Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — Elementary school teachers, Principal Mike Luppes, and superintendent Scott Mader are not the only Hayden residents determined to raise Hayden CSAP scores.

"The kids here are as smart or smarter than kids in surrounding districts," resident Bill Hayden said.

"But I noticed the third-grade test scores are not as high as surrounding areas," Hayden High School sophomore Sabrina Gregory told the school board on May 17. "This really isn't acceptable."

Gregory has come up with a plan to remedy the situation.

"I've come up with a program called GROW Great Readers of the World. It would provide mentors for elementary-school kids. I thought National Honor Society high school students or Honor Society students could do the mentoring read books, tutor one-one, and other things," Gregory said.

"Sabrina's idea is really commendable. She is one of our best and brightest. GROW certainly couldn't hurt anything, and could make an immense improvement in opportunities for our young peoples' lives," Hayden said.

Gregory provided each School Board member with a detailed report of her idea.

"I am just thrilled that students want to help younger kids in town. I like the idea that our little people have good mentors and models like Sabrina. That's what our community ought to be all about," School Board member Kathy Hockin said.

Most School Board members agreed.

"I'm all for it," Kelly Hayes said.

"Sounds good to me," Kurt Frentress echoed.

High School Principal Nick Schafer suggested that Rhonda Sweetser offer teaching instruction to interested high school students.

If GROW is to be implemented, School Board members still need to reckon with some serious issues.

Elementary School Principal Mike Luppes expressed some concern because a similar program has been tried in the past with no success.

"Will the mentoring fulfill a requirement?" Frentress asked. Gregory said it was indeed a concern that some mentors might not take GROW very seriously unless it was part of class.

The School Board and Gregory have decided to move ahead with GROW by looking into more of the details.

To reach Bonnie Nadzam call 871-4205 or e-mail bnadzam@amigo.net