Monthly treats open lines of communication, collaboration

By Melonie Roberts Special to the Monett Monthly

Isaac Sooter, assistant superintendent of curriculum at Monett School District, introduced board members to a teacher favorite — Sooter Scoops — ice cream treats dispensed monthly among educators as he and instructors have a casual visit concerning educational methodologies that seem to be successful among students, and discuss ways to improve student success.

The frozen delicacies, from Dairy Queen, are incentives to listen, connect and celebrate achievements by teachers as they communicate strategies that seem to be working well.

“We do this monthly to connect with all the teachers,” Sooter said. “Last year we bought 500 [treats], and I think I gained about 12 pounds after they were all finished.”

The strategy seems to be working well, as educators praised strong grade level teams, collaboration and team planning and supportive colleagues among the district’s assets. 

A list of teacher needs, as compiled through feedback that was organized by Sooter and Board Secretary Ana Espinoza, found more time needed as a critical concern, one that was supported by Sooter.

“Every minute of their day is structured,” he said. 

Other concerns included more instructional support, more opportunities to learn from each other, protocols for stronger student accountability, consistent expectations and, “more food and ice cream,” Sooter laughed.

Sooter also noted that a program of teacher recognition had been implemented.

“We are finding ways to recognize teachers monthly,” he said. 

Among the several recognition methods were Cubbies of the Month, Excellence Award Winners and Teacher of the Year.

Test scores and other data are showing the success of the first year trial.

“We had a 63.1 percent qualifying score on college and career ready assessments,” Sooter said. 

With a goal of 71.5 percent, Sooter indicated the district was making progress. 

“We have 55.6 percent of graduates receiving advanced credits, and a 90.6 percent attendance rate,” he said. “We also have the Highest STAR reading and math proficiency scores to date.”

Sooter said four questions he had asked educators in previous discussions were: What was working for students? What do students struggle with most? What gets in the way of your best work? and What would you change?

Instructors identified student motivation, academic stamina, self-regulation, technology distractions and transition readiness as identified areas where students seem to struggle.

Overall, he said, the first year of the newly implemented program proved the “direction was right, and execution is the next step.”

“Thank you for listening to the voice of the teachers,” said Ken Gaspar, board president.

In other board business, members heard facility and grounds updates, with Superintendent Mark Drake detailing ongoing concerns with the air conditioning units at Monett Middle School. 

“We’ve been trying to get them corrected for three years,” he said. “So far, we are over six figures, over $100,000, in labor costs. The parts have all been under warranty.”

Drake also noted improvements at Monett Early Childhood Center (MECC) including new cabinets in the teachers lounge, replacement of damaged flooring, electrical rewiring in three classrooms, and painting at both Monett High School and Monett Elementary School campuses.

In addition, Drake informed board members of unexpected costs connected with a parking lot located just south of the administrative offices at 710 Ninth Street.

“We’ve had to have the parking lot mediated,” he said. “It was an additional $13,000 to compact the soil,” because the ground did not meet construction standards. We still have two weeks before teachers arrive to continue progress on these projects.”

Board members approved other program evaluations, including the board’s professional development plan, the assessment plan, the literacy plan, and the board governance plan which outlines the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).

Contracts approved at the meeting included Jennifer Garner, pediatric therapy services; Carrie Zahn, speech pathologist; Cronin Communications; LL Vision Services; and Compass Therapy Solutions.

Other agenda business included approval of student handbooks, GO CAPS sending school contracts, and memos of understanding from GO CAPS Historical Society and Southwest Research Center.

Important upcoming dates include: Aug. 17, Opening meeting for all staff from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Performing Arts Center; Aug. 20, board meeting and  facilities walkthrough; Aug. 25, first day of classes; Aug. 26, the annual board retreat; Sept. 8, the Missouri School Boards Association Regional meeting in McDonald County; and Sept. 17, the monthly School Board meeting.