South Putnam ready for spring

GREENCASTLE -- The South Putnam School Corporation discussed a few staff changes during the monthly meeting on Monday. Micah Elliott, who had resigned as head boys' basketball coach last week, also resigned as a teacher at South Putnam High School. A search for his replacement as a coach and teacher is still ongoing. Brandon Welti was also selected as the varsity girls' cross country coach.

"We'll be in the process of filling the position of high school basketball coach soon," Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt said.

The council also approved an overnight out-of-state trip for Welti's eighth grade history class. The group is planning to go to Washington D.C. from June 3 to 7 over summer vacation. The trip would cost $450 for hotels, meals, travel and other expenses, and those who need it are receiving financial assistance.

The school corporation also finished the first round of ISTEP+ testing in their schools. The next set of testing will begin in a month. Bernhardt said that, because of issues with test security at other schools in the state, he has talked to school officials about the issues and has had no problems so far.

The board also praised the installation of new SMART Boards and Promethean boards in the classrooms. SMART Boards are interactive white boards. Students and teachers can use the boards using only touch, and can open websites and applications through the technology.

The school is continuing an effort to have a SMART Boards in every classroom by the end of next year, said Steve Ricketts, technology director. However, the board believes the new technology can be used to help overcome educational boundaries, such as teaching students during snow days.

"With some of these classrooms and the internet, they're still learning," said Steve Cash, board secretary.

Ricketts will also be updating the school's firewall protection during spring break next week. When students return from the break, Bernhardt said, everyone should be prepared for the end of the year.

"It's hard to believe we've moved that fast into the year," he said.