Linn R-2 board members at last Tuesday’s meeting by a 4-3 vote in closed session chose not to extend a contract for Superintendent Dena Smith, who is currently contracted through the 2022-23 school year.
Voting in favor of the extension were Sam Niederhelm, Dennis Gravedoni, and Mark Meyer while Tye DeCramer, Naomi Klouzek, Lori Greer, and Dr. Shawn Strong cast nay votes.
In other business, board members reviewed a draft of the 2021-22 school calendar, which shows the first day being Aug. 24, and the last day slated to be May 20, with dismissal at 11:15 a.m. School would continue as a four-day week but R-2 would be in session Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, and Monday, April 11, 2022.
Of continued concern is how parents are handling childcare on Mondays when school is not in session.
A survey of 118 parents indicated that eight families do not have adequate care for a combined 13 children on Mondays, and eight families said that if childcare was provided at school, they would take advantage of it sometimes.
Of those who would utilize childcare at the school, six said they would do so if a fee was charged while the other two did not respond. While 64 parents did not respond to the survey, Smith said she is aware of where their children receive care on Mondays.
“So, I don’t know where you want to head with that,” said Smith, suggesting parents in need can be paired up with those who provide childcare, including students. “We would be happy to facilitate that list.”
“I think that’s a good idea, to ask some high school kids that are interested in a job, or even paras,” said board member Naomi Klouzek. “If you’re new to the community, you may not know everybody.”
Counselor Shannon Wolfe last month explained childcare service would have to be provided at the school, the child could not be a family member, and the A+ student would not be paid.
Smith said Wolfe still plans to check with students regarding their interest in such an opportunity.
“They would be some of the people on our list,” said Smith, adding she hopes to finalize a list by Aug. 1 ahead of the next school year.
Depending on the final list of people willing to provide childcare, the service, if provided at the school, would require an adult to be present, which Smith said shouldn’t be an issue.
Klouzek noted that her concern is the regularity with which services would be utilized. “The word that scares me is ‘sometimes,’ when they talk about using childcare,” she said. “If we set up a daycare at the school, those kids might show up once a month or here or there, and then we’re stuck with it.”
Smith confirmed she had received feedback to that end from other schools that have tried it. “I was a little leery too,” she said, adding it was worth finding out via the survey what the community needs. “I think we can probably do it this way and just help make those contacts.”
“I’m curious how many don’t want high school students coming to their homes or something like that,” said board member Dr. Shawn Strong.
“That’s one of the things we’ll ask when we start making our list,” said Smith. “There may be some parents who want to drop their kids off at the babysitter and others who want the babysitter to come to them.”
Thanksgiving break is scheduled for Nov. 24-26, and Christmas break is slated to begin Dec. 21, 2021, with school resuming Jan. 4, 2022.
* Candidates filing was certified and includes Scotty Dudenhoeffer, Michael Bickell, Sam Niederhelm, Steve Enger, Hannah Swann, and Mark Baker, who will vie for two seats in the April 6 election.
* Bills were approved for payment in the amount of $510,421.98. The school has a checking and investment balance of $2,519,658.85, including investments of $466,097.14 through Mid America Bank.
In closed session, Cynthia Stegemann was unanimously approved as an assistant track coach for the upcoming spring season.
REPORTS
In her report, Smith provided an update on the goals she has for the district.
Goal 1: Prepare students for college and career readiness.
* Scholarship opportunities are listed every day in the bulletin for the high school. Students are able to review the opportunities and deadlines.
* There are multiple opportunities listed in the high school bulletin for students to sign up for summer camps related to a variety of career fields.
* Smith is currently working with the Osage County Anti Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) to provide a virtual student event for students in grades 7-8 for drug awareness.
Goal 2: Promote, facilitate and enhance parent, student, and community involvement in district educational programs.
* Smith is currently working with OC-ADCAT to provide a community virtual event for drug awareness.
* The superintendent expressed her appreciation to Legends Bank and Mid America Bank for sponsoring the hospitality room at the Linn Tournament.
* Mrs. Flatt’s and Mrs. Brodin’s first-grade classes performed ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on Dec. 16.
* The Chamber Choir performed at Christmas on Main Street on Dec. 11.
Goal 3: Recruit, attract, develop and retain highly qualified staff.
* Teachers continue to work on professional development goals.
* Calendar discussions have begun with a meeting on January 12.
* Elementary Principal Tracy Kingsley is ready to begin the process of interviewing for the kindergarten opening.
* Budget development for the 2021-22 school year has started. Insurance rates should become available in the next couple of weeks. Having those available will help Smith determine if any money is going to be put on the base. “I will be recommending that all teachers get their step,” Smith added.
