By Kelsey Kimbler
EATON — Eaton Middle School has a new course currently in its pilot year which is aimed at encouraging creativity and teaching basic skills, like measurement.
At Eaton Community Schools’ Board of Education meeting on Monday, Jan. 9, middle school Principal Derek Flatter gave a presentation on the series of courses, a program called “Lead the Way.”
The courses are taught by Harold Niehaus, whom Flatter described as a “real star.”
Lead the Way is a pilot program currently being offered at three different local districts, including Eaton and National Trail in Preble County, and Northmont in Montgomery County.
It is a program all students in grades 7-8 are a part of, but this will not always be so. Being the first year of the program, it looks a “little different” than it will once it is established, according to Flatter.
A small percentage of students in sixth grade are being offered the class as well. It is tweaked, due to the fact the students will also be taking it the next year. They are not identical courses, Flatter said.
Next year, every student in the seventh grade will take Modeling and Design (what they are taking this year), but eighth graders will have the option of taking an Automation and Robotics course.
Next year the course will function as a true elective, according to Flatter.
Also during the meeting, the Eaton FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team was recognized and commended for its “outstanding representation of Eaton Schools.” Members Trent Broermann, Andrew Brooks, Henry Roy Davis, Daphne Durham, Katelyn Niehaus, Blake Whitesell, and Cole Whitesell were congratulated for placing first in the state competition.
Treasurer Rachel Tait recognized the school board members on their “exemplary leadership and service to public schools” and presented them with certificates.
It was reported that the Parks and Recreation Board report met Dec. 13 with the Fort St. Clair Association about the restoration of the Fort. The Parks and Rec Board voted 4-0 to approve Phase I and II of the project. This part of the plan includes no hard labor, but instead is to visualize “where things could be out there.” This project is now waiting on Eaton City Council’s approval.
New Business, the board adopted the Personnel Consent Agenda, including:
•Bus Driver Richard Renner’s retirement, effective Feb. 28.
•Employment of Reserve Softball Coach Jennifer Couch and Grade 3 teacher Emily Dumler.
The Board also adopted the Administrative Consent Agenda, including:
•Approving the 201-2018 School Calendar. There was discussion regarding the first day of school being possibly too close to the end of fair week.
•Approving the 2017 Battelle for Kids Data Service agreement to process vendor assessments through the Northwest Evaluation Association.
•Approving the agreement with the Preble County Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the Preble County T.A.S.C. for the Provision of Urinalysis Services.
•Approving the contract with the Preble County General Health District to provide immunization services through Dec. 31, 2017.
•Approving the agreement with Hydro Phase Services, LLC to provide water treatment materials and service to all HVAC systems within the district and Wellness Complex.
•Approving out of state trips to Richmond 40 Bowl on May 9, 10, and 11.
•Accepting the donations to East Elementary to purchase items for families in need.
During an organizational meeting prior to the regular agenda, the president and vice president of the ECS Board of Education were elected. Board President for 2016 Lisa Noble was reelected for 2017. Board Vice President for 2016 Terry Parks was reelected for 2017.
The next board of education meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m.
Reach Kelsey Kimbler at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @KKimbler_RH
