Mr. Jason O’Neill from Policy Analytics gave a presentation on tax base analysis and property tax revenue projections.
Donations were accepted totalling $1,524. The 2021 Budget was officially approved, along with the Bus Replacement Plan, the Capital Projects Plan, and Resolution for Appropriations and Tax Rates (Form 4)
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Mike Keaffaber shared a few updates for the district. COVID-19 continues to present challenges but also opportunities. 65% of our students have returned to in-person learning. So, there are only 36 traditional virtual learners at this time.
Teacher Jane Kendall, SES 6th grade teacher, invited published author, Wendy Mass to interact with her students through Zoom. Mrs. Kendall and the students were very excited to ask questions of author Wendy Mass. Wendy Mass is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-nine novels for young people. Living in New Jersey, we probably would not have ever contracted with her to come in person so Zoom a tool to make this possible.
MSDWC recently provided and covered the cost for MSDWC students to take the SAT which took place at Northfield or Southwood. The PSAT will also be offered at the schools for sophomores and juniors.
Student & Staff Recognition
Many staff and student recognitions were shared.
Metro North Principal Janette Moore recognized several staff including Mrs. Lisa Bever, the MSDWC nurses, and all teachers who have taught in-person and virtually this semester. Community members were also thanked including Drs Gorman and Bunch, along with McClure’s Orchard and Garden Gate Greenhouse.
Northfield Jr/Sr High recognized the Lady Norse Volleyball team who secured the TRC Conference Championship. Abby Hunter also recently recorded her 2000th assist, while Elise Gottschalk recorded her 1000th reception/dig.
Mara Zolman and Andrew Burns were also congratulated for qualifying to run in the Regional Cross Country Meet.
Mrs. Michel, Mr. Dubois, Mr. Evans, and Mrs. Oetting were also thanked for providing an awesome training to 38 students for Sources of Strength. Mrs. Michel and Mr. Dubois also hosted free SAT at NHS for Seniors and have organized PSAT for Juniors.
Sharp Creek thanked Southwood Elementary Counselor, Valerie Law, for presenting bullying prevention information to Sharp Creek’s 4th and 5th grade students.
Southwood Jr/Sr High recognized Mrs. Shelly Faust for her efforts with Advanced Placement courses. She recently received a letter of recognition from the College Board congratulating her for her significant contribution to the AP Government Exam Reading.
Southwood’s Special Education teachers recently received high compliments from a family who transferred to SHS specifically for MSDWC’s special education services. They noted how hard the special education teachers have worked to help their children be successful.
Southwood also recognized Braden Sweet for winning the Cross Country Sectional, along with the SHS Football, noting their undefeated season so far and recently receiving an Exemplary Conduct Report from an official.
Southwood High
Southwood Jr/Sr High Principal Andrew McDaniel recognized Mrs. Shelly Faust for her efforts with Advanced Placement courses. She recently received a letter of recognition from the College Board congratulating her for her significant contribution to the AP Government Exam Reading. Mrs. Faust’s AP classes regularly score very well on the exam, earning students college credit!
Southwood’s Special Education teachers recently received high compliments from a family who transferred to SHS specifically for MSDWC’s special education services. They noted how hard the special education teachers have worked to help their children be successful.
As of Friday, October 9; the SHS Gridiron Knights are 8-0 and have defeated all other teams in the county. The season has included four games where the Knights led by 35 or more points at half time, allowing for a running clock in the second half. The team has battled injuries and had to plug in some younger players into the varsity lineup.
The SHS Football Team also recently received an Exemplary Conduct Report for their performance during the Friday, September 25th contest against Manchester. According to referee Scott Thompson: “This game is a rivalry and players could have easily been tempted to argue or “trash talk” as one team scored twice early in the contest. No player from either team spoke any disconcerting words toward players from the other team, and they carried themselves as gentlemen while playing hard throughout the contest. As officials, we appreciate the level of discipline and self-control instilled in the players by their respective coaching staffs.”
SHS also congratulated Braden Sweet for finishing number 1 overall at the Cross Country Sectional Meet with a fantastic time of 16:06. The boys qualified to compete at Regionals as a team, along with Aleia Sweet and Mariah Brown.
Northfield
Northfield Jr/Sr High Principal Jay Snyder recognized the Lady Norse Volleyball team who defeated North Miami on Thursday last week to remain undefeated in the TRC and secure the TRC Conference Championship. Along with team accolades, Abby Hunter also recorded her 2000th assist, while Elise Gottschalk recorded her 1000th reception/dig.
Mara Zolman and Andrew Burns were also congratulated for qualifying to run in the Regional Cross Country Meet.
Mrs. Michel, Mr. Dubois, Mr. Evans, and Mrs. Oetting were also thanked for providing an awesome training to 38 students for Sources of Strength. Mrs. Michel and Mr. Dubois also hosted free SAT at NHS for Seniors and have organized PSAT for Juniors.
Sharp Creek
Sharp Creek Principal Joel Martin thanked Southwood Elementary Counselor, Valerie Law, for presenting bullying prevention information to Sharp Creek’s 4th and 5th grade students.
Metro North
Metro North Principal Janette Moore thanks Drs Gorman and Bunch who presented MNE third graders with baggies full of dental supplies in celebration of dental awareness month.
Metro North also thanked all of the teachers that balanced teaching in the classroom all day and then devoting early mornings, evenings and weekends to our students enrolled in our virtual learning during the 1st nine weeks. Thank you Mrs. Kami Ross, Mrs. Tere Smith, Miss Anne Hacker, Mrs. Nicole Knox, Mrs. Jamie Haupert, Mrs. Tina Riggle, and Mrs. Courtney McClure. These teachers made numerous sacrifices in their personal lives to ensure that our students received quality instruction that measured up to the instruction their peers were receiving in our buildings.
Metro North Little Norse Preschoolers, Kindergarten and first grade classes are planning and experiencing their first study trips of the school year. McClure’s Orchard and Garden Gate Greenhouse have been incredibly accommodating and thorough in helping us ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff while getting to have some “normal” field trip experiences. Thank you to our area facilities that are welcoming our students and preparing for their trips.
Principal Moore shared a note of thanks from Mrs. Jamie Haupert to Mrs. Lisa Bever. Mrs. Haupert appreciates having Mrs. Bever to think through my technical needs, who has a greater skill set and makes time to help me resolve my own issues.
Lastly the MSDWC amazing nurses were recognized! They help assist in many ways throughout the buildings, but they have certainly helped keep us going this year. Thank you Mrs. Whitesel, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Holmes for staying on top of all of the rules, regulations, updates surrounding COVID as well as all of the other ailments and illnesses.
Metropolitan School District of Wabash County along with many partners continues to Dream Big and Work Hard! Thank you, parents and community for sending your children to our schools!