Goal 4: District facilities will adequately meet the needs of our students, district programs, and community.
* Custodial staff performed deep cleaning over the holiday break.
* Representatives from Porter, Berendzen, and Associates will be meeting with Smith the week of Jan. 12 to discuss conducting a facilities review and providing a report. They are also able to work with the district on long-range planning.
In his report, High School Principal Michael Fible said teachers continued to work on curriculum with a focus on common formative assessments at the Jan. 4 professional development day. All teachers will meet with Myra Collins and DCI on Feb. 8.
* The superintendent's advisory committee met on Jan. 4.
* Incoming St. George students and parents have been invited to the high school on Jan. 26 for a tour of the facilities and information on Linn High School programs.
* Enrollment in grades 7-12 was reported at 320 students
Elementary Principal Tracy Kingsley told the board there are currently two students participating in Launch virtual learning.
Celebrations and gratitude, or “minding our mental health,” have been a priority. “The staff overwhelmingly shared how grateful they were to be in school, in person,” said Kingsley. “They feel we have been very lucky that our students are having a fairly normal school year given the pandemic.”
* Kingsley said kindergarten teachers are excited about their students’ wonderful growth. “They love the support and partnership they have this year with Mrs. Plume, our Title I teacher,” she added. “They are feeling very encouraged.”
* First-grade teachers are digging into Journeys a little deeper and pulling out phonics pieces, which is changing their reading time. They implemented a standards-based grade card this year and are getting positive feedback. Parents have shared they know more specifically where their child is excelling and struggling.
* Second-grade teachers are excited to see reading benchmark data from Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and thrilled to have their Chromebooks, Kingsley noted.
* Third-grade teachers are grateful for Mrs. Brandt’s (Title I) support and flexibility in supporting their needs and happy to have their Chromebooks.
* Fourth-grade teachers are feeling organized and so glad to be here. “On some of their online teacher sites they use to share ideas, they are seeing so many who are upset and even leaving the teaching profession,” said Kingsley. “They don’t feel that way at all and are so glad to be here in school loving their job.”
* Fifth- and sixth-grade teachers are feeling a change in the students. “They are calm and settled and ready to learn after returning from Christmas break,” said Kingsley. “They are also thrilled to each have their own set of Chromebooks.”
READING
* Dr. Jill Brown, local reading expert and trainer in the science of reading, will join staff during February’s Professional Development (PD) day as we look deeper into this process and prepare for future decisions. Grade-level teams are sharing questions and discussion items for that day.
* Our Title I team is currently conducting DIBELS testing for students in grades K-6. “We’ll use this data to adjust our reading support with students in foundational reading skills,” said Kingsley.
* For kindergarten and first-grade students, teachers are identifying possible retention candidates and setting up teacher support team meetings designed to help put interventions into place for these students. Letters will be sent to parents with follow up meetings so all are on the same page regarding areas of concern with time to catch any students up who are not making adequate progress.
MATH
* Grade-level teams will continue to develop math units and explore possible math series to replace Go Math, which will not be available after this school year
* Kingsley said staff will shift gears in grade-level meetings to analyze more closely the data from Evaluate. “We want to be sure we are providing intervention support for struggling students and shifting our whole group focus to prepare for MAP and the next grade level,” said Kingsley of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP).
* The school saw big gains in Evaluate testing, especially in second and third-grade math this month. Progress compared November to January using the same standards as follows:
— Grade 2: ELA +12%, Math +13%
— Grade 3: ELA +10%, Math +5%
— Grade 4: ELA +5%, Math +5%
— Grade 5: ELA +8%, Math +5% (class average is proficient)
— Grade 6: ELA +4% (class average is proficient), Math +6% (class average is proficient)
* The Principal’s Committee discussed current grading and homework practices and expectations. Research (Hattie) shows that homework in elementary is not typically helpful in making big gains in learning. “We discussed current practices and went into more detail about what type of work makes for great home practice during grade-level meetings,” said Kingsley, adding the faculty would like to establish these guidelines to be added to next year’s handbook: K-1 - 10 min max; grade 2 - 20 min max; and grades 3-6 - 30 min max.
* The Behavior Committee is continuing to update the school-wide behavior matrix and teachers are reviewing behavioral expectations with students in particular areas during the week.
* Chromebooks arrived over Christmas break. Technology Coordinator Eric Morfeld processed those and handed them out during a recent in-service day. “Students and teachers are thrilled to have these in hand,” said Kingsley.
* The technology team is planning breakout sessions for the Feb. 8 PD day. “They decided to purchase mice and headphones to support the use of the new Chromebooks for students in grades 2-6,” Kingsley noted. “
Those funds were raised over the past few years with the Trek for Tech fundraiser and other fundraising efforts by the elementary teachers.
