School Zone 9-19-13

BUSINESS ADVISORY MEETING

For the past few years we have met with business owners to share new ideas and listen to ideas and concerns.  This year I would like to invite all business owners to meet on Tuesday, October 8 at 8:00 AM at the Administration office, 1230 Beechview Drive.  We are truly interested improving our service to businesses.  We have some new ideas about ways we can collaborate with Vermilion businesses, including streamlining the fundraising efforts of our support groups and offering free advertising for local vendors.  I will be discussing future school district plans, and ways the Ohio Report Card impacts your business and our entire community.  I hope all Vermilion businesses will consider sending a representative to this meeting. 

EVENTS POSTED DAILY ON FACEBOOK

Are you a fan of Vermilion Schools on Facebook?  If not, you should be.  Facebook is a wonderful tool that we use daily to post reminders of school events, athletic team scores, student awards and achievements and other important school news.  We also use it to remind residents of community activities that are sponsored by our local non-profit organizations. If you are using Facebook and would like to stay in touch with our schools, please consider “liking” our page.  Search for us at facebook.com/vermilionschools . 

STUFF THE VAN FOR THE FOOD PANTRY

Vermilion High School is sponsoring a food drive at the home football game this Friday.  If you are attending the game, please bring a canned or non-perishable food item to the game and help us stuff our vans!  All donations will be given to the Vermilion Food Pantry.  Non-perishable items include powdered milk, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, powdered baby formula, baby food, peanut butter, pasta, canned meats, canned fruits, vegetables or soups.  Thank you for helping us fight hunger in Vermilion. 

                                                                            

VERMILION SCHOOLS IN TOLEDO BUSINESS JOURNAL

We were delighted to be featured in the September issue of the Toledo Business Journal.  The article was very complimentary of our project to consolidate our facilities onto one campus at no additional cost to taxpayers.  Both the City of Vermilion and Vermilion Schools are being recognized statewide for innovative and forward-thinking ideas.  We are hopeful that this recognition will help attract new businesses and residents to Vermilion. 

PARENTS:  PLEASE UPDATE YOUR STUDENT INFORMATION ONLINE

We still have quite a few parents that have not updated emergency contact information for their child.  Your contact information is very important in the event your child is injured.  It is also used to keep you informed about severe weather events and other important school announcements.  Please make it a priority to complete the update at https://studentinfo.vermilionschools.org/ .  Username and password information can be obtained from your child’s school office, or by contacting the Administration office at 440-204-1793.  

LUNCH MENUS

We have had a number of requests for school lunch menus.  The menus are available on our district website and paper copies will be available in the school offices very soon.   The menu is also printed in the Photojournal weekly.

SCHOOL ZONE 9-5-13

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS

A link to download, view or print the schedules for all of our athletic teams is posted on our district website, www.vermilionschools.org .  The bottom of the home page features our school event calendar for the year.  Most of the event dates for the school year are already posted, but please check back often for updates.  Your attendance at school events is a great way to join with your community as we support positive activities for students.  Please consider attending some of our many athletic, music or drama programs this year.

OHIO IMPROVEMENT PROCESS

All schools in Ohio are required to develop plans in accordance with the Ohio Improvement Process.  The goal of the Ohio Improvement Process is to improve district-wide instructional practices and student performance.  There are seven principals that district must strive to achieve when creating an improvement plan.  They are:

1.   A focused plan that aligns vision, mission, and philosophy.

2. The process is continuous and the plan is a dynamic document.
3. The process relies on quality data interpretation.
4. All leadership teams use a collaborative, collegial approach.
5. An efficient communication approach ensures all stakeholders are informed of progress.
6. The process produces one focused, integrated plan that directs all work and resources.
7. The process expects substantive changes in student performance and adult practices as a result of implementing, monitoring and evaluating the process and plan.

In years one and two each district was required to identify critical needs and develop a plan for improvement.  Last year was the first year for implementation and monitoring of the Plan.  This year the OIP team will further monitor the plan and evaluate its success. 

The Ohio Improvement Process Plan is designed to evolve as the needs of students and the district change.  The purpose of OIP is to shift the focus from single individuals to teams that can function as purposeful communities, distribute key leadership functions, align work system-wide while focusing on data-based district goals and ensure effective leadership is exercised at all levels of the system. 

Members of Vermilion’s District Leadership Team this year are Jim Balotta, Amy Hendricks, Abby Abernathy, Heidi Riddle, Donna Rini, Pat Graves, Brian Zeller, Beth Lambert, Heather Shoop, Jessica Schutrum, Bonnie Meyer, Julie Youskievicz, Matt Malear, Michele Stoffan, Sid Jordan, Shelly Innes and Lynda Adkins.  We would like to thank everyone that has given their time for the past 4 years as we created and implemented our improvement plan. 

