SCHOOL ZONE 11-8-12

FOCUS ON VERMILION HIGH SCHOOL

Continuing our series on activities in each of our school buildings, this week we are highlighting Vermilion High School. 

In addition to the many athletic, drama and music activities that the public is familiar with, VHS students are able to choose from a variety of academic related clubs and activities.  Our high school offers Student Council, National Honor Society, Academic Challenge, Model UN, Mock Trial, Leo Club, Speech and Debate Team, Science Fair, Book Club and Art Club.  A new club offering for students is a technology club in which students play Minecraft, a challenging game using blocks to create and defend virtual worlds.  

For those who may not participate in organized athletics, we offer Intramural activities after school to promote healthy living and an annual Powder Puff charity football game.  Admission to this year’s event is a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Vermilion food pantry.  Some of the other charity and service activities students actively participate in throughout the school year are the annual Veteran’s luncheon sponsored by the VHS social studies classes, Operation Christmas Joy and Relay for Life.  All of our students are offered points for volunteering with social service agencies or participating in other types of service projects, such as the annual Vermilion spring clean-up. 

Every year administrators and teachers at VHS offer travel opportunities to help teach students about history and culture outside of Vermilion. This year there are several opportunities for students to participate in educational trips with student groups:

• Grade 8 trip to Washington D.C. to visit historic sites and learn more about the United States government;
• Spanish students trip to Puerto Rico to learn more about the culture and language in that region;
• French classes trip to France to study the culture and language of that country;
• VHS marching band trip to Virginia Beach where they will perform in the Parade of Nations, learn more about percussion performance and tour historic Jamestown and Williamsburg;
• Participating Seniors will travel to Chicago for the first annual Senior trip where they will be exposed to various artistic and historic sites and will visit Notre Dame University. 

Students who are interested in participating in any of these trips should speak with their teacher or advisor for more information.

Many of our teachers are using hands-on teaching methods in their classrooms.  For example, students in Physics classes are making and testing rockets using precise calculations; Math students are participating in a egg drop activity using bungee cords; and French students are using vocabulary words to write and create their own short film using iMovie.   Students have also embraced the hands-on philosophy and are creating projects to promote their school.  Last year our district created a promotional video for the City of Vermilion and Vermilion schools that was featured on the City website, Vermilion.net.  This year during Spirit Week students in our Film Making class organized the student body to create a promotional video that was later posted to YouTube.  The video shows students enthusiastically supporting all of the many athletic teams we have in Vermilion. 

Parents or community members who are interested in keeping in touch with what is happening at Vermilion High School can view the VHS announcements at the following link:  http://sailornewsnetwork.wordpress.com/category/announcements/ .  It is a great place to see our Sailor News Network team in action, and keep up-to-date on what is happening in our schools. 

STUDENT SAFETY WHILE TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

October 23, 2012

Recently our school district was made aware of the possibility that students are being approached by strangers while in transit to and from school.  The individuals are reported to be asking students to approach or enter a vehicle.  We have been given varying reports of either gray, white or black vehicles involved in these incidents. 

The Vermilion Police Department is investigating all of these reports and have stepped up patrols around all of our schools during the hours that students are traveling to and from school.  Vermilion school bus drivers were given descriptions of the vehicles and were asked to report any suspicious activity as they drive bus routes through the community.  Our entire staff is aware of the concerns and have been asked to report any suspicious activity they may see around our buildings.    

Both Police Chief Chris Hartung and I agree that parents should immediately take time to speak to their children about talking to or approaching strangers.  Make sure that your children understand that they should run away or know how to remove themselves from danger.  Talk with your neighbors and create neighborhood watch groups to assist with security as children walk to and from bus stops.  

Parents should report any incidents to police with as many details as possible.  It is especially important that the officer be given a good description of the vehicle, including a license plate number if possible, the type of clothing being worn by the driver, and any distinctive facial features.  
We continue to work in cooperation with the Vermilion Police Department in this matter, and will do what we can to assist with their investigation.  

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MEETING

Please join us  for a Community Meeting to discuss the athletic conference affiliation for Vermilion Schools.  Community members are invited to participate in the discussion and ask questions about how this will affect our students. 

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. in the Vermilion High School auditorium.  

This week we are focusing on Vermilion Elementary School.  The leadership team at VES includes Principal Bonnie Meyer and guidance counselor Elizabeth Greenawalt.  You will find a very friendly atmosphere when visiting, as you are greeted by administrative assistants Patty Dryfuse and Carol McCauley. 

Exciting things going on at VES

-        Additional Macbook laptops have been purchased to allow students more opportunity to access on-line learning, using programs like SuccessMaker, Raz Kids, Learning A-Z, and Starfall – for individualized instruction.

-        The Computer “Special” now travels to the classroom with Mr. Hayes who works with each teacher to integrate technology into Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies.

-        Celebrations encourage students to become involved in the “spirit” of Vermilion through events like Purple and Gold Days, Woollybear Day and others. 

-        Changing to Standards Based Grading allows teachers to focus on individual student progress in the standards that make up each subject.  This gives teachers the opportunity to provide interventions, if needed, until a student shows mastery of each specific standard.

