August 19, 2019 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Committee Chair, Mary Winn, shared information pertaining to a pilot program at the elementary level which explores a more detailed report card.  After further consultation from Curriculum Director, Terri Martin, Mary touched on developments within the Career Pathways.  

Discussion:  With school starting, Superintendent Hastings offered a full look at the progress of trasitions at each of the buildings / facilities.  The community is invited to celebrate the completion of construction at the high school as we kickoff homecoming week on Monday, September 23 at 4:30 p.m. 

Discussion:  Josh Lacy commended staff at the Junior High for adding a drop off lane for sixth grade students.  In a recap of the August facilities committee meeting, he noted resurfacing of the high school track, and ongoing research on the maintenance of the tennis courts.  

Discussion:  After providing the facility committee report, Superintendent Hastings elaborated on the proposed handbook addendum within the action items.  

Discussion: 

Section 8 Core Courses for National Honor Society and Academic Honors: 

The following core courses will be required of all students who decide when they enter high school as sophomores that they want to be considered for National Honor Society, Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and/or the Top Ten in their class Graduation with Distinction.

English 10 - Speech I (not Language Arts I, II or English Comm.) 10 hours 

Junior Prep English 11 10 hours 

Senior English (Coll. Comp.) 10 hours 

American History 10 hours 

American Government/International Relations 10 hours

Biology 10 hours 

Chemistry I, Physiology, Physics (at least two) 20 hours

 Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus 30 hours 

World Language (1 year) or Western Civilization (1 year) 10 hours 

*For Core Only, ten hours of Accounting may be substituted for 10 of the 20 hours of math requirement. The rest of the 170 hours required for graduation may be electives. 

Senior candidates must have a minimum of 320 credit hours. 

 

Candidates for Valedictorian and Salutatorian may not have any open hours in their tenure at Gering High School. 

The cumulative grade point average includes credits from 9th through 12th grades. 

Student help, Library Aide, Study Hall, Upward Bound and Work Study do not contribute toward a student’s cumulative GPA. 

To be eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian honors, students must have been enrolled at Gering High School for their entire junior and senior years. 

 

Students who feel that they have completed a rigorous academic program and should be considered for Honors and/or National Honor Society can appeal their candidacy to the Academic Recognition Committee.  Courses that may be considered as acceptable alternatives include dual credit courses, Career Pathway capstone courses, and other courses deemed acceptable by the Academic Recognition Committee.

Discussion: 

Future Board Meetings

Second Monthly Meeting - Tues, Aug 27 @ 7:00 a.m. (Central Office)

Regular Board Meeting - Mon, Sept 16 @ 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers)

Second Monthly Meeting - Tues, Sept 24 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Office)

 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Policy Review Committee --  Tues, Aug 27 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office) 

Personnel Committee  --  Thurs, Aug 29 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)

Curriculum Committee  --  Tues, Sept 3 @ 7:00 a.m.  (Geil Elementary) 

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, Sept 5 @ 4:30 p.m.    

Business Committee  --  Mon, Sept 9 @ 4:30 p.m.  (Central Office)  

Discussion:  Brent Holliday expressed his excitement seeing the students occupying the high school on the first day of school barbeque noting that it was "surprisingly quiet" in the student commons with the accoustical features of the facility.  He stated "it finished up as a quality project" and he is excited to enjoy the first volleyball game there later this week.  Brady Shaul echoed Brent's sentiments before highlighting his appreciation for the refinancing of the bonds.  Josh Lacy thanked staff, students, and community members for their initiative and cooperation in making all of the grade reconfigurations and facility updates possible.  He acknowledged the additional time committment needed, but the outcome will be very beneficial for many years to come.  Mary Winn highlighted first day of school activities starting with an impactful speaker who had presented to students followed by kudos to the Foundation Director, Jennifer Sibal, on the first publication of an internal newsletter titled 'Bulldog Bulletin' and the digitalized 'Employee of the Month' nomination form.  Brian Copsey shared his appreciation for the financial management, vision and planning while staying abreast to the needs of our students, staff and community alike which was noted as a "tall task"  He also shined a light on the improvements that had taken place at the football stadium over the summer.  In closing, B.J. Peters cited a smooth transition and increased enrollment as the district kicked off the 2019-2020 school year.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.