lancaster city schools 2010-2011 a review of … lcs accomplishments-0.pdf · “devil went down to...

Lancaster City

Schools

2010-2011

A Review of

Accomplishments

Accomplishments 2010-2011

2010-2011 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Lancaster High School Congratulations to all 2011 Leroy Boyd Scholarship winners and thanks for

participating. Each winner received a check for $600 at our golf outing Sunday, May 1st. In 26 years, we have awarded 101 scholarships and $47,800. o John Stoughton Memorial - McKenna Marie Harter o Roosters Memorial - Erin Leigh Gerds

The twentieth Ohio Capital Conference Wes Blizzard Visual Art Invitational opening

and awards ceremony took place on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the State Teachers’ Retirement System building in downtown Columbus.

Senior Artist, Justina Baker; Senior Artist, Karissa Conrad; Senior Artist, Garrett Hood; Sophomore Artist, Tayler White;

Eight students participated in the Ohio Capital Conference Honors Choir. The

following students participated: Sarah Clark, Katie Shick, Samantha Slater, Laura Myers, Casey Welch, Matt Anderson, Stephan Raddatz, Jordon LeuVoy.

Nine students were selected to participate in the Ohio University Honors Choir.

These students participated: Jeremy Furey, Jaime Cox, Emily Dale, Lillian Douds, Matt Anderson, Katie Shick, Laura Myers, Stephanie Naylor, and Samantha Slater.

The following students participated in the Ohio Music Education Associations Solo

and Ensemble Adjudicated Event: Matt Anderson, Lillian, Douds, Laura Myers, Joe Looman, Jordon LeuVoy, Katie Shick, Casey Welch, Emily Dale, and Stephan Raddatz. These students earned superior and excellent ratings.

The Chamber Singers earned unanimous superior ratings at the Ohio Music

Education Associations District XV Adjudicated Event, held at Whitehall Yearling High School on March 11. This superior rating qualified them to move to the next level. On May 6, the Chamber Singers participated in the Ohio Music Education Associations South Central Region State Adjudicated Event, where they again earned unanimous superior ratings.

The Lancaster Band of Gold had a very successful 2010 marching season. The

band participated in four OMEA sanctioned competitions, as well as hosted the 30th Annual Lancaster High School Invitational. At the Licking Valley Bandfest, the Band of Gold received a Superior rating, qualifying the band to compete at the State Finals in Class AA. The band also received 3rd place in Class AA and Best Percussion in Class AA. At the Lexington Festival of Champions, the Band of Gold competed against three bands in Class AA and ten bands overall. The Band of Gold received 1st place in Class AA, Best Percussion in Class AA, and Best of Show – Outstanding Visual, and an Excellent Rating. At the Sounds of the Stadium contest in Harrison, Ohio, the Band of Gold received 2nd Place in Class AA, Best Percussion in Class AA, and Best Overall Percussion. The Band again received a Superior rating, qualifying them for OMEA State Finals. At the Shawnee March-O-Rama, the band received a Superior rating in Class AA. The Field Commanders won 1st place in Class AA. The Band of Gold went to the OMEA State Marching Band Finals on October 31. The Band of Gold received a Superior Rating (I) in Class AA. The Percussion and


Auxiliary also received Superior ratings at the OMEA State Finals in Class AA. The Contest Show “Driven” includes the songs: “Drive My Car”, “Journey of Man: Flying”, “Devil Went Down to Georgia”, and “Bicycle Race”. The band held the Marching Band Indoor Concert on November 4. The band is ending the marching season participating in both the Veteran’s Day parade, as well as the Lancaster Holiday parade.

OMEA Solo and Ensemble - Students received 21 Superior ratings and 24 Excellent ratings. Approximately 100 students participated in this year’s event.

Jazz Ensemble - Performed at Fairfield Union Jazz Festival.

Capital University - Performance where they got great feedback from adjudicators.

Kameron Starr received the honor of Outstanding Musician.

Concert and Symphonic Band - Performed at OEMA District Contest and both did very well. The Concert Band received a Superior rating and the Symphonic Band - received an Excellent rating.

Concert Band performed at OMEA State Contest and received an Excellent rating. The Lancaster High School Percussion Ensemble was selected to perform for the

Ohio Music Education Association/Music Educator’s North-Central Division Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 27, 2011. They were one of 34 groups selected to perform for this conference from a pool of 150 submitted tapes and were the only percussion ensemble selected. In addition, the group was also selected to perform for the Rotary International Convention in New Orleans. Their performance dates for that convention were Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24.

National Current Events League certificates were given to Braden Green, Melissa

Hayden, Jacob Keister, McCray Wooten, Jacob Huston, Nick Welsh, Megan Winegardner, Nolan Flowers, Mike Boring, and Shelby Milliser.

Journalism awards were given to Nolan Flowers, Betsy Noll, and Luke Roberts. 45 Presidential Awards were issued based on a grade point average of 3.5 at the

end of the 3rd nine weeks. Rising Up and Forward Award from Franklin County Children’s Services - Alex Tolber Big Brothers/Big Sisters High School Student of the Year - Travis Dilley Sertoma Award - Samantha Slater Ohio ProStart Scholarship $5500, White Castle Award, GFS Award - Patience Williams Presto Award Winner $1000 - Lexis Hoover The 2011 SkillsUSA Ohio State Conference gathered nearly 3000 members and

advisors from Career Technical School programs throughout Ohio, Including 14 members of the Lancaster High School SkillsUSA Club. This annual event of Ohio SkillsUSA was held in Columbus, April 29 and 30, 2011.


