Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Returning junior high students in the 2011-2012 school year will notice a few changes at Jac-Cen-Del with the implementation of a middle school area that was unanimously approved at the regular school board meeting on Wednesday, March 16.

This process has been a very rewarding one,” said Superintendent Bill Narwold. According to Narwold, he met with various groups within the community, PTO and teachers to receive input about the project and attempted to address the concerns of the parents.

The first year, sixth grade students will continue to be at the elementary for the first semester. They will take a few classes over at the middle school to help with the transition. The sixth graders will then begin second semester in the middle school.

Narwold explained that this will accomplish three things: give the staff an opportunity to become oriented with the 7th and 8th grades before the 6th grade comes over; make sure that all construction work is completed and will ensure that the move would not be detrimental to those students moving from the elementary.

Plans have been created that will measure the success of the middle school students over a three-year period. Long term goals will look at the graduation and dropout rates, according to Narwold.

In recognitions, the “I Caught You” award was presented to Cindy Rimstidt. She was nominated by Deidre Montgomery who said that Rimstidt is a hard worker and makes everyone feel like the most important person in the world.

PE teacher Jason Hughes and his students raised $7,000 for the American Heart Association. The school will receive $600 in PE equipment for their participation.

In personnel, the board unanimously approved the hiring of Mike Stephens as special education case conference coordinator. Jason Volz was approved to fill the assistant baseball position.

The board approved a $700 stipend for ISTEP preparation for Jo Jones, Ernie Ruble, Gail Mosier, David Espinda and Lisa Tupper.

Important dates include:

• At the elementary: kindergarten registration on April 7 from 1-7 p.m.; the art and music showcase on May 5; the PTO walk-a-thon on May 17 and all sports day on May 20
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• At the high school: the band will perform in the Red’s Opening Day parade; the prom will be held on April 2; the JCD Scholarship Foundation concert will be on April 16.

All board members were in attendance. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the high school cafeteria.