November 2, 2021: Referendum

 AHSTW School Referendum

On November 2, 2021, AHSTW voters have an opportunity impact the future of AHSTW Community School District.

Recent additions to our AHSTW school facilities, including our PK-6 building [2009], HS Science classrooms, new activities center, and intermediate [7^th-8^th grade] classrooms [2016], have provided updated learning environments for our students.  Although our High School section, which was built in 1972 [nearly 50 years old] of the building has been well maintained, the facility has gotten older and certain aspects are becoming outdated and in need of upgrade.  

With that said, in September of 2021 the AHSTW Board of Education voted to approve two questions for our communities to consider in the November election.  Public approval of referendum questions would allow the district to issue general obligation bonds to upgrade and develop additions to our current facility.  The renovations and additions would help to provide space for student opportunities in the area of Career and Technology classrooms, fine arts [addition of an auditorium], and general high school classrooms, as well improvements to our high school HVAC system, a transition to a new K-12 lighting system, ADA accessibility upgrades, fire suppression systems, and more.

On Tuesday, November 2, 2021 our communities have the opportunity to vote on the following two measures with each measure providing great value to our learning environment and the ability to provide additional classroom space for our students.

ï    Referendum question one would authorize the AHSTW Board of Education to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds not to exceed $12,900,000.  The funds would allow the school district to remodel, repair, and improve our existing K-12 facilities; and build and equip additions to and renovations of the learning environments, including related site improvements.

ï    Referendum question two would authorize the AHSTW Board of Education to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds not to exceed $6,750,000.  The funds associated with this question would allow our school district to build, furnish, and equip a new Auditorium at our existing K-12 facilities.

It is important to remember that each measure is independent of the other and will require a response on the ballot sheet.

If you are in need of additional information prior to voting, please feel free to contact me or review our district’s website [ref21.ahstwschools.org].  We are happy to assist you in your understanding of the projects and overall impacts.

We hope you are able to participate and vote on the proposed measures on November 2, 2021!

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW School District

Tik Tok Challenges

 Dear Parents,

Social Media can be a tremendous tool for students and adults.  The positives include increased opportunities for communication and an increased ability to remain in contact with old friends!  Unfortunately, there is another side of social media.   The other side is often not positive and can certainly have a negative impact on our school environment.  In fact, the negative posts and communication can lead to bullying, sharing false information, and inappropriate activities.

Currently, our students who have access to Tik Tok are being presented with a year’s worth of challenges.  These challenges are not positive and  will certainly have a negative impact on students, staff, and learning environment if acted upon.

Tik Tok challenge includes the following monthly actions:

September – Vandalize school bathrooms

October – Hit a staff member

November – Kiss your friend’s girlfriend at school

December – Deck the Halls and show your b**** (show your private body parts)

January – Jab a breast (aggressive behavior towards females)

February – Vandalize  school signs

March – Vandalize the school’s courtyard or cafeteria

April – Grab some eggs (stealing challenge)

May – Ditch Day (skip school)

June – Flip out in the school office

July – Spray paint a neighbor’s fence

At this time, we ask that you speak with your students about the impact of social media to gain an understanding of their knowledge of the challenges, discourage participation, and to promote the positive aspects that social media.

While we hope that our students will not elect to participate in these activities, we have been made aware of instances beginning in schools across the state.  Please know that if events do occur our handbook will be followed and potential consequences could include detentions, suspensions, expulsion, and or potential legal implications.

We have great things occurring in our buildings and we certainly want to highlight these activities and continue to develop a system built on Kindness, Compassion, and Pride in our school community!

Thank you for your assistance,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW Community School District