Centerville adds dual credit, grad pathways

Preparing for new high school graduation requirements, Centerville-Abington Community Schools approved several changes to academics starting this fall.

Tammy Chavis, district director of student learning, and Brian Bellew, senior high school principal, shared CSHS curriculum materials for the board’s consideration at its May 21 meeting. A vote takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, in the administration building, 115 W. South St., Centerville.

For instance:

• New career/technical education pathways include locally created visual, instrumental and vocal pathways, plus computer science, dental careers, education professions, certified medical assistant, pharmacy and veterinary science.
• Dual credit programs with Ivy Tech have been added for finite math, quantitative reasoning, biology, chemistry and social studies.
• Chavis said they learned that day that any student who meets enrollment criteria in the new diplomas will automatically qualify for acceptance by select colleges.
• Personal finance will move to the high school with updated course content and recommended for grades 10-12. “Computer Foundations” and “Preparing for College and Careers” will be required for eighth graders to fulfill graduation requirements.
• The internship program now requires 75 hours on the job site per credit hour, plus 18 hours of coursework.

Because CSHS’ handbook has become so large, administrators split it into two: discipline and attendance in one, academics in its own. The handbook will be available on the parent and counseling webpages.

In other business

Superintendent Mike McCoy recommended making eighth graders’ trip to Washington, D.C., an annual spring three-to-four-day event. The board agreed. Principal Tiffani Thornburg described this year’s journey as a great experience. Board President Todd Duke requested the board still hear about plans each year.

• Chavis presented a resolution to honor military families, which the board approved. It demonstrates the board’s support for military families and students. Along with other requirements, the resolution helps CACS receive an Indiana Purple Star School Designation for displaying significant commitment to service members, veterans, and students and families connected to the U.S. military. The distinction is valid for a three-year period.
• The board approved junior high and elementary curriculum materials and rental/fees for all four buildings for the upcoming school year. They were discussed at the board’s May 7 meeting.
• High school donations: Anonymous, $500 to choir, $500 to Drama Club.
• McCoy recognized Michele Robinson, new corporation treasurer, for verifying payment requests from companies, which prevented a payment to a scammer. He applauded her efforts and extra time she’s been giving to CACS.

Personnel

• Departures: Jonathan Lucy, band director, CJHS/HS teacher; Larry Nichols, bus driver; Chayil Gilding, special ed teaching assistant; Jennifer Morgan, Rose Hamilton teacher assistant; Robyn Yarbrough, RH cafeteria
• Transfer: Summer band: Emily Arndt, assistant director to interim director; Tristan Migoski, assistant to assistant director; Ashtyn Miles, assistant now paid by CACS instead of Music Boosters; Sylvia Dungan, junior high assistant cook to server; Jayne Blunk, sub status to part-time RH cafeteria
• Volunteer: Makaela Moore, junior high student teacher
• Hires: Hunter Davis and Nikki Hall, junior high cheer coaches. Summer staff: Custodians: Aleah Ream, Kymie May, Tabatha Thomas, Bobbi Harrison, Paul Stapleton. Paint crew: Ashley Hamilton, Abram Jarvis, Tate Chasteen, Carter Weiss. Drivers: Paul Robbins, Greg Newton