ABOVE: A student makes his presentation while wearing a Revolutionary War costume.
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By PETER DAY
Leader Editor
Members of the Lucerne Valley Unified School District board of trustees last Wednesday were treated to a sampling of local fifth-graders’ “Walk Through The American Revolution” presentations.
The LVES students presented themselves as iconic American Revolution characters such as John Adams, George Washington and others. Several participants wore costumes from the era.
The following are additional highlights from the meeting, which was held in an LVES classroom:
Student representative reports
Emma Gardner of LVES said every grade level except first grade was writing books. She also mentioned the “Walk through the American Revolution” presentations and said that report cards are due Nov. 22. Thanksgiving break will run Nov. 23 through 30. The school is also starting a drama club, she said.
Chris Campos reported on the high school and middle school. He said senior portraits are coming up. Girls volleyball made it into C.I.F. play but were unable to defeat their opponent in the first round. Disney singer Trevor Jackson came to the school and sang for the students. Football shirts and senior class sweaters are out. The school was going have a Community Movie Night. Campos, who is a member of the league champion Mustang football team, was looking forward to Saturday’s playoff game against Thacher School of Ojai, which beat Lucerne Valley last year.
Representing the LVHS FFA, Jesus Rendon talked about the recent trip three local FFA students took to Louisville, KY. Mrs. Campos will make enchiladas for a weekend event. Next month, FFA members will compete in a job interview contest. Rendon also brought a hard hat and vest he was given when several members visited an area quarry.
In other news, a representative of Sky Mountain Charter showed the school’s newsletter and discussed how the school will share the basics of Common Core to parents.
LVUSD Superintendent Suzette Davis gave a report on the district’s enrollment. She said there are 772 students, 40 more than projected for this time.
“Although it is declining it is declining at a much slower pace, thank goodness,” She said. “It's going in the right direction.”
Davis also discussed having no complaints per the Williams Quarterly Uniform Complaint Report. She also talked about the Williams Site Visit Facility Inspection Reports.
"We have a crackerjack maintenance team,” she said. “As soon as things pop up they're fixed."
She also talked about the creation of the Governance Calendar, which she worked on with board president Jim Harvey and board member Jodi Collingham.
During the report section, Billy Wessell, the second-year district’s business services manager, said he is working on the first interim report. He also thanked the board for approving his attendance at the Association of California School Administrator’s School Business Academy.
“The topics are tremendous,” he said.
High school principal Patricia Courtney presented school capacity statistics previously requested by board member John Buchanan. Courtney said the gymnasium holds 1,286 people, which is perhaps the best gauge of campus capacity.
With that information, Buchanan asked how many classrooms are currently not being used for academics. Courtney answered there was one, a physical education and conditioning class.
Courtney also said the recent equestrian National Anthem display during a football game did not cost the school district. She thanked the Sullivan, Mitchell and Nemo families for their participation.
“Events are covered under the general liability policy of the district,” board member Dawn Turnbull said.
Buchanan said he doesn’t think district funds should pay for sports. Rather, students’ families should pay.
Courtney talked about the excitement the school is experiencing with the football team’s success on the gridiron.
"It's beyond exciting,” she said.
LVES principal Mary Eller said the Lions Club will do spaghetti dinners for students who scored proficient and advanced on last year’s standardized tests on Dec. 3 and 4. She also talked about participating in the Assistant Superintendent’s Symposium.
Davis talked about the Shakeout event, which had all sites participating in earthquake simulations. She too thanked the board for enabling her to attend a special academy for administrators.
"It's just phenomenal,” she said. "Thanking you for making sure we have that resource behind us."
Davis also said the district has finalized its Strategic Plan.
"We are rocking and rolling. I'm excited about it all.”
Following up on Courtney’s presentation, Buchanan said he wants to explore the idea of merging the district’s two campuses into one at the high school/middle school.
"If you want to have sports in the public schools it shouldn't be paid for by the the school district."
Buchanan also asked Eller about the status of an anti-bullying program at the school.
He also asked for the principals to present benchmark progress.
Collingham was excited about the Governance Conference.
"I can't believe how much I learned,” she said. "I'm certainly going to go in February, because it's so much worth it."
Turnbull said she also went to the event.
Harvey said the meeting audio is up on the new website, but the district is still working on getting email links to the site.
The board also voted on donating Sky Mountain Charter School items to Goodwill, decided to hold off on select nominations for the CSBA Delegate Assembly and approved allowing longtime teacher Cindy Lazenby to teach math for grades 7 and 8.
December’s school board meeting will be held at the Middle School/High School.
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