Wow, what a quick week! September is slipping away—but you can’t beat this beautiful weather.
This week has been one of meetings, meetings, meetings for me. I’ve had a chance to get out and meet all the new superintendents in our career-technical planning district (CTPD). We’ve got a lot of new faces this year! (And some familiar faces in new positions.) I like to get out and meet them in their districts and give them a quick overview of Ohio Hi-Point’s programs and our relationship with their respective districts. And I look forward to giving them a tour of our facilities at my first CTPD Superintendents Meeting on September 29! One note of interest—Dr. Bobby Moore, the new Superintendent at Mechanicsburg Local Schools, is a graduate of the Precision Machining Program at Dayton Patterson High School. (I shared with him that I’m also a graduate of a career-tech program—although I think quite a few years before he was!) He clearly understands and values what career-technical programs can mean to students.
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to serve as a tour guide for the Union County Covered Bridge Festival. We went through training so that we could share information about the County’s many covered bridges with our bus-loads of tourists. It was a really fun experience and I learned so much! (I’d recommend taking the self-guided tour if you ever get the chance.) In one of my groups, there was a young man who looked to be about 10 or 11 who was absolutely fascinated with the architecture of the bridges. I asked him about his school, and in the course of our conversation and all the talk of bridges, it came up that his brother had attended Ohio Hi-Point in our Architectural Mechanical Design Program. He went on and on about the really cool bridge his brother had built for a competition, how lightweight it was, how strong it was (and why). I have to admit he pretty much lost me on the architectural details—but what wasn’t lost on me was his enthusiasm for the applied physics learning experience his brother had gotten at OHP! I told him I hoped he would be coming our way as an 11th grader—and I get the feeling he probably will be!
On Monday, I met with representatives from Honda’s Educational Outreach Program (at their request) to discuss how we can work more closely with Honda. With input from several staff members, we generated a lot of ideas for having them work with our students on employability and “soft” skills, possible internships, and of course our various advisory committees. And we also discussed several ways we might be able to help them with various projects within their vast organization. I’m looking forward to an even stronger relationship with this great corporate partner!
Wednesday at the Champaign County Community Improvement Corporation Meeting, Mary Lee Gecowetz, a member of the Grimes Field Airport Development Committee shared with the group that an aviator from another city who was in Urbana for the recent fly-in learned of our Aviation Occupations program and was absolutely astounded at the work our students are doing at such a young age. So astounded, as a matter of fact, that he’d like to replicate the program in his community! Shane recently shared a press release with all of you about three recent graduates from this program who are now attending college in aviation programs. It’s really great to see a new program develop and to see the “payoff” at the end of the road—students continuing their education in a career field they’ve found a passion for because of career-technical education!
Today you may see some “smaller” students on our campus. We have fourth graders visiting today and tomorrow as part of the Logan County Agriculture Tour. They are learning about our renewable energy and energy-saving projects on campus such as wind and solar energy, geothermal heating and cooling, and composting. We’re glad to be able to host this event, show off our campus, and hopefully be recruiting a few students for the incoming class of 2016! Thanks to all of you who have given of your time, talents, and lab space to make this project possible.
I’ll end with a kind of cute story about one of our students. I was in the lunch line this week and recognized the young man in front of me as one of our Culinary Arts students. I told him I heard his class was going on a field trip to Gordon Foods. He said very earnestly and without missing a beat, “It’s not a field trip. Field trips are just another excuse for getting out of school. It’s a study trip and we have a lesson planned that we’ll be studying on the trip.” I told him I was sure he’d learn a lot and have a great time as well! (And obviously someone has been teaching him the importance of making the most of “study” trips!)
Have a great weekend!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009
Today marks an anniversary many of us would rather forget. I’m sure many of you, like I, will pause each time you write or think about today’s date to reflect on the horrific events of eight years ago. It was a day that changed us as a country forever—and maybe even as individuals. I know I lost some sense of being invincible as an American and feeling immune from the terrors we heard about around the world. We’ve endured some of the inconveniences of additional security measures that other countries have lived with for decades. And yet it was also the beginning of a new era of patriotism and pride in knowing that we as Americans stood to lose so much because we have so much. I hope we never forget that. We all join together this Patriot Day to honor those who lost their lives and to remember the families and loved ones who miss them still.
Along the lines of being thankful, JoAnn Ventresco (English teacher at Bellefontaine Campus) has shared with me that her English students have been writing essays on what the “American Dream” means to them. JoAnn shared the following (and we did not correct for grammar or punctuation—she’s working on that!):
The more I read the more I am just blown away by the minds and talent I have in my classroom this year. I keep telling my juniors they are too quiet, but clearly they have a lot to say! Look at this one, written by AN ELEVENTH GRADER:
As Thomas Wolfe once said, "…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ….the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him...", I think this is the true "American Dream", The things in which people should focus on now in these times of life, Instead of just trying to have the best... Be happy with what’s given to you and make something of it on your own. When you have accomplished this task in life you will understand what the "American Dream" is and you will be able to say you felt something that no man nor woman could feel by just being rich or having the best house nor car...
