rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Canton Area School District board members met briefly via ZOOM on Thursday, Feb. 11.
Superintendent’s report
CASD Superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs made a couple of reports during his section of the meeting.
First, he started by saying PIAA released a new form for all school districts to complete in order to participate in post-season play for winter sports. The form has been added to the athletic health and safety plan. The change has to do with a mask waiver for student players and the failure to wear a mask in the post season games, calls for forfeiting a match.
PA is still in Phase 1A of the vaccine distribution, but Briggs stated that educators are in Phase 1B. Because of the limited supply, he said he wasn’t sure when district employees will get their vaccines.
“My message to my staff has been if you’ve been able to get it and want it, go out and try to find the vaccine on your own,” said Briggs,who also reported that a couple staff members have been able to get the vaccine.
Briggs, as well as other superintendents in Bradford County have been in contact with the President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph A. Scopelliti. Briggs has also been in contact with Rep. Clint Owlett on the matter as well.
“We now get weekly COVID vaccine updates. I will continue to keep the board informed on that,” said Briggs. He said the Department of Health expects that the vaccine supply will continue to increase.
The high school staff is currently participating in what is called the “power to be seen” initiative, which improves connections between students and staff. This is to help staff begin goals on getting to know students better who they may not know as well. It’s on-going and they continue to update their lists weekly.
“So many of our kids when we are in ‘remote’ (learning) we lose contact with,” said Briggs, who explained the importance of the initiative.
Mark Jannone put his staff through this training, which helped them prioritize students that they may not know at a personal level and reach out to them, to increase that relationship level between students and staff.
Angela Kelley was announced as the “teacher of the marking period.” Briggs thanks Kelley for all she does.
Early intervention meetings were taking place in the elementary school recently. Kindergarten registration will be March 16-18.
Mrs. Castle is working with her STEM team to work on a virtual competition.
Because of COVID, the special education department will not have bocce ball. However, they will still have individualized fitness. There are eight students, four athletes and partners that make up the team. Competitions will be based on data collection.
The school district also participated in a “Polar Pop,” which helped raise money to the Special Olympics and come back to the school for supplies.
Cindy Black is working with students on renewable energy, to give students a better understanding on energy that does not negatively affect the environment.
Business manager’s report
CASD Business Manager Mark Jannone made a shout out to parents throughout the Canton School District. He said because of the participation for the food distribution, they ran out of food, but were able to get more.
“We had an amazing turnout,” said Jannone.
Picking up the food helps reimburse the cafeteria so that these programs may continue. It’s vial to the school district that parents attend the food distributions.
Jannone also spoke briefly with board members on those who need to complete training.
The next Canton School Board meeting will be Thursday, March 11, at 5 p.m. For more information, go to www.canton.k12.pa.us.