Posted on September 25, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin provided some details about an outside assessment that’s being done at the schools at last week’s school board meeting.
In the past, school officials would receive an audit from AdvancedEd. However, due to factors such as money, time and stress they decided to go with a more meaningful outside audit this year.
Whereas AdvancedEd would just do a general review, these new assessors will look at test scores and work with staff to get a feel for the schools. The audit is done in two phases, the first phase is assessment and the second phase is professional development.
When school board members met last Monday, Dr. Zupin shared that the assessment phase has already begun. She said a few weeks ago, curriculum specialist interviewed all elementary school teachers and core teachers at the 7th and 8th-grade level.
“We’re concentrating on a K-8 audit because the high school test and the graduation pathways is a whole different beast so we’re going to be concentrating on curriculum for the iLearn test.”
Dr. Zupin said now that teachers have been interviewed, the next step will be for the representatives to come back and meet with her at the beginning of October After that, they will return to meet with administrators and the school improvement teams to devise a plan on how to instruct students more efficiently.
Showing posts with label North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Friday, July 20, 2018
North Judson-San Pierre Officials Prepare for First Year with E-Learning
Posted on July 20, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin took some time during Tuesday night’s school board meeting to discuss how E-Learning will be utilized in the upcoming school year.
In the first year of its implementation, there will be two pre-planned E-Learning days, rather than the kind that are held when inclement weather strikes.
The first will be held on February 18, 2019, and the second one will be determined and announced at a later date.
Until the first E-Learning day arrives, Zupin said teachers and students will be practicing both inside and outside of the classroom. In the fall, students and teachers will utilize the week of October 22nd through the 26th to familiarize themselves with procedures.
Board Vice President Derrick Stalbaum provided a good summary of what the E-Learning practice days will entail.
He explained, “The point of an E-Learning day is that education continues, so what you’re doing is you’re still learning and you’re still going through curriculum even on those practice days, you’re just doing it in a more digital format.”
Dr. Zupin stressed that school officials did not come to this decision overnight. She explained that conversations started back in February when they began consulting with the Department of Education, as well as gauging how teachers and administrators felt about the potential implementation.
Officials spent time researching the program throughout the months of March, April and May as conversations with the D.O.E continued and surrounding schools were consulted about their methods.
Zupin stated that during the months of June and July, the focus has been on professional development, as well as creating and finalizing policies and procedures for the program’s implementation. Officials are still discussing various aspects, such as how to effectively measure attendance and what a student would do if they don’t have access to the internet at home.
Dr. Zupin noted that there will be a three day grace period for students to submit E-Learning assignments after the initial date is held. She also mentioned that since there will be pre-planned days this year, students and parents can make arrangements to utilize the library or another place in town that has access to free Wi-Fi.
Officials also suggested potentially opening the lab at the school on the pre-planned E-Learning days where weather conditions would not prevent travel.
Zupin said during this transition, school officials will continue to provide as much information about the program as possible. If you have any questions about the E-Learning at NJSP, feel free to contact the Administration Office at 574-896-2155. Click the following link to download the power-point presentation provided about the NJSP E-Learning Program.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin took some time during Tuesday night’s school board meeting to discuss how E-Learning will be utilized in the upcoming school year.
In the first year of its implementation, there will be two pre-planned E-Learning days, rather than the kind that are held when inclement weather strikes.
The first will be held on February 18, 2019, and the second one will be determined and announced at a later date.
Until the first E-Learning day arrives, Zupin said teachers and students will be practicing both inside and outside of the classroom. In the fall, students and teachers will utilize the week of October 22nd through the 26th to familiarize themselves with procedures.
Board Vice President Derrick Stalbaum provided a good summary of what the E-Learning practice days will entail.
He explained, “The point of an E-Learning day is that education continues, so what you’re doing is you’re still learning and you’re still going through curriculum even on those practice days, you’re just doing it in a more digital format.”