Another student wrote:
Luckily living in America gives us the opportunity to follow through with a lot of the dreams that we have. Personally my dream is to work in the Health Care field. By living and growing up in the united states i have been handed multiple options to take advantage of in order to succeed in the Health Care Field. For example coming to Hi Point. I plan to continue on living my American dream until I feel content with my life.
Our students do great work—and they’re able to do so because of the great work out staff does with them. I’ve often said I hear great news about OHP from some of the most unlikely place! Carrie Preston, Special Education teacher on our Bellefontaine Campus, shared the following amazing story with me:
I just thought you'd like to know that OHP has a good reputation, all the way to Indiana! I recently caught up with a childhood friend of mine, who lives there. When I told her what I do for a living this was her response: "Some of my friends have kids going to Hi-Point. They are thrilled with it and felt like the move to Hi-Point was EXACTLY the right plan, and frankly, the better option. I mean, they are thrilled! So whatever you and your staff are doing...big props to you!"
Yep—big props to all of you! Thanks to JoAnn and Carrie for sharing so we can all enjoy.
We continued a tradition on Wednesday and recognized Dr. Earl Sloan’s birthday (which is actually September 8) by having our students and staff pay tribute to the contributions his trust has made to our labs through state-of-the-art equipment. Two of our high-school students and three adult education students shared their thanks with representatives of our Sloan Trustees. I know it’s been said that teenagers tend to be self-absorbed ingrates (and I was probably guilty of that at that age!) But I can honestly say that our high-school students were equally as sincere and eloquent in their words as the adult students as they thanked the Trustees. How neat it was to hear all those students describe the specific impact the Sloan-sponsored equipment has had on their training and their future plans. I want to thank the staff who were present to personally thank the Trustees and particularly those who spoke. I know Mr. Marker and Mrs. Reynolds very much enjoyed the birthday party! (A photo of the student speakers, Mr. Harold Marker, and Mrs. Connie Reynolds is shown at right.)
Have a great weekend and enjoy every bit of this wonderful, outdoor weather while we can!
Along the lines of being thankful, JoAnn Ventresco (English teacher at Bellefontaine Campus) has shared with me that her English students have been writing essays on what the “American Dream” means to them. JoAnn shared the following (and we did not correct for grammar or punctuation—she’s working on that!):
The more I read the more I am just blown away by the minds and talent I have in my classroom this year. I keep telling my juniors they are too quiet, but clearly they have a lot to say! Look at this one, written by AN ELEVENTH GRADER:
As Thomas Wolfe once said, "…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ….the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him...", I think this is the true "American Dream", The things in which people should focus on now in these times of life, Instead of just trying to have the best... Be happy with what’s given to you and make something of it on your own. When you have accomplished this task in life you will understand what the "American Dream" is and you will be able to say you felt something that no man nor woman could feel by just being rich or having the best house nor car...
Another student wrote:
Luckily living in America gives us the opportunity to follow through with a lot of the dreams that we have. Personally my dream is to work in the Health Care field. By living and growing up in the united states i have been handed multiple options to take advantage of in order to succeed in the Health Care Field. For example coming to Hi Point. I plan to continue on living my American dream until I feel content with my life.
Our students do great work—and they’re able to do so because of the great work out staff does with them. I’ve often said I hear great news about OHP from some of the most unlikely place! Carrie Preston, Special Education teacher on our Bellefontaine Campus, shared the following amazing story with me:
I just thought you'd like to know that OHP has a good reputation, all the way to Indiana! I recently caught up with a childhood friend of mine, who lives there. When I told her what I do for a living this was her response: "Some of my friends have kids going to Hi-Point. They are thrilled with it and felt like the move to Hi-Point was EXACTLY the right plan, and frankly, the better option. I mean, they are thrilled! So whatever you and your staff are doing...big props to you!"
Yep—big props to all of you! Thanks to JoAnn and Carrie for sharing so we can all enjoy.
We continued a tradition on Wednesday and recognized Dr. Earl Sloan’s birthday (which is actually September 8) by having our students and staff pay tribute to the contributions his trust has made to our labs through state-of-the-art equipment. Two of our high-school students and three adult education students shared their thanks with representatives of our Sloan Trustees. I know it’s been said that teenagers tend to be self-absorbed ingrates (and I was probably guilty of that at that age!) But I can honestly say that our high-school students were equally as sincere and eloquent in their words as the adult students as they thanked the Trustees. How neat it was to hear all those students describe the specific impact the Sloan-sponsored equipment has had on their training and their future plans. I want to thank the staff who were present to personally thank the Trustees and particularly those who spoke. I know Mr. Marker and Mrs. Reynolds very much enjoyed the birthday party! (A photo of the student speakers, Mr. Harold Marker, and Mrs. Connie Reynolds is shown at right.)
Have a great weekend and enjoy every bit of this wonderful, outdoor weather while we can!
Friday, September 4, 2009
September 4, 2009
We’re back in full swing, and how fun it has been to have our high-school students back and to see a group of our adult education students celebrate success! (It’s also great to have all of our staff back—we really do miss you in the summer!)
