Holbrook principals present changes and goals for new year

This year the schools will be focusing on improving current curriculums. “At Hulet and Park our goal is not to adopt or bring any new programs in, but instead just get really good at the programs that we have.”

Fosburgh said the schools will be focusing particularly on their Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) system. Last year tier one was implemented school-wide which met 92% of student’s needs, and this year will be focused on tier two. “Our focus is to really get our tier two system up and running, which is going to help about 20% of those who just need additional behavioral interventions to be successful in the general education classroom,” Fosburgh stated.

Fosburgh also noted the schools have seen a change in demographics. “So historically Native Americans have been our largest ethnic group. But this year, Hispanics are our largest ethnic group,” adding that Hulet consists of 33% Hispanic students, 32% Native American students and 25% Caucasian students.

Indian Wells Elementary School (IWES) Principal Andrea Tomlin stated that the school has seen an increase of enrollment this year. Approximately 350 students are enrolled, including preschool. Kindergarten enrollment is low, while first grade saw a large increase.

Tomlin stated the school has seen an increase of Hispanic students as well. “A slight decrease in the Native American population and a slight increase in the Hispanic population of the school.” She also added that the Caucasian populace continues to stay at less than 1%.

“My goal, and our teachers’ goal, this year is to really focus on bringing up our achievement and making sure our students are where they need to be,” said Tomlin.

Holbrook Junior High School (HJHS) Principal Cheri Grau stated enrollment is at 351 students, with 55% being Native American and 22% being Hispanic.

Grau was especially pleased with student involvement. “171 students as of right now are participating in after school activities. Forty-nine percent, that’s huge.” After school activities include chess club, robotics club, running club, football and softball.

Grau also mentioned that the school is still focusing on social emotional support for students. “In the month of August alone, we had 47 students receive counseling services with our contracted counselor, and she held 114 sessions for our students.”

HJHS has also began to implement an Academic Support period for sixth, seventh and eighth graders, which is an additional class period that allows students to work on areas they may be struggling in.

Grau also mentioned the school will still have an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) focus, which was implemented last year. Last year the emphasis was organization, and this year the school is “focusing on the next step of focus notetaking, which is processing so that students can engage in processing of their learning at deeper levels.” This will be done with collaborative study groups and peer tutoring.

Principal Clete Hargrave at Holbrook High School (HHS) stated the school has seen a slight enrollment increase in each grade level over last year with 668 students in total.

Hargrave added the high school will be implementing AVID this year as well and will be focusing on the note taking aspect that was done previously at HJHS.

Another initiative this year is implementing an Instructional Time Model (ITM), which means students below 75% in any courses attend school on Fridays to catch up in whatever subjects necessary. Students above the 75% mark will not have to attend, but still are allowed to. Students with optional attendance had to complete focus notes which had to be submitted by Monday morning. ITM was implemented for the first time Friday, Sept. 9. “I think our first Friday last week was very successful,” stated Hargrave, “I had one student who stopped me in the hall, shook my hand and said, ‘I really liked the new Fridays.’”

Superintendent Koerperich also added that the HHS offers NAVIT (Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology) certifications in career readiness, business management, computer aided design, engineering, digital communications, film and TV, early childhood education, construction technology, welding, automotive, certified nursing assistant, firefighting, cosmetology, and others.

Holbrook Booster Club President Yvonne Larson and Vice President Sandra Oberritor gave a presentation to the board on the Booster Club, which began this year as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). The booster club was created to help support student efforts in sports teams and various clubs that the Holbrook students participate in. “We saw a need for a nonprofit organization to help build the community,” stated Larson.

Larson added the club has put up senior banners at the football field and already have some sponsorships ready. “We have a great support of volunteers and business sponsorships,” said Larson, adding that the program is separate from the school district and depends on parent and community support for volunteers and funding.

The club is still in need of leaders, sponsors and volunteers. For more information, visit their Facebook page Holbrook Roadrunner Booster Club or their website at holbrookbooster.club to learn how to get involved.

The board approved the Holbrook Booster Club as a non-profit booster club to assist with fundraising and activities for HUSD No. 3 sports and activities under the guidance of the Holbrook Booster Club Administrative Procedure.

