NEW STAFF FOR 2012-2013 I believe that one of the most important things I do as Superintendent is to be on a continuing search for the highest quality teachers and support staff that we can find. Our interview process is extremely rigorous. For example, our teacher candidates are required to prepare and demonstrate a lesson plan. We do our best to have candidates teach those lessons in front of students. Finding "star" quality teachers is always our goal. We are looking for teachers that have enthusiasm, passion and commitment. It is my priority that we continue to raise the bar of expectations in this district by searching for the highest quality people possible. We encourage you to come in to our buildings and give us any feedback you have. We are always looking for ways to improve our service to students and the community.
At a recent community meeting there was discussion about the tendency for educational professionals to protect those within their ranks when questions are raised. It was referred to as a "circle the wagons" mentality. I want you to know that, as Superintendent of this district, I support your right to ask questions whenever you feel it is necessary. I believe that if you have a concern about any of our staff members you should always feel comfortable reporting your concerns, and should expect a satisfactory and respectful response. Since coming to the district I have often heard parents say that they are fearful of retribution as a result of questioning the judgment of teachers or administrators. It is my promise to you that I would not condone or allow this to occur. Your concerns must be addressed quickly and with respect for your child and you.
This does not mean that we do not support our staff members, and I do not wish to give the impression that we will encourage baseless accusations that are without substance or fact. I believe that as individuals and professionals, all of us can and do make mistakes. We do not always make the best choices in our response to situations. However, I will expect that our staff listens, is respectful, helpful, customer service oriented, and will do their very best to help your child become the best they can be. We must have high expectations for our staff if we wish our students to become successful adults. If you have a problem, I simply ask that you go directly to the source of the problem first. If you do not find a reasonable response or solution, please contact the direct supervisor or Principal of the person involved for assistance. If you do not believe the Principal or Supervisor was able to give you a reasonable response you may request that I intervene or provide assistance in solving the problem.
This philosophy is what I believe will create a true customer service friendly environment, and will help us become a better school district. This has been one of our district’s primary goals since 2009, and we will continue to work to get better at what we do.
COMPUTER UPDATE In June the Board approved replacement of our existing laptops with newer models. By making the change now, we will save our district over $400,000. The new MacBook Air will be a faster, more durable product with all around better graphics and educational capabilities. When we first started this initiative we knew that it would save money as well as provide an excellent teaching tool for our students. Our belief has not changed in this regard. We know that our students are doing things that other schools have not yet begun to attempt to offer. The presence of laptops does not guarantee that every student will be an honor student. It is simply a tool that is present in business and industry around the world. It is important that our student have access to this tool and learn how to use it effectively and efficiently. It is important that we also ask parents to play an active role in the education of their children by making sure the tool is used appropriately and that their work is being completed on schedule. The new models will be made available to students in August. Please be watching the Photojournal and our website for announcements about these dates.
LUNCH PRICE INCREASE In 2010 congress approved SB210, otherwise known as the "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010". The Act requires school districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program to ensure sufficient funds are provided to the nonprofit food service account for lunches served to students not eligible for free or reduced price meals. There are two ways to meet this requirement: (1) through the prices charged for "paid" lunches; or (2) through other non-Federal sources provided to the nonprofit school food service account. An example of a non-Federal source would be local tax revenue.
In past years our school food service program has been self-supporting. We have been careful to monitor revenues and expenditures to insure that the general fund did not have to subsidize the school lunch program. That may no longer be possible with the new nutritional requirements included in SB210. Fresh fruits and vegetables are more expensive to purchase, and require additional labor to prepare. This is a reality that districts across the nation are facing.
An additional requirement in SB210 is that school districts raise prices for paid lunches to insure that the food service program is properly funded. A formula for that price adjustment is included in the new law.
To comply with these regulations, lunches for the 2012-2013 school year will be priced as follows:
Student Breakfast – all schools - $1.40
Student Lunch – Vermilion Elementary School - $2.25
Student Lunch – Sailorway Middle School - $2.40
Student Lunch – Vermilion High School - $2.40
Milk – 50 cents Students who are eligible for reduced price lunches will pay the amount established by Federal Authorities. We will publish this amount as soon as it is available.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
SCHOOL ZONE 6-21-12
CONGRATULATIONS VERMILION GRADUATES It was great to see the parents and families supporting their sons and daughters at the VHS graduation ceremony on June 9. The program, led by Heidi Riddle and the various student participants, was well received by the audience.
