<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve all got problems and issues, even elementary and junior-high school students.<\/p>\n
And while they may seem trivial to adults, the Dolores School board knows they are just as important.<\/p>\n
For a second year, the Dolores School board conducted a town hall meeting with the student body. The effort is part of a plan to improve communication with the community after some strife a few years ago.<\/p>\n
Every student and teacher had an opportunity to meet with board members during a three-hour-long session in the main gym.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell us your hopes and dreams for your school,\u201d said Superintendent Scott Cooper.<\/p>\n
For elementary students, lunch and recess rose to the top of the list.<\/p>\n
They want to bring back chocolate milk, more drink choices like orange juice, and more access to the salad bar.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they should try making kale chips,\u201d says Kayla Talmadge, a fourth-grader.<\/p>\n
Student Chandler Smith wants the schedule to change so they don\u2019t miss recess on days there is art class.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, the swing sets should be switched because the one for elementary is too high, and the one for older students is too low,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Lance Lyons wants a filter changed on a drinking fountain. Others said the bathroom soap was too rough.<\/p>\n
Students discussed distractions in classes and on the bus such as cellphones, video games and toys.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents need to talk with each other and work out solutions about issues they have,\u201d said board member Joye McHenry.<\/p>\n
Students told board member Dee Prock that they wanted to build a coat tree in the playground \u201cso they don\u2019t get in trouble for coats being left on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also more pillows are needed in the computer room so younger students can reach the keyboard. Brighter colors were requested for classrooms and cafeteria.<\/p>\n
A clique of junior high students sat down and said they wanted a coffee bar put in, more sports and music programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmphasize bringing in a string class,\u201d said eight-grader Cael McHenry. \u201cWe would love to be able to play concerts, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
A cross-country track would be nice, students said, and it should be put in one of the town\u2019s parks so everyone in the community could use it. Sports such as soccer and lacrosse should be added, they said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThink about how many are interested and who you would play \u2013 there are not too many lacrosse teams around here,\u201d Prock said.<\/p>\n
Student Thaddeus Lee wants a BMX track to be built in town.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives students something to do so they don\u2019t get in trouble,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The informal town hall meetings are effective for airing teacher concerns in a less intimidating format than a board meeting.<\/p>\n
At the meetings last year ,administration learned that new teachers were receiving higher pay than those that had been there awhile.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe heard about it at these meetings and made pay adjustments to make it more equitable,\u201d said board member Deanna Truelsen.<\/p>\n