On the high-school side, the last three weeks have been busy, busy, busy with student orientation sessions, classes starting, and getting everyone settled in. I want to share a comment I heard at a recent Logan Co. Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting. One of the members, whose nephew is attending OHP this year, made a point to tell me how impressed her sister (the young man’s mother) was with our orientation/registration night. She appreciated how smoothly everything flowed and how helpful everyone was. I know many of our staff assisted with making those orientation/registration evenings as convenient and efficient for students and families as possible—and you were obviously successful!
On Thursday evening, our Adult Education Nancy J. Knight School of Nursing conducted its 27th graduation ceremony. The ceremony was moved to a new venue this year—Marysville High School—because we had outgrown our own facility. Good problem to have! Among our Bellefontaine daytime and evening programs, our Marysville satellite class, and our Urbana satellite class, we had 67 practical nursing students complete this rigorous nursing program and proudly accept diplomas. As I walked from the packed parking lot into Marysville’s Alumni Hall, I saw everything from little girls in frilly dresses and little boys in shirts and ties (which I’m sure weren’t their idea!) to the elderly on walkers filing in to support the graduates. One of the things that makes this ceremony so rewarding every year is the excitement and pride on the faces and in the voices of family members and loved ones. What a tremendous example these adult students set!
As we talk about “back to school,” I’m reminded of how many course approvals I’ve signed recently for staff members returning to school! I think it’s wonderful that so many of you are practicing what you preach—the importance of lifelong learning—and seeking to better your skills. I know it’s tough as an adult student to juggle family, job, and just life along with school. I wish you all the best and trust your classes will give you new perspectives and new skills!
I’ve been off campus for a day and a half this week working with the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents to prepare our proposal to legislators for corrections to career-technical education in the Corrections Bill for HB1 (state budget). It’s going to be a very time-consuming process. But, as we’ve discussed in our meetings thus far, the next biennium budget will likely set the career-technical funding formula for the next 15-20 years. So it’s time well invested. How can you help? Be prepared to have your students show off their skills and share their future plans as we have legislators visit us. Be prepared to share written “success stories” of your students past and present. Continue to hold yourself and your students to high standards of teaching and learning. And work diligently to utilize resources efficiently and effectively—always be analyzing the “return on investment.” The overall “pie” of the state budget has shrunken and needs to be sliced up among many state agencies. But I’m optimistic—I’m confident—we and our stakeholders will demonstrate the tremendous value we add to workforce development in Ohio.
Have a great, extended holiday weekend—and try to rest at least as much as you labor this Labor Day!
On the high-school side, the last three weeks have been busy, busy, busy with student orientation sessions, classes starting, and getting everyone settled in. I want to share a comment I heard at a recent Logan Co. Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting. One of the members, whose nephew is attending OHP this year, made a point to tell me how impressed her sister (the young man’s mother) was with our orientation/registration night. She appreciated how smoothly everything flowed and how helpful everyone was. I know many of our staff assisted with making those orientation/registration evenings as convenient and efficient for students and families as possible—and you were obviously successful!
On Thursday evening, our Adult Education Nancy J. Knight School of Nursing conducted its 27th graduation ceremony. The ceremony was moved to a new venue this year—Marysville High School—because we had outgrown our own facility. Good problem to have! Among our Bellefontaine daytime and evening programs, our Marysville satellite class, and our Urbana satellite class, we had 67 practical nursing students complete this rigorous nursing program and proudly accept diplomas. As I walked from the packed parking lot into Marysville’s Alumni Hall, I saw everything from little girls in frilly dresses and little boys in shirts and ties (which I’m sure weren’t their idea!) to the elderly on walkers filing in to support the graduates. One of the things that makes this ceremony so rewarding every year is the excitement and pride on the faces and in the voices of family members and loved ones. What a tremendous example these adult students set!
As we talk about “back to school,” I’m reminded of how many course approvals I’ve signed recently for staff members returning to school! I think it’s wonderful that so many of you are practicing what you preach—the importance of lifelong learning—and seeking to better your skills. I know it’s tough as an adult student to juggle family, job, and just life along with school. I wish you all the best and trust your classes will give you new perspectives and new skills!
I’ve been off campus for a day and a half this week working with the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents to prepare our proposal to legislators for corrections to career-technical education in the Corrections Bill for HB1 (state budget). It’s going to be a very time-consuming process. But, as we’ve discussed in our meetings thus far, the next biennium budget will likely set the career-technical funding formula for the next 15-20 years. So it’s time well invested. How can you help? Be prepared to have your students show off their skills and share their future plans as we have legislators visit us. Be prepared to share written “success stories” of your students past and present. Continue to hold yourself and your students to high standards of teaching and learning. And work diligently to utilize resources efficiently and effectively—always be analyzing the “return on investment.” The overall “pie” of the state budget has shrunken and needs to be sliced up among many state agencies. But I’m optimistic—I’m confident—we and our stakeholders will demonstrate the tremendous value we add to workforce development in Ohio.
Have a great, extended holiday weekend—and try to rest at least as much as you labor this Labor Day!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 3, 2009
Hard to believe, but we’re wrapping up another year with our high school students, our GED students, and many of our adult education students. This is the fun part—seeing everyone’s hard work come to the end result we all look forward to!
