BELLVILLE, Ohio – Student achievement and success were the theme of the Clear Fork Valley Local Schools Board of Education’s June 30 meeting. Administrators outlined what they are doing to help students as the district wrapped up the current school year.
Both of Clear Fork’s elementary schools were provided time to showcase their programs. Principals Matt Caputo of Butler and Steve Bloir of Bellville say the goal for their schools is to focus on academic standards. Butler anticipates an enrollment of 360 students next year while Bellville expects to have at least 385.
The principals said a priority for their schools is helping students before they fall behind.
Caputo told board members that by the time a district receives test scores it is too late. “Test scores are the autopsy. We’re focusing on prevention,” he explained.
He said teachers in Butler are using student data to plan for ways to identify struggling students and intervene.
The two elementary schools utilize art and music programs to enhance learning. Bloir explained that art and music teachers tie in content the student are receiving in math, science and reading classes. The principals said that numbers, literacy, and even history are taught through art and music classes.
“We are always talking about vocabulary,” Caputo added. He said that a rich exposure to vocabulary by age three is a predictor of student success. Reading and writing are areas the two elementary schools are currently emphasizing. Both principals described efforts to focus on student progress as much as when they reach the academic goals set for them.
While most students are meeting the current academic standards, some students are exceeding them. New programs are being added for gifted students, they say. Caputo described one incentive where students from Butler attend some middle school classes. “We need to stretch these students,” he said. Both principals said their schools also want to provide more opportunities for gifted students.
New personnel
Eight new employees were hired by the board for the upcoming year. The new high school personnel are: William Deckling, math; Kathryn Metz, instrumental music; Ryan Noblet and Michael McCorkle, social studies; and Lauren Townley, physical education.
Elementary hires are: Jennifer Kahl, Bellville kindergarten teacher and Edward Kossick, Butler computer teacher.
Kelly Shinabarker was hired as a k-12 gifted teacher for the district.
The board also announced their new athletic director will be Dr. Joseph Tresey. The district refers to the position as “activities coordinator,” noting the position is also responsible for scheduling the use of all school gym and playing field facilities.
The former Fredericktown coach said that he glad to be coming to Clear Fork. Before coming to Clear Fork, Tresey was at Youngstown State University as their defensive coordinator.
“I love all the sports,” Tresey said in his comments. He said he believes that extracurricular activities add something important in preparing students for life.
“When they come back to the community to work or to visit and talk to their coaches and teammates, you know you’ve accomplished something,” Tresey said.
Drug testing policy report
High School Principal Brian Brown reported on the district’s random drug testing policy. He said that during the previous school year, 454 tests were given with only seven students who testing positive for drug use.
Brown said he has heard from students that the drug testing program, now in its second year at Clear Fork, has “curbed” drug use in the school. “Behavior among students using drugs is changing,” he said. He said students tell him that drug use may be put off to the weekend or that students detox to rid the effects from their system.
He suggested the program has improved the learning environment in the school. “We now have a better chance of getting our message through to them,” he said.
“Part of the duty of the school is maintaining a drug-free atmosphere,” Brown said, adding that he hoped the program would be extended.
Board member Jim Jackson said he strongly supports the program and is pleased with the school’s efforts. The school provides access to counselors for those who test positive, or the students can make their own counseling arrangements. The principal said he believes more counseling options would be available next year.
