Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Facilities Student Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Goshen Middle School showcases student service learning and cafeteria renovation; community donors pledged TVs and lighting
Summary
Gershen/Goshen Middle School staff and students presented service‑learning projects and an extensive cafeteria renovation project to the board; community organizations and businesses agreed to donate lighting and at least one 85‑inch television, and the board accepted donations during the meeting.
Goshen Middle School staff, students and community volunteers presented the board with a report on student service learning and progress on a cafeteria renovation that organizers said has involved hundreds of volunteer hours and multiple community donors.
Principal Wendy Flynn introduced the students and described the presentation as part of the school’s "service leadership" focus. Teacher Brooke Whitley and Family Engagement Specialist Shelly D’arazzi described student projects including campus cleanups, candy‑grams that raised funds for pediatric cancer research, notes of encouragement for younger students and a new Leo Club that pairs middle schoolers with preschool buddies. "We are gonna focus on, service leadership tonight," Flynn said in opening remarks.
Students described their work. Vivian Slagle, a high‑school senior who helped paint the middle school cafeteria murals, said the project "reminded me of how much Goshen did for me" and called the mural work central to her college application success. Student organizers also told the board they had secured community support for physical upgrades: the Goshen Education Foundation provided lighting and local businesses including Stiles and Sons, Buettner Insurance Group and Tugbrock Auto Works agreed to donate at least one 85‑inch television and volunteers built frames and painted walls.
Board members recognized the project with a certificate and a "Goshen pin" and thanked volunteers. The board later approved a consent agenda item accepting donations related to the middle school renovation and other gifts; the motion passed by roll call during the donations consent vote.
Superintendent Michael Bailey and board members said they plan an open house and reception this fall once installations are complete. School leaders said the renovated cafeteria will be used not only for lunches but also for professional development, student activities, banquets and community events.
