ACT Scores, Turner v. Clayton and Farm Critters Discussed at MRH Meeting

Topics at Thursday’s Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education monthly meeting included student and staff recognition and proposed courses, the purchase of chickens for the and loan use of other farm animals at the .

Proposed Curriculum Changes

Staff proposed three major course changes for the 2011-12 school year.

Principal Kevin Grawer of MRH High School proposed adding a semester-long ACT readiness class for juniors.

“We are a little behind other local schools,” he said, referencing the district’s average score of 19 on the standardized test. The state average composite score is 20.

“I want to promote a college-going culture,” Grawer said. “If you don’t produce the score, you can’t go to your school of choice.”
 
The class would be an elective geared initially to students who test below the national norm, which ranges from 13 to 20. Board member Nelson Mitten asked what would be provided for students in the range of 25 and 26.

“When you get to 25 or 26, it’s fine-tuning,” Superintendent Dr. Linda Henke said. “It may be that we have to offer another course for those kids. We want to get this under our belt now."
 
Teacher Ben Nims proposed a course designed to expose students to science careers. It would be a semester-long course for juniors and seniors that would consist of six units, each with a medical mystery to solve.

“It’s kind of like (television character) House, but not as snarky,” Nims said.

Teacher Chris Meyers and athletic director Amber Godfrey suggested expanding the number of health and physical education electives offered by the high school from three to six classes. Meyers referenced academic and physical benefits of expanded offerings and said stretches and exercises offer a needed "brain break" for students.
 
The board will make a determination on all proposed course changes at next month’s meeting.

Parking Lot Plan Moves Ahead

The school district has closed on the next to the high school, said Beth Rowland, director of building and grounds for the district.

“Demolition is planned for May,” she said. The Maplewood City Council offered preliminary approval of rezoning the properties during an April 12 meeting.

Sustainability Runs Afowl at Elementary School

The school district will spend up to $27,000 to develop green space next to the elementary school. Options include buying a small flock of Polish crested chickens, building a chicken coop or constructing a small greenhouse and tool shed. The district will also hire a part-time gardener to help better engage students in its community garden.

More Farm Friends

S. M. Wilson, a construction company that often works as a contractor for the school district, donated $2,000 for a "Farm Friends" program at the early childhood center. The center will occasionally house farm animals for one- to two- week periods for educational purposes. Animals discussed include sheep, a lamb, geese and ducks.
 
Turner v. Clayton Case

The board also discussed the case, which could potentially allow for the transfer of St. Louis Public Schools students into accredited school districts like MRH. Henke said she expects a resolution to limit class size and strengthen local control. The board agreed to have its attorney review the district’s non-resident policy.

Student and Staff Recognition

Student sports stars and science scholars were among those honored at the meeting. Those receiving accolades include:

• , who was selected for the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation’s 2010 Fab 25 All-American Football Team and coach , who was named the foundation’s 2010 Football Coach of the Year.
• Student scholars were lauded for their participation and placement in numerous science competitions. They include: Juan Miguel Artigas, Jaszymn Epps, Alex Ford, Roy Gladney, Erin Goodenough, Brianna Jones, Hanah Jordan, Sam Martin, Kyle Rieger, Tess Rogers, Mioshi Scott, Cassidy Snyder and Jonas Tiggs.
• Chemistry teacher Katheen Dwyer was also recognized as Monsanto’s 2011 Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year and the 2010-2011 high school chemistry award recipient sponsored by the St. Louis section of the American Chemical Society.
• Teachers Alex Pepin and Gretchen Lee were praised for their acceptance into the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s summer seminar at Columbia University in New York.