End of Year Info 2013

Well, here it is.  We are again at the end of another year.  This is a weird feeling -- and I would venture to say, a different one for all of us.  For some of us, we just completed our 1st year of teaching at CHS... others of us may just now beginning to feel as though we are experienced enough to feel more confident next year... still others have been at it plenty long enough and this is just one more year in the bank... but for many of us this time around, this is the last time we will wrap up a year at CHS.  For many different reasons, we have several staff members leaving this year -- something that (I promise you) is frightening, exciting, and sad all at once.  Just so we all know, this is the list of those moving on:

Bill Sell will be retiring

Marge Tobe will be retiring

Ruth Rumple will be retiring

Deb Nutt will be retiring

Lisa (Almandinger) Donovan is retiring

Gary Findlay has already retired

Kelly Newcomb will be moving to East Elementary as a Special Ed teacher for K - 2 working primarily with behavior problems (she gets the award for biggest change!)

Steven Hricko will be moving on to take a graduate assistantship at BGSU

Ryan Parrish will be taking a full time special education position at his alma mater -- Van Wert

Be sure to congratulate those retiring.  While many of us that are in the opposite end of our career are envious of their retirement, I know this is a difficult day for them.  Be sure to remind them of their lasting impact here and on students.  You will all be missed.

There will certainly be many changes next school year... new teachers, new standards, new assessments, etc.  However, I feel that today is a day to reflect.  To think about the progress we have made, the errors we have committed, and the accomplishments we have achieved.

While at times this was a difficult year, I also think it was one filled with great things along the way... we continued to progress in our use of technology... we learned a lot about writing SLOs... we began our work with OIP and closing the achievement gap... we earned an excellent rating [AGAIN!]... we carried out our 4th annual Service Learning Day...  the list could go on and on!

Regardless, I think it has been a good year.  One that I will certainly remember!  For me, this is a bittersweet goodbye.  I HAVE SO ENJOYED my time here at CHS as principal.  It is hard to believe it has been 6 years.  For me, that is half my career [so far] as your principal.  I have grown a lot as a person, as a professional, and as an educator.  So often, I have thought to myself, "If only I could go back to year one and start over!"  What I know now could have certainly made me better then.

When I started as principal here, I talked about 'bleeding green and white'.  I live and breathe for Celina High School -- my alma mater.  It has been a dream job.  I have not lost that passion for CHS and I truly think I see that passion in SO MANY of you.
This is a GREAT place for students... the best.  I believe in that and you all should too.  We have created a very positive environment for students... an environment that is inviting, welcoming, differentiated, supportive, spirited, and compassionate.
Do we have room for improvement?  Absolutely.  But we should always think that.  Rome wasn't built in one day, and the moment we settle for as good as we are, is the moment we fail to be great.

In six years I have learned a lot of things... but I would like to share what I think are the two most important 'lessons'.  These are things we can all use in our line of work and in our lives!

1. Do what is best for kids: This has been my mantra for so long now that I think I repeat it in my sleep.  When making decisions, meeting with students, contemplating change, talking to a parent, making a master schedule, making the tough decision, or deciding on discipline for a student, I always think "what is best for students?"   Always remember that the KIDS are the reason we are here!
2. Find a [healthy] way to relieve stress / aggression / anger / frustration: When I took up running 3 years ago, I became more healthy than ever in my adult life -- physically, but more important, mentally healthy.  Stress relief doesn't have to be exercise, but it should be something... reading, a hobby, a nap, etc.  FIND SOMETHING to release the negative so that you don't release it on the wrong person!  

I am proud of the accomplishments we have made in the last six years.  This truly has been a great experience for me and I wouldn't have wanted to lead any other group!  THANK YOU ALL!

Enough from me...  ENJOY YOUR SUMMER & GOOD LUCK!  PLEASE DON'T BE A STRANGER... you all know where to find me and you also know I have an open door [almost] all the time!

Here is what you need to know about checking out...

• Please complete the checkout survey prior to reporting for checkout. 
• The following checkout times are available: 
• Thursday 5/23/13 from 2 - 5 PM
• Friday 5/24/13 from 12 - 2 PM
• Tuesday 5/28/13 by appointment or by calling or texting Phil
• Teachers can complete the final workday requirement by staying after the conclusion of exams on Thursday, coming in Friday, or a combination thereof.  You must complete 4 1/2 hours of work at a minimum after the conclusion of exams to meet your work day requirement.  
• There are no appointments for checkout and I will try to make it quicker this year than last!
• Please complete the following prior to checkout: 
• grades entered and double checked
• copy of final exams if necessary (only if a student was absent)
• room in order
• clean up computer -- back up files & clean out email
• label big furniture
• clean off desk
• complete the survey
• label and bring to checkout your remotes (TV & projector)
• bring your faculty handbook -- items left in front pocket will be left alone
• ID badge & keys (optional)

See you at checkout!

