High school students work toward health certifications

By Editor | October 7, 2020 |

WISD earns superior FIRST rating

Courtesy Photo— Senior level Wellington High School health science students participate in CPR training Sept. 30 in the Gateway to Health Careers dual credit program. Top left, Nayeli Jasso, Chloe Needham and Shelby Phillips. Front row from left, Vanesa Duque, Briana Morning, Dani Ponder and Emma Kane work toward the CNA certification. Students not pictured are Juliana Castaneda, Courtney Cryster, Katie Green and Kylin Killian.

By Bev Odom/The Red River Sun—

WELLINGTON — Superintendent Kurt Ashmore announced during the Sept. 14 Wellington ISD school board meeting that the district received a superior rating and passed every area of the preliminary Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas report based on the 2019-2020 school year.

A public hearing will be held on the FIRST rating at a later date, he said.

The board approved the minutes of the Sept. 14 regular meeting and Aug. 28 special meeting as presented.

In other business:

The board approved setting a passing standard of 60 or above in Level One classes for eligibility to participate in UIL activities as recommended by WHS Principal Jermaine Cantu. Level One classes include Accounting 1, Accounting 2, AP Economics, Dual Credit Courses, Physics, Pre-AP Algebra 1, Pre-AP Algebra 2, Pre-AP English 1, Pre-AP English 2, Pre-AP Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Spanish 3.
The board approved a resolution regarding extracurricular status of the 4-H organization and approved County Extension Agent Kenny Patterson as an adjunct faculty member.
A motion carried unanimously to approve the budget amendments as presented by Souder.
The board discussed “Team of Eight” training requirement that Region 16 typically provides in January. Ashmore and board members discussed combining the regular January meeting with this board training.
Ashmore gave an update on enrollment with the elementary campus at 263, junior high 136 and high school 140.
Donna Belew recently resigned her position as elementary custodian. Karina Contreras has been hired to replace her.
Due to the summer feeding program extension, meals for all students are free until funds run out or Dec. 31.
Texas Education Agency recently approved the asynchronous plan, instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time.
With last week’s rain, the roofers have had a delay. They are getting close to being finished with the elementary roof and will proceed to the high school gym after that.
In the elementary principal’s report, Kane said kindergarten through fifth grade students took the Northwest Evaluation Association math and reading tests Sept. 1 – 2. The software tracks students from prior years and monitors progress. She said she issued a challenge that if students reached at least 40 percent “meets and masters” per subject, the class would receive a popcorn/soda party. She said five grade levels received the reward on Sept. 11.
Ashly Cantu, elementary counselor, began Character Count activities Sept. 14.

Beck said the project is going well in the junior high. “The staff is working hard to be innovative with the virtual learners.”

The first junior high football games went well last week with both teams winning. The online ticket sales seem to be successful.
Progress reports were sent out the week of Sept. 7. Northwest Evaluation Association testing at the junior high wrapped up last week.

“All in all, students have adjusted well to new systems due to COVID-19,” Beck said. “It’s been a good start to the school year.”

Jermaine Cantu reported that on Sept. 9, the junior class met with Todd Morgan from Josten’s for information on ordering senior rings. Normally done in the spring, the activity didn’t take place due to COVID-19.
On Sept. 14, Gateway (health careers project) met with the senior level health science students about the certified nursing assistant (CNA) test they will take in December. Gateway is paying for the students to take this CNA test which provides a very good opportunity for them, according to Cantu.
High School counselor Renessa Klink began the individual senior conferences and they will continue throughout this week. Benchmark testing is being done in the high school as well. Sept. 25 ended the first six weeks.
Proffitt said athletics in Wellington are in full swing. The cross country teams are off to a great start. They opened the season at the Canyon Invitational running against all divisions and finishing second as a team behind Canyon’s varsity on Aug. 29. Kyla Kane placed fifth and Hadlee Gomez placed 10th.

On Sept. 12, Wellington hosted and won the cross country meet. Individual Kyla Kane won the meet with several other medalists including Addy Mock placing third, Hadlee Gomez placing fourth, Alyssa Lewis placing sevent, Suzi Lopez placing 10th and Audrey Jones placing 11th.

The varsity football team is 2-0, JV is 3-0 and both junior high teams are 1-0.

At the end of October, the girls will begin practicing for basketball season.

All board members were present at the meeting. Gene Pena offered the opening prayer. Others present were Brad Bawcom, Lance Kane, Cody Phillips, Alison Strickland and Carly Ward. School personnel present were Cantu, WJHS Principal Edward Beck, Elementary Principal Deidre Kane, Business Manager Dian Souder, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Greg Proffitt and Secretary Kellye Conner.

The board approved the minutes of the Sept. 14 regular meeting and Aug. 28 special meeting as presented.