The Administrative Team and I have been covering all of our partner school high-school graduation ceremonies over the past couple of weeks (with a few to go). On May 22, I attended Ridgemont’s graduation—what a nice ceremony! Small and very intimate. I especially appreciated that each Ohio Hi-Point student was asked to stand and his/her career-technical program was announced. (I’m told Upper Scioto Valley does the same thing.) We appreciate the special recognition our students are given “back home” for their career-technical achievements!
Our own Convocation was, as always, a beautiful ceremony. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate—in fact it teased us all day. But we decided better safe (and dry!) than sorry. I want to personally thank the “army” of people it took to move our Convocation from our campus to the Bellefontaine High School gymnasium. Our OHP team always does a terrific job putting together a memorable ceremony for our students. There are too many to mention—but you know who you are. Thanks so much! And I want to publicly thank the staff at Bellefontaine High School—they could not have been more helpful or accommodating. When schools work together, students win!
I’ve attended a lot of graduation ceremonies over the years; and, of course, the students are always happy. But I have to say our students last Wednesday just beamed as they came across the stage! That’s a tribute to all of you for the positive experience you create for our students at OHP and the excellent preparation you give them for their futures!
I’m sure you, like I, have heard many positive comments about the ceremony. I’d like to share two comments I had from our partners:
"Fantastic job with the ceremony last night! You can all be very proud. The student speakers were outstanding and the evening went very well. Thanks so much again for all you do to take care of our students after they leave USV."
Jon Cook
Upper Scioto Valley Schools
"Congratulations on a great convocation ceremony last evening. I enjoyed watching the excitement in the eyes of the graduates and the parents. You have much to be proud of at this time. I know (two students) would have probably dropped out of high school if it wasn't for Hi-Point and the great staff. Both students are going on to the Adult Education in Phlebotomy this summer."
Pete Yost
Champaign Co. Department of Jobs & Family Services
Last Tuesday evening, I and many of you attended the Construction Trades Academy open house at the project house. What a terrific turnout! This year’s house featured many energy-saving features, and Touchstone Energy partnered with us on our open house. It really was standing-room only. I appreciate the many staff members who took time to stop by—it means so much to those students to be able to show off their hard work over the past year. They built a beautiful house that will no doubt become a comfortable home for a lucky family. Congratulations to the students and teachers—Terry Hedges, Bob Lawrence, Doug Limes, and Dave Marsteller—for another successful year!
Our Administrative Team and I met with representatives from Urbana University last Friday about some potential new partnerships in both academics and career pathways. It’s too soon to have specifics for you. But just let me say that our team had partnered off with counterparts from UU and no one wanted to break up the discussion. That’s the sign of a good meeting! We’ll keep you posted as the details of these opportunities for our students come to fruition.
In parting for the summer, I want to wish you all a wonderful, safe, restful summer. Enjoy a slower pace to spend with family and friends. If you’re traveling, be safe. And take time to recharge your batteries and plan for another great year next year!
The Administrative Team and I have been covering all of our partner school high-school graduation ceremonies over the past couple of weeks (with a few to go). On May 22, I attended Ridgemont’s graduation—what a nice ceremony! Small and very intimate. I especially appreciated that each Ohio Hi-Point student was asked to stand and his/her career-technical program was announced. (I’m told Upper Scioto Valley does the same thing.) We appreciate the special recognition our students are given “back home” for their career-technical achievements!
Our own Convocation was, as always, a beautiful ceremony. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate—in fact it teased us all day. But we decided better safe (and dry!) than sorry. I want to personally thank the “army” of people it took to move our Convocation from our campus to the Bellefontaine High School gymnasium. Our OHP team always does a terrific job putting together a memorable ceremony for our students. There are too many to mention—but you know who you are. Thanks so much! And I want to publicly thank the staff at Bellefontaine High School—they could not have been more helpful or accommodating. When schools work together, students win!
I’ve attended a lot of graduation ceremonies over the years; and, of course, the students are always happy. But I have to say our students last Wednesday just beamed as they came across the stage! That’s a tribute to all of you for the positive experience you create for our students at OHP and the excellent preparation you give them for their futures!
I’m sure you, like I, have heard many positive comments about the ceremony. I’d like to share two comments I had from our partners:
"Fantastic job with the ceremony last night! You can all be very proud. The student speakers were outstanding and the evening went very well. Thanks so much again for all you do to take care of our students after they leave USV."
Jon Cook
Upper Scioto Valley Schools
"Congratulations on a great convocation ceremony last evening. I enjoyed watching the excitement in the eyes of the graduates and the parents. You have much to be proud of at this time. I know (two students) would have probably dropped out of high school if it wasn't for Hi-Point and the great staff. Both students are going on to the Adult Education in Phlebotomy this summer."
Pete Yost
Champaign Co. Department of Jobs & Family Services
Last Tuesday evening, I and many of you attended the Construction Trades Academy open house at the project house. What a terrific turnout! This year’s house featured many energy-saving features, and Touchstone Energy partnered with us on our open house. It really was standing-room only. I appreciate the many staff members who took time to stop by—it means so much to those students to be able to show off their hard work over the past year. They built a beautiful house that will no doubt become a comfortable home for a lucky family. Congratulations to the students and teachers—Terry Hedges, Bob Lawrence, Doug Limes, and Dave Marsteller—for another successful year!
