Cornell School Board; Students take part in mental health survey for grant

By Julia Wolf

The Cornell School Board heard an update on how the school year is going, during a regular meeting March 22.

Dave Elliott, middle and high school principal, says middle and high school students will be surveyed for a mental health grant. He says letters were sent to parents, where parents signed if they did not want their child to participate. Elliott says only four were sent back.

“We are not asking sexual practice questions,” said Elliott. “There is a question about sexual orientation, but there are no questions on sexual practice or activity.”

Elliott says the survey is primarily asking questions about things that can affect mental health, such as bullying, and drug and alcohol use.

“Most of the questions are from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, that we have given several times in the past,” said Elliot.

Elliot says students’ answers are completely anonymous and that he will not look at individual surveys, only the overall data.

“I know sometimes they think the principal is looking for something,” said Elliott. “I’m looking for a mental health grant.”

Elliott also reported that testing season is in full swing, with juniors taking the ACT test the day following the board meeting, and the Forward Exam set for April.

Elliott also noted, student energy is up as spring approaches.

Paul Schley, superintendent, says there was a portion of the winter that was rough, financially, as cold weather hit and increased heating costs. He says he is glad the district buys a majority of their estimated fuel in advance every year, as it led to cost savings last month.

In a COVID update, Schley says teachers and staff have done well working to keep the schools open.

“We have started loosening things up,” said Schley, with students rotating in the classrooms and having hot breakfast again. “So, we’re starting to get closer to normal.”

Members also heard an athletics update during the meeting.

Greg Sonnentag, co-athletic director, says middle school track is just getting started. He says the numbers are pretty good for the middle school.

“Then, the high school has contact day starting, so their season doesn’t officially start until April, but a lot of them were in working out today,” said Sonnentag.

Sonnentag says softball numbers are a little shorter than anticipated, but says they will for sure have enough for a team. He also says it looks like there will be enough student interest for baseball and golf teams.

“Our co-op renewals are due here soon,” said Sonnentag.

He says the renewals will likely be on the next agenda, and they will sift through the WIAA co-op contracts and

the school-to-school agreements, to see if any changes are needed.

“Hopefully, Lake Holcombe is on board with all of them, and go from there,” said Sonnentag.

Board members also approved Dalton Ducommun and Jon Hetke as co-head coaches for middle school football.