Classroom Etiquette

Knowing that your student behave properly is a common concern for most parents, and is essential for a student's success in school. Children need to know what is expected from them in the classroom and in society as well. Here are a few simple guidelines for your student, and never take for granted that he/she is practicing these.

Make Eye Contact-When someone is speaking keep your eyes on them.

If You Win or Do Well at Something, Do Not Brag-Be humble in your success, and do not show anger in defeat, that merely shows weakness.

Ask Questions in Return-If you are asked a question in a conversation, you should ask a question in return. Show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you.

Say Excuse Me-After a cough or sneeze, of which you should always have your mouth covered, say "Excuse Me"

Do Not Disrespectful Gestures-Do not smack your lips when eating, or roll your eyes when someone is talking to you.

Thank You-Always say "Thank You" when someone gives you something. There is never an excuse for not showing appreciation.

Never Make Negative Comments About a Gift--Never insult a person by making negative comments about a gift or by insinuating it isn't appreciated.

Board Summary

The School Board of USD 344 at the meeting on Monday September 14 took the following the following actions. We heard a report from the Linn County Crimestoppers about putting a banner in the school cafeteria, this banner has the text number so students are able to report crimes to the proper authority.

The Board also approved for the Linn County Sheriff Office to bring the drug dog on our campus to make sure we have no illicit drugs on campus. They will be putting on an assembly at a later date for the students.

The updated version of the KASB Policy Book was approved as our policy book until we can finish our policy review with the KASB.

All of the out of district students were approved by the board

We regrettably accepted the the resignation of Frances Marshall at the end of the current school year. Becky Anderson was approved as a new special education paraprofessional. Larry Streeter was named Head Custodian/Maintenance effective November 1, 2009. The Board also had the opportunity to meet the new teachers to the district. The next meeting of the USD 344 Board of Education is October 12, 2009.

September Board of Education Meeting

The September Board of Education meeting for USD 344 will be Monday September 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the annex. The agenda is as follows:

Call to Order

Additions to Agenda

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Minutes-Special meeting

Approval of Monthly Bills

Visitor forum

Principals Report

Superintendent Report

Action Items

1. Drug Dog

2. Adoption of KASB Policy Book

3. Out of District Students

4. Executive Session

5. Adjournment

President's Speech

I am not a political person and don't like the politics that are being played in Washington and/or Topeka with our school children. It doesn't matter if you are liberal, conservative, independent, or not involved I think schools should be left out of the political arena, but unfortunately they have been thrown into the middle of the fray.

The speech Mr. Obama is delivering today to our children is trying to help us in public education, by encouraging kids to reach their potential and to stay in school. I get agitated when pundits try to read into a situation things that I have no intelligent reason for believing. I do not believe Mr. Obama will try to convert our kids to Islam, create socialists, or have them become health care reformists. He is trying to do the same thing we in public education are trying to do, motivate kids to be the best they can be, and how important their education is. Can you imagine your reaction if a student came to a counselor, teacher, or administrator and said they wanted to drop out of school and our reaction was the same as many people across our country and we sat idly by and watched this student withdraw from our school. Shame on us.

Mr. Obama is our President, like it or not, and I for one respect the office no matter who sits in the chair. If you don't like his policies we have the opportunity in four years to replace him. I just hate to see kids used as political pawns and having to worry about who gets offended if we are not politically correct. If you wish to read the speech, it is on the school website.