June 2019

Ada schools issues a statement on its Bulldog Facebook concerning the use of its facilities. The announcement follows:

Due to liability and insurance issues, facility usage (such as gyms, weight room, and athletic or other areas) is limited to preapproved activities.

Current student athletes may only use these facilities under the supervision of a current board-approved coach.

Students should never be unsupervised in any building or facility. Keys should only be in the possession of current employees and board approved coaches.

All others who may have a key should turn those in to the central office immediately.

By Chris Steffan, RN, ADON
Birchaven Village
Dementia is a general term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline including impairment in memory, communication and thinking, which is caused by damage to cells in the brain. The symptoms do not appear suddenly but build over time and become more noticeable. Damage can occur for many reasons including increased proteins inside and outside of brain cells, lack of oxygen to the brain, stroke, genetics, medication side effects, depression, alcohol use, and thyroid and vitamin deficiencies.

Symptoms of dementia could be:

During a special Board meeting in May, the Ada Board of Education approved a new, three-year contract with its teachers’ union, the Ada Education Association (AEA). 

At the June meeting, it approved a new (also three-year) contract with its classified staff, the Ada Classified Association (ACA).  Both unions also ratified the tentative agreements, Meri Skilliter, Ada superintendent, told the Icon.

Contract summary
Both contracts include 3% raises a year, for each of the three years of the contract. 

The AEA agreed to pay an additional portion of its hospitalization insurance, going from 6% to 10%, phased in over the life of the contract.