A new writing program was approved by the Snowflake Unified School District Governing Board last week in an effort to improve students’ skills in that area.

“An analysis of past AIMS (Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards) and AzMERIT (Arizona’s Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching) test results continues to point to the need for greater emphasis on improving writing skills among many SUSD students,” according to the backup material.

“We’re trying to fill that gap,” said Dean of Students Neil Westover. He advised the board that teachers and administrators had looked over different programs, and concluded that Weekly Writer would work best. He explained that the author, who also writes children’s books, goes through the process in the program, and it allows teachers to go into programs that teach students how to write.

“It gives the very basics and builds upon those,” Westover said. He suggested that they try the program for three years, which would give teachers and administrators more time to evaluate it and would also make the cost less. “Overall, we liked the concept,” he told the board.

“Our improvements are in math and reading; this is an area we need improving,” said Superintendent Hollis Merrell.

There was a brief discussion on the compatibility of the program with Beyond Textbooks.

Snowflake Intermediate Principal Jody Bentz explained that each lesson has a short video in which the author explains the concept at the child’s grade or learning level. “Kids are drawn it,” she said. “It’s easy for the teachers to teach.”

A motion to approve the Weekly Writer program passed unanimously.

In other action Nov. 12, the board:

* Rescheduled its next meeting to Tuesday, Dec. 2, due to a conflict with a winter conference that Merrell plans to attend.

* Approved an agreement between the district and Mohave Community College for clinical practicum and/or internship/externship education experience.

Merrell explained that previously a physical therapy student was allowed to intern with the district. Mohave is asking Snowflake to partner with it. Merrell noted that there is no cost to participate and it is a benefit to the district. “I feel like it’s a win for the district,” he said.

* Approved out of state travel for Jennifer Loffer to attend a Link Crew Basic Training conference in California.

The district has been using this program and officials would like to continue it.

“It would be a huge benefit for high school students,” said Merrell.

“This is a one-time training,” explained Gregg Lunt. “This is one of those programs that will absolutely change the school.” He explained that the conference will train Loffer, who will train other students, in helping freshmen feel part of the school. Older students will help freshmen transition by addressing issues of safety, curriculum, facilities, discipline, procedures and connectedness by mentoring them.