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At WEM we practice BUCS PRIDE.
We are a Respectful, Responsible learning community dedicated to a
Safe and Positive learning environment for all individuals.
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Excitement is in the air as everyone is gearing up for the new school year! Get caught up by reading the summary of the August school board meeting from Chairperson, Gary Michael below. Read on for an introduction of our newest school board member, our back-to-school plan relevant to COVID-19, and meal assistance. You will also find some information about community education classes, important dates, job openings, and more.
Do you have feedback or ideas for future e-newsletter content? I invite you to contact me. Please spread the word to others you think might like to be added by forwarding this email and/or directing them to the e-newsletter subscription sign-up page on WEM's website. Thank you.
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Margo Kulseth, MLIS
Communications Coordinator
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August School Board Meeting Summary |
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Call to Order
The WEM Board of Education met on August 23, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. for our regular monthly meeting. The following board members were in attendance:
Bakken, Jon
Bowman, Travis
Michael, Gary
Rezac, June
Schneider, Jay
Stangler, Jeff
Velishek, Jon
Others in attendance included Superintendent, Joel Whitehurst; both Principals, Jennifer Wilson and Bobbie Bastain; and Athletic Director, Jeff Boran. This was the first time in about seven months that the school board had full attendance from all seven members, thanks to the addition of Mr. Jon Bakken, who was elected earlier this month.
Oath of Office
As Chair, I administered the Oath of Office to new member, Jon Bakken.
Approval
We approved the following items:
Presentation
The board heard a presentation from Heather Harms and Linda Hullopeter on Staff Sharing Agreements with the Waseca district. These agreements are needed to keep costs down for districts that do not have a need for a fulltime position but are required to provide various services to students. Without these agreements to share special ability staff members, the cost to our district would skyrocket. We approved the following staff shares:
MA Specialist, $6,909
Special Education Administration, $74,630
Behavior Analyst/Interventionist, $17,554
Occupational Therapist, $20,835
Occupational Therapy Assistant, $16,641
Physical Therapist, $15,000
Early Childhood: Special Education Teacher, dollar amount to correlate with actual time spent at WEM
Visitor Comments
There were no visitor comments.
Recognition
We approved the August Monetary Donations, which included a $200 donation for band from the Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce and a $500 football donation from the Elysian Fireman’s Association. Thank you to those organizations for your generous donations.
As a side note, after I wrote about the generosity of the Lion’s Club in last month’s donation section, I received a call. They actually wanted to thank me for the kind words. They also provided a $500 donation to WEM Youth Football! I did not realize that I could become a member by making application. I plan to do so in the months ahead, and hopefully I make the grade. Stay tuned.
Reports
We heard the reports listed below. There are a few key points to highlight. We are welcoming 13 new staff members to our Buccaneer family. All staff members will be back on Monday, August 30. K-6th grade students are invited to entrance conferences/orientation on September 7 (which will be a good opportunity for them to meet their new teacher and get the lay of the buildings, etc.).
In addition, Jeff Boran reported that Kindergarten Connection (Preschool) has 54 students registered! That is good news for the future of the district as we hope to increase enrollment moving forward.
Board Member Reports
Board Committee Reports
Joel Whitehurst, Superintendent Report
Information/Discussion
In personnel, we approved a letter of resignation from Elena Mattson, School Bus Driver, effective August 5, 2021, and we approved the following hires:
Kortney McKenna, Paraprofessional. $15.01/Hour, 7 Hours/Day
Anna Skidmore, MS+10 to MS+20
Ashley Landru, MS+10 to MS+20
Laura Sammon, MS+10 to MS+20
Jennifer Graham, MS+10 to MS+20
Lane changes occur when staff members take it upon themselves to seek out additional schooling and training. This shows obvious commitment to continuing education to improve their craft. I commend their efforts. Thank you!
Adjournment
Upcoming Meetings:
September 9, 2021, 6:00 p.m. Work Session (Tentative)
September 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
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Gary Michael, Chairperson
Note: WEM School Board meetings can be viewed live via Zoom video conferencing, and the recordings for past meetings are available on the website. The agendas and accompanying documents are also available online.
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Welcome to WEM's newest school board member, elected earlier this month in the special election, Jon Bakken. Mr. Bakken worked at WEM for many years and has extensive knowledge of our community. He participated in the August meeting. |
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WEM Return to School Plan |
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Administrators at WEM have put together answers to common questions about the upcoming school year at WEM as it pertains to COVID-19 precautions such as masks, vaccinations, learning options, and more. All information being shared is based on current guidance from MDE, CDC, and MDH. We will continue to follow these requirements and guidance but will make changes to our plans as needed.
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If you haven't yet gotten your school supplies for the 2021-2022 school year, now is the time. Consult the WEM School Supplies List to see what is needed for each grade level.
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The Minnesota Department of Education is providing support during the summer for families who qualify for free or reduced meals. Remember that every student received free meals last year due to the pandemic. Only families who qualified by submitting applications for free and reduced benefits will receive the summer EBT card, but it is not too late!
Log-in to JMC and submit an application. You can also submit paper applications found in your district calendar. Your qualifying application must be received by September 3, 2021, to receive summer EBT cards.
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Community Ed Quilting Classes
Quilt as You Go
Wednesdays, September 15 and 22, 2021
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WEM High School Room TBD
Deadline to register is Friday, September 10, 2021.
Beginning Quilting
Mondays, November 15, 22, and 29, 2021
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WEM High School Room TBD
Deadline to register is Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Supplies are available for rent or sale. Color options, prices, and other details are provided in the registration forms. Contact class instructor, Lisa Nagel with questions: 507-420-3178.
DNR Firearms Safety Certification
DNR Firearms Safety Certification via the Official MN Hunter Safety Course is required of anyone born after December 31, 1979 to purchase a hunting license in Minnesota and to participate in the High School Clay Target League. Students must complete the online course and register for the field day. Students must also attend in-person field days. From time to time, the Waterville area has field days, which we will try to advertise; however, sites may also be found on the MN DNR site.
Drivers' Education
2021 Drivers' Ed classroom sessions have been scheduled for October 25, 26, 28, November 1, 4, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16 in the Morristown Building from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Details and registration are found on the Drivers' Education page of our website.
School Age Child Care (SACC)
Flag Football
Flag Football for WEM students in grades 1-4 begins Saturday, September 11. Please pre-register.
More Information
To stay up-to-date on WEM activities, consult the Community Education page and Athletics page on our website. Also, keep an eye on the news section at the top of the WEM website, and follow us on social media.
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August 30-September 2 Teacher Workday (No School)
September 1 Grades 9-12 Orientation/Open House
September 2 Grades 7-8 Open House
September 6 Labor Day (No School)
September 7 Grades 7-12 First Day of Classes
September 7 Grades K-6 Entrance Conferences
September 8 Grades K-6 First Day of Classes
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WEM has job openings, including the following:
Applications are available on the website or by calling the district office at 507-362-4432.
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WEM SD #2143
500 East Paquin Street
Waterville, MN 56096
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