EMPLOYMENT OF SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF

New this year our school district has joined with North Coast Shared Services Alliance (NCSSA) as our new service provider for substitute teachers and support staff.  Rachel Wixey and Associates is the contract provider that will handle applications and hiring of substitutes for Vermilion Schools.  They are now accepting applications for teacher substitutes and for support staff substitutes that include custodians, food service, food service monitors, educational aides, playground monitors, and clerical.  If you are interested in applying for teacher or support staff substitute positions for Vermilion Schools, please contact Rachel Wixey & Associates at 877-977-9499.   NOTE:  Bus Driver and bus monitor substitutes will still apply for employment through the Vermilion Schools website.  If you are interested in becoming a bus driver or monitor, please visit the employment link at www.vermilionschools.org .

REACHING ALL TYPES OF LEARNERS

Today educators are aware that there are many different types of learners.  In today’s media-savvy world, the old style classroom with the teacher as a lecturer is no longer a valid model for education.  We know that we must vary instruction so that we can offer students many opportunities for success.  Differentiated instruction seeks to help those students with specific learning challenges.  A greater challenge is to provide opportunities for typically developing students who find it difficult to focus in a traditional classroom environment.  In Vermilion we are constantly looking at ways to alter classroom dynamics and make instruction relevant to our students.  For example, the new elementary building will feature open classrooms that foster shared learning opportunities.  Another example is our Workforce Development program.  This program strives to focus specific students on career opportunities through job-focused training and internships.  I invite you to view a Ted Talks video in which speaker Cameron Herold discusses challenging students to be entrepreneurs.  Mr. Herold suggests the kinds of unique ideas that educators can use to challenge students.  The video can be found at http://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_herold_let_s_raise_kids_to_be_entrepreneurs.html.  To learn more about the Workforce Development program, please contact program coordinator Tim Lamb at 440-204-1700, extension 130.

SCHOOL ZONE 8-22-13

GRADE 8 ORIENTATION

Vermilion High School will host orientation for students entering 8^th grade tomorrow, Friday, August 23 from 9:00 AM to Noon.  Counselor Cara Habermehl selected and trained a group of 11^th and 12^th grade students to mentor and assist their younger peers.  The mentor group is known as “Link Crew”.  Each 8^th grader will be assigned to a mentor group led by two upperclassmen.  The purpose of the program is to welcome new students to VHS, and help them feel comfortable with their new school.  Following the introduction of mentors and an information session, students will be provided with lunch sponsored by Student Council and served by Vermilion police officers.  All students entering grade 8 are welcome to join the activities. 

STUDENTS ARE BACK TO SCHOOL NEXT WEEK

School begins on Tuesday, August 27.  Students will be traveling to and from school between the hours of 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 2:30 to 4:00 PM.  Please slow down and drive carefully in areas where students are traveling, and be cautious when approaching school buses.  Drop off and pickup areas for Vermilion Elementary and Sailorway Middle School will remain the same this year.  Parents who transport their children are reminded to remain in the designated pickup and drop off areas for the safety of their child.  Every effort is made to keep traffic flowing around the schools, but we do experience heavy traffic on some days, especially at the beginning of the year, or on bad weather days.  Please allow enough time in your schedule to safely navigate the traffic in school zones both before and after school. 

LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION

Distribution of student laptops began this week.  We are very appreciative of the cooperation and assistance of our parents and students as they picked up their equipment.  It is important to get laptops out to students early so that they are ready to begin classes on the first day of school.  Alternate pickup times are scheduled for those who were not able to attend the scheduled roll out date.  Please check the VHS and SMS web pages for details.

COUNSELORS HELP

Vermilion High School counselors are available to work with students on any schedule changes or concerns.  VHS counselors will be placing a greater emphasis on career and college readiness planning this year.  They will be working with students on an individual basis, and going into classrooms to speak about important career and college options. Some of the many topics that will be reviewed are scholarships, ACT prep, making school schedules compatible with career planning, weighted grades, PSEO and Vermilion Academy workforce development options.  Parents or students who wish to meet individually with a counselor should contact the VHS Student Services office to schedule a convenient appointment time.

CONSTRUCTION SITE

Preparation of the site for our new facility is well underway.  The area is fenced off for safety, but interested residents can view the progress from outside the fence.  Throughout the year we will be incorporating the construction project into classroom lesson plans and activities.  Projects will include science, engineering, architecture, use of folcrums and levers, equipment used in construction, water retention, where water will go, and how the site will be improved to avoid problems for neighbors.

