LIVERMORE FALLS – The Regional School Unit 73 board last Thursday received construction and program updates, and approved a job description for a registrar at the high school.

The renovation project at Spruce Mountain Elementary School is progressing, but work will continue into the school year.

The kitchen equipment and cafeteria tables have not arrived, with delivery expected in mid-September. Until then, food will be sent to the school and students will eat in their classrooms.

Principal Chris Hollingsworth said a new math program and behavioral program will be used this year.

He said the online math program can help kids on both ends of the spectrum improve their skills. Students will be tested to see where there are gaps.

Interim Superintendent Robert Wall said the software is free the first year. The program may be expanded to the primary and middle schools.

Hollingsworth said Sanford Harmony provides lesson plans, songs and other materials to teach kids how to behave in school.

“Some kids have a hard time with that,” Wall said. “We need a curriculum to  teach kids the right way to work with each other.”

A new, web-based career aspirations program will be used with students in grades 6 through 12. 

High school principal TJ Plourde said the program tracks what students are doing in school to ensure they reach their goals. Parents can be involved.

“It’s a great asset, a better way to identify where students are,” he said.

Wall said Spruce Mountain is one of five school systems participating in a dental-intervention program. A van visits the schools to screen students. A dentist takes X-rays.

“There are a lot of dental issues with our children,” he said. “We all know how expensive it can be. We’re working with the whole child.”

The board unanimously approved a job description for a registrar at the high school.

Wall said the job description was needed before hiring could be done.

“It’s an extremely important position that helps to ensure everything is in PowerSchool,” he said. “The registrar will work with students in grades 6 -12. The majority of the work will be at the high school.”

PowerSchool is an education-technology platform for grades K through 12. It is designed to streamline school operations, provide insights into operations and classroom performance, empower teachers and drive student growth, according to the company.

Plourde said with course changes and scheduling through PowerSchool, there is a need to have someone with expertise.

Wall said there were some difficulties last year.

“The students told us we have to fix them,” he said.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net 

Construction at Spruce Mountain Elementary School is ongoing. The kitchen area will not be completed for the start of school. Until equipment is delivered and the work finished, students will be provided meals from other district schools and eat in their classrooms. (Sun Journal file photo)