Oct. 18, 2005

Five-Star Awards
      The Board of Education announced the winners of its 2005-06 Five-Star Award Employee Recognition Program. The program honors outstanding employees for the exceptional contributions they make to the District, their schools or their departments. The awards are given annually to 10 loyal and dedicated employees who further the Board’s vision to “provide a quality education for all students.” In addition, two schools are honored for outstanding public relations.

•     The 2005-06 Five-Star Award recipients include:
• Traditional Elementary School Teacher: Michelle Griner, Willow Canyon
• Year-round Elementary School Teacher: Patricia Drake, Hayden Peak
• Middle School Teacher: Nancy Ward, Indian Hills
• High School Teacher: Craig Cottle, Hillcrest
• Certificated Employee At-Large: Becca Day, Jordan Valley
• Classified Employees: Gayla Barker, Custodial Services; Peggy Christensen, Nutrition Services; Lance Everill, South Valley; and Nedra Perkins, Curriculum and Staff Development
• Administrator: Janice Sterzer, Sunset Ridge Middle
• School Public Relations: South Valley and Willow Canyon Elementary

• Policies Revised
        The Board approved revisions to the following District policies:
• AA424—Literature Selection and Review: Modifications to the policy include adding standards for independent reading; allowing secondary school Literature Selection and Review Committees to review and approve lists from which students may self-select literature to be read outside of the classroom as part of an assignment; and minor changes to the membership on the District Elementary Literature Selection and Review Committee.
• AA440—Library Media Selection and Review: Changes to this policy go hand-in-hand with AA424. The revisions reflect full compliance with the First Amendment, clarify the process for selection and enhance implementation of the process.
• AA406—Advanced Placement Program: Revisions to this policy relate to language and changes made in the advanced placement program. The policy also adds stipulations to ensure appropriate procedures are taken at the school and District level.

Superintendent’s Input
      Superintendent Barry L. Newbold noted the educational science experiences available this year to elementary students. The Association of Space Explorers held its 19th Planetary Congress in Salt Lake City and two astronauts made presentations at Hillcrest and Riverton High Schools for sixth-grade classes. The superintendent also updated the Board on new construction projects and the fire and security preventative maintenance and inspection program.

Public Comment
      Michael King, a parent from Daybreak Elementary, expressed concerns about the safety of students once the adjoining recreation center opens. Although some safety measures have been implemented he would like to see more preventative measures taken.

• Board Comments
• Lynette Phillips reported on her attendance at Midvale Middle School’s 50th anniversary celebration and congratulated the staff and all who have contributed to the school over the years. She was also a guest speaker at East Midvale Elementary’s celebration of the Constitution and discussed her responsibilities as an elected official.
• Randy Brinkerhoff congratulated Superintendent Newbold on receiving the BYU Honored Alumni Award from the David O. McKay School of Education. He also reported on his attendance at South Hills Middle’s “This is Your Life” presentation, the New Classified Employee Orientation, Altara Elementary’s 25th anniversary open house, West Hills Middle’s Reality Town and the National Federation of Urban Suburban School Districts (NFUSSD) in Baltimore.
• Ellen Wallace attended both Midvale Middle’s and Eastmont Middle’s Reality Town programs and commented on the real-life lessons the program teaches students.
• Peggy Jo Kennett appreciated the chance to interact with the community during the PTA’s “Meet the Board Night.” She also reported on the Board’s attendance at the NFUSSD Conference.

Silver Mesa Elementary
      Silver Mesa Elementary Principal Denise Orme said the school’s mission is to teach students the skills and knowledge needed to become independent learners, critical thinkers, problem solvers and good citizens. The faculty utilizes professional learning communities and research-based methods to accomplish its goals. The school is one of three elementary schools in the District selected to participate in a joint math program with the University of Utah Department of Teaching and Learning.

Closed, Study Sessions
      The Board met in closed session prior to the regular meeting to discuss property and personnel. Board members also met in study session prior to the regular meeting to discuss differentiated diplomas.

– Melinda R. Colton, Reporting

Board of Education
Peggy Jo Kennett, President
Ellen S. Wallace, Vice President
Randy S. Brinkerhoff, Member
J. Dale Christensen, Ed.D., Member
Ann C. Forbush, Member
Lynette Phillips, Member
Sherril H. Taylor, Member

Barry L. Newbold, Ed.D., Superintendent
D. Burke Jolley, Deputy Superintendent for Business Services

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