We faced a bitter levy loss on November 5, with unofficial election results of 2469 (46.3%) for to 2863 (53.7%) against. I would like to thank our levy co-chairs for the endless hours they put into this effort, as well as all who supported this effort.

I remain passionate about Sidney City Schools and the excellent job we do collectively to educate the diverse group of students who enter our schools The current 9.9 mill property tax levy expires at the end of 2013, with the money derived from this levy collected through 2014. Through sound financial decisions and reduced costs in key areas, the district has a positive cash balance. There are no personnel or program cuts planned at this time. However, we will need to pass some type of levy in 2014 to make up for the disappearance of $4.5 million as a result of the expiring levy, especially since we have already trimmed our budget by $6.6 million. The school board will soon determine what type of levy to place on the ballot, with several opportunities to pass this needed levy in 2014. I want to assure parents that their children will continue to receive the best education we can possibly provide; our teachers remain committed to this end. In the past two years, we have added—at no additional expense to taxpayers—VoAg/FFA at SMS and SHS, an economics and math teacher at SHS, computer classes at SMS, additional unified arts in the elementary grades, computer labs in all elementary buildings, and all-day kindergarten. In addition, I am convinced that Sidney City Schools has the safest schools around, with the decision to have School Security Officers in all schools the entire school day.

In my career, I have been an administrator in 6 different school districts, including over 20 years serving in this district as a teacher, principal, and now superintendent. I emphatically believe that a student cannot receive a better education than what Sidney City Schools has to offer. I remain committed to ensuring that Sidney remains a strong and vibrant school district. I ask that you remain committed to supporting Sidney City Schools. Thank you for being a Yellow Jacket! John Scheu

REMEMBER! SUCCESS IN THE CLASSROOM STARTS AT HOME.

Superintendent’s Message

PRE-K Early Literacy The path to academic success begins before your child even starts school. Build early literacy skills and interest by reading to your child each day.

GRADE K-5Reading Connections By letting your child tell you a story related to the book, article, or poem being read, he/she will build connections, make meaning, and improve comprehension.

Vocabulary Encourage your child to draw pictures of vocabulary words to place a visual with not only the word, but also the definition.

GRADES 6-12Study StrategyThere is often a lot of information to know for tests, so breaking it down a couple days before the actual test day is huge for some kids. Use index cards to study information. Highlight in yellow important information on any study guides or worksheets. Highlighting is an amazing memorization strategy.

Managing the Homework Help make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there is an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your student to break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary — and take time for a 15-minute break every hour if possible.

From the Curriculum Department:Our teachers have been hard at work preparing for Ohio’s new standards that push our students to meet the demands of colleges and careers. They have been completing curriculum maps to make certain these new standards are introduced, taught, and assessed in the context of their respective subject areas. Please look for future communication about changes in Ohio’s standardized tests for English, math, social studies, and science. Sidney City Schools’ educators are preparing our students for their future endeavors and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of these formative years.

From the Classroom:

Thank you, Kristen Nelson, Mandy Gutman, and Shauna Vordemark for these contributions.

Here are some tips from our educators as to how you can lend your support at home because you are a part of our team for student success. Find more tips on Facebook at facebook.com/sidneycityschools.

Please take the time to fill out the enclosed survey to help the Board of Education best determine how the community is willing to support your public school system.

A Sidney City Schools Publication November 2013

The SHS Academia team has won the Shelby County title for the 6th consecutive year – the only school in Shelby County to ever win six consecutive years in the competition’s history!

Sidney Coach Joe Czupryn was thrilled with his team’s performance in the competition. “The students had a wonderful performance again this year,” said Czupryn. “I’m proud of their school spirit and great attitudes throughout the competition.”

Coach Joe Czupryn and the team set all-time marks for total points at 308, single match point record at 66, and match average at 61.6. Sidney’s Academia has not lost a county match since 2007 and has won 7 of the last 8. This is Sidney’s 17th win since the inception of Academia in 1975. This year, Sidney out-scored the closest competitor, Anna, 308 to 184.

Wondering what Academia is? Academia provides students a chance to connect their classroom efforts to real world activities as they tackle questions across ten categories – literature, language, fine arts, sports/entertainment/leisure, US history and government, world history and geography, current events, math, science, and general knowledge.

The competition brings together the area’s top scholars and gives them the opportunity to showcase their intellectual skills.

“This is an apples to apples comparison of intellect among our local high schools,” said Sidney Superintendent John Scheu. “These are the best and brightest of each school district in Shelby County competing against each other and Sidney’s teams (varsity and JV) are winning hands down!”

More than 200 students were represented on the rosters of the 9 participating school districts.

Despite only returning one player from last year’s varsity team, the team is stronger than ever and is currently ranked 4th in the state of Ohio and 24th in the nation!

Of course this is only the start of their season, so expect to hear more great news about their successes!

Academia is another example of Shelby County’s commitment to excellence, family values, and high quality educational services.

The primary purpose of Academia is to promote academic competition and enthusiasm for scholarship among students in Shelby County.

If you would like to contribute to the Shelby County Academia Fund, please make checks payable to: Academia Fund, Shelby County Educational Service Center, 129 East Court Street, Sidney, Ohio 45365.

SHS Academia Takes County Title for 6th Consecutive Year

Computer Labs at Elementaries

New to every elementary school building this year is a full computer lab. With a state-wide push towards online testing, all students receive tech time in the computer labs.

Sidney City Schools had another record-breaking year of giving to the Shelby County United Way with a campaign total of $34,101 for the entire district. Employees of the Sidney City School District made generous gifts and pledges totaling more than $32,852. Students donated $1,158.

Sidney Middle School and Northwood Elementary broke their own records for student giving through pie-in-the-face contests in which students could vote by way of change donations on teachers and administrators they wanted to see get a pie in the face.

