Wow, fast week! I’m sure it’s been quick for all of you too, with altered schedules, OGT testing, day and evening classes—never a dull moment! Spring arrives tomorrow (hurray!), and my calendar tells me Saturday is the birthday of Benito Juarez. I have to admit—I had to Google him to find out why I would want to know this. But I’ll bet our Spanish teacher Rene Mejia can give us a lesson on this man’s importance!
Last Friday I attended the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Ohio Spring Conference with Shane Haggerty and JoEtta Spain. Shane is an officer of the organization and helped plan the conference, and both he and JoEtta were recognized at the awards luncheon. JoEtta received the “Friend of Education” award for all the work she has done to recruit students into our programs, network with business & industry through our school-to-work program, and bring recognition to our school through her public relations efforts. Shane accepted the “Best of the Best” award for our website and “Mark of Excellence” award for our Hi-Lites newsletter. I was really proud to be there amongst representatives from school districts all over Ohio to celebrate this recognition (see photo at right). Thanks to both JoEtta and Shane for all you do to keep us in the public eye in such a positive way!
Monday evening I spoke at the Urbana Rotary Club at the invitation of Dr. Stephen Jones, Urbana University President. I shared with them some of the history of our current, updated them on our high-school and adult programs, and expressed that we are looking forward to expanding into our South Campus in Urbana. They had several questions about our programs as well as the alternative energy projects we’ve embarked upon. We have many, many supporters in Champaign County; and I especially appreciate our partnerships with Urbana University, the school districts in Champaign Co., Jobs and Family Services, the City of Urbana, and several businesses that have supported our workforce development offerings there. Our teachers in those programs have done an excellent job and paved the way for future growth!
Wednesday evening five of OHP’s finest competed in the American Association of University Women Trivia Bee fund-raiser held here at our facility. Ohio Hi-Point’s team—Caleb Lang, Doug Limes, Surena Neer, Melissa Sizemore, and JoAnn Ventresco—did a great job and had a lot of fun! (See the photo of our astute-looking team at right.) I hear from JoEtta Spain, who was also there serving as a judge, that we need to have our team bone up on Logan County history—but other than that they did great! Thanks to all of you for participating and representing Ohio Hi-Point so well!
I was not able to be at the Trivia Bee on Wednesday evening to cheer on our team because I was attending the Hardin County All-Boards Banquet. It was my privilege to be there to recognize and thank our Board Members from Hardin County (Dean McCullough from Ridgemont, Russ Blue from Kenton, Bill Cook from Upper Scioto Valley, and Larry Mouser from the Hardin Co. ESC). The speaker was John Thomas, a former school superintendent, who gave us several examples from around the state of collaboration among school districts and other agencies that have resulted in tremendous benefits to students and communities. The topic was very timely—as resources become more scarce, it will be even more important for us all to work together to leverage rather than duplicate resources and efforts to best serve our customers.
Recently I received an e-mail from Joyce Brown, wife of former U.S. Senator Clarence Brown, from Urbana. She shared with me that two of our Culinary Arts students, Jacob Park and Krysten Beckett, had presented to her Delta Kappa Gamma organization and demonstrated very ornate garnishes. This gave her the idea to have our students prepare centerpieces for the grand opening of the new Cedar Bog Education Center in Urbana on April 17. And so . . . our students will be doing just that—preparing nature-themed centerpieces out of fruits and vegetables! I suggested a frog since one of the themes of the Bog has been “A Frog in the Bog.” As their instructor Donna Beale said, you never know when opportunities will come along, and she’s taught her students to be prepared to take advantage of those opportunities. I will be attending the grand opening of the Educational Center, and I know the work of our Culinary students will be a hit and make us all proud!
Mary Jo Alstaetter, Project SEARCH instructor, shared with me recently that her interns present a traveling trophy monthly to a staff person or department for outstanding service to the Project SEARCH program. She forwarded a note they had received from a recipient in the Dietary Department at Logan Acres:
To all the young project SEARCH men and women, you make my day brighter when you walk in the door. You all do so much to make my job easier. Each year I can’t wait for a new group to come and miss each and everyone as you go. Thanks for the award trophy you gave us in Dietary. We have the Shining Star on our shelf in the kitchen as a reminder of all you are and will be in the future as you go out in the world, whatever it may be you do. Your teachers and leaders are fine also. Keep your heads up high and a smile on your faces!
Stephanie Dysert
What a great tribute! And isn’t that what it’s all about—teaching our students to give back and show appreciation to those who have helped them along the way. Thanks for sharing, Mary Jo!
