JACKSON SCHOOLS UPDATE

In our May update, we were celebrating the graduation of Seniors at Jackson High School and recognizing the significant accomplishments of students throughout the district who have now completed another step in their formal education. One month later, the district remains alive with activity. Many people ask if the summer will provide a "break in the action." The answer is no for many administrators, faculty and staff -- and even many students.

We are excited about our first extensive summer school program. Currently we have 324 elementary students and 189 secondary students enrolled.

The elementary program is an attempt to integrate reading, writing, science and math activities into a thematic unit on animals. Students seem to be enjoying this approach. At the secondary level, students have the opportunity to spend additional time in classes they had difficulty with during the regular school year or to take classes they could not work into their regular year schedules. We are proud of the efforts of the many teachers providing valuable instruction this summer.

Administrators are also busy finishing up staffing the buildings for 1996-97, making teaching assignments, student schedules and evaluating the results of last year's test data to target areas of growth for next year. District administrators will be very busy finalizing the myriad reports due at the end of a school year and completing the applications for continuation of state and federal programs. Assistant Superintendent Fred Jones oversees these programs, and it is astounding how many hours these reports require. So much for less government paperwork.

Summer is the time when we prepare our buildings for another school year. Jackson patrons can be proud of the fine work Larry Barks, director of buildings and grounds, and his staff do in maintaining our facilities. The staff takes great pride in keeping our buildings and grounds clean and attractive. Over the summer, all facilities will receive a thorough cleaning and literally hundreds of gallons of floor finish will be applied to freshly scrubbed floors. Lawns will be mowed and trimmed, windows washed, carpet cleaned, and for those of you who are nostalgic, gum removed from the bottoms of desks and tables. These are all annual efforts to keep what we have in good shape.

Additionally, let me mention several capital projects of a more significant nature. A new roof is being installed over the flat portions of the "B Building" that houses the industrial arts classes of the high school. Additional parking is being constructed in front of the middle school, extensive remodeling of the junior high library is under way, new exterior doors and air conditioners are being installed in the high school "C" Building and a new asphalt cap is being applied to the West Lane playground. Two classrooms are being constructed in the south end of the old auto mechanics building to help with the significant overcrowding at the high school.

With the help of the National Guard, two activity fields are under construction at Orchard Drive Elementary. The Tribal Council has undertaken a project to construct a new concession stand and women's restroom at the stadium. By the way, they will appreciate of contributions of cash, materials or labor. All in all, there is a great deal of activity with facilities.

Last, but not least by any standard, we are busy putting the final plans together for presentation of the upcoming bond issue. The Facilities Review Committee, teachers, administrators, school architect John Dudley and the Board of Education have identified the top priority needs and a sensible solution has been presented. We sincerely hope patrons will avail themselves of the opportunity to be informed on this issue at one of the public meetings in July. The board and administration would also appreciate the opportunity to present the information and answer questions at group meetings in July. Please contact the superintendent's office at 243-9501 if your group would like to have a school representative present a program.

Howard Jones is superintendent of the Jackson R-2 School District.