Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

DAYTON–The School Board was informed the Elementary School has two new teacher hires, and hear staff progress reports, school club reinstatement, and winter sports is underway.

Elementary Principal Amy Cox advised the board two new teachers have been hired, Suzy Butler, who will replace Kindergarten teacher Morgan Stone, and Hilary Wheeler as Special Education Director and teacher provided through ESD 112.

Cox advocated for the need and success of student counselor Caitlin Patterson. "She has been invaluable in her help with some of our more challenging students thus far," said Cox. Patterson started a positive affirmation program parents do with their students, which includes a packet for parents with ideas and cut-outs to write affirmations. She follows up with classroom visits with lessons and opportunities for students to affirm themselves.

The school held a Title I Math Night on November 16 that was well attended by about 40 families, according to Cox. Other recent activities have been the Fall Festival, the Halloween costume party and costume contest during the school day.

In addition, the Student of the Month awards program has started back up. A Buddy Bench was provided to the school from Blue Mountain Counseling and placed on the playground for students who are lonely and are seeking a playmate or some company.

High School Principal Kristina Brown said Patterson has been meeting with groups of students and parents and is also working with the Associated Study Body (ASB) representatives to post positive affirmations around the school.

The Intervention Prevention Specialist Kristy Korslund has been meeting with the eighth and ninth grade classes and "using the ESD 123 curriculum, she is talking about coping with life as a teenager and preventative strategies when faced with drugs or alcohol."

She reported that the new Behavior Specialist Angie Whaley has demonstrated a calm presence with students and staff, trending that demeanor in the school environment. She has also been teaching the staff and students with de-escalation strategies. Whaley has also introduced Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through Jeopardy classroom games. She has been part of restorative discipline and conversation with the principal.

The FFA advisor Jen Crane has exceeded the goal for members at 26 current students. The group had two different competitions which involved several students in Moses Lake on November 17 with another competition coming up December 8. The group also has plans to be in the lighted parade and to raise funds by selling Christmas wreaths and hot chocolate during the Christmas Kick-Off.

Superintendent Guy Strot reported for Athletic Director Sam Korslund. With the fall sports season now completed, the fall sports banquet will be held on Sunday, December 5 in the Dayton Auditorium. He said, "The winter sports are underway with the [COVID] testing. The first test this week was successful. Everyone tested negative, which we hope to have that all year long." Korslund will be presenting names of interested parents to be considered for the combine committee for the Board to review next month.

Brown said that the high school Robotics Club had their first competition this past weekend in Spokane.

Superintendent Guy Strot stated the Youth and Government Club will be starting up again, and the School District has plans to hire an advisor for the Robotics Club.

At the next work session on December 3, the community survey results from families opting out of the School District including those who homeschool will be given to Strot and the Board for review. At last count 36 surveys had been submitted, said Strot. The survey is one step in meeting goals outlined in the District's Strategic Plan.

Other goals are also currently being met according to Strot. "Teachers are doing professional goals around teacher clarity. Administration council is doing professional development around the study of [the book] Powerless to Powerful and then the School Board is working on the Strategic Plan and having it all come together in the Spring."

Education Coach and the facilitator of the Data Walk, Dr. Molly Kreyssler will meet with fifth through twelfth grade students in groups to get their feedback about their experience in the School District on November 30 which will be shared with staff on December 8 during a workshop and the Board at the next meeting.

The Board will continue to work on the mission statement for the School District as well as reduce the goals in the Strategic Plan to five or six measurable goals.

A community forum is planned for November 30 from 6-7 p.m. in the high school auditorium on the topic of the School District's 90 Day and One Year Plans.