Seems as if our students aren’t the only ones getting a little rambunctious with spring fever these days. I looked out my window Thursday afternoon and saw one of our Animal Tech students chasing one of her four-legged “clients” down the hill—must have had an escapee! I think we all just want to get outside and enjoy this weather. I hope you have a chance to do just that this weekend!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March 13, 2009
As we wrap up another week, we’re just about halfway through March—can you believe it? And a busy week it’s been.
On Monday I attended a meeting of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance to discuss a project focused on bringing business and education together to address the critical workforce needs in that county and the urgent need to “do education differently” to leverage resources in tough times and better prepare students for their futures. Hardin County isn’t alone in attempting to address these concerns. It’s important to note that in four of our counties (Hardin, Logan, Champaign, and Union), when economic development discussions are held, I’m invited to the table--I don’t have to ask for a seat! And I’m typically the only educator there. This is a testament to the credibility that our district has established (that you have established!) with local business leaders as a critical partner in workforce development in this region.
Monday evening the Bellefontaine Rotary Club hosted its annual Honors Dessert for Logan County seniors who have maintained a 3.5 GPA during their senior year. Ten OHP seniors were honored, and several of them were in attendance to receive their honors. We’re so proud of their accomplishments and proud to be able to recognize them as OHP students. Thanks to Shelly Swaney for making the presentations and to JoEtta Spain for organizing the students!
Wednesday we once again had the pleasure of hosting the Education Day session of Leadership Logan County. JoEtta organized the visit, and several of our administrators and teachers welcomed our visitors during their tour. The participants visited many labs, and they had an opportunity to talk with students and experience engaged, hands-on learning in Architectural & Mechanical Design, Electronics Technology, and Manufacturing/Engineering Technology. Candace Watson, Director of Travel & Tourism for Logan County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the class, wrote to me afterward:
JoEtta & Kim-
Oh my gosh! The Leadership class today was the best we’ve had so far! I thought I would know most of the material from today’s class, but I did not. The students are such good kids. They were so professional (as were the instructors). You can tell that they are passionate about their fields of study and really enjoy learning at OHP. I can’t tell you how many times my Leadership classmates said, “Wow!” One classmate told me that, before today, he had an “old” view of OHP. This classmate just went on and on about how OHP has changed, how none of the students seemed unengaged or bored, etc. Great job!
She’s right—great job to our students and staff in giving these visitors the “Wow Factor!”
Wednesday evening we hosted our Annual Appreciation Banquet to honor and thank our advisory committees and other community supporters. What a great turnout! We needed to go into “overflow mode” and seat people in the Commons—great problem to have! (Sure glad we took out those walls.) Kendall Sullivan, Auto Collision Technologies student, gave a heartfelt and eloquent thank-you to our supporters for the difference they’ve made in his life and the lives of his peers. And Ray Jeffers, a Toledo-area businessman and advisory committee member himself, admonished our audience to continue to support our programs and hold us to high standards.
Special recognition went to our Advisory Committee of the Year (Construction Trades at our Marysville satellite for their help in establishing our partnership with U-Co Industries as a site to build a handicap-accessible house), the Making a Difference Award to Dave Bacher of Urbana (who has housed our Adult Ed. HVAC program free of charge for many months while we await the renovation of our South Campus), and our first annual OHP Alumni & Friends Association Distinguished Service Award to former Board Member Cliff Baughman (from Graham Local) for his many years of dedicated service to our District. The meal was delicious (provided by local caterer Chattan Loch), and it was extra special because it was served by several of our Project SEARCH current students and graduates. (Chattan Loch is committed to employing individuals with disabilities.) It was just a delightful evening which brought together so many wonderful supporters in recognition of all that has been accomplished in our programs. Thank you to all of our staff members who hosted advisory committees or who serve on committees, and thanks to Shane Haggerty, Don Jaunzemis, and our Facilities & Grounds staff for a great job in pulling off a class act!
Ohio Hi-Point serves as a learning site for more “students” than you might realize! Recently I received a thank-you note from a nursing student at OSU who completed her preceptorship under our Health & Safety Coordinator Amy McCarthy:
Good Morning,
I would like to tell you what a good experience I had at Hi-Point with Amy McCarthy. I am an OSU nursing student; I am in the RN to BSN program. I have spent my whole career as a nurse working in the hospital—ICU/ER and lately the Recovery Room and the pre-operative area.
