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Home > Blogs > Springfield Schools News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > January
January 2009
Schools cancel Friday activities
Some local school districts have canceled their activities for tonight, Jan. 30, because of inclement weather.
West Liberty-Salem and Southeastern have canceled their basketball game for tonight, according to Southeastern’s Web site.
Greenon has also canceled activities.
Watch our closings and delay list for more information on athletics and other activities this weekend.
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TweetCalamity day confusion
I’ve heard this from a few people now so I think we need to clarify this misconception:
The calamity days school districts used in September because of the windstorm outages have NOT been waived. They do count against the five cancellations that schools are allotted each year.
Many people I’ve heard from think that because there was a declaration of a state of emergency for the situation in September, those days do not count.
That isn’t the case.
“Even though there may have been a state of emergency declared it doesn’t mean that the schools don’t have to make up those days,” said Scott Blake of the Ohio Department of Education. “The only way that there could be an exemption to that would be if the legislature takes action and passes some kind of law that forgives school districts for those days.”
Check out tomorrow’s paper for more information on the situation with calamity days in Clark and Champaign county.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Catholic Central schools, Clark-Shawnee Local Schools, Greenon Local Schools, Northeastern Local Schools, Northwestern Local Schools, Ohio, Southeastern Local Schools, Springfield City Schools, Springfield-Clark Career Technical Center, Tecumseh Local Schools, Urbana City Schools
TweetTecumseh cancels board meeting
Tecumseh Local Schools has canceled its board meeting for tonight, Jan. 29 due to inclement weather, according to a release from the district.
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TweetCalamity days take another hit
In today’s paper I wrote about calamity days, the five allotted cancellations Ohio schools get each year.
Many schools are on the brink of making up days but several have slipped past, in part due to September’s windstorms which caused widespread power outages that affected some buildings.
Well, as you can see, those calamity days took nother hit today.
So a lot of Clark and Champaign county students will be looking at exta days at the end of the year.
But if this kind of weather continues for a few more weeks, there may be another option.
After a district has used more than 10 calamity days, the state allows them to make up days by adding hours to the end of the school day instead of adding days to the end of the year.
So students could be coming in an hour early or leaving an hour late (or some combination of early arrival and early dismissal) to make up their time, if school officials chose that option.
Southeastern schools is the district most likely to reach that threshold at this time. Today marks their eighth cancellation of the year.
Those windy, high speed rural roads are a bit more treacherous some days than the more often traveled city streets, particularly for large school buses.
Parents what would you prefer to make up calamity days if school officials get the option? More hours in the school day or more days in the school year?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Catholic Central schools, Clark-Shawnee Local Schools, Greenon Local Schools, Northeastern Local Schools, Northwestern Local Schools, Ohio, Southeastern Local Schools, Springfield City Schools, Springfield-Clark Career Technical Center, Tecumseh Local Schools, Urbana City Schools, Wittenberg University
TweetInvention Convention postponed
Springfield City Schools has postponed tonight’s district Invention Convention competition, according to district officials.
The competition will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, at Snyder Park. The community is welcome to view the entries from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and after judging, which will likely end around 7 p.m. The event ends at 8 p.m.
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TweetCould Texas evolution battle spill into Ohio schools?
One of the great education debates of the last several decades has popped up again.
It’s a few hundred miles away — the Texas State Board of Education split over evolution during its ten-year review of science standards — but could reach to other states, according to reports.
Here’s the deal. Moderates and liberals on the state board wanted to get rid of language that insists teachers include “strengths and weaknesses” of theories in their discussions.
This addendum was put in 20 years ago and proponents of teaching evolution in schools say it opened the door to teaching creationism in science classes.
That debate could go on and on and I’m sure some of you would like to share your opinions on the subject. But alas, that will have to wait for another blog.
What I’m concerned with today is a section about six paragraphs in the Times’ piece and a notion I’ve seen in other articles as well:
Whatever the 15-member board decides then will have consequences far beyond Texas, since the state is one of the largest buyers of textbooks in the nation. The new standards will be in place for the next decade, starting in 2010, and will influence the writing of the next generation of biology texts, which the state will order this summer.
So what they decide to do down in Texas, or New York or California or Florida, could impact Ohio’s students?
