C-M discusses test scores, new clubs

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CLARKSVILLE — Scores from last year’s state tests in fourth-grade social studies and fifth-grade science have Clinton-Massie students matching the statewide average for social studies and slightly higher in science.

Clinton-Massie Elementary School Principal Katie Klei reported Monday to the board of education that scores for 63 percent of the science test takers placed in the proficient, accelerated or advanced categories.

And scores for 70 percent of the social studies test takers were in the proficient, accelerated or advanced categories.

She suggested the Clinton-Massie student results could have been bolstered if a number of stronger students had taken the tests rather than opting out, “which was unfortunate for our scores.”

On another topic, Klei said the Computer Club would hold an open house to show family and friends what the student members have learned about computer coding for the web from the Scratch programming environment.

“Pretty amazing,” Klei summarized.

The club’s coding focus has been so well received that school officials plan to do another installment in the spring. The club and two teachers are able to provide two levels of coding education for the young students, so that the youths can build on their existing skills “and we want to continue to do that,” said Klei.

As a result of a parents’ Coffee Hour where the parents asked elementary staff for more after-school clubs, two science clubs have been added for the spring. They include a chemistry club, “Pop, Bang, Fizz” and an aerodynamics club, “My Amazing Flying Machine.”

The clubs are offered to kindergarten through fifth-grade students at $70 each. Both clubs will meet for five one-hour sessions on Wednesdays.

A company, Science Matters in America, will bring the two programs, and there will be no cost to the school district, said Klei.

A written board meeting submission from Clinton-Massie Curriculum Coordinator Robyn Donisi stated the district leadership team met Nov. 12 and had “some frank conversation about the climate here at Clinton-Massie.”

She added, “We again clarified the definition of ‘vision’ as where we want to be and chose the goal of communication as a place to start. A districtwide ‘fellowship’ will be held during a portion of the two-hour early release on Dec. 4.”

The fellowship time is meant to enable newer staff members and longer-term staff to get to know each other better, said officials.

CMAD awards — Consistently Making A Difference — were presented to elementary student Bryce Scott and to Klei, the principal at the elementary facility.

Scott was described as “a very friendly and caring student.”

The award for Klei commends new programs in the school such as positive office referrals, a Ride Smart bus incentive and the coffee hours with parents.

Also noted were Klei’s visiting of classrooms and daily lunch duty including cleanup.

“Students enjoy seeing Mrs. Klei duct-taped to the cafeteria wall as a magazine sale incentive,” the presenter also read, drawing chuckles.

In business conducted at the meeting:

• The board approved football practice on Thanksgiving Day if needed for the post-season playoffs.

• Board members approved an out-of-state field trip for zoology students to the Newport Aquarium in northern Kentucky.

• The board’s agenda included two executive sessions, one concerning personnel and the other for an expulsion hearing.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.

From left, Clinton-Massie Elementary School student Bryce Scott receives a CMAD — Consistently Making a Difference — award from Clinton-Massie Local Schools Board of Education member Chris Harrison.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/11/web1_grip_grin_bryce_f.jpgFrom left, Clinton-Massie Elementary School student Bryce Scott receives a CMAD — Consistently Making a Difference — award from Clinton-Massie Local Schools Board of Education member Chris Harrison.

Clinton-Massie Elementary School Principal Katie Klei receives a CMAD — Consistently Making a Difference — award from Clinton-Massie school board member Chris Harrison.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/11/web1_katie_5_f.jpgClinton-Massie Elementary School Principal Katie Klei receives a CMAD — Consistently Making a Difference — award from Clinton-Massie school board member Chris Harrison.

By Gary Huffenberger

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