The health and wellness center inside Quincy High School served 837 people in the school year recently completed, according to a report during the June 29 meeting of the Quincy School Board.
Sheila Berschauer, CEO of Moses Lake Community Health Center, joined the meeting for a remote report on the health and wellness center, which is operated by MLCHC. Three providers work there: India Wolfendale, Yiadaly Cruz and Karen Cerda.
Reviewing the 2021-22 school year, which began with pandemic protocols still in place, Berschauer stated the center received 1,441 visits, of which 1,074 were primary care provider visits.
Looking ahead to next fall, Berschauer said the center may change its hours to remain open during the lunch hour and have a behavioral health specialist on-site at least two days per week. And, she said, the organization had received a renewable grant of $200,000, which will help fund the center.
“The partnership has just been wonderful this year. It has been a huge success with our students, and our staff also accesses it,” said Superintendent Dr. Nik Bergman.
Earlier in the meeting, Brett Fancher, athletic director and vice principal at Quincy High School, spoke to the board about spring sports in the school year just completed. Board members recognized the teams, with some of the track and field athletes and baseball players present receiving rounds of applause. Coaches Seth Longwill, Whitney Gregg and Andrew Schmitt spoke about their seasons and achievements, including competing in state tournaments.
The board also took up the topic of Youth Truth surveys. Colleen Frerks, the new Whole Child director and principal of Quincy Innovation Academy, gave the report.
Among her observations, she noted the responses about academic challenge rated comparatively lower, and parents responding rated school safety the least positively among the survey themes. Board member Chad Lower confirmed that responding to the survey is voluntary and questions may be skipped.
In a report on district communications, Jessica Blancas gave an overview of the district’s print, digital and social media.
The district plans to release an app in August, something Bergman said would be like “a one-stop shop” for information.
Lastly, Bergman introduced the district’s two newest principals, who both are QHS graduates, he said. Gregg will lead Ancient Lakes Elementary School, and Lora Villalpando will guide George Elementary School.
The school district has proposed selling land it owns on the south side of Quincy. The proposed sale, to the Port of Quincy, was not discussed at the June 29 board meeting, but the district has scheduled a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. July 12 at 721 F St. SE.