Successful graduation from high school is a major accomplishment, and I congratulate these students on their achievements. The task of earning a diploma has become more rigorous over the past 10 years, as Federal and State authorities continue to implement rules and laws to make public schools more accountable. Our goal is to teach not only content standards, but to instill a lifelong love of learning. Continued education is important to the success of all of our students, whether it is college, technical school or one-the-job training. We truly believe that we have given our graduates what they need to be successful.
CONVERSION COMMUNITY SCHOOL The Board of Education and a team of educators have been considering the creation of a Conversion Community School in Vermilion. There have been some calls asking for more information, so I thought this would be a good forum to provide you with some facts about what a Conversion Community School is and why we are considering this educational option.
Conversion community schools are created by converting all or a portion of an existing traditional public school to a community school. Conversion community schools may be opened by any school district in the state, and they are considered to be school districts for many purposes. Because community schools are by law "independent of any school district" (O.R.C. 3314.01 (B)), they operate independently from the sponsoring school district. The sponsor (in this case, Vermilion Schools) has a legal obligation to provide sufficient technical assistance, oversight and monitoring, including taking steps to intervene in a school’s operations to ensure that the community school meets all legally mandated fiscal, academic and operational requirements. Additional funding is available from the State of Ohio for community conversion schools.
We are considering sponsorship of a Conversion Community School to increase our ability to make technology education more available to Vermilion residents. We will be able to offer alternative educational opportunities to students not only in Vermilion, but also statewide. For example, gifted students will have the opportunity to expand their learning by participating in more challenging online course work. Students who are at risk of dropping out can be offered a less restrictive educational program that will help them to complete their coursework without the structure of a traditional school setting. These students will have the ability to earn a diploma instead of walking away from school before graduating. In addition to State funding, the ability to open enrollment to students statewide will generate revenue for the Conversion Community School. The Vermilion Board of Education will continue to study and consider this option throughout the summer.
SUMMER PROJECTS This summer we have some very visible improvement projects going on in and around our facilities. Our football field will undergo a much needed restoration, and will include upgraded irrigation. The track at VHS stadium will also be refurbished and repaired. We know that residents and students alike will benefit from these improvements. Our stadium is used by many residents and various community groups for exercise and community events.
In addition to small building improvements, parking lots and sidewalk areas will be repaired and repaved, and you may see some painting of fences around the district. We hope that you will take time to stop by and see what we are doing to improve our facilities and keep them in good repair for our residents.
Successful graduation from high school is a major accomplishment, and I congratulate these students on their achievements. The task of earning a diploma has become more rigorous over the past 10 years, as Federal and State authorities continue to implement rules and laws to make public schools more accountable. Our goal is to teach not only content standards, but to instill a lifelong love of learning. Continued education is important to the success of all of our students, whether it is college, technical school or one-the-job training. We truly believe that we have given our graduates what they need to be successful.
CONVERSION COMMUNITY SCHOOL The Board of Education and a team of educators have been considering the creation of a Conversion Community School in Vermilion. There have been some calls asking for more information, so I thought this would be a good forum to provide you with some facts about what a Conversion Community School is and why we are considering this educational option.
Conversion community schools are created by converting all or a portion of an existing traditional public school to a community school. Conversion community schools may be opened by any school district in the state, and they are considered to be school districts for many purposes. Because community schools are by law "independent of any school district" (O.R.C. 3314.01 (B)), they operate independently from the sponsoring school district. The sponsor (in this case, Vermilion Schools) has a legal obligation to provide sufficient technical assistance, oversight and monitoring, including taking steps to intervene in a school’s operations to ensure that the community school meets all legally mandated fiscal, academic and operational requirements. Additional funding is available from the State of Ohio for community conversion schools.
We are considering sponsorship of a Conversion Community School to increase our ability to make technology education more available to Vermilion residents. We will be able to offer alternative educational opportunities to students not only in Vermilion, but also statewide. For example, gifted students will have the opportunity to expand their learning by participating in more challenging online course work. Students who are at risk of dropping out can be offered a less restrictive educational program that will help them to complete their coursework without the structure of a traditional school setting. These students will have the ability to earn a diploma instead of walking away from school before graduating. In addition to State funding, the ability to open enrollment to students statewide will generate revenue for the Conversion Community School. The Vermilion Board of Education will continue to study and consider this option throughout the summer.
SUMMER PROJECTS This summer we have some very visible improvement projects going on in and around our facilities. Our football field will undergo a much needed restoration, and will include upgraded irrigation. The track at VHS stadium will also be refurbished and repaired. We know that residents and students alike will benefit from these improvements. Our stadium is used by many residents and various community groups for exercise and community events.
