Hard to believe this is the last day of April! It will be nice to welcome May, even though it sounds like it’s going to be a wet first few days.
Monday we held the final meeting of the Student Advisory Council for the year. Among other things, this group brings recommendations to me and the administration for improvements at OHP. One of their suggestions this year—to widen the doorway between the main building and the tech center wing—will actually come to fruition this summer. At their suggestion, we made observations and saw that this truly is a bottleneck during class-change times and could caused tardies (as well as being a safety hazard). So—next year the opening will be a 6-foot-wide double door. Should speed up the traffic flow—and no more excuses for being tardy! Thanks to the Student Advisory Council for this recommendation, and thanks to our Facilities & Grounds Department for making it happen!
Tuesday I attended another meeting of the Ohio School Funding Advisory Council. I think the subcommittee working on career-tech funding is finally making some headway! After studying CTE program delivery and past funding models, the subcommittee will be looking at a proposed funding model (developed by a steering committee of career-tech superintendents and treasurers) at their next meeting. I’m glad to see this progress; although the common thread throughout discussions has been that any model approved may not be fully funded—it all depends on state funding levels. But it's important that we have some say in the development of whatever model is finally approved. I’ll keep you posted.
Wednesday I had the pleasure, again, of judging the business department’s etiquette luncheon. What a fun event! After the students all heard a speaker on business etiquette, they had a delicious lunch (prepared by Culinary Arts) in groups of 4 or 5 with a judge. I had the pleasure of having lunch with Tessa from Bellefontaine, Allison from Bellefontaine, Shelby from West Liberty-Salem, and Mike from Ben Logan (see photo at right). They were great! We had a nice discussion about their experiences at OHP, their plans for the future, and what they might expect in the business world. I have no doubt these young people are well prepared for lunch interviews and other experiences they’ll encounter as they enter the business world. Thanks to teachers Amanda Blackburn (Information Technology) and Heather Reed (Business Administration Technology) for planning this great learning experience and for sharing your students with me!
Thursday was a "hopping" day at OHP! On Thursday morning I had the privilege of attending and providing a welcome at our annual National Technical Honor Society induction ceremony. This year's "class" of inductees included 24 students who have met very high standards during their time in career-technical education. The current members conducted a beautiful ceremony which was attended by a large group of family members, friends, and partner school staff. Many thanks to Melissa Rofe and Ryan Gilbert for taking the leadership with this important organization and overseeing an impressive event! (And be sure to see the photos from the event on our website!)
That same day, I joined Sharon Halter (Adult Basic Literacy Coordinator) in a presentation to the Union County Commissioners regarding the ABLE program that OHP began to operate for them in 2008. Sharon shared some very impressive enrollment numbers and success stories with the Commissioners. These trying times have hit many adults very hard, and it’s gratifying to know that OHP’s ABLE program is assisting so many of them in starting on new career pathways. The Commissioners were obviously pleased as well, and we look forward to a long relationship with them serving the adults of Union County!
On Thursday evening, we hosted our annual Welcome Dinner for incoming students (along with parent/teacher conferences). This is a great opportunity for students who've already made up their minds to visit labs with family and other guests and to enjoy dinner (prepared by our cafeteria staff). And, for students who are maybe not yet quite sure about attending, it can often be the deciding factor! Thanks to the many staff members and student Lead Ambassadors who assisted with getting all of our guests where they needed to be and making them feel welcome. Thanks also to Clark State Community College for being present and for sponsoring t-shirts for all our incoming students! (And again, check our website for story and photos!)
This morning, I welcomed a regional meeting of GRADS teachers (our program for parenting teens) at OHP. What a great turnout and a beautiful day to have them on our campus! As I've always said about GRADS, this is the one program that impacts two generations, and I admonished them to continue to advocate for this program at the state level so that we can continue to provide this much-needed service to students. Thanks to Francie Ross and Deb Baker for hosting and for inviting me!