Ohio ProStart Scholarship $5500, White Castle Award, GFS Award - Patience Williams

Presto Award Winner $1000 - Lexis Hoover

Athletic Department Brannon Kidder (junior) won the Division I Boys State Championship 1600 Meter

Run

Brannon Kidder (junior)won the Midwest Distance Gala Mile (4:06.7)

Brannon Kidder 800M State indoor Champion

Wrestling team District Champions

Wrestling team co-OCC Champions

Scott Watts, Jared Wentz, Cameron Heimberger and Brannon Kidder Indoor State

4x800M Relay Champions

Chris DePietro 6th place in the State Swimming Championships

Jacob Spearman 6th place in the State Wrestling Championships

Boys Golf 2nd in the OCC

Football 2nd in OCC / Boys Cross Country 2nd in OCC Girls Tennis 3rd in OCC

General Sherman Junior High School Rated an Excellent school by the Ohio Department of Education for the 2009-2010

school year for the third year in a row.

Named a State Superintendent’s School of Promise by the Ohio Department of

Education for showing high achievement in reading and math with all students

despite having a high population of economically disadvantaged students. We were

one of only 18 middle schools in the state to be named a School of Promise for the

2009-2010 school year. This was the second time in the last three years we have

earned this recognition.

The GSPO purchased a Message Board that was placed on the Fifth Avenue side

of the building. This was in the plans for three years and it was nice to see their

hard work and efforts pay off with the finished product.

We partnered with the people from the Sherman House for a poster and essay

contest with over 100 entries. The three essay winners were Jared Thomas,

Matthew Mikesell, and Jessica Murphy. The three poster contest winners were

Kayla Snyder, Samantha Colby, and Alyssa McClung. Each of these winners


presented their pieces during a ceremony at the fairgrounds for the Civil War

Symposium and received a savings bond.

Our Science Olympiad team had a strong showing at their state competition with the

following students recognized Aaron Jones and Danny Ronan for 1st place Battery

Buggy, Aaron Jones and Isaac Brown for 5th place Experimental Design, Aaron

Jones for 5th place Microbe Mission, and Zene Brunney and Nic McCatherine for 6th

place Optics.

Three students had outstanding showings at state and national tournaments this

year. Jimmy Thompson was the 6th grade state champion and 8th graders Shawn

Norris and Tanner Miller were state placers in the Ohio Athletic Committee state

tournament. Shawn and Tanner also took 2nd place in the Ourway regional

tournament in Chicago qualifying them to compete in the national tournament in Las

Vegas in September.

We had a team of twelve 7th and 8th grade students make up our Power of the Pen

team to compete in state level competitions. Tia Dauterman, Samantha Young,

Ashley McCord, Samantha Colby, and Alec Sheets all made it to the regional level

with Samantha Young being named an alternate at the state level. This group of

students truly epitomized the love of creative writing which was demonstrated

through their dedication in attendance and improvements in writing.

Sherman and Ewing 7th and 8th grade choirs combined for a joint concert. As part of

this, the choirs attended a workshop with guest conductor, Carol Huffman, who led

the combined choir in a finale at the annual spring concert.

Four seventh grade students had work published on the Teen Link website.

Students responded to a persuasive prompt by airing their views for a specific

audience.

West After School Center received addition grant money to open an after school

program at Sherman. At least twenty students received tutoring and homework

assistance. Additional support for positive social and emotional development was

provided. Program also fostered community service with West Elementary as well

as with local business individuals.

Sherman band students participated in solo and ensemble competition where they

earned both excellent and superior ratings.

Each month Representative Steve Austria recognized one student per sixth,

seventh, and eighth grade levels.

This year, through local professional development, our teachers embraced and

incorporated many of the Marzano teaching techniques.


Thomas Ewing Junior High School Our Science Olympiad Team had another outstanding year of competition. The

Blue Team qualified for state competition; a first for TE in nearly a decade! The Gold Team just missed qualifying with an impressive 7th place finish at regionals. While at states, our Blue squad finished 29th out of 40 teams. We look forward to continued scientific success. Congrats to advisors Barr and Bumgardner and to all the students involved.

Power of the Pen continued its successful ways. Both teams finished 3rd in district competition, where Emily Johnson received Best of Round honors. 10 of 12 students qualified for regionals, where 7th and 8th grade teams finished 4th out of 23 teams. Johnson finished 6th in regionals and moves on to state competition at The College of Wooster.

Three TEAM EWING students generated the ideas and the details necessary to

create Ewing’s Caring Closet, a program through which gently used clothing is donated by Thomas Ewing staff and students for families within our school community who are in need of assistance. Congrats and thanks to Doni Winters, Kylie Holbrook, Emily Swick, and their advisor, Mrs. Reef.

New to Thomas Ewing this year are “D.E.A.R. Wednesdays,” or Drop Everything

and Read. Each Wednesday morning in lieu of Channel One, every student and staff read for fifteen minutes as a part of our reading and writing initiatives. D.E.A.R. should increase achievement in every classroom, on every test, and in our quest to create lifelong learners as well.

Props to Mrs. Jackie Bergeron for hosting a series of technology workshops for

her colleagues this spring. Bergeron spearheaded the campaign for 21st century learning during which she helped others around the building incorporate greater technology use in their own classes!

