TK students and Norris Middle School virtual enterprise showcase student work, win awards

Seven TK students from Veterans Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance and showcased classroom routines as district staff highlighted the school's newly opened transitional kindergarten (TK) classrooms and expanded TK programming.

The district presenter said three brand-new TK classrooms opened this year and staff used temporary measures, like teachers holding flags in front of students, until fixtures were finished. Veterans Elementary staff detailed TK operations: 120 TK students split into six classes supported by six teachers and nine aides, an adult-student ratio of 1:10, two schedules (AM and PM) with each session providing 180 minutes of instructional time, and curriculum that includes Frog Street pre-K, Handwriting Without Tears and a 95% talk-to-learn phonics program. Staff said credentialed teachers or appropriate permits are present for all instructional activities.

Separately, Norris Middle School teacher Trent Ford and his eighth-grade virtual enterprise students described competing at a state trade show. Ford and students said their team placed fourth in salesmanship, third in booth design and first in the junior-high elevator-pitch division; the students reported about $29,000 in sales over three hours. Board members and guests commended the students' professionalism and suggested local partnerships, including culinary-program ideas and possible funding avenues.

The presentations were followed by board praise and questions about student work and program logistics. Trustees encouraged the public to visit the trade show and suggested district staff explore funding and program partnerships. No formal actions were required for these presentations; the board later moved on to routine business.