Friday Focus #30: 5.16.13

This is it... the last Friday Focus of the 2012 - 2013 school year.  The last FRIDAY of the school year.  It seems like this year has gone quickly--of course, they all feel that way when we are sitting here one week away from the end.

It didn't seem to be going quickly last October when the ACLU sent us a fax!
It didn't seem to be going quickly when February rolled around and we had to shovel snow and trek through the cold every day.
It didn't seem to be going quickly as we sat in the cafeteria in March writing SLOs!

Now though, it seems as though the year has gone quickly.  Not as quickly as the summer will be sure to pass by!

As we near the end, try to stand strong in the classroom.  Remember that the best way to prevent disciplinary problems is to maintain structure in the classroom.

Below are some things you need to know...  please read!

End of Year Information

Early next week I will put out a post titled End of Year -- 2013 with further details regarding the end of the year.  Here is the summary of checkout info you need to know: 

• checkout will be available Thursday until 5:00 PM, Friday 12-2 PM, and Tuesday by appointment or by calling/texting Phil 
• if you stay Thursday, no need to come in Friday... you must work 4 1/2 hours after the conclusion of exams to call it a day (this could potentially be combined over the course of two days if necessary)   
• you must have grades complete when you checkout
• you must complete the survey prior to checkout -- this survey will be in the blog post next week

You are encouraged to purchase a pork chop dinner from Student Council for Thursday.  Let Wendy Mitchell-Payne know today if you are interested.  

Graduation

Graduation is next Saturday, May 25th @ 10:30 AM.  We invite and encourage ALL staff members to attend and sit on the field in front of the graduates.  If you are planning to attend, please email CJ.Puthoff@CelinaSchools.org so that we can be certain we have plenty of chairs.  Plan to arrive by 10:10 AM at the Fieldhouse so that you can find your seat on the field in plenty of time.  This is a great ceremony and such a nice way to honor these seniors for their 13 years of hard work.   We hope to see you there!

Seniors

If you have seniors in class, please email BOTH Wendy & Lynne if they are going to fail your class ASAP.  

OGT Scores -- March 2013

Scores came in this week from the most recent administration of the Ohio Graduation Test.  Again, we received very good overall results.  Here are the passage rates for our current sophomores: 

Reading: 93% 

Math: 87.5%

Writing: 88.5%

Science: 85%

S. Studies: 82%

WAY TO GO!

We need to continue to work on closing the gap between our subgroup of students with disabilities and the rest of our students.  We will work on this through the Ohio Improvement Process throughout next school year.  

The OGT scores spreadsheet can be found in the Public Shares folder.  Remember to keep this confidential. 

End of Year Party

Amy & I will again be hosting the end of year party in our backyard.  Come around 7 PM next Thursday (May 23rd).  We will provide light snacks, chairs, music, and fire... bring your own beverages.  Plenty of room, so bring your significant other!  Hope to see everyone there!

Exams & Grades

You can find the exam schedule under the schedules tab on the staff blog.  Be sure to look at the specifics on the Tri Star exam schedule for juniors if this affects your students.  Remember to use May 24th as the exam date in Progressbook.  Grades are due May 28th @ 9 AM or when you check out. 

happy birthday
5/29   Deb Meyer
6/8     Katie Gudorf
6/14   Renee Kramer
6/15   Cricket Dobmeyer
6/16   Marge Tobe
6/20   Jean Hileman
6/22   Kelly Black
6/23   Kelly Newcomb
6/26   Val Fetters
7/8     Jim Dorsten
7/12   Deb Nutt
7/18   Dan Gudorf
7/19   Bill Sell
7/22   Drew Braun
7/27   Kim Wilges                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Friday Focus #29: 5.9.13

Has the countdown officially begun?  I know we are getting close!

Here are just a few informational items for you to peruse and think about.

Cell Phones & Other Devices in School
Several people have begun to question our cell phone policy and the usage of cell phones in school by students.  I would encourage all teachers to take some time to read the current policy on cell phone and other electronic device usage during school and also the cyberbullying policy -- all found within the student handbook.
One thing that is often forgotten is the line in the cell phone policy that indicates that students may use cell phones in the classroom with teacher permission for educational purposes.  Consider this the next time you allow students to use their phones during class time.

I would argue that the recent events involving the usage of Twitter for cyberbullying (even that which occurred during school hours) does not warrant the removal of cell phones from students or a change to our policy.  Most of the cyberbullying occurs outside of school hours.  Students will do this regardless of our rules allowing or not allowing phones in school.
What we must change is our approach in teaching students about the use of phones, social media, and technology in general.  We must educate them on the consequences of their actions.  We teach young adults to drive cars, yet we allow them to publish to the world without teaching them how to do so appropriately.
Nearly all high school students have a Twitter account (if you have a middle or high schooler, check to see if they have an account ... then follow them!).  Twitter is PUBLIC... no following, friending, or acceptance required.  This is a big responsibility... and few adults understand or care about Twitter.  Therein lies the true problem!

