Four Senior Projects Benefit Others
Midvale school trustees were once again treated to a display of community service by five high school students at the board’s regular meeting Monday night. The room was full of parents also.
First to present was Wesley Barton who explained that due to his muscular dystrophy keeping him in a wheelchair, he decided to do a photography project. His mentor for the project was trustee Jake Mikek who advised him on using a drone to shoot a photo of Midvale School from the air. The aim was to print and frame a large picture to hang in the school. While trying to get the highest quality possible for a very large print, the pair ended up trying three different drones. The last one belonged to the Washington County Sheriff’s department and is normally used for law enforcement activity. Senior advisor Brian Steed mentioned that everyone had a bit of fun with that one as it has a lot of extra features and is very powerful. A surprise to Wes was the Challenge Coin that was given to him by the Sheriff.
Sidney Whitener and Lola Warren’s project was titled “A Classroom Supply Initiative.” They held several fund raisers to collect money for the elementary teachers. After explaining that teachers had few resources to buy additional classroom supplies, they asked them what they would like for their classrooms. With the $925 the pair was able to raise they bought STEM toys for the first grade and are going to paint two half-circle tables with white-board paint. In addition each classroom will receive $120 to spend on supplies.
Alyssa Britton’s project was “Bald for Bucks.” She was able to raise $1,277.89 for pediatric cancer patients at St. Luke’s Childrens’ Hospital. The incentive for students to help raise funds was the fun of shaving music teacher Steve Besel’s head. The two who brought in the most donations were given a razor (with a guard) and took after their teacher’s hair at an all-school assembly. A local hair dresser finished the job after the students just made tracks on his head.
Jace Waggoner’s project was a construction one. He built a blocking chute for the local 4-H Clubs to use when grooming their steers. His mentor was ag teacher Mr. Waggoner who guided him in using angle iron and square tubing with a welder. His power point presentation included close-up shots of his welding on joints. When asked about the pattern, he mentioned that it is similar to the one he owns.
After the presentations the board heard from the Superintendent the results of the Fall 2025 Idaho Reading Indicator report. According to the State Department of Education, 61.3 percent of Midvale’s K-3 graders were at grade level while the state average was 57 percent. The spring IRI typically is much higher due to students being in the classroom longer, especially the Kindergarten. Statewide results can be seen on the State Department of Education website.
Superintendent Jones said he would have a presentation at the February meeting on the goals workshop that was held last week by the board.
The next regular meeting of the board will be February 23 at 7:00 p.m..
