Taking steps to prepare for 2024 levy and Bond, positive student outcomes reported

DAYTON-The School Board approved Superintendent Rich Stewart's recommendation to hire Architects West to work in tandem with McKinstry and guide the Board about pursuing a levy or bond for 2024. In other business, the Kindergarten classes made an art presentation before the Dayton School Board at the February 15 meeting. The Board heard reports from ASB President Hudson Reser and school administrators.

Superintendent Rich Stewart recommended hire of Architects West to work on prioritizing infrastructure needs while collaborating with McKinstry's energy saving projects, as well as to advise the Board on pursuing a capital levy or bond. The Board approved this recommendation. In addition, Stewart suggested holding one of their Board meetings or workshops yearly at the elementary school to go into the classrooms and see what they are doing. The Board responded favorably. He also mentioned beginning teacher contract negotiations. He told them that at the next regular meeting, they will need to approve a resolution regarding Esser funds that will impact school programs and staff.

Kindergartner Kai Dalton led the flag salute just before a presentation led by teacher Dawn McGhan about what they have been learning in art including learning the use of "I can" while making an Incan style rug, focusing on fine motor skills like cutting, drawing lines and patterns, and learning about texture. Teacher Kristin Ramirez then led the children in sharing with the Board their "Bean Bag Song."

ASB President and high school senior Hudson Reser reported on recent school events including ski trips in January for all secondary school students, a Valentine's Day rose sale and scavenger hunt. He said the junior class won overall and Lila Hutchens took the win for individual. They plan on having a spring Spirit Week around Prom time.

Board Chair Jeff McCowen suggested that since they missed their planned Mega Fun Day because of school being closed for a snow day, that they look at rescheduling it. Superintendent Stewart and Secondary Principal Guin Joyce were in favor of the idea.

Elementary Principal Amy Cox said in her report that she has been looking at options to bring in support for the K-12 counselor Caitlin Patterson to help reduce her workload. Stewart added that they have been meeting with Jan Strohbehn from the Public Health Office which is part of a Rural Health Alliance to apply for money available for counseling. Stewart said they want to fill in the gaps of what is needed for kids and for some it would mean having he option for family or emergency counseling with a possible virtual 24/7 option.

Cox also reported that the 100th day of school was February 3 and to celebrate everyone in the school was given glasses shaped like the number 100 to wear and each classroom had their own activities. The second-grade teachers challenged their students to read 100 books that day.

The fourth and fifth grade ski program is underway and will finish up this week. Taking them to Bluewood for four ski trips is part of the Physical Education program.

Principal Joyce reported the Leadership Team is working to become accredited for the Washington State Association of Educational Service Districts for best practices for school improvement particularly to prepare students for success in post-secondary education. Part of the requirements is forming mission and vision statements with feedback from staff and Dayton Boosters. Joyce will work through the final steps before the April 1 due date. Staff continues with professional development using Character Strong most recently pertaining to promoting belonging and collective commitments and the impacts on learning.

In seventh and eighth grade classes the students formulated their own energy bars that had to meet specific nutrition, caloric and cost requirements.

FFA students attended Corduroy at the Capitol where they had the chance to hear from representatives about the legislative process and recent efforts, learn the importance of civic responsibility and experience a day at the Capitol.

Dean of Students Hannelee Farrell said secondary student referrals are going down from about 116 in September to 23 in January. They have implemented a three-part program for referrals that are instructional, reflective, and restorative as related to the offense which follows the PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) strategy. Each piece has its own work which is completed in the Bulldog Room. Instructional may include a lesson or independent research with a presentation. Reflective is where the student examines why they made the decision, what they learned and how to avoid making the same mistake. Restorative may be writing apology letters to those affected by the infraction. Parents are included in the process while also keeping the kids at school.