05/07/12 Even though the current school year won’t end until June, Plymouth Schools administrators are busy planning for the 2012-2013 school year.

During a meeting on May1, the Plymouth School Board was given an opportunity to review changes made to student handbooks. Presenting the changes were Elementary Principal Michael Dunn, Intermediate Assistant Principal Jeni Hirschy, Junior High Assistant Principal Reid Gault, and High School Assistant Principal Ken Olson.

Dunn explained that language has been added to clarify responsible use of technology. Beginning next school year, every student will have an electronic device available to them on a one-to-one basis.

Dunn indicated that the biggest change in the elementary handbook would be in the area of attendance. He said the policies will be more intervention based. Other changes were included in the areas of promotion and retention due to Public Law 109.

Gault said they are also looking at promotion, placement and retention. He said there are expectations in the language for both students and staff to help students be more successful.

Superintendent Daniel Tyree said the revised handbooks will be available on-line within a few days for parents and others to review.

 

 

Dunn and Hirschy also presented the proposed fees for textbooks for the next school year. Dunn said the fees include those being assessed for technology such as I PADS and computers. Fees were listed as follows: Kindergarten, $157; first grade, $169; second grade, $197; third grade, $161; and fourth grade, $158. The kindergarten and first grade fees reflect an increase of $50, according to Dunn. Fees for grades two, three and four increased by $75.

Hirschy said the fees for grade five will be $166, reflecting an increase of $55. Students in grade six will be assessed fees based on whether they join band, choir, both band and choir or neither activity. The fees will range from $155 to $163 and reflect an increase of between $12 and $22.

Tyree clarified that students will have technology-based devises assigned to them individually, but will be allowed to take them home only as needed and skills are taught.

In other matters, a one-year extension for before and after school care was granted to Liz Richie. Richie, who also owns the Learning Tree, first began providing care in 1999. According to Richie, the fees and programs offered will remain the same for the next school year.

Carol Anders Correspondent