TONICA A number of beneficial changes have occurred at Tonica Grade School, and according to Superintendent/Principal Chuck Schneider, more can be expected.

The most noticeable improvement is seen when first approaching the school. The previously long, narrow parking area has been widened to improve accessibility.

Jointly funded through the school district and the Tonica Parent-Teacher Council, the all-volunteer project was led by Al Leffelman, Dusty Freeman and Jeremy Hillyer, along with several others who assisted the day the concrete was poured.

Also helping Leffelman, Freeman, Hillyer and Ray Goodwin as they prepared the area was Tonica sixth-grader Gus Leffelman. Companies that either donated materials, provided them at a discount or provided use of their equipment were Advanced Asphalt, Mertel Gravel, River Stone Group, C&H Electric and Construction and Golden Rule Lumber.

Schneider said the benefits of the project were quickly seen during the open house and during student pickup at dismissal. Another benefit of the extension will be the reduction of ruts in the grass that resulted from past overflow parking.

Were very fortunate to have parents willing to volunteer, companies that support projects, and booster organizations that join us in making TGS a great school, Schneider said.

Another recently finished project is the shelter at the school playground. This improvement came about through the volunteerism of a Tonica graduate working toward his promotion to Eagle Scout. Boy Scout Brice Fundell, who graduated in 2017, led the project and was assisted by other members of his troop.

Fundell designed the structure, worked with an engineer on the official plans, secured materials, coordinated the volunteers and also scheduled the build days. Schneider said there are plans to have a dedication ceremony.

Schneider also said the district is preparing for the second phase of health and life safety projects, which will get underway next summer.

Were at the beginning stages of prioritizing the elements that will be included. Phase one addressed worn-out heating system pipes, abating asbestos in the boiler room and insulating all the piping under the building. Phase two will look at a section of roofing, internal fire doors, a few exit doors and other items, he said.

Academic improvements

In October, the school will roll out an updated schoolwide academic support program for students. The Response to Intervention (RTI) program, which is already in use at many other area schools, is a process where students are identified through various assessments to receive interventions to build skills that are needing improvement or to expand on ones they do well.

In the past weve focused interventions mainly on students who werent quite at grade level curriculum for literacy and/or math. This year, were going to provide supports and interventions to all students, which includes students who are identified as gifted, Schneider said.

A block of time will be dedicated several days a week to provide this academic support. Student progress will be monitored along the way so educators can make adjustments and modifications to each students individual RTI program.

TGS is proud to have such a dedicated staff to design and develop this process from the ground up with a focus on the needs of all students, Schneider added.

Coaches needed

Tonica Grade School is seeking coaches for cheerleading, and the boys and girls track teams.

Coaching is sharing of a skill that youd like to pass on to others to help them improve. You work with a great set of students here at TGS and also learn as well. Theres a quote attributed to several people, but not pinned to actually who said it: The purpose of life is to discover your gift, the meaning of life is to give your gift away. Coaching very much fits into this statement, Schneider said.

For more information, call the school at 815-442-3420 or visit http://www.tonicagradeschool.org.

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Parking lot an all-volunteer project - Tonica News