SCHOOL ZONE 1-2-14

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The New Year looks bright for our school district as students and staff return to school on Monday, January 6.  We look forward to a year that will focus on improving our methods of instruction, opening our new elementary school and continuing with facility improvements for Sailorway Middle and Vermilion High School.  On behalf of our entire staff I wish you a happy and healthy new year.    

WATCH OUR CONSTRUCTION ON FACEBOOK

Just a reminder that residents who are on Facebook can view frequent photo updates on the progress of our new facility.  When logged in to Facebook, users can search for “The New Vermilion Elementary School” and “like” the page to view updates and photos as they are posted.  We also maintain a Facility Project Blog where minutes of the progress meetings are posted.  The Blog can be accessed from the home page of our website, www.vermilionschools.org .  You will find the blog link on the right side of the page.  As always, please feel free to call or email me if you have questions or comments about this project. 

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

The spotlight this month is on Vermilion Elementary School speech pathologist Jessica Fahr, Grade 5 grade math teacher Ken Ryan at Sailorway Middle School and Leo Club advisors Kellie Pancost and Patricia Renaud at Vermilion High School.   

Jessica Fahr was chosen because she makes a positive impact on VES in her role as the Speech/Language Pathologist.  Students who work with Mrs. Fahr are eager to participate in their exercises because she makes it fun as she engages them in activities that help to improve their speech and language skills. Mrs. Fahr encourages students to chart their own progress so that they take ownership of their learning.  She works collegially with the whole staff and assists all of the teachers in helping kids to be successful in the classroom.  Mrs. Fahr is extremely dependable and professional in her position at VES.  We are grateful that Mrs. Fahr is here to provide positive speech and language training for our students. 

Mr. Ken Ryan was chosen this month because he does a great job of making math fun for our kids. Mr. Ryan’s students genuinely look forward to being in class because of his creativity and his quirky personality.  Mr. Ryan grew up in Strongsville and began his teaching career in the Cleveland Public Schools, where he served for 10 years.  After being downsized in Cleveland, he was offered a job and came to Vermilion in 2012.  Mr. Ryan is a huge sports fan (Cleveland Browns, Michigan Wolverines) and shares that enthusiasm with his students.  We were very fortunate that he was able to join our staff.

Leo Club advisors Mrs. Patricia Renaud and Mrs. Kelli Pancost are both outstanding teachers who have taken on the responsibility of leading the Leo Club, which is the junior division of Vermilion’s Lions Club.  Mrs. Renaud and Mrs. Pancost have been planning creative and innovative activities with club this year.  They are responsible for helping to choose the Lions Club Student of the Month and recently organized our annual Cookie and Craft night with Santa Claus.  Mrs. Renaud is new to Vermilion High School, but not new to the area.  Before coming to VHS she taught in Cleveland and has owned a tutoring company for the past six years. She joined our staff this year as an intervention specialist in the special education department.  As a child Mrs. Renaud spent her summers in Vermilion and was excited for the opportunity to return here to teach.  Mrs. Pancost has been teaching for a total of 16 years.  She began her career in Houston, Texas, and came to Vermilion in 2003 as an English/Language Arts teacher.  For many years she taught the Publications class and served as advisor for the VHS yearbook.  This is the first year that Mrs. Pancost and Mrs. Renaud have been involved with Leo Club.

Read more about the December Spotlight employees by clicking the link on the home page of our website. 

SCHOOL ZONE 12-12-13

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

On behalf of our entire staff, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.  I hope that you are able to spend some time enjoying family and friends during this season of celebration.  As a reminder, all of our schools will be closed beginning Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3 for our annual winter break.   

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT – LOOK NO FURTHER THAN YOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS

School events are a great way to learn more about our school district, and the talented students that we have in Vermilion.  Our concerts and athletic events are great for family outings, and will help younger students learn what is available to them in the upper grades.  Please visit our website calendar for a full list of athletic and co-curricular events, or “like” our Facebook page to get daily reminders of activities.  Two of our most popular holiday concerts will be held in the Vermilion High School auditorium next week.  We hope to see you at the Holiday Instrumental Concert on December 17 at 7:00 P.M., or the Holiday Vocal Reunion Concert on December 18 at 7:00 P.M.

OHIO IMPROVEMENT PROCESS GOAL AND STRATEGIES

Recently the Vermilion Board of Education adopted a new Ohio Improvement Process goal for our district, and three strategies that we will use to achieve that goal.  Our goal, as developed by the District Leadership Team of teachers, administrators, community members and representatives from the Board of Education is:  “By the year 2016 student learning in all content areas, assessed by Student Growth Measures, will meet or exceed one year’s growth in one year for 100% of students in grades K-12.”

