New Door Schedule

Beginning with our first day back to school on Wednesday, January 2nd, we will have a new electronic door schedule.  This WILL IMPACT anyone entering the building during the school day, so PLEASE READ!

All doors will be unlocked for student and teacher entry beginning at 6:30 AM every school day (front door at 5:45 AM).  Teachers may enter earlier with a fob.  All doors will be locked at 7:30 AM and will remain locked for the rest of the day (front door unlocked all day).  Any staff member that needs to re-enter the building during the day should take a fob with them when they leave the building or re-enter through the front door.  Teachers of students with classes in the CAPT building should plan to walk those students back to the building to unlock the doors for the students.  Any student entering the building during the school day should plan to enter through the front doors.  

This change is simply a safety precaution.    Please do not 'prop' any door open during the school day.

Your help and understanding in this security step is greatly appreciated!

Friday Focus #16: 12.21.12

Merry Christmas!

Well we made it… made it to Christmas break and the ‘end of the world’ day.  Hopefully there is a tomorrow!  Hard to believe, but we are now one-third of the way through the first trimester (Thursday was day 20!).  

Here at the end of the calendar year, it is a good time to reflect upon the year – your individual goals and accomplishments as well as our school’s goals and accomplishments.  It’s also a fantastic time to begin contemplating your New Year’s Resolutions.  Every year in the 1st Friday Focus of the new calendar year, I ask the staff to think about your own goals (personal and professional) for the new year.  Here is a link to last year’s New Year's Resolution post for your reading enjoyment! 


New & Notes: 

New Assessments
The state is currently working on a ‘blueprint’ plan for the transition from the old assessments to the new assessments.  According to ODE, this blueprint will be available sometime in January. 

Course Selection Guide
Department Chairs currently have in their possession the course descriptions from each department.  Any and all changes to the course descriptions are due no later than January 15th in order to be ready for the Course Selection Guide.   Please pitch any ideas for new courses to me sometime soon! 

Tech Tuesday
Tech Tuesday will return after the first of the year.  We are currently looking for topics.  Right now, I have several sessions scheduled with Tri Star teachers.  These sessions won’t necessarily be the traditional ‘Tech’ topics… instead, these teachers will be giving a brief overview of their programs.  Tim Buschor (Tri Star director) and I felt this would be a good way to inform teachers about program offerings.  These will be optional sessions, but teachers are encouraged to attend… you will certainly feel better equipped to ‘advise’ students when scheduling time comes.  


merry Christmas & happy new year!


happy birthday
1/3/13 Jodi Wenning

Friday Focus #15: 12.14.12

During this crazy and busy time of year, it is easy to get caught up in the business and craziness and miss some of the great things going on around us.  Here are some reminders:

• A group of students and teachers brought over 1,200 new toys to Dayton Children's Hospital earlier this week. 
• Student Council will be shopping for presents this weekend, with money raised through Dime Wars and other fundraisers, for area children in need. 
• Our Choir performed the Messiah for the community on Tuesday night. 

These are just a few of the great things going on around us... I know there are many more examples of greatness all around us.  Please share ... Small [or LARGE] Acts of Kindness:

I am looking for stories of students, staff, or other school community members that have done something really great recently... stories that demonstrate or embody the true holiday spirit.  I don't need anything long or detailed -- it can be as simple as "I saw Johnny stop to pick up Jimmy's books when he dropped them in the hallway" or it can be detailed.   I would like to feature these stories on the Bulldog News blog next week.  Please share if you can!

Here are some reminders of events going on next week: 

Jeans WeekNext week is an optional Jeans Week.  For a minimum $5 donation to cover the whole week (more if you would like), you can wear Jeans all week.  All proceeds from next week will go to the Imagination Library Fund.  This is a very worthwhile cause and as funding is limited, the program is in danger.  Help us keep this program alive with a donation next week.  If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, you can write a check to the Mercer County Civic Foundation, Attn: Imagination Library.  

 We will go with themes next week to get in the Holiday Spirit: 

Monday - Christmas sock day Tuesday - Christmas tie day [I have 6 extras --- first come first serve --- in the office!]Wednesday - Christmas Accessory day (scarf, earrings, bracelets, etc.)Thursday - Christmas Hat Day Friday - Christmas Sweater day (ugly is optional/necessary?!)  [there are talks that there may be an ugliest sweater and a 'best' sweater contest on Friday -- with prizes... stay tuned!]

Staff Christmas LuncheonTuesday during Lunch... today is the last day to sign up to attend.  See Kassie or CJ if you haven't paid your money and would still like to join in.  Great Food and Lots of Fun!

Staff Christmas PartyAlso a great time... Also must pay by today.  Games, food, and lots of fun.  Don't miss this great party!

Week in 3 WordsI thought it would be fun to bring back the week in 3 words next week.  Please help out by volunteering to record during your advisory class or any other time during the day.  We are looking for staff & students to participate!  Please record by the end of the day Wednesday.  See Kassie for a camera. 

Stuco Christmas AssemblyThis is planned for Friday, December 21st.  Time & details to follow soon!

Other items of note:

ATTENDANCE
This is just a friendly reminder to TAKE ATTENDANCE every period.  This is so important and MUST be completed every day, every period.  Make it a habit!


OGT Success

All teachers should have received an email earlier this week regarding a Google Doc with OGT scores from the Fall 2012 administration.  I have included a link to this document on the Destination Data tab at the top of the blog.  This can ONLY be accessed by logging in with your Celina Schools Google account.

As I have shared with many of you, our district and building are currently involved with Ohio Improvement Process (aka OIP).  OIP is basically a process put in place to help schools improve.  Why do we need to improve you ask?  Essentially, there is a gap between our students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers when comparing Reading and Math OGT results.  That gap on average is 45%.  This is significant!  OIP is intended to help us close that gap.  You will hear more about OIP and what it means in the coming weeks and months.  In the meantime, we need to continue to hit the standards and prepare our students for the OGT.  We have taken the 9^th grade practice OGT results and identified a group of current sophomores that need some intervention.  Those students are getting that extra intervention during advisory period 4 days a week.  THIS INTERVENTION TAKES PRIORITY over all other advisory activities and events – including making up tests & quizzes and other meetings.  These students are available on Fridays (unless that is being used as a make-up day for OGT intervention) and could have to take make-up quizzes and tests during regular class time.

