Discuss whether to provide summer school
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By Nolan Morse
The Arcola School Board deliberated on whether to provide students with summer school or not during Wednesday night’s meeting. It was mutually understood that summer school may provide multiple benefits to students who are in need of extra help, but possible staffing shortages may hinder their ability to offer the program.
The Board all agreed bringing on paraprofessionals to teach summer classes wouldn’t be worth the resources, as it was believed students wouldn’t gain enough from the lessons.
Before making a final decision a poll will be conducted throughout the school, to gather an estimate on how many students would sign up, and how many teachers would be willing to teach the courses.
The current plan is to run a jumpstart program in July, where students would attend classes Monday through Thursday for two weeks.
Elementary Principal Marissa Brewer announced plans to gear the 2027-28 Kindergarten class toward more of a play-based education system. The major change would be requiring students to get at minimum one hour of play per school day. Procedures regarding how that would be implemented were not discussed, but Brewer stated she would have more details at a later date.
Brewer also revealed the elementary staff has chosen a new English literacy curriculum. The curriculum received 100% of the votes out of the two options and Brewer will provide a detailed presentation to the Board next meeting.
A teaching position from the elementary’s new K–3 pull-out program will be posted. The program aims to create a self-contained classroom for students with learning disabilities to provide them with extra one-on-one assistance. The Board estimated they will have six to eight children in the class.
The 2026–27 school year calendar was approved, the only major change being high school graduation is now a week earlier.
High school Principal Nick Lindsey announced plans to incorporate student-led business into the school. Gathering inspiration from multiple surrounding districts who run similar programs, Lindsey stated some current ideas are to implement a coffee shop or a clothing brand. Lindsey also stated the majority of high school teachers are behind the idea and want to see it come to fruition.