In terms of student population, Ohio is one of the larger states but there are still some out there that are bigger. California and Texas are two of the biggest.
In this case, Texas could have adopted a more conservative position than Ohio has in regard to the evolution debate. It’s easy to imagine another state, New York or California, for example, making a decision that would adopt a more liberal position on an issue.
Every state has its own standards, and many textbooks are based on those, of course. In some cases, those standards are slightly more specific. Social studies, for example, because some of the standards deal heavily with local and state government and history.
But science is an area where textbook companies can afford to be a bit more general because, really, chemistry is chemistry no matter where the lab is, right?
If textbooks did include a concept that Ohio standards didn’t touch on, of course teachers could just skip it in the books and most kids aren’t cracking open their textbooks at home to see what else is in there. But some might be or, more likely if they’re like I was about 10 years ago, they’re flipping ahead when they’re bored in class.
Picking textbooks is a long, involved process because they are used for so many years. And teachers do supplement their books often with other materials, for example to address new concepts not included in old books or address other standards.
Does it concern you that decisions in other areas could affect the information Ohio students have in their books?
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TweetDistrict administrator resigns admid allegations
Springfield schools’ director of technology has resigned from his position amid allegations that his negligence in performing job duties put the district’s already strained financial predicament in further jeopardy.
Anthony J. Smith, 42, resigned his position - after less than a year on the job - effective Friday, Jan. 23, according to documents in his personnel file. He cited “personal and professional differences.”
Smith declined to comment.
Interim Superintendent Don Thompson planned to recommend to the board of education that Smith’s contract be terminated for actions that “constitute incompetency, inefficiency, insubordination, neglect of duty, misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance,” according to a letter addressed to Smith and dated Jan. 20.
Smith was placed on administrative leave Jan. 20 pending the outcome of a termination hearing with the board of education, scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 27.
Smith failed to perform various duties in his capacity as director of technology, including publishing the employee directory, completing Progress Book - the district’s electronic grade card software and completing the district’s technology plan, according to the letter.
According to documents, Smith’s failure to renew an annual agreement for the district’s ADM 200 software put at risk Springfield schools’ ability to process payroll for employees.
He also did not complete applications for a technology reimbursement program called E-Rate, according to documents in the file. The district has been granted an extension by the state of Ohio, but by missing the original deadline, the district risked $100,000 to $200,000 in reimbursements, according to a letter to Smith from Michael Whitfield, business operations manager.
Smith earned $79,367 annually as the district’s technology director and was contracted through the 2009-10 school year, according to the district’s human resources department.
The board will meet Tuesday night at 5 p.m. at South High School to take action regarding Smith’s employment.
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TweetCity schools hosts invention convention tomorrow
Springfield City Schools is hosting its annual Invention Convention tomorrow, spotlighting some of the district’s most promising young inventors from the building-level competitions.
Invention convention is like a science fair that asks grade school and middle school children to invent something - past projects have included devices that do chores like cleaning the gutter, computer programs and improved versions of popular toys.
This Web site explains a little more about the Invention Convention, which is a national activity many schools hold.
The district convention will feature 50 inventions on display from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at Snyder Park Elementary, said Elena Ackerson, coordinator for the event. They will also be on display after judging is competed, from around 7 to 8 p.m.
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TweetNew books encouraging reluctant readers
A couple weeks ago the New York Times featured an interesting piece on the “Wimpy Kid” series, the new big thing in kids literature.
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney chronicles the life of Greg Heffley, an average kid in every sense of the word. So when the most popular literary character of the last decade is a wizard, why is Kinney getting attention?
His books are attracting grade-school boys who are usually classified as reluctant readers. The stories are about a boy who is in many ways like them - or as Kinney describes it, their worst characteristics, amplified - and are told in a style that incorporates illustrations heavily.
In tomorrow’s paper, I’ll be exploring some of the latest titles that have attracted new readers and some of the things teachers are doing that get reluctant readers into books, as well as how that can help students achieve more.
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TweetCity schools forum still on
Springfield City Schools will hold its forum on a proposal to restructure usage of Clark Middle School tonight, despite inclement weather, said board President Donna Picklesimer.
The forum begins at 6 p.m. at Clark Middle School. The district has canceled afternoon and evening classes as well as activities planned for tonight.
