Sweet Home School Board reviews new textbooks, athletic policies
by MATT CHANDLER Reporter

The Sweet Home School Board, at its March 20 meeting, reviewed several new textbooks being proposed by the high school in an ongoing effort to update educational tools and continue to improve Regents scores.

The teachers presented new textbooks for integrated algebra, global history and geography, and the newly developed AP world history. The recommended texts were well received by the board, as the teachers emphasized the extensive research that went into choosing the texts.

Sweet Home history teacher Scott Appolino, speaking on behalf of the AP World History book, explained to the board that only after extensive research and participation in an online AP listserve group, did they narrow the choice to the text presented.

Appolino told the board, " This was the most highly recommended textbook, over and over." While Appolino acknowledged that there was some criticism of the text focusing too heavily on early civilizations, he noted that the course is designed to be a two-year course, and after reviewing eight to 10 AP history texts, this was the best.

According to Appolino, the new textbooks will also allow for a much more integrated opportunity to learn. With the inclusion of online support materials, Appolino said students will be able to work independently at home, and in some cases will have the opportunity to take online quizzes related to the material. He said this will lead to better comprehension of the material and increase the focus on the New York State curriculum.

In another matter, Athletic Director Chris DeMarco presented a report to the board outlining the current state of athletics programs.

Addressing the participation in athletics, DeMarco said he has seen "tremendous growth over the last several years."

When asked how participation among girls was growing in relation to boys, he said the rate of involvement among girls is on the increase statewide.

The board engaged DeMarco in some debate over the criteria for choosing which high school sporting events charge admission and if it was a profitable venture. Currently, only football and boys basketball charge admission. (Ice hockey charges go to the facility fee charged for use of the arena)

In response to the question of charging for select sporting events, DeMarco acknowledged that it wasn't a money-making effort on the part of the school. "The charging of admission is a way to facilitate crowd control." By employing a ticket taker, De- Marco said it serves both as a way to control who comes and goes during the course of an event and provides an extra set of eyes to assist with problems that may arise.

Addressing revenues raised through ticket sales, School Board President Michael Morrow questioned the system, saying, "It doesn't justify what we pay them (the ticket takers)."

Board Member Dirk Rabenold agreed, asking, "Should this be something that is incorporated into our booster club?"

In response to the debate, Superintendent Geoff Hicks said, "The ticket takers should be called a chaperone." Hicks said that would remove the notion that the paid position was not a money maker.

Finally the board acknowledged retiring high school social studies teacher Paul Sellers and thanked him for his years of dedicated service.

e-mail: mchandler@beenews.com