-        Citizen of the Month program continues to allow students to become Ambassadors of VES.

Examples of authentic learning so far this year at each grade level are:

Kindergarten: 

-        Students learned about Johnny Appleseed and then made applesauce

-        They also participated in fire and traffic safety programs and built edible traffic lights

Grade 1: 

-        Students completed a unit on “All that Corn” combining reading, language arts and social studies with the use of technology to deepen knowledge of the process of corn going from farm to table.

-        Ranger Brian from Lorain County Metroparks came to VES and brought a variety of animal species to teach students about animal classifications.  Each student then brought in a stuffed animal and completed a classification activity. 

Grade 2: 

-        In coordination with the unit on plants, Science students had hands-on learning with some “weird” plant species and used technology to discover interesting facts about many plant species. 

-        Math class students made posters showing interesting ways to build number model arrays using household items

Grade 3:

-        Students were able to see real time data in their Science Inquiry lesson about erosion by integrating with technology.

-        Using Rocket Math students were taught to master their facts through goal setting and competition. 

-        Students have set up a one-to-one pen pal activity with a school in Uganda

-        All Grade 3 students went to Mill Hollow to participate in the Pioneer Craftsman Experience that helps children participate in and understand the pioneer way of life. 

Connecting with Parents and the Community

Our first Parent Partnership Program was held October 2.  While VES PTO held a Fun Fair for students in the gym, more than 75 parents learned about Standards Based Instruction, Ohio’s New Learning Standards, and using our new Power School tool in a presentation given by Mrs. Meyer.  Three additional learning opportunities on a variety of topics are planned throughout this school year.  Stay tuned to the VES page of the Vermilion Schools website for more information. 

Community Partnership Program - Beginning Monday, October 15, VES will be open to the community from 6:45-8:15 PM every Monday that school is in session.  Anyone in the community is welcome to come in to use the school’s computers or bring their own devices and use the wireless service within the school.  Free tutoring will be available for students in grades K-3 on these Monday evenings, led by teachers and former teachers.  The VES library will be open for students to use materials and to check out books.

We welcome all parents into our schools to see for themselves how we are doing.  If you are interested in visiting a classroom during school hours, please contact the main office for an appointment.  Student performances and PTO events are a good opportunity for community members and parents to show support for our students and school support groups.  More information is available through the Principal’s Blog, which can be accessed from the VES website, or by following VES on Twitter @VermilionES. 

SCALED BACK SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT INCLUDES LONGTERM SAVINGS FOR TAXPAYERS

On September 29, 2012 the Vermilion Board of Education directed the Superintendent of Schools to conduct a public meeting on Wednesday October 10, 2012 at 7 pm at the Vermilion Local Schools Board of Education office, 1230 Beechview Drive, Vermilion Ohio 44089.  The purpose of the meeting is to present to the residents a school improvement project with the cost of the project coming from existing funds and energy savings. The Board of Education is considering voting on a resolution to begin the project later this month.

After several months of extensive planning by the citizen-run District Facility Commission and Financial Task Force, the Board, at a special meeting was presented a recommendation from both groups to begin the project. Resident Richard Zanglin representing both the Facility Commission and the Financial Task Force presented the recommendation.

“The consolidation of schools, anticipated energy savings coupled with anticipated reduced operational expenditures make this opportunity one that makes sense for both our students and community,” stated Mr. Zanglin. “Spending millions to maintain the current buildings that need constant attention is not a wise use of tax dollars, and this plan will save taxpayers millions of dollars over time and provide students with an optimal learning environment.”

The project will provide Vermilion’s K-3 students with a new facility and students in grades 4-12 with upgraded and renovated schools.  In addition, the district will pursue the sale of existing facilities not needed for school purposes. 

“The Reinvention Plan has allowed the district to achieve a financial position and stability worthy of a favorable Bond rating allowing us to pursue this creative plan without the need for new taxpayer facility dollars” Sid Jordan, President of the Board, said. “The fact that the cost of the project can be justified from savings generated by the consolidation of current school facilities and energy savings is the reason we can move forward with the next phase of the Reinvention Plan. Dialogue with the city and township regarding the use of Safe Routes to School grant money to help solve any traffic flow safety issues has already begun.”

Members from the District Facility Commission and Financial Task Force will now work with school district leaders, teachers, and staff and the City of Vermilion to provide information to all residents as to advantages of this project for students, taxpayers and the community.

SCHOOL ZONE 9-27-12

Over the next few weeks I would like to focus on helping our readers get to know us better, and making you aware of some of the positive things our students are doing. 

This month the focus is on Sailorway Middle School.  The leadership team of Principal Brian Zeller, Assistant Principal Beth Bartlome and guidance counselor Elane Mattmuller are proud of what they have to offer students.  Some activities and items of interest to parents and community members are:

• A new playground is coming!  The new playground will be built with the help of staff and community members on October 12 from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. If you have not already volunteered to help with construction or cooking and would like to do so, please send a note into the office with your child.