Have a great weekend, and remember that the rain will only make things greener and brighter!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
April 26, 2010
This week’s TGIF turned into a TGIM (Monday)—what a hectic week last week! Not sure if I’m late for last week or early for this week. Hope you had a restful weekend. I was actually glad to see the rain this weekend—the grass and plants need it, and hopefully it will knock some of this pollen out of the air!
I have to say last week was one of students coming to my rescue! The pace picks up so much at this time of year (like I need to tell you that!) and so often I have last-minute requests or needs. But no worries last week—our students were great!
Wednesday morning when we hosted our partner school administrators for a legal topics in-service, I found the room not quite set up the way we needed it. (Actually, it was still set up from our partner school Superintendents meeting the day before!) I asked Daniel from Culinary Arts (who was hanging out in the Commons before school) if he could help me rearrange the tables. Within about 30 seconds, he had gathered several of his classmates and they jumped right in to rearrange tables, wipe them down and get extra tables out of the way. (Then they served us a fantastic lunch later that day even though one of their ovens was on the blink!) An amazing group of kids who have clearly learned that “life happens,” you go with Plan B, and everything turns out OK if you don’t panic.
Here’s another example: I was asked by a local businessman for a poster to display at the upcoming Rotary/Kiwanis Golf Outing to advertise a new scholarship program for Logan County students called “Logan County Promise.” Again, I didn’t give Mr. Carrig and his Printing & Graphics students much time; but they came through and Jonathan and Jake delivered a beautiful poster designed by Jennifer and printed by Jonathan right on deadline for me Friday! I can’t wait to have the poster displayed at the golf event—I’ll be proud to say OHP students produced it! And then, I gave Mr. Carrig and his students an even shorter deadline (about one day?) for a banner we needed for a “photo op” at our new North Campus in Kenton. Again—a quality product produced and delivered on-time and with a smile by his student Breanna! (See Shane's news release about our North Campus on our website for a photo.)
Thursday, we had our State Board of Education member, Ann Jacobs, visit our beautiful campus (see photo at right). She lives in the Apollo Career Center district, so we needed to get her here to show her how much better OHP is! (Just kidding to all our friends at Apollo!) But she did rave about our beautiful campus, our advanced technology, our amazing students, and the two Lead Ambassadors who hosted her on the tour: Shana and McCay. I’m thrilled that now, as she fulfills her duties on the State Board of Education, she can now actually visualize the quality education we offer at OHP and the importance of supporting our programs.
I guess I share all of these examples to express my appreciation, because I know not many superintendents are as spoiled as I am when it comes to always being able to call on staff and students to “get the job done” and know that it will not just be done—it will be done with excellence. My thanks to all of you.
Last Thursday several of our staff members and students (both high-school and adult) visited Columbus for the Ohio ACTE Legislative Luncheon. They arrived in Columbus at 9:30 a.m. and took a special hour tour of the State House; then they had lunch at the Renaissance Hotel along with a special program recognizing career-technical education. Joining them for lunch was our State Representative Dave Burke (see photo at right). Representative Burke is a huge supporter of CTE, and we’re so glad he had an opportunity to meet our students and hear their stories!
Last Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day, and we celebrated with our office support staff on Thursday with a salad luncheon prepared by the administration. We don’t claim to be experts at the cooking part, but we sure have fun putting this together for those who make our jobs so much easier and keep us sane! I hope you’ll all express your thanks to all of our administrative professionals for being the “glue” that holds our district together!
Let me back up to Saturday a week ago when we hosted our Prom. Once again, a beautiful event that came off without a hitch! Many, many thanks to Angie Walls, Stacy Colwell, and all the other staff who put countless hours into planning this event (I won’t try to name all staff; I know I’ll miss some!) And thanks also to the student committee who worked tirelessly to make this a special event for their classmates. The “Masquerade” theme was really neat, and the students rose to the occasion with some beautiful dresses, masks, and face paintings! And, of course, their behavior made us proud. I hear every year from the photographer, the police we hire for security, and from the DJ what great students we have. Never hurts to hear it—and we should never take it for granted!
