Emily Greene

Contributing Writer

With the first day of school fast approaching, Pineville Independent is preparing for the upcoming school year with their open house. Scheduled for Aug. 2, Pineville Independent’s Open House will consist of a cookout with inflatables and a DJ at the football field (weather permitting) from 4-6 p.m. From 6-7 p.m., the school will be open to tour for students and their families. School supplies will also be given out at the open house. The first day of school for students will be Aug. 3, which will be only half a day.

Summer school at the high school has been successful, according to Principal Bill Keyes. Friday will mark the end of the six weeks of summer school, with students working hard to pass and get credit for classes.

Keyes informed the board of a few things occurring before the first day of school. The Boy’s All-A Golf is scheduled for July 30 in Harlan and the Girl’s All-A Golf is scheduled for July 31 in Barbourville. Senior photos will take place on Aug. 2 in the gymnasium and the traditional picture at the park.

Two new courses will be offered at Pineville High School in the 2012-13 school year. Given enough student interest in the subjects, AP biology and AP chemistry will be offered. Prior to this addition, AP English and AP history were the only AP courses available.

An update made to the high school student handbook will no longer allow backpacks, athletic bags or purses larger than a piece of paper to be carried throughout the hallways and classes during school hours. All items of this size must be stored in lockers or locker rooms.

Last week, the entire Pineville elementary staff participated in four days of training. The staff took part in “The Leader in Me” training, created by the late Dr. Stephen R. Covey.

According to the website www.theleaderinme.org, “The Leader in Me” is an innovative, schoolwide model that emphasizes a culture of student empowerment and helps unleash each child’s full potential. Applying The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, teachers and students internalize timeless leadership principles that nurture the skills students need for success in the 21st century.

Cynthia Smith, principal at Pineville Elementary School, also noted the staff will take part in three days of math training this week for second- to sixth-graders.

During Superintendent Mike White’s report he updated the board on multiple items:

• The Site-Based Council and Mrs. Smith have hired Katherine Patrick to teach fifth and sixth grade math;

• Mileage reimbursement from July 1 to Sept. 30 will be $0.46 per mile;

• The city of Pineville and the Rotary Club used the city pool and the football field for July 4 festivities;

• Fall sports schedules have been completed, including high school and middle school football, as well as golf.

It was also announced that the Hall of Fame weekend for Pineville Independent will take place the weekend of Sept. 7 and 8. The festivities will begin at Friday night’s football game, and continue on Saturday with different events, such as a golf scramble. Fourteen members will be inducted on Saturday evening in the gymnasium.

White also announced the reinstatement of the after school daycare. The school system has the ability to continue the program for the coming year, and will create and advertise for the position. An emergency waiver will allow the program to begin at the start of the school year.

Other actions approved by the board include:

• Minutes of the regular meeting held June 18, 2012;

• Accounts due and payable;

• 2012-2013 Salary Schedule;

• Cafeteria bids; custodial bids;

• Student hand books;

• 2012-2013 SE/SC Membership – membership allows access to professional development at a reduced price for members;

• Comp Care agreement – allows access to 16 – 17 different entities/programs for students, as well as daily access to a counselor at both the high school and elementary school;

• Family Medical Leave requests by Aleshia Butler and Jessica Hoskins;

• After school daycare;

• Policy and procedure updates;

• Certified staffing;

• Special called board meeting scheduled at 6:30 p.m. for July 26;

• Fundraiser requests for the elementary school and the band. The elementary school will be allowed to sell magazines, frozen foods, and Little Caesars pizza kits. The band will be allowed to sell snow cones at football games, Yankee Candles in October, fruit in November and doughnuts in December.