Mr. Keith Garrett is commended for hosting our own version of “The Breakfast

Club.” Students who typically had not enjoyed school a great deal and/or struggled with a combination of disciplinary and academic challenges were invited and encouraged to join the club. Mr. Garrett met with the students each Friday for breakfast and quality conversation in order to provide motivation and guidance.

This year, between our fall Walkathon and our spring candy sale, the students

generated nearly three times as much profit when compared to past fundraising initiatives. We feel this is noteworthy given that the money comes right back into our classrooms, and the students are learning the value of “paying it forward.” Our students stand the most to gain when technological advances and classroom improvements are made possible, and we are pleased that they worked so hard to make that happen. Nice job, kids!

7th grader Olivia Hubbard made everyone on TEAM EWING incredibly proud as she qualified for and performed with the American Kodaly Music Educators’ National Honors Choir this spring in Minneapolis. Hubbard was among only 150 students selected from a nationwide nomination pool of over 400 young singers. Way to go, Olivia!


Mrs. Cheryl Todd was the driving force behind a very special day enjoyed recently at Thomas Ewing. “Poem in my Pocket” Day was a smashing success among both students and staff. Todd spread the word throughout her colleagues and her own students, but there was no stopping it once the idea took off. A certain building principal is rumored to have made guest appearances in (gasp!) Language Arts classes throughout the building for sharing his own favorite, “Don’t Quit.” We plan to make this an annual celebration of literature, inspiration, and philosophy! Thanks, Mrs. Todd!

TEAM EWING made a concerted effort to implement Robert Marzano’s 9 Strategies throughout the building this year, and we are extremely proud of our staff’s creativity, flexibility, and commitment to lifelong learning. Immediately after being “trained up” during each two-hour delay in-service, our staff went straight to work to incorporate all they had learned…..and then some. Students enjoy and gain a great deal from these strategies and the various activities which accompany them. We are, as always, proud to be TEAM EWING!

Cedar Heights Elementary The grant “Walk Through the Habits of Mind” was received from the Fairfield Soil

and Water Conservation District Environmental Education.

This year Cedar Heights teachers have worked on tracking student progress by piloting a new reading screener called DIBELS. This program provides teachers with specific information about students to better assist in making educational decisions.

This year students in grades 1-5 will benefit from student response systems.

Teachers now have the ability to customize presentations and assess students in a way that will provide immediate feedback through Quizdom Technology.

Primary teachers and intervention teachers have received technologies this year

that allow students the ability to learn through technology. Many programs are available for students through learning applications such as the iPod Touch and iPads.

Students have benefited from teacher led staff development. Teachers are

engaging students in best practices based on Robert Marzano research. Two Cedar Heights students were awarded the Good Citizenship Award by The

Hocking Valley Sons of the American Revolution. Kindergarten teachers implemented Ready Bodies Learning Minds. This program

was implemented in kindergarten classrooms to provide sensory integrations, “The neurological process that organized sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.”

Teachers at Cedar Heights Elementary have piloted a program called Teacher

Based Teams. Teacher Based Teams allow teachers to analyze data to meet specific needs of their student groups. The process is to collect data and analyze work to establish a shared expectation for implementing specific effective changes in the classroom.


Cedar Heights’ staff members participated in a coaching model this year. This model provided a variety of lessons, lesson feedback, and new ways to effectively implement research based teaching strategies.

This year Cedar Heights students took advantage of the district fruits and

vegetable program. This program allowed students to try healthy foods that they may have not tasted before.

Mr. Shupp’s gym classes at Cedar Heights raised over $3,750.00 for the American

Heart Association to help fight heart disease and stroke with Jump Rope for Heart. Thank you to all who gave to make a positive difference!

East Elementary East Elementary earned the Ohio Department of Education award as a “School

of Promise” for outstanding results on the Ohio Achievement Tests. Less than 5% of all elementary schools receive this award.

East Elementary hosted Columbus Children’s Theater for two performances during the year – Young Amelia Earhart, and Chicken Little. Each performance was funded by East PTO.

The East Elementary PTO hosted the first annual Pumpkin Walk in October

raising over $2500 for East Elementary.

The East Elementary PTO provided funding for additional technology purchases

– including I Pads.

East Elementary 4th and 5th grade students participated in a recycling project that

resulted in the collection of over $450. The students purchased a recycled Ohio State bench for the school and will plant a commemorative tree on the playground with funds from the project.

East Elementary added technology upgrades including two classroom sets of I

Pod Touch systems, seven I Pads, and Quizdom Response systems.

Mrs. Wigton successfully implemented a Before-School Enrichment program-

The Early Morning Readers Club- working with students in K-2 to promote good reading habits and literacy activities. 5th grade students and volunteers helped staff the program

East Elementary 4th and 5th grade students participated in a special Veterans Day

program. The students designed and made a hand stitched quilt that was presented to our Managing Custodian, Mr. Robert Bontrager during the “Cover a Veteran with Love” ceremony.

The East Elementary boys’ basketball team had another successful season this

year. The Wildcats (boys) reached the championship game for the 5th consecutive season before finishing second to Tallmadge Elementary.


East Elementary hosted KISS (Kids Invite Someone Special) Lunches for each grade level. We had over 500 parents, grandparents, and special friends attend during March, April and May.

Medill Elementary Medill Elementary received an “Effective” rating from the Ohio Department of

Education for the eighth consecutive year. Medill students also met Adequate Yearly Progress, and received positive Value Added growth rating (i.e. students gained more than one year achievement in one year’s time).