Senior Awards Assembly
We will hold the Senior Awards Assembly at 8 AM Wednesday, May 15th in the Lecture Hall.  Plan on 1 1/2 hours for the assembly...  maybe less.  Senior exams should be given Thursday and Friday of next week.

Supplementals
If you have not done so already, please send your interest / intent to Phil.  This can be as simple as a quick email.  This includes department chairs, clubs, organizations, etc.


happy birthday
5/7     Lynne Carmean
5/9     Ashley Lefeld
5/17   Ruth Rumple

WE MADE THE NEWS!

Checkout our news story from Service Learning Day:

Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather Sports

Thanks to everyone for their involvement in this day.  Hopefully you are having conversations with students today about Service Learning Day and the lessons we learn from it.  I couldn't have been more proud of our students for their effort, attendance, and attention.  Be sure to complement them when you are able!

Friday Focus #28: 4.26.13

Weekend Activities
Just a reminder that we have the following going on this weekend:

• Promenade @ the Fieldhouse beginning @ 5:30 PM.  Prom to follow at Romer's. 
• Art Show, Sunday afternoon, 2 - 5 PM
• NHS Induction Banquet @ 5 PM
• Academic Awards and Scholarship night, Monday @ 6:30 PM

Service Learning Day Updates

• We will post 'job assignments' for hopefully by Tuesday at lunch
• We will have a Faculty Meeting for teachers on Wednesday (5/1) in the lecture hall at 7 AM
• We will make some announcements for students regarding the day throughout the week. 

Senior Meeting
As a reminder, we will be having a senior meeting on Wednesday beginning at 7:30 AM.  We will go through some graduation information with them, followed by a presentation by the Fire Department on Dorm Safety, followed by a presentation by the Hometown Opportunities group.  Plan on seniors being out of your class until around 10 or 1030.  We will do their awards on MAY 15th.


happy birthday
4/30  Diane Booher
5/1    Kim Uhlenhake
5/2    Hal Hoover
5/3    Kassie Holstad
5/5    Donna Post

Friday Focus #27: 4.19.13

What a busy and exciting time of year.  It is hard to believe we are near the end of April already.  At least the weather hasn't been too nice... keeps everyone from getting overly anxious for summer break!

Hopefully you have had the opportunity to watch the Spring Musical Grease.  As always, our students put on another fantastic performance.  Congrats to the students and production crew on a great show!


Distracted Driving
On Wednesday, April 24th, we will have a presentation sponsored by the Celina Fire Department in conjunction with the New Bremen Emergency Squad concerning distracted driving.  We will hear from Jacy Good, a victim of distracted driving.  Jacy's parents were killed in a car accident caused by a distracted driver.  She has been speaking across the country about her cause and has made appearances on Oprah Winfrey and TLC's 'Say Yes to the Dress'.  We will hold the assembly from 8:30 to 9:30 AM in the gym.  We will release students over the PA around 8:30 -- keep your 1st period students until we release.   Periods 2 & 3 will each be 50 minutes.  Fourth period will start 30 minutes late.  There will be no advisory period.  Here is the adjusted bell schedule: http://goo.gl/qq5qc.

Prom
Prom is next Friday...  hard to believe!  The year is flying by!
Remember that Juniors and Seniors will be release after 3rd period (10:50 AM).  There will be a list out next week for Juniors that are decorating!

Scheduling
We have made some real progress in building the Master Schedule this week and are somewhat ahead of schedule.  As soon as we are able, we will send out rough drafts of the schedule via email.  Thanks for your continued patience!


Service Learning Day Update
We will begin placing students in groups for Service Learning Day on Monday and hope to have lists out for students by the following Monday (April 29).  We will have a faculty meeting for Service Learning Day information on Wednesday, May 1st @ 7 AM in the lecture hall.  At this meeting, we will distribute group information for teachers.  If you are going to be out on Service Learning Day, please make sure you talk with Kassie, CJ, or Jason about arrangements for your substitute.

Awards
Remember... Academic Awards and Scholarship night is Monday, April 29th @ 6:30 PM.

Also, there was some confusion on Senior awards and Senior meeting.  The Senior Meeting with the fire department and graduation information that is MANDATORY for all seniors to attend will be on WEDNESDAY MAY 1ST.  We will begin that meeting around 7:45 AM.  Students should return around 9 or 9:30 AM to class.

