BACK TO SCHOOL Tips for managing stress, navigating tech time, stocking up on supplies and more - The Sheridan Press
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019 www.thesheridanpress.com THE SHERIDAN PRESS
C1
BACK TO
SCHOOL
Tips for managing stress,
navigating tech time,
stocking up on supplies
and more
C2 THE SHERIDAN PRESS www.thesheridanpress.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019
CONTACT INFORMATION |
Sheridan County Nov. 27-29 — Thanksgiving
break
School District 1 Dec. 23-Jan. 3 — Christmas
www.sheridan.k12.wy.us break
• Big Horn Elementary Jan. 17 — No school, teach-
School, 333 Highway 335, Big er in-service day
Horn, 307-672-3497 Feb. 21 — No school, par-
• Big Horn Middle School, ent/teacher conferences
333 Highway 335, Big March 23-27 — Spring break
Horn, 307-674-8190 May 25 — No school,
• Big Horn High School, 333 Memorial Day
Highway 335, Big Horn, 307- May 29 — Last day of
674-8190 school
• Slack Elementary School,
562 County Road 144,
Parkman, 307-655-2460
Sheridan County
• Tongue River Elementary School District 3
School, 1351 Dayton St., www.sheridan3.com
Ranchester, 307-655-2206
• Tongue River Middle • Arvada Elementary
School, 1251 Dayton St., School, 211 Main St., Arvada,
Ranchester, 307-655-9533 307-758-4412
• Tongue River High • Clearmont Elementary
School, 1150 Highway 14, School, 1600 Meade St.,
Dayton, 307-655-2236 Clearmont, 307-758-4412
• Arvada-Clearmont Junior
Key dates High School, 1600 Meade St.,
Clearmont, 307-758-4412
Aug. 19 — First day of • Arvada-Clearmont High
school School, 1600 Meade St.,
Sept. 2 — No school, Labor Clearmont, 307-758-4412 MATTHEW GASTON | THE SHERIDAN PRESS
Day Sheridan Junior High School students, from left, David Hall, Dawson Hurley and Cody Leighton type up stories about their sum-
Nov. 27-28 — Thanksgiving Key dates mers in Josh Teeter’s class Monday, Aug. 12, 2019.
break
Sheridan County schools
Dec. 23-Jan. 6 — Christmas Aug. 19 — First day of
break school
March 16-19 — Spring break Sept. 2 — No school, Labor
May 25 — No school, Day
Memorial Day Nov. 27-Dec. 1 —
crunch student numbers
May 29 — Last day of Thanksgiving break
school Dec. 21-Jan. 5 — Christmas
break
April 8-14 — Spring break
Sheridan County May 21 — Last day of
School District 2 school
BY TRACEE DAVIS
www.scsd2.com
• Henry A. Coffeen
Sheridan College NEWS@THESHERIDANPRESS.COM
Elementary School, 1053 S. www.sheridan.edu SHERIDAN — Educators in Sheridan
Sheridan Ave., Sheridan, 307- 1 Whitney Way, 675-0505 County school districts are gearing up
674-9333 for the academic year, and a big part of
• Highland Park being ready for classes to commence in
Elementary School, 2 Key dates the coming week is having an idea of
Mydland Road, Sheridan, 307- how many students to expect.
672-2113 Aug. 26 — Classes begin Sheridan County School District 2
• Meadowlark Elementary Sept. 2 — No classes, Labor Assistant Superintendent Scott Stults
School, 1410 DeSmet Ave., Day said his district, the largest in the
Sheridan, 307-672-3786 Oct. 14-15 — No classes, fall county, is expecting to see a growth
• Sagebrush Elementary break in enrollment. Last year at this time,
School, 1685 Hillpond Drive, Nov. 27-29 — Thanksgiving the district anticipated 3,540 students
Sheridan, 307-672-9059 break in kindergarten through high school.
• Story Elementary School, Dec. 13 — Last day of class- This year, that number has climbed to
103 Fish Hatchery Road, es in 2018 3,577.
Story, 307-683-2316 Jan. 20 — Classes begin for “It looks like we are up about 37
• Woodland Park new semester students from a year ago,” Stults said,
Elementary School, 1010 March 16-20 — Spring break adding that first day numbers are
E. Woodland Park Road, May 8 — Last day of classes bound to change.
Sheridan, 307-674-7937 for spring semester “Some of the students in the rolls
• Sheridan Junior High right now are not actually students,”
School, 500 Lewis St., Stults said. “They may have moved
Sheridan, 307-672-9745
Private schools away and we wouldn’t know that until
• John C. Schiffer • Holy Name Catholic another school district calls requesting
Collaborative School, 3059 School, 121 South Connor St., records.”
