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Thursday, December 18, 2014
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Injury, illness slow Lady Porcupines
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‘Living Bright’ Page 4A
Letters Dear Santa
$1 Springtown, Texas 76082
2014
‘Stomach bug’ strikes school district
Volume 51, Number 35
Christmas on the Square
Attendance rate dips 5 percent on Dec. 15 By Natalie Gentry The fact that the onset of the illnessThe Springtown Independent es was staggered between Thursday, School District experienced an ele- Friday, and Saturday, makes a food vated number of students and teachers poisoning diagnosis more difficult to out with “a stomach bug” last Friday attach to many of the cases. “While several students were diDec. 12 and Monday Dec. 15. Superintendent Mike Kelley not- agnosed with the flu, and two diaged that while any number of viruses nosed with food poisoning, I think it is likely that there is or bacteria could be a virus – stomach bug causing these illness– going around, and es (characterized by apparently it is quite inflammation in the contagious,” Kelley stomach and intessaid. “Fortunately, tines), the district adthe bug appears to be ministration and medifairly short-lived, and cal personnel believe it appears that in most there is likely a virus cases recovery ocbehind symptoms incurs within one to two cluding stomach pain, days. nausea, diarrhea, and Mike Kelley It has been almost a in some cases, fever, Supeintendent decade since the disheadache and body trict’s attendance has aches. These symptoms mirror those caused been affected this much by an illness. “Springtown Middle School’s attenby food poisoning and influenza – the flu. “I have received several calls and dance rate was down about one percent e-mails about this situation,” Kelley below normal last Friday morning, said. “Given the symptoms, it was log- and less than a dozen students became ical to initially think that food poison- symptomatic during the afternoon.” Kelley said. “Monday’s district-wide ing may be causing these illnesses.” However, Kelley noted that there attendance rate was down about five was little consistency regarding foods percent below average.” Although small, those numbers do consumed by the students and emwarrant concern, and the SISD cusployees who became ill. Some of the students and employ- todial director was asked to have a ees who became ill had eaten chicken cleaning crew sanitize common areas, from the school cafeteria while others bathrooms, water fountains, door handles, and desks on Sunday night. had pizza. As a precaution, the custodial crew In fact, a significant number of those who became ill actually brought their continued to perform heavy cleaning for the remainder of the week. food from home.
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I have received several calls and emails about this situation.
At the annual Christmas on the Square celebration young Bentley Shanhand tells Santa Claus what he wants to see under his tree Dec. 25. MORE PHOTOS ON 2B! Photo by Natalie Gentry
SMS evacuated after note found
by Natalie Gentry A bomb scare had Springtown Middle School under evacuation Dec. 2. An Emergency Response Team (EMRT) comprised of Springtown police and school officials searched the campus after a note was found in one of the boys restrooms. SMS administration evacuated the building at approximately 1:30 p.m. so that the EMRT could complete their search and sweep of the campus, according to Springtown Police Lieutenant Curtis Stone. The students and faculty were initially moved to the old Porcupine Stadium and then to Springtown Intermediate School. Once the EMRT cleared the building students returned to class. These students learn about food The administrative staff later had safety and sanitation and can even time to review video surveillance and earn the ServSafe certification, which successfully determined the author of Hulme said can make an impression with employers in the restaurant industry. She has also had multiple students turn their love of food and cooking into careers. “I’ve had 10 students go on to cu- RIGHT: Tyler Burt (left) and linary school,” she noted. “Some are Kasandra Janssens are ready to working as chefs, and I just had one answer any questions about the graduate from the University of North goodies prepared by the SHS Texas with a degree in Hotel and Res- Culinary students Dec. 12. taurant Management. He plans on opening his own place.” Hulme – the 2013 Springtown Ed- BELOW: Mrs. Kristi Hulme (far ucational Foundation’s Educator of right in red) and the SHS Culithe Year – is in her 21st year with the nary students treated guests Springtown Independent School Dis- to tasty finger foods during the trict, and her fifth year for her culinary fifth annual Culinary Christmas program. event Dec. 12. Students par“When I open doors for a student’s ticipating included: (l-r) Andrea career field, it is very rewarding, but Harsh, Samantha Wilson, Kolbi my main goal is to equip my students Bartee, Kaleigh Skinner, Ashlyn with skills they will use throughout Freels, Kristina Hobbs, Kasantheir lifetime,” Hulme said. dra Janssens, Tyler Burt, Hunt“I have the quote ‘The fondest er Burt, Sybille Vogel, JT Liles, memories are made when gathered Shilda Serrano, Cyara Happel, around the table’ painted on my class- Pedro Rother, Lauren Nettleton, room wall and making memories with Desiree Serrano, Courtney Homy students is as important to me as gan, Lexie Little, and Brandon the skills I teach them,” she said. Crites. Photos by Natalie Gentry
A Culinary Christmas Springtown High School students demonstrate skills at holiday event By Natalie Gentry Room 129 at Springtown High School (SHS) was abuzz with activity Friday, Dec. 12 as Kristi Hulme and the Culinary Arts students treated family and faculty to delicious finger foods during the fifth annual “Culinary Christmas.” The event gives third and fourth year Culinary students a chance to demonstrate their prowess in the kitchen and provides guests with tasty treats to enjoy. Culinary Christmas is one of the events Hulme utilizes to give her students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in class to an extended group. Other events have included catering a Springtown Chamber of Commerce luncheon and creating the desserts for the 2014 Chamber banquet. Inspiring future chefs Hulme typically has as many boys enrolled in her program as she does girls, a fact which may surprise a few. “Food Network has had a large impact on my classes… They all want to be chefs,” Hulme said. “I have 75 students enrolled in my Hospitality Program and 20 Culinary Students.”
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the threatening note that led to the disruption. According to Superintendent Mike Kelley, disciplinary consequences outlined in the district’s Student Code of Conduct – as well as the Texas Education Code – will provide guidance and direction as they proceed. Consequences Bomb threats and other terroristic threats are serious crimes that carry serious consequences through both the school district and law enforcement agencies. According to the district’s Student Code of Conduct, a student who engages in conduct relating to a false alarm or report (including a bomb threat) or terroristic threat involving a public school must be placed in Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DEAP). This program will be provided in a
setting other than the student’s regular classroom. Students placed in DEAP are not allowed to participate in any school sponsored or school related extracurricular or co-curricular activity including holding honorary positions and membership in school-sponsored clubs and organizations. In addition, according to the Texas Penal Code, terrorist threats that impair public or government services are a third-degree felony offense. Making a false alarm or report (including a bomb threat) in a public school is a state jail felony. Making a false bomb threat is a federal offense punishable under United States Code 18-844e with a penalty of up to ten years in prison, $250,000 fine, or both. This penalty also applies to juvenile offenders.
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