Thank bus drivers this month

Thank bus drivers this month

School board of education labors on

During the Cherokee County Board of Education meeting last Thursday, Feb. 10, 2010, Dr. Stephen Land recognized Ms. Vivian Johnson, Battle of the Books coordination and Ms. margi Brownback, 5th grade teacher and reading coach and her battle of the Books team representing Ranger School for winning this year’s Battle of the Books competition. He also congratulated martins Creek School and Peachtree School for coming in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Dr. Lane and board member Erik Brinke briefed the board on the Martins Creek Solar Array, announcing that the commissioning date is scheduled for February 18. They also said that Duke Energy has expressed interest in establishing Solar Arrays at other county school locations.

The board appointed Wanda Arrowood to the School Foundation Board.

Dr. Lane recommended and the board approved adding a three-hour delay option when determining whether to hold school due to inclement weather. Lane said he felt it was preferred when compared to having to have school on Saturday because academic time is better and less disruptive.

Lane complimented all the principals and bus drivers for a super team effort during the recent challenging weather. He announced that February is Love the Bus month, a national campaign to raise awareness and appreciation for school bus drivers. “They are the first people our kids see in the mornings and the last people they see at the end of the day,” he said. “So if you see a bus driver, give him or her a “thank you” because it is  Conference on Friday, Mra tough job, and they take it very seriously.”

Lane announced that through the hard work of Ms. Jennifer Cable, Murphy High School received a $1,500 grant from Snap-On Tools. He thanked Alan Williams of that firm for the company’s great support.

Lane announced that the Hiwassee Valley River coalition will be working on the eroding bank by the MHS track to prevent further erosion damage. The problem should be corrected sometime this week.

Several high schools announced student internships with local businesses: 12 for AHS with 3 pharmacy techs; 4 for HDHS with 3 pharmacy techs and 7 for MHS with 5 pharmacy techs for a total of 34 internships and pharmacy techs.

Lane announced that Murphy Middle School had two students: Kendra Henry and Isabella Harper who were awarded first place at the Regional Science Fair held at Western Carolina University. They now qualify to compete in the NC state fair.

Four overnight school field trips were approved by the board. HDMS traveling to Pigeon Forge, TN on June 6 through 8; MMS 8th grade to the Outer Banks on May 2 through 6; MHS Teacher Cadets to Raleigh for the NC Teacher Cadet State Conference Friday, March 11 through Saturday, March 12; Martin’s Creek and Ranger Middle School Choruses traveling to Greensboro on May 27 through 29 for the All State Festival.

Following closed session, the board accepted resignation and retirement from several teachers assistants, as well sat three teachers: Barbara Fowler at MMS; Cherie Withers at HDMS and Beverly Parham at MES. It also accepted the retirement of Mike Penninger, principal of AMS, all to be effective at or about the end of the school year.

The next meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Education will be held at Hiwassee Dam School on March 10 at 6 p.m.