North Putnam MS seeks designation as Purple Star school

ROACHDALE — Acting on how the school has sought to support military personnel, North Putnam Middle School is pursuing a state designation that would show such.

The North Putnam School Board gave its approval for the school to proceed with the process of being designated a Purple Star school Thursday evening.

According to the Indiana Department of Education, which bestows the award, Purple Star schools have displayed commitment and appreciation to military personnel, as well as students and families connected to the military. This is related to student programming, outreach and recruiting.

In 2023 alone, 64 individual schools received the designation, while another 38 renewed theirs. Once bestowed, the designation is valid for three years.

“I’m really proud that the school’s wanting to take this step,” Supt. Dustin LeMay commented. “It would be a great recognition for what’s already being done.”

This is in light of applying schools having to go through a detailed process to become a Purple Star school, which takes a year to complete. The school, indeed, has met most of the criteria for the designation.

“Every year, we’ve got a few students who go into the armed services, and obviously the alumni and the community. I think it’s a great idea,” Ron Spencer said for his part.

Moving forward, the board will have to pass a declaration of commitment for the school being designated. Meanwhile, a display in the media center that would represent the different branches is a work in progress.

“This comes from our love and support for the people who have sacrificed for us,” Principal Bucky Kramer told the Banner Graphic Friday about the effort.

In other business:

• Wanting to close the issue and get it out to parents, the board approved the final version of North Putnam’s academic calendar for 2024.

It was noted that some changes were made since the calendar was tentatively approved last month. Specifically, Jan. 20 will be a flex day for students and a professional development day for teachers.

• On a recommendation from Asst. Supt. Rodney Simpson, the board approved purchasing three new school buses procured through Kerlin Bus Sales. They will replace three 78-passenger buses next year.

• The board approved advertising for an academic adviser at North Putnam High School. With having one guidance counselor currently, LeMay said the move was a “unique opportunity” to help students with college and career readiness.

“Shortage is a big issue, but it also does provide us different opportunities with the push to Graduation Pathways,” Principal Jason Chew said, referencing the state’s program focused on individualizing graduation requirements. “I think this is a natural move.”

• With not having a Title I teacher this semester, the board approved a request by Simpson to up the weekly hours for two aides who have taken on related responsibilities. They will go from 29.5 hours to 34 hours, with the additional time being needed for planning.

LeMay noted that the move was meant to be temporary. Meanwhile, Simpson said that candidates have been identified to fill the teacher position.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• New hires: Susan Gillock - NPHS art teacher (covering leave); Andrea King - Bainbridge Elementary second-grade teacher; Courtney Brock and Haley Norton - Roachdale Elementary instructional assistants; Bonnie Osborn - NPMS Homebound teacher; Tucker Elmore, Clayton McKinney, Brayden Neureiter, Bailee Pride, Dylan Willard, Hank Wood, Alaina Chew and Carter Thomas - pool event lifeguards; Rexanne Fuchs - NPHS gymnastics head coach; Bambi Wiley - NPHS cheer assistant coach; Doug O’Hair - NPHS wrestling assistant coach; Evan Davies - NPHS baseball assistant coach; Jordan Baire - NPHS boys’ volleyball club sponsor; Kevin Lutes - NPHS boys’/girls’ cross country head coach; Scott Moore - NPHS football head coach; Earl Hall - NPHS girls’ golf head coach; Kyle Morgan - NPHS boys’ soccer head coach; Jacob Bender - NPHS girls’ soccer head coach; Jenny Heron - NPHS volleyball head coach; PJ Detro - NPMS girls’ softball head coach; Hailey Norton - NPMS boys’ track head coach; Dustin Mayo - NPMS golf head coach; Linda McFerron - NPMS girls’ track head coach; and James Roberts - NPMS/NPHS custodian (third shift);

• ECA: Morgan Asher - NPHS musical accompanist; and Michelle Spencer - NPHS math department head;

• Resignations: Kristy Lippencott - NPHS math department head (effective Dec. 12); and Caitlin McMurtry - NPHS secretary/treasurer (effective Jan. 17).

With members Heather Lawson and David McCollough absent, Business Manager Tanya Pearson, Corporation Attorney Tyler Nichols and Administrative Assistant April Lambermont joined LeMay, Simpson and the board for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the North Putnam School Board is set for Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in the large group instruction room at North Putnam High School.