Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By Jan Tucker
Ewen — Even as the 2017-18 school year is winding down, the Ewen-Trout Creek board is already planning for the next school year. Student scheduling and staffing took front and center at the recent ETC board meeting. Superintendent Alan Tulppo reported that student scheduling for the next year is complete for grades 6-12 and the master schedule is being developed.
Tulppo noted there is a possibility of not offering physics for the 2018-19 year due to low student requests for the course, but if the class is not run, an I-TV arrangement will be attempted for the students who want to take the course.
Tulppo also reported that the ETC District has been rated a “Bronze” school for the third year in a row by U.S. News and World Report. The ratings are based on student achievement, types of programs offered, opportunities for students and how well students are prepared for college or careers.
The ETC Robotics Team gave the board a demonstration of their robot and shared information about the 2018 season. It is the third season for the team, coached by Ted Trudgeon, consisting of 11 students, six girls and five boys. The board commended Trudgeon for the time and dedication he has given the team.
Tulppo outlined the staffing plan, noting that a paraprofessional position was eliminated for the 2018-19 school year. The board accepted with regret, the resignations of: Paige Gwyn, K-12 art teacher, Jessica Kelly, 6-12 social studies teacher, and Farah Fors, Pre-K teacher.
The board approved posting vacancies for a K-12 art teacher, to be shared with neighboring school districts, and an elementary teacher and 7-12 social studies teacher. The board discussed the potential of sharing a foreign language teacher with a neighboring school district by I-TV and a school counselor with the Ontonagon Area School District. It was agreed that Tulppo pursue arranging a shared agreement for a foreign language teacher.
Superintendent Tulppo reported on his first meeting of the MSU Region 1 Advisory board. He said the MSU representative is looking for ways in which to partner with school districts to provide pre-college learning experiences for students in a variety of areas. The superintendent said he is looking forward to working with the board to provide enrichment opportunities for students, families and community members.
The board also discussed a 4th/5th grade multi-age classroom for the 2018-19 school year and heard a presentation on the issue from Jacky Besonen and Mary Nordine.
The board also heard that staff member Pam Besonen wrote and received a grant to start a free community “Fitness Drumming class” at ETC through the Superior Health Foundation. Twenty-two community members registered for the class which will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school and during the summer months.