TIME CAPSULE

Please begin thinking of ideas for items that should be included in the time capsule that will be placed in our new facility.  We would like your input on what to include in the capsule, and whether they should represent only school related items or all of Vermilion.  If you have ideas or items that you would like to include in the time capsule, please contact Cindy Akers at 440-204-1723.

MEMORABILIA COMMMITTEE

In response to requests from the community we are in the process of creating a memorabilia room at Vermilion High School.  The room is located at the gymnasium end of the building, and is connected to the Library.  Our plan is to house all of our memorabilia in this room, including class photos, trophies, awards and the like.  We will be honoring sports, music, academics, clubs, drama – any activity that has been a part of Vermilion Schools history.  Hall of Fame plaques and photos will be also be included in the collection.  Input from residents, former employees and alumni is needed to determine how the room should be organized and decorated.  We invite your participation on the committee that will oversee the completion of this project.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Denise Zielske at 440-204-1700, ext. 125.

BUSINESS ADVISORY MEETING

Each year we have hosted a meeting with our local businesses to share information and discuss ways we can help each other.  This year we hope to offer some new advertising opportunities within our stadium and gymnasium.  Business owners will receive a postcard invitation to the meeting soon after school begins. 

DRUG TESTING OPT-IN REMINDER

Students who participate in extra-curricular activities, purchase parking passes or qualify for special privileges are required to participate in the VHS student drug testing program.  Parents of students who do not qualify for drug testing can request that their child be added to the program.  Complete details on how to “opt-in” to the drug testing program is available on the Parent section of our website.  Visit www.vermilionschools.org and click on “Parents”. 

SCHOOL ZONE 7-25-13

NEW SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING

Thank you to everyone that attended the groundbreaking for our new school building. We were honored to have Senator Randy Gardner and Senator Gayle Manning join us.  I would like to thank all of our speakers and attendees for their participation in this special event. 

In the coming months we will be asking students and residents to participate in additional activities to  celebrate the construction and opening of the new school.  Some of our plans include a naming contest and a “beam signing” event.  A time capsule is being created and will be buried during the ribbon cutting ceremony.  As we get closer to the opening of the building we will ask the community for suggestions about items to place in the capsule.  Please continue to watch our website, Facebook page and the Photojournal for more information.   

BEST TEACHERS- WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY

The following is a motivational excerpt from an article by Karmi Gross on the “School Matters” blog. It is an important and motivational lesson for both parents and teachers. 

“I was recently visiting a school in Toronto where I serve as an educational consultant. One of my roles is to observe classroom teachers and provide feedback and guidance. I walked into a sixth grade class and experienced one of most amazing classes I had ever witnessed. As I began to leave the classroom, I felt that I simply had to say something. I stopped and asked the students if they appreciated what they had just experienced. Without waiting for their answer, I asked them all to stand and clap for their teacher and for the opportunity to have encountered true excellence. The teacher’s red face told me that they did not clap very often.  While I do not possess a clap-o-meter, it did interest me to know who would get the loudest applause. While not the most scientific of ways to gauge teacher success – and possibly the very worst determinant of such – the meter was running.

For the nine years I had served as principal of the school, the salute played out in pretty much the same way. Each teacher rose, received a hearty round of applause, and sat down. But one teacher was different. When her name was called, the needle went off the charts. At first I was shocked, but by the second or third repetition of the same phenomenon, I learned an extremely valuable lesson.  If you had asked me to predict which teacher would bring down the house and be voted ‘best teacher,’ she would not have topped my list. After all, there was the very popular seventh grade social studies instructor, whose spirited discussions about current events and the world around us always led to an extremely interesting class. Or, I would have nominated the guitar-playing fourth grade teacher, whom students loved for his creativity and for making learning so much fun. And indeed, the teacher recognition needle did move further north for these two teachers compared to the rest. But who would have guessed that it was our math teacher who would bring down the house?

To fully appreciate my surprise, one must understand who this teacher was. She spoke with a heavy Russian accent so that students only first began to understand her around November time. One to two hours of nightly homework were the norm, not the exception, and nothing but a death in the family – and only for very close relatives – could serve as an excuse. She was tough as nails, unforgiving, expected each student to perform at the top of his or her capabilities, and she let them know very clearly when they did not. Let me put it this way: If she was governing the USSR it never would have collapsed. And yet, it was in her honor that the entire auditorium gave a standing ovation, every year. 

