Nick pays a visit to R-7 board

With a visit from Old Saint Nick, The Farmington R-7 School Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting last night at district offices.

Presenting gifts to the board and members of the media, Santa told everyone they had been very good this year.

During the communication part of the meeting, recognition was given to student athletes involved in the fall sports programs at Farmington High School who received post-season honors for their accomplishments on the field. Pat Burns, athletic director at the school, introduced some of those students in attendance to the board. Students on the softball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and football teams were recognized. It was noted that soccer players Phil Grix and Ross Wulfert are the first to be recognized with post-season honors.

The Heartland Hero Award was given to Donna Gallagher by Middle School Principal Dr. Dorothy Winslow. As a parent volunteer, Gallagher has spear-headed the Parent-Teacher Organization at the school. Dr. Winslow gave much praise to Gallagher for her work and dedication.

The Wal-Mart Featured Teacher was given to Middle School Librarian Allison Hensley for her work. Dr. Winslow made the presentation and said Hensley was a unanimous choice from among the staff at the school.

The board heard reports from building administrators on the Intervention Pyramids implemented to identify student in need of academic assistance. Matt Ruble, assistant principal at the high school, noted there has been more than 530 fewer deficiency notifications sent out from the school since the start of these programs and a large reduction in the number of D’s and F’s.

Reports were also given on the Special Education program in the district, a follow-up on the parent-teacher conferences held at the middle and high schools, as well as a report from Laura Denkler, the nurse at W.L. Johns Early Childhood Center and Truman Kindergarten on school health services throughout the district.

It was noted in her report that the seven school nurses in the district saw students for a total of 29,985 health related issues during the 2004-05 school year.

Under old business, the board approved the new graduation requirements proposed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education which will be phased in beginning with next year’s freshmen class as well as new requirements regarding student participation in graduation ceremonies.

In new business, the board gave its approval to place on 30-day review the proposed projects and projected expenses of the bond funds in regards to the No-Tax Increase bond issue which will be on the April 4, 2006 ballot. In addition, a document listing some of the most frequently-asked questions regarding the issue was also placed on thirty-day review.

The board will hold its next monthly meeting on Jan. 17, 2006.