Los Lunas School adds to its Policy book

It was policy night at the School of Dreams Academy governing council meeting Tuesday, Jan. 11, as members approved eight policy revisions and adopted 10 new ones after waiving the third reading.

SODA Principal Mike Ogas said the revisions and new policies were all recommended by the charter school's attorney. All had been sent to council members in advance.

Councilors approved the eight revisions as a group and without debate. The policies revised were those covering tobacco, bullying, enrollment, grade changes, distance learning, health services, wellness, and dual credits.

The council also approved the new policies, which had been heard twice before, as a group and without debate. Those cover complaint procedures, student safety, part-time contracts, drug-free school and workplace, searches and seizures, non-school employment, gun-free schools act, student drivers, sexual harassment, and governing council policies.

In other business:

During the principal's report, Ogas told the council, "We've got a lot of cool things going on around here."

Among the things he cited were: the move into the new portion of the building is complete and "it looks like we've already outgrown it.

"The robotics class is now working on bridge-building, which also includes destroying their models as they determine how much weight they'll hold; development of a drama mentorship program with the Albuquerque Little Theatre; development of a golf team; and a speaking invitation sent out to world champion boxer Holly Holm, who is from Bosque Farms.

The council approved the application for Title I funds for 2010-11, and later approved a Title I initial budget of $17,610. Ogas said he wanted to use the funds to implement a tutoring program, and bring in tutors in reading and math.

The council set its next meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 2. The council normally meets on the first Tuesday of the month, but moved the February meeting because the first Tuesday is school board election day.