New system brings 'Harmony' to NP schools

Friday, August 21, 2009

BAINBRIDGE -- North Putnam school board members got a quick look at the corporation's new student data system at Thursday's meeting.

Parents enrolling their students already got to experience the new computer system called Harmony.

"Parents can enlist their students by grade or birth date," said Assistant to the Superintendent Kevin Emsweller. "They can access information about their student almost as fast as it is entered."

Parents receive a user name and password from the school. With it they can log on to the school's Web site and find all kinds of information about their student including schedules, homework assignments, grades and special messages.

"It's very detailed. Anything in the teacher's grade book is on here. It is updated weekly," said Emsweller.

The system even shows detailed discipline information including the infraction, date, action taken and personnel. Attendance and tardy information is also included. School calendars have links to individual events with additional information.

Parents have access to homeroom information, locker combinations and book fees. They can e-mail teachers from the Progress Report screen.

"We used it during registration this year. Parents were getting a receipt printed out before they even finished writing checks," said Middle School Principal Terry Tippin.

The middle school is ahead of the other schools, but Emsweller hopes all the schools will be on board and using the system very soon.

At this point, cafeteria information is not online, but Emsweller plans to have it eventually.

Anyone who needs help finding their way around the system can call the school for help.

Superintendent Dr. Mary Lovejoy presented Randy Neeley, bus transportation Mechanic, with a special board commendation for outstanding achievement.

Lovejoy also gave an update on H1N1 vaccinations and explained plans are being discussed about how flu vaccinations might be distributed this fall. She did report that there should be enough vaccine for all students and staff. More information will be available about this at a later date.

The superintendent also reported a committee had a recommendation that will be given to the teachers association regarding parent teacher conferences. Lovejoy will present that to the teachers prior to bringing it to the board at their September meeting.

Lovejoy also announced that teachers would be given two-year contracts with no pay increases. However, they will get their experience rate that ranges from $850-$909 each.

Board member Carl Blau told the group he was not in favor of giving entitlement raises.

"I'm having trouble with presenting wages with just entitlement. I would ask that it be revisited and teachers be paid for performance," he said.


"Research new ways to hold employees accountable," added board member Mark Fordice.

Blau did say he would endorse a one-time recommendation, but wants to change the entitlement raises next year.

Board members passed the recommendation 5-2 with Andy Beck and Debbie Sillery voting no.

The board voted to award the corporation's insurance package to Indiana Insurance at a cost of $119,649. This is over a $9,000 increase from last year, but $43,000 less than other quotes.

Lovejoy also received permission to advertise the 2010 school budget.

The first reading of a policy revision on criminal history information was made. Changes in criminal history information under the expanded Indiana Code require more in background checks. These are done through the Educational Service Center. Applicants will have to pay the $29 fee. Volunteer checks will be paid for by the school corporation.

Staff changes were approved as follows:

Certified staff--Eric VanHaaften will replace Mark McClemming at the high school.

Support staff--the following resignations were accepted: Heather Lawson, Bainbridge Elementary; Rachel Mandeville, high school; Marilyn McCollough, Roachdale Elementary; Carrie Brock, Transportation; and Amanda Cox, Transpiration.

New support staff employees are Debbie Chrysler, Administration office payroll clerk; Brian Rhoden, middle school lifeguard; Laura Pope, middle school instructional assistant; Jessica Carter, transportation; and Cindy Lively, transportation.

One transfer involved Laura Walden from middle school instructional assistant to high school instructional assistant.

Kellie Aynes replaces Heather Lawson at Bainbridge Elementary as instructional assistant and Julie Papococcia replaces Marilyn McCullough at Roachdale as an instructional assistant.

Extracurricular staffs were approved with a 5-2 vote, with Sillery and Beck opposed.

These included the resignation of David Basan as high school head girls' golf coach. Those employed are: Linda Patrick-Grimes as high school girls' golf head coach, Sara Crosby as high school girls' soccer assistant coach and Willie Gaskins as high school girls' soccer head coach.

Candice Martin and Lee Ann Davidson were approved as middle school sixth grade volleyball coaches, Joe Kreider as middle school seventh grade volleyball assistant coach and Taylor Alles as middle school eighth grade volleyball assistant coach.

Some discussion took place regarding the sixth grade annual trip to McCormick's Creek. The board voted to permit the trip and not charge students the suggested $25 fee. This is the 20th year for the field trip.

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  • Anyone notice a pattern...does Sillery and Beck oppose everything?

    -- Posted by bbridgeresident on Fri, Aug 21, 2009, at 8:59 AM
  • It was the administration who got new contracts, not the teachers.

    -- Posted by Old Cougar Fan on Sat, Aug 22, 2009, at 8:26 AM
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