Coffeen Ave., Sheridan, 307- 672-2021, www.hncswy.org In accordance with Wyoming state
673-8730 • Martin Luther Grammar law, students are kept enrolled in a
• Sheridan High School, 1325 Burton St., 674- district for 10 days before they are
School, 1056 Long Drive, 6434, www.sheridanmlgs. removed.
Sheridan, 307-672-2495 blogspot.com However, Stults said schools are
still receiving calls to inform them of
Key dates inbound students. This is to be expect-
Specialty schools ed, as the beginning of the year is
Aug. 27 — First day of • NSI Academy, 5 Lane always a “wait and see” situation.
school Lane, 674-6878, www.normati-
Sept. 2 — No school, Labor veservices.com SEE GROWTH, PAGE C8
Day • Wyoming Girls School,
Oct. 14 — No school, teach- 3500 Big Horn Ave., 674- Sixth-grader Noah Newman listens to
er in-service day 7476, www.dfsweb.wyo.gov/ instructions for the next assignment in
Nov. 8 — No school, parent/ social-services/ wyoming- John Ripley’s math class at Sheridan Junior
teacher conferences girls-school High School Aug. 12, 2019.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019 www.thesheridanpress.com THE SHERIDAN PRESS
C3
Schools,
parents help
navigate
tech time BY TRACEE DAVIS
NEWS@THESHERIDANPRESS.COM
SHERIDAN — Preparing children for their lives
as adults looks much like a balancing act. When it
comes to technology, though, the stakes are high.
On one end of a spectrum are the technologically
illiterate that lose out on higher-level job opportuni-
ties due to lack of computer skills. On the other, are
couch potatoes whose relationship with technology
has led to physical health problems and social awk-
wardness. Navigating today’s tech-savvy society
requires a partnership between parents and educa-
tors.
Before students set foot in a kindergarten class-
room to begin their academic careers, a lot of the
framework for their social skills and learning has
been established. Sheridan College Early Childhood COURTESY PHOTO | METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Liaison Jeriann Jacobson said she agrees with Students who are stressed before school begins are encouraged to visit their schools early, bringing their parents along.
recommendations from the American Academy of
Beat back-to-school stress
Pediatrics that children ages 2 and younger spend no
time watching television or playing any kind of app
on a tablet.
“Our little ones are growing and developing at such
a rapid rate at birth to 2 years and need ample oppor-
tunity to move, explore, learn and grow without
screen time,” Jacobson said. “They learn and grow BY CARRIE HADERLIE Craft said when students are feeling With smaller children, Condos
best when using their imagination, moving their NEWS@THESHERIDANPRESS.COM the crunch during the school year, no always encourages parents to read at
body and exploring the world around them.” matter the reason, the district hopes home, not just during back-to-school
SHERIDAN — It can be easy to feel students will connect with a trusted time.
SEE SCREEN TIME, PAGE C6 stressed about a new school year, with adult. This can be at home, school, “It gives kids such an advantage in
schedule changes, new people and youth group or anywhere, he said. school when there is reading in the
expectations brought on by the back- “At school, all staff members — home,” Condos said. “Also, talk to
to-school season. including teachers, coaches, counsel- your child. Oral communication is so
Students who are stressed before ors, principals, cooks, custodians and important for kids. Kids need to be
school begins are encouraged to visit paraprofessionals — are there for just able to gather thoughts and ideas and
their school early, bringing their par- one reason, to support kids,” Craft share them with others. It also helps
ents along, Sheridan County School said. “If a student needs to start a con- with social skills within classrooms
District 2 Assistant Superintendent versation about stress or ask for help, and school environments if students
for Curriculum and Assessment Mitch they can approach any adult in their can value others’ opinions and share
Craft said. school as a starting point.” their feelings.”
