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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Police chief, city councilman walk in principals’ shoes for a day

By Marie Rossiter | Friday, March 12, 2010, 09:08 AM

UPDATED: 1:30 P.M.: SNAPSHOTS OF COMMUNITY LEADERS’ ACTIVITIES AT THREE MIDDLETOWN SCHOOLS

MUM Community Liaison Kelly Cowan’s first two hours as Mayfield Elementary’s “Principal for a Day” was a whirlwind of activity. Even though she is only shadowing building principal Marla Marsh, Cowan gained a new appreciation for the flurry of events that happen in a school.
“It started at 9 a.m. with two crying children,” Cowan said as she sat in the principal’s office. “By the time Mrs. Marsh finished solving their problem, I looked at my watch and it was 9:20. I thought, ‘wow, we’ve only just begun.’”

Middletown Police Chief Greg Schwarber walked the halls with Vail Middle School principal Mike Valenti during his morning stint as “principal for a day.” As he toured the building to meet with staff and students, he said he noticed the importance of connecting the schools with the community.
“I get to see the students and parents out in the community,” Schwarber said. “But, getting the chance to come in here and see the kids in this setting, I feel like I’m getting to see the whole child.”

Middletown City Councilman Josh Laubach had the unique perspective of serving as visiting principal at his own alma mater, Middletown High School. Laubach had the opportunity to see how MHS has been prepping its students for the Ohio Graduation Test next week. Laubach, a 2000 graduate of MHS, said seeing the changes in the ten years since his departure helps him gain perspective on how the city and school governments should continue to build on a more collaborative relationship.
“The school is the pulse and reflection of our community,” Laubach said. “What the city does impacts the schools and vice versa. We are not just a vacuum among ourselves. We are connected and we need to see what we can do together to create a vibrant community that people want to come back to or live in.”

Schwarber, Cowan and Laubach were 3 of 10 city leaders who stepped away from their offices today, Friday, March 12 to be a “principal for a day” across Middletown City Schools.
The program is designed to help community leaders better understand the complex role of the school principal and get perspective on the school system from within.
Participants were invited to shadow building principals throughout the day, but will not actually be dishing out discipline and or choosing curriculum. They may participate in any number of other activities including visiting classrooms, meeting with teachers and parents, giving morning announcements, participating in a student council meeting, eating lunch in the cafeteria, or helping out on the playground.

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Will Ohio make the cut in federal grant competition?

By Marie Rossiter | Thursday, March 4, 2010, 08:58 AM

Ohio could be one step closer to get its share of nearly $400 million in federal grant funds. An announcement about which states made the first cut of the “Race to the Top” federal grant program is expected today at 2:30 p.m. by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. I will be on the conference call to get the word from the source and will report on the results later today and how they might impact local schools. Check www.middletownjournal.com this afternoon to find out if Ohio made the cut and will continue in the “Race to the Top.”

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Cures for cabin fever at local schools

By Marie Rossiter | Thursday, February 11, 2010, 10:03 AM

Tired of being cooped up at home because of the snow? Looking for something fun to do? Schools around the area have some great activities coming up. Check them out:

Carlisle High School Band’s 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff
When: Saturday, Feb. 13 from noon-3 p.m.
Where: Carlisle HS Commons, 250 Jamaica Road, Carlisle
Cost:  The cost to compete is free.  The cost to come eat is only $5, which gets you three sample cups in addition to a larger bowl for the chili of your choice.  Drinks and desserts are an additional cost.  Entertainment is free. Prizes will be awarded in each category as the “People’s Choice.” Special guest judges will decide the “Judge’s Top Chili.”  Categories are: Mild, Medium, Hot and Misc.  If you are interested in submitting a chili, contact Scott Pederson at (937)746-4481 Ext. 4.

Valley View presents the classic musical “Guys and Dolls”
When: Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. with additional performances on Friday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and double show times on Saturday, Feb. 27th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Valley View Middle School Auditorium, 4 Comstock St., Germantown
This year the 2010 Valley View High School Drama Club presents the famous 1950s comedy musical Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser. The high school production is directed by teacher Dawn Gunter and graduate assistant director Chad Stebbins.

Know of any school events in your district? Drop me an e-mail: mrossiter@coxohio.com and I’ll put as many of them up here as I can.

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A lot of levy talk

By Marie Rossiter | Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 10:53 AM

There’s been a lot of school levy talk lately.

Madison Twp. voters are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, Feb. 2 to decide on a $1.1 million renewal levy. In neighboring, Little Miami schools face a critical vote today on a 16.9-mill levy that has some serious consequences if it goes down the way it has the last three times it has been on the ballot.

The outcome of these votes will not only have an effect on the two districts directly affected today, but also the other districts in our area who are considering a levy later this year. Middletown has already has its name on the May ballot and other districts such as Edgewood and Lakota are well on their way to asking voters to help bridge the budget gap.

Today’s levy results will be a signal to all school districts on the voters’ mood. With an economy that continues to crawl along and unemployment still above 10 percent, school districts looking for community funds have a number of obstacles to overcome if they want a win at the polls.

In a story scheduled for this Sunday, we will be taking a closer look at today’s election results and what message voters are sending school districts as they gear up for their own levy vote.

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H1N1 clinics return to Middletown schools this week

By Marie Rossiter | Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 04:18 PM

Anyone interested in having their child receive the first vaccine, or the 2nd dose, must complete the consent form sent home by the district and return it to their child’s school. If the student will be receiving his/her 2nd dose of H1N1, please have him/her bring the card noting the date of the previous vaccination.

Vaccine clinic dates and times are as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 27
9:15-10:15: Rosa Parks
10:45-11:45: Amanda
12:45-1:45: Highview
2:15-3:15: Miller Ridge

Thursday, Jan. 28 9:15-10:15: Central 10:45-11:45: Wildwood 12:45-1:45: Mayfield 2:15-3:15: Creekview

Anyone with questions or concerns about the H1N1 vaccine or the clinics, can call the Middletown Health Department at (513) 425-1831.

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