Board Makes Pinedale Schools "Tobacco Free"
ESL aid hired for elementary school
by Rob Shaul

At its regular meeting last Thursday, the School District No. 1 Board of Trustees approved a change to district policy which make all school grounds, buildings and vehicles "tobacco free." The district's tobacco policy was a source of contention on the board earlier this fall, but there was little discussion on the final policy decision last week.

The new policy restricts district employees and students from using tobacco in any building, vehicle, or on any school grounds of District No. 1. Parents and visitors are also restricted from smoking in any school building, or on the school grounds, during school events or activities.

Also on Thursday, the board hired full-time English as a Second Language (ESL) aid for the elementary school. The aid was specifically hired to assist a Spanish-speaking student at the elementary school. According to Superintendent Dr. Jerry Wilson, this is the first time in his memory the district has needed an ESL aid. He estimates the aid will cost the district $9,000 - $12,000 annually and adds that the person will be assigned other duties in addition to tutoring the elementary student.

District Business Manager recommended to the board that the district retain the banking services of the First National Bank of Pinedale. The Bank of Pinedale approached the district about handling the district's various accounts. Mr. Burns told the board that the First National Bank of Pinedale had given the district "excellent" service over the years, and that he did not see any gain in switching all or part of the districts 24 accounts to the Bank of Pinedale.

Finally, Middle School Principal Mike Vassallo told the board that as of the first quarter reporting period, just eleven middle schoolers had fifteen "F's" between them - the lowest number of F's he can remember. Further, Mr. Vassallo told the board that 84 middle school students, or 55%, were carrying a 3.5 grade point average or better through the first quarter. Middle school students take eight courses apiece, which means 84 kids have a minimum of four A's on their quarterly report card.