“They can meet teachers, find class- Clay Pot Counseling owner Dawn Condos said she hopes both students
rooms, practice with lockers, and get Sopron advised that teachers, students and parents can relax and enjoy the
familiar with the school in general,” and parents alike take time on Sunday school year. Having a community will
Craft said. “All of our schools are to prepare for the week ahead. Prep help, she said, so building a classroom
open, and will most certainly welcome healthy lunches and dinners, make community is important for the suc-
families and students who wish to “to-do” lists and try to get to bed a bit cess of the whole school year.
visit.” earlier. A couple of hours dedicated to “Getting back to school with friends
Once school starts, the best way to planning and organizing for the week should be exciting, not stressful,”
proactively manage stress is to stay can alleviate stress once the week Condos said, adding that it is OK not
caught up on school work. starts, and, she said, always remember know something yet — that is why stu-
“Falling behind can be incredibly to breathe. dents set goals, work hard and reflect.
stressful, so setting aside time each “I know we automatically breathe, “Ask for help or synergize with
evening for homework can really help but when we are busy and stressed, we someone; that is how we grow and
eliminate the stress of falling behind,” tend to breathe more shallowly. There reach our goals and potential,” Condos
Craft said. is valid evidence that taking slow, said.
Melissa Condos, a teacher at Coffeen deeper breaths, especially trying to While the stress facing high school-
Elementary School, said proper rest is draw out your exhale longer, activates ers is different than what younger
huge. the relaxation response,” Sopron said. children feel, Cooper said she reminds
“Try to get back into a routine She suggested building in at least her students that their education is
where kids are getting enough sleep five minutes a day for a stress man- free, awesome and crucial.
and eating healthy meals, especially agement practice, which could be “Take advantage of what is being
breakfast,” she said. as simple as doing a few stretches, handed to you — you are so fortunate
Ashley Cooper, who teaches at breathing more deeply, and tuning in to be where you are. The only differ-
Sheridan High School, said students to your five senses to find something ence between loving school and hating
shouldn’t stress about what others relaxing to savor. school is your mindset,” she said.
might think. “Hug your loved ones and draw Back-to-school jitters usually aren’t
“You, and only you, will be aware those hugs out a bit longer,” Sopron stress or dread, they are excitement.
MATTHEW GASTON | THE SHERIDAN PRESS of, care about, and remember what said. “There is research to support “Embrace the excitement. Know that
Adam Frey retrieves a laptop from a locked cabinet for an you wore the first day of school. Stop that a 20-second hug releases oxytocin we (teachers) love you, have missed
assignment in Jamie Lynn’s fifth-grade class at Highland stressing about it ... ‘honey, you cute,’” and reduces the harmful effects of you and are excited to spend our days
Park Elementary Monday, Aug. 12, 2019. she said. stress on the body.” with you once again,” Cooper said.
FREE Developmental Screenings
for Children
Birth-Five Years
Did you know 90% of a child’s
brain develops before their
fifth birthday? That’s why it’s
essential for every child ages
birth thru 5 to receive a FREE
developmental screening.
Screenings inform you about
your child’s potential and
prepare you to help them
get ready for preschool,
kindergarten and to take
on the world! Child Development Center
Region II
To schedule your child’s screening call the Child Development Center
at 672-6610 or schedule online at www.cdcregion2.org
C4 THE SHERIDAN PRESS www.thesheridanpress.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019
Is teaching writing as important as teaching reading?
BY MOLLY SPRAYREGEN
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
When we think of literacy,
we tend to think of reading.
Schools, literary nonprofits
and philanthropists often
focus on encouraging stu-
dents to be strong readers
with solid comprehension
skills.
While those skills are
crucial, many experts say
critical and creative writing
skills are equally import-
ant, and are too often over-
looked.
Compared to reading,
writing is more active,
encouraging students to be
independent thinkers, take
ownership over their own
stories and ideas, and com-
municate them clearly to
others, said Elyse Eidman-
Aadahl, executive director
of the National Writing
Project, which offers
resources for teachers who
want to encourage students
to write.
“Unless we want an edu-
cation system just focused
on making people con-
sumers and not focused on
helping them be producers,
this emphasis on reading
only, which does happen
in so many places, is very
short-sighted,” she said.
Even when students are
given writing assignments,
she explains, the work tends MATTHEW GASTON | THE SHERIDAN PRESS
to focus on assessing a text, Compared to reading, writing is more active, encouraging students to be independent thinkers, take ownership over their own stories and ideas, and communicate them
rather than on presenting a clearly to others, said Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, executive director of the National Writing Project, which offers resources for teachers who want to encourage students to
new idea. write.
