We welcomed staff back on Monday and Tuesday, August 15 and 16 and students back on Wednesday, August 17. Due to slight construction delays, high school students were welcomed back on Monday, August 22. An active shooter drill was conducted (staff only) during our first back-to-school institute days. We learned a lot and will continue to work to improve staff and student safety.
Construction Update
As mentioned above, the start of high school student attendance was delayed for a few days due to construction. All classrooms and most areas have been completed. We are a few weeks away from having locker rooms finished, classroom doors are due in November, and we need to complete a few finishing touches in other areas . . . but the building looks amazing. We hope to hold an open house later this fall once all is complete. We will be holding all upcoming high school athletic events in the gymnasium.
Student Safety
As mentioned in the August Monthly Minute, we continue to explore ways to make getting to and from school safer for our students. Dr. Dinger is meeting with city and agency officials to explore expanded transportation options for students. Please continue to exit the JH and HS campus out the front drive during school hours and remember not to pass stopped school buses with flashers and crossing arms extended. Spartan Drive is one-way only during school hours (7:30 am - 3:30 pm).
Workforce Pathway
October is manufacturing month. Juniors and seniors will have the opportunity again this year to tour and learn more about McDonough County employers. We appreciate the collaboration between MAEDCO (the McDonough County Economic Development Council), the Workforce Office of Western Illinois, and local businesses to provide this for students at B-PC High School, Macomb High School, and West Prairie High School.
Board of Education
The B-PC Board of Education met for its regular meeting in August. During construction, all board meetings have been held in the conference room in the District Office. We anticipate receiving HS library furniture in September and look forward to having board meetings back in the HS library in October. The Board meeting time was adjusted to 5:00 pm during the summer months. The board meeting will begin at 6:00 pm in September and for the remainder of the school year.
The following items were discussed or acted upon at the August Board of Education meeting:
- The Board approved the transition to Skyward Financial Services. This will allow the District to better integrate with our student management system, also provided by Skyward.
- The Board reviewed an opinion letter received from a traffic engineer who indicated the closing of Spartan Drive is an option for improving student safety. Members also discussed the current plan to make Spartan Drive one-way during school hours (7:30 am - 3:30 pm) and the changes implemented for drop-off and pick-up at B-PC Junior High and B-PC High School. These changes will continue and signs will be ordered to provide better information to motorists. The tentative budget for FY23 was approved for display and the personnel report and the parent/student handbook were approved. Dessa Powell resigned as a HS cook, Kathy Torrence was welcomed back as a part-time teacher in Family and Consumer Science, Emily Corkern was hired as a program assistant, and Jean Nelson, Minnie Keime, and Carol Worthington were approved as cooks. Mr. Arnold’s intent to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year was accepted and approved.
- Mr. Arnold spoke to the Board of Education on behalf of parents interested in the District including junior high baseball as a school sport. Dr. Dinger is gathering additional data to present to the Board at their September meeting for further discussion.
Important Dates
August 29: STAR Benchmark Assessments
September 5: Labor Day, NO SCHOOL
September 23: Homecoming Game vs. Peoria Heights
September 24: Homecoming Dance
If you are a school family, please remember to check Daily Announcements in Skyward and to check our school calendars for upcoming school and athletic events.
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