SCHOOL ZONE 8-28-14

NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION

We would like to thank the members of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce for hosting the annual new teacher luncheon on August 19.  This is an important way for our new teachers to learn about and feel more connected to the community.   It was very gratifying to see the large number of Chamber members who came out to support our new teachers.  These 15 new teachers were selected because they represent the best of the best.  They are bringing wonderful new ideas and a great deal of enthusiasm to our classrooms. I hope that many of your will have an opportunity to meet them throughout the school year.    

WELCOME SUZANNE WILSON

Our new treasurer, Suzanne Wilson, officially took over the role of treasurer on August 25.  Suzanne comes to us with many years of experience working in districts of our size.  She is a hard worker and we are happy to welcome her to our team.  We believe that she is a great fit for our organization. 

VERMILION HIGH SCHOOL BOOK SALE

Please join us for the VHS Library Book Sale being held August 28 and 29 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturday, August 30 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon.  These are books and supplementary materials that are no longer needed for classroom or student use, but may be of interest to community members.

SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE

 Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, traditional school districts, joint vocational school districts and chartered nonpublic schools must comply with minimum hours of instruction instead of a minimum number of school days each year.  School districts must be open for instruction for a minimum of:

• 910 hours for students in full-day kindergarten through Grade 6
• 1,001 hours for students in Grades 7-12

The change to an hour-based schedule means that school districts will no longer have calamity days. Instead, schools may schedule “excess” hours above the minimum number. Hours missed above the minimum do not have to be made up. However, if a school closes enough that it will fall below the minimum number of hours, the school must extend its scheduled year, or use the blizzard bag option.  The official school calendar adopted by the Board of Education includes enough additional hours that we were able to adjust our start date and still maintain a schedule that is significantly above the minimum number of hours.  Should weather conditions be such that we are close to reaching the minimum, we will consider all of the options and choose a solution that is in the best interest of our students and families. 

2014-2015 SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULES

The new elementary school is scheduled to open for students on January 5, following the holiday break.  We know that change can be challenging for our younger students, and we want to make this transition as smooth as possible.  To avoid any possibility of confusion, our school bus schedules will remain intact for the 2014-2015 school year.  All students who ride to the current elementary building will be eligible to ride the bus to the new school through May 29, 2015.  The one mile transportation limit to the new building will be effective at the start of the 2015-2016 school year.  We encourage parents to begin talking with their children early about the change from riding the bus to walking, or for current riders to become walkers.  Our staff is ready to help and will do everything possible to prepare your children for these changes. 

FACILITY PROGRESS

Bidding on the elementary school project was completed in two phases.  The first phase included all areas of construction.  The second phase is the technology package, which was recently completed.  Bids on the technology package came in $239,000 less than originally anticipated.  The bid for Phase 3 renovations to Vermilion High School and Sailorway Middle School will be opened in a few days.  Phase 3 includes the upgrades to the music rooms and construction of the field house.  Money for music area renovations was already set aside, but decisions about the field house are pending the pricing we receive from the bidders.  If the bids come in below what was anticipated, we may move forward with additional lighting upgrades or improvements at our bus garage. 

SCHOOL BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2

By now all of our schools have hosted various open house and back-to-school events and are welcoming students and their parents back to the buildings.  I hope that you are pleased with the changes that have taken place.  Best wishes to everyone as we start another exciting school year.