expulsion or whatever that's something for them to decide on. But I want to give them an option. So that was the whole reason for this. So it is brought up by
020the principles and deans that are u overseeing expulsion hearings. >> Thank you. >> And there's no cost. [laughter] >> Thank you. Because that was Trusty Spencer. >> I know that's the next question. There's no cost on point with that money. Thank you, Trusty Spencer. >> They just have to get the student to attend. >> So is F re can't beat that. >> Can't beat that. [laughter] All right. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Mr. Selenas. >> All right. Thank you very much, uh, Miss Collins, Miss Porter Phillips, and, uh, Mr. Suarez for that information. Um, we are going to have an exciting presentation next. We are launching a new employee spotlight initiative to celebrate staff dedication, positivity, and impact while engaging both employees and the school city of Hammond community. Sharing these stories will inspire others
021and highlight the incredible work happening in our school. And today is our inaugural spotlight session. And for that, I would like to call up uh Dr. Denise Eisman, our director of elementary education, and Mr. Alan Walzac, our principal of Jefferson Elementary School. President Blake King, trustees, Superintendent Selenus. Ladies and gentlemen, parents who work within the school city of Hammond bring a unique and valuable perspective to our schools. Their dual role as both employees and parents provides them with insight into the needs, strengths, and opportunities within our district. By sharing their experiences, they help better un help us better understand how we can continue to grow and improve, creating the best possible environment for all students and their families. Tonight we are proud to highlight and celebrate one of these dedicated individuals who help make School
022City of Hammond stronger every day representing Jefferson Elementary School. Please join me in welcoming principal Alan Wzac who will introduce this month's parent employee spotlight. >> All right. So, uh, at this time I'm going to call Miss Ulani Monise to up front here towards the board and I would like to give her a huge round of applause. [applause] Um, so I'm going to read some words and then uh we we have something for her as well. Miss Unlani Munes began her career in the food service as a cashier and kitchen helper and has proudly served with School C of Hammond for the past three years. Um she started in the 23 24 school year. Uh she has two students attending Jefferson Elementary. Go Tigers. Uh she's a dedicated parent and we are so so glad
023to have her here. Mrs. Munes is deeply passionate about supporting students, staff, and especially our Spanish-sp speakaking families as Spanish was her first language. She has also become an instrumental part of our office culture at Jefferson Elementary. Um she has demonstrated her ability to master new ideas with ease. Um she has also been able to connect with our community in a variety of ways through her throughout through her efforts. The office runs more smoothly and efficiently each day. Whether she's completing dozens of background checks, reaching out to families in need, or setting aside her own work to assist teachers or even administrators, uh Mrs. Mun continuously proves herself to be an invaluable teammate and role model within our school community. Families have come to appreciate her patience, her kindness, and they even seek her out
024and and uh ask her to come in and advocate for her students as well. Um this is a just a a direct result of the relationships she's already built in such a short amount of time. All in all, we're proud to recognize uh Mrs. Munis and put her in the spotlight for her dedication, compassion, and commitment to the Jefferson Elementary family. Thank you. [applause] >> Would you like to say something or [laughter] >> she doesn't want to say anything? >> You want to come up here for a picture? Come on up here for the picture with the board, too. I think it's important to also note that um she is a product of Hammond schools having gone through the Hammond school system. [applause] The board certainly appreciate uh the administration coming up with this initiative.
025Um spotlighting and highlighting um folks like this really gives us a boost. [clears throat and cough] It encourages us and let us know we're doing the right thing. So we want to see more of these folks acknowledged throughout the year. Get a picture. >> Are we gonna do this? >> Oh, I guess we are always >> We all graduate together. Very nice. Thank you. >> Oh my god. >> Together. >> That's a nugget. That's cool. >> All right, let's give another round of applause to Miss Monise. Thank you very much. [applause] Again, um like Dr. Eisman said is a very unique perspective to be both an employee and a parent because you do have a unique uh perspective and uh we definitely honor your feedback and most most importantly your kindness which I personally have
026experienced when I enter Jefferson and um we're trying to make sure that we are also role models of kindness and you definitely are that at your school. Thank you very much. Gracias. Thank you very much [applause] girl. She just Okay. >> Okay. Our next agenda item is a public expression first period. Trusty Stanford. >> All right. We have one speaker, Dr. Michaela. >> It's quite an interesting night to have our uh our attorney absent, unfortunately, when we're looking at a contract like Edgewaters. Um, this is the same contract that they literally use for every single school corporation and for every purpose. It is not specific to IEP services. I have no idea why it says that on your agenda. That is either a misunderstanding, somebody's been misled, something's happened, but they're not your IEP provider.