* The Mobile Dental Unit was recently at the school, coordinated by Elementary Nurse Lisa Walsch. Dental personnel applied fluoride and feedback to parents on their children’s teeth.
* On behalf of the elementary school, Kingsley offered gratitude to the board. “We want to recognize your commitment and contribution to our school’s success and just take a minute to say thank you,” she added.
* Enrollment in grades K-6 was reported at 296 students.
2020-21 FOSTER CARE PROGRAM REVIEW
Foster Care Program Liaison and Elementary Principal Tracy Kingsley explained the role of the program is to minimize or eliminate educational barriers for students in foster care. She works closely with the Missouri Children's Division to make the best possible educational experience for all foster students. At this time, Linn has five students in foster care, three in elementary school and two in high school.
Responsibilities of the district’s foster care liaison include:
* Coordinate with Missouri Children's Division on the implementation of state and federal laws related to students in out-of-home care.
* Coordinate with Missouri Children's Division Foster Care Education program staff.
* Attend training and professional development opportunities to improve school district implementation efforts.
* Serve as the primary contact person for representatives of the Missouri Children's Division.
* Ensure that students in foster care are receiving free meals at school.
* Facilitate immediate enrollment and the transfer of student records.
* Develop and coordinate local transportation procedures.
* Manage best interest determination and transportation cost disputes according to the best practices.
* Ensure that students in out-of-home care are enrolled in and regularly attending school.
* Provide professional development and training to school staff on state and federal laws related to students in out-of-home care and their educational needs, as needed.
KEY ESSA PROVISIONS:
* Children in foster care remain in the school of origin unless there is a determination that it is not in his or her best interest.
If it is in the best interest of the child to leave the school of origin, the child must be immediately enrolled in the new school even if they don't have the required documentation. The enrolling school shall immediately contact the school last attended to obtain the student’s records.
* LEAs must collaborate with Missouri Children's Division to develop and implement clear written procedures for how transportation will be provided, arranged, and funded for the duration of a child's time in foster care.
* Some children in foster care may still be eligible for McKinney-Vento services (e.g., youth who are living in transitional shelters or motels).
Linn R-2 recognizes that students in out-of-home or foster care experience mobility in and out of these foster care systems and from one home placement to another that disrupts their education, thereby creating barriers to academic success and on-time graduation. Through collaboration with state, local and/or tribal child welfare agencies, the district will strive to minimize or eliminate educational barriers for students in out-of-home care, particularly with regard to enrollment, transfer of student records, and transportation to their school of origin. Pursuant to state law, the district will collaborate with the state department of children, youth, and families.
Kingsley will work with appropriate state, local, and/or tribal child welfare agencies to receive notifications and share information regarding the status and progress of students in out-of-home care. She will also work collaboratively with the district's Title I coordinator to provide supports for students in out-of-home care that are enrolled or seeking to enroll in the district.
Whenever practical and in the best interest of the child, children placed into out-of-home care will remain enrolled in the school they were attending at the time they entered out-of-home care. Best-interest determinations should be made as quickly as possible to prevent educational discontinuity for the student and should take into consideration the student-centered factors and input from the relevant and appropriate persons.
If remaining in the school of origin is determined not to be in the student's best interest, the district will immediately enroll that student in their new school. Enrollment may not be denied or delayed based on the fact that documents normally required for enrollment have not been provided.
Upon enrollment, the district will make reasonable efforts to obtain and assess the child's educational history to meet the child's unique needs.
When a student in out-of-home care transfers schools, whether within the district or to another school district, the enrolling school will immediately contact the sending school to obtain academic and other records. The sending school will respond as soon as possible to requests for records of students in out-of-home care.
Should the determination be made that enrollment in a school that requires transportation is in the best interest of the student, the district will collaborate with state, or local agencies to provide and find cost-effective transportation for the student to remain in his/her school of origin for the duration of his or her time in out-of-home care.
If there are additional costs incurred in providing transportation, the district will provide transportation to the school of origin if: 1) the child welfare agency agrees to reimburse the transportation; 2) the district agrees to pay for the cost of the transportation, or 3) the district and the child welfare agency agree to share transportation costs.
Kingsley will review unexpected or excessive absences of students in out-of-home care and those awaiting placement with the student and adults involved with the student, including their caseworker, educational liaison, attorney if one is appointed, parent, guardian, and foster parents. The purpose of the review is to determine the cause of the absences, taking into account unplanned school transitions, periods of running from care, in-patient treatment, incarceration, school adjustment, educational gaps, psychosocial issues, and unavoidable appointments during the school day. Kingsley will take proactive steps to support the student's school work so the student does not fall behind.