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.