Writing, she said, should
be “the central thing you’re
learning. Not writing on a “Over 90% of our kids who said. “Certainly with digital “Every young person is an Texas-based creative writ- for them to go deep into it.”
test, not writing to demon- come in as reluctant writ- tools right now, think of author today if he or she is ing center known as the And teaching students to
strate you’re learning what ers, parents have reported what we’re all doing all day. connected to the Internet. Austin Bat Cave. write can have an impact on
someone has taught you, they become more engaged We’re probably interacting So we have to help them do Wallace-Segall says writ- the larger world, notes Dare
but also really writing as an readers as they’ve fallen in with the internet through it in the best, most responsi- ing also helps students work Dukes, executive director of
author writes.” love with the writing pro- writing.” ble, critical, prosocial way.” through difficulties. Deep Center, an organiza-
Reading, of course, con- cess.” Children are already writ- Advocates of teaching “Creative writing, it’s a tion in Savannah, Georgia,
tributes immensely to one’s From a practical stand- ing all the time, in texts, writing say it is empower- lifeline for us,” she said. that works with young writ-
personal growth. But teach- point, writing is more emails and social media ing. “We’re watching kids work ers to share their stories
ing it together with writing important than ever; we posts. “When students own their through their greatest chal- with people of authority.
nurtures both, said Rebecca depend on it for personal “Whether they’re actu- voices and tell their sto- lenges, subconsciously. “So those adults can see
Wallace-Segall, executive and professional communi- ally being provided with ries, they become not only They’re not writing a story that the stories they’re
director of a New York City cation. the opportunity to learn to stronger and more confident about a difficult father or telling themselves about
writing center, Writopia “We see this from employ- write, whether schools are writers, but also stronger directly about a bully in those young people are often
Lab. ers all the time. They’re addressing it or not, they’re and more confident individ- class, but they are creating wrong and doing a lot of
“Writing impacts your looking for folks who can already writing and publish- uals,” said Ali Haider, exec- a fictional scenario that harm in the world,” Dukes
ability to read,” she said. write,” Eidman-Aadahl ing,” Eidman-Aadahl said. utive director of the Austin, might feel distant enough said.
3 play activities that can help manage ‘bad behavior’
FROM STAFF REPORTS we are thirsty, we drink. dren who are under-stimu- caretakers to help children part of raising their kids, Games like freeze dance
But when it comes to chil- lated may seek out sensory regulate their sensory are offering three ideas for and musical chairs add
When children misbe- dren whose sensory and stimulation by spinning system,” Metrick said. activities that will give a structure and auditory pro-
have, there’s often a reason nervous systems don’t pro- around repeatedly or inten- “Remember that every indi- needed boost to children cessing to play. Children
for it, according to experts, cess efficiently or effective- tionally banging into walls vidual is different, and if who are under-stimulated receive feedback from their
who point out that under- ly, this restorative balance or even other children. something isn’t working for and crave more sensory muscles and joints with
standing the behaviors may simply look like bad Children who are over-stim- your child, you can tweak stimulation: every step they take.
can help you manage them or undesired behavior,” ulated may get agitated and the activity to fit his or her • Climb on a jungle gym. • Pop some bubbles.
more effectively, especially said Ellen Metrick, a toy retreat from sensory stim- needs.” Hanging on monkey bars Jumping up and down on a
during play time. design consultant and ulation by crawling under To help, Metrick and The and climbing ladders use a sheet of bubble wrap can be
“Our bodies want to be an expert contributor to tables. Genius of Play, an initia- child’s own body as resis- great fun and the deep pres-
in balance and, ideally, TheGeniusofPlay.org, who While playtime is when tive whose mission is to tance to send signals to the sure will trigger sensory
we seek out what we need has a background in special some of these behaviors raise awareness about the brain and help organize the receptors, telling the brain
when we need it. When we education. may be exhibited, it’s also importance of play and help nervous system. how to control movement
are hungry, we eat. When During play time, chil- a chance for parents and parents make play a critical • Have a dance party. and postural balance.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019 www.thesheridanpress.com THE SHERIDAN PRESS
C5
Stocking up for school can be eco-friendly, economical
BY BEV O’SHEA
NERDWALLET VIA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Earth-friendly school supplies
might sound expensive, but you
can be gentle with the planet and
respectful of your wallet. Start
by widening your idea of what’s
“green.”
LOOK FOR
FREEBIES FIRST
Using what you already have
is the ultimate environmentally
friendly move and fits with a fru-
gal lifestyle. Look for pens, pen-
cils, unused journals picked up at
a convention, binders no longer
in use and unused or lightly used
supplies from last year.
You may not have to buy at
all. Chelsea Brennan, who blogs
at Smart Money Mamas, said
she sees posts on her hyperlocal
Buy Nothing Facebook group
every fall requesting notebooks
and other school supplies. “And
then someone may comment, ‘We
have those, plus three composi-
tion books that have never been
written in. Do you need those?’”
Brennan said. Brennan bor-
rows, donates and receives items
through the group.
