Work on ball fields, school progressing on schedule

The facade of a new addition to Gravette Middle School appears similar to the old school building it replaces. The entrance/office area is in the same location as before, while a curved front facade adds an attractive contrast to the present middle school which it joins. Also an eye-catching entrance approach is not shown in the photo.

The facade of a new addition to Gravette Middle School appears similar to the old school building it replaces. The entrance/office area is in the same location as before, while a curved front facade adds an attractive contrast to the present middle school which it joins. Also an eye-catching entrance approach is not shown in the photo.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

— Progress reports concerning construction of the new Gravette Middle School addition and the High School baseball and softball field complex were received by the Gravette School Board at its recent meeting.

The ball fields and support facilities “are very close to completion,” said architect David Swearingen. Jarod Black, construction manager, echoed that work on the middle school is moving forward on schedule.

An open house of the projects for the public is tentatively being considered for sometime after the March spring break.

Later in the meeting, the board approved the bid of $65,653 by Moser Corporation of Rogers for furniture for the new building. This includes equipment for several classrooms, administrative offices, the reception area, conference room, as well as art and consumer science classrooms.

The Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting was led by several GHS athletes. Board president John Edwards complimented them for their good performances. “You might not win all of the games,” Edwards said as he praised them for their efforts, for their good sportsmanship, and for the positive manner in which they represent the school.

School Board Recognized

Superintendent of Schools Richard Page read a resolution from the office of Governor Mike Beebe which recognizes school board members for their service. The resolution declared January as School Board Appreciation Month.

Page then presented each of the board members with a certificate of appreciation for service on the local board. Recognized were John Edwards, Dan Alsup, Jim Singleton, Susan Santos and Jay Oliphant. Board members Jack Skillett and Dan Yates were not present at the meeting.

The monthly district financial report was presented by business manager Jake Haak. He explained the state’s formula for disbursement of financial aid to individual school districts.

In other business, the board discussed possible renovation/ redecorating areas in the original middle school wing which joins the new addition. No action was taken.

Easement Approved

An easement agreement with Source Gas Company was given board approval. The firm is planning to construct a new high-pressure line connecting their line in Gravette to a major transmission line near Hiwasse. The firm presented an updated plan which will locate the new line as it crossed school property. The board gave its approval.

Richard Carver, the district’s transportation and maintenance director, presented a detailed district facilities management plan. After discussion, the plan and accompanying resolution were approved by the board.

A brief discussion was held concerning use of the school logo (Lion) and whether the district should, or should not, adopt a non-exclusive policy/affinity agreement, with firms which may wish to use the logo. That topic is still under consideration.

Three teachers from Glenn Duffy Elementary and the Upper Elementary schools, along with building principals Zane Vanderpool and Jay Ensor, gave presentations concerning how classroom teachers are adopting new teaching techniques to evaluate and monitor individual student progress.

Testing Challenges

Pat Hastings, Special Projects Coordinator for the district, explained the challenges fac-ing teachers involving the present Benchmark test guidelines and those of the new Common Core system, adopted by the state, which is being phased in.

“The cross-over from Benchmark to Common Core is challenging,” Hastings said. She explained how the expectations and testing of the two systems are different. She also noted that future tests will no longer have multiple-choice questions, but will require fill-in-the-blank answers.

“Students will have to totally understand how to solve problems,” she declared. She also added that tests will be given on-line and students will have to learn the “drag and drop” system in formulating their answers.

Ensor noted the changes are requiring teachers to prepare students for two different tests during this dual phase-in period. “It creates lots of pressure” for classroom teachers, he said.

In a brief executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Carol Pearce, special education teacher, effective June 5 of this year. They also approved transfers for Tammy Loyd and Sabra Bird and appropriate employment contracts.

News, Pages 1 on 02/06/2013