Medill Elementary continues to be nationally recognized as an Official Core

Knowledge School, one of only two schools in the entire state of Ohio. The Core Knowledge curriculum is integrated with state Academic Content Standards, and is gaining even more attention with the national acceptance of Core Content Standards.

Medill staff and students attained the highest attendance levels in the district.

Every student received a personally signed principal certificate every grading period for each accomplishment including: perfect attendance, high achievement, and good citizenship.

Medill continues to have a very strong volunteer program, again surpassing the

100 volunteer mark. Medill has also been honored to have volunteers from the Lancaster Fire Department (Local 291) read with students each week.

Staff members from Medill participated in a wide range of professional staff

development activities, including the areas of curriculum development, behavioral interventions, alternate assessment, science strategies, math strategies, literacy strategies, gifted education, and special education.

Technology training was provided to teachers throughout the year, including the utilization of individual student response systems, and interactive white boards and mimeo pads in every classroom. Grant funding was also used to purchase several iPads, which are used with special needs students.

Medill staff members continue to prepare 21st Century digital learners for today’s

global economy. Technology is integrated throughout the school day, with implementation of digital resources such as fourth grade students using flip cameras to practice digitally record summarizing strategies.

Robert Marzano research-based instructional strategies were utilized in all

classrooms, including strategies gained at weekly staff development book club meetings and professional development trainings. Marzano research is based on over 35 years of research using a meta-analysis to determine best practices in instructional strategies.

Medill staff members worked collaboratively in Teacher Based Teams to review

achievement data, instructional strategies, and best practices in delivering classroom instruction. Newly created strategies were then implemented based on research based practices and collegial input.


Medill Elementary staff, students, parents and prominent community members celebrated Medill’s 50th Anniversary. Eight classrooms were opened on October 24th, 1960, with additions added in 1965 and 1973. Mayor Smith and Superintendent Walker unveiled a new Medill Elementary sign during the fall 50th celebration, which was donated by the Vandervoort and Rader families.

Sanderson Elementary Sanderson students demonstrated above a year’s Value Added Growth, met

AYP and passed 7/8 indicators on the Ohio Achievement Tests.

All of Sanderson teachers have earned their Master’s Degree, and in most cases have additional graduate hours.

Sanderson teachers continue to meet regularly as teaching teams and are ready

to meet as Teacher Based Teams next year for the purpose of analyzing student data, planning instructional strategies, sharing ideas and techniques.

Students benefited from extra intervention time; before the school day in the

computer lab, during lunch in the Study Room and also during an after-school tutoring program for 4th and 5th grade students needing assistance in Math.

Sanderson’s PTO continues to provide endless and vital financial support for our

students and staff in creating a wonderful learning community “where students think, dream, believe and achieve.”

Sanderson’s PTO provided over $15,000 for projects, annual family events, a

motivational speaker for students, student awards, calendar magnets, programs such as COSI on Wheels, student scholarships, and so much more!

PTO/Title I sponsored several family involvement events throughout the year:

o “Welcome Back” family picnic was well attended on August 23, 2010 o First Family Dance was enjoyed by all in a new format with a live DJ

fun on October 19, 2010 o Sanderson’s annual Holiday Party and Secret Santa Shop on

November 30, 2010

Family Fun Night Carnival was a huge success on May 13, 2011

Sanderson students LOVE to check books out of the library and read. As of the middle of May, 14,791 books have circulated and 4,977 AR quizzes have been taken!

Our Student Council was busy this year and accomplished a number of service

projects: charity fund raisers, a food drive, mitten/glove collection, gave potted flowers to patients at the Pickering House, etc. They also organized our monthly School Spirit Days!

Sanderson staff, students and families continue to enjoy and participate in our

morning Walking Across America Program on our half-mile paved walking trail through a parent-run program. We continue to focus our Healthy Sharks Committee goals and create exciting plans for next year.


Sanderson’s 70+ outstanding and dedicated volunteers support teachers and students on a daily basis in many ways and contribute directly to the success of our students. Sanderson is a wonderful school community because of their donation of time, energy and talent.

South Elementary A staff member was added this year whose responsibilities required direct

professional development provided by professors and leaders at The Ohio State University Math Coaching Program so that best practices and critical thinking skills could be brought back to colleagues at South. Coaching commenced in grades four and five math classrooms, teachers’ implemented strategies and enhanced their pedagogy, while students regularly collaborated and worked through challenging math problems. This three-year commitment will increase the math skills and overall critical thinking of our students at South.

The first spring gathering of incoming kindergarten parents occurred one evening with several families in attendance. The event included a PowerPoint presentation of a day in the life of a kindergartener as narrated by one of South’s kindergarten teachers, an explanation of the language development strategy, Expanding Expressions Tool, by our speech pathologist, a question and answer session, and light refreshments. Parents were gifted with a bag of items to use in further preparing their students for readiness to kindergarten in the fall.

Third and fourth grade teams at South volunteered to pilot the teacher-based-

team concept at South this year. Teams participated in district provided professional development to learn how to make their already existing teams fall under the design concept of the TBT. In the spring each team presented a report of their efforts to the building leadership team, including a discussion of student data and documentation. These teams will serve as leaders in the fall when all teacher teams will be required to adopt the TBT model.

