Chelsea State Bank ad

Chelsea School Board learns about special field trips; student board reps named

File photo. Chelsea Board of Education Administration Building.
File photo. Chelsea Board of Education Administration Building.

By Crystal Hayduk

Some Chelsea High School students may travel internationally next summer if two special field trips are approved in January. Chelsea School District Board of Education members were presented with information about the trips at their regular meeting on Dec. 14.

Chelsea High School Principal Mike Kapolka presented information about a trip to Quebec City, Canada for French students. Eleven students have committed to travel, accompanied by French teachers Steve Forsberg and Andrea Zapor, at a cost of about $1,400 per person for a seven-day trip in July. Arrangements would be made through Edu-Inter, which offers the summer French immersion program that includes classes, cultural experiences, and host families.

Orchestra director Jed Fritzemeier presented information about a Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO) performance trip to Scotland. He said that 22 students and 21 adults have committed to the trip for the Stirling Bridge International Youth Festival. Total cost is still to be determined, based on flight arrangements which are not finalized; however, ground cost in Scotland is $1,060 for a nine-day trip in July.

Fritzemeier said that students would perform in various communities each day of the trip, culminating in the Festival Gala Concert in the world famous Perth Concert Hall. “This is a heavy-duty performance trip,” he said. Speaking about his long-term goal for CHO students, he said, “This is the most viable option [for a trip like this] since I’ve been in Chelsea.”

With board members Tammy Lehman, Laurel McDevitt, and Greg Rhodes absent, board action was taken with a quorum. The board approved changes to course names for several art and vocal music classes at the high school, updates to the music curriculum, and changes to legal terms and classroom language in reproductive health classes.

The board also approved a contract with Chartwells to provide management for the district’s food services. The change will begin on Jan. 4, following the retirement of Sue Gregg, food service director. Superintendent Dave Killips emphasized that the multi-year contract is to provide management only, and that the district is not privatizing food services. Congregate meals at Chelsea Senior Center and Meals on Wheels will remain unchanged as part of the contract.

Killips reviewed upcoming changes to board policies, which include the addition of expectant mothers to the Family Medical Leave Act and limits to the gifts that district employees may receive.

The policy committee has not finalized their review process. One policy that they are still reviewing is that of school-related activities on Sundays. During the meeting, board members requested opinions from administrators and teachers who were present. Brad Bush, athletic director and assistant principal at CHS, said that he would appreciate an adjustment “… so we can make the best decisions for the kids – so we have options.”

Killips said that keeping Wednesday evenings free of activities was revised about 10 years ago. “This [Sunday] is just not a black-and-white decision,” he said.

In his superintendent report, Killips announced that senior Nic Arons and junior Carly Critchfield have been selected to serve the school board as the student representatives. They will join the board in January.

Upcoming dates:

  • Winter break begins Dec. 21; school resumes Jan. 4.
  • The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center.
  • The next special (superintendent search) board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 21 in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center. The board will review legal guidelines and begin to prepare interview questions.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

More News

Special community service Sunday at St. Paul United Church of Christ

August 23, 2012

SRSLY announces last two movies of the season

August 23, 2012

Chelsea Community Hospital Golf Classic raises $87,000 for Cancer Center

August 23, 2012

At the Fair: Kiddie Parade rides through town

August 23, 2012

Anderson, Chelsea Area Fire Authority in Wall Street Journal

August 23, 2012

Dexter Township attempted break-in reported

August 22, 2012

At the fair: some interesting sights from opening day

August 22, 2012

At the fair: Enter Run for the Rolls or just cheer on the participants

August 22, 2012

At the fair: new flagpole dedication Tuesday night

August 22, 2012

At the fair: Koenn sweeps grand champion lamb, senior showmanship

August 22, 2012

Long-time coming: ribbon cutting for Chelsea’s new police station

August 22, 2012

Winning tips from first-time fair judge, long-time Kroger produce clerk

August 21, 2012

It’s official: Let the 75th Annual Chelsea Community Fair begin

August 21, 2012

Seven new teachers ready to begin the new school year

August 21, 2012

From the judge’s table: Let the 75th Annual Chelsea Community Fair begin

August 21, 2012

In case you missed it: Here’s a glimpse of the Sunday tractor pull

August 20, 2012

No Farmer’s Market on Aug. 22 – Enjoy the Fair

August 20, 2012

Aug. 30 fundraiser planned for candidate Gretchen Driskell

August 20, 2012

Green barn full of energy as community enters still exhibits Sunday

August 20, 2012

(Almost) first month in review: publisher’s letter to readers

August 19, 2012

Countdown to fair: Plan Your Week with this schedule

August 19, 2012