Dave Kittleson told the Blue Earth Area School Board all about the LEAP - Gifted and Talented program.

The Blue Earth Area School Board had a chance to do some learning of their own at their meeting last Monday night, Nov. 14.

Former teacher Dave Kittleson gave the board an update on the LEAP (Learner Engagement and Attendance Program) which he facilitates at BEA Schools.

“We call it our Gifted and Talented Program,” Kittleson reminded the board members. “It is for selected students in grades three through seven.”

Kittleson, who is retired, says he oversees the program one day a week. His salary is covered by a state program grant.

“We test our second graders at the end of the school year and see which ones would benefit from the program,” he explained. “Then they enter it the next school year when they are third graders.”

Students who start school at BEA after they are in third grade can take the test and enter the program the next school year.

Kittleson meets with students from each grade level for 35 to 50 minutes each Wednesday and they complete a variety of activities, depending on grade level.

There are problem solving activities, programming, preparation for Math Masters (for grades five and six) and research and presentation.

Kittleson said that students currently in LEAP remember presentations from former LEAP students given several years ago.

“Now they are excited to be the ones giving the presentations on their own research projects,” Kittleson said.

The number of students in the LEAP – Gifted and Talented Program varies each year.

“We have had around 100 students in the program since it was started in 2016,” Kittleson said. “The program ends with seventh grade. In eighth grade they are encouraged to join groups like Robotics Team, Math League and Knowledge Bowl.”

He ended his presentation by saying this was a good program that supplements the many other good and successful programs serving students at BEA Schools.

In other business at this past Monday’s meeting, the BEA Board:

• Heard an update from superintendent Mandy Fletcher about an outside mental health services agency coming into the school one day a week to see their own clients.

She said the only obligation of the district will be to furnish a private area for the students to meet with the healthcare staff.

“This is a convenience for the students and parents,” Fletcher explained. “Instead of the student missing a half day of school for an appointment, they can do it in school.”

She added she has been in contact with another mental health service provider as well.

• Approved a resolution canvassing returns of votes of the School District General Election.

They also approved a resolution authorizing issuance of Certificates of Election, and directing the school district clerk to perform other election related duties.

• Approved a list of winter sports coaches for the 2022-2023 season.

• Approved a donation to the BEA arts and music departments from The 10 Talents Arts Center in Blue Earth.

• Approved having Dave Dressler to be the designated LEA representative for BEA Schools for Title I.

• Approved the Assurance of Compliance for BEA.

• Approved the final reading of policies which deal with drug and alcohol testing, drug free workplace and drug free school and public data. Had a first reading of a policy dealing with building and sites naming rights.

“This policy would create a means of determining naming buildings or items after people, mainly those who made a donation,” Fletcher said. “We have one or two of those in the works right now.”

• Approved numerous personnel changes. Those included: resignations of paraprofessionals Kirby Olson and Heidi Spear and drivers education instructor Bob Hanson; new paraprofessional hires Jennifer Williams, Jadryn Oelke and Lori Cervantes; leaves of absence (maternity) for Kelsey Zbaracki and Carissa Maday; retirement of paraprofessional Cindy Driscoll.