Four staff members and Mrs. Cathers attended four sessions as the ESC of

Central Ohio to learn about Positive Behavior Intervention Supports and to design a model for South Elementary. Efforts included conducting and analyzing a staff survey about problem areas at South, designing a matrix of appropriate student and adult behaviors, creating incentives for positive student behavior, and collecting data for monitoring the effectiveness of the initiatives. The project was unveiled to teachers in the spring with the intent of full implementation in the fall of 2011.

A sizeable portion of Title 1 dollars this year was devoted to purchasing

technology devices for classrooms. Each classroom received an iPod and docking station to enhance student learning as well as Quizdom devices to allow students an alternative to paper/pencil tasks and teachers immediate feedback of student understanding. Grade level teams received flip video cameras, and kindergarten classes received Leap Pad story pens to allow independence in listening to and reading high interest stories.


In whole group, small group, and individual settings, our three Title 1 teachers, two intervention specialists, and two AARA-funded educational assistants provided data driven assistance to special needs and at-risk students and also served as valuable members of grade level teams. They participated in co-teaching activities on a regular basis and supported students as they learned grade level skills in inclusionary settings.

Using a design from our P.E. teacher and the financial support of our P.T.O., a

walking path was created on the perimeter of the South playground. Instead of standing as class groups during morning line up, students are encouraged to walk the path. They also may choose to walk during their recess periods.

The number of parent and community volunteers working with students has risen

again this year. These volunteers primarily work with first, second, and third grade students. Many spend half day periods each week attempting to boost their academic skills. A volunteer recognition breakfast was held to show appreciation for all the work these valuable volunteers do with the students at South.

The addition of a parent-family coordinator has provided additional support to

families at South. Families were selected to receive assistance based on needs such as attendance concerns, parenting skills, and community agency supports. Many home visits were conducted to build relationships with parents while supplying crucial information.

South Elementary is home to a host of highly trained educators, and many of

them have assumed positions of leadership this year. We have peer-coaches working on specific activities to increase expertise in self-selected areas, a technology mentor who has worked closely with our library associate to provide in-house training on technology topics of interest, a Positive Behavior Intervention Supports team drafting a plan to improve, support, and reward positive student behavior, the building leadership team working to align our activities with the district plan, and Marzano trainers who have planned and provided professional development during the district-initiated late starts. Activities planned or provided by these teacher leaders combine to build capacity of the South Elementary team.

Tallmadge Elementary Formation of Tallmadge Elementary Choir

o Performed at the Veterans Day Assembly o Performed a Holiday Concert o Performed The National Anthem at a Lancaster Board of Education

Meeting o Performed at the Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey Game on 4/3/11

Staff Professional Development o Participated in Teacher – Led staff development regarding Marzano

Teaching strategies, encouraging highly effective, and research validated teaching practices.

Student Enrichment Programs o Two 4th Grade Class Musicals o 4th Grade Science Fair o Talent Show


o Performances / Presentations from Nationally Recognized Talents such as: Mark Wade (Anti Bullying), Ron Derry(Perseverance and Overcoming Obstacles) & Arnett Howard (Music Appreciation and Health Walk)

o Revitalization of Tallmadge Student Council and community engagement /service

o Participation in Tree City USA ceremony with founder (and former Tallmadge Secretary) 102 yr. old, Grace Moon and Lancaster Mayor, Dave Smith

Quizdom Technology o Invited Kristy McKibben for two sessions of professional development on

student response systems and utilization of formative assessment tools with immediate feedback capabilities.

o Benefited from Technology purchases to put Quizdom response units in rooms / grades 1-5 to enhance student engagement

Jump Rope For Heart o Mr. Shupp, Miss Grove and Mr. Dorion encouraged physical education

students to participate in our 10th annual fundraising event for Heart Health. Mr. Shupp and Tallmadge students raised over $2,100.00!

Million Minute Reading Challenge o Students, challenged by Mrs. Bennett’s 2nd grade students participated in

a challenge for the building to read 1 Million Minutes between October 1, 2010 and May 1, 2011. Tallmadge Elementary Logged over 930,000 minutes by the May 1, 2011 date and eclipsed the Million Minute Mark on May 12, 2011.

Master Teacher Program o We welcomed Tallmadge Elementary’s fourth Master Teacher Award

Recipient: Brenda Zeiders. Brenda met and exceeded strict criterion, was nominated and selected by a district panel into a special group of educators.

Teacher Based Teams o Tallmadge Elementary participated in a pilot program with our second

grade teaching team, allowing the small group to administer assessments, discus and analyze data and select interventions to address areas of weakness in student achievement.

CHAMPS in the Classroom, HEROES every day. o Building Wide Study into a research-validated comprehensive, positive

behavior program designed to set students up with clear standards of behavior expectations so they can become successful in the classroom and in the community

o Full implementation of our HEROES Code of Conduct. H for Honesty, E for Excellence, R for Respect, O for Ownership, E for Effort and S for Safety. Student recognition for exemplifying tasks, attitudes or acts of Hero quality.

iPods / iPads o Purchased and received new tools that bridge the 21st century learning

gaps in our primary and intermediate students. We will be using this technology to provide students instantaneous access to hundreds of electronic applications (apps) to aid in acquisition of academic practice, new information and their ability to apply what they know in core subject matter.


Chief Tarhe Elementary The Tarhe Elementary always makes a big effort to raise as much money as

possible to donate to the local “Foundation Shelters” each year. This year the

students, staff, and parents collected over $1,200.00 to donate to Mr. Ed

Clum. The student council officers and representatives did an outstanding job

of collecting and counting the money in our “coin war.”

