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Tri-City Register
New school Web site online
By Byron Painter
Editor
One of the numerous topics of discussion last week at the Tri-City School Board meeting was
that the new school Web site is now online.
There will also be another Skyward parent meeting Jan. 29, according to Superintendent Dave
Bruno.
The Skyward links are working on the Web site so parents can log in and get lunch information,
among other items.
Bruno reported that 37 percent of the junior high and high school students have a 3.25 or better
GPA.
Leading the way were the seniors (48.5 percent), the sixth graders (44 percent) and the
freshmen (42 percent).
Another meeting is being conducted so parents can have a better understanding of how to use
Skyward.
The school district has won the Gilman annexation case, noted Bruno; Judge Leo Zappa
confirmed the county board of trustees decision.
Bruno brought up for discussion next year’s school calendar; since the State Fair will be a week
later, that could affect many Tri-City students, including those on sports teams that use the State
Fair as a fundraising tool.
Nothing has been finalized yet, Bruno cautioned.
More discussion was held on the Rel8 abstinence program; the district will have it, but where it
will begin in the junior high has not been finalized yet.
The school nurse is now trained for hearing and vision, so that will allow the district to keep
more testing in-house and save on costs.
Also, the kids are comfortable with the nurse, added Bruno.
During elementary school principal Kara Cummins’ report, possible themes for ISAT testing
were discussed. Last year’s theme was Mardi Gras, but no decision has been made for this year.
Also, because of curriculum mapping and measurements, the number of students needing
extra intervention has dropped, a good sign of the success of the program.
The school spelling bee will be Feb. 19, one day after preschool screening.
JH/HS principal Duane Schupp reported on Rti (Response to Intervention) and discipline, as
well as new textbooks to be purchased through a state loan program.
He also noted some upcoming basketball changes; the boys will be heading to Stanford
Olympia over Thanksgiving and not Edinburg, while the girls will likely be going to Illini Central for
Thanksgiving instead of making the long drive to Woodhull Alwood.
The Lady Tornadoes will also be heading to Monticello for a Christmas tournament instead of
trekking to Peoria Woodruff.
There are also discussions to have a J-V girls basketball shootout in the future.
There will be a board self-evaluation Feb. 19, though that is a closed session meeting.
Last month the board approved the new IASB manual, and legal updates were forwarded to the
board for review and approval (which was 6-0, Bennett-Paul absent).
Bruno updated the board on the latest from SASED; consultants with a special education
coordinator background have been retained.
Their job is to ensure an orderly transition, since decentralization of some kind is a certainty.
Bruno also discussed CACC, which is looking at maybe introducing new programs to enhance
enrollment.
Other offerings might be reduced or eliminated to ensure that CACC is a part of the new LLCC
development center instead of a feeder program.
One possible new offering could be wind turbines, for example.
The new basketball rims donated by Dynegy have been installed in the all-purpose room and
are ready for use.
The district will be posting an opening in junior high history shortly; teacher Frank Simpson will
be retiring at the end of the school year.
By Byron Painter
Editor
One of the numerous topics of discussion last week at the Tri-City School Board meeting was
that the new school Web site is now online.
There will also be another Skyward parent meeting Jan. 29, according to Superintendent Dave
Bruno.
The Skyward links are working on the Web site so parents can log in and get lunch information,
among other items.
Bruno reported that 37 percent of the junior high and high school students have a 3.25 or better
GPA.
Leading the way were the seniors (48.5 percent), the sixth graders (44 percent) and the
freshmen (42 percent).
Another meeting is being conducted so parents can have a better understanding of how to use
Skyward.
The school district has won the Gilman annexation case, noted Bruno; Judge Leo Zappa
confirmed the county board of trustees decision.
Bruno brought up for discussion next year’s school calendar; since the State Fair will be a week
later, that could affect many Tri-City students, including those on sports teams that use the State
Fair as a fundraising tool.
Nothing has been finalized yet, Bruno cautioned.
More discussion was held on the Rel8 abstinence program; the district will have it, but where it
will begin in the junior high has not been finalized yet.
The school nurse is now trained for hearing and vision, so that will allow the district to keep
more testing in-house and save on costs.
Also, the kids are comfortable with the nurse, added Bruno.
During elementary school principal Kara Cummins’ report, possible themes for ISAT testing
were discussed. Last year’s theme was Mardi Gras, but no decision has been made for this year.
Also, because of curriculum mapping and measurements, the number of students needing
extra intervention has dropped, a good sign of the success of the program.
The school spelling bee will be Feb. 19, one day after preschool screening.
JH/HS principal Duane Schupp reported on Rti (Response to Intervention) and discipline, as
well as new textbooks to be purchased through a state loan program.
He also noted some upcoming basketball changes; the boys will be heading to Stanford
Olympia over Thanksgiving and not Edinburg, while the girls will likely be going to Illini Central for
Thanksgiving instead of making the long drive to Woodhull Alwood.
The Lady Tornadoes will also be heading to Monticello for a Christmas tournament instead of
trekking to Peoria Woodruff.
There are also discussions to have a J-V girls basketball shootout in the future.
There will be a board self-evaluation Feb. 19, though that is a closed session meeting.
Last month the board approved the new IASB manual, and legal updates were forwarded to the
board for review and approval (which was 6-0, Bennett-Paul absent).
Bruno updated the board on the latest from SASED; consultants with a special education
coordinator background have been retained.
Their job is to ensure an orderly transition, since decentralization of some kind is a certainty.
Bruno also discussed CACC, which is looking at maybe introducing new programs to enhance
enrollment.
Other offerings might be reduced or eliminated to ensure that CACC is a part of the new LLCC
development center instead of a feeder program.
One possible new offering could be wind turbines, for example.
The new basketball rims donated by Dynegy have been installed in the all-purpose room and
are ready for use.
The district will be posting an opening in junior high history shortly; teacher Frank Simpson will
be retiring at the end of the school year.
Issue Date: Jan. 22, 2009