LOOGOOTEE — Although influenza season only recently started, the initial impact on Loogootee schools has been minimal.
The lowest attendance rate this month was 92 percent, and that was only one day, Superintendent Larry Weitkamp told the Loogootee School Board Saturday morning. Another day was 94 percent, while three days were 95 percent. He said the normal daily attendance rate is 96 percent.
Weitkamp credited parents for being cautious and keeping their children home from school if they appeared to be ill. There have been some reports of children being sick with flu-like symptoms, but he did not know if it was the seasonal flu or the H1N1 (commonly known as swine flu).
In other business
Drug check
Loogootee High School Principal John Mullen said a Daviess County Sheriff’s deputy and drug dog checked the school’s lockers and parking lot last Thursday afternoon, but reported nothing illegal.
Mullen wants parents to know these searches are done occasionally without warning. A Daviess County drug dog was used because Martin County currently does not have one.
School Enrollment
The board approved the proposed school corporation budget for next year. During this discussion, Weitkamp said total school enrollment was down 47 students from last year. This continues a downward trend for the past six years, which results in less state funding.
Board Member Tim Bradley asked Weitkamp if he had contingency plans in place if the school corporation continues to see a reduction in funds. The superintendent said he always has a long-range plan, but it is adjusted as circumstances change, such as attendance and funding.
Weitkamp said the contingency plans could affect staffing, since less staff will be needed if attendance numbers continue to fall. For the time being, reductions in staffing are being done through attrition, where retiring teachers may not be replaced.
On a positive note, the kindergarten enrollment showed another increase this year, so the fall in overall attendance may eventually end.
Local News
Flu not affecting Loogootee schools yet
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ND commencement is Friday evening
North Daviess High School will hold it commencement exercises at 7 p.m. Friday.
Following the processional led by North Daviess faculty and juniors Janice Knepp and Cari Jo Wilson, the voluntary invocation will be led by Chelsea Graber. Stacey Beard, class president, will then make welcoming and introductory remarks. -
Fire destroys home in minutes
A Tuesday afternoon fire in rural Daviess County has left a family homeless, although unharmed.
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Barr-Reeve holds 47th commencement Saturday
Barr-Reeve High School will hold its 47th Commencement Exercises on Saturday afternoon in the high school gymnasium beginning at 2 p.m. Again this year, the graduation will be an afternoon affair.
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Loogootee to hold graduation Friday
Loogootee Junior/Senior High School Class of 2012 will hold its graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Friday.
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ND finds ways to use cell phones
A lengthy discussion between North Daviess school board and administrative members concerning future student cell phone usage dominated the board’s Monday meeting.
Board members were considering a second reading for the school’s junior and senior high school handbooks when the discussion began. -
Relay for Life kicks off
The 2012 Relay for Life kicked off at the Lena Dunn Elementary School track on Friday. The event started (above) with the survivor lap with the other participants lining the track to cheer them on. The relay continues through today at the track.
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WHS DECA shows off national award
Washington High School DECA advisor Bill Turner had show-and-tell at the Washington Community Schools Board meeting Thursday night.
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Brashear, Bush make history at DECA conference
Connor Brashear and Austin Bush became the first students from Washington DECA to place first at the international career development conference.
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NSWC Crane to host charity bike event Saturday
Bike enthusiasts will use pedal power to raise funds for injured military personnel Saturday on the 100-square-mile Naval Support Activity Crane facility.
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Shoals to hold commencement Saturday
Shoals Junior/Senior High School will hold its commencement at 2 p.m. Saturday in the high school gymnasium.
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ND commencement is Friday evening
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