027Because if you actually look at the contract, and the same contract that members of this board previously uh voted against, uh the contract references things like intensive outpatient therapy or services, and I'm not sure if that's maybe where misunderstanding came from. Um it references charging kids charging per student at a rate of $50 a day. If that's for IEP services, that's illegal. I'm just going to say that. So, I really hope that somebody actually looks at this contract because your IEP services are reimbursed through federal and state dollars at the rates for Medicaid essentially. And now, as of this year, that's comparable with Medicare rates as well. They include things like speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy, psychological diagnostic interviews, not other types of services necessarily. And trust me, I used to be an IEP
028provider in a state where maybe other things used to be covered back in the day. Um, and that was for inschool services, which by the way, they're not offering this contract. Uh [snorts] what they're offering in the contract is for you to send kids to their intensive outpatient program, which by the way, they don't do any seeming academic work there. So you have a whole problem that comes up with that. They're not they're not a school program. If you send kids there, what typically happens is they start calling you and saying, "Well, where's the cool kids school work?" um nursing um ABA therapy and and when it's back and forth between a thing sometimes transportation but only in non-emergency services. Um, so given all of that, most of these are things that one, they cannot
029provide and you already have people in your school that provide these. Two, you know, this the person that runs this program is literally a member of the school board of my school city. And there's been repeated questions about it. Um, I really strongly recommend that this contract be looked at again because as it stands now, you're not getting what you're paying for and you're running into legal difficulty. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> That ends the first session. >> Mr. Mr. Selenas. >> The next item on the agenda is unfinished business. [clears throat] >> Trustees, we have under unfinished business a approval of the school city of Hammond clerical contract. What's your pleasure? Do I hear a motion? >> President >> Trusty Spencer, >> I move for the appro. Sorry, >> that was
030my fault >> on. >> Who wants to? >> Okay, I move for the approval of the school city of Hammond clerical contract. >> Second. >> It's been moved and [clears throat] properly second that we approve the clerical contract of the school city of Hammond. Are there any questions? Any questions? Any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? [clears throat] Eyes have it. Motion carried. Uh B, approval of agreement with Edgewater Health Services. Do I hear a motion? [clears throat] Do I hear a motion? One more time. Do I hear a motion? The approval of contract agreement for Edgewater fails for a lack of a motion. Thank you, trustees. Mr. Selena's consent agenda [clears throat] items. Uh, trustees. Do I hear a motion for our consent agenda items A through E? >>
031Madame President. >> Trusty Candelera. >> I move for the approval of items A through E from the consent agenda as presented. >> Do I hear a second? >> Second. It's [snorts] been moved and properly second for the approval of our consent agenda items A through E. Are there any questions? >> I would like to read the accounts payable docket register. >> Trusty Stanford >> dated November 4th, 2025 consisting of 163 pages. Total claims 2,159,3925. Total payroll 2,375,81380. >> Thank you. [clears throat] All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. Eyes have. Motion carried. Thank you. New business. >> One extension. >> Oh, one abstension. I'm sorry. For the record, one abstension. Thank you, Trustee Spencer. Okay, moving right along under new business. Item six, uh, approval of micro purchase threshold increase to $50,000 for
032the food service department. Mr. Selenus, could you give us a little explanation, please? >> Absolutely. It is recommended that the board of school trustees approve the micro purchase threshold increase to $50,000 for the food service department. Stan's food service, the main vendor of the food service department, went out of business. The department will need to raise the threshold to $50,000 during the period of adjustment with Gordon Food Service. This will help us to remain in compliance with our procurement plan. >> So, this is just for this school year. >> That is correct. >> Thank you. Do I hear a motion for approval? >> Madame President, >> Trusty Candelera, >> I move for the approval of the micro purchase threshold increase to 50,000 for the food service department as presented. >> Do I hear a second?