SAVE ON BACKPACKS,
OFFICE SUPPLIES
For backpacks, Mary Hunt,
founder of the website Cheapskate
Monthly, recommends JanSport
or Eastpak for durability. If you
are shopping resale, those are
labels to look for because they’ll
last longer. And JanSport back-
packs have a lifetime warranty.
Or choose a backpack made from
recycled materials. Whether you
choose new, used or recycled, look
for sturdy zippers, pockets and
supportive, padded straps. You COURTESY PHOTO | METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
don’t want this year’s backpack to Using what you already have is the ultimate environmentally friendly move and fits with a frugal lifestyle. Look for pens, pencils, unused journals picked up at a
be in a landfill next year. convention, binders no longer in use and unused or lightly used supplies from last year.
Many stores now carry
office-supply lines that are for Earth.com, noted that many a water bottle, know this: lunch bags and boxes can be pur- fills. You can shop online with
earth-friendly. Several companies schools now bundle required Americans use an average of chased fairly inexpensively new — ThredUP and similar sites.
offer pens made from recycled items and offer them to parents. 13 single-use plastic bottles per or keep an eye out for used ones. Finally, no matter where you’re
plastic. Pencils can be made from You may not save money but month, according to the nonprofit Davis, the father of a rising shopping, bring a reusable bag,
recycled newspaper, but they’re you’ll save gas and time. Earth Day Network. One reusable second-grader, notes that kids Davis says. Keep one handy in the
more expensive than pedestrian bottle, over a nine-month school lose things, and suggests buying car.
wooden pencils. A mechanical, year, could keep 117 single-use bot- backups of water bottles or lunch What will ultimately be most
refillable pencil might be the more
CUT COSTS ON FOOD, tles out of circulation. Tap water containers if you see an especially effective in cleaning up the Earth,
economical green choice. DRINK CONTAINERS is vastly cheaper than bottled, and good price. he says, is kids seeing parents
Notebooks and loose-leaf paper eliminates plastic waste and the who weave green living into
made from recycled paper can be Davis thinks the item likely to carbon emissions needed to dis- everyday life: For instance, mak-
fairly pricey. For example, a set of have the biggest impact on the tribute bottled water for sale.
SHOP SECONDHAND ing coffee at home, drinking from
four college-ruled “decomposition planet is your student’s reusable There are also reusable — and FOR CLOTHES reusable cups and making their
books” at Target costs more than water bottle — hardly a budget dishwasher-safe — containers or own seltzer.
$25. If recycled paper products breaker. Reusable packaging for bags for sandwiches and snacks. For back-to-school clothes, con-
don’t fit your budget, you can still lunches and snacks also saves you You can put those reusable bags sider resale stores. You may find
be green by making sure your stu- money and lets you contribute less inside a reusable lunch container. clothes that are practically new
dent recycles used paper instead to the enormous problem of plastic Bento boxes, which have compart- for pennies on the dollar. You save EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was provided to The
of throwing it in the trash. in oceans and landfills. ments for various types of food, money and extend the life of the Associated Press by the personal finance website
Derek B. Davis, a spokesman To estimate the impact of are another alternative. Reusable clothes, keeping them out of land- NerdWallet. Bev O’Shea is a writer at NerdWallet.
C6 THE SHERIDAN PRESS www.thesheridanpress.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019
SCREEN TIME : AAP recommends children ages 3 to 5 spend one hour or less using screens
FROM C2
Jacobson said that while
technology can absolutely
be a powerful learning tool
or welcome break for relax-
ation, regularly using too
much technology at any age
can contribute to a pletho-
ra of potentially negative
effects, including loss of per-
sonal connections, slower
speech and motor develop-
ment, sensory issues and a
skewed or misinterpreted
view of reality.
“I do think it is important
to be realistic and honest
with ourselves,” Jacobson
said. “We can’t engage and
play with our children all
the time. If you are going to
introduce your little ones to
screen time, take the time
to find quality programs
and apps that fit your little
one’s age and areas of inter-
est. After that screen time
expires, encourage play on
their own.”
As children enter the
preschool years, the AAP
recommends children ages
3 to 5 spend one hour or less
using screens. For children
ages 6 and older, there’s no
hard time limit, but rather
a guideline that the use of
technology does not take
away from adequate sleep,
physical activity and other
healthy behaviors. MATTHEW GASTON | THE SHERIDAN PRESS
Sheridan County School Fifth-graders at Highland Park Elementary prepare to do an assignment on laptops provided by the school Monday, Aug. 12, 2019.
