by Jaye Sudar
The Re-2 meeting began with a walking tour of the improvements to Charlie Park and the La Veta Elementary school. The new stage at the end of the gymnasium leads out to a grassy area surrounded by paved areas lined with river rock and sandstone slabs. New trees and plants are in now. The five points yet to be taken care of are permanent seating, temporary seating, the statue, a path from the stage out across the grass and paint for the end of the building to make it blend in with the park. Along the front of the elementary school, two sections need to be paved, and in the outdoor lunch area, tables and trash cans need to be installed. Superintendent Dave Seaney is confident that Don Peters, who has just been awarded a ten-year landscaping contract with the Air Force Academy, will have it all done by the start of school. Charlie Park will be showcased at the Back to School Night on August 17. Harp music may be the first to grace the new stage.
The elementary school HVAC system is in place and awaiting inspection and final covers. The kitchen is ready to go with new appliances and flooring. There are plans to move the trophies and class photos out of the dining hall.
The Public Address system awaits installation of the masterboards and the Preschool fire alarm will be brought up to code with new strobes and other equipment.
David Enke presented a cultural enrichment opportunity to the board. The Song of Pueblo, a historical muli-media presentation of the history of Southern Colorado is being brought to La Veta in September. It will be presented at the Fort Francisco Theater. The board was very interested in the program and would consult the calendar and respond to Enke.
Jr./Sr. High Principal Bree Lessar reported on Re-2 CSAP scores. First up was an explanation that while scores used to track historically, they now track longitudinally. Instead of tracking from 3rd grade to 3rd grade, they now track from 3rd to 4th grade. The elementary is exceeding state averages across the board. The only exception being the 6th grade which experienced a change in math curriculum last year. The 7th and 8th grade have concerns in reading and writing. There are also concerns with math in grades 7 through 10. These issues are already being addressed for the coming school year with such programs as Read About and Get Ahead Math. Other programs are being put in place including a seventh hour with rotating activities for individualized computer instruction, health and nutrition and computer information classes.
Elections are this year, and petitions are available at the district office. Cindy Campbell is the only person to have a petition out at this time. In other items, the district is in search of a grant writer, two teachers will attend Alpine Achievement training on Sept. 12 and four football field lights were replaced after a lightning storm.
