Additional paraprofessional staff approved
Due to an increase in student enrollment and changes to bus drop off procedures, three elementary schools need support. Recommendation is to hire 4 paraprofessionals (.50 FTE for each) who will be assigned at Marcy Elementary School (2 positions), Lannon Elementary School (1 position) and Maple Avenue Elementary School (1 position) for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year.
No students accepted into early admission
No students were admitted early into kindergarten for 5-year-olds or grade 1, according to a report presented by Special Services Supervisor John Peterson. No parents requested early admission.
District policy indicates children must be four, five or six years old by Sept. 1 to enter four-year-old kindergarten, regular kindergarten or first grade, respectively. While procedures exist for early admission to regular kindergarten and first grade, no early admission is granted for four-year-old kindergarten. Peterson’s report provided 20 years of data about early admission requests and approvals.
Curriculum review cycle approved, testing schedule presented
The Hamilton School District uses a 5-year curriculum review process to analyze standards for each content area. Instructional Supervisor Catherine Drago presented a report on the cycle designed to create a more cohesive, united system that provides clarity around what high quality learning looks like in each content area.
Drago also presented the district’s 2022-23 testing schedule. This includes assessments such as PALS, ACCESS, ACT exams, PreACT Secure, Dynamic Learning Maps, Forward Exam and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP.)
ESEA report approved
Human Resources Director John Roubik presented the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) consolidated grant initiatives 2022-23 report. Programs that comprise ESEA are: Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged; Preparing Training and Recruiting Licensed Teachers, Principals and Other School Leaders Grants; Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students; and Support and Academic Enrichment Grant.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction estimates that the district will receive approximately $176,000 of federal funds for these programs. The final amount will not be known until later.
Citizens comments
Greg Winston, a parent in the district, said he would have concerns over removing books from curriculum. He referred to discussions that took place at the August 15, 2022 School Board meeting in regards to a book approved for Grades 7 and 8 TMS English Language Arts Curriculum. He says the approved book can help students.
Patti Mitchell said she read the book approved for Grades 7 and 8 TMS English Language Arts Curriculum and found it developmentally appropriate and engaging. She provided copies of the book.
Reports reviewed and approved
Several reports and documents were reviewed and approved including:
- Board Student Representative Report
- Updated Teacher Supervision and Evaluation Policies and Procedures
- Update regarding Strategic Plan Priorities and Tactical Plans
In personnel news
The School Board approved the resignations of:
- Karen Hughes, paraprofessional–clerical at Marcy Elementary School, effective Aug. 16;
- Angela Oglesby, associate kitchen employee at Lannon Elementary School, effective Aug.22;
- Sarah Geiger, paraprofessional–instructional & supervision at Hamilton High School, effective Aug. 31; and
- Jimmy Baisdin, custodian I, a.m. PT at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective Sept. 14.
The School Board approved the retirement of:
- Carol Gruett, custodian II, p.m. at Woodside Elementary School, effective Dec. 1.
The School Board approved the appointments of:
- Megan DeGeorge, paraprofessional-instructional & supervision at Woodside Elementary School, effective Sept. 1;
- Mary Manning, science replacement teacher at Hamilton High School, effective Aug. 22;
- Sheri Turnacliff, communication arts replacement teacher at Hamilton High School, effective Aug. 22;
- Xiao “Ely” Liu, paraprofessional–special services at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective Sept. 1;
- Kelly Supercynski, paraprofessional–instructional & supervision at Lannon Elementary School, effective Sept. 1;
- Joy Buntrock, literacy interventionist at Maple Avenue Elementary School, effective Aug. 24;
- Christine Schwoerer, paraprofessional–clerical at Marcy Elementary School, effective Sept. 1;
- Mark Mayer, associate kitchen employee at Hamilton High School, effective Sept. 1;
- Abby Johnson, math interventionist at Templeton Middle School, effective Aug. 24;
- Elizabeth Chetney, associate kitchen employee at Lannon Elementary School, effective Sept. 1;
- Susan Scaife, paraprofessional–special services at Woodside Elementary School, effective Sept. 1;
- Michael Murphy, custodian I, p.m. at Hamilton High School, effective Sept. 7;
- Pamela Kurth, custodian I, p.m. at Silver Spring Intermediate School, effective Sept. 14; and
- Myles Mayer, paraprofessional–instructional & supervision at Hamilton High School, effective Sept. 26.