Legislative Update

 

Each January, we go through another year of trying do make sure the legislative process is positive for public schools - both students and teachers.   I am a part of the advocacy group for the Indiana Association of School Principals so I get some updates on the bills the principal association is tracking.  Below you will find a list of bills that may catch your attention.  I encourage you to be aware of the legislation proposed for education and not afraid to reach out to your legislator if you have concerns!  IASP does believe that some of the language will be changed for the better, but also warned that some version of the bill will be passed.  

If you reach out to your legislator, they are advising that the legislators are tired of people saying that some of these ideas are too much work, so use your words carefully.  

HERE is a list of all bills that pertain to education. This document contains ALL of the education bills this session.  Below are a few that are of most interest (and some concern).  Please let me know if you have questions.  

Senate Bill 167/HB 1040 - Education Matters (Both versions of this bill have a lot of the same language)

              * Parents may "Opt" their children out of wearing masks (House Version)

              * Creation of a "Curricular Materials Advisory Committee" - must be led by a parent                  (appointed by school board member) and they must approve all curriculum/textbooks for a school corporation. 

              *  Posting of Education activities and curricular materials (including worksheets, assessments, videos, etc.) must be on the school website for parents/community to view.  Also includes an opt-out procedure for parents if they do not want their children to participate in part of the curriculum. 

             * Limits ongoing/recurring SEL services.  (For example, students would  have to have a written consent to participate in our House program in the junior high because we are teaching SEL)

             * Materials Harmful to minors (a definition of what is harmful is not included so it is open to interpretation) currently, individuals working at public and non-public schools cannot be prosecuted under this law, but this would remove that language and would allow teachers to be prosecuted for disseminating "materials that are harmful" to minors

SB 2 - Allows for virtual students to receive full ADM funding instead of the recent 85% change. 

SB 17 - Removes schools and public libraries from specified defense to criminal prosecutions for "disseminating material harmful to minors"  (Doesn't really define what is harmful to minors - I can give you an example they used)

SB 81 - Requires cursive writing in the curriculum.

SB 82 - Requires FAFSA completion for graduation.  (Sounds easy, but getting tax documents from parents is very difficult.  Currently around 50% of our students file a FAFSA.)

HB1013 - Designates the mastodon as the state fossil.  (Thought you could use a fun one!)  

HB 1094 - Requires the DOE to provide employer liability and worker's compensation insurance to for high school students in internships/apprenticeships

SB144/ HB 1042 - School Board Matters (several things in here, but one is that school board members that are running for the position must declare if they are democrat or republican in HB and in SB it is optional) The Senate version says that candidate may request to have their political affiliation listed on the ballot if they would like.  

Important Information: 

Drama Club - We are excited to welcome Donna Vaal to our team.  She will be leading the school play and maybe some type of writing club.  She will be meeting with students after school on Monday at 3:00 in the high school library. 

MTSS Meeting - Our MTSS team will be meeting on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.  If you have any students that you are worried about academically or otherwise, please send those names to Jody or Phil by Thursday!  If you want to share some of the accommodations you have already tried, that would be helpful.

PBIS - The PBIS team met and they have developed lessons for second semester along with bringing back Commodore Cash!!!  Please look for an email from Phil with details.  We will be asking everyone to teach the lesson first period on Tuesday!  

REACH Grant - We are VERY excited about our new REACH grant!  There are several great resources and supports for students after school.  Below are some of the supports we will have available to students and families.  If you have students that would benefit from these services, please share those names with Jody and Phil as well.  

          After School Tutoring Director - Annette Lawalin will be working with families, students and teachers to help bridge the gap for students and help us make tutoring more meaningful.  A lot of times, students don't know what they need help with and tutors don't know what to help students with and it is not as productive as it could be.  She is there to fill that gap!  If you have students that could use tutoring let us know. 

       Mentoring - Holli Highfill will be leading a mentoring program for Jr./Sr. High School students.

       Community Service - Tonya Bryant will be leading community service activities for students. 

       Family Coordinator - Tony Keown will be another support for families and school. 

COVID - Just a reminder to check the COVID list.  We received several new notifications from the health department while we were off.   HERE is the link to the list. 

 

Dates: 

  Monday, January 10 - School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m./Report Cards will be distributed

  Monday, January 17 - NO School  

  Tuesday, January 18 - Faculty Meeting - 7:30 a.m. 

Our Vision: 

      * Connect with Others - Unite and Connect!!

      * Collaborative Teams/Continuous  -Improvement - Continue your intentional conversations this week in PLCs!! 

      * Creative/Authentic Learning Opportunities - Excited about our new business partner, Boston International!  You may know Paul and Pam Metz - they are working with engineering, advanced manufacturing and art students on projects in the near future!  

      * Celebrate Success - I am EXCITED about the curriculum work all of you have done!  All of you have a list of 8-10 kids that you want to focus on moving forward - we are well on our way to increase the positive vibes in our data!

Our Purpose:  1 Year or more of Learning Growth