L’view hears about field trip, technology

KELSEY CLEMONS/independent correspondent

The Lincolnview Local Board of Education welcomed some very special guests to its September meeting on Tuesday. Second grade students Evan and Kailyn gave a presentation alongside teacher Dan Williamson about their field trip to Delphos for agricultural safety.

On the trip, the second graders were educated about safety for farm equipment, electric lines, various chemicals, fire, and other important topics. Evan’s favorite part of the trip was when the students got to try on the firefighter gear, and Kailyn enjoyed the different animals. Kailyn also was the girl chosen from Lincolnview to receive a bicycle.

The elementary is excited to receive its new technology, according to Principal Nita McKinney. A proposal has been made to receive Lenovo LearnPads, which will be used by students in kindergarten through third grade. The program works entirely through the Internet and everything is saved to the “cloud” specific to the user. The computers can also be used for all grades up through high school.

The technology has also been extended to kindergarten teachers, who will be receiving Apple iPads to assist with data control. Teachers will be able to use applications to help them.

The board also learned that the number of Google Chromebooks available to students continues to grow. Between the number available, and partnering high school and elementary, the goal is to allow each student the opportunity to have access to a laptop computer.

The board also was updated on the outstanding turnout at the 1:1 assembly held Tuesday afternoon. The board also thanked Van Wert native Allie Clifton Kaslow, a Fox Sports Ohio sidelines reporter for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who gave a wonderful presentation, as well as everyone who helped put the assembly together.

The board said goodbye to some veteran staff members as it accepted the resignation of Kathy Thompson after 19 years, and Patti Cox, due to retirement, after 39 years.

Arrangements for the sixth grade field trip to Washington, D.C., are underway and anticipated. The staff is working hard to prepare as much as possible.

The board also accepted, with thanks, several donations and grants as follows: a $5,518 donation from the Lincolnview Athletic Boosters for the purchase of uniforms, $250 to benefit Latchkey from Dan Litchfield/Iberdrola, a $1,000 donation from Burtch Seed to Lincolnview FFA, and the Education Grant for Elementary for $3,000 from the Cooper Family Foundation.

Several supplemental contracts were accepted by the board, including: Michelle Knodell, as Student Council Advisor; Kristen Harden, for National Honor Society Advisor; and Nita McKinney, as Junior Class Advisor.

The following were also accepted by the board for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year: Lucy rice; substitute dishwasher aide or food service aid, Jolene Taylor, substitute dishwasher aide or food service aide, Gayle Sterling, substitute food service aide; and Jay Prichard, substitute custodian or food service aide.

In other action, the board also:

• Approved athletic ticket prices for the 2014-2015 year
• Approved Junior and Senior High workbook bills and class fees for the 2014-2015 year
• Approved several overnight trips for the Choir and FFA

The next Lincolnview Local Board of Education meeting will take place Tuesday, October 14, at 7 p.m. in the Neubrecht Lecture Hall.