Changing with the times

To address the use of technology and information within the educational environment, the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn School Board approved policies governing the use of personal electronic devices and artificial intelligence (AI).

Language for both policies was developed through the Iowa Association of School Boards' Policy Reference Manual. The board reviewed the recommended language last month before taking action on Monday.

The policy acknowledges the value of electronic devices to learning, but emphasizes that connections between students and other members of the school community should be in-person. For that reason, use of personal electronic devices during instructional time will be prohibited. In addition to classroom learning, instructional time includes lunch, recess and passing periods.

Personal electronic devices include cell phones, headphones and other Bluetooth devices. Students may wear smart or electronic watches; however, communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices must be turned off. The policy also includes enforcement language.

The policy governing the use of AI in the school explains its benefits as well as its limitations. Use of AI tools by students and staff will be "at all times appropriate to the educational environment," and subject to applicable laws and regulations. The superintendent and relevant staff are authorized to develop regulations for carrying out the intent of the policy.

• Approval items, personnel

The district will add cameras and alerts for open doors at its buildings. Funding for the purchase comes through a safety grant awarded last year.

H-M-S is applying to the State Budget Review Committee for modified spending authority of $133,322 for at-risk and drop out programs. The application requires a local match of $44,441. Superintendent Patrick Carlin said the amount funds the district's counselor and at-risk coordinator positions.

McKenna Massman submitted her resignation as middle school assistant softball coach and was offered a contract for the head coaching position. Contracts were also issued to Faith Arnold, associate; and Olivia Grooters, middle school track coach.

• Scoreboard update, reports

Carlin will meet with a representative of Daktronics to review price points for sponsors of new scoreboards at the high school. A prospect list is to be created and plans for a sponsor meeting in February are to be finalized.

He is also comparing the benefits of staying with JMC as the district's student information system provider, or to change to Infinite Campus. According to discussion, there are issues with the application that H-M-S uses through JMC, and the annual fee would be less with Infinite Campus.

High school staff is looking at the state report card results and what improvements can be made. Principal Blake Wendt noted that while the overall performance status changed from Commendable in 2023 to Acceptable last year, the high school's percentage score (59.97) compared favorably with those in the past.

"We actually scored better than any year since 2018 when we scored 64.12 out of 100," Wendt said. "Further, we were less than one percent away from the mark for commendable performance."

Fourteen middle school students will be attending the state science fair. Their creativity and research skills were highlighted at the school's science fair held last month.

Three more elementary teachers will be taking Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. Principal Ashley Benz said the training involves a two-year commitment and is done outside of school.

Seven teachers are currently taking LETRS training, which is already benefiting students.

"We are seeing good results with that," Benz noted.