District 2 Superintendent
for Curriculum and In fact, the district prides iPads, third through eighth disciplines and chosen elec- students at home. for technology at home, a
Assessment Mitch Craft itself in a 1:1 ratio of stu- grades have Chromebooks. tives. Craft said that while safe assumption is that one
said to prepare students for dents to technical devices. In high school, technology Craft said students at the Sheridan schools provide hour of screen time has hap-
the adult world, teaching Students in kindergarten is not assigned to individual elementary level generally top-notch technological pened by the time a child
with technology is a must. through first grade have students, but rather various spend between 45-60 minutes experiences, curricula are gets home from school.
per 7-hour day somehow designed to emphasize tradi- From there forward, the
engaging with technology. tional, manual academics. quantity and quality of
PRICING PROGRAM At the elementary levels, “We focus most on human media consumption rests
SAMPLE PUBLIC RELEASE FOR that time is almost entirely
used to practice literacy or
communication, doing math
by hand and other things
primarily on the parents’
judgment.
FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS math skills or type a piece of that don’t involve technolo-
writing they have produced. gy,” he said.
“I think it is always
important to consider your
Sheridan County School District #2 & 3 today announced its policy for free and “Students need a lot of “We strongly recom- child’s age and maturity
reduced price meals for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the tech stills to be successful mend 20-30 minutes of level when managing screen
National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Each school and the District Office of as adults in the world. (We) reading every night for all time at home,” Jacobson
the have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. want them to be successful ages. That can be a parent said.
and want to use the tools reading to a child, a child “It is equally important
The following household size and income criteria will be used for determining
eligibility. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown and resources available to reading to the parent, or a that screen time behavior
are eligible for free or reduced price meals. enhance student learning. child reading to themselves. is modeled by the adult and
We do it all very purposely Ideally, this should be done clear expectations are set
and work hard to maintain with printed materials,” from the very beginning
balance,” Craft said, adding Craft said. and that the adult holds true
that many school-sanctioned If a parent is looking to set to what those expectations
programs can be used by a hard and fast time limit are.”
SNAP & FDPIR Benefits and Foster Children
Students that are in these three categories can be directly certified for free lunch and
breakfast without completing a meal benefit income application. Contact the school
to check on student’s direct certification status.
TANF/POWER
Students that are in this category can be certified for free lunch and breakfast, after a
meal benefit income application is completed by the adult. The adult must include the
adult household member’s signature and the appropriate case number.
Homeless, Migrant and Runaway
Students are determined to be homeless, migrant or runaway by the school homeless
liaison will receive free lunch and breakfast. Contact the school for more information.
Households determining eligibility by income
Students can be eligible for free or reduced lunches and breakfasts by completing a
meal benefit income application. It must include all members of the household and
their income, the last four digits of the primary adult’s social security number and
signature. Forms can be obtained through the school.
Information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining
eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other
program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.
Under the provisions of the free and reduced price policy, Wanda Orchard will review
applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the
ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official
on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request
either orally or in writing to:
Greg Rohrer Eileen Bentley
PO Box 125 1514E. Brundage LN.
Clearmont, WY 82835 Sheridan WY 82801
307-758-4411 ext. 104 307-674-7405 ext.5201
for a hearing on the decision.
If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the
household should contact the school. The household may now be eligible for benefits
if the household’s income is at or below the levels shown.
The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used only for
purposes of determining eligibility and verifying data unless specific written consent is
given.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and
policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA
programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities
who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American
Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are
deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint
of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.
ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the
letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit
your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3) Email: program.
intake@usda.gov.This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019 www.thesheridanpress.com THE SHERIDAN PRESS
C7
MATTHEW GASTON | THE SHERIDAN PRESS
Big Horn preschool teacher Lesley Thompson reads “The Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight” to preschoolers, from left, Brooklyn Stewart, Wes Marney, Wesley Barnes and Levi Reeves during playtime
Tuesday, March 19, 2019.
Today’s assignment for classroom design: flexibility
BY KIM COOK County’s public school American psychologist of Quattrocchi Kwok learn, with a balance of into my traditional lay-
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS system, in Charlottesville, Robert Sommer was urging Architects in Santa Rosa, campfire (lecture space), out; there’s a peace corner
Virginia. The district invit- a critical look at traditional California. watering hole (conversa- where students can go to
Desks lined up in precise ed teams from all its schools classroom layouts, saying “More and more evidence tion space), cave (reflection calm down, a VIP table for
rows with teacher firmly to conceptualize learning classrooms aren’t just sim- connects the physical envi- space) and life (experiential students who show exem-
planted at the front: That spaces that would inspire ple cubes, says Jo Earp, ronment to learning out- space). That could mean plary work ethics, and flex
was the standard classroom kids to tackle complex editor of Teacher magazine, comes,” he said. one room is used in differ- seating for students who
format for much of the last ideas and work on creative a publication of the non- New designs include ent ways at different times, need alternative options to
century. building projects. Now, the profit Australian Council internal glass walls and or in different ways at the stay focused,” Myers said.
