The story
The school board is continuing to reach for the stars, because you know, it’s important for everyone to have goals. And we’re recapping the meeting just for you, Dr. Kassler.
Back up
You remember the district goals created last year for the next three years (2018-2021)? We have two years left, and the board is starting to get after more, and continuing the work they’ve already done. But some of the goals have been tweaked because of the Tripod Survey results.
What are the goals again?
Oof, there’s a lot. We’re a very ambitious district. The board wants to improve communication, energy efficiency, student performance, and safety; reduce stress and bullying; and reform disciplinary actions. The school board is currently addressing the communication, stress, safety, bullying and disciplinary actions.
How?
They’re already in the process of changing disciplinary actions (remember Operation Breakfast Club?), and have given more control to Mr. Jozokos. For communication, it’s what you’ve been hearing for the past three weeks－informing families on the role they should have and how to assist with homework. Remember, dancing around the answer is perfectly okay. Giving the answer－not so much.
What else?
Stress is…just kind of there. Everyone understands the problem, but no one really knows how to solve it. There was mention of students doing desk push ups and jumping jacks in class. That could potentially be helpful to high schoolers if the stress was about body image. So, Mr. Jozokos－don’t even think about it. We already have all those stairs.
And the others?
Bullying and safety have been a little bit more on the DL this year. A form was sent out to students this past week for them and their parents to agree not to bully anyone, and for them to discuss what bullying is. We’re predicting that the conversations did not take place, and a large portion were most likely forged, since 97% of our Instagram followers voted that they think the form won’t do anything. As for other measures, the Bullying Task Force will meet quarterly, and administration will focus on solving conflicts when they start to arise, not just when they get to the point of bullying.
And safety?
There’s been a little bit of a change for this one. Instead of just focusing on the improvement on school facilities, there will be more of an emphasis on making the school climate more open. They want students to feel comfortable voicing their concerns, and stopping things before they reach the point of needing a strong barrier. Yes, we would like to avoid reaching that point too. Because then it’s just a game of luck of who’s on the third floor.
What about the ones not being addressed?
Mr. Fournier said energy efficiency and performance goals will be covered in the next few meetings. Right now, our only knowledge of energy efficiency is that the board allowed Bill Greiner and Dick Anagnost to connect to the school’s utilities in exchange for covering the cost of converting Mckelvie and the SAU offices to natural gas. And the apartments were passed. But we don’t know anything besides that, or even if the deal is still on the table. As for performance goals, thanks to the Union Leader, we know there is a problem with third graders.
The Runaway
This is going to be a long process. For a lot of these goals, implementation of solutions has only just begun. But you’ll know by next July! Huh? Something to look forward to?
What to say…
When you point and laugh at the underclassmen stuck in Wellness…
Hey, they’re doing important stuff in there! Ready for some story time? In 2015, there was a public meeting with the Bedford Police Department and the superintendent. This led to continual conversations about drug prevention in the district. Mr. Fournier updated the school board about the district’s efforts to combat the Opioid Crisis last meeting. He mentioned revisions to the wellness curriculum such as risk factors, the socialization of drug use, and effects of drugs on the brain. We would like to thank you, Mr. Fournier, for giving us access to the K-10 health curriculums. If we are reading this right, students learn about AIDS/HIV in fifth grade, but they don’t learn about sex until the following year…that seems a little confusing. The school board is continuing their enforcement of drug prevention from Red Ribbon Week to Chris Herrin’s assembly to the iconic “Don’t Drink and Drug” poster in the commons. All we have to say is, get excited, the drug sniffing dog is back! Maybe this year we’ll finally get to pet him. Or her. Because female dogs can do anything.
When you’re all alone on a Friday night…
If only there was a home football game. Surprise! There are other sports too! And this year, people are finally watching them. Last Friday, people went to both the volleyball game and the field hockey game. In case you’ve been living under a rock, there is a brand new Instagram dedicated to the BHS student section, aptly named @bhsdawgsection. It doesn’t get more self-explanatory than that. The page helps to get the word out about different games. The creators, seniors Alli Morgan and Ella Erwin, wanted to bring a larger crowd to sports that may not get the attention and support they deserve. But how do they go to all these games? Because they’re just huge fans who wouldn’t dare miss any game…and they’re seniors. ‘Nuff said. With their free time, they go to as many events as possible and try to bring others along too. But not just friends. They were shocked when underclassmen started showing up too. Eric Gelinas, our athletic trainer has been giving them shoutouts, and Mr. Pepper nominated them for Top Puppy. And this just made history. Our first coverage of the Top Puppy award ever! We never thought this day would come.
When you’re so inspired by Ella and Alli’s efforts…
Maybe we should give it a try. Okay here we go! Last Friday, Field Hockey lost 0-1 against Memorial, and volleyball won 3-0 against Merrimack. Boys soccer beat Spaulding 8-0, and girls soccer beat Nashua North 6-0. Golf beat Nashua South and Londonderry. Dang, what a good day! Oh right. And football won 16-0 against Concord.
Things to Know
Get Ready for It
NHS Parent Info meeting tonight in the theater at 6:30.
There’s No Turning Back
Junior Orientation for IB Diploma tomorrow!
Cardigan 2.0
Adventurelore is on Thursday, and we’ve got to say, we’re very excited, and we’re not even sophomores.