Gov. Strickland to sign “healthy kids” bill into law

By Marie Rossiter | Thursday, June 3, 2010, 07:09 PM

A while ago I wrote a series of stories on childhood obesity. It looks like Ohio law is taking action against the disease. Here’s a story that will run in tomorrow’s edition done in conjunction with a colleague at the Dayton Daily News.

Gov. Ted Strickland will sign a bi-partisan bill to combat childhood obesity that requires healthier options in school cafeterias, and provides for body-mass-index screenings of students and a pilot program for daily physical activity during the school day.

The Healthy Choices for Healthy Children bill was approved Thursday, June 3, by both chambers of the Ohio legislature. Strickland will sign the bill into law, said Amanda Wurst, the governor’s spokeswoman.

The bill focuses on decreasing and preventing childhood obesity in Ohio schools through healthier food and beverage options; changes to physical education instructor requirements; body-mass-index (BMI) screenings upon school entry and in 3rd, 5th and 9th grades; and a pilot program to encourage 30 minutes of daily physical activity for students.

One in three children born in Ohio is overweight by age 8, said Sen. Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls), a sponsor of the bill.

Middletown City Schools has provided parents with student BMI information since the 2006-2007 school year, according to Student Services Director Susan Combs.

“We feel this is important information for parents to have,” Combs said. “There were some privacy concerns from parents at first, but once we assured them they would be the only ones getting this information, they’ve been more supportive.”

Combs said parents receive a letter with the screening results, along with recommendations to consult their family doctor if the student’s results indicate a weight problem.

But, some health officials have concerns about how the new law would be implemented or enforced.

“The BMI number doesn’t tell the whole story at all,” said Dr. Laurie Mitan, a pediatrician who specializes in adolescents and eating disorders. “Screenings like this need to be done in the context of a medical professional. Parents need to be given guidelines and may not understand what these numbers mean.”

Legislative advocates said education is key to combating childhood obesity, which is why it is a main focus of the bills.

“We would send home materials to help guide parents on how they can help their child,” Bacon said. “We see this as a community effort, not just a school effort.”

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Graduation denied

By Marie Rossiter | Friday, May 21, 2010, 07:21 AM

In this morning’s edition, I wrote about the 32 Middletown High School seniors and their families who are confused and hurt after learning the students will not walk in their May 24 graduation ceremony because they did not pass the state-mandated Ohio Graduation Test. What made it worse, parents said, is that they didn’t find out until a week before the event. Both the school and the Ohio Department of Education said the timing is only unusual because Middletown’s graduation is earlier than usual this year, and that these results (from the March test) arrive each year in Mid-May. This year, the results arrived Monday, May 17.

Ohio state law says the students cannot receive a diploma if they don’t pass all academic requirements (course credit hours plus passing the OGT), but the school district can decide whether or not a student who didn’t pass the test can participate in graduation ceremonies. MCS officials (and other local schools) stand by the district policy to refuse students the privilege to walk at graduation if they do not meet the state requirements. Parents of the affected students point to other districts in the area who seemingly agree with their position that students shouldn’t be denied a major life milestone because of one test’s results.

Should these seniors be allowed to walk with the rest of their classmates? I’m curious to hear what you think.

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Two-thirds of Ohio fourth graders not proficient in reading

By Marie Rossiter | Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 01:39 PM

Here’s something for educators and parents to consider when thinking about summer reading plans for their children:

Results released today, May 18, from the National Assessment of Educational Progress report 64 percent of Ohio fourth graders are not proficient in reading. Ohio’s performance narrowly beats the national average of 67 percent of fourth graders who are not able to read at their own grade level. The statistics are worse for children in low-income families: four of five fourth graders from low-income families are also not proficient in reading.

Representatives from the Annie E. Casey Foundation said during a national webcast that the failure to help children from low-income families reach this milestone cements educational failure and poverty into the next generation. As a result, the foundation is focusing attention on the critical importance of achieving grade-level reading proficiency for all children by the end of third grade.

This call for a renewed emphasis on reading success is introduced by a special KIDS COUNT report, Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters, and is supported by a broad coalition including, America’s Promise Alliance, Mission: Readiness, and United Way Worldwide.

“Until third grade, children are learning to read. After third grade, they also are reading to learn. When kids are not reading by fourth grade, they almost certainly get on a glide path to poverty,” said Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “Poor reading test scores are profoundly disappointing to all of us who see school success and high school graduation as beacons in the battle against intergenerational poverty.”

Although NAEP scores have shown incremental increases over the past 15 years for most students, disparities in reading achievement persist across economic, racial, and ethnic groups. The share of low-income Black, Hispanic, and Native American students who score below proficient on the NAEP reading test is much higher (89 percent, 87 percent and 85 percent, respectively) than the share of low-income white or Asian/Pacific Islander students (76 percent and 70 percent).

“The stressors facing the most vulnerable kids and families include more health problems that interfere with early learning, fewer early interactions that foster language development, plus limited access to high-quality early childhood and pre-K programs,” said Patrick T. McCarthy, President and CEO of the Casey Foundation. “The parents of children who attend low-performing, under-resourced schools may be less able or comfortable interacting with schools on their children’s behalf. They may be distracted by hunger, housing insecurity, and family mobility.”

