ELLINWOOD — At the USD 355 School Board meeting last week, the board decided to allow sixth grade girls from Ellinwood Grade School to participate in middle school basketball, according to the unofficial minutes.
Based on projections for next year, the middle school girls athletic teams will be very low on numbers. This makes it difficult to field requisite teams and structure effective practice drills and protocol, according to the minutes of the USD 355 School Board meeting.
By allowing the sixth graders to participate, it will give the school the opportunity to increase numbers to acceptable levels.
The district did this last year with middle school basketball.
Board Member Beckwith thanked the Ellinwood High School band for the great performance at the Sub-state Basketball Tournament in Greensburg this past week. Janice Birzer congratulated the girls basketball team for their second place finish at sub-state and Bob Baker wanted to show appreciation to the student body who attended the tournament. Bob had heard several comments from attendees who appreciated the positive support
They have qualified four individuals to the State Forensics Competition – Hannah Billinger, Tamika Arndt, Rachel Schloctermeier and Shiani Hughes. Both boys and girls basketball teams ended their seasons at sub-state.
The Biking Across Kansas event in coordination with the Kansas Wetlands Education Center is requesting the use of a district bus to shuttle BAK participants from Ellinwood to KWEC during the activity’s visit to the community. The bus would also be used to visit Cheyenne Bottoms and possible St. Peter and Paul Church for those that are interested. There may be a fee charged.
Shawn Henderson reported that Sharon Gatton has been nominated for Kansas Teacher of the Year.
When the seniors return from Spring Break they will have new iPads waiting for them to use. Parents will be invited to join the discussion about the iPads and how our district plans to roll them out. Julie Ann Jacobs will present general information to help better prepare students and parents.
The preliminary 2015-16 school calendar was presented.
The board accepted the resignation of Joshua Pierce, 6th grade teacher, and Caryn Kaiser, at-risk aide.