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Trustee's spotlight Van Buren Elementary at monthly meeting
Several Clay Community School Board of Trustees members said their favorite times at Thursday's regular monthly sessions are the various school review reports made throughout the school year.
"I always look forward to these," said board members Cheryl Schopmeyer and Charley Jackson at Thursday's October 10th meeting.
Van Buren Elementary Principal Derick Tipton thanked the school board for inviting him to highlight what is happening at the elementary school this year.
"Each year, we are given a list of equitable solutions and a few priority areas we must focus on. As the staff at Van Buren went through the list of those different regions, we realized we are doing that," said Tipton. "We realized that we are doing those things already and have been doing them for a couple of years now."
Tipton said communication is key to the school's success, and the community needs to know how and what is happening to help students succeed.
Tipton also talked about the prospects of recently becoming STEM-certified.
"I want to talk a little bit about what Van Buren is doing to empower future graduates now at the elementary level, like talking about and introducing them to careers, fields, schools, secondary, and post-high school opportunities," said Tipton, spotlighting various programs that have occurred since the start of the school year.
Education Day, a college door decorating contest, and Dress for Your Future Career are only a few of the school's events.
Tipton said one event was very special, sharing a small secret.
"Do you remember when the F-16 flyover caused quite a stir on Brazil Chatter?" said Tipton about the incident that sparked many comments on Social Media. "That was for Van Buren. One flew over Van Buren when the kids were at recess, and we've all probably seen an F-16 before with the Blue Angels, but for five to seven-year-olds. That was a heck of an experience."
Later, when the pilots returned to the school with their flysuits, helmets, and all the things a pilot might use, Tipton confirmed it was quite an experience for the students and the staff.
Van Buren Fire Department's visit during fire prevention week was also a big day for the school.
"Pete Taylor, the fire chief, talked for about 15 minutes about being a firefighter and what to do in certain situations," said Tipton. "The fire department also did a fire drill for the students while they were there: Might as well kill two birds with one stone. So that was quite an experience."
Tipton said Taylor was there talking about fire safety, and the students saw a real firefighter walking around with all the gear on. Then, "Sparky The Fire Dog" started doing the stop, drop, and roll.
"I would be remiss if I didn't say it, but we have had some amazing staff organizing these student events. It has been a great year so far, and more is to come."
As Tipton thanked the board for allowing him to come and share the good news at Van Buren Elementary, School Board President Tom Reberger said, "Your staff makes you look good. Absolutely."