February 27, 2009

I hope you all enjoyed a productive week and enjoyed the warmer weather (I think it’s over!) I know your schedules are filling up quickly with all of our career-technical competitive events and all those other spring activities typical to schools. It will be a blur from now to the end of the school year!

Over the past couple of weeks, many of you saw (and contributed to) our students collecting coins in the cafeteria for Relay for Life. I usually don’t have my wallet with me when I’m in the cafeteria; but one day I did, so I was happy to make a contribution. I couldn’t decide which program to donate to, so the two young men working the table suggested I donate to their programs—made sense to me! But I didn’t have any coins—so I thought I was doing them a favor by putting in dollar bills. I didn’t learn until the winners were announced that the programs won by weight of money collected! Oh well, I was happy to contribute to such a great cause. Congratulations to Electronics I and II, Health Technology II, and Culinary Arts I and II for taking the lead.

We held our 2nd quarter Straight-A Lunch last week (a little late after a couple of snow delays!) What a great group of kids! They each received certificates, a gas card, and pizza prepared by our Culinary Arts students. I think the pizza was the biggest hit! I sat and talked with two students from our Construction Trades Academy. I was surprised by how tuned-in they were to the current recession and what it might mean for their careers. They both talked very knowledgeably about the possibility of starting their own business, what their niche market might be, and the risks that would entail. I think that’s pretty amazing for high-school students—but, then, our students are pretty amazing!

The Logan County United Way wrap-up was held last Thursday morning at the YMCA, and Jack Reser, Campaign Chair, made special mention of the tremendous generosity of Logan County schools employees. I want to say one last “thank you” to all of you who gave so generously; it’s money being put to use right here in our communities for those most in need.

Last Friday I attended the annual Hardin County Tax Incentive Review Council. At these meetings, which each of our counties holds, we review active tax abatements and vote whether to continue them based on jobs and taxes generated. Not terribly exciting stuff; but as I sat and listened to these small- to medium-sized business owners speak about their current economic struggles, I could see the strain on their faces and hear it in their voices. Yet they were all very hopeful and confident that we will pull out of this recession and thrive again. These are the men and women who “put it all on the line” with their small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.

Monday evening, Deb Wortman and I presented at the Marysville Board of Education Meeting to update them on current satellite programs and discuss potential future growth. It was gratifying to recount the journey we’ve had putting these programs in place, creatively finding space for them in the community through the generosity of community members, and watching them grow. It’s been a challenge on many fronts, and it’s only through the sheer will of both districts that many of the programs came to be. It’s clear that Marysville is very thankful to have programs in their community, and the leadership of the district greatly values career-technical education. Our thanks to Scott Johnson, our Marysville Board Member, for arranging to have us present.

Wednesday was our Women in Technology and Engineering Day, hosted by several of our programs. I heard a lot of positive feedback about the numbers that attended and the interest that was generated. I know that Bellefontaine sent quite a few students because they had to send a second bus to come pick them up! Amanda Blackburn shared:

We had a GREAT time at Women in Technology and Engineering Day. We had almost 60 freshman and sophomore girls from Bellefontaine and West-Liberty Salem attend. They went to 6 different hands-on sessions in IT-2D animation, Electronic Soldering, Robotics, Architecture, 3D Animation with the Tech Dept and a science session. The comments we received on the evaluations were very positive about the sessions and the school. Most said they didn’t realize we had all this to offer and were excited about coming to Hi Point in the future. Overall, all the teachers got great feedback throughout the day.

Thanks to Amanda for sharing and all who were involved in planning and hosting this event. It’s one more way to spread the good OHP news!

I stopped out to visit Joyce Lyon in our Career Assessment building on Thursday. She had only one student that day; Chelsea from Urbana. I tell you what, Chelsea had some pretty amazing manual dexterity! I observed her going through several of the assessment instruments, and she handled them all with ease. Joyce shared with me the report that she is able to generate for students as a result of these assessments. Many students from our partner schools take advantage of Career Assessment which aides them in making good program decisions for OHP. Thanks, Joyce, for your work with these students and for allowing me to visit.

We held our second annual Hi-Point Hi-Tech Night on Thursday evening. Our current students did their usual fine job showcasing their programs, and our Lead Ambassadors welcomed our guests and guided them through tours. The turnout was light, but we made many great connections with future students. Those that attended got their hands onto our technology—one young man lost his tour group because he got so engrossed in the electronic chess game! We heard many, many positive comments about what we have to offer. Thanks to the many staff members who were in attendance to assist.

One connection we were able to make at this event was with the home-school market. I spoke with the parents of a home-schooled student who were very excited about the technology we have to offer. They offered to submit our marketing materials to their home-school “co-op” newsletter. We’ve always served home-schooled students very well, and this will hopefully bring a whole new level of awareness to that group.

Our Technology Department continues to tackle the virus problem we’ve experienced. They’re finishing up student computers now. It’s been a rough couple of weeks, and I hope you’ll all give the a pat on the back for a job well done. Robin Curley shared with me the following experience she had with a member of our fine Tech Department:

Talk about student centered…… With all the problems John, Tracy, and Matt are dealing with concerning viruses and our network, Tracy took time this afternoon to help one of my “student coaches” produce packets (noxious weeds and tack) to help train my Equine Management team for state competition. Kudos to her for once again putting students at the top of the priority list! We are lucky to have her on staff.

Yep, we’re lucky to have the whole bunch! Thanks, Robin, for sharing.

Have a great weekend and get some rest!