Dr. Zupin stressed that school officials did not come to this decision overnight. She explained that conversations started back in February when they began consulting with the Department of Education, as well as gauging how teachers and administrators felt about the potential implementation.
Officials spent time researching the program throughout the months of March, April and May as conversations with the D.O.E continued and surrounding schools were consulted about their methods.
Zupin stated that during the months of June and July, the focus has been on professional development, as well as creating and finalizing policies and procedures for the program’s implementation. Officials are still discussing various aspects, such as how to effectively measure attendance and what a student would do if they don’t have access to the internet at home.
Dr. Zupin noted that there will be a three day grace period for students to submit E-Learning assignments after the initial date is held. She also mentioned that since there will be pre-planned days this year, students and parents can make arrangements to utilize the library or another place in town that has access to free Wi-Fi.
Officials also suggested potentially opening the lab at the school on the pre-planned E-Learning days where weather conditions would not prevent travel.
Zupin said during this transition, school officials will continue to provide as much information about the program as possible. If you have any questions about the E-Learning at NJSP, feel free to contact the Administration Office at 574-896-2155. Click the following link to download the power-point presentation provided about the NJSP E-Learning Program.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
North Judson-San Pierre School Board to Consider General Obligation Bond
Posted on April 24, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin recently informed school board members that the school’s existing debt is about to drop significantly in 2019. First covered during their work session on April 4th, Zupin reviewed the matter during last Tuesday’s school board meeting.
She said in order to maintain the school’s current rate, additional debt has to be taken on.
She explained, “The debt service fund is for annual debt obligations and really is helpful for schools because it’s a way for us to maintain our school facilities, buy some equipment and make sure that we have what our students need.”
Dr. Zupin is proposing taking out a general obligation bond worth $1.1 million that would be paid off over the next 3 years starting in 2019. She reiterated that the school’s tax rate would remain unchanged and added that general obligation bonds are easier to issue, buy and sell than lease rental bonds.
The superintendent said that some proposed purchases include updated surveillance equipment for the elementary school as well as some technology upgrades.
Zupin told board members, “What I would like to do is purchase 360 MacBook Airs. That would be 12 carts of 30, 6 in each building, that way each grade level has access to them,” She went on, “and 60 iPads, 2 carts of 30 for our kindergarten and first grade because those are easier for them to use.”
According to Superintendent Zupin, the total estimated cost for the technology and security upgrades would be around $400,000. She said that leaves more than half a million dollars from the bond issuance that could be set aside for potential projects or needed repairs that may pop up down the line.
No official actions were taken last Tuesday but a bond resolution will be considered during the board’s next meeting on May 15th.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin recently informed school board members that the school’s existing debt is about to drop significantly in 2019. First covered during their work session on April 4th, Zupin reviewed the matter during last Tuesday’s school board meeting.
She said in order to maintain the school’s current rate, additional debt has to be taken on.
She explained, “The debt service fund is for annual debt obligations and really is helpful for schools because it’s a way for us to maintain our school facilities, buy some equipment and make sure that we have what our students need.”
Dr. Zupin is proposing taking out a general obligation bond worth $1.1 million that would be paid off over the next 3 years starting in 2019. She reiterated that the school’s tax rate would remain unchanged and added that general obligation bonds are easier to issue, buy and sell than lease rental bonds.
The superintendent said that some proposed purchases include updated surveillance equipment for the elementary school as well as some technology upgrades.
Zupin told board members, “What I would like to do is purchase 360 MacBook Airs. That would be 12 carts of 30, 6 in each building, that way each grade level has access to them,” She went on, “and 60 iPads, 2 carts of 30 for our kindergarten and first grade because those are easier for them to use.”
According to Superintendent Zupin, the total estimated cost for the technology and security upgrades would be around $400,000. She said that leaves more than half a million dollars from the bond issuance that could be set aside for potential projects or needed repairs that may pop up down the line.
