TON-10-27-2017

Page 1

Friday, October 27, 2017

Volume 143 No. 47

Single Copy Cost 50¢

LOSTANT SCHOOL

TONICA GRADE SCHOOL

THE MELODY OF A NEW EDUCATION Tonica Grade School’s music program begins with a clean sheet

Board discusses construction project, lead and busing issue BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@tonicanews.com

BY DAVE COOK news@tonicanews.com TONICA — While her classroom is now filled with all things music, teacher Samantha Farb had initially walked into an empty room. “That was one of the biggest surprises and one of the biggest challenges, but it’s also been a great opportunity,” the Tonica Grade School (TGS) educator said of the school’s revitalized music program. Farb has been fostering a love of music within her students for 14 years and studied music education at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. As well as being an accomplished flutist, Farb is also an experienced stage performer who is currently part of a production at Engle Lane Theatre in Streator. She’s previously taught band at Grand Ridge Grade School and music at Streator Elementary School. “What I love about it is everyone can do it, everyone can enjoy it and learning music helps the students in all areas of their education,” she said. Farb added that music also helps her students feel proud of themselves as they learn, builds their imaginations, promotes teamwork and teaches them self-discipline. Adorning the walls of the classroom are several different aspects of an early musical education — simple steps of how to

See MELODY, Page 2

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Samantha Farb accompanies her music students at Tonica Grade School as they prepare for their upcoming first choral performances.

TONICA

Tonica School Board works on compliance issue BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@tonicanews.com TONICA — The Tonica School Board discussed policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act at its meeting Oct. 18.

Superintendent and principal Chuck Schneider said a new policy serves to clarify to districts that “the Americans with Disabilities Act does apply to schools.” In particular, the act affects how a school website must be

Vol. 143 No. 47

set up, but different schools have yet to adapt to the requirements, Tonica included. “Our website does not, nor do those of many schools in Illinois,” Schneider said of the district’s current state. Schneider indicated that the

district is supposed to be in compliance at the current time, but that it is being given time to resolve its compliance issue. The exact length of time was undetermined; however, he explained that entering into compliance is a priority.

LOSTANT — As Lostant Elementary School’s repair and construction projects wrap up, the school architect examined the projects’ final stages. Bob Johnson, school architect, visited the Lostant School Board’s Oct. 18 meeting to look over the projects and discuss progress. “We are coming to a close,” Johnson said about the various construction and repair projects which have recently littered the school. Before the meeting, Johnson had gone with board members to examine some areas which had been damaged during a contractor’s work. “Repairs for the asphalt,” he said, is on the list of items which still have yet to be completed. Further, he noted one contractor has “probably close to 20 spots they have to touch up paint yet.” Johnson considers the project’s outcome favorable overall, including the reduced cost from initial estimates. “We’ve had a couple of change orders that are actually a net of close to $30,000,” Johnson said. “I think the project has turned out well, myself,” he said.

Busing issue In other news, a new driver could help solve Lostant Elementary School’s busing troubles, but the district first needed to establish that new issues would not arise. The new driver has completed and passed the pen and paper portion of her test and is on track to certification. However, there was one potential issue the school needed to address.

See REPAIRS, Page 2

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Repairs project coming to a close

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