Bearcat Bulletin
December 15, 2017
District Website and Mobile App
Download the new Gasconade Co. R-I mobile app on your mobile device!
Student Showcase at Board of Education Meeting
Gasconade Co Teachers Association to Give $300 Scholarship
Economics Texts Are Added to HHS as a Curriculum Resource
Students Participate in Special Olympic Bowling Event
HHS Students Qualify for Missouri All-State Choir
Early Learning Programs at Hermann Elementary School
Lady Bearcats Bring Home the Trophy
Allison Stiers (MVP) and Brooke Grosse were named to the Montgomery County AllTournament Team.
Way to go, Ladies!
Congratulations JV Lady Bearcats
Congratulations, ladies!
District Assessing Need for Wireless Internet Access for Student Use for Homework
The District is researching an Education Broadband program to supply students filtered, off-campus broadband Internet access. Kajeet is a company that provides mobile Smart Spots that are accessible through either Verizon or AT&T. The goal of this project is for all students to have equal access to the Internet in order to complete digital assignments for school.
The District is in the research phase of this project. We have obtained two SmartSpot devices on a trial basis at no cost. These devices have been distributed to employees and families living in a variety of communities within our school district in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the devices around the district. If these devices provide coverage in our district, district administration will move to phase 2, a survey of parents and students to determine the need for Broadband Internet access for the purpose of school-related work. Finally, if there is a need for Broadband Internet access, the District administration will determine the financial impact to the budget and create a plan for implementation.
An additional resource for students is known as a SmartBus. In this scenario, a bus is equipped with a wireless Broadband Internet device for student use. All accessibility on the SmartSpots and SmartBuses are filtered so that the data used is for educational purposes. For example, social media would not be allowed accessibility. A SmartBus would allow students on long bus rides, either routes or trips, to complete homework while on the bus.
The estimated one-time cost for (10) SmartSpot Moblie Hotspots is approximately $1,000-$1600, $100-$160 each, with the annual 10-month accessibility plan cost of $2,100 ($210 each/annually). The long-term sustainability plan for SmartSpots is $2,100 per year for 10 devices.
The estimated one-time cost for equipment for a SmartBus is approximately $1,240, with the annual 10-month accessibility plan cost of $475. The long-term sustainability plan for each SmartBus for three years is $475 each year.
We are in the very preliminary review of this Broadband option for our students. We will continue the research and bring additional information forward as it is obtained. We believe if we choose to move forward, we would do so in a multi-tiered approach beginning at Hermann High School.
Student Adviser to the Board of Education
Hannah Bader has been elected by her peers as the Student Adviser to the Board of Education beginning in January 2018.
Facility Improvements Continue in 2018
Gasconade Co. R-I School Board Member Filing
Members of the Gasconade Co. R-I School Board are elected at large to three-year staggered terms. Two seats are up for election in 2018. The general election will be held on April 3, 2018. Missouri School Board candidates must be at least 24 years old, a U.S. citizen, and Missouri resident for one year preceding the school board election, and physically reside in the Gasconade Co. R-I School District.
Candidates must declare an intent in person and in writing beginning on December 12, 2017 and ending at 5:00 pm on January 16, 2018. Candidates may file at the District Superintendent's Office at 170 Blue Pride Drive in Hermann, Missouri between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
To vote in Missouri, one must be 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and a Missouri resident. Voters may register to vote in the April 2018 election by March 7, 2018.
Questions regarding the election may be presented to Dr. Tracey Hankins, Superintendent or Mrs. Becky Whithaus, Board President.
Term
Elected/Expire Member Name
04-15 04-18 Mark Brooks
04-15 04-18 Kevin Stiers
04-07 04-19 Mike Pratte
04-16 04-19 Dot Schoening
04-17 04-20 Jeff Englert
04-08 04-20 Craig Schannuth
04-14 04-20 Becky Whithaus
Advance Refunding of 2010C Bonds Complete
Mrs. Bayne's Kindergarten
Learning Letters and Sounds
Learning at HES
Coding Ozobots at HMS
Learning at HMS
Learning from and Teaching Each Other
Gasconade Co. R-I School District
Email: thankins@hermann.k12.mo.us
Website: http://www.hermann.k12.mo.us/
Location: 170 Blue Pride Drive, Hermann, MO, United States
Phone: 573-486-2116
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gasconade-Co-R-I-School-District-716391278492656/
Twitter: @HermannBearcats