For the record, our OGT intervention plans have been very successful in the past.  For data to back that up, check out the document titled ‘OGT RTI 2012’ under destination data.  Thanks to those teachers that have been involved in helping with this intervention. 

Professional Dress

This topic was brought up on Wednesday during Employee Council and Mr. Steiner asked that all building principals address this issue with the building staff.  First and foremost, let me begin by saying that if we see an issue with your appearance or professionalism, we will address the issue with you individually.  I do not want this to be perceived as one of those blanket reprimands that only applies to a handful of people. 

That being said, here are some reminders on professional dress.

•  Make sure you are following or exceeded the standard set forth in the student dress code (skirts, shorts, dresses or ‘sweaters over leggings’ fingertip length, etc.)

• On jeans days…

a.       no holes or rips in your jeans

b.      wear a nice top – something that makes you look like a teacher

The bottom line is, dress for success.  Be certain that how you dress separates you from the students.  Should you have questions, comments or concerns, please let us know!  In the meantime, if Phil or I notice a problem or have a concern, we will let you know. 

Happy Birthday!

12/16     Jared Rolfes

12/21     Alicia Sneddon

Ok... that seems like a lot of information!  Thanks for reading!  Have a great weekend!

Friday Focus #14: 11.30.12

Here we are... in that wonderful period of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas break.  Typically a shorter series of school days, this year we have 19 between the two breaks... that is one-third of the 2nd trimester!  That means we must work even harder to keep students on task and focused.  Sometimes it is the subtle things that make the difference in this task...

• Be in the halls between classes and greet students at the door: a simple enough concept, but hard in practice.  I know that five minutes between classes is valuable time that you need to meet with a student or make an adjustment to your lesson, but it really is vital that you make an effort to do this as often as possible... really at least twice a day. 
• Continue to expect a certain standard of behavior: 
• don't let students sleep during class...  (please DO NOT let them sleep... wake them up, warn them, give them a 15 minute detention, and if it persists, report it to the office)
• don't let them go to their locker without a pass... 
• don't let them use their cell phone inappropriately....  etc. 

Thanks for reading...  here are a few more important items to note: 

Lockdown

The lockdown drill went fairly well yesterday.  Unlike the 'practice' drill we did right before exams, this actual lockdown drill was our yearly requirement for the state of Ohio.  Some people were confused by the difference between a practice lockdown and a lockdown drill.  Here it is... 

During the practice, we will give verbal directions over the PA to send the lockdown email, lock your door, BUT CONTINUE TEACHING.   

During the lockdown drill, we will use the phrase: "Please proceed to lockdown the building."  This means shut off the lights, lock and close your door, send the attendance email, and get your students to a location that cannot be seen from the door (tell them to be quiet).  

Make sure you leave directions for your substitute if you are out so that they know what to do in the case of a lockdown (or fire/tornado).   Remember to remain in lockdown until the 'ALL CLEAR' papers are under your door.   PLEASE RETURN THESE 'ALL CLEAR' papers to the office. 

Destination Data

In a continuous effort to use and share more data, I will continue to add things to the 'Destination Data' tab here on the blog. 

 The most recent addition is a rough spreadsheet on the acheivement gap on the sophomore administration of the OGT between Student's with Disabilities (IEP students) and Non-Disabled Students.  This data goes back to 2008 and is broken down by content area and is listed in percentages.  I have also added columns for averages.  

The average gap between these groups is: 45%.  This is significant.  

Many of you have heard me use the phrase recently: Improvement Year 3.  Essentially, this means we will be getting more attention from the state, namely the State Support Team 6 (SST6).  You will also be hearing us talk a great deal about the Ohio Improvement Process (aka: OIP).  Don't worry... this is nothing terrible and it fits in with Race to the Top, FIP, SLO's, Curriculum Mapping, and the new evaluation system.  Sounds like a lot, I know, but let's take baby steps!  We are currently revamping our OGT intervention plan for sophomores, giving more attention to at risk students, especially in reading and mathematics, as this will help us get out of School Improvement status.  

Stay tuned for details and more info, but this is enough for now!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Birthdays

11/27   Mary Jo Alig

12/1     Mary Meyer

Friday Focus #13: 11.16.12

Well....  the first trimester has come to a close, which means we are one-third of the way through the year!  I hope everyone made it through exams OK.  Always seems hectic during exam time, but we appreciate the teamwork and extra effort on everyone's part to ensure all testing is completed and accommodations are given appropriately.  Thanks to those of you that read tests during your planning period.  I know sometimes this puts you behind the '8-ball', but the team approach we use is truly appreciated.  

Please use this transition to the new trimester to refocus and re-energize.  Part of the advantage of the trimester is the complete 're-start' we get every 60 school days.  You get new students, a new schedule, and a new set of classes.  So do the students.  Bring the same energy Monday morning that you do on the 1st day of the school year!

Below are some important items....  please read: 

Grade Entry Timeline CHANGES

A request came from our Department Chair meeting Wednesday to push back the grade entry timeline. Here is what we came up with: 

• Trimester grades are due MONDAY 11/19 @ 9 AM
• Exam grades & FINAL grades are due TUESDAY 11/20 @ 7:30 AM

This will allow us to begin going through eligibility -- as this is only based on the trimester grade and not the FINAL grade -- for winter athletes on Monday and then be ready to print Grade Cards on Tuesday.  Hopefully this will help with exam grading for teachers. 

Exam Oddities

If you have a student that missed an exam, please do one of two things: 

1. arrange with the student to 'make-up' the exam... this may be difficult if you don't have the student 2nd tri            OR
2. send the test to the office...  we will make the students take the test here. 

