Mt. View adds to STEM courses

Mountain View plans to add to its STEM class offerings next year, with the addition of a computer science class. The board approved the 2022-23 program of studies at the Monday, Feb. 14, meeting.

High School Principal Dr. Mark Lemoncelli told the board the addition to the STEM offerings was one of the only major changes to the program of studies. He said the new class moves the district forward with its STEM program which allows interested students to follow either an engineering or computer science path.

Lemoncelli also said next year’s popular English elective, “Culture Shock,” would focus on the “wild west.” In addition to the regular instructor, the teacher also utilizes faculty members who have areas of expertise related to the course topic.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Lemoncelli said, “and providing a number of great opportunities for our kids.”

SC Recreation Center

In a 7-1 vote, with one member absent, the board took another step forward in the process of transferring property for the Susquehanna County Recreation Center. Board member Sondra Stine offered the lone dissenting vote.

The board approved the petition of the Mountain View board for directors for approval of the sale of real estate and authorized the board president to sign and verify the petition and submit it to the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas.

Spring Coaches approved

Spring coaches approved by the board include Jess Gerfin, boys’ volleyball; Thomas Ord, track assistant; Jamie Supancik, track assistant; Laura Sedlak, junior high softball; and David Jagger, junior high baseball.

The board also approved a updated health and safety plan and mitigation protocols.

Virtual Learning Experience survey

Superintendent Mike Elia told the board that the district received 254 responses to the Virtual Learning Experience Survey. He noted the responses came from families with students ranging from pre-K through 12^th grade.

He said the responses sparked a “rich and deep conversation” with the administrative team on what the results meant.

The results are posted on the district website, mvsd.net, for parents and community members to view.

Elia will present a summary of the results to the board and community at next week’s meeting on Monday, Feb. 28.

Of those that responded, 47% had a child in the elementary school; 34% had a child in the Jr-Sr High School; and 19% had students in both schools.

Only 3% said their child was not able to connect to the internet and access the virtual learning opportunities; while 84% were able to connect, 11% could sometimes connect; and 2% answered “other.”

Mt.View provided a one-day notice before transitioning to virtual instruction earlier this year. The survey asked if the one-day notice was helpful.

Twenty percent strongly agreed that it was helpful; 34% agreed; 20% were neutral; while 17% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

Eighty percent of parents reported that their child had an understanding of their students virtual schedule and how to navigate and work on assignments; while 10% said their child did not understand it; and 6% said the student “maybe” understood the process.

Questioned about the amount of instructional time on virtual days, 62% of respondents said the students received the appropriate amount of instruction, while 21% said the students did not receive enough; and 10% said it was “maybe” the appropriate amount.

Twenty-eight percent of respondents said their child should have received more instruction during the virtual days, while 51 percent said they should not.

But 90 percent of those answering did not think their child should receive less instruction time on the virtual days.

Seventy-two percent said teachers were available for additional questions or for extra help; and 47% said an administrator was available if their were additional questions or support was needed.

Those responding were also asked to rate their child’s overall educational experience during the virtual days, using a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest rating and 10 being the highest. Of the ratings, 55% offered a score of 8-10, with 22% rating the virtual learning at a 10; 27% offered ratings of 5-7; and 18% gave the lowest ratings, 1-4, with 7% rating it a 1.