Illness has taken a toll on Eureka Springs students, especially in the elementary and middle school grades. In their reports to the school board Monday evening, Elementary Principal Clare Haozous and Middle School Principal Trina Bonham both said student absences have mounted, creating problems with make-ups for standardized tests.
High School Principal Caen Dowell said the high school has experienced some illness, but at a much lower rate than the lower grades. Dowell’s report also noted that spring sports are about to begin. The FFA students have been very active, and juniors are preparing for ACT tests. Dowell also described a partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, with healthcare professionals visiting the school to help educate students on health and safety issues.
Haozous said 50 students took part in a cheerleading camp. Students are participating in an FFA writing challenge, and the best submissions from each class will be forwarded to the high school FFA for judging.
EAST students have gone to nursing homes to interact with the residents. The absentee rate has disrupted practice tests leading up to the statewide ATLAS [Arkansas Teaching, Learning & Assessment System] testing. Students will have a Valentine’s Day party on Friday. The “One School, One Book” program will return this year, as all elementary students will read Hush, Hush. That reading incentive will kick off on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
Bonham said middle school enrollment has declined a little since the start of the year, with 185 students currently on campus. Band students in grades 7-12 will participate in a competition in early March. Bonham said students are “super excited” about the middle school dance this Friday.
The Quiz Bowl team took second at regionals, and they will go to state this weekend. Chess students are also likely to qualify for state competition. Bonham said illnesses have taken a toll on testing, but the students who have shown up are already showing progress. After the interim testing is complete, the school will provide two-hour tutoring sessions on Saturday for students needing extra help before taking the ATLAS test later in the spring.
In other business:
- The school calendar for the coming school year appeared on the agenda, but that item will move to the agenda for the March 9 meeting.
- Supt. Bryan Pruitt explained that the LEARNS Act set the starting pay for teachers at $50,000, and the school has struggled to re-create a salary schedule that rewards additional degrees and teaching experience. “We’re building our salary schedule back,” Pruitt said, with step raises every two years. Pay increases averaged four percent, although some teachers received higher raises to help reward their qualifications.
- Business teacher Billie Reed introduced several members of the Future Business Leaders of America, and the students took turns describing some of their activities. Reed commended her students for their efforts, and mentioned an upcoming leadership conference.