In the meantime, use "I" (for incomplete) if the student does not take the exam. 

Cheating & Plagiarism Policy

In case you haven't studied the student handbook recently, here is some timely and useful information/reminders about our policy.  The policy can be found on page 41 of the handbook under Rule 24.  Essentially, it states that if students are found to be cheating or plagiarizing, the teacher should give a zero for the assignment (even if it is the exam), call the parents, and report the offense to the office via a disciplinary report.  

We track these offenses and deal with multiple offenses accordingly.  

Inservice Day

Everyone should have received an email from Curt Shellebarger regarding the inservice day next week. We will all begin at 7:45 AM in the lecture hall for a district meeting.  From the lecture hall, all district teachers will be split... some will go to curriculum mapping (mostly core content and some special ed teachers) and all others will stay in the lecture hall for Student Learning Objectives (SLOs).  

Click on the title of the session to ensure your name is on the correct list.  If you think there is an error or you are left off, let me know IMMEDIATELY!

The day will go until 3 PM.  

Celina Wellness UPdate

If you are the one taking down the CWUP from some of the restrooms and throwing them away, please stop.  :)  If there is an issue or concern we need to know about, let us know!  Your Wellness Committee members from CHS are: Jason Luebke, Wendy Gabes, Chuck Smith, and Kim Smith

THANKS!

Christmas Party Info...

Just so you know...   

...the staff Christmas Luncheon (catered by Mench) will be on Tuesday, December 18th.  More info to follow. 

... the annual staff Christmas Party will be held at Calico Cafe on Friday, December 21st.  This is the last day of school before Christmas Break.  As usual, we will have a meal, followed by some games, and a very fun gift exchange.  This is always a great evening and a lot of fun.  Please plan to attend -- and bring your significant other!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

11/17   Brian Stetler

11/21   Candy Weitz

Friday Focus #12: 11.9.12

"Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them."

~ Aristotle

I hope everyone enjoyed the day off yesterday...  heard a lot of people say this morning that they felt rested and got a lot done yesterday!   Hopefully you had a chance to attend the Fall Play last week and/or will have an opportunity to see the choir performance this weekend.  These productions are truly a great reminder of the reason we all went into education -- KIDS!  Despite the headaches we encounter at times, we really do have a great job.  While difficult sometimes to see the direct impact we have on students day-to-day, what we do in the classroom and beyond for our students really is IMPORTANT!   An Evening of Motown Tickets are still available for the Choir Production for tonight @ 8 PM and Saturday @ 7 PM.  Presale tickets are $5 (email Cricket) or purchase at the door for $8.  We hope you will be able to come out and enjoy the music of the Temptations, Supremes, Jackson 5, and other wonderful Motown artists!   End of Trimester Info Exam Info For the Exam Schedule, look under the 'Schedules' tab at the top of the page.  You can refer students to the 'schedules' tab on www.CHSBulldogNews.org. If you have SENIOR TRI STAR STUDENTS 3rd period... they will take their exam on THURSDAY right after the conclusion of the shortened 3rd period.  We will proctor those exams in the office/lecture hall if you are unable to proctor them in your classroom.  Please send them down to us AHEAD of time! Students MUST be here during exams.  Students are NOT allowed to leave during intervention periods (or any other period).  Please have your students eat lunch at YOUR normally scheduled time.  On Friday, we eat during 3rd period... be sure to tell your students in advance what lunch YOU eat.   Grade Reporting Info If you believe a student might fail your course, please send the name via email to Wendy AND Lynne ASAP and no later than 2 PM on Friday, Nov. 16.  This will allow them to begin re-working schedules.  Grades are due by 9 AM on Monday, November 19th.   Special Ed Info It’s Progress Report time again!!! I know that you’re ecstatic and can hardly contain yourself!! So, here are a few dates to keep in mind: Red Progress Report folders will be distributed to all teachers Monday, November 12, 2012. We ask that Red Progress Report folders are returned to the clear bins on the side of the mailboxes by 7:25 A.M., Tuesday, November 20, 2012 so we can redistribute them to the Special Education Teachers. Please return the Blue Acura Folders to Renee/Jared anytime on/before Friday, November 16, 2012! Don’t worry about throwing any of the paperwork away, we will go through them and shred everything for confidentiality purposes! We are hoping to have the new 2nd Trimester "IEP at a Glances" out to the teachers by the end of the day Wednesday, November 28, 2012. Please check to see if students have the PASS/FAIL accommodation and be sure to communicate with the teacher who holds the IEP whether or not it is applicable for the student. Attendance Info Donna has a file in the Attendance folder on the Public Share Drive titled "1st Tri - 8 or more absences".  Please refer to this to determine if a student is 'over' on attendance.  Remember, our policy states that students do not get credit for days they are absent after 7 in a trimester.   Also find the file 'Attendance Updates' to see any changes that have been made to absence types.   Thank Donna for keeping such great records! Tech Tuesday No Tech Tuesdays until December 4th.   Calendar of Events Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly... HAPPY BIRTHDAY 11/11   Michelle Voress

Friday Focus #11: 11.2.12

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."

~ Booker T. Washington

This has been a rough week... in more ways than one.  But in the tough times, we build character, we lean on each other, and we get through!

The words of encouragement and support that Phil & I have received this week mean more than anyone can imagine.

As a staff, you guys have done a fantastic job of handling the situation this week.  From downplaying things in the classroom, to offering support, you have done a great job.  Despite what may happen in and around our school, I have CONFIDENCE that we will continue to expect EXCELLENCE.  No one can argue our reputation for success with our students.  Keep up the great work!

Today's Friday Focus will be brief and to the point.  Below is a message from the Project Wisdom materials that I felt timely and appropriate.  Please read!

"For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's easy to know what to be grateful for. Shelter, health, food, love, and friends all appeal to our senses and allow us to feel immediate gratitude. What about everything else, though, like a challenging day in the classroom or a relationship gone sour?

How's your gratitude attitude when times are tough?

