Small school corporations throughout the state are feeling a pinch in the pocketbook thanks to changes in the state’s per-pupil funding formula. West Central Superintendent Don Street says state tuition support is down significantly over last year. Continue reading
West Central School Board Braces for Budget Hit
The West Central School Corporation is anticipating a $385,000 reduction in general fund revenues in the coming year. Superintendent Don Street says that’s due to several factors.
“Our enrollment is at currently 818 students. The complexity index that we have talked about before has changed with different laws with the state legislature, and many small, rural schools are being hurt by that complexity index change.” Continue reading
More Than 1600 Hoosier Students Benefit from Field Trip Grant Program
Thanks to the Discovering the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program, students at 22 Indiana schools will learn about nature by visiting Indiana state parks and reservoirs this school year. The grants are open to public, private, religious and home-school educators and are administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, the supporting non-profit of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Continue reading
USDA Makes it Their Mission to Make School Lunches Healthier
It’s back-to-school season and that means you’ll no longer be in control of what your child is eating for breakfast and lunch every day. Luckily, the United States Department of Agriculture oversees school lunches nationally. Back in 2010 the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act was put in place to transform the school food environment in order to promote better nutrition, combat childhood hunger and reduce the likelihood of developing obesity. Continue reading
West Central School Staff and Students Return this Week
The West Central School Corporation 2016 budget will be advertised on August 19th and 26th. This decision was reached by the WC School board during their meeting last Thursday. It was also announced that a budget hearing will take place on September 3rd. Continue reading
West Central Still Seeking Some Staff Positions
When the West Central School Board met Thursday evening they discussed a plethora of back-to-school matters. One agenda item under personnel matters was the current need for a High School English teacher and a band director middle and senior high school.
An update about facility renovations was also provided. Over the summer custodians have been working diligently to replace carpet and install new energy saving lighting.
Superintendent Don Street said that Monday, August 10 will be the first teacher day back. The Tuesday of that week will be another teacher preparation day as well as meet the teacher night for students in grades K through 5 from 6 to 7 pm eastern. Wednesday, August 11 will be a half day for teachers and students return on Thursday August 13th.
Back-to-School Vaccination Reminder
Are back-to-school vaccinations on your end of the summer to-do-list? If not, they should be. Regardless of what grade your child is going into, there are required immunizations they must receive or have listed on their medical records. The requirements and recommendations are in alignment with the routine vaccination schedules from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Continue reading
Mosquito Samples from Several Indiana Counties Test Positive for West Nile Virus
This summer’s above average amount of rainfall has been ideal for mosquito breeding. According to state health officials, West Nile Virus has been confirmed in almost 10 Indiana counties. The virus has only been spotted in mosquito samples and no avian or human infections have been reported or confirmed thus far. Continue reading
West Central SB Moving Forward with More Technology Usage
In order to cut down on paper costs the West Central School Board utilized chrome books during their last meeting. The school has just recently started using technology more often. Last year was the first year the school went one to one, meaning they provided chrome books to students fourth grade through twelfth grade and elementary school students in first,second and third grade. According to
West Central School Board Finds Innovative Option For Old Van
During the West Central School Board meeting Thursday evening the school board utilized chrome books in an effort to cut down on paper costs. One of the items on the agenda under new business was the opening of bids on an old van that is no longer in use at the school.
West Central Parents, Students Overwhelmingly Support E-Learning Days
West Central students and parents responded favorably to a recent survey about the four e-learning days the corporation scheduled in lieu of extending the school year. Superintendent Don Street says they tried to make the online lessons as user friendly as possible. Continue reading
West Central Elementary School Receives PACE Grant
The West Central Elementary School recently received a grant from the Pulaski Alliance Community Education, or PACE, organization.
Superintendent Don Street said the $15,000 grant helps gives books to students for special occasions, including the summer Bookmobile. The money also assists in the purchase of management of reading diagnostic software.
PACE activities range from support for preschool programs to coordination of adult education initiatives.
West Central School Corporation Looks to Lose More Funding in 2016
The West Central School Corporation will see another significant state funding cut to the General Fund budget in the 2016-2017 school year.
Superintendent Don Street gave the school board the hard figures during their meeting last week.
“Based on the state legislature, it is projected that West Central will be down about $300,000 for the 2016-2017 school year in the General Fund,” explained Street. “All of that is based upon our enrollment.”
West Central School Board Approves Increase in Meal Prices
After looking at the price of meals at the West Central School Corporation, the school board decided to increase the price of breakfast and lunch prices for the 2015-2016 school year.
Superintendent Don Street says the breakfast prices went up slightly, while a little more was added to lunch prices.
Last E-Learning Day at West Central Today
Students in the West Central School Corporation will participate in their last e-learning day today. The corporation was granted the chance to make up missed school days this year by completing assignments online.
Students received assignments on Thursday. They will work on those assignments online today as it coincides with the one-to-one computer program.
West Central School Corporation to Offer Free Meals this Summer
The West Central School Corporation will participate in the summer feeding program.
Students aged 18 and younger can eat free breakfast and lunch at the West Central Elementary School Cafeteria from June 2 until June 11. Adults and staff members can eat breakfast or lunch for $1.00.
Breakfast will be served from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch is available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. ET during the dates listed.
West Central School Board to Consider School Lunch Prices
School lunch prices may increase at the West Central School Corporation after the school board convenes this evening. Superintendent Don Street said the school board will be reviewing a proposal to slightly increase prices for the 2015-2016 school year.
West Central Students Collect Change in Pennies for Patients Campaign
Students participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program at the West Central School Corporation were successful in collecting funds for the Pennies for Patients initiative.
The goal was set at $2,500, but Superintendent Don Street told WKVI News that the goal was surpassed. The students collected over $3,000 to benefit patients who are part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Any loose change was donated by students in the high school, middle school, and elementary school.
West Central School Board Reviews E-Learning Survey Results
Students at the West Central School Corporation participated in their first e-learning day of instruction on Saturday, March 14. The school board reviewed returned surveys last week following the experience.
Superintendent Don Street said that the responses were favorable for this type of method in making up missed days of instruction.
“Out of the parents that responded to the survey, 87.4 percent found that the e-learning day was effective,” explained Street. “From the students that responded to the survey, 65.6 percent found e-learning to be effective. Forty-nine of our staff members responded with 85.7 percent stating that our students made the expectations for the day.”
