Cloverdale Schools have much to celebrate

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale School Board met Monday evening to discuss several encouraging things that are going on within the corporation.

Vivian Whitaker spoke to the board on the Dollars for Scholars program, which is raising a significant amount of money.

"I really am excited for what we have going on with Dollars for Scholars," Whitaker said.

Whitaker started by informing the board that the Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars has launched its new website, which was created through a software tool provided by Scholarship America, Dollars for Scholars' parent organization.

The annual phone-a-thon had major success this year. More than 50 students participated in collecting pledges during the event, which totaled $11,600. However, the event raised more than $11,700 so far.

"Our area director of scholarship called and got an electronic version of our phone-a-ton results and that has been shared with all Dollars for Scholars chapters across America," Whitaker said. "This community is so very generous.

"We actually had our match made with the Foundation before we ever started," Whitaker noted. "A community member who would like to remain anonymous at this time gave us quite a surprise, $20,000."

The generous donation has allowed for two more scholarships to be created at $500 each.

"We have lots to celebrate," Whitaker said.

Currently, there are 24 applicants for scholarships. However, there are 38 people total who are expected to apply, the largest amount for the Cloverdale chapter ever.

Applications for scholarships are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 1.

In previous years, Dollars for Scholars offered seven scholarships at $250. This year, no scholarship will be below $500.

Whitaker explained that there will be 13 scholarships of $500, two for $750, three for $1,000, five for $2,000 and one for $5,000.

All scholarships can be found on the Dollars for Scholars website for the Cloverdale Community chapter, cloverdale-.dollarsforscholars.org.

The program's new website will allow Cloverdale students to access more scholarships. Students will also be able to profile, which will help them apply for multiple scholarships in a short period of time.

The website will also keep the local community updated on chapter news, events and deadlines along with providing information on what's going on in education on a national level.

Exclusive volunteer and internship opportunities are also available through the website for students as well as information about financial aid and college success tips, which are provided by the Dollars for Scholars parent company, Scholarship America.

Whitaker also informed the board that due to continuing to be an affiliate of the Scholarship America program, the company also donated $8,000.

The board also heard from Dianna Whitlock of the High Ability program. Whitlock came before the board to review the High Ability Mission Statement, which is required to be changed every few years to acknowledge the types of things that are going on at Cloverdale.

The new statement explains what high ability students are as well as stating that Cloverdale is committed to creating a challenging, problem-solving environment through various opportunities for students.

Whitlock told the board how students are identified as high ability in grades K-8.

"Each student may be nominated by themselves, parents or teachers," Whitlock explained. "They must exhibit two of four characteristics, parent, teacher recommendation with portfolio, star reading or math score at least two grade levels above, student ranking and other documentation which supports characteristics of high ability."

Students are re-evaluated annually to ensure their placement in the program. Parents may also appeal high ability placement decisions by contacting Whitlock.

Meanwhile, following the vote last month to remove John Butler as coach, parent representative Dan Boyd again showed up expecting some answers. However, little was discussed on the personnel issue.

The board informed Boyd that the application process for a new coach officially ended March 4. There is no set date for a hiring of a new coach, the board noted.

As far as the football team's conditioning goes, board member Brian Asbury said team members are allowed to condition whenever they want. It was the board's stance that it does not get involved in such issues.

"They shouldn't need us or any other coach to do that (condition)," Asbury said. "Every Cloverdale athlete should be in that gym."

Cloverdale High School Principal Sonny Stoltz informed Boyd that there is a supervisor in the gym daily until 4:30 p.m. The football team is welcome to condition any day it wishes.

Boyd also brought to the board's attention that new helmets were needed for the team. He explained that he had previously inspected the helmets and found them to be faulty.

"I've tried them on. I've looked at it, and it's a piece of junk," Boyd said. "It's an issue that we need to examine."

The board thanked Boyd for his comments, but discussed little on the issue of a new coach or equipment.

In new business, the board approved use of the track for practice by Eminence High School, which is something that is done every year.

The board also approved continuing the driver's education program. Students can sign up for the program by paying half of the fee initially and the second half at the end of May.

"I'm glad to see that we're continuing this program," board President Duane Huge said. "I think it's a real service to our families and students."

Honored as Students of the Month were Haven Smith of the elementary school, Haley Smith of the middle school and Laura Worthington of the high school.

The board also approved the resignation of bus driver Mark Couch and the hiring of volunteer middle school baseball coach Seth Allen.