A true test of our attitude can be found not simply during the good times, but when obstacles appear on our path and we must push through, learning from the challenges presented and gaining a greater appreciation for everything in our lives.

With something to think about . . .

Also... if anyone is interested, I posted the morning announcement on the CHS Bulldog News blog.  Feel free to share with others.  THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT @ CHS!



Happy Birthday
11/2    Kristi Stachler

Friday Focus #10: 10.26.12

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Co-Teaching Webinar
Next week ON MONDAY there is a 'webinar' on co-teaching sponsored by SST6.  The webinar will feature Marilyn Friend, the featured speaker at last year's co-teaching two-day inservice in May.  This session is open to ANYONE interested in co-teaching.  It will take place from 3:30 - 4:30 in the lecture hall.  There are stipends available to those attending through the SST6.  Please email Jason by noon on Monday if you are interested.


FIP
Next Wednesday is our next FIP inservice.  We will not be having a faculty meeting prior to the inservice as we originally discussed.  Instead, we plan to begin promptly at 7:10 AM in the lecture hall.  Be sure to watch Module 2 prior to Wednesday morning!




Remind 101
Trying something new.... I have created a Remind 101 account for CHS Staff.  Info is on the right hand side of the blog.  Sign up to receive LIMITED messages regarding school events via text message.



Tech Tuesday
Next week's Tech Tuesday will be Online Learning.  This will mostly be an open discussion about Online Learning, its future in our educational system, and how we plan to proceed at CHS.  Come with ideas, thoughts, and an open mind!  For more information, see the info found in last week's Friday Focus regarding 'Changing High School'.

Also, don't forget that you can request or offer to present a Tech Tuesday topic here or you can see upcoming topics here.   These links can ALWAYS be found under the Tech Tuesday tab at the top of the blog.


Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
10/29   Bruce Boley
10/30   Dave Maurer
11/2     Wendy Gabes
11/2     Ryan Jenkins

Online Learning

Hopefully you read Friday Focus #9 and the section regarding online learning.  A comment stream has begun with a great question by Dan Gudorf at the bottom of that post.  You can read Dan's question, my response, and any other comments [OR WRITE YOUR OWN QUESTION OR THOUGHTS] by clicking here: http://goo.gl/Lf5sv

We will have a group discussion during Tech Tuesday on October 30th.

Friday Focus #9: 10.19.12

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

The Lorax (Dr. Suess)

Levy Information
We are in need of some help as we gear up for the final push for the levy.  Here are some things each of you can do to help pass the levy:

• Door Hangers: We will be distributing door hangers next weekend.  If you are able to distribute to a section of the community, please sign-up in the office.  We are staying within the city limits for the most part, and we are trying to get as many volunteers as possible.  
• Get a sign for your yard... there are still a couple left in the office. 
• Talk to people.  This can be the most influential method of getting YES votes.  Voters need to know what the issues are and why they need to vote yes.  If you have questions about the levy or any of the specifics, please feel free to ask.  I know it can be uncomfortable sometimes to talk to people about political issues, but make an attempt to promote our levy whenever possible. 

Report Card Data
Under the 'Destination Data' tab above, you will find a link to the spreadsheet from ODE with report card data.  Individual schools can be found under the 'Traditional Schools' tab in the document.  As indicated earlier, we hit all of our indicators and are EXCELLENT again!


Tech Tuesday
Next week's Tech Tuesday will be Digital Footprint.  Carol Bader & Chris Sutter will be leading this session on Tuesday morning and afternoon.  Come learn about their research on 'Digital Footprints' and what they are teaching their freshmen about online etiquette.

Also, don't forget that you can request or offer to present a Tech Tuesday topic here or you can see upcoming topics here.   These links can ALWAYS be found under the Tech Tuesday tab at the top of the blog.



Hometown Opportunities
The Mercer County Community Development Group in conjunction with the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce has started an initiative called 'Hometown Opportunities'.  Essentially, they are making an effort to attract our own high school graduates from Mercer County to come back and work.  Members of the group include business owners, community members, and school officials.  More to come soon...

In the meantime, they are sponsoring a video contest.  Video submissions are eligible to win an iPad.  If anyone is interested in sharing this with students, either for them to do independently, through a class, or maybe even during advisory, here is the information: http://goo.gl/V4mHq.

To sign up, they must first go to http://www.hometownopportunity.com/ and enter their name and email address.


Changing High School
The department chairs recently had a discussion regarding some changes that are on the way.  The discussion centered on 'online learning' and its appropriate place in high school.  We have several different options and possible avenues for bringing online learning to Celina High School and I laid out 3 of those options for our department chairs.  One of those is to develop some online courses within our own staff.

Hopefully your department chairs have initiated a meeting for your department to discuss this and some other ideas that came up during our last meeting.  The bottom line here is that online learning is happening all around us... We all know a college student that has gone through an online course (or we have done so ourselves).  I don't perceive online courses as a replacement for the traditional brick and mortar classroom or a replacement for human teachers -- but instead, see it as a supplement to these things!

On Tuesday, October 30th, we will  host an online learning discussion in place of Tech Tuesday.  This optional session will focus on the reasoning behind offering online courses, ways we can offer online courses, and the positives/negatives of such an initiative.


In addition to a discussion about online learning, some other ideas for alternative course offerings were discussed.  Any ideas individuals have should be brought to Jason for discussion.

We must continue to evolve in order to meet the needs of our diverse learning population.



Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
10/20   Erika Draiss
10/21   Lynne Ray
10/22   CJ Puthoff
10/22   Toma Hainline
10/26   Rose Post

EXCELLENT... Again!

I am certain many of you already read Mr. Keller's email regarding our District's Excellent with Distinction honor.  What he did not mention is that our high school has once again earned an "EXCELLENT" rating -- the highest honor we can receive.  As Mr. Keller indicated in his email, this is something to be proud of and something we should all pat ourselves on the back for earning.
One of the things we often forget is that this truly is a team effort.  When you reach excellence year after year, it is easy to forget the importance and the difficulty in achieving success with our students.  It takes effort and teamwork from everyone.  Sometimes it is the small things -- a conversation with a student about their homework, their home life, or their home run -- that truly make the difference in whether or not they attend school, pass their classes, or pass the OGT.  Thanks for what you do ... and let's continue to work toward success!