In addition to small building improvements, parking lots and sidewalk areas will be repaired and repaved, and you may see some painting of fences around the district. We hope that you will take time to stop by and see what we are doing to improve our facilities and keep them in good repair for our residents.
SCHOOL ZONE 5-31-12
I make frequent visits to classrooms throughout the school year, and am often impressed by the lessons that our teachers present to students. Often times they go above and beyond the subject matter to teach lessons about character, integrity and honesty. Business teacher Cinc Oleksa is a teacher that comes in early and stays late on a daily basis. She has a smile on her face for everyone. Cinc shared the story below with her students recently, and I was particularly struck by the importance of the message. At the end I will tell you the rest of the story. THE WILL TO CHANGE – The Carrot, Egg and Coffee Bean You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs and coffee," she replied. The mother then asked her daughter to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft. She then asked her daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the boiled egg had become hard. Finally, the mother asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich flavor. The daughter then asked, "What’s the point, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity – "boiling water" – but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water (adversity), it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water (adversity), its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water (adversity) they had
"Which are you?" the mother asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
Now the rest of the story: If you ever met Cinc, you would not guess that she has struggled with adversity throughout this school year. Despite her challenges, she continues to inspire her students and works hard to make a difference. So many of our teachers are good role models. They truly care not only about teaching subject matter, but also about presenting positive life lessons. As we close the school year, I hope you will join me in thanking those teachers that made a difference in your child’s life this year. changed the water. STAFF RETIREMENTS I would like to recognize our staff retirees this year. These dedicated employees have made a difference in the quality of education and service for our school district. They are deserving of recognition, and we wish them the best in their retirement. Congratulations to the following staff members:
Christine Annable
Shari Beckwith
John Burrow
Deborah Dominick
Theresa Goubeaux
Pamela Gray
Barbara Heimerl
Dianne Koinis
Jane Lee
John Zielske
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs and coffee," she replied. The mother then asked her daughter to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft. She then asked her daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the boiled egg had become hard. Finally, the mother asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich flavor. The daughter then asked, "What’s the point, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity – "boiling water" – but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water (adversity), it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water (adversity), its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water (adversity) they had
"Which are you?" the mother asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
Now the rest of the story: If you ever met Cinc, you would not guess that she has struggled with adversity throughout this school year. Despite her challenges, she continues to inspire her students and works hard to make a difference. So many of our teachers are good role models. They truly care not only about teaching subject matter, but also about presenting positive life lessons. As we close the school year, I hope you will join me in thanking those teachers that made a difference in your child’s life this year. changed the water. STAFF RETIREMENTS I would like to recognize our staff retirees this year. These dedicated employees have made a difference in the quality of education and service for our school district. They are deserving of recognition, and we wish them the best in their retirement. Congratulations to the following staff members:
Christine Annable
Shari Beckwith
John Burrow
Deborah Dominick
Theresa Goubeaux
Pamela Gray
Barbara Heimerl
Dianne Koinis
Jane Lee
John Zielske
School Zone 5-17-12
COMMUNITY DRUG TASK FORCE MEETING Approximately 90 individuals turned out on Monday, May 14 to discuss the issue of drug testing for Vermilion school students. The majority of the audience had a strong opinion on the topic and most were in favor of instituting drug testing not only for students involved in athletics and extra-curricular activities, but for all students. Each attendee was asked to complete an anonymous survey so that we would have documentation of the numbers in favor of a drug testing policy. Again, the results showed that those in attendance believe that student drug testing should become a reality.
