SIREN - At the March 27 Siren School Board meeting, it was discussed that there has been a decision to switch to a new elementary ELA curriculum, which will address subjects like phonics, reading and writing for grades PreK-8. It was stated that this was “to make sure we have all those transitional pieces,” regarding the decision to extend the curriculum change through the middle school grades. It was also said that the change would be funded by “Esser money due to learning loss due to the pandemic and all kinds of different pieces.” The cost will be $99,475 over a period of six years and will cover workbooks and online access to materials needed for the program for that time.
Regarding the new driver’s education offerings with Northwood Tech, students who are eligible to drive in the summer can take advantage of the online course prior to summertime. Notice was sent by the school to current freshmen and next year’s freshmen, but it was discussed that it might have missed for instance a younger sophomore who might have become eligible and that perhaps a need to expand notification would be needed so as not to miss anyone. In the past, the driving school had advertised for educational opportunities, but with changing programs it was decided to reach out to the school and verify exactly how and what to advise parents.
During special appearances Dave Chell presented a Whitetails Unlimited donation to the trapshooting team for $1,000. Cash donations received from the school play of $178.00 to the theatre department were also accepted.
Chell also reported that there is a new and exciting project in the works similar to that of the Jordan Buck statue in Danbury, with a potential site of Crooked Lake Park. On April 6 he will be meeting with the Siren Village Board to discuss the idea for a statue to memorialize a 31-point a-typical buck shot in 1937 in southern Burnett County by Homer Pearson. Chell also said the project would likely take a year or more before it could be done.
Kelly Wiltrout, vice president of the board, put in her resignation during the March 27 meeting due to personal reasons. It was stated that it is possible for her to reconsider at a later date. Nominations were taken and Katie Tewalt was selected as a temporary vice president before new members are selected for various board roles officially next month.
The next Siren School Board meeting will be Monday, April 24, at 6 p.m.