Our Administrative Team and I met with representatives from Urbana University last Friday about some potential new partnerships in both academics and career pathways. It’s too soon to have specifics for you. But just let me say that our team had partnered off with counterparts from UU and no one wanted to break up the discussion. That’s the sign of a good meeting! We’ll keep you posted as the details of these opportunities for our students come to fruition.
In parting for the summer, I want to wish you all a wonderful, safe, restful summer. Enjoy a slower pace to spend with family and friends. If you’re traveling, be safe. And take time to recharge your batteries and plan for another great year next year!
Friday, May 22, 2009
May 22, 2009
We’ve had quite a scare at the end of this week with the bus accident involving our Graham students, but things could have been much, much worse for our students. How ironic that we had our mock accident exercise on Thursday; and then on the way home, these students lived that experience. While none of our students was seriously injured, it had to have shaken them up quite a bit even to witness the accident. We’re so, so grateful that they’re all still with us. Please keep the families and loved ones of those who were killed in the van that collided with the bus in your thoughts and prayers.
On the topic of our mock accident, I want to thank Carol Siebeneck and the others who assisted for orchestrating this very powerful experience for our students. I never knew how many agencies were involved in making this happen! I can only hope that it will make our students stop and think during this graduation season and make good choices. If one life is saved (which we’ll never know), it’s well worth it.
I’ve had the opportunity to stop in and visit some classes in the past couple of weeks, and think our seniors, especially, are working fast and furious to complete senior projects, portfolios, exams, and the other demands of being a senior! But the ones I’ve gotten to speak with are also very excited about taking the next step and focused on where they’re going. And the common thread I hear in their comments is that they feel well prepared. To all of you—job well done for getting this next group of students ready to take on the world!
Last Thursday I accompanied the Professional Turf and Landscaping students on a field trip to Scotts-Miracle-Gro Company in Marysville. It’s typically difficult for student groups to get into Scotts, but a former Union County Leadership Institute classmate of mine facilitated the visit. It was really neat! The students actually participated in a class taught by one of their Training Institute instructors, receiving the same content he would present to landscapers and other lawn and garden professionals about Scott’s products. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of grasses, fertilizers, and weed killers! (Definitely gives me a complex about my yard.) We also received lollipops with (edible) bugs embedded in them. Kind of gross—but they were a hit! In addition, we visited one of their research greenhouses. I appreciated the behavior and mature, thoughtful questions our students had while on the tour. Hopefully this will spur them on to continue their education and perhaps someday take advantage of employment opportunities at Scotts!
Monday I attended the first meeting of the Champaign Co. Economic Development Advisory Council. As we worked through a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), it occurred to me how much collaboration we have in Champaign Co. For example:
• Ohio Hi-Point has collaborated with Urbana University (and Clark State) to establish credit-articulation programs within the health careers pathway to encourage more adults into higher education.
• The Department of Jobs and Family Services is at the beginning of that pipeline to identify under-educated, under-employed adults and provide them with basic skills training (for which they collaborate with OHP for Adult Basic Literacy training).
• The City and County have been instrumental in helping OHP establish a South Campus (at the former Armory) to bring workforce training programs to Champaign Co. for high-school students and adults.
I really look forward to working with this committee of community leaders to strengthen those partnerships and our opportunities in Champaign County.
Thursday evening I attended our OHP FFA Annual Awards Banquet. This is always such a great evening and a class act! Robin Curly’s and Cole Carpenter’s students do a great job of running the show, and the students are so proud of their accomplishments (rightfully so!) I especially appreciate the number of staff members who attend this event every year—it’s a wonderful show of support for these students!
No doubt you’re all looking forwarded to this extended weekend as much as I am! It comes at a perfect time when we could all use a breather. I’ve kept a newspaper column by Regina Brett that I cut out of the Cleveland Plain Dealer when I was there for Memorial Day several years ago titled “45 Life Lessons and 5 to Grow On.” It’s a great mix of philosophical and practical advice. There are too many to list here, but some of my favorites are:
• Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
• When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
• Pay off your credit cards every month.
• Don’t compare your life to others; you have no idea what their journey is all about.
• It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
• If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
• Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
• The best is yet to come.
Have a great weekend; and on this Memorial Day, take time to honor the memory of those who have served our country. And if you’re traveling, be safe!
On the topic of our mock accident, I want to thank Carol Siebeneck and the others who assisted for orchestrating this very powerful experience for our students. I never knew how many agencies were involved in making this happen! I can only hope that it will make our students stop and think during this graduation season and make good choices. If one life is saved (which we’ll never know), it’s well worth it.
I’ve had the opportunity to stop in and visit some classes in the past couple of weeks, and think our seniors, especially, are working fast and furious to complete senior projects, portfolios, exams, and the other demands of being a senior! But the ones I’ve gotten to speak with are also very excited about taking the next step and focused on where they’re going. And the common thread I hear in their comments is that they feel well prepared. To all of you—job well done for getting this next group of students ready to take on the world!