In my last School Zone article I expressed disappointment in the turnout of our first meeting, and I was hoping that many more residents would agree that it is important for all of our residents to engage in the discussion of student drug testing. In the past when controversial issues have surfaced we have had large audience participation. The lack of attendance at these two meetings appears to be an indication that the community believes that drug testing should be instituted in our schools. The Board of Education will be discussing this again at their meeting on May 21, and we hope to again gage the feelings of the community. The Board will need to make a decision soon if we are to implement this policy at the start of the new school year. BUSINESS LEADER MEETING Board president Sid Jordan is asking all of our business owners and leaders to attend a brief meeting to discuss the role of our schools in the community. The purpose of the meeting will be to explain the Vermilion Schools policy regarding local business purchasing and engage in discussion about how it can be improved, and how to involve school support group fundraising in local purchasing. Please join us on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:00 PM in the Ritter Library Community Room B. PROM SUCCESS Once again the annual Senior Prom was a great success. Senior Class advisor Anjie Caffarel and Assistant Advisor Christine Reynolds did a great job of organizing this event with the Senior students. We would like to thank Cliff German, Bridgette German and the rest of the staff from German’s Villa for preparing and serving a wonderful meal. Thank you to all of the vendors who donated or helped to supply items for the Prom. We are especially grateful for the many parents who helped set up Prom decorations and those who worked so hard to organize the Prom-to-Dawn activities. Vermilion’s annual Prom is a unique event that has been featured on MTV and in People Magazine. This is because we involve the entire community in making the Prom enjoyable for the students. Your help is the key to our continued success. Thank you again for helping to create a fun, safe and memorable Prom for Vermilion students. SUMMER SCHOOL – VHS Vermilion High School is offering summer school courses for all students in grades 8 through 12. Sessions will be held on June 11 through June 28 and August 6 through August 23. For more information and to download the registration form, please visit our website at www.vermilionschools.org END OF SCHOOL ACTIVITES Here are some important year end dates for our graduating senior and their families:
May 18 Early dismissal – ALL STUDENTS
May 25 EHOVE Senior Recognition at Sandusky State Theatre, 8:30 and 11:00 AM
May 30-31 Senior Exams
May 31 VHS Senior Awards Night at Vermilion High School 6:30 PM
June 4 Mandatory graduation practice for all seniors, 1:30 PM
June 5 Last day of school
June 9 Commencement, 11:00 AM, Vermilion High School
In my last School Zone article I expressed disappointment in the turnout of our first meeting, and I was hoping that many more residents would agree that it is important for all of our residents to engage in the discussion of student drug testing. In the past when controversial issues have surfaced we have had large audience participation. The lack of attendance at these two meetings appears to be an indication that the community believes that drug testing should be instituted in our schools. The Board of Education will be discussing this again at their meeting on May 21, and we hope to again gage the feelings of the community. The Board will need to make a decision soon if we are to implement this policy at the start of the new school year. BUSINESS LEADER MEETING Board president Sid Jordan is asking all of our business owners and leaders to attend a brief meeting to discuss the role of our schools in the community. The purpose of the meeting will be to explain the Vermilion Schools policy regarding local business purchasing and engage in discussion about how it can be improved, and how to involve school support group fundraising in local purchasing. Please join us on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:00 PM in the Ritter Library Community Room B. PROM SUCCESS Once again the annual Senior Prom was a great success. Senior Class advisor Anjie Caffarel and Assistant Advisor Christine Reynolds did a great job of organizing this event with the Senior students. We would like to thank Cliff German, Bridgette German and the rest of the staff from German’s Villa for preparing and serving a wonderful meal. Thank you to all of the vendors who donated or helped to supply items for the Prom. We are especially grateful for the many parents who helped set up Prom decorations and those who worked so hard to organize the Prom-to-Dawn activities. Vermilion’s annual Prom is a unique event that has been featured on MTV and in People Magazine. This is because we involve the entire community in making the Prom enjoyable for the students. Your help is the key to our continued success. Thank you again for helping to create a fun, safe and memorable Prom for Vermilion students. SUMMER SCHOOL – VHS Vermilion High School is offering summer school courses for all students in grades 8 through 12. Sessions will be held on June 11 through June 28 and August 6 through August 23. For more information and to download the registration form, please visit our website at www.vermilionschools.org END OF SCHOOL ACTIVITES Here are some important year end dates for our graduating senior and their families:
May 18 Early dismissal – ALL STUDENTS
May 25 EHOVE Senior Recognition at Sandusky State Theatre, 8:30 and 11:00 AM
May 30-31 Senior Exams
May 31 VHS Senior Awards Night at Vermilion High School 6:30 PM
June 4 Mandatory graduation practice for all seniors, 1:30 PM
June 5 Last day of school
June 9 Commencement, 11:00 AM, Vermilion High School
School Zone 5-3-12
COMMUNITY DRUG TASK FORCE MEETING Thank you to all community members who attended our Community Forum on April 23 to discuss the drug and alcohol issues in Vermilion. Counselor Tim Lamb did an outstanding job of providing the audience with valuable information about the existing problem and offering possible solutions. I would also like to recognize Counselor Laura Stubblebine and our technology team of Shawn Bergman, Joshua Hovinetz and Josh Thomas for their assistance with this important program. I have to admit that while the audience was larger than for some other events we have hosted, I am disappointed that the auditorium was not filled to capacity for such an important topic. I need to ask the question of the community: What topic could be more important than the drug problem that our society faces and working together on strategies to keep our students safe? A meeting will be held on Monday, May 14 at 7:00 PM to discuss drug testing for students.