We will have Senior Awards and Superlatives on WEDNESDAY, MAY 15th.... before senior exams.  The last day for seniors will be Friday, May 17th.


happy birthday
3/31   Hallie Craven   [sorry... somehow missed this]  
4/20   Jana Hopf
4/22   Lisa Donovan
4/22   Bonnie Dahlinghaus
4/23   Sue Luth
4/23   Jason Luebke

Friday Focus #26: 4.12.13

Good Morning!
Can you believe we only have 6 weeks of school left?  That's 29 days [after today]!  Twenty-nine days to get it all done!  Let's make each one count!

As you are well aware, we have many things planned for the remaining 29 days.  This week, we began building the 2013-2014 Master Schedule.  Next week we will hopefully make a great deal of progress with it!  We will continue to work on "I Can" statements during our 2-hour delay Wednesday.  Service Learning Day is quickly approaching... as is the Awards Night, Art Show, Prom, Grease, Spring Music Concerts, NHS Banquet, and the list goes on and on!  This is an easy time of year to get off track [for all of us], so work hard to keep that structure in your classrooms -- time-on-task -- and hold the students accountable for the remainder of the school year!

Here are a few items of note:

Tornado Drills
We will be doing a 'walkthrough' tornado drill next week, followed closely by one that is unannounced.  Please let Phil know if you need a new evacuation poster.

CHAMP Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
On Thursday, May 9th, CHAMP will host the annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast.  Plan to attend sometime between 6:30 AM and the start of the school day in the 1st floor teacher workroom for this VERY popular event!

Senior Exams
Barring any further snowstorms or other weather related cancellations, we will plan for the last day for seniors to be Friday, May 17th.  Plan to give senior exams on the 16th and 17th of May.

Honoring the Retirees
We have the opportunity to recognize those individuals that have served this school for many years at both the CHS staff retirement party on May 2nd (@ The Potter House) and at the CEA Celebration of Education on May 8th.  Please plan to attend one or both of these events.  This is a great way to honor and recognize these individuals!

Tech Tuesday
Next week we will hold another Tech Tuesday.  After discussion with the Building Leadership Team, it has been decided that we should host a 'Data Deciphering' session.  We will use Excel to discuss techniques for breaking down data, primarily for use in reviewing data collected during the OIP process.

Topics covered will include:

• Sorting data in a spreadsheet
• Writing simple formulas
• What to look for in your data

We will meet in room 119 @ 7 AM on Tuesday and again @ 2:25 PM.  

happy birthday

4/8     Steve Hricko (sorry its late -- he was left off my list!)
4/11   Lynn Moeller

Friday Focus #25: 4.5.13

Awards Night
The annual Academic Awards and Scholarship night is Monday, April 29th @ 6: 30 PM.  All teachers are invited and encouraged to attend and sit on the stage with the rest of the faculty.  Please email Kassie if you plan to attend so we can reserve a seat for you.  This truly is one of my favorite nights of the school year... consider attending if you are able!

If you plan to give out an award, it needs to be entered in the Google form, found here: http://goo.gl/yGpDH 
This needs to be entered by Monday morning @ 7 AM!


Service Learning Day -- May 3rd, 2013
Thanks for your help in collecting the proper paper work for Service Learning Day.  We are still in the process of planning jobs and collecting donations.  If you have any ideas, please let us know.  

We will be holding special JEANS DAYS over the next several weeks as a 'fundraiser' for the staff shirts for Service Learning Day.  We need to raise around $400 to cover this expense.  We will hold our first special Jeans Day on Monday, April 8.  Since it is the National Championship game day for the NCAA, wear your favorite basketball related outfit.  Pay $1 (or more) in the office.    


Ohio Improvement Process (aka OIP)
All teachers have hopefully been involved with a Teacher Based Team (TBT).  We recently held another Building Leadership Team (BLT) meeting to discuss the progress and answer questions about the OIP.  So far, the work I have seen and that we have discussed is headed in the right direction.  I have stated from the beginning that this process will only be as good as the effort we put into it.  If we buy into the idea that focusing on data to make instructional decisions will result in better students and ultimately better test scores, then this process will certainly work.  What I have seen so far, from both TBTs and the BLT tells me that we are taking ownership of the process.  Keep up the good work!


Franklin B. Walter
Wednesday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Franklin B. Walter scholarship reception and dinner. Each school in the county chooses a scholarship winner and that student chooses a teacher of influence.  Both are recognized at the reception.  Celina High School was represented by senior Eric Weitz, son of Michael and Candy (school nurse) Weitz, and teacher June Scott.  

June said it best when he stated in his speech about Eric that "there is no greater honor for a teacher than to be recognized by a student for making a difference."  Eric is a true representation of a great result of our school system.  He is an outstanding student, fantastic writer, and has fantastic character (his parents should be very proud!).  We should all be proud of the work we do here and the influence we have on our students.  



happy birthday 
4/3    Betty Clouse
4/5    Chris Bihn

Friday Focus #24: 3.22.13

Several items of interest are contained within.  Please read!