Last Thursday I accompanied the Professional Turf and Landscaping students on a field trip to Scotts-Miracle-Gro Company in Marysville. It’s typically difficult for student groups to get into Scotts, but a former Union County Leadership Institute classmate of mine facilitated the visit. It was really neat! The students actually participated in a class taught by one of their Training Institute instructors, receiving the same content he would present to landscapers and other lawn and garden professionals about Scott’s products. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of grasses, fertilizers, and weed killers! (Definitely gives me a complex about my yard.) We also received lollipops with (edible) bugs embedded in them. Kind of gross—but they were a hit! In addition, we visited one of their research greenhouses. I appreciated the behavior and mature, thoughtful questions our students had while on the tour. Hopefully this will spur them on to continue their education and perhaps someday take advantage of employment opportunities at Scotts!
Monday I attended the first meeting of the Champaign Co. Economic Development Advisory Council. As we worked through a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), it occurred to me how much collaboration we have in Champaign Co. For example:
• Ohio Hi-Point has collaborated with Urbana University (and Clark State) to establish credit-articulation programs within the health careers pathway to encourage more adults into higher education.
• The Department of Jobs and Family Services is at the beginning of that pipeline to identify under-educated, under-employed adults and provide them with basic skills training (for which they collaborate with OHP for Adult Basic Literacy training).
• The City and County have been instrumental in helping OHP establish a South Campus (at the former Armory) to bring workforce training programs to Champaign Co. for high-school students and adults.
I really look forward to working with this committee of community leaders to strengthen those partnerships and our opportunities in Champaign County.
Thursday evening I attended our OHP FFA Annual Awards Banquet. This is always such a great evening and a class act! Robin Curly’s and Cole Carpenter’s students do a great job of running the show, and the students are so proud of their accomplishments (rightfully so!) I especially appreciate the number of staff members who attend this event every year—it’s a wonderful show of support for these students!
No doubt you’re all looking forwarded to this extended weekend as much as I am! It comes at a perfect time when we could all use a breather. I’ve kept a newspaper column by Regina Brett that I cut out of the Cleveland Plain Dealer when I was there for Memorial Day several years ago titled “45 Life Lessons and 5 to Grow On.” It’s a great mix of philosophical and practical advice. There are too many to list here, but some of my favorites are:
• Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
• When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
• Pay off your credit cards every month.
• Don’t compare your life to others; you have no idea what their journey is all about.
• It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
• If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
• Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
• The best is yet to come.
Have a great weekend; and on this Memorial Day, take time to honor the memory of those who have served our country. And if you’re traveling, be safe!
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8, 2009
Wow, what a week! There’ve been so many great recognition activities going on, it’s difficult to capture them all here. I’m a little late getting this out because I’ve been busy with some of these activities even today.
This past week, among others, we recognized our National Technical Honor Society inductees, our top 15 academic achievers who each selected their “Honored Educator,” our academic achievers at the Logan Co. Academic Achievement Recognition Breakfast, and our Project SEARCH interns. Please watch your e-mail for Shane’s press releases and photos and take time to read them—it reminds us why we’re all here! And congratulations to all of our student achievers for their outstanding performance this year.
This past weekend was chock-full with activities related to our 35th Anniversary celebration. Friday evening, we had an Alumni & Friends gathering, and several past students, staff, and supporters of OHP stopped by. It was a nice, casual evening to enjoy some refreshments and catch up with old friends. Saturday morning was our Top of Ohio 5K Run/Walk. The weather was a pleasant surprise, and we had a great time! One special team that walked and ran the race was our Project SEARCH team (see photo above right). They truly took the “team” approach and supported one another right up to the finish line!
Saturday evening was our third Showcase of Success Distinguished Alumni Induction. It was such a special evening. Our three inductees were Beth Brentlinger (Cosmetology, 1976), Carol DelGrosso (Drafting, 1978), and Aaron Wren (Plumbing/Pipefitting, 1979). Of course, we all love to hear the success stories of our alumni; but what I enjoy most is seeing our inductees reconnect with OHP in a significant way and truly appreciate the great start their teachers here gave them. Be watching our Showcase of Success wall for these three inductees to be added and take time to read their stories!
Monday I had the opportunity to attend the statewide Career-Based Intervention spring conference where our very own Deb Wortman was recognized as an Outstanding Partner for her work in starting CBI programs with partner schools. Very well deserved! These programs have made such an impact on students needing just a little extra guidance in middle school and high school in order to get on and stay on the right track. One of those students, Bryanna Baker at Upper Scioto Valley, was also recognized as the recipient of the Jeff Akers Scholarship at the state conference. She gave a beautiful and eloquent speech as she shared with us her plans to go on to become a nurse. Let me share with you some of her words:
My CBI class through Ohio Hi-Point has helped me develop this plan and taught me the process to moving through all of the steps. This scholarship and your belief in me have increased my self confidence, which adds to my personal drive to work towards my goals.
Best wishes to Bryanna—I have no doubt she’ll one day make a wonderful nurse!
You know, our students are some of the most grateful teenagers I’ve ever worked with (and you don’t often hear “grateful” and “teenager” in the same sentence!) One example I’d like to share with you is the following e-mail one of our students sent to Tracy Franck in our Technology Department:
This past week, among others, we recognized our National Technical Honor Society inductees, our top 15 academic achievers who each selected their “Honored Educator,” our academic achievers at the Logan Co. Academic Achievement Recognition Breakfast, and our Project SEARCH interns. Please watch your e-mail for Shane’s press releases and photos and take time to read them—it reminds us why we’re all here! And congratulations to all of our student achievers for their outstanding performance this year.
