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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE - Richmond Elementary named 'School of Promise'

By AARON KRAUSE - Reflector Staff Writer | Monday November 02 2009, 2:04pm

WILLARD - Richmond Elementary School has joined Central Elementary School in the Willard Local Schools district as "Schools of Promise" for the 2008-2009 school year.

In order for a school to be named a School of Promise, it must demonstrate a commitment to closing the achievement gap by helping all students achieve at higher levels in reading and math. Such schools must also have a free and reduced lunch count of 40-percent or more, maintain a 75-percent passage rate or higher in reading and math and meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

The Willard school board learned at its last meeting that State Superintendent Deborah DeLisle bestowed the honor on Central. On Monday night, Willard Superintendent David Danhoff told the board Richmond earned the award as well.

"I want to tip my cap to Richmond and give them their due," he said. "I'm just impressed that (staff are) there for the right reasons."

New Richmond Principal Kathryn Allen refused to take credit.

"That honor, in my opinion, goes to the people who preceded me," she said.

Danhoff told the board the Huron County General Health District will administer the H1N1 flu vaccine from 5 to 7 p.m. at the middle school. The shot will be reserved for a restricted group whose risk is greater for complications.

Danhoff said staff sent a note home with students about the Thursday's vaccine clinic, which school officials also publicized on the One Call alert system.

For more information, call the health department at (419) 668-1652.

Danhoff also reminded the board that money for the district's permanent improvement projects come out of the permanent improvement fund. Danhoff said that voters passed a continuous levy a "long time ago" that generates about $200,000 a year for that purpose. The money goes toward projects that keep buildings "as functional and eye appealing as possible."

District employees recently completed a lighting project consisting of three 400 watt lighting fixtures for outside the high school commons area, Danhoff said. Meanwhile, an awning project should be completed by the end of this week, he added.

In other business, the board:

Unanimously approved a "Layups for Levi" fundraiser for Levi Oney, a 13-year-old Greenwich boy who is fighting non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The boys' basketball team will participate in the event set for 2 p.m. Sunday.

Unanimously approved Jason Robinson as seventh-grade boys' basketball coach and Kali Gahring as a substitute teacher.

Ratified the employment of Patricia Hauler and Barbara McDaniel as teacher aides.

Approved James Mosley as a bowling volunteer and Samantha Middleton as a volunteer at Central School.

Approved "CSI Willard" at the middle school. The group's purpose is to "enhance students' cultural and academic awareness, as well as to enrich students' lives through educational, hands on experiences."

The group will seek to raise money to pay for a bus for each excursion. All trips will be held outside of the school day for seventh- and eighth-graders. Students will be required to pay for their own ticket into museums and restaurants. Potential trips include college visits, museums, theaters and historic sites.

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