Administrators provide updates for current school year

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards met on Sept. 25 to hear presentations from administrators regarding the first month of school for the Lind-Ritzville Cooperative School District.

Ritzville Grade School Principal Tom Arlt announced the school recently hosted an Open House, and there was an 85 percent turnout recorded. The event allowed parents an opportunity to walk through the school, see their children’s classrooms, meet with school faculty, as well as community organizations.

After the success of the Open House, Arlt announced he would like to host a curriculum night in October. It would be an event strictly for the parents, and would allow them an opportunity to address the school staff about any questions they have regarding the curriculum in their child’s class.

For the first time at RGS, fifth grade students will now be taking the MAPS science test as part of the statewide testing. MAPS tests are given three times a year, but in the past, fifth grade students did not test in science.

Arlt explained he is still conducting interviews to fill the vacancies in the para-professional roles at the grade school. One applicant has been hired, but he announced the school still needs one part time and one full time para-professional.

Lind-Ritzville High School Principal Ronanda Liberty said the facility had similar success with an Open House event as RGS, as the two events were held in cooperation.

LRHS also provided a freshmen orientation event for students and parents, and Liberty said there is room for improvement in the future for how to conduct and where to host the event.

The high school students are also preparing for Homecoming Week, where the students will participate in dress up days and activities throughout the week. The week concludes with the Homecoming football game on Oct. 6, and Homecoming volleyball match on Oct. 7.

Liberty also announced LRHS will be using LAP funding this year for an after school program for students.

Cindy Deska, Lind School District Principal, stated the Lind Open House event was also a success. Deska said the staff tied in meetings for sports and Camp Wooten, so parents only had to attend a single event in order to learn about the upcoming activities.

In coordination with the East Adams Library District, the Lind Schools will host a Prime Time reading night during the upcoming six weeks. Deska explained the program is funded through a grant, and food will be provided at the event.

A school employee will also be at the weekly event in order to translate for any Spanish-speaking families interested in participating.

Deska announced the district will be utilizing LAP poverty funds for after school tutoring. The district also hired a para-professional, primarily to assist in the middle school.

Lind-Ritzville Schools Superintendent Matt Ellis announced the Lind School District audit has been completed with no findings. During the exit conference, the auditors did recommend improvements in the storage for electronic information and CTE Counts.

Ellis said the districts are also working on ways to improve the safety and security of students. This year, they are focusing on participating in SafeSchools, monitoring outdoor air quality, conducting safety drills, K-9 searches, hiring a game manager and hosting a mock crash.

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards also both approved the contribution of $250 per person to attend National FFA Convention, totaling $500 per person. There are five people attending the convention this year.

Both boards also approved the surplus of a 2008 Collins Mini-bus and the 6x6 1945 GMC truck. The Ritzville School Board approved the surplus of math books.

The Community Connection for the meeting was presented by Kylie Fullmer, Director of the East Adams Library District. She provided updates about the library district, including the new logo and name, as well as the district’s plan to improve library services in local communities.

Fullmer explained library service is changing, and part of the local changes this year including hosting a Day Camp for local students. She said the camp was a success and appreciated the Lind School District allowing the organization access to the facilities.

She added she believes the Day Camps and partnerships with the local schools is a positive use of taxpayer dollars and a good way to give back to the community.

The next Lind and Ritzville School Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the Ritzville Grade School.