Amy gives a whole new meaning to me as to what a school nurse does. I realize she also does the safety aspect as well. However, she is also a social worker, counselor, consoler, and so much more to kids at Hi-Point. Many a girl had stopped into the office for advice from Amy or just to say hi. She has formed bonds with a lot of those kids. She does a remarkable job with them and Hi-Point is very lucky to have her.
She also did a good job being a preceptor to me; she is kind and patient. She also possesses very good clinical skills.
Crenah K. Zimmer, R.N.
Crenah only confirms what we all know—we are very lucky to have Amy on board! Thanks to Amy for the terrific job she does in all of her roles every day!
So many signs of spring are popping up--I saw a convertible with the top down the other day. I think it had to have been a little chilly, but you have to admire the optimism! Have a wonderful weekend and rest up for the next week of “March Madness!”
On Monday I attended a meeting of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance to discuss a project focused on bringing business and education together to address the critical workforce needs in that county and the urgent need to “do education differently” to leverage resources in tough times and better prepare students for their futures. Hardin County isn’t alone in attempting to address these concerns. It’s important to note that in four of our counties (Hardin, Logan, Champaign, and Union), when economic development discussions are held, I’m invited to the table--I don’t have to ask for a seat! And I’m typically the only educator there. This is a testament to the credibility that our district has established (that you have established!) with local business leaders as a critical partner in workforce development in this region.
Monday evening the Bellefontaine Rotary Club hosted its annual Honors Dessert for Logan County seniors who have maintained a 3.5 GPA during their senior year. Ten OHP seniors were honored, and several of them were in attendance to receive their honors. We’re so proud of their accomplishments and proud to be able to recognize them as OHP students. Thanks to Shelly Swaney for making the presentations and to JoEtta Spain for organizing the students!
Wednesday we once again had the pleasure of hosting the Education Day session of Leadership Logan County. JoEtta organized the visit, and several of our administrators and teachers welcomed our visitors during their tour. The participants visited many labs, and they had an opportunity to talk with students and experience engaged, hands-on learning in Architectural & Mechanical Design, Electronics Technology, and Manufacturing/Engineering Technology. Candace Watson, Director of Travel & Tourism for Logan County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the class, wrote to me afterward:
JoEtta & Kim-
Oh my gosh! The Leadership class today was the best we’ve had so far! I thought I would know most of the material from today’s class, but I did not. The students are such good kids. They were so professional (as were the instructors). You can tell that they are passionate about their fields of study and really enjoy learning at OHP. I can’t tell you how many times my Leadership classmates said, “Wow!” One classmate told me that, before today, he had an “old” view of OHP. This classmate just went on and on about how OHP has changed, how none of the students seemed unengaged or bored, etc. Great job!
She’s right—great job to our students and staff in giving these visitors the “Wow Factor!”
Wednesday evening we hosted our Annual Appreciation Banquet to honor and thank our advisory committees and other community supporters. What a great turnout! We needed to go into “overflow mode” and seat people in the Commons—great problem to have! (Sure glad we took out those walls.) Kendall Sullivan, Auto Collision Technologies student, gave a heartfelt and eloquent thank-you to our supporters for the difference they’ve made in his life and the lives of his peers. And Ray Jeffers, a Toledo-area businessman and advisory committee member himself, admonished our audience to continue to support our programs and hold us to high standards.
Special recognition went to our Advisory Committee of the Year (Construction Trades at our Marysville satellite for their help in establishing our partnership with U-Co Industries as a site to build a handicap-accessible house), the Making a Difference Award to Dave Bacher of Urbana (who has housed our Adult Ed. HVAC program free of charge for many months while we await the renovation of our South Campus), and our first annual OHP Alumni & Friends Association Distinguished Service Award to former Board Member Cliff Baughman (from Graham Local) for his many years of dedicated service to our District. The meal was delicious (provided by local caterer Chattan Loch), and it was extra special because it was served by several of our Project SEARCH current students and graduates. (Chattan Loch is committed to employing individuals with disabilities.) It was just a delightful evening which brought together so many wonderful supporters in recognition of all that has been accomplished in our programs. Thank you to all of our staff members who hosted advisory committees or who serve on committees, and thanks to Shane Haggerty, Don Jaunzemis, and our Facilities & Grounds staff for a great job in pulling off a class act!
Ohio Hi-Point serves as a learning site for more “students” than you might realize! Recently I received a thank-you note from a nursing student at OSU who completed her preceptorship under our Health & Safety Coordinator Amy McCarthy:
Good Morning,
I would like to tell you what a good experience I had at Hi-Point with Amy McCarthy. I am an OSU nursing student; I am in the RN to BSN program. I have spent my whole career as a nurse working in the hospital—ICU/ER and lately the Recovery Room and the pre-operative area.