But with many educators elementary grades have for Educational Research. doors that increase connect- same time. Stephanie Dominguez, a
saying students can do bet- swapped out traditional Sommer noted that in any edness among students and Loren Myers, a first- principal at Feaster Charter
ter in a more relaxed and desks for stools, soft seating, given room, the lighting provide good sightlines for grade teacher at a public School in Chula Vista,
flexible learning environ- mobile chairs and connect- or heating will be better teachers. charter school in San Jose, California, said her aim is
ment, designers and archi- able tables. in some spots than in oth- The concept of dynamic, California, said retrofitting to prepare kids for work.
tects have been providing Another new reality ers, as will the view of the explorative learning spaces traditional schools can be “There isn’t one indus-
spaces and furnishings to fit changing the dynamic: con- blackboard. was championed by futurist expensive, and teachers try in which professional
that bill. nectivity. Besides the alternative David Thornburg in his don’t have big budgets. adults work in isolation;
“Innovators no longer “Classrooms, libraries, “freeform” classroom, book “From the Campfire She said many get creative most professionals work in
speak of ‘classrooms,’” said and labs used to be the Earp says, some teachers to the Holodeck” (Jossey- with resources to create a collaborative settings,” she
Bob Pearlman, a Tucson, only spaces where students can find good results with Bass, 2013). He said schools unique classroom. said.
Arizona-based education spent their school hours. a hybrid model, perhaps should provide spaces “I personally incorporate
consultant. “Students now Wireless, laptops and proj- lining up desks at the start based on how humans some innovative spaces SEE DESIGN, PAGE C8
work in learning studios, ect learning have changed of the year and then rear-
plazas and home bases.
They shift into varied
extended learning areas and
collaboration zones that
that,” Pearlman said. “This
has transformed all school
spaces into potential extend-
ed learning areas, even the
ranging them in groups
as the classroom dynamic
becomes clearer and proj-
ects are undertaken.
BACK TO SCHOOL
include project-planning corridors and alcoves.” Natural light and views, Backpack
p
rooms, workrooms, focused reduced background noise
labs, group learning spaces,
individual pods.”
LAYOUT and good air quality are all
considerations in classroom
Pencils
He mentions Albemarle Back in the 1970s, design, said Aaron Jobson
Notebook
Youth Saving CD
6 Month CD with 17% APY
1447 Sugarland Dr. • (307) 672-9028 • WWW.SUNLIGHTFCU.COM
C8 THE SHERIDAN PRESS www.thesheridanpress.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019
GROWTH : Class sizes averaging 23 students DESIGN : Flexibility
FROM C2 “We are looking at how to FROM C7
address it,” Kilbride said,
Another notable change explaining that while the Teachers at her school have flexibility to design
to this year’s enrollment classes are large, they’re their own spaces, she says, but across the 70 class-
within SCSD2 is the number not big enough to warrant rooms there’s one thing in common: “Students must
of students at each of the bringing in another teacher. have spaces or desk structures that make collaborat-
five elementary schools. “We are looking at adding a ing with their peers easy.”
After uneven growth in the teacher’s aide to those class-
student population at Henry rooms.”
A. Coffeen Elementary, Kilbride noted the ongoing
FURNISHINGS
the school board voted last trend that families from Over the decades, famous designers have lent their
fall to change residential other areas of Sheridan talents to school furniture — among them, Jean
boundaries to divert some County want to enroll Prouve’s mid-1930s tubular steel and wood single
students to Meadowlark, their children in Big Horn desk, double bench and chair; Alvar Aalto’s inclin-
Highland Park and schools. able tabletop desk of the 1950s; and Arne Jacobsen’s
Sagebrush elementary “It’s a good problem to bent plywood desk and chair of the same era.
schools. have,” he said. “We love Today, classroom furniture runs the gamut from
Last year, Henry A. that they want to come here, chairs to chaises, with work tables of varying
Coffeen Elementary had but Big Horn Elementary is heights.
