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DAYTON-The School Board approved the resignation of paraprofessional Peggy Robanske; recommendation to hire Jerry Dedloff Jr.; the transfer of Day Trust Estate funds and heard how the Kindness Campaign was being implemented at each educational level during the final regular meeting of the year on December 15, 2021.

Robanske gave her notice of retirement beginning January 1 after working and volunteering for the district for 47 years. Jerry Dedloff Jr. was hired to fill the custodian position vacated by Bill Massey who was dismissed due to noncompliance to the vaccine mandate.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF) President and CEO Kol Medina presented the transfer for the Day Trust Estate from the Bank of America to the BMCF. The trust asset income was given by Jessie B. and William W. Day to be equally divided to the Columbia County Health District and Dayton School District to benefit the community. The Board approved the transfer.

Dr. Molly Kreyssler provided a report to the Board about the feedback received during recent student forums for grades 5-12. They were given the choice to provide feedback verbally, anonymously by sticky notes or by talking with her after the meeting. She reported that kids want to have a positive school environment modeled by the leadership. Students shared about negative interactions including recurring bullying and lack of kindness, some of which Kreyssler observed during the meetings. Kids also want to feel community support for the schools.

Discipline issues resulting in lack of learning and negative leadership in the schools where the top reasons students gave for families pulling their kids out of the district. Upper grades expressed more feelings about losing their fellow students from the school.

The Kindness Campaign at the high school was discussed that students are aware of it, but are not seeing action. Kreyssler recommends expanding the campaign for a more positive culture and pointed out that discipline is the linked to kindness and leadership. She spoke of promoting a theme of change–a readiness for change and those students are saying they are ready for positive change.

She also recommended professional training for "teachers and staff in order to understand change as a process as well as help support [students] through that." She conveyed the need for staff and administration to build trust with the students by following through with action when feedback is given and have positive, effective communication. A positive environment is created by being less punitive and more inspirational and approaching situations with care and concern that is modeled by staff to the students.

Board member Jeff McCowen asked whether students spoke more from personal experience or perceived experiences of peers. Kreyssler said there was mix of both in the feedback. McCowen also asked what the staff feedback was about the student forums when they later met with Kreyssler. She responded that the staff recognized the benefits of good modeling for the students which Kreyssler affirmed in the student feedback that they felt more positive about their learning environment when the teachers were positive and make connections with students. She shared dissonance about understanding what is bullying among each group– teachers, parents and students.

Secondary Principal Kristina Brown expressed, "I appreciate that Molly was very positive because some of these are hard topics to hear or deal with and of course, perceptions. But I appreciate that Molly really engaged my staff. I think you heard from almost every one of my staff– feedback or what they were working or what they recognized needed to be worked on. I thought that overall, it was a very positive experience and I credit that to Molly."

Kreyssler will be visiting the district again in the spring to assess the progress in the district.

Athletic Director Sam Korslund said as of last week the middle school boys' basketball season is finished. The high school teams were in quarantine after a team member came to practice with symptoms after testing positive for COVID. The season resumed with a game against Tri-Cities Prep last week. Make-up games are scheduled over Christmas break.

Elementary Principal Amy Cox stated the recent holiday music concert filled the high school gymnasium with family members watching and listen to the all-grade performances. Elementary students participated in a painting project held by Brixs and Brushes from Walla Walla and sponsored by the PTSO. Children are learning Christmas and other winter holiday traditions from around the world. "Each class chose a different country to represent. There are two trees set up in the foyer for students to decorate. As classes learn about the different traditions, they are making ornaments for our trees," said Cox.

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She also informed the Board about the restorative practice aspect of the school behavior plan. "This practice looks at talking through situations and creating open dialogue between individuals. It is also a great way for students to learn and practice empathy. We strive to make sure we investigate all issues that happen here at school to make the best decision on what restorative practices to use and proper consequences to match the events. Whenever possible, natural consequences are chosen."

Secondary Principal Kristina Brown provided updates to the Board about the additions this year of forming a leadership team of staff to develop a school improvement plan and future action teams and the benefits of hiring the school counselor, prevention counselor and behavior specialist as resources for students when they face tough situations. She also spoke about implementing the practice of restorative discipline.

As part of the Kindness Campaign this month staff are writing positive affirmations to students.