TCN administrators share reports

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LEWISBURG — During the Tri-County North Board of Education meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, administrators shared reports on the elementary book fair, student-lead conferences, the recent Veterans Day assembly, and an upcoming “boot camp” for Juniors and Seniors.

Elementary Principal Joe Finkbine started by recapping grandparents week, which coincided with the book fair, making both events successful. With the use of donations — through grandparents and through a coin drive — every student was able to purchase a book this year.

“We had a great turn out of grandparents coming in, spending lunch with their grandchildren, and also having the opportunity to go to the book fair. It was a really positive thing and did really well with our book fair,” he said.

“Every student in the elementary was able to get a book through the book fair this year. That was a really exciting thing. In the past, our best book fair we’ve had in the last several years did $7,000 in sales. This year, we were at almost $8,300. We did a really good job with getting books in kids hands.”

Board member Terry Good asked what the funds from the book fair benefit.

Finkbine responded, “All that money that is raised helps to purchase new books for the library, as well as [equipment for different stations in the library]. She’s purchased some iPads for students to work on – she uses [those funds] to purchase items to put right back into the library in the elementary.”

Middle School Principal Joe Hoelzle brought the conversation to conferences that were recently held.

“I was really impressed with all the parents that showed up to the parent teacher conference that were student lead,” he said. “I think the student-led conferences are the appropriate thing to do. In the middle school, it transitions from the elementary where they do teacher-lead conferences.

“At the middle school, when you do student-lead conferences, it is teaching students responsibility and to reflect on their progress so far this year. It has really lead to students reflecting. Students have to set goals [for] what they’ll be working on next.

“I really think it is an appropriate activity for middle school students to be doing.”

High School Principal Kristen Mills discussed upcoming efforts to help students ace tests and meet graduation requirements.

“The Academic Achievement team has worked relentlessly – this is a team that is working on and with the end of course exams and our MAP,” she said. “Today, we met with all the Juniors and Seniors who have to retake end of course exams. Last year, at this time, we did the same thing and the kids were angry, upset, and frustrated.

“This year, we had kids come in to us [and know what was expected of them]. It was phenomenal. I want to give a big thank you to all of our teachers and that academic achievement group. Last year, we made a big push for awareness.”

Mills added, they will be hosting a “end of course boot camp” for Juniors and Seniors starting on Monday, Nov. 25. This is for Juniors and Seniors who have not met their 18 points.

Finkbine, Hoelzle, Mills, and Superintendent Bill Derringer all commented on the Veterans Day assembly that was held the Friday before Veterans Day. Derringer even read letters the district received commending them for their program.

“I think it is something special we do here at Tri-County North. So Kudos to Mr. [Ron] Duncan for coordinating that with [Terra] Moniaci. It was a good day,” Finkbine said.

Mills added, “Shout out to the staff who helped with Veterans Day.”

“I also want to give some accolades [for the veterans program] — to all the teachers that have played a part,” Superintendent Derringer said.

By Kelsey Kimbler

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Reach Kelsey Kimbler at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @KKimbler_RH

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