033>> Second. It's been moved and properly seconded by Trustee Spencer that we approve for the approval of the micro purchase threshold increase to $50,000 for the food service department. Are there any questions? Any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carried. Item B, approval of HF Acorn grant for Harding Elementary School. Mr. [clears throat] Selenez, >> it is recommended that the school board of trustees please approve the HFA corn grant for Harding Elementary School. These funds are designated for Mrs. Candace Bradford's classroom to enhance student wellness. Miss Bradford is establishing an SEAL hotel, a dedicated flexible space where students will continue to learn and practice coping techniques, self-regulation skills. The hotel will be equipped with flexible seating, student wellness strategies, emotion tracker sheets, and data collection tools,
034as well as incentives and rewards to support students emotional well-being and academic success is in the amount of $1,500 through the Hammond Education Foundation. >> Thank you. Do I hear a motion? >> Madam President, >> Mr. Candelera, Trusty Candelera, >> I move for the approval of the HF Acorn grant for Hardin Elementary School as presented. >> Is there a second? Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded by Trusty Spencer for the approval of the HF Acorn Grant for Harding Elementary and School. >> Are there any questions? Are there any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carry. Item C, approval of theou with Jag Indiana. >> Trustees, do we need an explanation? Are we good? Do I hear a motion? Madam President, >> Trusty Spencer, >>
035I move for the approval of theou with Jag Indiana. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second by Trusty Candela for the approval of theou with the Jag Indiana. Are there any questions? Any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion carry. Item D, approval of agreements with Interstate Studio. Do I hear a motion? Madam President, >> Trustee Guierra, >> I I move for the approval of the agreement with Interstate Studio. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> I It's been moved and properly second by Trusty Stanford for the approval of agreements with Interstate Studio. Are there any questions? Any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carried. Approval of contract with Lori Thursby, Mr. Selenas, please. >>
036Yes, thank you. Um, this contract will support the school city of Hammond's district priority of student success by ensuring consistent school leadership and uninterrupted administrative support when a principal or assistant principal is absent for an extended period of time, maintaining stability and focus on student learning and achievement. And I'd like to also mention that uh Mrs. Lori Thursby is a recent um school city of H retired building level administrator who will be providing services whenever we have an extended absence at the administrative level in our elementary schools. >> So it's an extended absence extended absence. Correct. It is not a day-to-day absence. It is an extended absence where I have documentation that the person will be out for uh an extended leave uh uh intermittent leave uh family medical leave um and I will make
037the determination if it is an appropriate placement. Thank you, Mr. Selenus. Do I hear a motion for approval? >> Madam President, >> Trusty Candelera, >> I move for the approval of the contract with Lorie Thursby as presented. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded by Trusty Guerrero for the approval of the contract with Lori Thursby. Are there any questions? Any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carried. Item F, approval of contract with Kim Lozano. Mr. Selenas. >> Yes. So, Kim Lozano is also a retired school city of Hammond educator. And while working, she served as a special education teacher, case manager, and secondary coordinator. Kim has agreed to contract with our special education department to work in collaboration with
038our elementary and secondary coordinators to help write IEPs for students who are currently in classrooms with longterm subs. So again, this is for classrooms that do not have a certified teacher in their room that have long-term subs. So Miss Lozana will step in to write IEPs. And again, she is a retired special education uh educator and she's being brought back by our director, Mr. Tim Seaman. >> Thank you very much for that explanation. Do I hear a motion for approval? >> Madam President, >> Trusty Spencer, >> I move for the approval of contract with Kim Lozano. >> Second. It's been moved and properly seconded by Trusty Candelera for the approval of contract with Kim Lozano. Are there any questions? Any questions? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion
039carried. Uh Mr. Selena is calls for the calendar. Item seven, school board meetings on Tuesday, November Oh, that's today, November 4th. And our next November meeting is Tuesday, November 18th, executive session and regular school board meeting. Executive session 5:15 and regular school board meeting at 6:00 p.m. That's our calendar. Our agenda calls for public expression second period. Trusty Stafford. >> All right. Our first second period speaker is Vanessa Veins. Good evening board. Good evening, Mr. Selenus. I love my job and I am very good at what I do, but I am questioning where in the teacher's contract does it say that I have to work 5 minutes before and after my contracted time. Last year, I worked 90 hours without pay because the union told teachers that we had to give the district 15 minutes
040of courtesy time before and after school. That's 30 minutes a day times 180 days divided by 60 minutes and that equals 90 hours of unpaid time. This year, teachers have been told to give the school district five minutes of courtesy before and after school. That's 10 minutes a day times 180 days divided by 60 minutes and that equals 30 hours. If this continues, teachers will have given a total of 120 hours of unpaid time. I have a mortgage, a NIPCO bill, and a water bill just like everyone in this room. And do you think they give me a courtesy? No. And now I'm being told in a letter that if I fail to follow this directive, progressive discipline will continue and will result in suspension or termination. If we are 10 times better, then why
041am I being told to work before and after my contracted time without being paid? This directive cannot be legally enforced. If you want me to work before my contracted time, amend the contract or pay me. In numerous personnel reports since July of 2025, 15 staff members have been compensated for performing additional duties. Working outside my contracted time is performing an additional duty. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. [applause] Our next speaker is Alexander Jones. >> Good evening everybody. My name is Alexander [clears throat] Jones. >> Speaking to the mic. >> I'm a student at MR Senior High School. Um I used to go to Jones College Prep in Chicago if you know it. Um and I just transferred to Morton this year. But uh while attending I noticed that there was a serious need.
042A lot of students needed help like academic help but they didn't know who to go to. And since you know I like helping people I decided to create the peer tutoring club where me and other people help out our peers or we get people who need help and they come to our club. Um, and our goal is to increase the number of students passing courses and create a safe space for everybody. Um, I hope that the peer tutoring club positively impacts Morton's school culture. um next meeting on the 18th, I look forward to giving you a actual presentation on the peer tutoring club to the board and anybody who wants to learn about the peer tutoring club and how it will benefit my uh school city of Hammond Pierce. Thank you. >> Thank you, [applause]
043Mr. Jones. >> May I give a little background? I met this young man a couple of uh what last month during the career day at Morton High School. I spoke to their class and I was just sharing with them that what I saw in all of them, you know, doctors, attorneys, architects, what have you. And he just stood up and say, "Well, you're the only one that believe that, Miss King." And that broke my heart. And so I we talked after that discussion and he told me what he was trying to do with the PTSA as president and and peer training. So I said, "Well, I'm going to put you on the spot. I want you to come to the board and share with us what what are we missing so that we can do
044better. And I so appreciate you, Miss Jones, and I look forward to your presentation at the next school board meeting. So, let's give them another big round of applause. [applause] Miss Stanford. Oh, >> I'm sorry. I was taking a back there. Next speaker, Dr. Michaela. Jesus. >> [snorts] >> So, uh, first of all, I'd like to just take a moment to acknowledge like just the very different and and more positive atmosphere we we have here than we may have had in years past. And I think just the board's responsiveness, the care that the board shows toward the community and toward concerns, especially, you know, not limited to, but especially in the case with Mr. Jones and then young Mr. Jones being able to come here and share and be part of everything. That's just beautiful.
