Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools

Academic Scheduling - A review of the Reading and Language Arts classes and how that would look was discussed as well as the addition of Honors 8th Grade Reading and Language Arts with parent permission.  This would help replace the lost OCCUR class.  It was discussed that if parents would like their son or daughter to be in the Honors Reading and Lauguage Arts, Mr. Thorbahn will handle those concerns.  Whether students are in Honors or not in 8th grade does not prevent them from joining Honors English as a freshman.  The elective classes were discussed as were the number of study halls a student may have.  8th grade students will be placed in the media center for the Study Hall and it probably would be titled Study Skills.  The STEM class and how that would work was explained and parents were encouraged by that opportunity for their son or daughter. 

Technology - Technology was discussed and a summary of the technology that exists in the High School building was given and a summary of the experiences students were getting below the 9th grade level was given.  Parents could clearly see that there was potential for a drop-off for students in the technology experiences that students would get once they reach High School.  Discussion then centered on a plan to make the high school wireless and then to modify the board policy and handbook policy, as well as authorized usage form for technology to allow students to bring their own technology to school and use it.  Parents on the committee could see the benefits of a plan like this and were comfortable moving in this direction due to the educational possibilities for students.  They were made aware that Mr. Thorbahn was going to hold a staff meeting the next week to discuss this with the HS staff.

Orientation for 8th Grade Students - Parents were encouraged to learn that the 8th grade students would be getting the same experience as the incoming 9th grade students have been receiving in August before school.  It is hoped an evening Orientation and possible Open House on the same evening if possible, as was done last year.  Students would have an opportunity to find their classes with parents and find and open their lockers and possible as teachers any question.