The strategies that we adopted are:

1.     Implement co-teaching to provide high quality first instruction, appropriate intervention and/or enrichment as indicated by assessment data.

2.     Implement blended learning to provide high quality first instruction, appropriate intervention and/or enrichment as indicated by assessment data.

3.     Implement center/station based learning to provide high quality first instruction, appropriate intervention and/or enrichment as indicated by assessment data.

Because these terms are probably unfamiliar to many of our residents, below is a brief explanation of each.  Teacher professional development in our district will continue to focus on implementation of these strategies. 

CO-TEACHING offers six different approaches to teaching.  Sometimes the approach is used for an entire lesson, sometimes for part of a lesson.  Basically, two teachers in one classroom are sharing the responsibility of teaching students in different ways.  The six approaches are:  One Teach / One Observe - One teacher leads instruction while the other teacher gathers data from individual students; Station Teaching - teachers divides content and students.  Each teacher delivers the content to one group and repeats the instruction for the other group; Parallel Teaching - Teachers are teaching the same content information to half of the class at the same time; Alternative Teaching - One teacher takes the responsibility of the large group while the other works with a smaller group; Teaming - Both teachers deliver the same instruction, tag teaming, taking turns and adding information to the lesson;  One teach / One assist - One teacher takes the lead teaching while the other circulates through the room to offer assistance to students.

BLENDED LEARNING is a formal education program in which a student learns, at least in part, through online delivery of content and instruction, with some element of student control over the time, place, path and/or pace, and delivery of instruction is part of a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home. 

CENTER/STATION BASED LEARNING is a strategy in which students are divided into small groups.  The classroom has several centers, with a different activity at each center. The teacher is based at one center, computers at available at another center, and different assignments at two other centers. Students rotate through the centers approximately every 20 minutes, but the time at each center can be flexible and is decided upon by the teacher.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more, please feel free to talk to your building administrator, Assistant Superintendent Jim Balotta or me.  As always, we welcome visitors to our buildings to see these practices in action.  Arrangements for visits should be coordinated with the building principal. 

SCHOOL ZONE 11-28-13

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

At this time of year it is important to reflect on the year and remember those who make a positive impact on our lives.  I would especially like to thank you for your continued support of our efforts to prepare children for the future.  We never take for granted the resources and instructional opportunities you help make available to students.  In return, our staff makes it a priority to sponsor fundraising and volunteer opportunities for students of all ages.  From a penny drive at the elementary level to community service requirements at Vermilion High School, an even through our “stuff the bus” program, we are dedicated to teaching children that it is their civic responsibility to give back to the community that provides them with an excellent education.  On behalf of our entire staff, thank you for all that you do for our kids.  

REMINDER – NO SCHOOL DECEMBER 2

Parents are reminded that there is no school on Monday, December 2.  This is the third of four scheduled professional development opportunities that allow our staff to collaborate, share new ideas and develop lesson plans that align with our Ohio Improvement Process goal and strategies for improvement.  We have found this method of professional development to be very successful for our teaching staff.  

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

This month we would like to thank the following employees for their contribution to our schools.  To see photos and learn more, please visit our website at www.vermilionschools.org .  The Employee Spotlight links are located on the right side of the home page.   

Vermilion Elementary selected Kindergarten teacher Julie Strittmather this month.  Mrs. Strittmather has been teaching in Vermilion for nearly 30 years.  Throughout her career, she has always been willing to change instruction to meet the needs of students, and in recent years has effectively integrated technology into her lesson plans.  She uses small group centers expertly and collaborates with colleagues to develop new and innovative instructional strategies.  Mrs. Strittmather is a master teacher, with a bright and welcoming classroom.  She provides a learning centered environment that keeps students engaged.  She makes it a priority to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all types of learners.  Getting to know the unique abilities of each student is important to Mrs. Strittmather, as she masterfully designs instruction to allow each child to experience success in learning.  She is kind, nurturing and has great patience with young children.  She has high expectations for her students, and they respond with amazing progress throughout their first year of school.

Art teacher Andrea Askins is in the spotlight at SMS.  Ms. Askins came to Vermilion in 2003 after meeting Principal Tina Swinehart at a job fair.  She is always willing to help out with extra projects to improve the look of public spaces at Sailorway.  Recently she used her considerable artistic talent to create a beautiful mural in the downstairs hallway, and has been involved in many other projects that make our building an inviting place for kids to learn.  In the classroom, Ms. Askins is innovative in her teaching by using art instruction to reinforce learning in other subjects.  She is a great team member, and has been instrumental in developing cross-curricular ideas, especially with the 6th grade team.  Ms. Askins offers a positive and fun atmosphere for students to enjoy being creative, and works hard to make sure every student feels successful in art class.  In order to accomplish this, she always has an upbeat and patient attitude, with acceptance for all types of learners.   

