Principals explain new tutoring programs at board meeting
BY GREGG L. PARKER / FOR THE RECORD
Tutoring was the subject for principals from Madison’s seven elementary schools at the Madison Board of Education meeting on Oct. 20.
Within the last two weeks, school administrators have initiated both in-school and after-school tutoring on two or three weekdays to help students struggling in reading and math. For after-school tutoring, some schools offer bus service, while some do not.
At Madison Elementary School, a student is invited to enter the tutoring program, dubbed “Madison All-Stars,” based on SAT and Alabama Reading and Math Test (AMRT) scores, along with other criteria, principal Dr. Timothy Scott said.
West Madison Elementary School has 50 students receiving help from 10 tutors. “Eight-five to 90 percent of the parents accepted our tutoring invitations,” principal Dr. Daphne Jah said. Jah is pleased with the progress and exit rate of students in the program.
Principal Melanie Barkley said 130 “Mavestars” are in tutoring at Mill Creek Elementary School. “There’s a possibility of 45 more,” Barkley said.
State school board member Mary Susan Hunter recognized Anita Schaffer, fifth-grade teacher at Columbia Elementary School, for her selection as History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, a nonprofit organization supporting study of American history. Schaffer will receive $1,000, and Columbia will receive an archive of historical resources from Gilder Lehrman.
The construction timeline of James Clemens High School is approximately at the halfway point with completion at 61 to 62 percent complete, construction manager Shane Bagwell with Volkert said. Classroom pods are progressing and ceilings will be installed soon.
As many as 300 workmen are at the James Clemens site daily, Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said.
School board attorney Woody Sanderson presented a first reading of the board’s amended bylaws. Sanderson and attorney George Kobel suggested trademarks for school logos, mascots and other merchandise. On-line vendors and retailers now can sale merchandise with the Bob Jones logo and patriot mascot, Kobel said.
Elementary instruction coordinator Judy Warmath and secondary education director Dr. Camille Wright gave an update from the instructional committee.
For more information, call 256-464-8370.
