The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
February Meeting Report
The La Harpe School Board met Monday night, February 14th, in regular session with members Dan Horton, Barbara Cox, Lawrence Johnson, Ricky Johnson, Cindy Wear, and Mark Irish present.
Also present were Supt. Jo Campbell, Lila McKeown, Charlotte Davis, Pat Deitrich, Larry Caston, Linda Branch, Joyce Crim, Jack McKinnon, John Quigle, Ned and Dottie Palmer, Todd Porter, Bonnie Willdrick, Cindy Bruns, Elaine Long from C.S.C., and Joy Swearington Editor at the Hancock Journal-Pilot.
Ms. Long from Carl Sandburg College passed out the February edition of the Envoy Report and pointed out several articles in it.
The board appointed Larry Caston to fill the vacancy on the school board which occurred with the resignation of Ed Pence. The board approved the employment of Don Luper as head high school track coach for this school year.
They also approved requests by Robin Thompson for use of the elementary playground for soccer practice, Larry Caston for the use of the gym for softball pitching lessons, and Candy McDowell for use of the elementary gym for a birthday party.
Discussion was held concerning reduction in force options for the 2005-06 school year, policy updates, and the convergence referendum.
Elementary Principal Charlotte Davis reported that the Preschool screening is scheduled for February 24 and 25 at the Christian Church. Six staff members are being trained in Student Assistance Program through the Regional Office of Education grant.
Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Wright will be attending the Title I Conference this year.
ISAT assessments will begin March 8 and run for 2 weeks. They are to be completed during the first week, using the second week for make-ups.
Students in grades 3,5,8 are being assessed in Reading and Math. Students in grades 4,7 are being assessed in Science.
The 7/8 boys basketball teams have finished their season.
The 7th grade played in two rounds of the State Finals. The 5/6 boys basketball and girls volleyball continue their seasons.
The Honors Group sponsored the Valentine Dance on February 11. An induction of new members is being planned for next month.
The first awards night for 5th-8th grade students is scheduled for March 29 at 7 p.m. in the high school gym.
Spring photos for PK-8th grade will be on March 15. Group activity photos for the yearbook will also be taken that day. Jump Rope for Heart for K-6 was held February 18. Valentine parties for PK-5 took place on February 14.
High School Principal Lila McKeown reported that the high school girls have completed their season. They finished their season with a strong showing. Carlie Wear and Hannah Gentes (WP) will be advancing to Sectional in the 3-point shoot-out.
The high school boys Regional has been this week at West Prairie. Mrs. Ramsey is pleased with the performance of the high school scholastic bowl team.
Students are meeting once a week for the ACT/PSAE review in English, Math, and Science.
Mrs. Logan has started meeting with students about class scheduling for next year. The faculty completed the Crisis Training on January 28.
The annual Sweetheart Dance was held February 12. Jason Poulter and Brittany Campbell were the king and queen.
Dan Horton read the Ag Report prepared by Paul Mealiff.
Tanieka Rodeffer, Lindsey Pollock, and Alyssa Swanson attended the 2005 Made for Excellence Conference at Collinsville, January 21-22, where they learned about organizing, planning, setting goals and teamwork.
The Agribusiness Class consisting of Cliff Evans, Austin Johnson, Jacob Markey, Jason Poulter, Ben Cox, Joni Dowell, Justin Sparrow, and Cody McKeown along with chaperones Andy Johnson and Mr. Mealiff went on a Marketing Field Trip to the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
On January 29, La Harpe FFA members, Ben Cox, Joni Dowell, Justin Sparrow, J.D. Hobby, and Meranda Reed sold hot sandwiches, soup, pie, coffee, hot chocolate, and soda at the Ruth Cedar farm sale.
The Horticulture class received 600 flower cutting plugs which they planted in hanging baskets, flower pots, and hanging bags.
Around 125 students attended the Sweetheart Dance on February 12 where Brittany Campbell and Jason Poulter were crowned Queen and King by the 2004 King, Brian Covert.
Other class attendants included: Juniors, Jenna Ourth and Justin Sparrow;
Sophomores, Hannah Brown and Blake Mealey; and
Freshman, Morgan Mohr and Skyler Pence.
Mrs. McKeown, Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz and Laurie Magee were chaperones.
Joni Dowell, Cody McKeown, and Dana Eddington helped to coordinate this setup.