This week will no doubt be another busy one. Have a great week as we wrap up April and head into May!
I have to say last week was one of students coming to my rescue! The pace picks up so much at this time of year (like I need to tell you that!) and so often I have last-minute requests or needs. But no worries last week—our students were great!
Wednesday morning when we hosted our partner school administrators for a legal topics in-service, I found the room not quite set up the way we needed it. (Actually, it was still set up from our partner school Superintendents meeting the day before!) I asked Daniel from Culinary Arts (who was hanging out in the Commons before school) if he could help me rearrange the tables. Within about 30 seconds, he had gathered several of his classmates and they jumped right in to rearrange tables, wipe them down and get extra tables out of the way. (Then they served us a fantastic lunch later that day even though one of their ovens was on the blink!) An amazing group of kids who have clearly learned that “life happens,” you go with Plan B, and everything turns out OK if you don’t panic.
Here’s another example: I was asked by a local businessman for a poster to display at the upcoming Rotary/Kiwanis Golf Outing to advertise a new scholarship program for Logan County students called “Logan County Promise.” Again, I didn’t give Mr. Carrig and his Printing & Graphics students much time; but they came through and Jonathan and Jake delivered a beautiful poster designed by Jennifer and printed by Jonathan right on deadline for me Friday! I can’t wait to have the poster displayed at the golf event—I’ll be proud to say OHP students produced it! And then, I gave Mr. Carrig and his students an even shorter deadline (about one day?) for a banner we needed for a “photo op” at our new North Campus in Kenton. Again—a quality product produced and delivered on-time and with a smile by his student Breanna! (See Shane's news release about our North Campus on our website for a photo.)
Thursday, we had our State Board of Education member, Ann Jacobs, visit our beautiful campus (see photo at right). She lives in the Apollo Career Center district, so we needed to get her here to show her how much better OHP is! (Just kidding to all our friends at Apollo!) But she did rave about our beautiful campus, our advanced technology, our amazing students, and the two Lead Ambassadors who hosted her on the tour: Shana and McCay. I’m thrilled that now, as she fulfills her duties on the State Board of Education, she can now actually visualize the quality education we offer at OHP and the importance of supporting our programs.
I guess I share all of these examples to express my appreciation, because I know not many superintendents are as spoiled as I am when it comes to always being able to call on staff and students to “get the job done” and know that it will not just be done—it will be done with excellence. My thanks to all of you.
Last Thursday several of our staff members and students (both high-school and adult) visited Columbus for the Ohio ACTE Legislative Luncheon. They arrived in Columbus at 9:30 a.m. and took a special hour tour of the State House; then they had lunch at the Renaissance Hotel along with a special program recognizing career-technical education. Joining them for lunch was our State Representative Dave Burke (see photo at right). Representative Burke is a huge supporter of CTE, and we’re so glad he had an opportunity to meet our students and hear their stories!
Last Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day, and we celebrated with our office support staff on Thursday with a salad luncheon prepared by the administration. We don’t claim to be experts at the cooking part, but we sure have fun putting this together for those who make our jobs so much easier and keep us sane! I hope you’ll all express your thanks to all of our administrative professionals for being the “glue” that holds our district together!
Let me back up to Saturday a week ago when we hosted our Prom. Once again, a beautiful event that came off without a hitch! Many, many thanks to Angie Walls, Stacy Colwell, and all the other staff who put countless hours into planning this event (I won’t try to name all staff; I know I’ll miss some!) And thanks also to the student committee who worked tirelessly to make this a special event for their classmates. The “Masquerade” theme was really neat, and the students rose to the occasion with some beautiful dresses, masks, and face paintings! And, of course, their behavior made us proud. I hear every year from the photographer, the police we hire for security, and from the DJ what great students we have. Never hurts to hear it—and we should never take it for granted!
