Board Approves New Calendar, Contracts for Scheduling System Support
On February 10, the Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board convened in the Strath Haven Middle School library in front of an audience of three. Board president David Grande opened by noting that Superintendent Lisa Palmer was out of town.
With two modifications, the board unanimously approved the draft calendar presented at the January 27 meeting. The final calendar moves the observed July 4 holiday for staff from Friday, July 3, to Thursday, July 2. The early dismissal for students in kindergarten through eighth grade on Friday, January 15, has been exchanged for a full in-service day on Tuesday, January 19.
Looking further ahead, the board reported that it is considering beginning the 2021-2022 school year before Labor Day.
Contract for Scheduling System Support
The board unanimously approved a proposal from the Phoenix Learning Systems to provide support to district staff as they learn to better use PowerSchool, the scheduling software the district adopted last year. Phoenix Learning Systems specializes in such support. The company will provide online consulting both before and during April scheduling, then be available for follow-up questions for up to eight hours if needed. The cost is estimated at $6,000.
Student Representative Report
Student representative Samah Sharmin outlined upcoming events in each district school:
Swarthmore Rutledge School will host a spirit night at the Springfield ice rink on Monday, February 17.
Nether Providence Elementary’s Got Talent auditions will take place on February 19, and, the following day, their beginner string ensemble will put on their first performance of the year.
Wallingford Elementary School will host an International Night on February 19. They are still looking for family volunteers to represent various cultures.
At Strath Haven Middle School, the 25th annual student-faculty basketball game will take place on February 14, with proceeds going towards the Healing Hearts Association. SHMS will also debut “High School Musical” on February 20, at 7 p.m., with additional performances on February 21, 22, and 23.
At Strath Haven High School, freshmen and sophomores are invited to attend the “Frosh” dance on February 21, which will benefit the class of 2022.
Retirements
The board approved the retirement of Anna Fong, Strath Haven High School Spanish teacher, and Michele Rufo, Wallingford Elementary School first grade teacher, effective at the end of the school year.
Coming Up
Board President David Grande closed the meeting by identifying an intended major topic of discussion for the next meeting on Monday, February 24: the impact on the WSSD of the recently proposed state budget. Grande indicated that the school board had not yet had the opportunity to closely study the issue, but expects to address it at the next meeting.
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The next meeting will be Monday, February 24, at 7 p.m., in the Strath Haven Middle School library.
