Lake Holcombe School Board - Elementary report scores rising in the right direction

Lake Holcombe School activities director and special education teacher Todd Senoraske spoke Nov. 13, to the board of education, about how students are coming into their own, by using self-advocacy to improve their education opportunities. Photo by Joy Dain

By Ginna Young

School districts have waited anxiously for their report scores to come in from the state, and for Lake Holcombe School, a sneak peek was shared at the regular school board meeting Nov. 13. On the elementary side, scores are up, which is the right direction, but the high school scores are down, which is the wrong direction the district wants to go.

As part of a switch-up to make three separate scores within the district, the middle school falls under a different category.

“But, it takes three years to phase in, so, we’re getting a score called alternative rating,” said district administrator Kurt Lindau.

Another new thing, is the gym bleacher replacement project for the new gym, as the metal stands are unsafe and uncomfortable. The bleachers will be paid for from ESSER III funds that have to be spent by the end of the school year.

A proposal was accepted from The Goodson Company, for $25,700, with the structure a five-row, per bank, plastic seat module. The bleachers have self-storing aisles and end rails, with a power operation and handicap seating, as well as intermediate steps and foot-level aisles.

Members also approved the 2024-25 school calendar. Lindau said it’s clear the staff likes a week-long spring break and some scattered breaks added in, but that they had to choose one overall.

“We put it to a vote and they selected the one with the week-long spring break,” he said.

Since the DPI put the kibosh on any more waivers to start school early and “beat” the COVID/flu season, Lake Holcombe cannot start before Sept. 1.

The board also approved the hire of head archery coach Ashley Carothers; and approved the resignations of head archery coach Tom Rocque; and school psychologist Melissa Warren.

Warren’s resignation comes because of a move to Minnesota, to be close to family, with Rocque’s owing to scheduling conflicts.

This was not an easy decision to make, as I greatly respect the Lake Holcombe School District and all of the amazing things happening here, wrote Warren.

I would, however, like to continue as an assistant coach for this season, wrote Rocque.

They also accepted $3,000, from Hooked on Lake Holcombe, for the Angel Fund; and $75, from Kathleen Eddy, for the Angel Fund.

Lindau reported that he has applied for a Building Stronger Connections Grant through the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), in the amount of $284,000. That would fund a staff position to address student social/ emotional and mental health needs for two years.

“I think I have about a one in nine chance of getting that money,” said Lindau.

Todd Senoraske, activities director, reported on how things are going with showing students they can have a voice in a respectful manner and have adults listen to them, through self-advocacy. Senoraske and other staff members are even hearing students say that they are selfadvocating.

Students are speaking up more in class about what their needs are, which is encouraging, to see them become selfaware of what they can do to improve their educational experience.

“That’s just a world of difference,” said Senoraske.