Correction: Due to a production error, Paragraphs 6-8 are missing from the hard copy version of this story in the Nov. 14 Sentry-Enterprise. They will be printed with an apology in the Nov. 21 edition.
The Hillsboro School Board unanimously approved opening the school for walkers during the Winter months at its regular monthly meeting Monday night.
The front school doors will be open for area walkers at 6:15 a.m. on school days.
Folks will be able to walk the upper hallways for an hour until 7:30 a.m. when teachers and students begin arriving for the regular school day.
The walking program will remain in effect until the weather signals a return to outside exercise availability.
In her report, Elementary School Principal Cara Wood thanked the Elementary School students, along with Mrs. Barreau, Mr. Henning, and Mrs. Parker, for the highly successful and enjoyable Veterans Day program Monday morning.
She also thanked the Hillsboro VFW Shaker-Callaway Post 8262 for presenting the school with a new flag.
In addition, she reported that the Smiles for Life dental program visited the school last week and will be providing cleanings next Wednesday.
WKCA Testing is being held in the 4th Grade and First Quarter report cards were sent home last week.
Tiger Pride will sponsor the annual Donuts with Dad gathering Nov. 15, from 7:30-8 p.m.
She also issued a timely reminder to parents that, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no school on Nov. 28-29.
High School Principal Greg Zimmerman reported that WKCE Testing started in 10th grade last week and will move to the Middle School this week.
He also announced the beginning of the Winter sports season with the boys basketball team holding their first practice on Monday. Girls basketball and wrestling practices will begin on Nov. 18.
The annual school play this year will be the highly popular musical “Grease” with performances set for this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. A pre-show dinner will be held in the high school cafeteria from 6-6:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available at the high school office.
Zimmerman also reported that the High School and Junior High School Winter Concert will be presented on Dec. 3.
In another development, he announced the use of “paperless” report cards, although some parents have requested they be given the report cards on paper.
The Board also heard reports from the two principals regarding Use of Seclusion and Restraint.
Zimmerman reported 14 incidents of seclusion (in-school suspension), 9 students involved, 3 students with disabilities involved. No incidents of restraint were reported. Wood reported one student incident.
Zimmerman reported 8 incidents of harrassment, 14 students involved, 5 substantiated incidents. Consequences were 1 suspension, 1 assigned detention, 3 warnings given. Wood reported 2 incidents of harassment, 6 students involved, 2 substantiated incidents. Consequences were phone calls to parents and notices to the school counselor.
In his report to the Board, School Superintendent Curt Bisarek told of a visit to the school from State Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse), who discussed various issues in an office meeting with the administrative staff and Terry Fanta. She also spoke to Bob Bothe’s economics class.
State Representatives Lee Nerison (R-Westby) and Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg) have also visited the school.
In addition, Rev. Isaac Fleming, the new First Congregational Church minister, visited the school to say thank you for the complimentary sports pass. Other clergy in the area have also expressed their appreciation for the complimentary sports passes.
The Superintendent also announced that the athletic program has been given an unexpected $1,000 gift for participating in a study on football helmet brands concentrating on safety features.
In other business, the Board unanimously approved:
• A small budget amendment;
• The first reading of a newly revised Teacher Job Description;
• The first reading of a revised section of the Employee Handbook, pertaining to Post Employment Benefits for the Teaching Staff;
• Hiring Gary Winchel as a Special Education Route Driver;
• Hiring Bruce Borchardt as the C Squad Coach for Boys Basketball and agreeing to a split Girls Basketball C Squad coaching position for Nicole Conley and Kathy Burmaster.
The next scheduled School Board meeting will be held in the High School Library at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9.