369 students on the rolls over in terms of numbers Imagine Charter Schools, based in Arlington,
on the first day of school. and we have to turn some Virginia, and operating schools in nine states, offers
This year, that number has away.” colorful swivel seating, as well as comfy upholstered
dropped to 332. Sagebrush Sheridan County School benches. Montessori schools have soft lighting simi-
Elementary’s first-day District 3 Superintendent lar to home environments, and more subdued furni-
enrollment last year was Charles Auzqui said enroll- ture and decor than traditional classrooms.
309, and this year it’s 325. ment in his district, which Marianne Box, a design specialist at school-furni-
Highland Park went from encompasses Clearmont and ture maker Hertz Furniture, in Ramsey, New Jersey,
322 to 314 this year, and Arvada, is projected to be said ergonomic seating and mobile, flexible pieces
Meadowlark was at 329 last slightly down this year. are big sellers. The focus is on managing children’s
year and is at 349 this year. “Last year, we ended with energy levels and giving them places to concentrate.
“When I look at our pre- 93 students,” he said. “We Classroom bean bags give younger students a place
liminary numbers now ver- are expecting between 86 to read.
sus one year ago, I think we and 90 kids this year.” “They mold to fit each student, giving them support
did a decent job of accom- The largest class in SCSD3 and a sense of comfort,” she said.
plishing our purpose,” is the senior class, which Self-contained study booths have tablet surfaces,
Stults said, adding that the is anticipated to include 11 power supplies, footrests and armrests.
new boundary changes also students and another larg- A molded plastic wobble stool comes in various
caused one teacher to be er class at the junior high sizes and colors; Box says it also promotes torso and
relocated from Woodland level. leg movement.
Park to Meadowlark. Elementary classes at “This stool gives students an outlet for their ener-
Class sizes in primary the elementary school in gy, allowing them to focus and balance while in a
grades — kindergarten MATTHEW GASTON | THE SHERIDAN PRESS Arvada includes combined classroom,” she said. “The best part is that the move-
through second grade — are Seventh-grader Matthew Vigil celebrates finishing a timed writ- grade levels, with one teach- ment isn’t distracting to others, and can be used by
generally less than 20 stu- ing assignment in Loretta Holloway’s English class at Sheridan er teaching a group of kin- students and teachers.”
dents. Grades three through Junior High School Aug. 12, 2019. dergarten through fourth
five have no more than 24 grade together.
students per section. the amount of due diligence ing to serve 74 students for a “Our district is different
The districtwide student we do to meet the learning grand total of 1,034 students from the larger districts,”
count includes 891 students needs of all students. We in SCSD1. he said. “We have combined
at the junior high and 973 in hear from parents who have To accommodate stu- classes, and that means our
the high school, with class actively sought out the best dent growth, an additional teachers are preparing les-
sizes averaging 23 students, schools in the state when kindergarten teacher has sons for more grade levels.”
though some electives might relocating to Wyoming, and been added at Big Horn Auzqui also said that
be larger. Sheridan is the first they Elementary. This growth staffing levels will stay the
Reflecting on this year’s call.” was also seen last year, same, meaning they will
growth of the county’s larg- Sheridan County School when an additional kinder- continue with the same staff
est school district, Stults District 1 Superintendent garten teacher was added at levels as last year, even
said he’s not surprised. Pete Kilbride said his dis- Tongue River Elementary. after they lost a Spanish COURTESY PHOTO | HEATHER GALYEN/FEASTER CHARTER SCHOOL VIA AP
“We have seen increased trict is expecting to see Average class sizes at the teacher. This photo provided by Feaster Charter School in Chula
enrollment each year an additional 10 students elementary level are around That class has been Vista, Calif., shows students using bean bags in a class-
regardless of what the join the schools in Tongue 20 students per classroom. modified to include online room. At Feaster Charter School collaborative classrooms
economy brings,” he said. River and Big Horn for a Kilbride did note both instruction with a parapro- offer flexible seating options like ball chairs, and comfort-
“It’s fairly easy to draw a total of 970 students this sections of kindergarten at fessional in the classroom. able bean bags in which students can read and research.
common thread as to why. year versus 960 last year. Tongue River Elementary “Our biggest changes are With many educators saying kids can do better in a more
The quality of education our In addition, the district’s have 22 students, which is a in our infrastructure,” he relaxed and flexible learning environment, designers and
children receive is extreme- online school, Cowboy State larger than desirable class said. “We have modified architects have been providing spaces and furnishings to fit
ly impressive in regard to Virtual Academy, is expect- size. who is doing what.” that bill.
You can also read
