Shaber Discusses Goals for Dayton Schools

DAYTON – New Dayton Secondary Principal Paul Shaber spoke to the school board last week regarding two items he believes to be important to the overall environment of the district, according to Superintendent Doug Johnson.

First, Shaber shared information and a plan regarding the recognition of positive behavior by students in grades 6-12. Shaber has determined, after talking to some staff members and reviewing district data, three behavior areas where improvement is needed include: tardiness, truancy and responsibility (completing and turning in assignments).

Shaber said he is talking with others in an effort to provide options and funding for positive incentives for students. Shaber and Johnson attended a conference breakout session where the Steilacoom School District shared the work they have done and the progress they have made with middle school students – especially in the area of completing assignments. After four years, the middle school has nearly 75 percent of their students in the 100 percent homework club. Shaber hopes for similar success here, Johnson said.

Shaber’s second topic was an idea to introduce teacher-designed online courses for Dayton students. The online courses would be designed by Dayton teachers and are considered an option for providing a much broader list of potential elective courses for students. Courses could result in the student earning ¼ credit all the way to 1 credit depending on the class.

With support from the district, teachers would design the courses; small groups of students would take the course during one of their regular periods. While there are some unanswered questions, Shaber is excited about the possibilities, Johnson said.