Board of Education Meeting Highlights for December 10, 2024

Welcome to our monthly Board of Education newsletter! Here you'll find highlights from our latest Board of Education meeting held on December 10, 2024. There are many ways you can stay updated on the decisions and discussions shaping our school district.

Your engagement is crucial in building a better future for our community. Thank you for your continued support of MGSD!

Tommy McFarland, East Mooresville Elementary School fifth grade student, was selected as the MGSD Student of the Month. Tommy was nominated by his teacher, Ms. Cosme. In the nomination, Ms. Cosme said the following about Tommy:

"Tommy is an exceptional student with a positive impact on his classmates and learning environment! His hard work, willingness to help others, and love for challenges make him a

great leader and role model. My recognition of his qualities truly highlights the importance of character and collaboration in the classroom. Tommy’s efforts are appreciated and inspire others to strive for their best, too."

Thank you for your positivity and leadership, Tommy! 👏👏👏

East Mooresville Intermediate School student, Macy Brennan, was selected as the MGSD Artist of the Month by the Board of Education at the December meeting. Macy was nominated by her art teacher, Ms. Michelle Corbett. Ms. Corbett nominated Macy for the following reasons:

"Macy is an amazingly creative 5th-grade student. Her excitement for each project we create in the art room is contagious. She consistently goes above and beyond and her peers are continually amazed by her creative efforts. Macy is energetic, kind, and helpful, letting her light shine on all she meets. I look forward to watching her creativity bloom and grow, not only during this school year but into the world beyond as well. Go out and do amazing things, Macy!"

Keep shining, Macy! 😊

East Mooresville Intermediate School Nurse, Sara Hutar, was nominated by the EMIS Administrative Staff for the ABCD Award in December. They nominated her because she consistently demonstrates MGSD's core value of Authentic Relationships.

In describing how Nurse Hutar goes above and beyond in her work, the administrative team said the following:

"Nurse Sara is all in, all of the time. She is a true team player. She helps in any way that she can, whether at EMIS or helping at schools that need a nurse. She builds great relationships with staff, students, and families. She helps students feel comfortable and gets to know their medical needs so that she can help everyone feel safe. Nurse Sara has also been a part of our staff connectedness goal by teaching cookie decorating classes. Nurse Sara truly is all in, all of the time, and a true EMIS Eagle helping us all SOAR!"

Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty for every child, every day, Nurse Sara! 💙

The 2024 MHS Football team finished the season with an 11-2 record on the year. This group won the Greater Metro 4 Football Championship for 3 seasons in a row. It has produced countless GM4 all-conference award winners, including a 2-time conference defensive player of the year in Indiana commit Jamari Farmer. Brody Norman was named back-to-back conference offensive player of the year. Andrew Cummings was the conference kicker of the year.

The 2024 MHS football team has been listed as the all-time best offense in school history averaging 197 passing yards per game, which is 76 yards above the national average. Almost doubling the national average in passing yards on the season, they amassed 2566 with roughly 30 passing touchdowns.

MHS had a very productive group of running backs that were responsible for 2700+ yards and 45 touchdowns while averaging 208 yards per game. The Blue Devils Averaged 44.5 points per game, including games tallying as high as 70, 66 (2 times), 56, 55, and 49 (2 times).

The 2024 MHS Defense allowed an average of 11 points per game including four shutouts and four single-digit points allowed on the season. The Blue Devils tallied a total of 33 sacks, 18 more than the national average, accompanied by 45 QB hurries. There were 136 tackles for loss, 89 more than the national average. MHS racked up 16 interceptions, including five returned for a touchdown. They also caused 43 pass breakups and 10 fumbles on the year, including 2 returned for touchdowns. The 2024 MHS Defense tallied 790 total tackles.

The Blue Devils Special Team Unit produced 59 touchbacks on kickoff, while the punt team averaged 38 yards per punt while nailing 7 of those inside of the 20-yard line (including one 75-yard punt). The return unit produced 3 returns for touchdowns.

It was certainly a successful season for the 2024 Blue Devil football squad. We are proud of their work and success!

This month MGSD also celebrates two outstanding employees who have exemplified our commitment to excellence and professional growth. We would like to recognize Leigh Anne Thornhill, Lead Payroll Specialist, and Cindy Tyler, Finance Specialist, for their achievement in completing the NCASBO School Business Management Academy Manager Certification program. From March through November 2024, Leigh Anne and Cindy dedicated themselves to rigorous professional development courses, mastering crucial areas such as accounting, financial management, legal responsibilities, and business office operations. Their dedication to this comprehensive curriculum not only enhances their individual expertise but also directly supports our district's strategic priority to recruit, grow, and retain exceptional talent. By investing in their professional growth, Leigh Anne and Cindy have not only elevated their own skills but have also strengthened our entire organization. Their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement sets a shining example for all of us.

Congratulations and gratitude goes out to these two staff members for the outstanding service and commitment to our students, staff, and community!

The following information was presented to the Board of Education for consideration. Action will be requested at the January 14, 2025, meeting. For more details about each item, please click on the "memo" linked for that item.

The following items were brought to the Board of Education for approval.