• Morning announcements will be emailed to parents in the near future. If you didn’t include your email on your child’s emergency medical form, please send that email address to the office with your child or mail to:  Beth Bartlome, Sailorway Middle School, 5355 Sailorway Drive, Vermilion, OH 44089.

• When you visit SMS you may notice an increase art work displayed throughout the building. This will include many of Miss Askin’s original murals, much like those we loved at South Street School.

• Make sure to check out the Sailorway Athletics link from the Vermilion Schools web site to view our athletes in action!  The page can be found at the following link: http://www.vermilionschools.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Sailorway%20Middle%7CAthletics

Sailorway is also teeming with activities for students after school!  In cooperation with the school district Drug Task Force, our team of teachers and administrators is working to provide positive after school opportunities that will appeal to a variety of students.  In addition to athletic and music activities, Sailorway also offers the following: 

• "S.N.A.C "(Student Nutrition Advisory Council) team aides in choosing new menu items for the food service department. Last year, the students tasted 4 different items all provided by Gordon Foods. Three of the 4 were items were chosen to be included on the menu.  Student input is even more important this year as the food service department works to comply with many changes in nutritional guidelines as mandated by the National School Lunch Program.  The first taste testing for 2012-2013 will be the first week in December. Students interested in being a part of this group should notify Mrs. Hess in the cafeteria.

• The Sailorway Middle School Jazz Ensemble is open to all students in grades 6 & 7 graders who play Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Bass, Guitar or Drums. Participation in this activity is by audition only. Mr. Komperda meets with participants one or two evenings each week. The group will perform three concerts this year.

• “Smovers and Shakers” is a student council group led by Mrs. Mattmuller. Each homeroom has one representative that assists in community service projects and helps make our school a better place. The group will meet monthly and as needed.

• Mrs. Mattmuller will also host a Friends of Rachel Club that will be open to all students.  This club will focus on taking care of each other and random acts of kindness. The goal of this club is to meet weekly. 

• Miss Schutrum and Mr. Ryan offer Intramurals for grades 4 to 7. Intramurals will meet every Tuesday right after school until 3:30.  One sport will be played for about 4 weeks and will then rotate to another sport. Sixty students have signed up for this activity already!

• Drama Club meets on select Tuesdays with Mrs. Browne. Rehearsals for the December 6 play will soon be underway! There will be a second semester play and a variety show, Sailorway Live, at the end of the school year.

As always, we welcome parents into our schools to see for themselves how we are doing.  If you are interested in visiting a classroom during school hours, please contact the main office for an appointment.  Athletic and music events are a good opportunity for community members and parents to show support for our students.  We are proud of what we have to offer.  I will share more in the coming weeks. 

School Zone 9-13-12

STUDENT DRUG TESTING

We continue to collect the necessary forms and complete preparations for student drug testing that will begin this month.  Parents and students are reminded that the Consent Form must be completed and returned to the school by the deadline date.  Those who choose not to sign the consent form will be disqualified from participation in activities, and will not be eligible for parking permits.  The deadline date for fall activities was September 7.   The Consent Form deadline date for participation in winter activities is Friday, November 30, 2012.  For spring activities, the deadline is Thursday, February 28, 2013. 

THANK YOU

At the Board meeting on Monday our school board voted to extend my contract for an additional 3 years.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board members for having confidence in my ability to continue to improve Vermilion’s schools.  I fully understand that having this opportunity is a privilege.   There have been many changes during my tenure and they have been both challenging and rewarding.  Our schools are supported by many positive parents, community members and business leaders and I have appreciated your collaboration.  My goal for the future is to continue to listen to your ideas and make changes necessary to fulfill our mission statement of “Creating Leaders and Lifelong Learners”.  As we focus on what this mission statement really means, it must be our priority to develop leaders that will come back to Vermilion to live and improve their community.  I look forward to working together with you and our Board to make our schools attractive to prospective businesses and future residents. 

LEADERSHIP THEMES

Speaking of leadership, I was recently given a very short children’s book entitled “How to Behave and Why” by Munro Leaf about the four qualities needed to make friends and keep them.  It is really a book about leadership.  The message is an important one and is worth sharing:    

1.  Leaders must be honest.  Honesty builds credibility with the people you talk with every day.  If you are honest and promise to do something, others will trust you.  It is important to keep promises. 

2.  Leaders must be fair.  Fairness is described as an attitude of happiness, friendliness and a willingness to share.   Everyone recognizes fairness when they see it.   

3.  Leaders must be strong.  Strength is learned by developing good habits such as eating right, exercising, resting and keeping life in balance.  Strong leaders do not nag, whine and grumble.  They attempt to do what is right with each and every decision. 

4.  Leaders must be wise.  Wise people don’t always have to be right.  They are good listeners and seek the counsel of other honest, fair and strong leaders when making difficult decisions.   

All of this isn’t easy, especially for children, but there are no shortcuts.  I believe that this simple book had some very wise words that opened my eyes, and I hope that they will help our readers.  It is a great book to read as a family, or for individuals who wish to improve their leadership skills.