Updates

Tech Tuesday
Just a reminder to everyone that Tech Tuesday tomorrow will be "Socrative: a smart student response system that empowers teachers to engage their classrooms through a series of educational exercises and games via smartphones, laptops, and tablets".  John Higgins will be leading this discussion.  Socrative is being used at the middle school and from first glance, appears to be a great piece of technology. Consider attending!

Department Chairs
Unfortunately, I just found out I have to participate in the ODE special ed on-site review interviews for administrators, which will be taking place on Wednesday during our department chair time slot.  I will have to reschedule.  I would really like to get this in this week... so, let's try Tuesday.  I will try to keep the meeting to 30 minutes!  Let me know if you can't make it. 



Friday Focus
If you haven't had a chance to read last week's Friday Focus, I encourage you to do so now... well worth the time it will take!
http://goo.gl/Dj0mi

Friday Focus #8: 10.12.12

Today, in lieu of the typical Friday Focus, I leave you with words that I find to be very inspirational.  These are the words authored by Wendy Mitchell-Payne in memory of their son, Josseph Benjamin Payne, during his Celebration of Life.  These words were so inspiring to me and many others in attendance.  I came home Wednesday night and attempted to recreate them in some way, but thought... why try to recreate such an inspiring message?  So...  here is the message, reprinted with permission from Wendy Mitchell-Payne.

I am lucky enough to get to teach a Leadership Class at Celina High School. With each new class I introduce the poem THE DASH to them on the first day. This poem is about finding meaning, purpose and value in the time you have on Earth between the dates of your birth and your death. If you visualize a headstone, it is literally the DASH this poem is referencing. I almost didn’t do the lesson wi

th the poem this trimester. It took me four weeks to convince myself I could do it. I hesitated because, if what I was really trying to teach them was true, then did that mean Josseph’s life wouldn’t have any meaning, purpose or value because he wouldn’t have a dash?

Reflecting back on the 92 days I have lived with the knowledge that Josseph’s time on Earth would be brief, I think it is accurate to say a metamorphosis has occurred. In all honesty, I’ve spent 34 years of my life IN SCHOOL, focused on receiving and then giving the gift of knowledge. But I have learned more about family, friends, community, faith, courage, strength, compassion, and most importantly, the meaning of love, in the past 92 days than my entire life combined. And that, I owe to Josseph.

We hear the sayings all the time, “Everything happens for a reason” and “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” 91 days ago I couldn’t come up with a reason why this would happen to our fifth child, and as for God, well, I thought he was wrong too. He must have me mixed up with someone else if he thought I could handle THIS.

As I searched for a way to understand what was happening, a book we read in my English 10 classroom is Tuesday’s With Morrie, a book that focuses on the meaning of LIFE, came to mind. Morrie Schwartz, an elderly teacher, shares life lessons with a student as he faces death from ALS. One of my favorite quotes from Morrie is “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” So, In August we created a Birth Plan for Josseph and met with all of the important people at Miami Valley Hospital. I placed that quote at the top of Josseph’s birth plan. I wanted the doctors and nurses to understand that even though the clinical diagnosis for Potter’s Syndrome is “incompatible with life”, we planned to have a relationship with our child. He would be important and his life would have meaning. I think that is why having this Celebration of LIFE tonight to honor Josseph is so important to us and we are so thankful all of you are here to share in it with our family.

The more Josseph moved and kicked inside me, the more my perspective shifted. Although it was a constant reminder that his time with us would be brief, and that was a very sad thought, it was also a wake-up call that YES, his time with us would be brief and it was my job to make every moment matter. At school every day over our video announcements someone reads Words of Wisdom, which end with “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours”. When you hear the same line, same quote, day after day for two years it tends to lose power and meaning. However, for me, it finally made total sense. I could spend every day engulfed in sadness and despair, or I could make the very most of the time our family was given to spend with Josseph.

Looking back, there were so many things we did as a family since his conception in February. How awesome is it that he was here, with us, resting right under my heart, for all six birthdays in our family! He was also with us in June on a spur of the moment trip to the Outer Banks, where our family has vacationed together the past ten years. This year wasn’t a scheduled year, but thanks to Daddy’s last minute idea, Josseph was able to share that experience as well! Josseph went with us to the Zoo, swim meets, Jumpy’s, where he helped me play a mean game of lazer tag with his siblings, to a girl scout family pool party, an Indoor Waterpark, a Children’s Museum, several soccer games (where he kicked like crazy !), he even went with me on my “first” day of school this year – experiencing his own FIRST DAY of school too.

Throughout this journey, I kept reminding myself that I am the mom, the teacher, I need to lead by example. But what was really happening was I had become the student, and Josseph had become my teacher. He was teaching me to look at life in a different way and to make the most out of the little things. And day by day, as Josseph drew me closer to God, I started to believe that God just might have been right about me after all. I know in speaking with Jeff, my parents, my sister, and some very dear friends – Josseph wasn’t just my teacher. He has taught us to make the very best of even the worst of situations, and the true meaning of unconditional love.

In closing, I want to share the poem The Dash with all of you. Josseph has brought us all here together tonight, and I believe he is not done making an impact on our lives. He wasn’t given the opportunity to have a “DASH” like we all have, and I think he wants us to make the most of ours!

