FCAT writing discussed at WC School Board

Recent release of the FCAT writing scores prompted discussion at Monday’s regular meeting of the Washington County School Board.

Beth Taylor of the schools’ central office said the scores were from all curricular groups, and are not the scores used to calculate results. Taylor said the fourth grade showed a slight gain and 8-10 scores basically remained the same.

“We can always do better,” said Superintendent Calvin Stevenson.

The Board also recognized CHS Band Captain MacKenzie Lane. The senior will spend much of the summer with Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps, part of Drum Corps International. The organization is a worldwide program that performs through the Summer Music Games Tour.

“It is marching music’s major league,” said CHS Band Director Richard Davenport. Lane would travel to 31 cities in 16 states over seven weeks, with at least five contests as week. The tour is capped off with an appearance at the DCI world championships in Bloomington, IN the week of August 4. The bad will perform in Ft. Walton Beach on July 14.

Lane was also awarded a superior medal for solo performance, the CHS outstanding music award and the John Philip Sousa Award. He will attend Baptist College of Florida this fall majoring in music education.

The Board also heard from Daryl Foor of Chipley peewee football. Foor thanked the Board for its help in providing the football field for the team, and it was announced that the agreement is in place for use of Philip Rountree Stadium for next season. Foor said he met with CHS Head Coach Will Holley and they have discussed mentoring and a common “game plan” for the two programs.

“We want to be the kindergarten to the high school,” Foor said. A cheerleader camp done by the high school squad is also being discussed.

Joe Taylor of the central office provided an update on work at Vernon Elementary School and the CHS weight room. The VES project is awaiting its stormwater permit and is on track to begin construction on June 15.

Taylor said bids for the new weight room will be opened May 20 at 3 p.m. There were several contractors at the preconstruction meeting on May 6.