DAYTON—When they met last week, the Dayton School District Board of Directors approved a new dismissal time and bell schedule for Middle School and High School students. After March 1, dismissal will be at 2 p.m. for secondary school students.

Superintendent Guy Strot said the District would send emails and letters to parents about the change. Information will also be posted on Facebook and the District website.

Strot said lunchtime will be from 11:11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.

The Middle School has a closed campus for lunch, and students eat in the multipurpose room/cafeteria with overflow into the band room. Students will remain in the multipurpose room until 11:30 then released to the tennis courts and the grassy play areas.

High School students may eat lunch off-campus, in the library, or in the newly created outdoor seating area.

Athletics

Football and volleyball practices have begun.

“We’re still on track for the first volleyball game here in Dayton on Feb. 23”, said Strot.

This year, Dayton will host all at-home volleyball games and practices, Waitsburg will host all at-home football games and practices.

MS/HS report

MS/HS Principal Kristina Brown said three design options had been chosen for the D/W Combine athletic mascot logo. The ASB, principals, and designers will meet on Feb. 25 to review them before presenting them to the Waitsburg and Dayton student bodies for their vote.

Brown said Heather Clarys, GEAR UP Coordinator, is working with Sarah Ortuno for SAT exam preparation classes. GEAR UP, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a U.S. Department of Education discretionary grant program offered to states and districts to aid students who are prepared to succeed in postsecondary education. Renee Slaybaugh facilitates the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club, and they are participating in the virtual Winter Regional Leadership Conference.

Elementary school report

Superintendent Guy Strot also serves as Elementary Principal.

He said kudos go to second-grade teachers Ginger Bryan and Dawn McGhan. Students in their classes made valentines for Booker Rest Home residents and went on a window-to-window parade outside the building to greet nursing home residents.

“I’m sure they loved getting the valentine wishes,” he said.

Strot said the Leadership Team is discussing some trauma training curriculum for use next year.

He said the Columbia County Public Health Department would work with the District to support students with mental health issues. Ms. Patterson, from Blue Mountain Counseling, has been an important asset to the school.

The District could be getting $464,000 from the federal government to help with COVID-19 -related expenses, and a portion could be used to hire a full-time behavioral intervention counselor, said Strot.

Budget

Business Manager Paula Moisio said budget extensions would be likely for the general fund and capital projects should the District receive the federal COVID-19 funding.

The District’s budget is right on track for revenue at this point in the year. Five months into the school year, the general fund expenditures are where they were anticipated to be, said Moisio.

She said the transportation fund was depleted this month after the purchase of a school bus.

ASB fund expenditures are less than 5% this month because there has been no activity up to this point.

“The ending cash balance is looking good. Expenditures are coming along pretty well. Cash balances are holding steady,” she said.

Facilities improvements

John Delp, the District’s Maintenance Supervisor, said the Ag building received some extra cleaning during the Christmas break. Plumbing issues in the kitchen were also addressed at that time.

He said some deterioration of the asphalt between the high school and gym was noticed during snow removal. Also, damage caused to the asphalt on the elementary playground by the roof installation project last summer has yet to be repaired. There is an agreement between the project manager and the roofing contractor to repair and seal the whole area next summer.

Food services

Jana Eaton, Food Services Director, recently applied for an equipment assistance grant from the National School Lunch Program. On the day the grant was completed, one of the convection oven’s heating elements caught “a little bit” on fire, so those funds would be welcome to replace two “old” ovens in the kitchen, said Eaton.

Eaton has also received entitlement funds to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other commodities for daily breakfast and lunches through the USDA, all at a minimal cost.

“We have utilized the commodities quite a bit this year,” she told the board. “We have found that items such as Teriyaki Dippers, Pizza Rippers, cheese bread sticks, and BBQ rib patties are very popular.”

These items are quite expensive if purchased through the regular vendor, so this is a good thing, she said.

Boxes with fresh fruits and vegetables are sent home with students in preschool through grade 5, every other Thursday. Eaton said the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program had been well received by students and parents.

Eaton said pandemic EBT cards would soon be available to all elementary students. Students in grades 6-12 who qualify for free or reduced meals are also eligible. Preschool students who receive SNAP benefits will also be eligible. Information is still coming out about how the program will operate.