Eastern changes its 'spring break' schedule

Students in Eastern-Greene School District will notice a change in their school calendar next year.

They'll be enjoying Spring Break at the same time as students in Monroe rather than Greene County.

When the Eastern-Greene School Board met Monday night, they approved the calendar for 2009-2010 as recommended by Superintendent Ty Mungle.

Eastern-Greene's Spring Break week has been aligned with other schools in Greene County, which is always a different week from all of the schools in Monroe County.

Mungle said the current calendar has caused problems for many students and he expects that problem to become bigger in the future.

He said he was proposing the change in the timing of the school's Spring Break after doing a lot of research and talking to several members of the community.

Mungle acknowledged the change may cause problems for a few families but overall, he believed the change in timing was the best thing for the majority of Eastern-Greene students, especially for those attending classes in Monroe County.

"We have 35-40 students who attend the vocational school in Bloomington. That number continues to grow. In the future, they're going to be offering still more classes like a DNR (Department of Resources) internship and a fire certification class," said Mungle. "Our relationship with the vocational school keeps growing along with IVY Tech -- they're providing more opportunities for dual-credit classes."

Under the current calendar, these students are out of class for two weeks -- both Eastern-Greene's Spring Break and the Monroe Spring Break.

"These are nine-week courses and they're very much hands-on. Our students were at a disadvantage missing more time than the other students," said Mungle.

An upcoming change in policy for students taking dual-credit courses was also a factor and Mungle said he expects more students to be taking these classes in the future.

"Starting next year, students in dual-credit courses are going to be required to be there for a certain number of hours and if they don't get the required number of hours in, they won't get the credit," said Mungle. "As dual-credit courses become more and more important, our students need the seat time."

The board voted unanimously in favor of the new calendar and Mungle said if it causes problems for anyone, building administrators will work with those students.

"We'll do our best to work with those families who must take a different week for Spring Break," said Mungle.

This year's calendar is winding down -- the last day of school for students will be Thu., May 28; the last day for teachers will be Fri., May 29; Graduation is set for 11 a.m. on Sat., May 23.

One teacher will be getting a change in his teaching schedule next year. The board approved a change in next year's contract with part-time high school teacher Bob Labis. Instead of teaching three classes, he'll be teaching two Earth-Space classes.

Extra-curricular personnel changes included resignations from Kasey Hash from the position of Junior High Volleyball coach; Gina Ingram from Eighth Grade Girls Basketball coach; and Missy Laffin from Junior High Cheer coach.

The board also approved their operation agreement for next year with Hoosier Hills Career Center.

Director of Learning Lori Richmond updated the board on progress with numerous grant applications. She explained the process involved in applying for grant money and reported on what she expects to be available in the future.

A group of students involved in the school's SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) group gave a presentation to the board about SAVE and told the board they would be asking permission to take an out-of-state trip next year. They are raising funds to pay for approximately 30 students to attend and make a presentation at the SAVE national conference that will be held in October in Charlotte, N.C.

Mistie Anderson, parent and cordinator of the ACE (ACademic Enrichment) organization, also gave a presentation about the group's first Carnival that will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the high school on Sat., April 25.

Anderson said a large number of prizes have been donated and various school groups will be manning booths offering games and food. Anderson set up a few of the booths for board members to see - unique structures that were crafted in the school's shop area and decorations handmade by community artists.

An AirEvac Lifeteam emergency medical helicopter will also be flying in for the event and be on display in the new parking lot.

Anderson said admission is free with most games requiring one or two tickets which can be purchased for 25 cents each. The public is invited.