ABOVE: DHS principal Jacob Bretz and student Bailee Easton.
Wednesday evening’s (Sept 10th) Danville District 118 School Board meeting began with DHS junior Bailee Easton’s story of a summer trip to France. Teaming up with former DHS teacher Lori Woods, Easton was accepted by George Washington University’s Normandy Institute program. But prior to their trip overseas, the pair had to work on researching two separate topics; the role of African American soldiers in World War II, and the story behind Vermilion County native Leslie Milton Irvin, who is buried at Normandy. Easton said after her presentation to the board that research on Private First Class Irvin was especially challenging.
AUDIO: It was really hard to get specifics about his childhood. So, when I wrote the biography, I basically based his childhood, based off what living would be like in Danville. And then when I got records, like his military records and stuff; I would apply that to Danville, and then have it based off that.
One of those hearing Bailee’s presentation was her father Christopher Easton, who is on the District 118 Board
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AUDIO: She found out pretty quickly that the soldier that she was looking for; there was someone in the school district related to them. And so everything was just lining up, and she did such a great job. I’m proud of her.
ABOVE: Bailee Easton answered questions from the District 118 Board after her presentation.
Meanwhile, how is the new “put it in the pouch” cell phone policy at the high school going? Board president Darlene Halloran says don’t ask her, ask one of the band teachers she spoke to.
AUDIO: They’re further along, at this point in the school year, than previous groups have been at the END of the year; in terms of they’re being able to play their instruments; play the music. It’s a notable difference in their engagement.
In other district news, South View assistant principal Beth Edrington talked about the recent $500 scholarship award received from the AOE International Back-to-School Impact Project.
AUDIO: So they contacted us, and said they reach out to local districts where they see a need. And then they provide financial support to those districts or those buildings, to benefit the students.
Finally, the District’s agreement with Gateway Family Services of Illinois for therapy through animals will continue, with the Board agreeing that the services can be paid for by Gateway billing for them through Medicaid. Director of Special Education Molly Bailey says that’s a big assist, as the services are provided during the school day at Mark Denman School, with referrals available for students at other schools.
AUDIO: Consistency’s always important for our students. So, those are faces they already know; and much of the staff from Gateway already knows our students. So, continuous service is always beneficial.
Previously, the Gateway services were paid for by the district’s COVID relief ESSER funding, which is no longer available.
