Trending
PANAMA -- Panama Central School officials are looking for a new elementary principal.
Harper's resignation was approved during the Panama Central School Board of Education's most recent meeting.
"While I've only had a few months to work with Ms Harper it has been a joy and she is the type of individual who is going places," said Aaron Wolfe, district superintendent. "We appreciate all of your work with us."
Harper thanked the board for their support over the years.
"I really have enjoyed all of my time here," Harper said. "It was a super tough decision and it's very bittersweet for me, but thank you guys for all of your support."
Board members also heard a presentation about the results of the students who participated in the recent Jamestown Community College STEM Wars. Students from Panama participated in five different competitions, winning the robotics and bridge -- both best weight held and best efficiency -- competitions, coming in second in the 3D Printing competition, and fourth in the drone competition.
Presenting to the board were Technology Teacher Evan TeCulver and Math Teacher Pamela Warner, who also teaches Robotics. TeCulver took his tenth grade architecture students and Warner took her robotics class to participate in STEM Wars.
"I think as a whole for the amount of competitions we entered our percentage was pretty awesome," TeCulver said. "I'm really proud of both groups that went."
Elementary Teacher Bridget Lyon's son ended up winning the entire robotics competition, Warner reported. TeCulver said there were also vendors at the competition showing students different career paths that they could take in STEM areas.
Some of the materials used by students in the competition were funded by a grant given to the school. Approximately 600 students participated in the high school STEM Wars.
The elementary STEM Wars took place at the Jamestown Ice Arena on March 28. 22 students from grades three through six at Panama participated. There was a recycle/reuse theme and students took first place in the Light Bright competition, the Hackathon, and second place in the T-Shirt design competitions, along with making a science poster where they placed second.
In other news:
¯ The board approved the 2023-2024 school expenditures budget.
¯ The board also heard a presentation from the Student Government about their Washington, D.C. Trip for the LEAD --which stands for Learn, Experience, Adventure, Discover -- Spark Conference. During their down time in the conference, students were also able to visit some of Washington, D.C.'s memorials.
¯ State testing is coming up for both elementary and high school.
¯ Superintendent Aaron Wolfe continued his presentation on strategic planning, this time focusing on the timeline for which he hoped the board would be able to achieve their goals.