Masks, CSVA Topics of SCSD#1 Board

The main topics of the SCSD#1 board meeting held on Tuesday August 17, concerned school opening August 23, new teachers, masks, and the Cowboy State Virtual Academy.

Pete Kilbride said that some costs have increased, Cowboy State Virtual Academy (CSVA) numbers have grown, so the school has put more funds into that. BOCES funding has increased, which was really nice. Big Horn preschool numbers increased, so the district had to hire another teacher at an increased cost. Food service costs have increased as well, but the school district is doing fine so far.

Sara McGinnis, Curriculum Director, gave a presentation to the board on her work with the new certified staff, who came in before the other teachers to learn the ropes of SCSD#1. She talked about expectations for the new staff and where SCSD1 is moving.

“We had a lot of fun sharing ideas for the coming year. They were a great group,” she added.

She added that teachers were welcome to use on-line lesson plans or the old fashioned lesson plan book. “They like the flexiblity of being able to use either of the methods.

“They had a lot of opportunities to ask questions, and things they were wondered about. There weren’t many questions, and we answered them all.”

“We presented each new teacher with a bling bag with a lot of inside, business cards and other cool stuff, teachers are touched to receive a bag of goodies. We try to build a sense of belonging,” She said in closing.

Trustee Clint Krumm asked McGinnis, “What’s the biggest apprehension the new teachers have?”

Teaching many different grade levels is one thing they worry about McGinnis said.

Fred Hollingshead new CSVA director, told the board that he was excited about helping kids transitioning from CSVA to brick and mortar and new students coming into CSVA.

So far they have sent out 62 welcome packages to the high school students and are working on those for K-8 students.

“I sent out a message asking parents to be patient with me. “I got a letter from a student’s mother saying ‘the program provides a great flexibility for families, so we can be flexible with you as well.’” She also added her compliments to the district for the CSVA program.

“Teachers recognize most difficult thing for students in the CSVA program is working at their own pace. Teachers invite students to participate in a book study outside of the actual school.”

On the subject of masks, Superintendent Kilbride said that “Masks are recommended, but will not be required this year, but we must be prepared to pivot if there is a spike in Covid and the Delta Variant.” He said that SCSD 1 plans to keep up the monthly meetings with the other districts to keep everyone updated.

“We need to be keep watch with what’s happening with the Covid. We will take steps to make sure kids are safe, and we will keep up with the cleaning methods, and we might keep up with those for the next 20 years. We will keep parents informed on any changes.”

Student absences were discussed, and it was moved that students who were exhibiting at the Wyoming State would be excused from school for that week.

There was a slight increase in lunch prices for the reduced lunch program to $2.50, with the non-reduced prices remaining the same as last year, at $3.95.

Clint Krumm will be the WSBS delegate again for the 20-21 year.

Meeting adjourned into executive session at 6:35.