045Um, so I really also want to applaud um the teacher that came up here tonight and and talked about her concerns. I certainly hope that practices like of the past like that which clearly this is kind of carrying over from before that we kind of identify why we have stuff that carries on from before because we shouldn't. Um, and also, you know, that that gets nipped in the bud because certainly what she said was correct. That's very very illegal when you're doing collective bargaining. What's in the collective bargaining is, you know, that's it. Like asking for things beyond that does run a foul of things. And I know that there had been concerns in the past about that um from other teachers. So um I hope that that resolves soon. Um, I also I keep
046hearing more and more about Kelly Services leaving, which is fantastic news if true, but I'm also quite sure that people would rather hear about it from you guys. Um, rather than whatever, you know, rumor mill there is out there. Um, especially because I think it sounds like there's some misconceptions even among substitute teachers that want to stay about how they go about that process and about um the need to like I guess reapply and get all the paperwork in order ahead of time. And given that they seem to be I don't know if the uh actual kind of turnover between Kelly and the school corporation would be happening like midschool year or not. Um I heard something about December. Um but if so like I feel like especially that would kind of create some snags
047if if those folks don't get kind of processed through. Um and I'm sure that the HR department's on on top of that. But just so that teachers out there who need to know this information are aware. I think that would be really really important. Um and I really hope you know I I was really glad about the the clerical staff getting you know their situation sorted and I hope that the rest of our uh our paras and stuff like that you know soon soon get to hear some good news as well. And um thank you again so much. >> Thank you. Last speaker, Wanda Pucket. Oh, Wanda. >> Good morning, >> Evening, >> good evening, and good afternoon. All backwards. Now, I'm going to tell you why. Dr. Michael, to answer your question, the 19th
048of this month is Kelly's service last day. So, I'm telling you that now cuz it was brought to my attention this morning. See, I get calls when I'm at home doing nothing and everybody telling me what's going on. Now, since we earning everybody, let's give our nurses some recognition, too. They put up with these kids every day in school. They come to school sick. Do anybody give them a shout out and say we appreciate them? They need to We need to let the nurses at school know we do appreciate them what they do for our kids while they in school with them. Don't nobody never mention them. We can mention everybody else. Give out plaques to everybody else. Let's start giving these plaques out to the nurse cuz after all they on the front line.
049They the beginning and they the end. They with our kids 247 when they in that school. Let's start honoring our kids. I'm I'm going speak on everybody now. Let's get this together. Parents, your kids is jaywalking in the middle calamett. They walking out in front of them buses. Our school buses have air brakes. I'm coming down cal. Get right there in front of central. Our high school kids is actually walking in front of the bus. If the bus hit one of them, y'all going to be ready to sue. But it ain't the bus driver fault. It's these kids fault. Talk to your kid about stepping out in front of them buses. School city don't have any money. We broke. They already holling about we broke. School city going to stay broke. You need to talk
050to your kids by walking out in front of traffic in those buses. Cuz I see it every day. and I'mma be on the bus driver's side cuz your children do not have any business walking out in front of. That's all I got to say. >> Thank you for that recommendation, Mrs. Pocket. >> That's the end of second session. >> Thank you. [clears throat] I think we're going into our reports. Mr. Selenas, >> thank you very much. Um, President Blake Kings. Uh first and foremost, thank you to all of our community members who came to speak today and to address your concerns. Um I'd also like to take a moment to thank uh our student, Mr. Jones. Uh thank you very much for being here. Um again, this is what it's all about. Our students who
051are absolutely in the place [applause] he's in the place and he's in the space where he sees something and can do something about it. Um, I look forward to your presentation and thank you for stepping up to helping uh at your age to to to have the wherewithal to help somebody other than yourself is pretty impressive and pretty amazing. Uh, a lot of students at this age are all about themselves and you young man are absolutely an example of what uh Hammond can be and should be. Thank you very much. Very Thank you very much. Uh over the past two weeks, several schools have hosted family fun nights, uh trunk or treats, bringing many families and community members into our buildings. Yesterday also marked our first parent teacher conferences of the school year, and we
052want to thank all of our parents who took the time to meet with our teachers and support student learning. These events continue to strengthen our connections between our schools and our community. Yesterday, we also held our Survive Alive open house at the area career center. We are thrilled that this program is coming back. Many of us have fond memories of the survival life when either we were children or our our family were young and came to it. It is back and so we thank Mr. Hicks and uh his students for giving tours yesterday of the amazing facility regarding fire safety for all of our students. Looking ahead, uh, we have our kindness crew coffee and conversation tomorrow, November 6, at 4:30 p.m. at Harding Elementary School that is open to the entire community. This is
053part of our anti-bullying campaign. We are very excited to announce that our district-wide food drive began yesterday, November 3rd through the 14th, and we encourage donations of non-p perishable items to support our Scoo City families in need. And donations can be made here at 41 Williams or at any school building. our job fair. For those who could not attend our job fair, uh we will be having another job fair on Wednesday, November 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 4 pm here at 41 Williams. Um I have some exciting news to share regarding our radio and television broadcasting students also at the area career center. They are starting the ACC TV Hammond live news with their segment called News Students Can Use. They're live streaming every Friday at 9:30 and 1:30. Correct me if I'm wrong. Mr.