Chamber Events
The Chamber of Commerce is putting on a College and Career Readiness forum for our Juniors and Seniors beginning on Tuesday.  This is the chain of events:

On Tuesday, March 26th APRIL 2nd:

• Seniors will listen to Harvey Alston in the lecture hall from 9 - 10 AM.  The goal of the session will be to give seniors some insight into preparing for the next steps in life -- whether it be college, career, or military.  
• Juniors will hear from Harvey from 1 - 2 PM in the lecture hall. 

We will NOT be on an adjusted schedule.  We will call students out of class when it is time.  This will be a very good session for our students and we are excited for the opportunity. 

Next week, Seniors will have two sessions during advisory: 

• On Tuesday, April 2nd Friday, April 5th a Crown representative will meet with seniors in the lecture hall during advisory to discuss resumes and interviews. 
• On Thursday, April 4th Tuesday, April 9th a panel of experts from the Chamber of Commerce will meet with seniors in the lecture hall during advisory for a Q & A session regarding finances.

Also, the Mercer County Community Development Department is putting on a Spring Forum Breakfast on Tuesday, March 26th.  As we have in the past, we will be taking a small group of Juniors on Tuesday morning.  Here is the list: 

Kari Donovan, Emily Dorsten, Kerry Jutte, Erika Mills, Megan Stetler, Olivia Seals, Tyus Temple, Camille Smith, Kara Birkmeyer, and Mikayla Rauch.

Taking Leave & Requesting Subs
It seems there is some confusion on the process for taking a day of leave (personal, sick, etc.), requesting a substitute, and completing the 'Kiosk'.   So... here goes:

1. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE OUT... YOU MUST REQUEST A SUB.  Do this the same way we have for several years...  send the email or call the sub hotline.  Kiosk DOES NOT replace this step. 
2. Please complete the Kiosk within a day or two of your absence. 

Should you have questions, ASK!

Tech Tuesday
Our next Tech Tuesday session will be on Tuesday, April 2nd.  Please feel free to offer or request sessions!




happy birthday : 
(belated... so sorry we are so far behind) 
3/2  Wendy Mitchell-Payne
3/2  Aaron Alig
3/4  Angela Kalcec
3/9  Brad Siebert
3/11 Dawna Koesters
3/12 Chuck Sellars
3/13 Nancy Rindler
3/16 Chuck Smith
3/23 Jetta Mutter

3/26 Rich Nuding
3/26 Phil Metz
3/27 Amy Sutter
3/28 Lisa Burgoon

midweek updates 3.13.13

Just a couple of quick updates....  

First & foremost, THANKS to everyone for helping with OGT this week.  We truly put forth such a team effort....  It takes ALL of us to make this week run smoothly!

TOMORROW is the infamous Pi Day (3.14).  The math dept will be celebrating all day with Pi contests, games, and more.  If you would like, wear jeans for a dollar (all proceeds to Service Learning Day).  Stop by the math dept and beg for a slice of pi!

DEPARTMENT CHAIRS ----> Meeting tonight!

This from the wellness committee: 

March is Nutrition Awareness Month.  On Wednesday March 20, we will have a special day in our district.  We hope that everyone will wear BRIGHT colors and jeans, and donate a dollar for jeans day.  We are also asking you to bring in your favorite (or even a new) healthy snack to share in our teacher's lounge that day.  Bring in the recipe on a card with your name and building listed.  One winner will be chosen from the cards to win HALF of the money raised from jeans day!!!  Come and enjoy the snacks and enter to win!

Also, Health Fair is just around the corner.  It will be held on May 7th at the Intermediate School & May 8th & 9th in the CAPT Building this year!!!  If you have questions or concerns about the Health Fair please see Kim or Candy.  More Information to follow at our next staff meeting.  If you do the on-line survey and the Health Fair you will receive a $50 American Express gift card.  We spoke with the Insurance Rep and she stated the turn-around time for the cards will be 4 weeks.  Just think...maybe thirty minutes of your time and you get $50!!  That's a great payment for your time!  Again, if you have questions please ask us.

Have a great week everyone!

The Wellness Committee

 

Have a great day!

Jason 

Friday Focus #23: 2.22.13

What a nice 'short' week this has been!  Hopefully the cancellation today doesn't throw off preparation for exams too much!

I am not sure how much time you have spent thinking about and considering the inservice day last Friday, but here are some of my thoughts:

1. I hope you felt better (even if just a little) about some of the changes coming.  It often feels as though we continue to harp on all of the changes... like you are being beaten over the head with them!  That is not the intent.  The reason we are 'harping' on the changes now is to make next year easier and smoother.  Many of you have heard me say this already...  any work we get done this year makes next year easier. 
2. Hopefully you started to see the connection that Teacher Based Teams (TBTs) and the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) have with the other changes.  For example...  one teacher said to me last Friday "If my evaluation is based on student performance, what do I do with the student that won't do any work for me?"  This is a great question and a valid one.  But it is also one that we have been asking since we started teaching!  My answer was "Maybe one of your fellow teachers has a strategy or technique they have tried with their students that was successful in motivating them."  And THIS is what TBTs are for... to encourage teachers to share strategies, techniques, and what works/doesn't work with students.  Most of you probably already do this informally... this just formalizes the process and directs the conversation.  

