![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-666cafd0fb217e09f945720b-61d271cf6ffc.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/aea4/thumb-3ea3d1f1a37b49d4cceab1c16238a06d.png)
Board of Education Recap
Mount Horeb Area School District | June 18, 2024
![Board of Education Recap Mount Horeb Area School District | June 18, 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/8fe0/thumb-d8ebd24690002d466f57a1d088a57d7a.png)
July 2, 2024
Happy Independence Day, Vikings!
Last night's Board of Education meeting is an example of democracy in action. Please continue reading for updates on their important work.
Board Approves Annually Required Notices
With the start of a new fiscal year, there are a number of required public notifications that come before the Board for approval. Last night, the Board approved the following documents:
- 2024-2025 Academic Standards - Section 120.12(13) of the state statutes requires school boards to annually notify the parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school of the academic standards that will be in effect for the school year. This notice must be given prior to the beginning of the school term. Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs), at each grade level, represent the top priorities in students’ learning. In other words, these indicators become the guaranteed and viable curriculum that gives students access to the same essential learning regardless of the building site or classroom teacher.
- WIAA Application - The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association requires all participating schools to complete an annual application. All of our programs, including co-ops, will continue without change for the 2024-2025 school year.
Post May 1 Family/Staff Survey Results and Project SERV Grant
On June 17, parents who have provided the District with their email addresses received an email with the results of the survey conducted in the wake of May 1st's tragedy. That specific email focused on support systems needed from our parents' perspective. During last night's Board meeting, Aubree Hanks, Resource Development and Public Relations Coordinator shared those results along with pertinent feedback provided by staff members. The results of both have been instrumental in the writing of several grants. One such grant, the US Department of Education's Project SERV, was shared with the Board. "Project School Emergency Response to Violence" funds short-term education-related services to help communities recover from a violent or traumatic event. It began after 1999's Columbine High School shooting.
Our team has studied what evidence-based strategies were used by other communities (specifically, Uvalde and Perry) so that we can be better prepared to support those desiring additional services. To this last point, we understand that every individual is different in their introspections. Every effort will be made to differentiate support based on the individual needs of our young people. Where appropriate, we will attempt to do likewise for our staff; however, the research tells us back to school staff safety trainings are part of our ongoing vigilance. Therefore, a centerpiece of our grant is a continued commitment to connecting people with therapy services.
Post May 1 Viking Supports
As we support our students, staff, families, and community in our recovery process over the summer, please refer to this list of support opportunities:
Family & Community Support Gathering
- Family & Community BBQ (all are welcome) 🍔 🌭
- July 17 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the High School Back Patio
-
👉RSVP: Respond by July 15 👈
- Book a mental health appointment
- Recommendations of local counselors and therapists that have immediate openings (please email your student's building principal)
- Oregon Mental Health (mental health appointments): 608.835.5050
- Journey Mental Health (mental health emergencies & appointments): 608.280.2700
- Emergency Mental Health Crisis:
- Suicide and Crisis Helpline: 988 (call or text in English or Spanish)
- Police Department: 608.437.5522
- Support for Parents
- Parental Stress Line (free, confidential, & anonymous): 1.800.632.8188
- Support for Staff
- 24/7 staff access to mental health professionals through EAP
- Staff access to Able-To Self Care platform offered by Quartz
Next Wednesday, July 10, all families will be receiving an important Back to School registration. If you don't receive it, you may not have updated your contact information in Infinite Campus or the email was routed to your spam folder. If the former, here is the link to the Infinite Campus portal.
In Other Action Items...
The Board...
- conducted a first reading of Board Policy 453.4 "Administering Medication to Students". This was previously discussed at the Safety and Wellness (SAW) committee of the Board. One important takeaway from the proposed language: Students in grades 6-12 may now self-carry and self-administer prescription medication (except controlled substances) with the written consent of their parent/guardian and of the health care provider. The Board will conduct a second reading of this policy at their next meeting on July 15.
In Closing...
I am proud to be a Viking, and I hope you are too!