SCHOOL ZONE 5-28-15

NEW WEIGHT ROOM EQUIPMENT
We are excited and proud to announce that we will be outfitting the new field house with brand new weight room equipment due to a generous donation from Pat O’Brien Chevrolet. The remainder of the equipment needed to outfit this room will be donated by the Vermilion Athletic Boosters. The Boosters also committed to paying for an upgrade to the flooring in this room. I would like to express our appreciation to Pat O’Brien for his amazing donation to this facility. It will be wonderful for our students to have access to new and updated equipment as they prepare for competition. Mr. O’Brien and his dealership exceeded our expectations and are truly committed to helping Vermilion Schools improve. The public will be able to tour this facility and see all of these improvements by mid-July.

The existing weight room equipment will be offered for sale to the public after May 30. If you are interested in viewing the available equipment, please contact Athletic Director Andrew Stillman at 440-204-1701, ext. 361.
 
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
As part of our commitment to making the student the focus of every decision we make, we are considering an expansion of our special education services. We believe that a segment of our special education population is currently under-served. Autism is a diagnosis on the special education spectrum that is increasing every year. This leaves many families searching for alternative education programs that have, until now, been outside of our school district. I will be taking a recommendation to the Board of Education at a future meeting to create space within our high school to serve students from ages 14 through 18 who have this diagnosis. We believe that this will help our students and families by not forcing them to travel outside our district on a daily basis. We are at the beginning stages of a five-year plan that will expand our special education offerings and will create many opportunities for students with special needs. More information will be shared in future articles.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARD NIGHT
Without exception each group of Seniors graduates has amazing talents and skills. Many community organizations and local residents generously donated more than $122,000 in scholarship funds this year to recognize students for their achievements. The 2015 graduating class is well prepared and highly qualified for advanced education and careers. Whether going on 2 or 4 year colleges, trade schools, technical schools, or entering the workforce, we believe each student will do great things in the future. Our school district remains committed to preparing students for whatever they have a passion to do, and we encourage graduates to give back to their community as they move out of school and into their adult lives.

GRADUATION THIS SUNDAY
Graduation day for Seniors is this Sunday, May 31 at 1:00 PM in the gymnasium at Vermilion High School. The ceremony will also be live streamed for those who are not able to be present in person. Watch our website and Facebook page for more information.

SAILORWAY CLOSING
The City of Vermilion will be paving portions of Sailorway Drive from Douglas Street to Sanford Street throughout the summer months. With the increase in traffic flowing through this area in recent years, this project is a much needed. We are very pleased and grateful that City Council and Mayor Bulan made the decision to improve Sailorway Drive this year. We urge you to be cautious of the work crews when traveling around our campus, and watch for detours and routing changes. Our buildings will be accessible from Sanford Street and State Route 60 throughout the summer months.

SCHOOL ZONE 4-14-15

ALUMNI SOCIAL AND MEMORABILIA SALE

Vermilion School’s alumni and guests are invited to a special Alumni Social on Thursday, May 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Vermilion High School.  We hope that many of you will visit VHS to socialize and reminisce with your peers and former classmates.  The evening will feature an auction of memorabilia items, live music, light food and beverages, and tours of the newly renovated high school.  Proceeds from the sale will support the Yearbook and Broadcast Journalism programs.

SCHOOL TRAGEDY

We were all deeply affected by the tragic loss of one of our students this week.  Xander Cormier was a bright, happy and fun loving kindergarten student who dreamed of becoming a superhero so he could help others.  Our teachers and his fellow students will miss his great smile and positive attitude.  The loss of a friend is difficult for all of us, but especially for our younger students.  Our counseling staff was available throughout the week to help teachers and students through this painful time.  Please join us in keeping this young family in your prayers and thoughts.  If you are interested in assisting them with medical and other expenses, a fund has been set up for donations.  Visit http://www.gofundme.com/u2jab3b3  to make your donation. 

PROGRESS ON FIELD HOUSE

It is exciting to watch the daily progress on the field house, with walls now taking shape and decisions being made about interiors and equipment.  We are looking forward to next year when all of our students will be on a single campus.  The improvements in the area, such as road paving, landscaping and new grass around the building, a sidewalk connecting the athletic complex, etc. will make our school district one that we can all be proud of.  Our campus will be a standout for visitors who come for school and community events, and will hopefully help with Vermilion’s tourism efforts.  We are also excited to begin offering all of these amenities to our students and the entire community.  Everyone will be welcome to take advantage of what the buildings offer.  Our goal is to keep the doors open as much as possible for use by residents.  We take pride in what the community has created, and will continually look for ways to improve. 

PROM THIS WEEKEND

The theme of this year’s Prom is “Enchanted Forest” and preparations are underway to transform the school for those attending the dance on Saturday.  As always, we welcome parents and visitors to view and take pictures of the students as they arrive from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.  I would like to mention and give a special thank you to the Prom-to-Dawn committee for their dedication in offering Prom attendees an exciting and fun place to gather after the Prom ends.  Both events take a lot of work to prepare, but the result is a safe and enjoyable weekend for our students and their guests. 

END OF SCHOOL EVENTS

As we wind down the school year, I hope you will take time to join us for some of the many special events that are happening this year.  Below is a list of activities that are open to the public – we hope to see you there!

May 16, 6-7 PM          Viewing of VHS Prom arrivals

May 18, 6:00 PM        Bob Lenz Bullying Program, VHS Auditorium

May 19, 7:00 PM        VHS Instrumental Music Spring Concert, VHS Auditorium

May 20, 7:00 PM        VHS Choral Contemporary Music Concert, VHs Auditorium

May 21, 6:30 PM        Third Thursday – VHS Soundsation and Jazz Ensemble at Main Street Beach

May 23, 9:00 AM       Relay For Life to support American Cancer Society – VHS Stadium