Quincy Public School District #172

NEWS & EVENTS

2-15-06

NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM

The School Board approved participation in the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) for Summer 2006. The program was previously sponsored by Quincy University. Quincy School District will sponsor the program for one year with grant funds and outside contributions.

The NYSP combines sports skills and educational activities in a positive and safe environment for underserved, low income youth.

The educational program includes offerings in educational enrichment, math, science, and drug and alcohol awareness. Students are taught a wide range of life skills varying from appropriate behavior in a job interview to the effect drugs and alcohol can have on the mind. Boys and girls have the opportunity to learn and enhance their sports skills. Coaches and student athletes provide young people with the fundamental tools they need to practice their sport. Students will participate in swimming and at least two additional sports, such as tennis, softball, basketball, and soccer. Participants practice the skills that encourage them to make the right choices in sports, as well as the right choices in life.

Transportation is provided to and from the program site. A well-balanced breakfast and hot lunch is served to all participants at no cost. The location and dates for the program will be announced at a later date.

The Board approved:

Summer School Program for 2006.
Annual grants and entitlements.
Sale of 20 buses to highest bidders—Reeves Bus Service, Quincy Raceways, Central State Bus Sales, and Ponder Equipment.
Line of credit up to $5 million from Bank of America at 3.98% interest rate.

THE HEARTBEAT OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Please join Quincy PTA Council and District 8 PTA for a dessert bar and auction to raise funds for 16 new Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for Quincy Public Schools. A new unfunded mandate requires every school to have an AED by July 1, 2006.

Tuesday, March 21—QHS Cafeteria
Registration & Dessert 6:30 p.m.
Council Meeting 7:00 pm
District 8 Meeting 7:15 pm
Guest Speaker, Jerry Criss—7:30 p.m.
The evening will end with an auction.

Tickets available at both Hy-Vee locations and Mailboxes & Parcel Depot for $3.00 or at the door for $5.00. For more information, call Jayne Brown at 222-1190 or Jill Butterfield at 222-0943.

BLUES AGAINST DRUGS

Board Member Carol Nichols presented a preliminary report for the Blues Against Drugs initiative. Representative staff members were interviewed and feel that most drug use does not occur in school, but students come to school having used drugs or alcohol before class. As age increases, use increases. Younger students “mimic” their older peers and/or parents by showing up with “look-a-like” substances. Mrs. Nichols reported that although there may not be an increase in the number of expulsions over the past ten years, a greater percentage of the expulsions are due to drug/alcohol use. Major drug incidents occur with marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs from family. Some of the actions recommended for staff include increased education to help recognize student problems and better awareness of community resources. A committee was recommended for more detailed review, for overseeing a comprehensive student survey, and for developing a comprehensive action plan to address alcohol and drug abuse by students.