Green River High to explore block scheduling

By Alice Wadley Staff Writer

The Emery County School Board held their monthly meeting at Huntington Elementary. Superintendent Kirk Sitterud announced Larry Davis as the new superintendent. Superintendent Sitterud congratulated Mr. Davis on his selection. He said, I feel like Mr. Davis is confident, thoughtful and thorough. He is a problem solver. He analyzes everything and goes beyond what’s on the surface. I know Emery High School’s loss is the district’s gain.
The Apples for Teachers awards has a new format. The awards were given in the teacher’s classrooms. Pamela Hunt from Book Cliff Elementary and Justin Thornley from Emery High received the awards.
Principal Kayce Fluckey was in attendance to inform the school board, Green River High School is exploring the idea of block scheduling.
“We have nine teachers at GRHS, a half-time counselor and three educational assistants. This includes myself as the interim principal and the special education teacher.
“We have a growing Hispanic population, who are English Language Learners speakers. They are learning and this would increase their time in the classroom. If we spent more time in the classroom, it would help. There doesn’t seem to be an emphasis in education in the home anymore. We send homework home and the students don’t bring it back. We have continually seen our scores drop in math. We would like to have math everyday. Garfield County went to the block system and their scores increased.
“As part of the block system we would have to increase the number of credits required to graduate. I’m tired of kids quitting. We need to raise the bar for the kids.
“We think if we offer more choices they will be excited for school. The block system will require more preparation for the teachers. They are aware of this. The block scheduling will be more accommodating to Ed Net classes,” said Fluckey.
The parents have been receptive to the idea. We discussed it in our community council meeting. Some parents weren’t sure about having math everyday. This idea was not my idea. It came from the teachers. We want to be able to work with kids in the classroom. I think our teachers are committed to changes and professional development.
Superintendent Sitterud added, I don’t think we would want to go below 30 credits to graduate. This will keep the kids in school. We will also need a system in place for transfer students to make sure their credits transfer. Several schools have went to the block system. I think Mr. Davis needs to come and meet with the GRHS teachers. I would like him involved in this process.
The following names were submitted for approval, Tiffany Hansen, cheer advisor at Canyon View, Anjelina Behling, cheer advisor at San Rafael and Jeff Wingett as a teacher at EHS.
The board approved the SHARP survey. It is conducted every other year. It is a youth risk behavior study. This survey will cover high school students. This is the seventh time the school district has participated in the survey.
The board approved a policy update for a district audit committee. We will need two school board members on the committee and three community members. A person on the school board will need to head the board. We will need to send a report to the state about who is on the committee. The committee will meet quarterly to discuss and review the school board finances.
Principal Garth Johnson gave the principal’s report. We are so thankful to all of our teachers, nutrition workers, custodians, volunteers, secretaries and teachers aides. They do a great job at keeping our school going and I really appreciate them. We appreciate the school board and the support they give us.
Jared Black reported he is working on the budget and is close to an initial draft. We are reviewing the health insurance. The capital outlay projects are about 50 percent complete. Most of the projects will be completed this summer when school is out.
Superintendent Sitterud received retirement letters from Kerry Olsen and Lisa Behling .
Melissa Anderson, a volunteer at Ferron Elementary received the Huntsman award this year. It was presented to Melissa by Karen Huntsman at the school. She will receive a cash award and have the opportunity to attend the banquet. This week is teacher appreciation week and child nutrition worker week. We certainly appreciate everything they do.