The Dash – by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend
he referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash,
what matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
are there things you’d like to change?
for you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life’s actions to rehash
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Fall 2012

Tonight, we have Parent-Teacher Conferences...  here is some info you need:

1. Please be sure to check your email for changes to your conference schedule
2. Please be sure to LOG ALL CONFERENCES... this can be done on the paper sheet that was in your mailbox, but I would like you to log them into the survey below eventually.  Log only conferences that you have this week or as a result of the conference cards.  I do not need you to log conferences held 3 weeks ago, etc.  If a parent calls you this week instead of coming in, that can be logged.  Here is a link to the log form in case the one below does not show up: http://goo.gl/uunlu  (YOU WILL HAVE TO BE LOGGED INTO YOUR CELINA SCHOOLS GOOGLE ACCOUNT IN ORDER FOR THIS TO WORK!)
3. Reference the following links for comments from fellow teachers regarding PT conferences (thanks to those of you that participated in the most recent comment feed after the Friday Focus last week!): 

http://goo.gl/ccpsh     &     http://goo.gl/lD8bn 

Friday Focus #7: 10.5.12

“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers."

Josef Albers

Levy Signs
There are levy yard signs (and wires) in the office across from the mailboxes in the office.  If you live in the district, please consider placing a sign in your yard!


Faculty Meeting
JUST A REMINDER -- We will have a 20 minute faculty meeting on Wednesday 10/10 @ 7 AM in the lecture hall to go over some of the evaluation documents and procedures.  This will be very informal and maybe informational!  You can find those documents on the staff blog under the tab 'Documents'.


Tech Tuesday
Next week's Tech Tuesday will be VOKI: Voki enables users to express themselves on the web in their own voice using a talking character. You can customize your Voki to look like you or take on the identity of lots of other types of characters… animals, monsters, anime etc.  Carol Bader & Chris Sutter will be leading this session in room 118 on Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Also, don't forget that you can request or offer to present a Tech Tuesday topic here or you can see upcoming topics here.   These links can ALWAYS be found under the Tech Tuesday tab at the top of the blog.



Study Tables
Please send Phil an email if you are interested in working study tables or if you have questions. 

FROM LAST WEEK: 

We have secured funding for a limited amount of study tables.  We will begin ASAP... the times will be from 2:30 - 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday and from 7 - 8 PM on Thursday evening.  Study tables will be hosted in the Media Center.  We would ask that teachers in charge keep a sign-in sheet so we can track attendance.  In addition, based on attendance and need, we can add time as we see a need (i.e., we can extend 30 minutes if necessary).  

Kyle Maynard Assembly
On October 9th, we have the distinct privilege of hearing from motivational speaker Kyle Maynard.  This assembly will begin at 8:30 AM and will last for approximately one hour.  For this assembly, we will be placing chairs on the gym floor (like we did for Rachel's Challenge two years ago) so that ALL students and staff can sit.  We would ask that everyone attend this powerful assembly.  The schedule can be found under the 'Schedules' tab at the top of the page (Special Assembly Schedule).


Parent-Teacher Conferences
As a reminder, we DO NOT NEED the hard copy of the parent-teacher conference log sheet -- just log your conferences under the 'PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE' tab at the top of the blog.  If you turned in your hard copy and need it back, please let me know.


Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
10/10    Connie Opperman
10/11    Jason Andrew
10/12    Kim Koesters

Friday Focus #5: 9.21.12

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." 

John Wooden

What a great week this has been...   you really can feel the excitement in the air -- especially today.  Thanks for helping to make this a special week for our students and our athletic teams.




Building Goals Follow-Up
Please make sure you read the follow-up post from the building goals meetings and complete the survey.  Here is a link to the post and the survey: http://goo.gl/qUkm1
If you are still unable to log into your Celinaschools Google account, please email Sheila Baltzell.



FIP Reminder
Don't forget to complete your FIP module BEFORE Wednesday 9/26.  For help with logging in and finding the module, use the eyes on the right.



Faculty Meeting
We will have a 20 minute faculty meeting on Wednesday 9/26 @ 7 AM in the lecture hall.  This is the 2-hour delay day...  the meeting is separate from the inservice activities.  We will be hearing from Kevin Mast regarding the ALICE training for lock-downs.



Advisory
Please remember to issue passes BEFORE activities that take place during advisory.  Also, please try to help us limit the amount of hall traffic during advisory!



Tech Tuesday
Next week's Tech Tuesday will be 'Remind 101': an easy and free way to remind your students about important classroom activities in a format that suits them!  Come listen to Ashley Lefeld show you how to use the service and what she has used it for in her own classroom.  Room 119 on Tuesday!



Upcoming Assembly
On October 9th, we have the distinct privilege of hearing from motivational speaker Kyle Maynard.  More on the schedule and format, but here is a video to give you a little preview:








Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
7/23   Ryan Parrish

Building Goals Follow-up

Thanks again to everyone for participating in Wednesday's Daytime Staff Meetings!  We had great conversations, thought provoking discussions, and even a little fun along the way.  I thoroughly enjoyed what I witnessed on Wednesday in the conference room and I felt proud to be part of such a great group of educators!

As promised, here is some more information on Daniel Pink's work on motivation:

• Amazon page for "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us": http://goo.gl/2m2Q2

• The longer version of the TED Talk from Daniel Pink:

The biggest topics of conversation throughout the day centered around student ownership of learning, preparing students for life (not just college), and obviously, motivation.

Below is a link to a survey about the Daytime Staff Meeting.  Please take a moment today to fill out the survey and give some feedback.


SURVEY: http://goo.gl/41NCJ (YOU WILL HAVE TO BE LOGGED-IN TO YOUR CELINASCHOOLS GOOGLE ACCOUNT!)

Sheila Baltzell and I just discussed the possibility of starting a book study on Daniel Pink's book if anyone is interested.  Sheila is working on securing some copies of the book.  Professional Development credit will be available and I don't perceive a great number of meetings... the idea would be to get a group of interested teachers to read the book and meet a couple of times to discuss the ideas & concepts.  If you are interested, please email Sheila and Jason. 

Building Goals Meeting Info

As promised, here is some more info about Wednesday's 'Building Goals Meetings':

First and foremost, the goal of this initial meeting is to begin the process of building our goals.  We will not necessarily have specific goals by the end of the meeting.  More than anything, I would like to brainstorm and discuss issues, ideas, and progress.

