JJC FC 05-21-09
The meeting was called to order by co-chair, Barb King. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and prayer given. Minutes from the last meeting were distributed to all members present.
Committee reports were given.
Teen Court: Barb King reported things went well for Teen Court this year. We had plenty of kids volunteering as well as cooperation from the defendants. We are done for June and July however plan to resume in August just before school starts. We will be sending a postcard to all volunteers asking that they let us know in advance if they plan to attend the next school year.
Teen Court Improvement Committee: Amy Jo Crawford reported we had an initial meeting of this committee in March. The committee identified three areas they would like to create programming on, Parent Involvement, Impact, and Bullying. Committee members are gathering more information to bring to the table to resume planning.
Kim Rahn reported the Extension office has a Bullying curriculum which was developed by them which could be easily implemented. Because of cutbacks in her office, she does not believe they can be a part of this however would be willing to offer a “train the trainer” session along with the curriculum to the Council at a minimum cost.
Marcie Sheridan reported Kami Garrison has a bullying curriculum she uses in the schools and that Kami would be happy to be a part of any such program created by the council.
Derek Hagen and Barb King have given a presentation to the Teachers at Donovan concerning bullying and Derek also spoke to the jr & high school students.
Mike Simpson reported their staff psychiatrist is very interested in bullying and has done a presentation to teachers as well, possibly at IW High School. He will ask if she has any interesting material the council could use. Mike also reported the Academy has many different curriculums lying around and he will see if there is one on bullying that part or all could be used.
It was decided that PYO would address the bullying issue. Council members who volunteered to take part in this are: Dee Schippert, Vicki Marquis (volunteered by Kim Rahn), James Bunting (volunteered by Dee Schippert), Tammy Barragree, and Amy Jo Crawford. Mike Simpson will as Dr. Sharon if she is interested or would be able to provide any direction to the group.
Our program for the day was presented by Dee Schippert, Ford – Iroquois Public Health Department on the Coordinated School Health Grant. Dee reported on several activities arranged by the grant as well as changes in thinking by teachers to help children be more active. Statistics show a decrease in student BMI’s (with the exception of the time around the flood). Dee reported a feeling that discipline is down based on this and children are more anxious to learn.
Ending the meeting, Barb talked about the need to continue to email notices due to the cost of postage and the financial problems of the county. Barb also pointed out that members can register on the Iroquois County website ( and reminders will be sent automatically. We really need to hear from members to be sure we have an accurate food count. Next years’ meetings will be held: September 17, 2009; December 17, 2009; March 18, 2010; and May 20, 2010.