By Crystal Hayduk
North Creek Elementary School Principal Luman Strong provided information comparing Young Fives and kindergarten curriculum to the Chelsea School District Board of Education at its meeting on Jan. 23.
According to Superintendent Julie Helber, the extra information presented was the result of public comment and concerns expressed at the last board meeting (related story here).
Strong said that the main differences in curriculum relate to the “breadth and depth of material, as well as the allocation of time.” The Young Fives program would provide a slower pace, basic information, more social components, and plenty of time for play.
Helber said that the Young Fives program would be a choice for families. “This won’t be for everyone,” she said. “Some families will choose a half day program elsewhere or a program they find on their own that fits their needs.”
The board unanimously approved beginning a Young Fives program if it is deemed “fiscally feasible.”
The first public information about the program will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at North Creek Elementary School during the “Getting Parents Ready for Kindergarten” meeting.
Orchestra Director Jed Fritzemeier and two members of Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO) presented a slide show documenting the group’s nine-day performance trip to Scotland in July, 2016. Junior Zoe Bowers and senior Reed Aldrich shared the photo diary along with information about their experiences and the variety of performance venues.
Fritzemeier thanked the board for granting permission for the international trip, in which CHO “showed off the district” and was able to experience the culture of Scotland, which was especially meaningful since the group plays Celtic music. “We hope to do it again someday,” he said.
In her superintendent’s report, Helber said that the Michigan Department of Education has designated Chelsea High School (CHS) as a Reward School for 2015-16. According to the Reward School List, CHS ranks in the top 5 percent of schools in the state, and is a high-performing, high progress school.
“This is a nice honor,” said Principal Mike Kapolka.
Helber drew attention to the new (work-in-progress) mental health and wellness website, which is accessible from the district’s homepage. It serves to provide resources for students, families, and staff. (Link here.)
In other board news:
- The board accepted a donation of $1,000 from Surface Dynamics and Roberts Paint and Body to assist with the needs of Chelsea students.
- In honor of School Board Recognition Month, the board viewed a video narrated by Matt Ceo, assistant principal of Beach Middle School, and a slide show featuring classrooms at South Meadows. Board members received cards handmade by CHS art teacher Geo Rutherford and signed by art students representing the high school, a letter from Rick Boham and the transportation department, and a banner covered with student handprints from the Chelsea Community Preschool. North Creek’s video was shown at the meeting on Jan. 9.
- Rick Catherman, director of bands, presented books to be donated to the schools’ media centers that were purchased by the Chelsea Education Association in appreciation of the school board.
- New board liaisons to the schools are as follows: North Creek – Anne Mann, South Meadows – Laura Bush, Beach Middle School – Dana Durst, Chelsea High School – Tammy Lehman.
- The board commended Chelsea High School, Geo Rutherford, Laura Naar, and Jason Murphy for the #WhyYouMatter campaign. (Related story here: https://chelseaupdate.com/whyyoumatter-grief-response-results-school-wide-art-project-slideshow/) The board also thanked Bert Kruse for 50 continuing years of coaching track.
Upcoming dates:
- The next student count day will be Feb. 8.
- There will be no school on Feb. 20 in honor of Presidents Day.
- The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center.