Lancaster City Schools and Tarhe Elementary are making some changes to make sure ALL children are getting the help they need on specific skills. The staff and Mr. Knight have worked hard training and preparing for a new “inclusion” process at Tarhe. This process will have a special team of regular teachers that go in each classroom weekly to help work with all kids in small group. This is known as co-teaching and inclusion and the staff is excited to implement this new initiative.

This year Mr. Knight and the staff wanted to help all students improve their basic math facts. In September, the challenge was made for all students in grade 1-5 to learn their basic math facts by April 14th. Students in first and second had to know all of their addition and subtraction while students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th had to know their multiplication facts. In April, all students took a timed quiz and any student who received a 90% or higher earned a special certificate from Mr. Knight. Nearly 320 students mastered their facts!

Mrs. Amy Sines, 5th grade teacher at Tarhe was rewarded for her efforts and hard work. The Ohio Department of Education has a program that recognizes outstanding teachers for their hard work. Teachers have to submit a professional portfolio that shows what they have done and do in specific areas. Mrs. Sines was one of 7 teachers in the district to achieve “master teacher” status. There may be more master teachers recognized in the near future.

We had a 99.8% turn out for our parent teacher conferences. We continue to provide parents many opportunities to be involved in their child’s education. The website, our e-mail list serv, newsletters, and several other home-to-school communications are used monthly to keep parents informed.

Tarhe continues to see growth each year in student enrollment. This is great news and we continue to welcome new families and new siblings to the Tarhe “family!” Tarhe’s enrollment averaged about 450 students this year.

The teachers and Mr. Knight have continued the “Citizens of the Week”

program this year. Over 50 students have been recognized for their outstanding citizenship and for following expectations at school and at home.

Tarhe is very proud of the 2011 Spelling Bee Winners who participated in the 2011 Lancaster Eagle Gazette Fairfield County Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Casey Palmer 1st Place, Hope Purcell 2nd Place, and Sydney Collins 3rd Place.


Nick Scott a 5th grader at Tarhe was in the right place at the right time. On a cold icy March morning Nick spotted a kindergartner walking in front of a school bus while he was standing at his safety patrol post. He quickly reacted and grabbed the girl’s arm pulling her out of harm’s way. Nick is not only an outstanding safety patrolman, but also an outstanding citizen and student! Congratulations to Nick!

Thanks to wonderful PTO Volunteers and an abundance of parent volunteers, our walking path continues to take on new meaning daily! Students walk every morning before school, during lunch, and even during gym class. The students at Tarhe have walked over 10,000 miles since August 2010. Not only are the students getting great exercise, but they are having fun too! The PTO hopes to purchase some exercise equipment to put along the trail in the future.

West Elementary Math teachers at West Elementary have been working with OSU trained math

coach, Mrs. Sandy Walker and have received professional development so that they can provide inquiry experiences for their students in math. The Mathematics Coaching Program supports instructional strategies that honor children’s thinking, create safe environments for collaboration, focus on learning and produce greater mathematics problem solvers.

Students walk/jog/run every morning before the start of the school day and have

accumulated almost 8000 miles this school year. End of the year awards have been made available by the kind donations from Diamond Power and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The West PTO committed half of the fundraiser profits this year to purchase new

playground equipment. Eight thousand dollars of equipment was purchased and the Second Saturday volunteers assisted with its installation.

Mimio pads and document cameras were purchased for each classroom.

Teachers have been involved in monthly technology workshops in order to incorporate new technology equipment into daily classroom lessons.

The PTO has provided a variety of assemblies this year to enrich the students’

school year. These assemblies have included: COSI on Wheels, Mark Wade, The Revolutionary War Guy, J. Patrick Lewis Author Visit, The Columbus Children’s Theatre, and Ronald McDonald’s Book Are Fun.

The PTO has also provided monthly activities to bring parents and families back

to school. These activities have included: Swim Party, Back to School Picnic and Open House, Grandparent’s Luncheon, Fall Family Hoe Down, Secret Santa, Santa Visit, Wrap Night, Spelling Bee, Beach Party, Carnival, and Field Days.

Target chose West Elementary for a library makeover that included book

shelves, new books, and a library facelift by Target volunteers. Wal-Mart has supported the staff with gift certificates for classroom purchases and our students with various supplies.


West Elementary students held a cookie sale and donated $377.90 to Twig 7. Likewise, the students donated $1,313.25 for Jump Rope for Your Heart and the staff donated $500.00 to the Foundation Shelter.

West Elementary continues to build community partnerships with The West After

School Center and the Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church. The continued support from the Lancaster Police Department, the Lancaster Fire Department, New Horizons, Job & Family Services, Child Protective Services, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters are extremely appreciated on a daily basis.

Last year, West Elementary School received an effective rating for the third year

in a row. Additional title assistance and professional development have been utilized this year to continue and improve upon this accomplishment.

Instructional Services Data Days continued to drive standards, instruction, intervention and

assessment. They occur three times a year in each building.

LCS received federal grants for Title I, Title I-D, Title II, Title II-D, Title IV, ARRA-

Title 1, ARRA-Title I-D. Funds were used to hire teachers, educational

assistants, technology mentors, entry year mentors, family coordinators,

counselors, and data analysis personnel. Professional Development was a

major expenditure out of several funds. Materials, including technology, were

also purchased.