Alma Powell of America’s Promise Alliance noted that the number one predictor of a young person’s success is whether they graduate high school, and early reading skills are essential to achieving that milestone.

“The National Research Council has shown that a child who is not at least a modestly skilled reader by the end of third grade is unlikely to graduate from high school,” said Powell. “Paying attention to risk indicators like this and others, such as attendance and truancy rates, allows us to intervene early when we can make a real difference.”

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A closer look at the Middletown schools levy

By Marie Rossiter | Thursday, April 8, 2010, 01:04 PM

Over the next few weeks, I will be doing a series of stories focusing on the Middletown City School’s levy. This Sunday will kick off the series with an introduction to what the levy is and what officials say could be at stake if the money is not approved.

For next week, I will be looking at how MCS says they are trying to save money and find alternative sources of revenue. I also plan to talk to city residents on how they feel the district is spending its money. Where do residents think the district should save more money? Spend more money? What cuts would they make and why

If you could ask the district officials any questions about their spending/saving habits or if you could make recommendations on what the district should do with the money, would you ask? Drop me an e-mail at mrossiter@coxohio.com. I may give you a call for my story.

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Source: Ohio loses $409 million grant bid

By Marie Rossiter | Monday, March 29, 2010, 09:34 AM

It looks like Ohio did not cross the finish line in the first round of the federal “Race to the Top” grant competition, according to the Associated Press.

The Associated Press is reporting a source from the U.S. Department of Education said Delaware and Tennessee were chosen as the first two winners of the government’s $4 billion competitive grant program. The source refused to be named because not all finalists have been informed of the choice. A formal announcement is scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m. The states were selected from 16 finalists which were announced earlier this month.

Scott Blake, Ohio Department of Education spokesman, said the ODE had not been contacted with a decision as of 10:45 a.m.

Ohio had requested $409 million in their formal application, which was submitted in January. Each finalist went to Washington D.C. a few weeks ago to do an in-person pitch for funds.

The U.S. Education Department will collect a second round of applications for the highly selective grant program in June. States not winning in the first round can reapply.

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Lady Mohawk celebration planned for Saturday

By Marie Rossiter | Friday, March 19, 2010, 04:21 PM

Madison Local Schools invites the entire community to join them in welcoming the Lady Mohawks home from the state championship game

The event will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20 at the Madison Jr/Sr High School parking lot.

Madison spokeswoman AJ Huff said the ladies will be escorted back from Columbus after their state championship game and we want everyone to be there!

“Please tell everyone! Text it, Tweet it, Facebook it! We want everyone to know!” Huff said Friday afternoon.

The Madison Lady Mohawks will play in the Division III State Championship at 10:45 a.m., Saturday March 20 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus. It will be the Girls Varsity team vs. Findlay Liberty-Benton. Ticket cost: $10. Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the school and must be purchased in advance from Ticketmaster or at the door.

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Superintendent shuffle: The Rule of Threes

By Marie Rossiter | Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 02:01 PM

There’s an old saying that things happen in threes. I recall talking to students about the “magical quality” of the number three when I used to teach English Literature quite a while ago. A trio of events is a relatively common occurrence, even if it is only coincidence.

As I was writing today’s story on Edgewood’s new superintendent search (check out our home page for the full story), it dawned on me that since I started here at the MJ in January, three districts have either found or are in the process of finding a new superintendent.

Middletown hired Greg Rassmussen in February for its top job; he is scheduled to start April 1.
Carlisle Local Schools announced March 4, that Larry Hook, former Springboro assistant superintendent, will be its new superintendent starting July 1.
Edgewood begins its superintendent search this Friday to replace Larry Knapp, who retires July 31.

All of these changes have me wondering what changes are in store for these districts as new leaders take the helm. There is certainly many areas that need attention: budgets/spending, possible new state and/or federal educational standards, the impact of HB1 (all day kindergarten, fewer calamity days, possibly longer school years and credit flexibility, just to name a few initiatives.)

As Edgewood’s search begins and Carlisle and Middletown get a “fresh start”, what concerns/questions would you have for these new superintendents? What should be their priority when they start their new job? I will be covering these transitions over the next few months and will have a number of opportunities to do some Q and A’s with the new leaders, so send some suggestions my way.

In the meantime, I’m hoping that the Rule of Threes is in effect and superintendent shuffle is done for a while once Edgewood finds the right candidate!

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Complete listing of Middletown “Principals for a Day.”

