Students honored at state art show; district outlines reading‑instruction training and PD plans

Board members heard reports on arts programming and student recognition and received an update on professional development tied to recent reading‑instruction requirements.

Art teachers described student successes at the statewide art exhibition in Madison, where several Adams‑Friendship students advanced and won awards. "We have award winners we were able to take," one teacher said, noting the state show runs through March 22 and includes a reception and celebration.

Student council members from the middle school (who identified themselves as Bianca Smith, Emma Bazon and Jackson Rocket) described winning the Region 6 Spirit of Excellence portfolio award and said their submission included demonstrations of community service, leadership and academic work. "We are part of the Adams Friendship Area School Student Council ...'" they told the board, and described the portfolio process and the recognition the district received.

On professional development, administrators discussed new licensure or training obligations that will affect reading teachers under recent state legislation (referred to in the meeting as Act 20). The district plans to use professional development days and a mix of trainings — Keys to Literacy for elementary teachers and Keys to Comprehension routines for secondary reading teachers — to meet requirements. District staff said teachers are expected to complete mandated reading training by summer 2025; administrators plan to use PD days and summer training to reduce the in‑year burden.

The board also heard announcements about upcoming family‑night events and the high school musical and was introduced to Nikki Owls, the district’s new business manager. No policy or spending decisions related to these reports were taken at the meeting.