Sidney Middle School raised $728 with victims Nish Golden, Officer Rick Cron, Bill Rippey and Assistant Principal Michael Moore all taking pies to the face.

Northwood students donated $418 to see 4th grade teachers Dawn Ocke and Matt Conley, as well as Principal Eric Finke get pied.

In total, the district raised $6,600 more than the set goal of $27,500, and broke last year’s unprecedented total of $33,026 by more than $1,000.

Communications Coordinator and United Way education division leader Tiffany Wildermuth reported 100% participation at the Board of Education, Whittier Elementary, and Sidney Alternative School.

Superintendent John Scheu said the United Way campaign is an important charitable fund-raising effort for Shelby County overall, but also for students living and attending school in Sidney.

District Gives Generously to United Way - Breaking Record!

SMS teacher Nish Golden braces for the pie that is about to hit his face!

Sidney Virtual Learning Academy - Quality. Flexibility. Customization. Tuition-Free.

Sidney Virtual Learning Academy (SVLA) is the only cyber school supported by Sidney City Schools - because it’s ours.

Sidney Virtual Learning Academy is a district-based program that offers students the flexibility of online learning while having access to district resources and activities. SVLA is an alternative to eSchools and enables students to complete their schoolwork in the comfort of their own home while earning a Sidney High School diploma. Students receive a Cyber School in a BoxTM - a laptop computer, printer/scanner, live teacher support and technical support.

Students receive individualized, focused, live teacher support and have the option to schedule one-on-one appointments with Sidney City and online teachers. SVLA’s actively

involved teachers provide helpful commentary on graded work to help guide student performance.

Students enrolled in SVLA earn a Sidney City Schools diploma and graduate with classmates. Because SVLA students are a part of Sidney City Schools, they have full access to district resources and facilities including guidance counseling, libraries and athletic facilities. Students may even join district-sponsored, extra-curricular music and theatre groups, special interest clubs, and sports teams. Sidney City Schools offers over 70 extra-curricular activities.

Students can also participate in our award-winning music programs like choir, band and orchestra, as well as Sidney City Schools’ more unique courses like TV productions, marketing, and food science technology, which is part of our new and innovative Vo-Ag program. Students enrolled in SVLA can also take advantage of the more than twenty

dual enrollment courses offered at Sidney High School. Dual enrollment courses are college level courses taught at Sidney High School. With 23 total Dual Enrollment courses, students earn actual college credit without ever leaving SHS. Best of all, that credit will transfer to most 2-year and 4-year schools, giving those who enroll in dual enrollment an edge on obtaining their Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree!

Those interested in learning more about SVLA can contact: Mr. Tom Clark, SVLA Coordinator 937-494-2001 ext. 1154 tom.clark@sidneycityschools.org

Sidney Virtual Learning Academy

FCCLA Officers pose with wreaths designed and created by their chapter. Local veterans placed the wreaths on monuments during their recent trip to Washington, D.C.

Second grade students at Longfellow show off their messy hands, after creating a Jackson Pollock inspired work of art. The project combined art and physical education through movement.

School Closing & DelaysIn the event that inclement weather arrives in the area, the district will continue to use the One Call Now automated telephone system to notify parents and guardians of any delays or school closings. We also use the following methods to communicate information about the status of school:

Radio TelevisionHits 105.5 FM WDTN Channel 2 (NBC) 95.7 FM WKEF Channel 22 (ABC) WHIO Channel 7 (CBS)

November 18th - 6:00PMSchool Board Meeting at B.O.E

November 27-29th NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving!

December 2nd - 6:00PMBoard Meeting at SMS - Work Session

December 9th - 7:00PMOrchestra Winter Concert at SHS

December 10th - 7:00PMSMS Band Winter Concert at SMS

December 11th - 7:00PMSHS Band Winter Concert at SHS

December 16th School Board Meeting at B.O.E.- 6:00PM SMS Choir Winter Concert at SHS - 7:00PM

December 17th - 7:00PMSHS Choir Winter Concert at SHS

December 20th

2nd Quarter Ends

December 23rd - January 1st Winter Break - Happy Holidays!

Mark Your CalendarBoard of Education Seeks Candidate to Fill Seat

Sidney City Schools Board of Education is seeking candidates to fill an upcoming vacancy on the board. The empty seat is left by Steve Smith, who has chosen not to seek another term.

By law, vacancies on a Board of Education are to be filled by the majority vote of all remaining members of said Board at the next regular or special meeting within ten to thirty days following the date on which the vacancy occurs. Like elected members of the Board of Education, the candidate appointed to the vacant post must be a qualified elector residing in the district or become so qualified within 10 days after their appointment.

The individual appointed to the vacant position will begin serving January 13, 2014 and will serve until January 1, 2016.

Those interested in applying should contact Tiffany Wildermuth at the Board of Education Office at 750 S. Fourth Avenue for an application. Applications can also be requested by emailing tiffany.wildermuth@sidneycityschools.org.

The deadline for application is November 25, 2013. Interviews will be scheduled on December 4th and 5th in the evening. The board will select a candidate for the vacant seat by Monday, December 16, with appointment of the candidate to the seat at the regular board meeting following the organizational meeting on Monday, January 13, 2014.

Sidney City Schools Administrative Offices 750 S. Fourth Avenue Sidney, OH 45365 937-497-2200 www.sidney.k12.oh.us The JACKET JOURNAL is a published and distributed three times a year by Sidney City Schools for the purpose of keeping district residents informed.

Board of EducationMelanie Cook, President Darrell Spangler, Vice President Bill Ankney Kelly Rees Steve Smith

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Sidney City Schools 750 S. Fourth Avenue Sidney, OH 45365