The Anniston Board of Education met Wednesday afternoon to address critical issues affecting the school community. With the new school year approaching, the board unanimously voted for policy changes aimed at tackling unexcused absences and vaping on school grounds. These changes, spearheaded by Superintendent Dr. D. Ray Hill and Dr. Sabrina Winfrey, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, aim to strengthen attendance policies and increase consequences for tardiness and early departures. Additionally, the board authorized paying stipends to concession stand workers at athletic events and hired an MTSS intervention specialist to support struggling students.
Putting Teeth into Attendance Policies
The Anniston Board of Education recognized the need for revisions and updates to attendance policies to combat unexcused tardiness and students leaving school early. Superintendent Dr. D. Ray Hill emphasized the importance of these changes to ensure students are present throughout the entire school day. Dr. Sabrina Winfrey explained that five instances of tardiness or early departures will now count as one absence, with parents being informed of the impact of such actions. Furthermore, ten attendance infractions will be considered equivalent to two days absent, and students will be referred to a district attendance employee for truancy court information and a warning letter.
The board's initiative stems from the understanding that consistent attendance is essential for effective teaching and learning. Acknowledging the challenges faced by parents, the board seeks their cooperation in ensuring students attend school regularly.
Battling the Vaping Epidemic
Addressing the pressing issue of vaping on school grounds, the Anniston Board of Education took significant measures to counter the growing problem. Dr. Sabrina Winfrey expressed concern over the increasing number of vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes, Juuls, and disguised markers, making their way into schools. To align with state laws on vaping in public places, strict procedures have been put in place to deter students from engaging in such activities.
Under the revised policy, students caught with vaping devices will face serious consequences. A first-time offense will result in a three-day out-of-school suspension, accompanied by a two-day in-school suspension to make up for missed school work. Penalties will escalate with each additional infraction. To reinforce awareness about the consequences of bringing vaping devices to school, educational sessions will be conducted for elementary, middle, and high school students during the first week of the new school year.
The board urges parents to actively participate in addressing this issue and emphasizes the significance of taking responsibility for their children's actions.
Empowering Concession Stand Workers
In a move to support the school's athletic program, the Anniston Board of Education unanimously approved paying stipends to concession stand and gate workers at athletic events. Previously, the responsibility fell on boosters and volunteers, leading to challenges in maintaining adequate staff for these events. Now, regular school employees, including teachers and staff, will be eligible to work at athletic events where concessions are sold.
The board views this as an effective way to manage inventory and utilize funds for the athletic program, benefitting not only sports but also the school band. Johanna Martin, the chief school finance officer, confirmed that the employees for the upcoming football season have already been identified and will receive appropriate training.
MTSS Intervention Specialist: Addressing Attendance Issues
The Anniston Board of Education recognized the need for targeted support for struggling students and approved hiring an MTSS intervention specialist. Funded through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, this specialist will focus on students based on their academics and disciplinary actions. The middle school will benefit from the specialist's presence, acting as a "dean of attendance" while assisting the administration in addressing attendance-related concerns.
Moreover, the board retained Bailey Group Services to aid students with their ACT scores. These services, proven effective, extend beyond ACT preparation and also provide valuable support to the administration in various areas.
Conclusion
The Anniston Board of Education's policy tweaks demonstrate a firm commitment to ensuring the welfare of students and fostering an environment conducive to learning. By implementing stricter attendance policies and tackling the vaping epidemic, the board aims to create a more focused and disciplined educational setting. Additionally, empowering concession stand workers and providing targeted support to struggling students showcases the board's dedication to enhancing the overall educational experience for all students.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
What prompted the Anniston Board of Education to modify attendance policies? The board recognized the need to address unexcused tardiness and early departures, leading to revisions in attendance policies to improve student attendance.
What are the consequences for students caught with vaping devices? Students found with vaping devices will face a three-day out-of-school suspension and a two-day in-school suspension, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses.
Why did the board decide to pay stipends to concession stand workers? To ensure sufficient staffing during athletic events, the board opted to pay stipends to regular school employees, including teachers and staff, to work at the concession stands.
What is the purpose of hiring an MTSS intervention specialist? The MTSS intervention specialist will provide targeted support to struggling students, focusing on both academic performance and disciplinary actions, particularly at the middle school level.
What services will Bailey Group Services provide? Bailey Group Services will assist students with their ACT scores and offer support in various other areas to aid the school administration.