Find more on tonight’s forum here.
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TweetGreenon schools dismissing early
All Greenon schools will dismiss two hours today, Jan. 14, because of inclement weather, according to Assistant Superintendent Tammy Carnahan.
Afternoon preschool and kindergarten and all evening classes are canceled.
UPDATE: Almost everyone is dismissing early or canceling evening activities or both. Find the complete list here.
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TweetWhat’s Springfield looking for in a superintendent?
Wanted: An open, caring advocate for children with leadership experience and a willingness to embrace Springfield.
That’s what the city schools is looking for in its next superintendent according to a leadership profile developed by the firm running the national search.
Consultants met in December with various groups, including community members, business leaders and district staff, to get input about the qualities most vital to the next era of leadership in Springfield City Schools.
“(The profile) will keep us focused,” said board President Donna Picklesimer. “It brings us basic criteria to go back to and in spite of how we might feel about someone it gives us characteristics to stick to.”
The characteristics included in the profile are:
• An advocate for children
• Open, caring and authentic
• An experienced leader and collaborator
• An established bridge builder
• A community leader
The board worked with consultants to select the most important qualities discussed based on the input from various sources, said Picklesimer.
The five characteristics included in the profile are ones common to all sectors of the community, said Picklesimer.
It’s also what makes Springfield unique, she said.
“Those are the kinds of things that make us stand out from, not all other districts, but many other districts,” she said.
Springfield officials hope to announce a slate of candidates and conduct interviews in March with the goal of making a selection in early April.
A search for a high school campus director will launch after the new superintendent is selected.
See the full profile after the jump.
The Springfield City School Board, after consulting with staff and members of the community, has identified the qualities which they desire in their new superintendent. The individual appointed will be: • An advocate for children - one who not only recognizes the challenges facing public education in our small urban district but who also recognizes and can articulate the potential for promoting remarkable improvements in the successes of our students. • An open, caring, and authentic person - one who will make the difficult decisions honestly, fairly, courageously, and transparently. • An experienced leader and collaborator - one who has demonstrated the organizational and interpersonal intelligence needed to coordinate the improvements that will revive staff and community morale. This will be an individual who will be visible in each of our schools and will inspire cooperation and commitment to accomplishing the goals of each of the schools in the district. • An established bridge builder - one who will embrace Springfield and who can articulate clearly and persuasively the value of our diversity. This individual will build relationships within and between our schools and the community. • A community leader - one who communicates effectively with, and actively listens to, a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. This individual will be prepared to assume a prominent position in our community and will be the principal advocate for a new consensus in Springfield on the importance of all our children to all our community.
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TweetGreenon selects new principal
A former Indian Valley Middle School teacher will take over duties as principal of Hustead Elementary at the end of the month, Greenon Superintendent Lori Lytle announced Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Brian Kuhn, 27, will start at Hustead Feb. 2. He replaces long-time principal Jack Hillard who is retiring at the end of the month after more than 35 years as an educator.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who has served students and staff with such dedication,” said Lytle. “I feel strongly that the addition of Brian to the Greenon family will start a new chapter at Hustead that will be both positive and exciting for students, staff and our parents.”
Kuhn taught one year at Indian Valley before accepting a position at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in the Starbase program. Starbase is a community outreach program targeted at fifth grade students to encourage interest in science, math and technology.
Kuhn has been with the Starbase program for four years, said Lytle.
Eighteen candidates applied for the job, said Lytle. Kuhn and four others were interviewed.
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TweetWant to raise a financially literate kid?
In today’s troubled economy we hear a lot about financial literacy.
And lately a lot about how to teach today’s students the lessons they’ll need to know to survive in the real world - and I’m not talking about the ones that fit neatly into social studies or science classes.
But there are plenty of resources out there to help parents raise a financially literate child - all thanks to the World Wide Web.
FoolProof is a service provided free of charge by credit unions across the country and offers an online curriculum in financial literacy that college students, high school teachers and parents and guardians can use.
Wells Fargo Bank offers Hands On Banking, with resources for adults, young adults, teens and kids.
The Utah State Office of Education offers excellent resources on financial literacy.
And The Mint from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation offers “fun financial literacy activities” for all ages.
Got others to add? Share them below.