So what did I learn? I learned that students love to have fun, but more importantly that they love to learn. At the end of the day, students realize which teacher will impact their future the most. They will not care how hard you make them work or how incredibly demanding you are. If you give them something valuable that will make them significantly better in the future, they will forever cherish that gift. They may even come to realize that the insistence on hard work, the long hours, the refusal to accept excuses and the complete disdain for whining somehow contributed to their success.  They know that they have been given the tools to achieve great things in life, and their teacher appreciation applause speaks volumes.

BACK TO SCHOOL

All of our school buildings are back to work and gearing up for the new school year.  Many of our music and athletic activities began practicing this week, and the students seem excited to return to school.  Please remember to visit our website, Facebook page and the Photojournal for updated information about transportation, open house dates and other back-to-school activities. 

SCHOOL ZONE 3-7-13

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Spring is always a busy time for our schools.  Here are some of the fun and exciting activities that are happening in the next few weeks:

Reading Celebration Week March 4 through 8 at Vermilion Elementary School, with the theme of “Reading is Our Thing”.   Every classroom had fun activities that were focused on the importance of reading.  Several classrooms had visiting “readers” who came in to share books and read to the students.  Last week students were able to purchase books from the book fair during parent-teacher conferences.

Friday March 8, 2013 is the last day for VHS students to schedule classes for the 2013-2014 school year.  If your child has not been scheduled, please contact the student services office at 440-204-1701, ext. 306.  Sophomore students at Vermilion High School will be taking the Ohio Graduation Test the week of March 11.  Students in grades 8, 9, 11 and 12 will be on a 2 hour delay during testing week.

Every year there is much excitement and anticipation for the Vermilion High School musical.  This year’s show “Little Shop of Horrors” will be presented March 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 PM.   The VHS track team will sponsor a spaghetti dinner on Friday, March 22 prior to the show.  We hope you will join us for a great performance.

SAFE SCHOOLS; HEALTHY STUDENTS; STRONG COMMUNITY NIGHT 

Are you interested in learning more about bullying prevention?  Interested in ideas to keep schools safe?  Want to see how distractions affect your ability to drive?  Vermilion High School will sponsor an evening of activities for parents, students and residents to enjoy fun and informational activities to promote understanding about how the affects of substance abuse, bullying and issues of mental health are related to school safety.  Some of the programs and activities planned for the evening will include:

• Information about the Olweus Bullying Prevention program that is in use throughout the school district. 
• An ODOT driving simulator that will demonstrate the results of distracted driving
• Information about mental health issues that may lead to school violence. and prevention strategies available to students, parents and community members.

School safety and drug prevention is very important in our schools.  We invite you to join us to learn more about how together we can keep our schools and community safe. 

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

The following employees were honored for the month of February.  Please visit our website to learn more about these outstanding employees.  

VHS employee of the month is Mr. Zachary Brock, who was nominated for the inspiring way he brings out creativity in students through writing and use of technology. He revamped the media journalism class and developed the new Sailor News Network featuring video announcements, book reviews, electives, news, special projects and upcoming events.  Mr. Brock also created an after school gaming club that attracts over 35 Mindcraft participants.  Mr. Brock came to Vermilion from southern Ohio in 2007 to teach English/language arts. He is always willing to go above and beyond to help his students and is a technology whiz! 

SMS employee of the month is 5^th grade Intervention Specialist Meeghan Costanzo.  Mrs. Costanzo is in her second year at Sailorway and has quickly established herself as a calming influence for her students.  She is caring and empathizes with all students, yet holds them accountable for their academics and actions.  Mrs. Costanzo is a Vermilion High School graduate and currently resides in Vermilion with her husband.  

Mrs. Lisa Dobinson, Reading Intervention teacher, is employee of the month at Vermilion Elementary School.  Mrs. Dobinson supports struggling readers in second grade with small group instruction.  She closely monitors student progress and individualizes interventions.  Her classroom is lively and fun and students thrive in the environment utilizing technology and many creative learning strategies.  She has established a “lunch bunch” as a motivator for students to improve their fluency scores.  Students keep track of their own learning through graphing and are proud of their achievements.  Mrs. Dobinson embraces the philosophy of “whatever it takes” in helping her students find success in reading.  She models her love of reading daily and works hard to instill that love in all her students.   Mrs. Dobinson assists the classroom teachers by providing additional intervention strategies and materials to help all readers.  Last summer, Mrs. Dobinson organized and led a summer reading program.  This school year, she is teaching the after school “Success Camp” for third grade students.  Mrs. Dobinson is positive and extremely energetic.  Her friendly demeanor helps to make VES a great place to learn and to work.