Three LES (Lakeland Elementary School) tenured teachers were recognized tonight (12.3.18) at a reception preceding the monthly work session of the LSB (Lakeland School Board) at City Hall.
The teachers are Laura Daniel, first grade teacher; Christy Harrison, second grade teacher; and Allie Morrow, fourth grade teacher. Ms. Daniel was unable to attend.
Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System (LSS) superintendent, said to receive tenure, the teachers had to be in the System five years, which encompasses four years in LSS and one year in the Shelby County School (SCS) System. When Lakeland formed its own school system four years ago, teachers were given credit for their time within SCS.
Link to meeting agenda: https://lakelandk12.org/res/web/12.03.18%20Work%20Session%20Agenda.pdf
Angie Delloso, director of academics and exceptional learners for LSS, presented the SPDG (State Personnel Development Grant) implementation and progress. She was joined by Tami Boeve, LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) instructional facilitator, and Jennifer Cockroft, LSS special populations facilitator.
Google album link including slides on the grant: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pEjKjXv58VUcVKmt7
LSS was one of only 20 districts in Tennessee selected for the grant and received $20,000. The focus of the grant is to access high quality instruction for all learners.
Ms. Boeve said the great thing is that the focus of the grant follows current Lakeland school philosophy. She said mindset starts with teachers and flows down to students. While a student might say she can’t do something today, she might tackle the task in the future by working towards it.
Ms. Cockroft used marshmallows to demonstrate connecting new pieces in the learning process. She said the process is very hands-on, very multisensory.
Dr. Horrell commended Ms. Delloso and thanked her for seeking the grant.
In his report to the Board, Dr. Horrell said:
- There will be another reception next week (Dec. 10th) to honor recently elected members of the LSB.
- The State Report Card on schools will be released tomorrow and posted to the LSS website and Facebook page. He said there are no ratings for LMPS, as the information is just used as base line. The TNReady test data is reflected in the report, said Dr. Horrell. The testing, which was widely flawed earlier this year, was not to have any impact on schools but it is still published, he said. Schools are given a score of one to four based on the TNReady data.
- Eleven LSS teachers recently attended a West Tennessee conference with seven of those presenting at the conference.
- The LES PTA donated almost $29,000 for the resurfacing of the LES playground. Total cost of the project is $38,500. Work should be completed in a few days.
- The middle school athletic complex is nearing completion with plans to use the space for spring soccer.
- Two new positions will be posted for LES.
- There will be a celebration Friday (12.7.18) to recognize LES as a Blue Ribbon School award winner.
- Construction on the LES classroom addition and cafeteria expansion is expected to be finished the end of March, weather-permitting.
Among agenda discussion items, numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 were moved to the consent agenda for the Dec. 10th meeting.
Items 7 and 9 were carried to the business agenda next week along with 11 and 12.
For 10, the five-year strategic plan update, it will be discussed in spring 2019.
Chair Kevin Floyd talked of a joint BOC (Board of Commissioners) and LSB retreat. He said this was done several years ago and thought it was helpful. Dr. Horrell is to talk with Shane Horn, city manager, about possible dates.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
Link to Livestream: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8479280