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TweetWhat are the impacts of closing Clark Middle School?
In today’s paper I outlined the potential impacts of Springfield City School’s plan to close Clark Middle School.
The district is holding a forum this Wednesday (6 p.m. at Clark Middle School) to gather public input.
The conversation to close Clark is pretty much completely financially driven, with officials looking to cut about $1.4 to $1.9 million from the budget next year.
I’m posting the glancebox that ran on C2 of today’s paper - the nitty-gritty details of all the changes under consideration - after the jump for anyone who didn’t see it.
Are you concerned with anything in the plan or do you think it’s a good idea?
Public meeting
A public meeting 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Clark Middle School will discuss Springfield schools’ proposal to close Clark Middle School.
• Clark would close as a middle school.
• Administrative departments will move out of South High School. Some central office departments will move to Clark, with special education departments moving to Keifer Alternative Center and business departments moving to the service center on East Home Road.
• The bus depot will move from South High School to the Clark Middle School site.
For the 2009-10 school year, will your child be in:
Preschool program at a Springfield City Schools building?
• Prekindergarten programs of all types will be moved to Clark Middle School to create a preschool center.
• Head Start programs at Fulton and Kenwood elementary schools will move to the Clark Preschool Center.
• Preschool special education units at Snyder Park, Kenwood, Perrin Woods, Lincoln, Horace Mann, Snowhill and Simon Kenton elementary schools to Clark Middle School.
Elementary school?
• Approximately 30 students who attend Lagonda Elementary school under the voluntary transfer program will return to their home schools.
• Attendance lines will be redrawn at Lagonda Elementary school, affecting about 80 students.
• Move the Lagonda Elementary south boundary line that currently runs along Lagonda Avenue north to McCreight Avenue then create an imaginary southern boundary line extending diagonally south to U.S. 40 East. Those students will attend Warder-Park/Wayne.
• Re-assign students living on Second Street and north to Kenton Elementary.
• Re-assign students living on North Limestone Street north to Harding Road to Kenton Elementary.
Sixth grade?
• Sixth-grade students would remain at their elementary schools.
• Sixth-grade students at Lagonda could be affected by the boundary changes.
Seventh and eighth grade?
• Seventh- and eighth-graders would attend the middle schools.
• Seventh- and eighth-grade students who would have attended Clark Middle School will attend another middle school based on two attendance areas:
• Students south of High Street will attend Hayward Middle School.
• Students living on and north of High Street will attend Roosevelt Middle School.
Gifted Students?
• Gifted students will move out of Snowhill Elementary School to make room for sixth-grade classrooms.
• The relocation for the gifted program is undetermined, Clark Middle School is one possibility.
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TweetDid these parents go too far?
A Pennsylvania family is in the news after a local supermarket refused to put their 3-year-old son’s name on a birthday cake.
Why would they do that? Because the toddler shares a name with one of history’s most reviled men.
Heath and Deborah Campbell named their first son Adolf Hitler Campbell. That was followed by JoyceLynn Aryan Nation, 1, and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell, 8 months.
The father says he was raised not to mix socially with other races but doesn’t care if his children do. They chose the names because he liked them and figured no one else would have those names.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that there are not a lot of little ones running around with those names.
I know we have some educators who read here and some of them will probably agree with me when I say that the unique name craze has gotten… a little out of hand. I check to make sure I have the correct spelling of even the most basic names when I am talking to kids and there have been more than a few I wouldn’t have dared to take a guess at spelling.
But the Campbell’s kids may have some of the most outrageous names I have seen. This seems almost cruel and very short-sighted. I can just picture job applications, college applications, etc.
Obviously along with our freedom of speech, religion, bearing arms, etc., we have the right to name out kids as we choose in America. It’s not that way everywhere though.
The Campbells finally got their cake through Walmart, although a spokesman for the company said the corporation would review its cake decorating policies too. Because the original supermarket is a private company, they had the right to refuse to make the order. Father Heath says that Adolf’s birthday party was attended by children of different races.
But in the long run, this isn’t really about a cake. If they are already having these problems at 3-years-old, just imagine what’s in store in the future. Sure, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover or a person by their name but that’s not a very realistic expectation in every situation.
What do you think? Has this couple crossed a line with their children’s names?
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