Comment below if you have further thoughts, comments, or suggestions.  Your input, dialogue, and feedback are crucial to guiding all of us through this process.  

Course Selection Guide

The Course Selection Guide is finished and can be found by following the link here.  This will also be posted at www.CHSBulldogNews.org under the Registration Station tab.  I did a limited print version this year to save trees & money.  Each department chair has a hard copy.  Sophomore Renee Robinson designed the cover.  A scheduling worksheet for students can be found here. 

Flex Credit

We have talked about Flex Credit options many times over the last several years and the school board has had a policy in place for a couple of years now.  For the first time, we have included a description of Flex Credit options and how to obtain an application in the Course Selection Guide.  Again, you can find these two documents by clicking the links above.  Students MUST retrieve an 'official' application from the guidance office as it will contain other paperwork.  We will also be tracking applications distributed.  The most important thing for teachers to know about Flex Credit is that it must be approved in advance of work being done and that it DOES require a significant amount of work be completed by the student.  We will discuss more about Flex Credit at future faculty meetings.  

High School 101

High School 101 will begin at 6 PM on Monday night with an informational session for the parents in the lecture hall.  Around 6:20 PM, we will release the parents to the guided tours through the departments.  Remember... you have 15 minutes for your department's presentation.  The guided portion of the evening will end @ 8 PM.  The activity fair will run from 8 - 8:30 PM in the gymnasium.  If you are in charge of an activity, please plan to have a display for the activity fair.  Teachers and parents will be released at 8:30 PM.  

Tech Tuesday

Tech Tuesday will be on hiatus until March 19th.  If you have suggestions or would like to present, let me know!

happy birthday

2/24  Marcia Smith

2/24  Todd Topp

2/27  John Higgins

Friday Focus #22: 2.14.13

State Swim & Dive
This past week we had several swimmers & divers advance to state competition.  Here is the list:

Divers

• Olivia Schlotterer
• Samantha Ringo
• Collen Byer
• Chandler Kimmel

Swimmers

• Kandace Eichenauer (200 free relay)
• Brooke Mertz (200 medley relay, 200 free relay)
• Paige Dorsten (200 medley relay)
• Megan Muhlenkamp (200 medley relay, 200 free relay)
• Michaela Wenning (50 free, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay)
• Tyus Temple (100 fly)

Other Athletic News
In other sports related news, Aaron Crites qualified for the District Wrestling tournament.

Also, girls basketball will begin tournament play this Saturday at Spencerville @ 6:15 PM.  The girls finished the regular season at 20-2.  They are a lot of fun to watch... come see them play this week!

The boys basketball team will wrap up regular season action this Friday at Lima Bath and will begin tournament play next Wednesday @ Lima Senior.


Tech Tuesday
We will continue the Tri Star series this week with the following:

February 19th
7 AM -- Mike Seibert, Vet Tech
2:30 PM -- Bonnie Dahlinghaus, Early Childhood

Please join us!


happy birthday
2/20   Sheila Baltzell

Friday Focus #21: 2.8.13

The Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) is one that you will begin to hear more about in the coming months and years.  Essentially, the goal is to improve the quality of instruction and student achievement in our schools.  Consider the OIP process as the glue that will hold together all of the changes and initiatives we are taking on currently.

Districts going through the OIP process select a goal and focused plan for achieving that goal.  For Celina City Schools, the essential component to our goal is to close the gap between our Students with Disabilities (SWDs) and our non-SWDs.  For the high school, that current gap is about 45% on average.  That means the passage rate for non-SWDs is 45% higher than the passage rate for SWDs (on the OGT).  This is an average across all 5 tests over the past four years.

We must find a way to close that gap.

That is the bottom line.  It doesn't mean anyone is doing a bad job.  It doesn't mean we have done something wrong.  IT DOES MEAN WE CAN DO BETTER!  But can't we always do better?  Shouldn't we always have something we are working to improve?  After we close this gap (and I know that we will!), then maybe our goal will be to improve our questioning strategies... or improve critical thinking skills... or improve our students' application of a problem solving strategy across the curriculum.   The point is, we should always be working to improve something.  Right now, our district's focus is closing the achievement gap.

That is the purpose of OIP.  The process involves what is known as Ohio's 5-step process and will be done through a Building Leadership Team (BLT) that is representative of the teachers -- who will all be on Teacher Based Teams (TBTs).

