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Alton, Mo. – – On Thursday, March 10, 2022 the Alton school board met for its monthly meeting. Several items were up for discussion. Here is a brief synapse.
Departments
Business
The business department explained how they were all learning methods and competitions. Their strength is in computers. In the near future, she wants the students to use multi-media technology for all of the sporting events. She is expecting them to learn to use business technology for their media productions. Alton High School is a member of the Business Education Online Committee.
Agriculture
The agriculture department spoke on the activities that they are participating in. Currently, the FFA has 62 students enrolled. From March 30- April 2, he has several students participating in different competitions. Furthermore, for the county fair this year, students will compete with 10 hogs, 2 goats, and 2 steers. Two students earned the state FFA degree. If students take 3 of these agriculture classes (like FFA), they earn 1 science credit towards graduation.
Home Economics
Ms. Walters gave a complete account of all that the home economics department has been learning. The students are learning interpersonal relationships, health classes, and food classes. They have initiated a take-n-bake program that is doing well for all involved. Back at the Walnut Festival, the students made and sold jam. They earned $700. They have adopted Shepherd’s View to bring them healthy choices. Besides this, they want to add competitions and entrepreneurship programs next year.
Principal Reviews
Mr. Steele offered a review of grades, remarking that seniors as well as 6th graders earn the most A’s. In regards to a problem with students earning F’s, there was discussion about tutors in summer school to assist these students back to where they ought to be. Although not comparing to past years, Alton has had 287 referrals for discipline this year, and that with only 180 days of school.
Ms. Langston spoke on the elementary students. Attendance is an issue as children are afraid of viruses. Nonetheless, the students made $4,800 for St. Jude’s.
Looking to the future, colleges are not seeing a large graduating class of teachers. This means that the demand will increase. There was discussion on the small numbers of enrollment, in hopes that next year will see a much larger crowd. The school gets $6,300 per student. The more students present, the more money the school gets to pay the bills. Currently, they are looking at needs and how to cover the costs. Some costs include softball field lights, a bus barn, and security cameras. On April 8, the school will sell the old phones as they have the new phone system installed.
The school calendar was discussed, including when summer school begins: Tuesday after Memorial Day.
There was a lot to discuss. Parents, teachers, and board members were present. This is an open meeting for anyone to attend.
