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.
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