I have created an agenda for the day and would ask that you review the agenda.  This is a very loose agenda and may be altered prior to Wednesday.  Please do not print the agenda!  The only thing you need to bring is an open mind, ideas, thoughts, and maybe something to take notes on (paper and/or e-device!).

There are three things teachers should do BEFORE Wednesday:

1. If you haven't already, look through our most recent building goals and think about your own professional & individual goals for this year. 
2. Sign-up for your designated period...  I can look at the schedule to know who should be in the meeting, but I would like you to fill in the form below to verify your time (4th period will meet A & B, eat C)!
3. Watch the video below before the meeting.  The video is a talk by Daniel Pink on his book 'Drive' about human motivation.  Our discussion doesn't have to center around the video, but we will use this as a 'springboard' on Wednesday!

Survey


Remember...   we will meet in the front conference room at the beginning of the period.  I will have coffee, water, and refreshments!

Friday Focus #4: 9.14.12

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." 

Henry Brooks Adams

Good morning!  Hard to believe, but we are about to complete our 4th week of school (only 2 have been full weeks though) and our 16th day of school.  We have 44 days left in the 1st Trimester.

I had a conversation with a community member the other night about high school students.  They asked me how students were different now compared to 15 or 20 years ago.  That's a thought-provoking question, and one that can bring up several different opinions.
So many times we hear about the negative things...  'students today are lazy', 'they never want to do homework', 'today's high school students are rude', etc.
But I think it is easy to remember some of the bad experiences or characteristics when that's all we hear or focus on, when in reality, we have really great students with some fantastic personalities.  Just yesterday, a group of AAA technicians approached me at the end of the vehicle safety checks and complemented our school on having "Such great kids... they were very appreciative and respectful".

So when I answer the question, "how are students different now compared to 15 or 20 years ago?", I tend to reply with positives.  Students are different now...  they expect more from their education, they expect to be able to use technology, and they have a different set of expectations placed on them by their parents, their teachers, and their future.  Students are different now in terms of expectations.  It is our job to help them meet those expectations!


What positive things do you see from students today (comment below!)?

Keep up the great work you are doing in and out of the classroom!  You really do make a difference!


Building Goals
Two years ago, we developed building goals through a small group of teachers interested in participating in the process.  We spent a couple of afternoons after school working on the goals and refining them.  Those goals have been in place for 2 years now... we have made a great deal of progress on those goals, but it is now time to refocus and rewrite!
This year, with so many changes and things going on at the district and state level, I think it is certainly time to rethink and rewrite those goals.  However, I think ALL teachers should be involved in the process.
When the department chairs met earlier this week, I laid out two options:

1. Hold an hour-long faculty meeting after school     OR
2. Meet in small groups during the school day

Unanimously, the department chairs choose the 'during the day' option.  Essentially, we will meet in small groups during each period... teachers should attend the meeting that takes place during THEIR planning period.  This hour meeting during your planning period will be in lieu of an hour meeting after school.  This will give us small cross-curricular groups of teachers.  

These Building Goals meetings will take place next Wednesday, September 19th in the front conference room.  Coffee, water, and refreshments will be provided.  Please plan to report at the beginning of your planning period.  

Look for more information (and a short homework assignment) on Monday on the staff blog!

In the meantime, review the previous building goals.  

Grade Checks & Entry
Don't forget to check student grades during advisory.  Weekly checks are the best idea.  There are several different approaches and I know many teachers are conferencing with the students on the grades periodically as well. There are 3 documents under the documents tab above relating to grade checks... two versions of a grade check documentation form and one referral sheet for struggling students.  If you notice a student struggling, turn them into the office and we will 'put them on our radar!'  Just another way to help prevent students from falling through the cracks.

Also... don't forget to update your grades often!  We try to use the guideline of the 10th and 25th as benchmarks for grade entry, but you can certainly enter more often than that!


PD opportunity
NWOET's fall technology conference takes place October 4th at BGSU.  We have a few spots left open on the school van.  If you are interested in attending, please speak with your department chair and let me know BY 9/12.  Learn more about the conference by clicking here.



Faculty Meeting
Faculty Meeting: Wednesday, September 26th @ 7 AM in the lecture hall -- ALICE TRAINING with
Kevin Mast.


Tech Tuesday
Click on the tab at the top of the page to find the calendar and to request a topic or offer to present for Tech Tuesday.  Please share your knowledge with your colleagues!

This coming Tuesday, the topic will be Edmodo.  This is a social media network for schools.  Come learn how some of our teachers are using this tool to engage students in AND out of the classroom!



Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
9/16   Randy Baker

Friday Focus #3: 9.7.12

"I touch the future.  I teach."  

Christa McAuliffe

What a long short week it was last week!  Not sure how you all felt, but I felt like there were two Mondays last week...  turns out there were none!  Hard to get in a groove in a week like that!
But, today is Monday and we have a fresh start to a new week.
I know the Friday Focus is late, but.... better late than never!  I don't have a great deal of info to include this morning, but here are some items of note...

Project Wisdom
This month's theme for PW announcements is: Respecting Ourselves and Others.  If you haven't recorded your PW, please consider stopping down soon or scheduling a time with Kassie to record.
Also, if you have a student or ANYONE else in mind that would be good for a PW, please let us know. It is nice to have a wide range of participants!
If you are a coach or activity advisor... please have your captains and/or seniors record an announcement before your season is over.   Consider taking the camera to the practice field or just have the students come to the office.


FIP
Don't forget to login to the FIP website and watch the first module.  Print your certificate at the end and give it to Kelly Black or Kim Uhlenhake.  This should be completed by September 26th (2-hour delay inservice).


AAA Inspections
AAA will be here on Thursday doing student vehicle maintenance inspections.  Please encourage your students with vehicles during advisory to sign up for an appointment.  If they have their car inspected, they get a free lunch and a chance to win prizes.  Inspections are during lunch and advisory. Sign up is in the office with Kassie.


Tech Tuesday
This week's Tech Tuesday will feature the Classroom Management software found on the FRESHMEN netbooks.  This was requested by several teachers and will be led by Keith Gudorf.  We will meet in room 119 at 7 AM or 2:30 PM.  Consider attending one....  especially if you are using the FRESHMEN netbooks in your classroom.


Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
none

ASSEMBLY FRIDAY!

Good morning everyone!  Hope you had a great 'extra' day off yesterday!

Just as an FYI...  Student Council has rescheduled their "Welcome Back Assembly" for Friday.  We will run on the assembly schedule and will call students down AFTER attendance during advisory.

Also, plan for the Spirit March on Friday morning.

HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!

Friday Focus #2: 8.31.12

The start of this school year has been a very positive one so far.  Thanks to everyone for helping make the beginning of this year positive!  I continue to see good energy and attitude from students and staff alike!

I was just discussing our 'expectations of students' with a couple of different groups over the last few days.  Our conversation centered around the idea that students will live up to the expectations that are set for them.  These expectations might come from home, school, or both.
Our students will live up to those expectations set before them...  Why not expect the best.  Set the bar high... because if we don't, who will?  We must know that 4 years... or 10 years... or 20 years... from now, WE HAVE DONE ALL WE CAN for the students.
And through everything you do... in your classroom, in your planning, in your test creation, in your conversations at lunch, in your reflection of the day's lesson... remember that we must do what is best for the students!
I know you all work hard to ensure we offer the best we can... KEEP IT UP!
I said to the parents at Open House on Wednesday night that we take a lot of pride in our school and we have confidence that we have a great system with great teachers to offer their son or daughter.  I meant every word of it!
Keep up the great work!

Below of some items of information:

Netbooks
Distribution went well... we should have just over 400 students walking our halls with netbooks now.  Hopefully everyone is finding ways to implement the netbooks into the classroom.  Here are some things I have seen this week:

• Students looking up their grades and assignments on Progressbook
• Students doing presentations of a project they completed completely on their netbooks
• Students completing an assignment in class using the online textbook

If you have had students with netbooks in your classroom, please post to the comment section something you have used the netbooks for in your classroom...

Walkthroughs
As some of you have noticed, I have begun doing 'walkthrough' visits in classrooms and will continue this practice as much as my schedule allows.  You will notice I am on my iPhone while in your room.  I am only making notes about my visit in regard to time, name, and location as well as anything I might wish to discuss or remember at some point in time with the teacher.  I hope to give written notes on some occasions that may include reflective questions, but I will not ALWAYS be able to give written feedback!  If you wish to discuss my visit to your room or to see my notes, feel free to let me know!  I enjoy this part of my job and hope to make it a more regular habit.



Tech Tuesday
Remember that Tech Tuesdays will begin on September 4th.  Click on the tab at the top of the page to find the calendar and to request a topic or offer to present for Tech Tuesday.  Please share your knowledge with your colleagues!

Next Week's TT Topic: Getting Started with FIP modules, with K. Uhlenhake & K. Black, ROOM 118

Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
9/7    Lisa Sorrell

Midweek Updates

As a reminder, tonight is Open House.  Hopefully you read the Friday Focus from last week... as a reminder, I asked everyone that has been through an Open House to post a comment regarding tips and tricks to help our newer teachers in regard to talking with parents on this special night.  Marge Tobe wins the very special prize (pictured at right) of a Bulldog Ceramic Pencil Holder for being the FIRST, and to date only, one to respond to this request!

For the Open House schedule, look under the schedules tab at the top of the blog. 

FIRE DRILL:  We cleared the building in 2:32 this morning.  Not bad for a 1st fire drill of the year.  I would like to remind everyone of Phil's words in his 'Fire Drill' email yesterday: 

Make certain you LEAD them out of the building in case it is necessary to make decisions along the way. 

 Keep up the great work.  So far (knock on wood), it has been a great year!

Friday Focus #1: 8.24.12

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." 

Albert Einstein

It's been a great FIRST week of the school year.  The positive energy and attitude in the building makes me excited for a new year.  Keep up that energy and attitude as we go on through the year and I am certain this will be a good one!
Thanks also for your patience as we continue to hold class meetings and have other various interruptions.

It was great to see the Cheerleaders & Band as they marched the hallways this morning.  Thanks to everyone for getting your kids into the hallways to support those students.  School Spirit has such a direct impact on our school culture... it helps us create a close knit community, bonding us together as we celebrate our school.  This truly can make a difference in the classroom when students are excited to come to school in the morning!


ACT Scores
The ACT score report was released earlier this week...  CONGRATS to all of you on a job well done!  We increased our average score from the previous year in all 4 areas (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and on the composite score.  In English and Reading, we had our highest score in 5 years and in Math, we had our highest score in 4 years.  This truly is a testament to a job well done in the classroom.  KEEP IT UP!


Open House
Don't forget that Open House is next Wednesday from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.  Parents will follow their child's schedule.  Class periods will begin at 6:45 and will last 5 minutes each.  Please post an idea or something you do in your classroom during Open House to the comment section below...


Pep Assembly

Remember... pep assembly schedule today!  Please only release your students AFTER we call the students down!  You will have announcements to play first...


Netbooks
All Freshmen should have netbooks by the end of the day today -- as long as they have turned in their contract.

Sophomore netbook distribution will take place on Wednesday 8/29 during advisory.  If you are a sophomore advisory teacher, you should have distributed netbook contracts to your students earlier this week.  Please plan to come to the lecture hall on Wednesday with your students and help in the distribution process.  Remind the students that if they don't turn in the contract, they won't receive their netbook.

AUP's & Emergency Med
Students should be turning in their AUP (front page in the handbook) and Emergency Medical form to their advisory teacher.  Please remind your advisory class of this and ask them to have them in by next Wednesday.


Tech Tuesday
Remember that Tech Tuesdays will begin on September 4th.  Click on the tab at the top of the page to find the calendar and to request a topic or offer to present for Tech Tuesday.  Please share your knowledge with your colleagues!




Calendar of Events
Remember that Calendar Info can be found on the right hand sidebar of the blog... updated regularly...



Happy Birthday
8/30    Derek Wenning