To help you understand this process and what it entails, please watch the introduction video.... which can be found by going to the PUBLIC SHARE FOLDER, then into the OIP RESOURCES FOLDER.  It is important that ALL teachers watch this video before next Wednesday, February 13. 


Faculty Meeting
Remember that we will have a faculty meeting on February 13th @ 7 AM in the Lecture Hall to discuss the implementation of Employee Kiosk, the online absence reporting system for staff members.  We will also touch on OIP as time allows.



In-Service Plans
On Friday, February 15th, we have our next In-Service Day.  Mr. Steiner will address the entire staff from 7:45 - 8:00 AM in the lecture hall.  Following this, departments will be working together on either SLOs or Curriculum Mapping (Curt will be sending out specifics -- including room assignments).  From 1 - 3 PM, the high school staff will receive training on Teacher Based Teams.  Please note that some of  your classrooms will be used for grade level meetings throughout the day.


Tech Tuesday -- The Tri Star Series
We will continue the Tri Star series for Tech Tuesday on February 12th.  We are hoping to bring in more of the Tri Star teachers to talk about their programs.

February 12th- AM Session: Bonnie Dahlinghaus --- Early Childhood


happy birthday
2/14   June Scott

Friday Focus #20: 2.1.13

Yesterday, I attended a session on SLOs (aka - Student Learning Objectives).  The session was an overview for administrators of the SLO creation, approval, and implementation processes.  As we go on through the remainder of the year, we will continue to talk about SLOs and the role they will play in the coming school years.  This is an essential component to the new teacher evaluation system and is something EVERY teacher will have to tackle during the 2013-2014 school year.

While this and all of the other changes coming down the pike in education sometimes appear to be daunting and overwhelming, if we take a step-by-step & systematic approach, it will all seem more manageable.  We must begin embracing the positives that are in the changes and requirements (and should probably keep our grumbling to a minimum... it really does no good!).  For example, while the SLO process can appear combursome and time-consuming (and hoop-jumping), most educators would agree that setting a learning objective for your students is a best practice.  Think of SLOs in that regard... a best practice.  We are simply formalizing something that we already know is a best practice and that most of us are already currently putting into practice.

Early in the year, I indicated we would have several discussions, meetings, and professional development centering around changes being implemented in the coming school year.  Next Tuesday we will be having a faculty meeting to discuss some of the coming changes.  In addition, I will be meeting with the Department Chairs on Monday to roll out the Ohio Improvement Process in more detail and to disucss the Building Leadership Team (BLT) and Teacher Based Teams (TBTs).  On Friday, February 15th, during our inservice day, we will be trained on the TBT process as part of our day (details to follow).

Again... let's take this one step at a time!  Together, we will get through it and probably be all the better.  As I have always said, we need to do what is best for students.  If we maintain this as our guiding principle, it will make all of our work more relevant and meaningful.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!  We really do great things here at CHS!  Let's not lose that in the middle of everything else!


FACULTY MEETINGS
I have scheduled several Faculty Meetings over the next two months to discuss some of the coming changes as well as the OGT and scheduling process.  Here are the dates and times:

Tuesday, February 5th @ 7 AMOverview of upcoming changes for 2012-2013 school year.

Wednesday, February 13th @ 7 AM 
Discussion of new Employee Kiosk system for reporting absences -- presented by Kevin Mast.

Wednesday, March 6  or Thursday, March 7 @ 7 AMSpecific information to follow... teachers will attend one of two dates based on their assignment for OGT week.  Details to follow.

Wednesday, March 20 @ 7 AMMeeting to discuss the registration day process and placement of students. 

Tech Tuesday -- The Tri Star Series
NO TECH TUESDAY ON FEBRUARY 5TH. 

We will continue the Tri Star series for Tech Tuesday on February 12th.  We are hoping to bring in more of the Tri Star teachers to talk about their programs.


February 12th- AM Session: Bonnie Dahlinghaus --- Early Childhood

Here is what your colleagues have to say about the Tri Star presentations:

1. Wendy MPJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:07 PM

   If you can make it - GO to the Tri-Star meetings. It is worth the time!
   It helps to really understand what the programs are and if our kids really will fit in there.

   ReplyDelete
2. Ruth RumpleJanuary 25, 2013 at 2:27 PM

   I agree with Wendy. I think we need to know all about it so that we can guide our students who would benefit from Tri-Star. Very interesting!!

   ReplyDelete
3. mtobeJanuary 25, 2013 at 2:42 PM

   As the mother of a tri-star success story I really cannot say enough that we need to get more kids into these programs and quit telling them all that they are 4 year college material.!!

   ReplyDelete

happy birthday
2/6    David Scott
2/6    Kim Smith
2/8    Tyler Foulkes
2/8    Warren Gregor

Friday Focus #19: 1.25.13

Today is day #37 in the 2nd trimester out of 62 scheduled days.  We have just over one month left in this trimester!

