LCC Board hears update on COVID-19 precautions
Angie Steffen
Laurel Advocate
COLERIDGE — The on-going precautions to keep COVID out of the schools was the main topic of discussion at Monday’s Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board meeting.
“We don’t want to be ultra restrictive,’’ Supt. Jeremy Christiansen said. “As we look at other schools, our precautions are less restrictive than other schools. We have looked at where is the greatest risk and how can we minimize contact.”
Christiansen said the school is not requiring face masks in the hallways, while most surrounding schools have students wearing masks all the time.
“We have had quite a few Teammate mentors calling in about virus protocol. It is a big challenge, students are doing a good job.’’ Christiansen said. He continues to monitor the situation at the school daily.
Christiansen gave a personnel update on the Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional position. Interviews for this position (created by the resignation of Lora Heithold) were completed. Deana Leonard accepted the position and began her duties on Oct. 12. Leonard has a teaching certificate and many years of successful teaching and paraprofessional experience that will serve to support our students and programs.
Christiansen informed the board about the custodial position. This full-time, 12-month position remains open and advertised. Linda Dorschner resigned effective Oct. 6 due to personal health complications.
Each school year LCC enters into Interlocal Agreements with other school districts for the purpose of both providing educational services and classes for students from other school districts, as well receiving educational services and classes for LCC students.
“We are considering approval of Interlocal Agreements with two school districts - Wynot and Hartington-Newcastle,’’ Christiansen said. “We provide two courses via distance learning technology to Wynot students and receive four courses, each dual-credit, college-level, taught by their teachers. LCC provides special education services for two Hartington-Newcastle students through our Level III Program.”
Board members began the Superintendent appraisal process.
They are to complete the online version by the next meeting on Nov. 9. Prior to the December Board meeting, Jay Hall and Carol Erwin will coordinate small group sessions to share appraisal feedback with the Superintendent.
The “Building for the Future - LCC School Bond” campaign committee has been promoting the school project. The group has mailed out the fast facts document and the brochure to all postal patrons in our school district communities.
The committee has established a Facebook page with regular updates and sharing of information: https://www.facebook.com/Building-for-the-Future-LCC-School-Bond-10 9428377588845/ Factual information about the proposed project and bond issue has been posted on the school website: www.lccschool.org (COMMUNITY tab; LCC SCHOOL BOND link).
Community Forum events are:
Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coleridge Community Club meeting - Rodeo’s
Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Laurel Learning Center Library.
Friday, Oct. 23 from 7 to 8 a.m. in the Laurel Learning Center/Library and noon to 1 p.m. in the Laurel Learning Center/Library 5 to 6 p.m. in the Laurel Learning Center/Library,
Paige Parsons, LCC Elementary Principal, and other principals gave reports in written form. Teachers will focus on the areas of Math and ELA for students, and the majority of the assignments/instruction will happen via Seesaw for a remote learning plan. Students are working towards Caught Being Good tickets. As of this week, students have earned around 1206 tickets.
Fourth Grade attended the Ponca Expo and also attended the Virtual River Expo on Sept. 18.
The K-8 Parent Teacher Organization received donations for the both campuses teacher workrooms. Parents donated a new Keurig and microwaves for each building. PTO Trunk or Treat was held Oct. 11 at Haskell Field.
Curriculum/Instruction Professional Development Opportunities – Remote Learning Committee – Throughout the month of October, the Remote Learning Committee met to create expectations and parameters for LCC staff regarding at-home learning for students in quarantine. Members of this committee are: Alan Gottula, Zeke Stephens, Kati Hahne, Alex McKamy, Amy Hall, Ashley Promise, Bob Parsons, Ken Swanson, Mark Leonard, Jeremy Christiansen, and Paige Parsons. This committee fully prepared and implemented remote learning plans for both campuses and will continue to support teachers through the remote learning process. The LCC administration commended this group for their leadership, planning, and hard work in this endeavor.
ACT Testing involved the seniors taking the ACT test on Sept. 22 and making up for missing the test their Junior year due to Covid.
Juniors took the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test on Sept. 29.
The test is designed to help determine students’ strengths. The ASVAB is timed and takes about three and a half hours to complete.
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