Cranberry LSIC Meeting Minutes from October 1, 2025
The meeting took place in our school Innovation Room and began with a welcome from Mrs. Gunter and introductions of all present LSIC members.
The group again elected Mrs. Juliana Huff as the LSIC Chairperson for the 2025-26 school year.
Mrs. Gunter gave a “snapshot” of our big rocks for the first five weeks of school, which included focused training on schoolwide expectations and behaviors, as well as beginning of the year diagnostic testing.
Mrs. Gunter reviewed Cranberry’s assessment data. The school made significant gains on the GSA as compared to 2024. The school rose 103 positions in the state. There was a discussion regarding “Walk To Intervention” for all students in grades K-5.
The group spoke about the addition of a social worker to Cranberry’s staff for 3 days each week. The question was raised about possibly having the social worker all 5 days.
One of the biggest facilities needs mentioned was the playground. Mrs. Gunter explained that the school is currently awaiting delivery and installation of new swing sets and fencing to enlarge the PK play area. This is made possible by the partial funding we received from last year’s playground grant application. The school will again apply for the grant this year, as all of the other play pieces need replaced, and the PreK area needs play implements/toys.
The group discussed attendance issues, which continue to be an issue at the school. Mrs. Gunter explained Excused vs. Unexcused and that there is no discrepancy between the two when looking at
“chronic absenteeism”. The group brainstormed some possible incentives or ideas to help increase attendance. It was stated that, at the elementary level this is often more of an adult issue than a student issue. Our LSIC member from Raleigh County UP! offered to supply some digital alarm clocks which our Social Worker/Counselor could offer to students that they meet with who are in the MTSS process with attendance. The idea of incentivizing adults (parents) with gift cards, etc.. when their students have good attendance might be effective. One member suggested that by not having strong attendance policies in PK, we might set the tone with parents that attendance is not important. Other ideas for attendance incentives were to award/incentivize students on random days (“come to school—you never know when there will be an award”) or Underground Dress Up Days for classes with best attendance.
The group looked at the Leader In Me program and the benefits we see. It goes along perfectly with PBIS. Students use the leadership skills learned at Cranberry after they leave here. Counselors, principals and teachers from the middle school have commented to various people that they can often pick out Cranberry kids based on their willingness to speak in public, comfort making eye contact and addressing adults, filling leadership roles, etc. Mrs. Gunter explained how the school is using LIM while also integrating the “Character Counts” program.
Our next meeting will be held at Bradley Elementary School on October 14th at 6:00 pm. This will be the meeting with the members of the Board of Education.