BROCTON - December is a busy time for the students in Brocton Central School. The board heard about activities from both Sandra Olson, elementary principal, and Jason Delcamp, middle/high school principal
Olson reported the elementary concert on Dec. 5 was well-attended and nicely done by the students. Dec. 18, 19, and 20, the PTSA is sponsoring Santa's workshop for the students with volunteers to wrap presents. She also commended the students for their giving spirit, saying that the students had three Christmas trees that held donations. Elementary students have also participated in Operation Shoebox, which sends school supplies, small toys and hygiene items to children in other countries who are less fortunate.
Delcamp had an even longer report. Concerning girls' basketball, he said, "I have watched them play and I am proud of our modified girls' team."
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OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Middle/high school principal Jason Delcamp demonstrates the capabilities of the “smart boards” to those interested after the recent board of education meeting. The school received 71 of these devices and is beginning to install them.
The girls varsity team had a win. "I am happy to see our sports program begin to turn around," he said.
Referring to the audio system in the gym he said to the board, "I hope you are happy with the speakers." There was nothing wrong with the equipment; it just had to be properly installed.
Delcamp told the board Sources of Strength was bringing good information to the school. A wellness program, SOS works through peer leaders to encourage students to seek help from trusted adults. Results of anonymous student surveys are available to staff. Delcamp said that 20 percent (1 in 5) students at the middle/high school have considered suicide. He also said that when girls tell someone, they receive more encouragement to seek help than boys do. Delcamp said, "You cannot ignore it (the danger of suicide)."
Delcamp spoke about the PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) committee, made up of 16 staff members. The members come into school early in the morning to work on ways to make behavior in Brocton more positive and create a more caring school community. "I'm proud of that," he said.
The committee has been tracking attendance and offering incentives to the homeroom with the best attendance. The winning homerooms often want a pajama day or a hat day.
Delcamp said, "The result has been kids encouraging kids to get to school."
Another initiative is sending home postcards to the parents when a student does something good. "Instead of only hearing from us when there is a problem, we send a message 'your kid is doing good,'" he said.
Drop Everything and Read is another program that has been implemented. A reward system is in place for this effort involving certificates for the Book Nook.
The Interact Club, an organization for high school students connected to the Rotary Club, has been busy with its Coats for Kids Drives. The collection will continue until after the middle/high school concert. Those attending the concert Wednesday at 7 p.m. are welcome to bring in good used coats for distribution.
Delcamp reported that the Interact Club had raised money to adopt a family for Christmas and would be going to WalMart to select gifts.
Finally, Delcamp explained that the school had received 71 "smart boards" that would be installed in classrooms. One had already been installed in the technology room, and he invited board members and members of the public to look at it after the meeting.
At the end of the report, board member David Hazelton ironically asked, "What do you do to keep busy during the day?"
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
