By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
New Bowling Green City Schools Superintendent Ted Haselman chalked up the first day back at school last week as a success.
All students made it to and from school safely, and all students were fed – some of the basic goals on the first day back, he said
“I was in all the buildings and saw lots of smiling faces,” Haselman said Tuesday during a meeting of the BG Board of Education.
The beginning of a new school year means renewed requests of the community to help the district meet student needs, as outlined by board member Ginny Stewart at each monthly meeting.
The most crucial immediate needs are donations to help all the district’s fifth graders go to camp early this fall.
“This is a life-changing event for some of these kids,” who have never traveled or spent time in nature, Stewart said.
The price per student for the week-long camp has dropped from $210 to $195, which is still out of reach for some families, she said.
“No student is denied going to camp,” Stewart said. But the community is counted on to help with the costs of five days of meals, tie-dye T-shirts, and other consumables.
The district is also looking for help stocking supplies needed for each camper. Those requirements include sleeping bags or blankets and sheets, one to two pairs of pajamas, two pairs of boots if possible, extra socks and clothing changes, raincoats, toiletries, towel and washcloth, baseball cap, sandals for the shower, and a disposable camera if possible.
Meanwhile, the ongoing student needs continue, Stewart said. Many of the school principals have asked for wrapped snacks, water bottles without straws, and zipper trapper keepers at the middle school.
The Bobcat Basics program at the middle school is continuing to collect personal care items, earbuds, pencils, crayons, markers, backpacks, and toiletries like body wash, shampoo and deodorant.
Items can be dropped off the middle school or the school administration offices.
Also during the board meeting, Haselman talked about nearly $13,000 in donations last month to the school district by the community.
The donations came in for Bobcat Basics, the high school cross country program, scholarships, snacks for students, clothing for students, a 3-man Tek Sled for the football program, music supplies, six iPads and cases for Kenwood Elementary; school supplies for students and teachers, and bookbags.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, board member Tracy Hovest was recognized for her work with an Ohio School Boards Association’s Aptitude Award. The award recognizes school board members who demonstrate an understanding and comprehension of a variety of board governance skills based on six leadership areas: vision, accountability, policy, community engagement, relationships and advocacy.
Hovest was presented with the award by Debora Reynolds, of the Ohio School Boards Association.
In other business, Stewart pointed out the improvements made in athletic facilities by Michele Wolf, athletic director of the district. Major purchases last year included custom windscreens at stadium and softball field; new uniforms for softball, boys basketball, football and girls soccer; new gym sound system; new league banners; laser grade of baseball field and new infield tarps; new lacrosse goals; and an annual subscription for custom training program.
Major purchases scheduled for this year include: upgrade of soccer game filming capabilities; custom building wraps for softball dugouts and bathroom facility; new signage at baseball/softball facility; new uniforms for volleyball, baseball, cross country and girls basketball; new high jump pit and pole vault pit; replacement practice goals for soccer; replacement paint machine; and replacement college grade track hurdles.
Stewart noted that the athletic facilities have been able to host tournaments and out of district games, some due to the new turf installed two years ago on the football field. Those events included: three regional football games; 10 regional soccer games; two sectional basketball tournaments; one district volleyball tournament; a North Baltimore football scrimmage; and a Northwest Ohio 8-man football championship.
In other business, the board adopted revised, replacement and new policies. The policies include: notice of meetings, student supervision and welfare, tobacco use prevention, college credit plus program, homebound instruction program, health services, graduation requirements, removal of students through suspensions or expulsions, technology, volunteers, information security, animals on district property, emergency situations at schools, and student abuse or neglect.
The board also approved a policy stating that coaches and other staff can only communicate with students on board approved technology platforms. Hovest explained that communication platforms that allow erasing of messages will not be permitted.
Also at Tuesday’s board meeting, Haselman reported he is working with the City of Bowling Green to get funding from the Safe Route to Schools program, possibly to fund sidewalks where there are none.
