New program stresses 'emotional intelligence'

A new guidance curriculum introduced at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary complements the academic side of students' educational experience.

Counselor Kristin Triplett has begun implementing "Second Step," a social-emotional curriculum that focuses on life skills and workforce readiness for all students.

According to Principal Ashley Benz, the curriculum builds on the following skills: empathy, emotion management, problem solving, impulse control, calming down, communication and assertiveness. The curriculum is utilized during guidance class and supported in the classroom setting.

"Second Step supports what our building is doing through PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support) to provide our students with an education that values academics as well as emotional intelligence," Benz said at the November board meeting.

Classroom observations this month at the middle school pleased Principal Corey Ramsey.

"It is becoming clear to me that we have a strong teaching and support staff in place for our students," he said.

Ramsey observed that 95 percent of students were engaged in the lessons being taught in their classrooms.

"This is an extremely high percentage that I have not witnessed in my previous positions, and is a testament to the level of competence of our teachers," he noted.

Superintendent Patrick Carlin is pleased to see the district develop consistency in its programs so students do not have to "relearn things" as they move from one grade level to another.

"I'm excited to see the payoff in the future," he said.

Over 90 percent of high school parents and students attended scheduled conferences. Those who did not attend were contacted to reschedule or have a phone conference.

"I am thankful and proud of the parent support shown during conferences and throughout the year," Principal Nate Hemiller said.

• Board appointments

The November meeting was the first for the newly organized board. Becky Stoltz, who was elected to fill the Director District 2 seat, was sworn into office.

Scott Heetland and Scott Vollink were nominated to serve as board president. Heetland was elected on a 3-2 vote. Vollink was then elected vice president.

Chad Lyman will replace Ryan Haack as H-M-S's representative on the O'Brien County Conference Board, with Heetland continuing in the same role in Osceola County. Heetland and Haack were named to the personnel subcommittee; Lyman and Vollink are the board's representatives on the School Improvement Advisory Committee; and Heetland and Vollink will continue as buildings and grounds subcommittee members.

Annual appointments include April Hengeveld as board secretary; Steve Avery, of Spencer, as attorney of record; and the Sentinel-News as official newspaper.

In addition to approving depositories for district funds, the board finalized creation of a middle school activity account. Iowa State Bank's interest rate of .30 percent will be adjusted annually depending on the one-year CD rate.

Permission was granted to Jodi Krikke to use district logos for shirts, blankets, earrings and other items through JAK Sprat.

• Personnel matters

Contracts were issued to Kim LeClair as a middle school associate; Chad LeClair and Tony Heneman for night time custodial positions at the middle school and high school; Jacob Riedemann as assistant high school baseball and assistant middle school football coach; and Naet Hoaglund as head middle school football coach.

Resignations were accepted from Pam Harper as a food service worker and Kelly Welch as night time custodian.