Additions to the curriculum and programs at the High School were the focal point of Thursday night’s meeting of the Washington School Board. The Board first heard about a proposed work simulation lab at WHS as a collaborative project between Washington High School, Indiana University, Direct Employers Institute, and Daviess Community Hospital, along with support from Crane. Si’mon ( Cee Mon) Murray of Direct Employers Institute, said the program will show students the connection between what they learn in the classroom and skills they need in the work place. Angie Mann of Crane added that the program will give students a hands-on experience and would also focus on employ-ability skills. Washington Superintendent Dr. Daniel Roach says Daviess Community Hospital is the local employer partnering with the project.
But Roach said the program is not just for future doctors and nurses….
In addition the Board approved the addition of a BioMed class to the Project Lead the Way curriculum and Roach announced the WHS had received a $30,000 grant to set up the classroom. Also, Roach told the Board that the Twin Rivers Nursing Program would be located at WHS next year.
In regular business, the Board approved the posting for a Transportation Mechanic, and awarded contracts for bus routes 15, 18, and 20 to Charlie Heller. In personnel action the Board accepted the retirement of Griffith Instructional Assistant Linda Dinkeys and approved the appointments of Richie Osha as junior high wrestling coach and Aimee Farhar as assistant softball coach.
Information was recieved at the meeting on the new Hatchets Helping Hatchets Club at WHS from students Audrey Lankford, Elizabeth Stallman, and Ellie Theine. The students explained the focus of the club was to provide school supplies and other items to students in need.
Assistant Schools Superintendent Kevin Frank told the Board that the testing required by the State was at its half-way point. Frank noted that by the end of the testing period, some students will have sat for more than 20 hours of testing. Frank noted, we repoted yesterday, a bill that would eliminate ISTEP and replace it with a shorter test is currently being considered by the General Assembly. But Frank said the new test would not be ready before the 2018-2019 school year.