No official actions were taken last Tuesday but a bond resolution will be considered during the board’s next meeting on May 15th.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Highlights Summer School Opportunities
Posted on April 18, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Annette Zupin outlined some summer school opportunities when school board members met Tuesday night.
One thing she highlighted was NJSP’s Countdown to Kindergarten which is an opportunity for incoming kindergarten students to familiarize themselves with the school experience. Dr. Zupin said it will be held for two weeks with students coming in for four days each week. That will run from July 16th through 19th and July 23rd through the 26th.
Additionally, Zupin mentioned that the Starke County Community Foundation provided a $7,000 donation to help fund the Kindergarten Countdown program, as they’ve done for the past few years.
Other summer school opportunities that will be held at North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School include a high ability class from June 4th through the 15th and an IREAD class from June 4th through 7th.
Dr. Zupin explained that students who did not pass the IREAD test when it was given during the school year will have a chance to get some additional help during the class and then they will be re-tested this summer.
Last but certainly not least, Dr. Zupin said that the Starke County Youth Club will be hosting a summer school session at North Judson-San Pierre in June starting on the 4th and ending on the 28th.
If you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Zupin at (574) 896-2155
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Annette Zupin outlined some summer school opportunities when school board members met Tuesday night.
One thing she highlighted was NJSP’s Countdown to Kindergarten which is an opportunity for incoming kindergarten students to familiarize themselves with the school experience. Dr. Zupin said it will be held for two weeks with students coming in for four days each week. That will run from July 16th through 19th and July 23rd through the 26th.
Additionally, Zupin mentioned that the Starke County Community Foundation provided a $7,000 donation to help fund the Kindergarten Countdown program, as they’ve done for the past few years.
Other summer school opportunities that will be held at North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School include a high ability class from June 4th through the 15th and an IREAD class from June 4th through 7th.
Dr. Zupin explained that students who did not pass the IREAD test when it was given during the school year will have a chance to get some additional help during the class and then they will be re-tested this summer.
Last but certainly not least, Dr. Zupin said that the Starke County Youth Club will be hosting a summer school session at North Judson-San Pierre in June starting on the 4th and ending on the 28th.
If you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Zupin at (574) 896-2155
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
New N.J.-S.P. Superintendent Talks Goals
Newly-hired North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin faced her detractors during last night’s school board meeting amid their announcement of plans to affect change within the corporation.
She acknowledged the challenges of the budget and declining enrollment before addressing criticisms of the high school’s academic standings offered during last week’s public hearing on her contract.”
“My naysayers used the word ‘failed.’ Failed in their minds, but remember, we’ve never received an F, and we currently stand at a C, and we keep working. I do want to talk about failure and success. Failure to me means simply not trying. Success means giving it your all every single day at everything you do,” Zupin said.
She adds N.J.-S.P. didn’t emphasize “the test” until a few years ago because they didn’t believe it defined a student. Zupin says they’ve been forced to change due to the heavy weight state officials put on standardized test results when it comes to grading schools.
She also cited academic and athletic successes, including a 90 percent graduation rate and 18 Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipients since 1999 while acknowledging a weakness in math at the secondary level.
“We need to improve the students’ confidence in math and their mastery, and we’re working on that. I know that actions speak louder than words, and so I’m asking all of you, and my naysayers, to please watch my actions. I really pledge to work with and for you to make us proud again.”
Zupin says her immediate priorities are to help select the new junior/senior high school principal and finish the reorganization plans for the combined facility. She also intends to focus on community outreach.
“I know we have community morale issues. I know you want information. I know one of the pieces of information you want are where are students going, and where are we getting students from. I am in the process of obtaining that information for everyone. That should give us a start in how we market our school. I’ve heard that continuously in our meetings.”
School Board President Pat Goin said Zupin truly is the best candidate and has the desire, motivation and drive to help the corporation move forward. She challenged everyone in the community to turn negative comments about the schools around and put the positive back in the community.
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