Danville District 118 Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis acknowledged during comments at the end of Wednesday night’s school board meeting that yes, there was recently a threat made against her; and she thanked well wishers for their support. She also firmly stated that she has the challenge of managing 274 district students who have had legal troubles, such as spending time in the district juvenile detention center. She also said that any rumors she has been away on leave or not doing her job are not true.
AUDIO: I have not been on leave. I have answered every phone call, every e-mail; I have been in my job, in my seat, in my position; for ten years straight.
Dr. Geddis stated that more information will be offered soon, including any information that could be offered on the absence of Assistant Superintendent John Hart from Wednesday night’s meeting.
Dr. Geddis also mentioned that Kenneth D. Bailey Academy students are now out of the North Vermilion Carle building the district now rents, and back at their regular school. The district is now back to working with architects on the original Carle building plans; which include pre-K classroom space, alternative classroom space, and a future daycare for district employees.
“It’s in Your Head” program founder Hunter LaFave stands in between District 118 Director of Educational Support Programs Kelly Truex and Danville High School’s Principal Jacob Bretz.
In other 118 Board action, Hunter LaFave’s “It’s in Your Head” program has been renewed for Danville High School freshmen. As LaFave explained to the board, 91% of students who have been through the program talked about how much it helped them deal with emotions. And in many cases, they were able to take their new approaches and help their entire families. LaFave says, when the families see a change in their students, they notice.
AUDIO: They see the calm that comes from the students. Their ability to better handle their emotions, and turning their reactions into responses. And that’s ultimately where we get our power and control from; that space between when we’re stimulated and worked up, and when we respond to it. And them being able to control themselves and settle down there, so that they can respond in their best interests, is life changing.
LaFave says he’ll be visiting freshman World History classes, about 18 classrooms, for 15 minutes each per week.
