October 2, 2009

Wow, it’s October already! Feels like it, too. I don’t like to rush things, but I sort of consider October the beginning of the holiday season. Seems like it’s a blur from now through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then we’ll be into the New Year! But let’s just enjoy the changing leaves for the here and now.

I know most of you are familiar with the Sloan Trust that provides us with a generous amount each year to purchase equipment for eligible programs. Last Friday as I was on my way to Columbus for a meeting, I got a call from Harold Marker, one of our local Sloan Trustees. He had a visitor from the Sloan Trust office in Boston (Kim Gluck), and he asked if Kim could possible take a tour of our building. Shelly Swaney quickly arranged a tour to show her some of the labs with recently purchased Sloan equipment. Shelly shared with me later how impressive our students and staff were in expressing their gratitude and excitement with Ms. Gluck about the opportunities the Sloan funds make possible. I want you all to know how proud I am that I can always contact you at the drop of a hat and know that guests will be well taken care of—that means a lot and reflects so well on the entire District!

This is the time of year that Lisa McCullough, EMIS Coordinator, tallies the Professional Development Points earned during the past school year. Thirty-two of our staff members earned the Professional Development stipend by accumulating required points (including technology points). Way to go to all of you who “made the grade,” and thank you for the time and effort you put into keeping your skills and knowledge current! (Thanks also to Lisa for the great job she does tracking these points for all of us every year.)

I don’t know what you’re hearing or reading about the state budget, but not much of it is good. I do want to share with you that I received an e-mail from State Superintendent Deb DeLisle this week describing some preliminary impact on schools if the video lottery issue doesn’t pass. I’m not advocating you vote one way or another—just wanted to clarify that the predictions were based on that issue.) Fortunately, her e-mail did state that career-technical funding could not be cut any further this year or the state would risk losing $44 million on federal career-tech dollars. So we’ll just hold on for the ride for now and plan for the worst but hope for the best!

Let’s end on a positive note (and we have lots of those!) Lynda Arehart, Guidance Counselor at Bellefontaine Campus, copied me into the following e-mail she sent to Heather Reed (Administrative Office Specialist teacher) about a phone conversation she had with a student’s parent:

I just received a phone call from Allison’s mother that I wanted to make you aware of. Her call was full of praise for you and your program. She said that Allison is so excited about OHP and everything that she is learning here, including the opportunities for college and the support that she has been given. I wish I could express her enthusiasm in my email, but since I can’t, I will tell you that I could sense her joy over the phone!!

That’s a great story and I’m so glad Lynda took the time to share with Heather. I had a similar experience myself this week. While I was having my “natural” hair color put back in one evening, the nail tech at the salon shared with me that her son (a senior) had decided somewhat late to enroll in our Aviation Occupations Program in Champaign Co. She was worried about him because he just hadn’t seemed to find his direction in life. She said he loves the program and she’s never seen him so excited about anything! She’s thrilled that he’s now considering the Air Force after high school. Did my heart good to hear that story!

Enjoy your weekend, and remember—in mid-January these temperatures will sound balmy!