In other business, in the absence of board member Olivia Jaquez who was excused and absent from the meeting, the board:

* Approved for an environmental science course to be added to the Holbrook High School coursework; as well as, textbooks Ecosystem Change, 2018, The Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California & OpenStax Concepts of Biology Chapters 19-20, which pertains to ecology.

* Approved two online Navajo Language and Navajo History, and Government programs: “The American Academy Online High School” and “Mr. Clayton Long, Dine Language Trainer” that are available for obtaining credit in Navajo Language and Navajo History and Government. The online programs will allow students that may need to take an alternative path to attain Navajo Language and Navajo History and Government the opportunity to complete these courses to qualify for the Chief Manuelito Scholarship and high school credits.

* Approved SPARK physical education curriculum. The curriculum outlines physical activities to implement with K-2 students.

* Approved CWDL Certified Public Accountants to perform the annual audit for HUSD No. 3 for fiscal year 2023.

* Approved the Education Specialist Effectiveness Performance Evaluation System, Leader Effectiveness Performance Evaluation and Teacher Effectiveness Performance Evaluation tools as performance evaluation systems for the school year 22-23.

* Approved the qualified evaluators, who have attended qualified evaluator training, as evaluators for the district’s Teacher Effectiveness Performance Evaluation System for the 2022-2023 school year: Charles Haussman, Rob Koerperich, Kevin Fosburgh, Paul Demuth, Cheri Grau, Nichole Tow, Andrea Tomlin and Jeff Meeks.

* Approved the Prop 301 Performance Pay plan. The Prop 301 performance pay plan has been approved by over 70% of the eligible participants.

* Approved the continuation of the Class Size Differential Stiped for school year 22-23.

* Approved an updated HUSD No. 3 Bus Driver Attraction and Retention Plan administrative procedure, which includes updated perfect and excellence in attendance rates, new starting hourly rate, performance pay, and training incentives.

* Approved a revised Contracted Mileage Administrative Procedure. The revisions include increasing the contracted mileage rate to .45 cents per mile; as well as, updating guidelines according to statutory changes. It was also requested that all contracted mileage contractors are designated as sole source providers for the transportation services they provide.

* Approved a Special Services Consortium Addendum for occupational therapy services for HUSD No. 3. The occupational therapy addendum increases days for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) which will allow HUSD to provide occupational therapy for students as required by their individualized education plan.

* Approved a Special Services Consortium Addendum for occupational therapy services for HUSD. The occupational therapy addendum increases days for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) which will allow HUSD to provide occupational therapy for students as required by their individualized education plan.

* Approved the list of Risk Trust qualified hearing officers. The Arizona Risk Trust offers qualified hearing officers for school districts to use in matters of student discipline and employee related issues that arise throughout the school year.

* Approved to designate Arizona Psychological Services as a sole source provider for contracted counseling services. The Holbrook School District solicited a five-year bid for counseling services, School Counseling Services Request For Proposal (RFP) #21-04-26, in April 2021 and Arizona Psychological Services was the only bid for the Request for Proposal.

* Approved Adrienne Begay, a student at Ottawa University, to student teach in the HUSD preschool program under the guidance of Julia Fairbanks. Begay has been interviewed and has the proper fingerprint clearance required.

* Approved Phoebe Brown of Northern Arizona University to complete her practicum at Indian Wells Elementary School in the fall of 2022. Brown has been interviewed and has the required fingerprint clearance card approval.

* Approved a 60-day review of the supplemental reading program Newsela. Newsela is a supplemental reading curriculum to provide tiered support for reading instruction and interventions in grades K-6. The 60-day curriculum proposal will be posted on the Holbrook School District website under 60-day review materials.

* Approved Policy EE Transportation Services for first reading. The definition of allowable vehicles to include 11 to 15 passenger or motor vehicles that is designed as a type A or type B school bus to transport students to or from home or school on a regularly scheduled basis as defined by statute.