GALES provided special services to grades 3, 4 and 5. Professional

development was provided to all teachers of gifted students including GALES,

Honors Classes and AP Classes.

A health course of study was developed PK-12. Each grade level was able to

purchase a variety of materials to support the new curriculum which is based on

national standards.

The Elementary Literacy Plan was revised to better meet the needs of students.

The Secondary Plan was developed and will be implemented for the 2011-2011

school year.

The District Leadership Team (DLT) met monthly and provided the Building

Leadership Teams (BLT) with guidance. The district and building plans were

revised to enable the DLT and BLTs to monitor the progress measures and

evaluate the plan. Teacher Based Teams were introduced, a pilot was initiated

for all elementary buildings and a TBT Protocol was established to provide

assistance to the buildings. A Building Leadership Team Protocol was

developed to provide guidelines to the principals and BLTs.

A Physical Education K-12 course of study was developed and will be

implemented in 2011-2012. Materials were purchased to supplement the

physical education standards.


Six, two-hour “Late Starts” were initiated to provide professional development to

teachers on four of Robert Marzano’s nine High-Yield Strategies. Each building

utilized a train-the-trainer model. Trainers were given professional development

in August of 2010. They in-turn provided embedded professional development

during the late starts to teachers. In June of 2011 the trainers received further

instruction and will continue to provide professional development in three more of

the High-Yield Strategies in 2011-2012. Formative Assessment was provided to

staff for a partial day in August and a full day in October. A variety of other

professional development was provided including; Impact/Comet, Reading

Comprehension, Response to Intervention, and Teacher Based Teams.

Using the new state model curriculum which focuses on science inquiry a new

course of study was developed PK-12. Textbooks were adopted to enhance the

science curriculum.

Student Services Professional development for every special education teacher was provided on

the Ohio Department of Education’s IEP training module. Reading Intervention program was purchased for teachers 6-12. Training will be

provided in the fall of 2011-2012 for this reading intervention program.

Special Education Leadership Teams continued to work on Co-teaching this year. This team is produced professional development for our district Co-teachers during our delayed start days. The Co-teaching handbook was up-dated for the next school year.

The second Special Leadership Team worked on up-dating the district transition plan for the 2010-2011 school year.

Special education staff members have participated in highly qualified staff development opportunities including the topics of: Autism, alternate assessments, Response to Intervention, Bricker and Eckler Legal Updates, COSERRC Forums, New IEP/MFE compliance, Transitions, Behavioral Strategies, Co-Teaching and special education policy and procedures.

Collaboration has continued with the Fairfield County Education Service Center as they provide our supervisors and some professional development. We also have continued collaboration with other Fairfield County Agencies. These agencies help to deliver transition services to students and families. Another Interagency Agreement is expected to be completed by the fall of 2011.

Collaboration between Curriculum Department and Student Services Department to align professional development and resources with the District’s CCIP in order to meet the needs of all students.

Budget, policy, and procedures for special education have been evaluated, revised as necessary, and monitored for efficiency and effectiveness.


Curricular enhancements such as job training opportunities for secondary students, classroom materials for all special education classrooms, MH/CD classroom reading curriculum materials, district adopted and purchased Social Studies materials, intensive intervention materials purchased for elementary have been provided to special needs students.

All special education forms, policies and procedures have been placed on the intranet for staff member to access easily. Having the policies and procedures easily accessible improves communication and compliance with special education requirements for our staff members.

Technology Department Installed a new blade server system which is fully virtualized to provide for

redundancy, reliability, and reliable core network services to the entire school district.

Installed a new 24TB network attached storage system to provide for centrally managed data storage.

Implemented a centralized SQL database server for district data assets to

provide replication, consolidation of existing database servers, and to serve as a resource for applications requiring a database.

Upgraded the central computer center with enclosed rack computer cabinets,

uninterruptible battery power system, 208-volt power, data-grade air-conditioning and a power generator. The TradeUPS vendor program saved the school $10,000 dollars on the project. The electrical power savings is around $1,000 per year. The power event notification contacts designated personnel when they are off-site.

Updated server and installed VersaTrans software for the Transportation

Department and added daily backup procedure. Replaced e-mail archiving system with a Datacove product that provides for

better searching, retention, and discovery. Automated student user accounts from student information system to provide for

faster and better creation and management of student accounts. The accounts are integrated into most student database systems.

District libraries are now emailing overdue library notices to students.

Gaggle.net has been fully implemented for all students in grades 3 through 12.

Purchased and installed 60 student response systems (Qwizdom) at the

elementary schools, dozens of ipods for students to use, and several ipads for special education students. Purchased and installed several student response systems (MimioVote) and Interactive Pads for secondary schools.

Installed AverVision document cameras in each classroom in grades K-8, and

high school science.


All teachers are now updating ProgressBook electronic gradebooks regularly for students and teachers to check on progress.

Piloted a new program for personnel leave approvals and teacher professional

development plans called Employee Kiosk.

Business The Business Office is made up of several other departments within the

Lancaster City Schools. Transportation, Custodial/Maintenance, and Food

Service are three of the departments included under the Business Office. The

following are accomplishments encompassing all of these areas:

Transportation Bus Drivers and Supervisor participated in the Regional School Bus Road-E-O

held in May 2011 at Westerville Central High School. Nine Bus Drivers

competed in the event and two drivers plus the transportation supervisor were

selected as judges for this year’s Road-E-O.

The bus fleet achieved a 25% increase in fuel efficiency with the addition of

newer buses while reducing Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) emissions almost completely.

