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!”