Today is also pay day and a good day to remember to keep your grades up to date!  Remember, these are to be updated AT LEAST twice a month (by the 10th & 25th). While updating your grades, I would encourage you to look at those students that are not being successful in your class.  Reflect on why these students are not successful.  Are there any interventions or strategies you have not tried?  Have you notified the parents?  Have you talked with the student?  We are still early enough in the trimester to 'salvage' some of the poor performers out there!

Scheduling
Next week Wendy and I will be meeting with department chairs to review course descriptions and discuss and changes and/or additions to our selection guide.  Please notify your department chair or one of us if you have any suggestions or ideas about course offerings for next year.



Tech Tuesday -- The Tri Star Series
Our focus for the next several Tech Tuesday's will be a preview of the Tri Star programs available to our students.  While many of us know what Tri Star is about and maybe even what programs are offered, few of us have met the teachers and heard first hand what the programs involve.  This Tech Tuesday series will offer us an inside look at the programs, an opportunity to hear directly from the teachers, and a chance to ask questions about the type of students that are ideal for the program.

Each day will involve a different morning and afternoon session and will take place in room 119.  Attendance will result in CEUs!  So far, we have scheduled these sessions (and we are working on more):

January 29
AM & PM sessions with Tim Buschur, Tri Star director will give us an overview of ALL Tri Star programs and the future of Career Education.



happy birthday
1/20    Craig Broering
1/29    Aaron Bowsher

Logging Conferences

Use the form below (or this link: http://goo.gl/aNnQc) to log your conferences.  Log any conference that took place this week or as a result of conference cards:

Friday Focus #18: 1.11.13

Just a couple of quick updates...

Don't forget, we have parent - teacher conferences on Wednesday from 4:30 - 7 PM.


Scheduling
Its that time of year again... time to start thinking about scheduling again!  Every year, I ask the teaching staff to complete a 'Scheduling Worksheet' that helps us plan in the scheduling process.  I would ask that every teacher fill this out by next Friday, January 18.  You will need to log in with your Celina Schools Google account to gain access to the survey.  Here is the link: http://goo.gl/eB6HI.


Tech Tuesday -- The Tri Star Series
Our focus for the next several Tech Tuesday's will be a preview of the Tri Star programs available to our students.  While many of us know what Tri Star is about and maybe even what programs are offered, few of us have met the teachers and heard first hand what the programs involve.  This Tech Tuesday series will offer us an inside look at the programs, an opportunity to hear directly from the teachers, and a chance to ask questions about the type of students that are ideal for the program.

Last week's sessions were very informative.  Please consider attending to learn more about our career tech programs!

Each day will involve a different morning and afternoon session and will take place in room 119.  Attendance will result in CEUs!  So far, we have scheduled these sessions (and we are working on more):

January 15
AM   Jon Clouse -- Engineering

January 22
AM   Jim Dorsten -- Automotive
PM    Warren Gregor -- Construction


happy birthday
1/9      Chris Sutter
1/17    Carol Bader

Friday Focus #17: 1.4.13

Happy New Year!  Hopefully you had a break that was relaxing and enjoyable.  Although it may have been difficult to come back on January 2nd, at least we had a short week!

The beginning of the new year is a good time to think about and reflect upon your individual and professional goals.  As we have for the past couple of years, I would ask (if you are comfortable with it) to share your own 'resolutions' in the comment section below.  Here is a link to the last two year's worth of CHS resolutions!  Personal & Professional resolutions are both welcome.

Tech Tuesday -- The Tri Star Series
As I mentioned in the last Friday Focus, we will be restarting Tech Tuesday now that the winter break is over.  Our focus for the next several Tech Tuesday's will be a preview of the Tri Star programs available to our students.  While many of us know what Tri Star is about and maybe even what programs are offered, few of us have met the teachers and heard first hand what the programs involve.  This Tech Tuesday series will offer us an inside look at the programs, an opportunity to hear directly from the teachers, and a chance to ask questions about the type of students that are ideal for the program.  Each day will involve a different morning and afternoon session and will take place in room 119.  Attendance will result in CEUs!  So far, we have scheduled these sessions (and we are working on more):

January 8
AM  Denny Riethman -- Horticulture
PM  Lynne Ray -- Business Management

January 15
AM   Jon Clouse -- Engineering

January 22
AM   Jim Dorsten -- Automotive


Parent-Teacher Conferences
Don't forget to turn in your parent-teacher conference cards.  As a reminder, cards are due on January 8th (Tuesday) and conferences are on Wednesday, January 16th from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.


happy birthday
1/9   Chris Sutter

Welcome Back!

Just wanted to welcome everyone back and wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Make it a great year or not, the choice is yours!