End of Year Info 2010

CHECKOUT TIMES & LOCATIONS:
TUESDAY, JUNE 1st: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2nd: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Front Office

Hard to believe, but once again, we are wrapping up another school year – one that will go down in the history of Celina High School as the last year on a 9-period day. At this time of year, I always find myself reflecting upon the previous school year, all the while looking toward and thinking about the future. One of the great things about our profession is that we have the opportunity to take a summer-long break from what we do on a daily basis to refresh our mind, body, and soul. We all need this break in our profession – it re-energizes us and prepares us for a fresh start next school year!

This past year brought about many changes… we added many new staff members: Phil Metz, Cricket Smith, Derek Wenning, Toma Hainline, Katie Parrish, Meta Dreyer, Annie Homan, and Megan Bornhorst. Sadly, we will also be saying good-bye to many staff members: Kathleen Everitt, Pat Franzer, Sheila Meyer, Tim O’Donnell &amp Harry McPheron to retirement and Amy Luebke, Katie Parrish, & Annie Homan (moving to Elementary buildings).

In reflecting upon this past year, it seems so long ago that only some of us had Smart Boards when we arrived in August! Can you remember back to that first workday when the ‘new freshmen’ arrived for the 1st ever Freshmen Orientation? Oh, they seemed so cute and innocent (if only it were true!). It also looks like we were successful again in earning an Excellent rating on our Report Card (if the initial results hold true!).

Looking toward next year, we face major challenges and changes. Beyond the most obvious (schedule change), we are faced with 2 ½ staff position cuts (1 intervention and 1 ½ special ed), the implementation of advisory, and an ever changing student that seems to be more interested in their cell phone than anything else! We all know that our job of educating students is indeed one of the most difficult jobs. HOWEVER, remember that “We choose to… do [these] things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard!” (John F. Kennedy, 1962). Watch the video of this speech and/or read the full text (look below...) and envision JFK talking about the things we do in the classroom (as opposed to landing on the moon!).

This is a noble profession and a difficult one. But never forget that no matter what, it is a profession worth our effort & time!

In regard to next year and the years to come, please consider your individual and professional goals as they relate to your position and this building. Complete the attached survey/questionnaire and return it upon checkout.


"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon... (interrupted by applause) we choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too."  Get the full speech.

CELL PHONE POLICY CHANGE

As we all know, most of our students carry a cell phone every day.  While many follow our rules and keep them in their lockers, there are still many that insist on carrying them to class.  Often, it feels as though we are fighting a losing battle.  I have recently come across many articles that speak to the advantages of technology (including cell phones) in the classroom.  We have held many discussions in the office about possible changes to the policy.   Given these things, we would like to do a trial run next week of a possible change to the policy for next year.

Starting next week, students will be allowed to carry their phone with them throughout the day.  They should be TURNED OFF during class.  However, students will be allowed to use them in between classes and at lunch.  With this responsibility given to the students comes stricter punishments.  We will automatically keep their phone for a week (even after school is out) and they will automatically receive at least one day of in-school suspension for their first offense.

This policy should not change what happens in the classroom.  Students should still not be using their phones in the classroom (unless you have a specific activity for them in which they need their cell phone...).  We still ask that you report any misuse of phones during school.

The purpose of this policy change is to TEACH THE STUDENTS THE PROPER USE OF CELL PHONES DURING SCHOOL.

PLEASE DO NOT DISCUSS THIS WITH STUDENTS, WE WILL MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO ROLL IT OUT TO STUDENTS VERY SOON.

Please feel free to comment (click the comment button below).    

OGT Results

Check out our history of OGT scores, including the initial results from the test in March:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR THESE TESTS!!

Upcoming Dates & Information

Thursday, May 13th: Intent Letters Due for Supplemental Positions -- send to Jason

Friday, May 14th: Senior Awards Assembly... see schedule
May 24 & 25: Senior Exams -- normal schedule, test students during class time
Tuesday, May 25: Last day for Seniors
Friday, May 28: Graduation Practice
Saturday, May 29: Graduation @ 10:30 AM
May 27 - June 1: Underclassmen Exams

Scheduling Update

I have heard many questions over the last several weeks regarding the Master Schedule and when teachers will know what their individual schedules will look like.  In addition, many teachers have asked about filling the vacancies that will be left by retirees.  While I don't have all the answers yet, I can give a little insight. 

First of all -- in regard to filling vacancies -- I know very little here.  I will continue to be in contact with individual department chairs regarding these positions and whether or not we will fill them. I should know more very soon.  A great deal depends on the financial state of our district.  I will tell you that we are not losing student population next year.  Currently, we have 806 students at CHS.  We will graduate approximately 171.  Next year's freshmen class is about 233... in other words, we grow next year.  In addition, because of the new schedule, there are actually fewer sections available... meaning losing teachers will be difficult.  In regard to the Master Schedule: We have made a great deal of progress.  What began months ago with registration has now turned into something that sort of looks like a master schedule!  Our process works like this: register students determine number of sections needed / offered develop a master schedule, starting with singletons (classes only offered once like AP courses, band, choir, etc.) and then working on individual departments put the rough draft master schedule into DASL run the student scheduler make adjustments based on conflicts Currently we are at step 6... making MANY adjustments.  When we do step #5, the computer tells us what percentage of students got a full schedule.  We will typically finalize with somewhere around 75%.  Last year, we hit 80%.  The rest of the schedules have to be done by hand.  This is the point at which we will release the schedule to the staff -- very few changes occur after this point.  Our first run this year was 34%  :(   With a great deal of tweaking, lots of scrutinizing, and much deliberation (mostly by Wendy & Lynne), we now have the number all the way up to 70%!!!  This is the most difficult schedule I have worked on and I know Wendy and Lynne concur!  Please be patient... we will put the schedule out VERY soon.  I know you are all anxious and need to begin planning for next year.  My best guess would be a beta version release sometime next week!!!!

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Just a few quick notes...

• At the Art Show on Sunday, many students were honored for their art work.  Many thanks to the students, Mrs. Place, Mrs. Sutter, and Mercer Savings Bank.  Pictured at right is Kate Imwalle, winner of the Principal's Award.  Kate's painting will be mounted in the office. 
• On Saturday May 1, the Celina High School Concert Band earned an overall rating of "Excellent" at the OMEA Concert Band State Finals in Findlay. The adjudicators had many positive things to say, and our students represented their school and community in an outstanding manner. Congratulations to all for a fine job!  [FYI -- this bullet came from Chuck's band blog... check it out at: http://celinabands.blogspot.com/]
• The Academic Awards went very well last night.  We had a VERY large crowd and it was a lot of fun to see so many of our students recognized in so many ways.  Here are some interesting facts:
• 83 students received Academic Awards
• 155 different awards were given
• 45 different families and organizations gave scholarships
• $67,409 in scholarships were given to seniors in the class of 2010
• $3,500 -- The amount of the largest scholarship of the evening given to Jessica Ahrns
• MANY THANKS TO ALL STAFF WHO PARTICIPATED LAST NIGHT.  Of all the events and activities that our school sponsors, this one is truly my favorite! 

Feel free to post comments and your thoughts/feedback to this post!!  Simply click on the word 'comment' below.