* Approved Policies JLBC Immunizations and JLCC Communicable/Infectious Diseases for first reading. The policy updates include current vaccination requirements; as well as provisions that a school district or charter may not require a mask or face covering by persons under the age of 18.

* Approved Policy KI Visitors to School for first reading. The policy revision outlines new guidelines for visitations to school including procedures that allow for visits, tours, and observations of all classrooms by parents of enrolled pupils and parents who wish to enroll their children in the school district; as well as, post the procedures on each school’s website.

* Approved Policy IHAMB and IHAMB-R Family Life The policy revision states that a public school shall not refer students to or use sexually explicit material in any manner except by a Governing Board approved sex education program.

* Approved Policy IHA Basic Instructional Program for first reading. The policy updates a provision that Sept. 11 of each year shall be observed as 9/11 Education Day to educate students on the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

* Approved Policy GBGCB Staff Health and Safety for first reading. The policy revision outlines a prohibition on COVID-19 vaccinations, face masks and face coverings. The policy aligns to new Arizona Revised Statutes.

* Approved Policy IJL and IJL-R Library Materials Selection and Adoption, and IJNC and IJNC-R Resource Centers/Media Centers/School Libraries for first reading. The policy revision outlines procedures for a public review period for adoption of books and materials purchased after Jan. 1, 2023. Exempted from this policy are any schools without full-time library media specialist or an equivalent position, which HUSD has none. Board member Dr. Craig Stuart voted against and Debbie Shumway, Vice President Claudia Jackson voted in favor.

* Unanimously did not approve Policy IMD School Ceremonies and Observances for first reading. Recommended by the Arizona School Board Association, the policy revision requires K-12 programs to set aside one minute but not more than two minutes each day at the beginning of the day for students to engage in a moment of silence.

* Approved Policy IMB Teaching About Controversial/Sensitive Issues for first reading. The minor revision changes the words influence to responsibility and values to education. Craig Stuart voted against and Debbie Shumway, Vice President Claudia Jackson voted in favor.

* Approved support staff employment of Zoe Daniels, Hulet/Daycare assistant; Patsy Etsitty, transportation monitor special education (SPED); Theresa Fewell, substitute bus driver; Gabriel Graymountain, transportation, IWES bus monitor; Chelsea Hager, HHS Phenix School instructional aid; Lisa Larson, preschool aide substitute; Hunter Love, HHS maintenance student worker; Holli Salley, HJHS in-school suspension monitor; Ruby Smith, Hulet/Daycare substitute; Teri Tafoya, District, return to work for insurance; Shelby Tsaipi, Hulet/Daycare part time worker; Sarena Tso and Syrus Warren, both as food service student workers; Cordell Yazzie, district custodian; and Hannah Yazzie, transportation student monitor.

* Approved the support staff resignations of Theresa Fewell, full-time bus driver; Jalynn Gishie, Park computer/library aide; and Rita Yazzie, HHS/SPED.

* Approved the resignations of support staff student workers Alisha John and Kyle Smith.

* Approved the certified employment of Marcus Espitia, Hulet/Park resident substitute; Sue Hayden, IWES Acadience tester; Delmar Johnson, HHS/HJHS resident substitute; Kallee Larson, ESI substitute; Josh Meeks, Hulet resident substitute; Marcos Serna, HJHS resident substitute.

