School Board Ponders Project Timeline

DAYTON--In his report to the school board on March 2, Dayton School Superintendent Doug Johnson said he met with maintenance supervisor John Delp to develop a potential timeline to complete some of the items on the list of capital projects. Funding for those projects was approved by voters last month.

It was decided by the school principals and the board that replacing the communication system should take priority over other projects on the list.

Elementary school principal Pam Lindsley said students in some of the rooms can hear the intercom, but due to static, some students in other rooms cannot. She also said the intercom buttons don’t work.

“It’s a concern for a lot of teachers,” she said. She added, “It would be nice if the students in the music room could hear, as well those in the gym.”

Board Chairman Dan Butler felt that the communication system posed a concern for students’ safety, and that the communication system should be made a priority.

Johnson asked Lindsley and high school principal Paul Shaber to get teachers on board with helping design the phone system.

In the meantime, the district is exploring the engineering that may be required for the asphalt paving project, said Johnson.

Johnson also said that letters will go out to 21 students who have not received immunizations, or whose parents have not yet completed the paperwork that would exempt them from receiving immunizations. Johnson said the students have until March 18 to comply or they will not be allowed to attend school beginning on March 21.

Cal Martin, Secretary of the High School Associated Student Body, reported to the directors on events that are being planned for 40 to 50 students from Yamate, Japan, who are visiting in Dayton for two weeks in May.

The students will be here during prom week, Martin said. The ASB is hoping to procure prom attire for the girls, so they can attend the dance. Martin also hopes to get a bus lined up to take students out to the Running T Ranch for the prom night celebration.

Plans for the Japanese students also include holding a culture night and playing American games, Martin said. Fifteen students from Dayton will be visiting Japan, during the last week in July, Martin said. The last time the Japanese students were here was in 2013, according to board director Katie Leid.

High school principal Paul Shaber said he is in the final planning stages for a series of Student Success Days, at the end of March. He said students in 7th and 8th grades, 9th and 10th grades and 11th and 12th grades will meet in the youth building at the county fairgrounds for a half day of activities designed to build confidence. Shaber said 6th graders will participate in similar activities during their stay at Camp Wooten in May.

Shaber also told the directors that 29 students took a trip to Ski Bluewood in recognition of the 100% completion of their homework. Shaber said he is working on writing a grant to fund an additional trip for students who are recognized by middle school and high school staff for positive behavior, and for their efforts to complete homework in a timely fashion.

Shaber said that when he reviewed discipline data from last year he found that discipline referrals have been reduced by more than 70% since he and the staff have been encouraging students in positive behaviors.

Elementary school principal Pam Lindsley said the ski program for 4th and 5th grades has had its last day, and she expressed appreciation for Stephanie Guettinger’s fundraising efforts. She said the cost of the ski program for students was significantly reduced as a result of those efforts.

Lindsley also praised PE teacher Kathy Mason, and the group of volunteers, for their efforts to help extend the program.

Lindsley also told the directors that 14 teachers are taking the National Board Exam. They will have up to five years to complete the exam, she said. Successful completion will give them bonus dollars, she said. Elementary school teachers can gain an additional $5,000 annually, and high school teachers can gain an additional $10,000 each year, Lindsley said.