Back in the swing of the school year, the school board approved a $130,000 agreement for a support program for first and second year teachers and their mentors.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Newport-Mesa Unified School District and the Orange County Superintendent of Schools to implement the Orange County Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment /Induction Program was approved during Tuesday night’s board meeting.
The goal of the BTSA program is to provide quality professional development and support to the school district for new teachers and their mentors.
This program replaces the support program that was previously administered by NMUSD staff.
Both the county and Newport-Mesa district agreed to work together on the program, which will be in effect until June 30.
The agreement stipulates that the teachers and mentors attend training sessions, discussions, mentor forums, and other required informative meetings. The district is required to select an administrator to serve on the BTSA program advisory council. The entire program is monitored by the county superintendent of schools.
The board also approved a $317,520 agreement with Cal-Storm Compliance to conduct qualified storm water pollution services for the Corona del Mar middle school enclave and theater projects.
Each project, plus two at Costa Mesa High School, will cost $79,380. The district received five bids for services, Cal-Storm Compliance was selected based on experience and competitive pricing.
The State Water Resources Board requires the projects to comply with the regulations in the General Construction Storm Water Permit, including a Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Practitioner who will oversee the QSP plan until the construction is complete. The practitioner will conduct weekly, quarterly and annual site inspections, monitor weather conditions, conduct pre and post rain inspections, conduct rain event sampling and prepare all reports required by the GCP and maintain records.
An outdoor education program for Harbor View Elementary School was also approved Tuesday night for the 2011-2012 school year. The program, through Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center in Orange, is paid for with student fees and PTA fundraisers.
Students have a hands-on experience at the center that compliments the sixth grade curriculum, according to the staff report.
“Students will be introduced to outdoor education through activities such as hiking, experiments, archery, arts and crafts and low rope activities. Through these experiences students will gain a greater understanding of the natural world around them,” according to the report.
Harbor View sixth graders will attend a four day and three night at the center. Fundraising activities and scholarships are available so all the students get the chance to experience the camp. The kids choosing not to go will be provided with appropriate classroom instruction.
