April 30, 2010

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!