At its August 25 meeting, band and choir instructor for the middle and high schools, Barry Milner, addressed the Eureka Springs School Board on behalf of both schools. He acknowledged the board for its part in allowing him to replace much of his inventory of instruments, some of which were more than 20 years old, and mentioned the high school choir has grown from ten members two years ago to 25 this year. His sixth grade band has 22 students and the middle school and high school bands both have 20, and he plans to participate in parades in town and present concerts during the year.
Milner was pleased to announce the high school band earned a “Distinguished” rating in competition, which he said is the same as an A grade, and it was the first time the students had ever seen or heard the other bands perform. He has embarked on a fundraising campaign to get concert uniforms for participants in the middle and high school bands and choirs, which means collecting $60 – 100 for each of the 100 students involved.
Milner also fundraised to take his students to hear the University of Arkansas Wind Symphony perform “Serenade for Horn and Band,” a piece he composed which has been published by Alfred Publications.
“I’m trying to expose the kids to good experiences with music,” Milner commented.
Board member Jason Morris asked if the high school sports team had to fundraise for their uniforms. He acknowledged Milner for the good job he has done and wanted the district to support his efforts.
Superintendent Bryan Pruitt replied the sports teams have a booster club to help with uniform purchases, and Milner could start his own booster club, although he gets support from local banks and civic clubs. He said Milner has a generous budget for equipment, equipment repair and supplies such as sheet music. “We want to support that program. It’s a lifelong skill.”
Terry Day, first grade teacher who reported for the elementary school, said teachers are focusing on positive student choices, and through their partnership with the University of Arkansas have been exposed to strategies for teaching the same standards across their curricula. Elementary teachers also engaged in team-building through “wacky bowling” in which one of the challenges was to roll the ball between your partner’s legs.
She said elementary students now have access to more challenging computer applications and a new math curriculum which uses consistent verbiage from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Following an executive session, the board approved these personnel changes:
- accepted resignation of Daniel Moose
- hired Cathy Sisco (paraprofessional); Tony Jewell (custodian); Christy Parker (cafeteria manager); Danelle Botner, Helen Brown, Lena Fryar (6-hour cafeteria); and Rachel Sicard (high school social studies teacher).
Next meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 15, at 5:30 p.m.