By Tim Alsobrooks
Paris, Tenn.- At the end of Tuesday night’s meeting, Paris Special School District Board of Education members were able to view the bus lifts recently purchased to help with maintenance on buses. Four lifts can each lift 16 tons, a bus weighs about 8 tons. It allows techs to get under the buses easier for oil changes, transmission work, engine work, filter work, etc.
The lifts are on wheels and operated by marine batteries so they can be maneuvered around the shop wherever they need to be to work on the buses. Previously without the lifts easing the ability to get underneath the buses, some work would be outsourced, now the system will be able to do more work themselves, helping to add life to the buses.
The lifts are on wheels and operated by marine batteries so they can be maneuvered around the shop wherever they need to be to work on the buses. Previously without the lifts easing the ability to get underneath the buses, some work would be outsourced, now the system will be able to do more work themselves, helping to add life to the buses.
In other business, the board closed the door on the W.G. Rhea Elementary School construction project by passing the final resolution related to it moving $100,000 back into the general fund. The parking lot was paved and sealed to finish the project in September and the leftover balance totaled just over $100,000. The board applauded the work done for the lengthy project then approved the transfer of the balance to put the project to bed.
Superintendent Dr. Norma Gerrell discussed changes to board policies involving a code of conduct as they try to get students to understand why they acted a certain way to balance accountability with an understanding of traumatic behavior. A new state law requires the Department of Education to develop guidance on trauma-informed discipline practices.
Dr. Gerrell talked about the mult-levels and disciplinary procedures under the code of conduct changes and how some things are handled differently with the number of traumatic events a child has encountered. Level 4 allows the system to turn the child over to juvenile court.
Paris Elementary Principal Dr. Chip Gray said their staff worked on intervention with behavioral issues and came up with promoting Bulldog Pride in all areas of the school. He said it has made a big difference in students interactions with each other as far as discipline goes. He said at the beginning of the year they allow students chances to correct themselves with their teachers for incidents in the classroom. He said, “It’s a three strike you’re going to office type policy with the teacher handling minor incidents, but all major incidents come to the principal’s office immediately.
Dr. Gerrell told board members they’ve being doing several safety drills and working on ways to improve how to handle events such as intruders and they’re being very thorough in their drills. Dr. Gerrell also thanked Teacher Becky Cate for her work on events for the 100 year celebration of the system which wrapped up Monday with a reception at Lee School.
Dr. Gerrell said the sensory room discussed last month for the special education classes is being put into place and both educational assistants have been hired.
Superintendent Dr. Norma Gerrell discussed changes to board policies involving a code of conduct as they try to get students to understand why they acted a certain way to balance accountability with an understanding of traumatic behavior. A new state law requires the Department of Education to develop guidance on trauma-informed discipline practices.
Dr. Gerrell talked about the mult-levels and disciplinary procedures under the code of conduct changes and how some things are handled differently with the number of traumatic events a child has encountered. Level 4 allows the system to turn the child over to juvenile court.
Paris Elementary Principal Dr. Chip Gray said their staff worked on intervention with behavioral issues and came up with promoting Bulldog Pride in all areas of the school. He said it has made a big difference in students interactions with each other as far as discipline goes. He said at the beginning of the year they allow students chances to correct themselves with their teachers for incidents in the classroom. He said, “It’s a three strike you’re going to office type policy with the teacher handling minor incidents, but all major incidents come to the principal’s office immediately.
Dr. Gerrell told board members they’ve being doing several safety drills and working on ways to improve how to handle events such as intruders and they’re being very thorough in their drills. Dr. Gerrell also thanked Teacher Becky Cate for her work on events for the 100 year celebration of the system which wrapped up Monday with a reception at Lee School.
Dr. Gerrell said the sensory room discussed last month for the special education classes is being put into place and both educational assistants have been hired.
Dr Gerrell said work is continuing to expand the weekend backpack program for the third grade. All students will get their snacks on the upcoming long breaks such as Fall break and Thanksgiving. The Rotary Club’s drive earlier this summer helped add food items to the program to add 3rd graders for these breaks. More food and money will be needed for Christmas break and Spring break. 83 students were added as 3rd graders were added to the mix.
Photo: Board member Jon Davidson, foreground, looks at new bus lift with other board members after the meeting.