By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.— Read To Be Ready Program Director Gina Brush told the Paris Special Schools District board Tuesday night about the progress being made in the Read to be Ready program that is ongoing this summer. Some 40 students are participating in the program, which lasts for four weeks.
Brush said during the program the students write books, take photographs, and take tours of local spots, such as downtown Paris. They also are visited by local musicians and the students write their own songs and perform. A chef and the Paris FFA will be visiting next week.
Brush said, “It’s a jam-packed schedule and the kids love it.” Brush brought work the students had created to show to board members.
Both Brush and Director of Schools Dr. Norma Gerrell said the program is progressing exceeding well.
With the Rhea School building project winding down, the board handled several items, including approval of two additional items for the project—final painting and asphalt repair, totaling some $40,000. The addition of the two items still brings the project in under what was budgeted.
The items were requested by Contractor Cary Henson, who said the project is moving along.
The board also approved a transfer of $550,000 from the general purpose fund to the Rhea construction fund to ensure cash flow.
Following discussion at last month’s meeting, the board Tuesday evening approved a new teaching position to handle the pilot program being initiated for gifted IEP students.
Gerrell presented the job description for the pilot program, which is for students in grades 3-8 with a Gifted Individualized Education Plan (IEP) during a 45-minute extension block at Paris Elementary and Inman Middle Schools.
Purpose of the program will be to enhance and extend the curricula to further meet the needs of gifted students.
Gerrell reminded board members that the program will be funded with federal dollars for the two-year pilot period.
In other business:
–The board approved 2017-2018 budget amendments and the annual continuation budget which allows the district to continue operating.
–Gerrell presented the Civil Rights and Bullying Compliance Report, Annual Alternative Education Survey.
Photo: Cary Henson hands out updates to board members. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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