This past weekend was chock-full with activities related to our 35th Anniversary celebration. Friday evening, we had an Alumni & Friends gathering, and several past students, staff, and supporters of OHP stopped by. It was a nice, casual evening to enjoy some refreshments and catch up with old friends. Saturday morning was our Top of Ohio 5K Run/Walk. The weather was a pleasant surprise, and we had a great time! One special team that walked and ran the race was our Project SEARCH team (see photo above right). They truly took the “team” approach and supported one another right up to the finish line!
Saturday evening was our third Showcase of Success Distinguished Alumni Induction. It was such a special evening. Our three inductees were Beth Brentlinger (Cosmetology, 1976), Carol DelGrosso (Drafting, 1978), and Aaron Wren (Plumbing/Pipefitting, 1979). Of course, we all love to hear the success stories of our alumni; but what I enjoy most is seeing our inductees reconnect with OHP in a significant way and truly appreciate the great start their teachers here gave them. Be watching our Showcase of Success wall for these three inductees to be added and take time to read their stories!
Monday I had the opportunity to attend the statewide Career-Based Intervention spring conference where our very own Deb Wortman was recognized as an Outstanding Partner for her work in starting CBI programs with partner schools. Very well deserved! These programs have made such an impact on students needing just a little extra guidance in middle school and high school in order to get on and stay on the right track. One of those students, Bryanna Baker at Upper Scioto Valley, was also recognized as the recipient of the Jeff Akers Scholarship at the state conference. She gave a beautiful and eloquent speech as she shared with us her plans to go on to become a nurse. Let me share with you some of her words:
My CBI class through Ohio Hi-Point has helped me develop this plan and taught me the process to moving through all of the steps. This scholarship and your belief in me have increased my self confidence, which adds to my personal drive to work towards my goals.
Best wishes to Bryanna—I have no doubt she’ll one day make a wonderful nurse!
You know, our students are some of the most grateful teenagers I’ve ever worked with (and you don’t often hear “grateful” and “teenager” in the same sentence!) One example I’d like to share with you is the following e-mail one of our students sent to Tracy Franck in our Technology Department:
Mrs. Franck, I just wanted to thank you again for helping with my senior video. We watched it in lab today and everyone loved it, it was very emotional. And thanks to you I was able to get everyone a copy of the video today. You don’t know how much that meant to me. I was unable to get my fellow classmates a graduation present and this made me feel a little bit better. It also gives each one of us something to look back on, we will all now have something to remember each other by and the time spent at Hi-Point. So thank you so much.
Amie' Hoffer
Culinary Arts 09'
I’m sure Tracy thought nothing of helping this young lady with her project, but what an impact it made! Even when we’re just “doing our jobs,” never underestimate the difference we can make.
It’s come to my attention that, if we had a “Safety Award of the Week,” it should go to Melissa Sizemore this week (Melissa is a math teacher on our Bellefontaine Campus). Apparently as Melissa and some students were setting up outside for field day today at about noon, the tornado siren went off. Melissa didn’t realize this was a weekly occurrence (to test the siren), and she had a real sense of urgency about getting her students back into the building to a safe location! Melissa, your friends and co-workers are having a little fun at your expense. But I’m glad you have that intuitive instinct to protect our kids. Hope it didn’t stress you out too much!
It’s come to my attention that, if we had a “Safety Award of the Week,” it should go to Melissa Sizemore this week (Melissa is a math teacher on our Bellefontaine Campus). Apparently as Melissa and some students were setting up outside for field day today at about noon, the tornado siren went off. Melissa didn’t realize this was a weekly occurrence (to test the siren), and she had a real sense of urgency about getting her students back into the building to a safe location! Melissa, your friends and co-workers are having a little fun at your expense. But I’m glad you have that intuitive instinct to protect our kids. Hope it didn’t stress you out too much!
Finally, let me wish all of you a wonderful Mother’s Day. Treasure your mother if you still have her, treasure her memory if you don’t, treasure motherhood if you are a mother, and treasure the anticipation of motherhood if you’re a mother-to-be!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Yikes, is anyone else hyperventilating over how fast time is going by?!? A typical spring in any school, I suppose. (By the way--welcome to May and happy May Day!)
The Administrative Team put our best culinary foot (feet?) forward on Monday and provided lunch for our office support staff. This is the very least we can do to thank them for the tremendous support they provide to all of us and, most importantly, our students! It was a lot of fun and such a treat to be able to sit down and have lunch with the whole gang. A photo of the festivities is at the right.
We recognized our 3rd-quarter Straight A students with “walking tacos” and special recognition on Monday afternoon. What a great group of kids! It was nice to spend some time with our achievers; but true to form, they didn’t stick around long—most of them wanted to get back to class to finish some assignment or project! So we sent them on their way and told them to “go get some more A’s!” Thanks to all of our teaching staff who work with these students to help them succeed.