Amy gives a whole new meaning to me as to what a school nurse does. I realize she also does the safety aspect as well. However, she is also a social worker, counselor, consoler, and so much more to kids at Hi-Point. Many a girl had stopped into the office for advice from Amy or just to say hi. She has formed bonds with a lot of those kids. She does a remarkable job with them and Hi-Point is very lucky to have her.
She also did a good job being a preceptor to me; she is kind and patient. She also possesses very good clinical skills.
Crenah K. Zimmer, R.N.
Crenah only confirms what we all know—we are very lucky to have Amy on board! Thanks to Amy for the terrific job she does in all of her roles every day!
So many signs of spring are popping up--I saw a convertible with the top down the other day. I think it had to have been a little chilly, but you have to admire the optimism! Have a wonderful weekend and rest up for the next week of “March Madness!”
Sunday, March 8, 2009
March 8, 2009
Well, my TGIF posting turned out to be a TGIS (Sunday) this week. I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather we had yesterday! And I hope you remembered to move your clocks up one hour—otherwise it’s later than you think.
March brings the promise of spring, and it’s also Women’s History Month! (Somehow I’ve missed that up until now.) I’m not sure if there’s a Men’s History Month—sorry guys! I was reading an article written in honor of this month and learned of several inventions which are credited to women: the windshield wiper, the dishwasher, Scotchgard, the curling iron, and Liquid Paper. Who knew? I won’t give away which women invented these—those who are curious can do some research on your own.
March 9 (tomorrow) is also Barbie’s Doll’s 50th birthday! She was named after Miss Barbie Millicent Roberts from Willows, Wisconsin. I think most girls around my age owned one or more throughout our childhoods. (Barbie and I are the same age, but she’s holding up much better!) My oldest sister had one of the original 1959 models which would probably be worth a fortune today if it were in good shape. But that poor Barbie endured too many haircuts and make-up jobs with markers to hold her value.
Over the past week and a half or so, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several of our satellite programs (I try to get out to each of them at least once a year—which is getting tougher as the number grows!) What great, neat things are happening! Just as here on our Bellefontaine Campus, students are engaged and excited about their career paths and are doing amazing work through applied learning. They also promote such a positive image of Ohio Hi-Point, which helps us all! Thanks to all of our satellite teachers “afar” for the fine work you do with these young people.
Tuesday evening we tried a new venture, Power Up Your Future Night, to promote our Construction and Automotive Programs. Those in attendance got great information about careers from Dave Duff, a local construction contractor; and they got to visit labs and talk with instructors and college representatives. The ice cream and popcorn were also a hit! Thanks to Glenn Smith and his instructors (Dave Marsteller, Bob Lawrence, Doug Limes, Terry Hedges, Rodney Peterson, Bob Newland, John Wilson, and Dave Lindsey) for putting together such a great evening. Thanks also to JoEtta Spain and our Lead Ambassadors, Amy McCarthy, and Brandie Roberts for assisting (and my apologies to anyone I’m forgetting!) As the words gets out in future years, we look forward to having the event grow.
Meetings regarding the upcoming State Budget are requiring a lot of time these days, but it’s time well spent to make sure our position as career-technical centers is understood and supported. On Thursday, several career-technical superintendents met with our Legislative Liaison (sounds better than Lobbyist!) But lobby is exactly what we need to do. We have some serious concerns about unintended consequences of the Governor’s proposed budget plan. The plan eliminates per-pupil funding for the K-12 districts and funds them rather on a teacher/student ratio. The plan further states that the JVSD’s will be dealt with in the next biennium budget. That’s all well and good, except that our funding is based on per-pupil funding flowing from our associate school districts to us, including the satellite programs we house in their buildings. So the Governor’s plan essentially leaves us with no basis for determining funding for any of our programs. That won’t work!
In addition, the 1.9 percent increase for career-tech included in the Governor’s Plan is not clearly attached to any particular number, other than last year’s funding for CTE overall. So there’s no provision for increased funding with increased enrollment. In addition, the $4.5 million study that is to be conducted to evaluate career-tech funding will be charged back to our state budget line-item, which more than zeros out the proposed increase. Ouch! We’ve put together our list of concerns and will be communicating these to the Education Chairs of the House and Senate through formal testimony and personal meetings. This budget bill is likely to go right down to the wire (June 30), but we’ll stay at the table until we’re assured of continued support and funding for our programs.
