Monroe Elementary gave a presentation to the school board about their changes in curriculum.
The Sweetwater County School District No. 2 board of trustees convened this week, tackling a range of topics that spanned mental health concerns, curriculum updates, and student recognition.
A key point of discussion centered around the district's mental health programs, with several speakers expressing concern that an increased focus on mental health in schools might undermine students' ability to develop resilience and overcome challenges on their own. Some also called for more transparency from the school district, requesting access to the full curriculum and a clearer understanding of how data related to these programs is collected and used.
Jennifer Witten, a licensed clinical social worker, added to the conversation by questioning the district's policy on administering well-being questionnaires without obtaining proper consent. She emphasized the need for evidence-based practices, particularly in identifying and addressing suicide risk among adolescents, and suggested amending the policy to ensure that mental health professionals can intervene when necessary.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about legislative proposals that could affect the district's autonomy regarding mental health support for students. Some members expressed unease about potential liability issues, while others recommended passing the bill with amendments to address concerns later. Despite differing opinions, the board agreed on the importance of thoroughly vetting any new legislation before making final decisions.
Amid these discussions, the board took a moment to recognize 10 outstanding Green River High School cheerleaders-Maggie Lennon, Juliet Peterson, Dax Smith, Hayden Winner, Kailana Isaac, Jazlynn Hunt, Jaylene Gallegos, Ezia Romango, Kamryn Shaw, and Izabella Kelley-who were named UCA All-Americans for their exceptional skills, leadership, and school pride. These students were praised not only for their athletic abilities but also for their dedication to representing the school and fostering a positive spirit. Their recognition brought a lighter, celebratory moment to the meeting, showcasing the hard work and achievements of Green River's young athletes.
Additionally, Monroe Elementary announced significant changes to its K-12 intervention and assessment processes. The school has shifted its approach to focus on individualized instruction, aiming to address specific skill gaps and provide enrichment opportunities where needed. This new method includes assessments aligned with state standards, focusing on key areas such as phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension for early learners. Teachers will now group students based on their skills rather than traditional reading levels, a change the administration hopes will lead to improved student outcomes. The superintendent, Mike Aimone, thanked the Monroe community for their support.
The board also took the opportunity to remind the public about upcoming events, including the Green River Hall of Fame induction ceremony this weekend.
As the meeting concluded, the board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students and navigating the evolving challenges of modern education.
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