Wednesday evening I attended the West-Central Ohio Tech Prep Consortium Recognition Dinner and had the privilege of seeing two of OHP’s finest receive recognition. Ashley Sprang, Health Technologies senior from Kenton, and Lance Salyer, Auto Technology senior from Triad, will both be receiving Tech Prep scholarships—Ashley for Rhodes State and Lance for University of Northwest Ohio. Congratulations to these two fine young people and best wishes in your college and career! We know you’ll make us proud and go on to much success.
I was off campus on Thursday attending an “Issues Forum” with the career-technical superintendents. On the topic of the next biennium budget, among other things we are working with the Senate Education Committee to assure:
· That career-tech leadership has representation on the committee that will study our funding over the next two years
· That open-enrolled students and weighted funding are included in the amount that the proposed 1.9 percent funding increase will be based upon
· That Adult Workforce Education is fully integrated into the University System of Ohio (now that we are under the Board of Regents)
We’re on voice among hundreds, no doubt, lobbying with Senate right now over this budget bill, but we are a united voice! I’ll keep you posted.
Thursday evening we hosted our annual Career Focus Dinner and invited those students who have applied to our programs to come in, have dinner with us, and spend some time in their future labs getting to know their instructors better. We had a great turnout and I was able to talk to many excited future students (and grateful parents!) I also heard comments from several of our staff that this seems like such a nice group of kids (not that that’s anything new). We look forward to working with them over the next two years!
We’ve had a lot of activities around our 35th Anniversary this week, with many more to come! I hope you’ll all come out and join us at our Top of Ohio 5K Run/Walk tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. It’s an exciting event which draws a bigger crowd of runners/walkers every year. And best of all, it raises money for our Scholarship Fund! Thanks to all of you who are volunteering your precious weekend time for this event.
Next week is one of celebrating special people! Tuesday is National Teacher Appreciation Day, and Wednesday is School Nurse’s Appreciation Day! Let me be the first to say we greatly appreciate the professionalism of all of our teachers/certified staff and all you do to help our students chase their dreams. And I know I’m not alone in saying that I always feel a little bit safer knowing we have “Nurse Amy” watching over us as our Health & Safety Coordinator. Thanks for all you do. We’ve got the best!
Have a great weekend!
Yikes, is anyone else hyperventilating over how fast time is going by?!? A typical spring in any school, I suppose. (By the way--welcome to May and happy May Day!)
The Administrative Team put our best culinary foot (feet?) forward on Monday and provided lunch for our office support staff. This is the very least we can do to thank them for the tremendous support they provide to all of us and, most importantly, our students! It was a lot of fun and such a treat to be able to sit down and have lunch with the whole gang. A photo of the festivities is at the right.
We recognized our 3rd-quarter Straight A students with “walking tacos” and special recognition on Monday afternoon. What a great group of kids! It was nice to spend some time with our achievers; but true to form, they didn’t stick around long—most of them wanted to get back to class to finish some assignment or project! So we sent them on their way and told them to “go get some more A’s!” Thanks to all of our teaching staff who work with these students to help them succeed.
Wednesday evening I attended the West-Central Ohio Tech Prep Consortium Recognition Dinner and had the privilege of seeing two of OHP’s finest receive recognition. Ashley Sprang, Health Technologies senior from Kenton, and Lance Salyer, Auto Technology senior from Triad, will both be receiving Tech Prep scholarships—Ashley for Rhodes State and Lance for University of Northwest Ohio. Congratulations to these two fine young people and best wishes in your college and career! We know you’ll make us proud and go on to much success.
I was off campus on Thursday attending an “Issues Forum” with the career-technical superintendents. On the topic of the next biennium budget, among other things we are working with the Senate Education Committee to assure:
· That career-tech leadership has representation on the committee that will study our funding over the next two years
· That open-enrolled students and weighted funding are included in the amount that the proposed 1.9 percent funding increase will be based upon
· That Adult Workforce Education is fully integrated into the University System of Ohio (now that we are under the Board of Regents)
We’re on voice among hundreds, no doubt, lobbying with Senate right now over this budget bill, but we are a united voice! I’ll keep you posted.
Thursday evening we hosted our annual Career Focus Dinner and invited those students who have applied to our programs to come in, have dinner with us, and spend some time in their future labs getting to know their instructors better. We had a great turnout and I was able to talk to many excited future students (and grateful parents!) I also heard comments from several of our staff that this seems like such a nice group of kids (not that that’s anything new). We look forward to working with them over the next two years!
We’ve had a lot of activities around our 35th Anniversary this week, with many more to come! I hope you’ll all come out and join us at our Top of Ohio 5K Run/Walk tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. It’s an exciting event which draws a bigger crowd of runners/walkers every year. And best of all, it raises money for our Scholarship Fund! Thanks to all of you who are volunteering your precious weekend time for this event.
Next week is one of celebrating special people! Tuesday is National Teacher Appreciation Day, and Wednesday is School Nurse’s Appreciation Day! Let me be the first to say we greatly appreciate the professionalism of all of our teachers/certified staff and all you do to help our students chase their dreams. And I know I’m not alone in saying that I always feel a little bit safer knowing we have “Nurse Amy” watching over us as our Health & Safety Coordinator. Thanks for all you do. We’ve got the best!
Have a great weekend!
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