054Mr. Hicks is correct on YouTube. Be sure to like, follow, subscribe to their work and they are going to be doing interviews uh from people across the district that they would like to highlight as well. So, we're very excited about that. >> And again, thank you, thank you, thank you, Dr. Eisman, for bringing the employee spotlight initiative to our school city of Hammond. And congratulations to our very first uh recipient, Miss Monise, for all that she does. Uh thank you all for a fantastic uh start to our second grading period. And here's November and December. It's going to be very busy but exciting and and a very very um emotional month because this is the time where people come out to help each other as much as we can. And so we're looking forward to
055help as many uh community members and families throughout the month of November and December. Thank you all very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Selenas. Are there any board comments? Trusty Guerrero. Um, I've got some PTA stuff, but I also wanted to um shout out something that we went to last week, the National Honor Society um induction at uh Central and they had like 60s something kids. Um I looked at the class from last year and it was maybe 15 20. Um so whatever they're doing over there is working. Um parents, whatever the parents of those kids are doing is working as well. It was really um amazing to see so many kids being um inducted into the honor society and um Miss Garcia and I cannot remember her co-sponsor's name, >> Miss Robles did an
056amazing job um with that. Um for PTA stuff, like Mr. Selena said, we've got the first um coffee conversation on Thursday at 4:30 at Harding. Um, part of that initiative as well, we just put on the Facebook page. We do have a Human Council PTA Facebook page now. Um, our Harlem Wizards game is January 22nd. Um, and we are doing a casting call for players um to play against the Harlem Wizards. [laughter] Um, so current staff, former staff, um, community leaders, anybody. We do have a flyer with a QR code. You can nominate um, whoever you would like to see. Does, it does have to be adults. Um, but we would love to see some kids volunteer as well um, for the event. And then, uh, reflections, we just wrapped up the deadline and we
057have our event coming up on December 5th. Um, I actually also wanted to give a shout out to Mr. Jones. He is also the second VP of Morton's um, PTA, and they just actually received a $5,000 grant. I just got a text during the board meeting. So, um, congratulations to them. I'm sure they'll announce more about that. Um, I didn't look to see what it was for exactly, but uh, National PTA does grants and they applied for it and they got it. >> Wow. >> Great. Did you did you mention the kindness program? [applause] >> Okay, good. Very good. And um >> Anyone else? I just want to just for a couple of minutes uh point on the fact that uh you know we're meeting uh we're having our WJO show on the 19th and
058we're still looking for folks who want to participate, students, teachers, uh custodians, whomever who we want to spotlight for that particular show. So please contact Mrs. uh Lopez if you're interested and we'd be glad to have you. Al also again the pasta dinner yesterday in a survival life high house house was just incredible. It it certainly brought back memories to me when I took my children up there. [clears throat] So you know [laughter] how long ago that was. But anyway, and then a big shout out to the Bionic Bulldogs from from Eddie Burns Hicks. Understand they won uh Mr. Felix won a coaches award. He's one of the pair professionals there, I believe. And uh they placed and they're going to be back in two weeks at IU competing for the robotics with the robotics
059team. So, you know, shout out to Eddie Burns Hicks and Abionic Bulldogs. And I just so appreciate Miss Karma, our weeks for keeping our our website up. It's something on there every day, 10 times a day what our students are doing. So there's no excuse why why we say what's going on. Our kids are doing so many magnificent things. I mean programs they're participating as much as as we have the time, effort, and money to do. And I the last thing I want to say is this kindness campaign is just not for kids. It's for all of us, all of the employees. We have to learn to be kind to each other. because we're finding if we're not kind, it hurts our bottom line financing. If we're not kind to our our parents or our
060students, we could lose them. That's our bottom line. If we're not kind to our teachers, we could lose some of these great, incredible teachers. That's our bottom line. So, please, this campaign again is just not for kids. It's for all of us. I know it has toned Carla Blake King down because I know I could be rough. So I now y'all know, but I'm I'm toning me down because I know it affects our bottom line. We got to be good to each other, treat each other better than what we are. And as Mr. Selena said, we're approaching the month of December, November of giving and loving. Let's make this year round. That completes my report. Thank you very much. Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> Thank you. Meet adjourned.