The Marion School Committee met Thursday, January 30 with a list of action items and pending approvals. The first item was the approval of a fundraiser for Sippican Elementary for a fieldtrip in May. The sixth-grade trip is to Camp Burgess in Sandwich. The trip fundraiser was unanimously approved. Three donations were also approved and accepted: $4,000 from the Feinstein Foundation for school pantries, Shutterfly/Life Touch annual donation $1614.86 as a part of revenues generated, and $27.79 from a sixth-grade fundraising effort with Red Robin. A mini-grant was also accepted for $320 for a Lego Spike Kit.
The district’s financial report was given, noting the remaining funds and expenses in line for the remainder of FY25. The Chairperson’s Report was also presented, being about halfway through the current school year. School libraries have reported a record number of books being checked and read the past year with other literacy programs, according to Superintendent Nelson, going strong.
Project Grow has seen many programs through the winter such as learning about beehives, tracing shadows, and writing to pen pals. Third graders also created portraits for the upcoming Tri-Town Against Racism art contest for Black History Month.
The committee also went over what was approved at the most recent Joint School Committee meeting from January 23.
Considering the recent pandemic, the superintended said towards the end of the meeting, “we have learned we need to have a School Health and Wellness Committee – connected to our food service department and physical education department. I am recommending the four school committees appoint a member from each of the boards.” From Marion, committee member Nicole McGaffey volunteered and was approved by the committee for membership in the new School Health and Wellness Committee.
The next meeting of the Marion School Committee will be held March 6.
Marion School Committee
By: Sam Bishop