The November spotlight at VHS is on school counselor Laura Stubblebine.  Mrs. Stubblebine came to Vermilion High School in August of 2000. Since that time she has made countless improvements to the Student Services department to make it a friendly and inviting place for students.  She has a gift for making visitors feel welcome and has an open door for anyone needing assistance.  Each year Mrs. Stubblebine works closely with administrators to develop a schedule with courses that are timely and relevant.  She is a master at organization and provides many outreach activities for students and parents each year.  This year she suggested and organized the first annual "test day", featuring testing to help students in grades 8-11 decide their educational pathways for the future, and to allow grade 12 students to explore and visit college or career opportunities. Mrs. Stubblebine has a wonderful passion for students and believes in helping them plan for a successful future. Her contribution to the success of our students is immeasurable.

SCHOOL ZONE 11-14-13

WINTER WEATHER = WARMER CLOTHING

Principals at Vermilion Elementary School and Sailorway Middle School would like to remind parents that outdoor recess is scheduled every school day, except in extreme weather conditions.  All students are expected to go outside for recess, and proper dress is important to keeping kids safe.  Please make sure your child comes to school with a coat, hat, gloves and leg coverings, if necessary, so that they can feel comfortable on the playground.  For parents who may be struggling financially, local community groups are distributing coats, hats and gloves for young children.  Please contact your school counselor, or check the parent resource section of our website for more information.

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

Attendance at school is important to the success of every student.  This year Sailorway Middle School and Vermilion High School have been offering Attendance Incentive Programs to students, with rewards for perfect attendance. 

Sailorway students who have a full week of perfect attendance earn tickets for weekly prizes and a chance to win the Grand Prize.  The grand prize each quarter is a bicycle!   Bicycle Bill's Bike Shop is cooperating with Sailorway on this project.  At the end of the first quarter 138 students had perfect attendance for the entire quarter, with over 2,000 entries for the bike. 

The Vermilion High School attendance incentive program is aptly named “SAILORS”, which stands for “Success, Attendance, Importance, Leadership, Opportunity, Respect, and Self-discipline”.  There are two parts to the program.  Students can earn attendance incentives through the “Sailor Card” part of the program.  Each teacher is given six Sailor Cards at the beginning of each month.  Teachers will distribute the cards to students they see demonstrating one or more of the “SAILOR” characteristics.  The student is responsible for placing the card into a box in the office.  A card is also placed in the box for any student earning perfect attendance that month.  At the end of the month a drawing is held for attendance prizes.  Prizes so far are gas cards, gifts cards from local vendors and waterpark passes.  The second part of the program started on November 1.  Each day attendance is calculated and charted by grade level and gender, with the winning group posted on the office window.  The grade level and general with the most points at the end of the grading period will win a pizza party during lunch.  The Vermilion Teacher’s Association is seeking grant funds through the NEOEA Community Involvement fund to help cover the cost of the SAILORS incentive program.

NEW SALAD BAR AT SAILORWAY IS A HUGE SUCCESS! 

Sailorway cafeteria manager Evelyn Hess reports that SMS students love the new salad bar option offered on Tuesday each week.  The cafeteria staff has also added additional nutritional choices daily as a second choice.  Some of the new second choice options are assorted vegetarian salads, chef salads, and assorted wraps.  Students continue to have options of assorted cold sandwiches, including lean turkey, lean ham, tuna, egg salad and subs.  On Thursdays the cafeteria offers DOMINOS PIZZA DAY.   This pizza is different, as it is made just for schools.  The sauce has 35% less sodium, the crust is the Dominos Smart crust with 51% whole grain, the cheese contains 1/2 the fat and the pepperoni is reduced fat and reduced sodium.  This pizza has the approval of the School Nutrition Association and the National Dairy Council.

Last year Mrs. Hess organized the SNAC Team (Student Nutrition Advisory Council), a group of students who work with Mrs. Hess to choose salad bar items and sample other nutritional choices.  Team members get together to try new recipes and healthy lunch items offered by vendors, then vote on whether the new choices should be added to the school menu.  This team has proven to be a great way to get students involved in nutritional planning and making healthy food choices every day.  Mrs. Hess is very involved with the School Nutrition Association and has been a leader in keeping our district compliant with new State and Federal nutritional guidelines for schools.