SCHOOL ZONE 3-27-14

CALAMITY DAY MAKE UP PLAN

Our district experienced a total of 9 calamity days this year.  State law allows districts five calamity days without a makeup requirement.  We will be required to make-up four days this year.  Following Board approval, we submitted a plan to the Ohio Department of Education to use the “blizzard bag” online education option to make up three of the four required days.  We feel this is a good fit for our district, as our students have access to technology that will enable them to complete the online lessons.  Our plan was approved by ODE late Tuesday, and our staff will make lessons available during spring break.  Students will have an additional two weeks beyond spring break to complete all assignments, and will have access to help from teachers during that time.  To make up our fourth day of absence, we will follow the provisions of the official school calendar, and extend our school year one day, making the last day of school June 9, 2014. 

REMINDER:  SECURITY MEETING – APRIL 16

We will be holding a meeting to review procedures, policies and security measures that are available in our schools and district.  This meeting is an opportunity for you to learn what we currently have in place and offer your thoughts and ideas about improving security.  The meeting will be Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 PM.  This is a very important topic that becomes more relevant as tragedies continue to be reported nationwide.  We can never over-emphasize the importance of keeping our buildings secure. 

FIELD TESTING FOR NEW STATE ASSESSMENTS

Students at Sailorway Middle School and Vermilion Elementary will soon participate in an opportunity to shape Ohio’s Next Generation of Assessments.  As you may be aware, Ohio is developing computer-based State tests in math, reading, writing, science and social studies. These high-quality tests will measure our students’ knowledge and skills, such as their abilities to think critically, solve problems and use information from what they read to write well-developed statements. 

Before the new tests are administered next school year, they must be field tested this spring. These field tests will allow Ohio students to respond to test questions with the goal of ensuring the questions match the content areas they cover. The information gathered through the field testing process is vital for Ohio to build the best test possible.

Our school will participate in one or more field tests on the following dates:

• March 25, 2014  (4th and 6th grade Social Studies, 5th grade Science)
• April 7, 9 and 11, 2014 (Reading for selected students in grade 3)
• April 8 and 10, 2014 (Math for selected students in grade 3)
• May 12, 2014 (4th and 6th grade Social Studies, 5th grade Science)
• May 20 and 22, 2014 (Math for selected students in grade 3)

Parents and guardians can be assured that these test scores will not be reported to the State of Ohio for your child or for our school.  However, it is important for parents to encourage children to do their best in answering the questions.  By taking part in these field tests, our teachers and your children will play an important role in helping to shape our state’s education system.  Parents who have additional questions about the field testing program can contact Principals Brian Zeller at Sailorway Middle School or Bonnie Meyer at Vermilion Elementary School.    

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR SENIORS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Senior parents are reminded that the local scholarship application for 2014 graduates is due no later than Monday, April 7, 2014.  A list of available scholarships and the application form are available on our district website.  Students should contact their guidance counselor if they have questions about eligibility or need assistance completing the application.