By Marie Rossiter | Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 04:28 PM

In my Friday, March 12 blog post about the Middletown Schools’ Principal for a Day program, I inadvertently left off the complete listing of everyone who participated. I followed three of the city leaders due to scheduling concerns, but there were many others who got involved and had a great experience. Here is the complete list, with my apologies for leaving it out of my original story:

Amanda Elementary: Christine A. Birhanzl, Director Butler County Red Cross
Central Academy: Dora Bronston, President NAACP
Creekview Elementary: Steve Hightower, President CEO Hightower Petrolium
Highview Elementary: John Ridge, owner of Java Johnny’s and The Jug.
Mayfield Elementary: Kelly Cowan, Community Liaison, MUM
Middletown High School: Josh Laubach, Middletown City Council
Miller Ridge: Duane Gordon, Executive Director of the Middletown Community Foundation.
Rosa Parks Elementary: Terry Sherrer, Executive Director YMCA
Vail Middle School (morning): Middletown Police Chief Greg Schwarber
Verity Middle School (afternoon): Middletown Police Chief Greg Schwarber
Wildwood Elementary: Larry Mulligan, Mayor

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Online vote will determine if Edgewood receives $25,000 grant

By Marie Rossiter | Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 09:51 AM

Time is running out to vote on a $25,000 grant opportunity up for grabs for The Edgewood High School Storm Water Project. The project, developed in conjunction Butler Soil & Water Conservation District, was named one of eight finalists by MillerCoors and River Network, who have joined together for the second year to award $50,000 in grants to support watershed protection programs.

The Edgewood High School Storm Water Project is an innovative collaboration to preserve the Great Miami River Buried Valley Aquifer quality by treating storm water infiltrating into the ground and also serving as an educational model to the school, local community and the region. This storm water project will act as a land lab for the high school to be a hands-on area for science classes including topics from ecology, botany, biology, hydrology, environmental issues, plant sciences, engineering design, soils, and more. This area will also be utilized for school activities, open to public access, teacher workshops, tours for interested parties/organizations from around the region and state.

The project will be located at the new Edgewood High School, which will be located at 3045 Busenbark Road—what is now known as the Riner Farm. There will be a constructed agricultural storm water area in the NW corner of the property where there is a drainage ditch receiving over 200 acres of agricultural drainage. Agricultural interests in this watershed include 120 acres of cropland, 75 acres of woodland and 15 to 20 acres of pasture land. There are also approximately 1000 head of cattle and 2000 head of hogs being raised in the watershed.

To get more information on the project and to vote, visit the contest Web site by clicking on this link. Voting will remain open until 8 p.m., March 26. Winners announced online March 31.

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Madison “Spirit Bus” will hit the road to Columbus

By Marie Rossiter | Monday, March 15, 2010, 08:39 AM

Updated 4:20 p.m.: It looks like a Madison Spirit Bus will travel to Columbus for the girls’ basketball tournament this Thursday, March 18.

The district sent out the following message to the Madison community:
Spirit Bus Package Cost: $5 (includes “got state?” shirt and snack) to be paid with returned Permission Form Bus Departs Madison High School at 10:15 a.m. Bus Returns to Madison High School at approximately 5:30 p.m. Must show proof of ticket to the game: $8 Ticket must be purchased by Tuesday Bring money for food and drinks at the game.

Tickets for Saturday’s game will be available to purchase immediately following the girls’ victory: $8 No tickets will be sold at school on Friday

The district announced earlier today, Monday, March 15, that all schools will be closed Thursday, March 18 to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the game. See story below.

Updated 10:10 a.m.: Link below is the information on Thursday’s closure I received from the district. Story continues after the link

Madison Local Schools announced today, Monday, March 15, it will be closed later this week to allow staff and students to attend the girls’ state basketball tournament. Madison is scheduled to play Ironton at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus.
The timing of the game plus the event’s significance were the key factors in Superintendent Tom York’s decision to close schools.
“This is a once in a lifetime situation,” said AJ Huff, district spokeswoman. “We want to give everyone an opportunity to go to Columbus to see the game.”
The missed school day will be made up at the end of the year, according to Huff. Ohio Graduation Testing will be postponed by one day to accommodate to the schedule: with Thursday tests happening Friday and Friday’s tests moved to Monday. No special permission is required from the state to reschedule OGTs.
“It’s essentially the same as a snow day,” Huff said. “We have make up days available the following week for OGTs, so we’ll use it then. We simply felt that it wouldn’t be good for our sophomores with all of the excitement going on; it would be a distraction.”
The district attempted to send out a call on its automated call system around 8:15 p.m. Sunday night, Huff said, but a power outage in the district’s communities prevented it from reaching all district families.
There is a possibility for a spirit bus to be scheduled to take students to Columbus, Huff said, but it will depend on local business sponsorship.
“We are going to have sign ups to see how many students are interested,” Huff said. “We don’t want students to have to pay more than the $8 ticket admission and don’t want to spend district funds, so we’re hoping some local businesses come forward to help.”
Should a spirit bus be secured, field trip permission forms will be sent home for parents to sign and an emergency medical form will be required for any student to ride the bus. Teachers will be chaperones on the bus for the trip
If the boys basketball team gets to the final four in their state championship tournament, it is likely the district would close to provide the same opportunity to attend their game, but it’s still too early to confirm any plans, according to Huff.
Huff said she understands that some families may question the district’s decision to close school for a basketball game.
“We are conscientious of the fact that not everyone is following this with the same emotion,” Huff said. “But, this isn’t just any basketball game these girls are going to; this is history.”

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