This week will no doubt be another busy one. Have a great week as we wrap up April and head into May!
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9, 2010
Well, first of all, welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful, restful spring break. And what a treat the weather was—right here in Ohio! Just wanted to get a quick TGIF posting up about a few of this week’s happenings.
Several of you have shared what a hectic week it’s been getting back into full gear. Now we’re into that after-spring-break “blur”—but we’ll pull it all off as we always do. The students are so excited about their achievements this time of year, it’s really fun to watch. I hope you’re all taking time to read the press releases and view the photos of our student achievers!
Tuesday evening the Ohio School Boards Association Southwest Region Executive Board hosted it’s spring meeting on our campus, which is at the far north edge of the region! I appreciate that Anne Reames, our Board President, facilitated hosting the meeting here so that we could show off our facilities and our students. Our Lead Ambassadors gave our guests campus tours on that beautiful evening, and our Culinary Arts students treated them to a delicious dinner. I never hesitate to accept these opportunities to bring visitors to OHP because I’m confident they’ll have an amazing experience!
Wednesday morning I attended a “Day of Hope” ceremony sponsored by Logan County Children’s Services in recognition of victims of child abuse. Very sobering. The message I took away is that we in public education have such a huge responsibility to keep a watchful eye on our students—even the “big” ones—and report any suspected abuse. I know you all do a great job of that and provide a supportive environment for our students every day. Keep it up—it matters.
It was announced this past week that the Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce has hired a new Executive Director. As a member of the Chamber Board, I have been aware “on the fringes” of the search and selection process; but I was not at liberty to share. What I can share with you now is that the new Executive Director, Fred Burkhardt, hails from Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Fred has extensive chamber and economic development background, and he is very excited about his move to Logan County. You should know that part of the interview process was to have Fred tour our campus on a Saturday and learn about our role in workforce development. He was amazed at what he saw as I walked him through several of our labs (Wisconsin has nothing like the career-tech structure Ohio has). When he returned this week to be formally hired by the Board, he again expressed his eagerness to work with OHP in his new position!
I hope you have a great weekend—warmer temperatures are on the way back!
Several of you have shared what a hectic week it’s been getting back into full gear. Now we’re into that after-spring-break “blur”—but we’ll pull it all off as we always do. The students are so excited about their achievements this time of year, it’s really fun to watch. I hope you’re all taking time to read the press releases and view the photos of our student achievers!
Tuesday evening the Ohio School Boards Association Southwest Region Executive Board hosted it’s spring meeting on our campus, which is at the far north edge of the region! I appreciate that Anne Reames, our Board President, facilitated hosting the meeting here so that we could show off our facilities and our students. Our Lead Ambassadors gave our guests campus tours on that beautiful evening, and our Culinary Arts students treated them to a delicious dinner. I never hesitate to accept these opportunities to bring visitors to OHP because I’m confident they’ll have an amazing experience!
Wednesday morning I attended a “Day of Hope” ceremony sponsored by Logan County Children’s Services in recognition of victims of child abuse. Very sobering. The message I took away is that we in public education have such a huge responsibility to keep a watchful eye on our students—even the “big” ones—and report any suspected abuse. I know you all do a great job of that and provide a supportive environment for our students every day. Keep it up—it matters.
It was announced this past week that the Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce has hired a new Executive Director. As a member of the Chamber Board, I have been aware “on the fringes” of the search and selection process; but I was not at liberty to share. What I can share with you now is that the new Executive Director, Fred Burkhardt, hails from Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Fred has extensive chamber and economic development background, and he is very excited about his move to Logan County. You should know that part of the interview process was to have Fred tour our campus on a Saturday and learn about our role in workforce development. He was amazed at what he saw as I walked him through several of our labs (Wisconsin has nothing like the career-tech structure Ohio has). When he returned this week to be formally hired by the Board, he again expressed his eagerness to work with OHP in his new position!
I hope you have a great weekend—warmer temperatures are on the way back!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
