The Pilot News - School board discusses CCHS scores

Hanselman prefaced his presentation by noting that the along with himself, all faculty and staff were committed to accountability, although they aren’t necessarily in agreement with the different criteria used to judge the school’s achievement status.
Noting that the score of 57 percent was well below the 77.9 percent achieved four years ago that designated CCHS as “exemplary”, Hanselman said research indicated that a drop in scores between the freshman class and sophomore class (on which these test scores were based) seemed to be related to the help resources received prior to entering the freshman year and the lessening of intense training as the students entered high school.
Programs being instituted will include a grant being written whose funds will provide a computer for each student. There will be a remedial Language Arts and Math Arts for freshmen. Checking test scores will result in three groups receiving additional assistance in Language and Math. The groups will be based on students scoring below the 25 percentile, those at the 25 percentile, and those scoring above. There will also be a transition program for freshmen with a staff and teachers. The program will orient incoming freshmen on the policies of the high school, offer counseling, tutoring, and any further assistance a student may require.
There will be a “teen” teaching program with two teachers, including a special needs teacher for English, Math and Science.
A professional development program in English and Math will be held during Student Resource Time (SRT).
There will be a second period in English and Math labs, and finally, there will be staffing changes, Hanselman concluded.
Schuldt reported that Marilyn Day was retiring and Katie Ettlinger was resigning to pursue her Master’s degree. Kyle Elliott has been appointed Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and Ashley Thomas will be the cheerleading coach.
Summer School programs are being finalized. Culver Elementary mandatory sixth grade summer school will run June 1 to June 13. Science class will be held June 1 to June 5. Jump Start for grades one through six will run from July 21 to August 1. Additional dates can be found on the school’s web site. The cost of Drivers’ Education will remain $395. Schuldt also noted that the Summer School band program would be expanded.
George Irvin, Middle School administrator, introduced the handbook for next year. The board will review and make recommendations. Irvin also gave the board copies of his “Indicator-for grades K-12” that lists items staff members must know for each grade level. He also recommended an additional staff member for Physical Education classes, which the board said they were in favor of adding.
Schuldt announced that interviews have begun for Irvin’s replacement. Irvin will retire at the end of this school year. Schuldt said that to date there are 25 applicants some of whom are principals or assistant principals.
Chuck Kitchell, Culver Elementary administrator, said that an open enrollment would be available again this year. A school that is on a probationary status for two years, must offer enrollment in another school in the district if the parent desires. Letters to this effect will go out this week, Kitchell said. Last year, approximately 17 students were interested in transferring to Monterey with a final total of 11 students making the transition.
Board members congratulated the Choral Group and Art Show students for their accomplishments. They also noted recognition given to the Top Ten students and their mentors by the Chamber of Commerce in Culver and the Culver Kiwanis. The Culver Lions Club also honored the high school’s leaders. Praise was given the Building and Trades group on the completion of their 2008 house.