By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

Joseph Collins, St. Marys Area School District director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, provided an update of various school services at the recent school board meeting.

He said the district is starting to hear back about some of their grants funded by the state budget.

“It’s not as bad as we thought. There are a lot of restrictions now as to how grants are written with more requirements in terms of records,” Collins said.

He noted that he was pleasantly surprised to find out the Science It’s Elementary program received an increase in funding.

As part of the program the district has ordered 56 science modules with the first shipment expected to arrive on January 13 and the second shipment on March 9.

Five modules will be distributed per grade level, K-5, with three going to South St. Marys Street Elementary and one each to Fox Township and Bennetts Valley Elementary schools.

Teachers will undergo additional training with each module. Approximately 32 training sessions will be provided via computer. Teachers are trained in the inquiry method during a session in Pittsburgh.

“This is top notch some of the best training I’ve been to education wise,” Collins said. “This is a key component as to where were moving.”

Collins observed numerous classes in which the inquiry method was used. He noted “this was a way of getting students to think about how their thinking. The excitement and activities in the class was amazing. It was nice to see.”

He added that a majority of the high school teachers are now certified in First Aid and CPR. Training was conducted by high school staff.

As far as teaching training Collins reported that four teachers and one aide who are part of the district’s auxiliary program underwent a full day of training by a Plato educational representative.

South St. Marys teachers provided an overview to faculty on the Project Read program. Classrooms for the Future teacher Terry Surra provided instruction during an elementary workshop on the Promethean board which are an interactive white board mounted in the classroom. Ten representatives visit the school once a month for hands on lessons to learn to utilize the equipment to the best of their abilities.

Under curriculum Collins said the district is developing assessment for Algebra I curriculum in order to help prepare students for the Keystone Exams.

Education surveys have been completed by staff, students and parents, resulting in 117 parent responses many providing good comments and ideas.

According to Collins the district is hoping for a better turnout next time. The district has developed another survey for the spring in an effort to obtain more input from parents and the public.

In his new position Collins has completed 33 formal observations.

“We have great teachers that have developed powerful lessons, utilize the resources and students are enjoying their education,” Collins said.