Friday morning I attended the Logan Co. MRDD annual breakfast in honor of MRDD Awareness Month. It’s always a great gathering of people who support services for individuals with disabilities. We always hear from the State Director of MRDD and local legislators. As we moved through the line for breakfast, I noticed there were several quotes posted throughout the building. One was from “Kate,” whom I figured out to be a graduate of our Project SEARCH Program. She said how much she enjoys helping the residents at Logan Acres through her job there. That’s the real pay-off for those of us in career-tech—seeing our graduates go on to success and satisfaction with their careers and their lives!
I hope you had a great weekend and got rested up for another busy week!
March brings the promise of spring, and it’s also Women’s History Month! (Somehow I’ve missed that up until now.) I’m not sure if there’s a Men’s History Month—sorry guys! I was reading an article written in honor of this month and learned of several inventions which are credited to women: the windshield wiper, the dishwasher, Scotchgard, the curling iron, and Liquid Paper. Who knew? I won’t give away which women invented these—those who are curious can do some research on your own.
March 9 (tomorrow) is also Barbie’s Doll’s 50th birthday! She was named after Miss Barbie Millicent Roberts from Willows, Wisconsin. I think most girls around my age owned one or more throughout our childhoods. (Barbie and I are the same age, but she’s holding up much better!) My oldest sister had one of the original 1959 models which would probably be worth a fortune today if it were in good shape. But that poor Barbie endured too many haircuts and make-up jobs with markers to hold her value.
Over the past week and a half or so, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several of our satellite programs (I try to get out to each of them at least once a year—which is getting tougher as the number grows!) What great, neat things are happening! Just as here on our Bellefontaine Campus, students are engaged and excited about their career paths and are doing amazing work through applied learning. They also promote such a positive image of Ohio Hi-Point, which helps us all! Thanks to all of our satellite teachers “afar” for the fine work you do with these young people.
Tuesday evening we tried a new venture, Power Up Your Future Night, to promote our Construction and Automotive Programs. Those in attendance got great information about careers from Dave Duff, a local construction contractor; and they got to visit labs and talk with instructors and college representatives. The ice cream and popcorn were also a hit! Thanks to Glenn Smith and his instructors (Dave Marsteller, Bob Lawrence, Doug Limes, Terry Hedges, Rodney Peterson, Bob Newland, John Wilson, and Dave Lindsey) for putting together such a great evening. Thanks also to JoEtta Spain and our Lead Ambassadors, Amy McCarthy, and Brandie Roberts for assisting (and my apologies to anyone I’m forgetting!) As the words gets out in future years, we look forward to having the event grow.
Meetings regarding the upcoming State Budget are requiring a lot of time these days, but it’s time well spent to make sure our position as career-technical centers is understood and supported. On Thursday, several career-technical superintendents met with our Legislative Liaison (sounds better than Lobbyist!) But lobby is exactly what we need to do. We have some serious concerns about unintended consequences of the Governor’s proposed budget plan. The plan eliminates per-pupil funding for the K-12 districts and funds them rather on a teacher/student ratio. The plan further states that the JVSD’s will be dealt with in the next biennium budget. That’s all well and good, except that our funding is based on per-pupil funding flowing from our associate school districts to us, including the satellite programs we house in their buildings. So the Governor’s plan essentially leaves us with no basis for determining funding for any of our programs. That won’t work!
In addition, the 1.9 percent increase for career-tech included in the Governor’s Plan is not clearly attached to any particular number, other than last year’s funding for CTE overall. So there’s no provision for increased funding with increased enrollment. In addition, the $4.5 million study that is to be conducted to evaluate career-tech funding will be charged back to our state budget line-item, which more than zeros out the proposed increase. Ouch! We’ve put together our list of concerns and will be communicating these to the Education Chairs of the House and Senate through formal testimony and personal meetings. This budget bill is likely to go right down to the wire (June 30), but we’ll stay at the table until we’re assured of continued support and funding for our programs.
Friday morning I attended the Logan Co. MRDD annual breakfast in honor of MRDD Awareness Month. It’s always a great gathering of people who support services for individuals with disabilities. We always hear from the State Director of MRDD and local legislators. As we moved through the line for breakfast, I noticed there were several quotes posted throughout the building. One was from “Kate,” whom I figured out to be a graduate of our Project SEARCH Program. She said how much she enjoys helping the residents at Logan Acres through her job there. That’s the real pay-off for those of us in career-tech—seeing our graduates go on to success and satisfaction with their careers and their lives!
I hope you had a great weekend and got rested up for another busy week!
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