Every two years, Riverside High School, DeGraff, sends its female juniors and seniors on a weekend retreat. Kelly Kauffman, middle/high school principal, gave the district’s board of education a report on how it went at their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
“We do it every other year because it takes so much out of our staff,” Kauffman told the board members. “I did not get any sleep, but it’s all good.”
This year’s Just Us Girls Retreat at Camp Willson, Oct. 13 and 14, focused on recognizing and maintaining each girl’s inner flame and purpose. They discussed keeping that flame lit with speaker Shannon Maier on Sunday night.
Then, on Monday, Mandy Fountaine from Girl Thriving led small group sessions to help the girls recognize their strengths.
The students participated in a variety of activities, including a giant swing, archery, survival skills and building a shelter that was rain- and bear-proof.
“It’s about having fun, learning a little about themselves, and getting out of their comfort zone,” Kauffman concluded.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Mann later gave kudos to Kauffman, adding, “I heard the kids didn’t want to go home.”
The weekend was paid for using restricted general fund money.
Also during the meeting, Kauffman also highlighted the use of Amplify curriculum in the elementary school. Describing it as “rigorous,” Kauffman claimed movement within the junior high that has put staff in new content areas has led teachers to ask if they could get their hands on Amplify as well.
“It is a bit of a shock to switch, but we thought it was a valid request,” she added.
After meeting with Dr. Mann, the school purchased math and ELA curriculum for the teachers who wanted it. Some are choosing to stay with what they have, but Kauffman stated those now using Amplify are “absolutely ecstatic.”
During the Ohio Hi-Point Report, board member Mark Zumberger noted that Riverside student Carter Kreglow, president of the Business Professionals of America Ohio Association State Officer Team, spoke at Ohio Hi-Point’s 50th anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Also, Sloan Kitchen is officially open at 11 a.m., Tuesday through Friday. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine.
The new OHP aviation and drone technology program is looking for educators to join their team.
Finally, OHP’s Save Our Students (SOS) runs the Peak food pantry. They have also delivered 109 weekend wellness bags in the last month.
During the superintendent report, Mann reported that Shelby County has invited Tyler Hodge’s class to their workforce development event at the fairgrounds.
Riverside encourages all Logan County seventh-graders to visit their campus on Tuesday, Oct. 22, for Career Day. They’ll be able to explore a wide variety of jobs from over 20 participating local businesses.
According to Mann, they have started accepting applications for a new science teacher.
The Community Health and Wellness clinic noted its one-year anniversary this week. It’s keeping busy and, Mann said, they have approximately 30 students now receiving regular therapy sessions.
Janet Siders, board president, informed the board the third-grade Lunch Buddies program kicked off Tuesday, Oct. 15.
In other action, the board approved or accepted:
• revisions to the student handbook for fiscal year 2025. Mann said they added consequences for more transparency.
• the resignation of Elayna Richardson as the junior high track coach for the 2024-2025 season.
• one-year limited supplemental 2024-2025 contracts for: Winter 2024 boys basketball: Zach Showalter, eighth-grade head; Andrew Reinhard, seventh-grade head; Lee Reinhard, assistant junior high; Spring 2025 changes, track: Morgan Robison, junior high girls; Jayden Burchett; junior high boys; Spring 2025 changes, varsity baseball: Todd Guthrie, head; Tim Walls and Ryan Robinson, coaches; John Godwin and Zerah Crouch, assistant coaches; Jacob Herron, volunteer coach.
• the donation of $5,000 from the Leagre Family for the Leagre scholarship fund; and
• a five-year lease agreement with Perry Pro Tech for new copiers.
The next Riverside board of education meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19.