This is providing more cost savings for the district and is environmentally friendly

as well.

The mechanics have increased their ability to fabricate and paint metals for

school bus repairs thus saving the district money and reducing downtime for

buses that need repaired.

The transportation department has begun updating the radio/communication

system to meet the new bandwidth rule set in place by the FCC.

The drivers had another successful year with only one driver receiving a citation

while traveling nearly 400,000 miles.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol inspects our bus fleet annually during the

summer. This summer we had our best annual bus inspection to date.

The Ohio Department of Education - Transportation department compiles

statistics from school districts each year and issues an efficiency rating to each

school. This year Lancaster City Schools’ Transportation Department has

surpassed last year’s efficiency rating by 39%.

The Transportation Department was awarded as the Best in Class in Efficiency of

Transportations Services, with the lowest bus ownership cost per budget dollar

among similar districts in the State of Ohio. This award was given by the Smart

Schools Program of the Ohio Education Matters Organization. Ohio Education

Matters is an organization designed to help public school districts maximize

efficiency in non-instructional areas while guaranteeing the utmost quality of

instruction in the classroom.


Food Service The Food Service Department received a $3,000 equipment grant from the

Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) to purchase lift carts. Each kitchen

received a lift cart to assist in moving heavy items in and around the kitchens and

to aid in the prevention of back injuries.

A program called “I Tried It” was implemented by the Food Service Supervisor.

The goal of the program is to provide samplings of food that are nutritious and

healthy for the students to try. The hope is to expand their taste into selecting

nutritious foods when given a choice. The program was focused on the

elementary grades and was a success in broadening the students’ taste.

The Food Service department has served over one million meals this year with

66% student participation within the district.

A positive financial balance has been maintained in the Food Service area

despite increasing cost of food and supplies.

Maintenance The Maintenance Department has been changing out inefficient lighting with

more energy efficient lighting in several areas. The gym lighting has been

replaced with T-5 lighting throughout the district. Some hallway and classroom

lighting has been changed from T-12 to T-8 lighting in certain areas in the district.

The district has also utilized the AEP Gridsmart program to re-coupe 50% of the

costs of the new fixtures as well as getting a percentage back on improvements

that had already taken place in the past three years.

The Maintenance department is in charge of the auctioning off of assets that are

no longer needed for educational purposes. The auction site is called

GovDeals.com and provides the district with a way to get money for items that

are no longer being used or obsolete. To date, we have received in excess of

$75,000.00.

The items that were being stored at North School have been either sold at the

auction site or moved for safe keeping to the maintenance facility. The building

is prepared for razing.

We are putting the utmost priority in keeping our employees safe. We are

showing safety videos, purchasing personal safety equipment for staff, and

encouraging safe practices throughout the district.

The maintenance staff is being trained and certified in order to save money and

reduce the hiring of outside contractors for work/inspections that we will be able

to complete in-house.

A more aggressive approach is being taken to improve the HVAC controls of our

buildings. Through a collaborative approach with experts in this area we are

working on improving our scheduling of heat times more effectively and

efficiently.


The chimney stack and boiler stack at Lancaster High School has been repaired

in order to properly work with the HVAC system and increase the safety of the

structure.

Repairs have been on-going throughout the district. Some of these repairs have

included cement work on sidewalks, plaster repairs in our older elementary

buildings have been completed, roofing repairs to several buildings, and water

system repairs.

The above list of accomplishments could not be completed without the hard work

and dedication of the classified staff of Lancaster City Schools.

Treasurer’s Department Received an unqualified opinion on the FY 2010 audit with no citations or

recommendations noted. Received notice that Lancaster City Schools Comprehensive Annual Financial

Report (CAFR) for FY 2010 qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The District has prepared a CAFR since FY 1991.

Received notice that Lancaster City Schools Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for FY 2010 qualifies for the Award of Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. This colorful easy to read document is a useful tool in educating the public and staff on what revenues and expenditures the District receives. The District has prepared a PAFR since FY 2008.

Implemented direct deposit.

Changed voluntary vision insurance plan for better coverage (effective July 1, 2011).

Modified holiday pay so employees are not paid in advance.

Negotiated to change Accounts Payable position from union to exempt for cross-training and HIPPA reasons.

Started using Pay-In Sheets for receipts so accurate receipt codes are used.

Began uploading leave from the Employee Kiosk for pilot group.

Aligned mileage reimbursement rate to calendar year to follow IRS reimbursement.


Director of Human Resource Services Conducted quarterly visits to each school to provide support to principals with

personnel development and classroom walkthroughs.

Administered an orientation and mentoring program which received a valuable rating in each aspect of the program.

Conducted a staffing needs analysis to reduce the number of certified staff for

the 2011-12 school year through attrition by a total of 6 positions to reduce costs.

Incorporated a screening test for the classified staff positions to help insure the

district hires the best candidates for classified positions as well as certified positions.

Completed the updating of all job descriptions for classified employees.

Developed key components and a timeline for the implementation of a new

teacher evaluation system in conjunction with the LEA.

Implemented the use of electronic submission of Individual Professional

Development Plans and Personal Business Day requests for certified staff to reduce paper costs and increase efficiency.

Provided substitute coverage for our employees at a rate that well exceeded the

industry standard.

Provided compliance training to all employees electronically to reduce costs and

increase efficiency of operations.

Developed a new procedure for certified staff to request an advancement in

salary to streamline the process.

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