* Approved extra duty for Gishie Arviso, HJHS sports official; Ashley Attakai, Meghan Carbonneau, Cheryl Carlson, Veronica Dale, Dwayne Hawk, Galen Knight, Debbie McKee, LouAnn McLaws, Alshina Nez, Michaela Saxton, Arletta Yazzie and Tim Yazzie, all as HHS game help; Leslie Baldonado, HHS game help and HJHS sports official; Davina Begay, IWES junior varsity cross country coach; Saraphania Benally, Stephanie Bridegam, Paul Demuth, Kevin Fosburgh, Charles Haussman, Cheri Grau, Tracy Johnson, Karalyn Reidhead, Andrea Tomlin andNichole Tow, all as SPED liaisons; Stephanie Brosius, HHS class sponsor 10th grade; Michael Burks, HHS auditorium tech, tech cadre, Broadcasting Club and Yearbook sponsor; Steven Carbonneau, HJHS football official and game announcer; Eric Carlson, HHS game help and eighth period teacher; Erica Chee and Sarah Chee, both for IWES after school duty; Joel Daniels, HHS AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) sponsor; Lelia Demuth, HHS Running Club sponsor; Tim Eddings, IWES substitute; Kyle Gardner, HHS Drama Club sponsor, auditorium manager, Swing Thing sponsor, HJHS football official, HHS game announcer and HJHS sports official; Gypsi Gover, IWES head football coach; Ramie Hatch, HHS department head math and eighth period teacher; Tobias Herndon, HHS/HJHS game help; Heidi Hunsaker and Beth Self, both Hulet Rockin’ Roadrunners; Callie Jensen, HHS class sponsor 11th grade; Shannon Knight, HHS class sponsor 12th grade and game help; Debbie Koerperich, IWES substitute; Athina Lewis, IWES Cheer Club; Monica Liddle, HHS English department head; Tawnya Lindsey, IWES after school bus monitor for special needs; Carmelita Long, IWES before and after school duty; Jeremy Madison, HHS Roadrunner Nest, department head Career Technical Education and assistant boys basketball coach; Heather Manygoats, IWES Cheer Club; John McDaniel, HHS/HJHS game help and HJHS head boys basketball coach; Sarah Meeks, HHS department head, electives, band sponsor and Fusion sponsor; Ashley Mitchell, HHS science department head and Key Club sponsor; Daniel Mitchell, HHS social studies department head and National Honor Society sponsor; Zane Morgan, Hulet substitute; Jerald Nez, HHS class sponsor ninth grade and AISES sponsor; Roni Orton, IWES substitute; Loren Silver, HJHS assistant boys basketball coach; Cary Simpson, HHS SPED department head, SPED and SPED liaison; David Smith, HJHS football official; Melicia Thompson, HHS student council sponsor; Hoby Wilhelm, PeeWee cross country coach; Lori Williams, IWES assistant volleyball coach; Theresa Yazzie, IWES head volleyball coach.

* Approved volunteers Jason Analla and Dylan Barela, both HHS baseball; Ryan Attakai, HJHS cross country and Running Club; Anika Francis, IWES head junior varsity cross country coach; Colleen Hubbard, HHS game help and HJHS assistant volleyball coach; Natasha McLaws, HJHS head volleyball coach; Jonathan Sample Sr., HJHS football; Farrel Yazzie, HJHS head wrestling coach.

* Approved professional leave for Jeff Strong, Northland Pioneer Convocation, no cost to the district; Jason Foutz, Advisor Leadership Conference, cost to the district is $486; Amanda Remos, Hearing Screening Traianing, cost to the district is $85; Charles Haussman, NAVIT Local Directors Meeting, cost to the district is use of a school vehicle; Nicole Warner, Arizona College Consortium, cost to the district is $120; W. Ray McLaws, SA/AAZ Annual Conference, cost to the district is $320; Loren Silver, Sparks of Possibility (Leadership), cost to the district is $858; Rasheed Hollins and Kevin Fosburgh, both BET-C, PBIS Implementation, cost to the district is $376 each and use of a school vehicle; Kevin Fosburgh, Meeting with Mentee, cost to the district is use of a school vehicle; and Kevin Fosburgh, International Successful School Principalship Project, cost to the district is $46 and use of a school vehicle.

* Approved expense and revolving vouchers totaling $501,111.

* Approved payroll and expense vouchers totaling nearly $1.3 million.

* Approved personnel pay for Callie Jensen, HHS Math PD, $160.

* Approved requests by baseball for baseball banners for wall fundraiser expected to earn approximately $2,00; and HHS Band to host the Painted Desert Marching Band Festival for Arizona Bands and sell concessions, expected to earn approximately $500.

* Approved donations received from Pat Gordon and daughter for general supplies to the McKinney-Ventro program; and $500 through the Arizona Public Service Supply My Class Program award to Peggy Reid.

* Approved adoptions of Policy GCF Professional Staff Hiring and Policy JLDAB Referrals to Other Agencies.