NEW PARIS — Several students were recognized at the National Trail Local Schools Board of Education meeting held Wednesday, April 27.
Elementary principal Ed Eales, middle school principal Jen Couch, and high school principal Mike Eyler recognized each grade level’s students of the month for March. The board and everyone attending congratulated the students on their hard work and participation in school activities. Also recognized was the teacher of the month, Chad Stebbins.
Middle school Solo and Ensemble contest participants were recognized their “Superior” ratings for their excellence in music for band. Several FFA students were recognized for various achievements as well.
Individuals recognized included:
Elementary students of the month: Ryder Staud, Zien Layton, Karson Schweizer, Jackson Smith, Hannah Foster and Avery Lee.
Middle school students of the month: fifth grade, Leigha Denlinger, Felicity Rohrer and Cain Bond; sixth grade, Lane Gebhart, Natalie Newman and Bre Leal; seventh grade, Jarrod Fox, Nevaeh Standifer and Scarlett Rutan and eighth grade, Jemma Filbrun, Tayten Reynolds and Liam Conway.
High School students of the month: ninth grade, Kassidy Allen and Grant Deaton; 10th grade, Madison Palmer and Alyssa Ibarra; 11th grade, Katelynn Neace and 12th grade, Khyler Grant and Lilly Bowerman.
Middle School Solo and Ensemble Superior Ratings: Maya Palmer and Grace Osswald, both for clarinet.
FFA recognitions included:
State Ag Sales Team (3rd place in State) — Henry Toschlog, Emmalie Besecker, Garland Weaver, Mykenize Smith and Leland Miller.
State FFA Degree — Tyler Alexander, Ellie Lawson, Alison Kimball, Haley Davidson, Hannah Lee and Paige Lee.
State FFA Band — Ellie Lawson and Garland Weaver
State FFA Talent Show — Ellie Lawson, Blake Osswald, Megan Irvin, Keaton Lipps, Eathan Osswald, Ethan Kosier, Miranda Ott, Garland Weaver and Grant Deaton.
Public Speaking State Participant — Garland Weaver.
FFA Gold Books – Daniel Mann (Treasurer Book), Mykenzie Smith (Secretary), Paige Lee (Reporter)
Proficiency Awards — Alyssa Zdobinski (Top 4 Fruit Production,) Skyler Ward (Top 4 Beef Production) and Hanna Lee (Honorable Mention.)
In other business:
Principal Eales stated the elementary school is working on creating a showcase for the students’ work throughout the year. It was an idea brought to him by the teachers which will give the students more recognition for their work.
Principal Couch is planning an end-of-year assembly with a day full of events. It is modeled after a field day and will include games, activities, and food. It will be held Tuesday, May 24, with plans to involve the Chuck Wagon food truck as a treat.
Principal Eyler reported the high school has been completing testing. Eyler spoke about his plans to work with the state regarding standardized pathways for special education students who may struggle. “We’re working to make sure that those industry credentials are attainable,” he said.
During public comments, Lon Swihart, a teacher at National Trail, asked to speak. Swihart brought to the board’s attention the issue of the retire/rehire policy for staff. The retire/rehire policy is where a staff member can retire but still continue to work at the school as a one-year employee. Each year the contract expires and the board votes to bring that staff member back for the next school year.
Swihart asked the board to make a standard, consistent contract which is the same for every retired/rehire employee. Some possible features included: the pay of the employee would return to zero percent and the years worked previously would have no effect on the employees’ pay after a new year. There would be a non-renewal for the returning employee.
Also discussed at the meeting in the transportation report presented by John Toschlog, was road construction in Jackson Township. This may cause frustration for everyone around the school, he said. Toschlog also reported the school has ordered new buses which will be used in the new school year. Older buses will not be disposed of but used as back-up transportation when needed.
Toschlog reported he had attended the Regional School Bus Rodeo. “It was a very worthy cause for promoting school bus safety,” he said. It was one of nine regional events which took place and the school will move on to the state competition.
National Trail has been working to open the outdoor eating area which was recently constructed. It will likely be ready for the coming school year for students in grades 7-12, and staff, to enjoy.
