By Helen Wilbers
NEW BLOOMFIELD — Tweaks to the junior high and high school guidance counseling programs in New Bloomfield R-3 are yielding good results, according to Counselor Dara Reinkemeyer.
On Thursday, she’ll present the findings of her program evaluation to members of the New Bloomfield Board of Education during its 6 p.m. meeting at the central office.
“Program effectiveness can be seen through the students,” Reinkemeyer said. “The majority of students are using Lumen (a grade tracking program) to stay current on their grades. This fosters conversations between students, teachers and parents.”
The program’s goal is to support students in academic, career and personal development. Since the last evaluation, Reinkemeyer and teachers have implemented a long list of changes and improvements.
For example, all students in grades 9-11 now create personal study plans. Reinkemeyer has introduced more activities, such as a college fair for juniors and seniors, Red Ribbon Week (which raises drug awareness) and Manufacturing Day, which helps students explore jobs in the county. A spring career fair is in the works.
Reinkemeyer said feedback from students and teachers has been positive.
“Ninth graders have a better understanding of personal plans of study when we discussed graduation requirements,” she said. “Seniors are excited about informing me of their college acceptance.”
Reinkemeyer plans on further developing the program by implementing more guidance curricula and adding more college and career readiness activities.
During Thursday’s meeting, attendees will also hear a program assessment of the elementary counseling program. Board of education members will also consider approving an updated version of the district’s drug testing policy.
Additionally, beginning Dec. 13, persons interested in becoming a board member may file for the April 3 election. Two positions are available, and terms last three years.
Candidate filing starts at 8 a.m. at the superintendent’s office (307 Redwood Drive, New Bloomfield) and continues through office hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The filing deadline is Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.