By Karen Martin

Staff reporter

kamartin@elkintribune.com

With a unanimous vote, Elkin’s school board adopted the senior graduation project as a requirement for graduation beginning with the 2010 graduating class.

The graduation project was put on hold across the state with a decision by the N.C. Board of Instruction in April; however, the Elkin school board, along with Elkin High School principal Mark Byrd, the graduation project advisory board, parents, and even some students, lobbied for the project to be made a local school policy.

“I believe the gradation project is one that will allow our students a vision into their own future,” said Superintendent Dr. Randy Bledsoe. “The project allows the students to choose a field of interest; work with a mentor in that field; learn the art of communication in public speaking; and research all aspects of the field for a written summary. Back in the day, the written part of the graduation project was called a term paper.”

James Freeman, board member, spoke of students’ request that the graduation project be a possible optional requirement for graduation, asked Byrd if this was feasible.

“I don’t know if anything could be done in comparison to the graduation project,” Byrd said.

Byrd explained a student’s GPA (grade point average) is determined by all required class assignments, test scores, term papers and projects. The graduation project will count as a portion of the required work for seniors.

The paperwork for the project will begin in 10th grade English classes, with a mentor chosen during the 11th grade. Byrd recommended that the hour requirement, (minimum of 15 hours) working in the field a student has chosen, be completed during the summer between the junior and senior year.

Foley Norman, board member, expressed his concerns on some students being or becoming behind with the added work of the graduation project.

“I support the project, but I do have concerns for those students that may struggle,” Norman said. “I feel we need to watch the program and the students closely.”

“We will do everything in our power to help these kids graduate,” Byrd said. “No one wants to tell a child they can’t graduate. We will provide assistance with selecting a project, finding a mentor and completing all the required components of the project. ”

Elkin Elementary School principal Tom Caton and Elkin Middle School principal Pam Colbert added that their students were learning PowerPoint and other computer skills that would aid in preparing for the graduation project. Colbert’s middle school students are also learning how to research information for papers and projects, that will better prepare the students for high school and the graduation project also.

Bledsoe spoke of his experience with the project.

“As I’ve stated before, I have some experience with the graduation project with the school system I worked with prior to Elkin, and the project is a wonderful program for the students,” Bledsoe said. “Mr. Byrd’s plan is a sound plan, a good plan. The different aspects of the program will allow students a chance to experience the reality of life.”

In other issues, Angela Land, student services director, asked the board for approval of the Title VI grant application money that will be applied to funding for a speech therapist and staff development, as well as a portion of the funds being applied toward the salaries of pre-K teachers.

Jan Zachary, director of finance and human resources, requested an amendment to the budget for the small adjustments in fees for janitorial supplies,maintenance fees, and cleaning supplies for the summer.

Zachary also proposed how the current reversion funds to the state would be handled. The current amount to be returned is an additional $34,931, after the original reversion of $49,714.

“Most of the monies for the reversion will be taken out of the non-instructional support funds,” Zachary said. “The two areas that funds are not allowed to be drawn from are the school’s driver’s education program and the new school bus funds. Over half of the reversion money will come out of the central office funds.”

In another matter, Zachary recognized (Ret.) Col. Bill McGrew as the school system’s Spotlight On People person of the month.

“Col. McGrew is the head of our Junior ROTC program and has been so since 1993,” Zachary said. “The success of each cadet in the program is very important to Col. McGrew. He takes the students success very personally. He has devoted his time to volunteering with the students and in the community. Our ROTC program is a great success due to Col. McGrew.”

Col. McGrew was presented with a plaque in recognition of his efforts in leading the Jr. ROTC program in the Elkin City School system.

Cynthia Altemueller, school support director, spoke to the board on the Title III plan.

“Our ESL (English as a Second Language), plan is progressing wonderfully,” Altemueller said. “We have a family literacy night planned, a bi-lingual handbook and have set goals that are attainable for our ESL students. We have an advisory council, parents and students participating. Their input has been invaluable in the plan. Our pre-K - 8th grade teachers are learning the language to better help our students and we have had wonderful feedback from the state on our plan.”

Pam Colbert, middle school principal recognized 10 students for participating in the Duke Tip Program, taking the SAT or ACT as seventh graders. Aylin Aguilar, Courtney Beals, Josiah Blevins, Sarah Colbert, Kaley Cornelison, Mary Francis Hall, Mary Lewe, Andrew Peterson, Elizabeth Vanhorn and Olivia West all were chosen to participate in the program based on their scores on the school’s EOG (end of grade), test scores. Mary Lewe was recognized for participating not only in the Duke Tip program, but for her accomplishment in the state program. Lewe scored in the top percentile in the state with her testing scores.

Dr. Bledsoe recognized Caroline Rice for her dedicated service to Elkin High School during the 2008-2009 school year as the Student Representative to the Board of Education. Rice attended school board meetings, brought issues from students to the board and communicated to the student body of the high school thoughts, ideas and decisions made by the board.

Tom Caton, Elkin Elementary principal recognized the work of Mrs. Joy Culler.

“Mrs. Culler is a second grade teacher and the chair of our leadership team,” Caton said. “She volunteers her time for a number of things with the children. She heads up our Relay for Life effort and has done so for the past six years. She is a hard worker, a good role model for the students and the staff and is devoted to the children.”

The Elkin Elementary school’s effort for the Relay for Life program has raised $5,548 during the 2008-2009 school year.

Vincent Steiner was recognized by principal Colbert for winning in the science fair at the local and district level. Steiner was also recognized for his special award at the state level for his science project.

The next regular session meeting of the Elkin School Board will be 5 p.m. June 29.