We will continue to do the best we can to provide our students with strategies to avoid the onset of experimentation, but we will need a greater commitment from our parents and community leaders if we are going to influence the choices that our students make.
FINE ARTS FAIR This is one option that we are considering to help fight drug use. Board of Education members need input from parents, business leaders and other residents before approving a drug testing policy. It is imperative that we hear from you to determine community support for student drug testing. Discussion at this meeting will include: what types of drugs should the test include? How often should the test be given? Should we test the entire student body or only those participating in extra-curricular activities? Should we test students who request parking passes? These are some of the many questions that must be addressed before a final decision can be made. Therefore, I implore you to make it a priority to attend the May 14 meeting. We cannot do this without your help. On Thursday, April 26 our Art teachers organized a Fine Arts Fair that was held at the Administration office. This was by far one of the most inspiring and positive events that I have attended since coming to Vermilion. The display of various types of art media created by our students was outstanding. Some of the work was as good as any artwork that I have seen. The event included refreshments, music, a silent auction of student artwork, culminating in a live auction of works by both students and local artists. The value that this event brought to the district and the community cannot be measured. Students brought their parents in to view work that they had every reason to be proud of. The looks on their faces as they escorted parents around the tables was priceless. This demonstrates to me how important it is that we recognize that Art is every bit as important as the core subjects that we offer. Attendance and enthusiasm at this event was amazing, and I believe opens the doors for similar artistic events in the future. FOOTBALL COACH As has been widely reported this week, the football coach that was chosen to lead our team next year has resigned. We know that this activity is popular in the community and that many residents are concerned about our students for next year. After looking at all of the options, the position was offered to Robert Duray, who is a teacher at Vermilion High School. Mr. Duray was part of the initial interview process, and the interview team feels strongly that he will be able to move our football program in a positive direction. PRINCIPAL AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BLOGS Please take time to visit the blogs that are published by our Principals and Athletic Director. We hope you will choose to "follow" the blogs that are of interest to you. The Blogs are linked to both Facebook and Twitter, and followers will receive notification each time a Blog is updated. This is a great way to view pictures or videos of students and activities going on in classrooms around the school. Updates and notices are posted with important information on field trips, athletic activities and many other events.
We will continue to do the best we can to provide our students with strategies to avoid the onset of experimentation, but we will need a greater commitment from our parents and community leaders if we are going to influence the choices that our students make.
FINE ARTS FAIR This is one option that we are considering to help fight drug use. Board of Education members need input from parents, business leaders and other residents before approving a drug testing policy. It is imperative that we hear from you to determine community support for student drug testing. Discussion at this meeting will include: what types of drugs should the test include? How often should the test be given? Should we test the entire student body or only those participating in extra-curricular activities? Should we test students who request parking passes? These are some of the many questions that must be addressed before a final decision can be made. Therefore, I implore you to make it a priority to attend the May 14 meeting. We cannot do this without your help. On Thursday, April 26 our Art teachers organized a Fine Arts Fair that was held at the Administration office. This was by far one of the most inspiring and positive events that I have attended since coming to Vermilion. The display of various types of art media created by our students was outstanding. Some of the work was as good as any artwork that I have seen. The event included refreshments, music, a silent auction of student artwork, culminating in a live auction of works by both students and local artists. The value that this event brought to the district and the community cannot be measured. Students brought their parents in to view work that they had every reason to be proud of. The looks on their faces as they escorted parents around the tables was priceless. This demonstrates to me how important it is that we recognize that Art is every bit as important as the core subjects that we offer. Attendance and enthusiasm at this event was amazing, and I believe opens the doors for similar artistic events in the future. FOOTBALL COACH As has been widely reported this week, the football coach that was chosen to lead our team next year has resigned. We know that this activity is popular in the community and that many residents are concerned about our students for next year. After looking at all of the options, the position was offered to Robert Duray, who is a teacher at Vermilion High School. Mr. Duray was part of the initial interview process, and the interview team feels strongly that he will be able to move our football program in a positive direction. PRINCIPAL AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BLOGS Please take time to visit the blogs that are published by our Principals and Athletic Director. We hope you will choose to "follow" the blogs that are of interest to you. The Blogs are linked to both Facebook and Twitter, and followers will receive notification each time a Blog is updated. This is a great way to view pictures or videos of students and activities going on in classrooms around the school. Updates and notices are posted with important information on field trips, athletic activities and many other events.
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