Local organizations supporting GHS

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

In a modern world where advertisement runs the gamut for things like politics, healthcare and transforming a company's future, it makes sense that a school corporation would also decide to tap into its potential.

After reaching out to local businesses and offering advertising space on its athletic websites, Greencastle Schools decided Monday at its monthly board meeting to accept in response various donations from seven different organizations, including businesses, clubs and healthcare facilities.

This nearly $30,000 contribution to the school's athletic department comprises various amounts from Hendricks Regional Health, Dave's Heating and Cooling, HBG Insurance and Bonds, Smiley's Royal Comfort, York Automotive, Myers' Market, Dr. John Hennette (Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry) and the Greencastle Football Parents Club.

"These are businesses who have made contributions to the high school athletic department as corporate partners," Superintendent Dawn Puckett said. "Hendricks Regional Health's yearly commitment to us is a $10,000 donation ... the Greencastle Football Parents Club also donated $5,563.50 for football jerseys and (GFPC) donated end zone and sideline camera systems."

Greencastle had previously sent out offers to several businesses, receiving responses from the aforementioned.

Other donations not exclusive to the athletic advertisement program include the board's acceptance of a $500 grant from the American Chemical Society's Science Coaches program, a $500 grant from DePauw University (also be used in the science department) and a $500 grant for the media center via the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program.

Lastly, Puckett requested and was granted permission to apply for a Secured School Safety (matching) grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $50,000 for camera security systems within the corporation. However, more may be needed to fully equip each building within the district, Puckett suggested.

In other news

* A district-wide poster contest will continue running through the end of October to raise awareness for National Bullying Prevention Month. Also, student-made bullying-prevention videos will be running on Public Access from Saturday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 1.

"Through the generosity of the Teacher's Credit Union, the (winning entry) will be displayed as a billboard later this school year," Puckett said in her superintendent's report. "In addition, 100 of the students who participate will be drawn to receive free T-shirts -- based on the students' artwork."

* The roof of Deer Meadow Primary is under way with a contract-end date of Dec. 17.

* An approval was requested and received to extend a contract with Interactive School of Therapy for a speech and language pathologist teacher throughout the entire school year.

* Four policies were added to the school's potential adoption of national Neola Policies. They concern conflicts of interest for professional and supporting staffs; the recording of IEP team meetings and case conferences; and the use of advertising, commercial activities, sponsorships and naming rights.

* Several resignations, hires, transfers and temporary leaves of absence were approved: Lara Inlow-Shields, hired as temporary teacher for Laura Brentlinger (FMLA) at Deer Meadow Primary; Kim Brattain, leave of absence effective Oct. 19, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016; Tracey Knuckles, FMLA at Transportation effective Aug. 24 through Nov. 20; Nicole Bartels, FMLA at Tzouanakis Intermediate effective Dec. 2, 2015 through Jan. 2, 2016 and temporary leave of absence effective Jan. 4 through April 1, 2016; Sandra Clay, temporary leave of absence at Deer Meadow Primary effective Nov. 2, 2015 through Jan. 5, 2016; Brenda Beams, hired as second-shift, part-time custodian at Tzouanakis Intermediate effective Oct. 19 (pending background check); Melesa Doty, resignation as part-time, second-shift custodian at Tzouanakis Intermediate; Marilyn Bakehorn, hired as substitute cafeteria assistant; Shellie Bryant, hired as substitute cafeteria assistant; Fawn Faulstich, hired as substitute nurse; Jason Inglert II, hired as substitute teacher; Erin Blaydes, resignation as eighth-grade girls' basketball coach at GMS; Dave Keller, resignation as varsity softball coach at GHS; Bobby Hopper, hired as eighth-grade boys' basketball coach at GMS; Brett Welliever, hired as eighth-grade girls' basketball coach at GMS; Tabatha Briones, transfer from varsity softball assistant coach to varsity softball head coach at GHS; Shane Thomas, hired as assistant wrestling coach at GHS; and Jay Bartrum, volunteer eighth-grade boys' basketball coach at GMS.

The next Greencastle School Corporation public meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Tzouanakis Intermediate media center.

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