BELOW LEFT: The original drawing of a young Glenn and Liz Sullivan that would become the inspiration for the Olentangy Local School District logo. The drawing was done as part of a 1998 art class project at Olentangy High School.

BELOW RIGHT: The Sullivans re-enact their logo pose. Glenn is now 34. Liz is 23.

The origin of the Olentangy logo While Liz and Glenn Sullivan

are not the only Olentangy Local School graduates to have left their mark on the district, theirs is perhaps the most visible.

A drawing of the siblings was the source material for what would eventually become the district’s official logo — the silhouette of an older student holding books while standing behind a smaller student.

Glenn and Liz posed for the drawing back in 1998, when Glenn was a senior at Olentangy High School and Liz, his younger sister, was a student at Wyandot Run Elementary.

The drawing was part of a classroom project assigned to Glenn by his art teacher, Art Counts. Now retired after 35 years teaching in the district, Counts recalled how his art class project became Olentangy’s most recognized symbol.

Counts said the Sullivan drawing is actually an updated version of an image that he created for the district back in

A recent community satisfaction survey shows Delaware County residents rate the Olentangy Local School District with very positive responses. Subjects included the quality of education, maintaining a safe learning environment, and fiscal budgeting.

In partnership with Fallon Research & Communications, Inc., a public opinion research and polling firm, a phone survey was conducted the week of October 6-10, 2013. A representative sample of 400 randomly selected registered voters within the district’s attendance boundaries were contacted.

For accuracy, the group of respondents was weighted to account for the region’s growing diversity including, but not limited to: age, gender, and ethnicity.

The survey tool was designed to assist the district in better understanding the values and priorities of its community members. It also gauged how well the district is making progress toward overall goals and strategic priorities. The annual results, along with other key indicators, serve as an evaluation and decision-making tool for current and future initiatives.

During a recent presentation

DUAL ENROLLMENT | Page 3 BRAVE GOES PRO | Page 4 ONE-STOP FLYER SHOP | Page 2

Inside

See LOGO, Page 2

See SURVEY, Page 2

WINTER 2014

Community survey reveals positive trendsn Residents give district high marks

District Newsletter

Stacy Dunbar9298 Auburn CourtPowell, Ohio 43065(740) 657-4093stacy_dunbar@olsd.us

Dave King5027 Lakeview DrivePowell, Ohio 43065(740) 657-4094dave_king@olsd.us

Kevin O’Brien3366 Westbrook PlaceLewis Center, Ohio 43035(740) 657-4090kevin_o’brien@olsd.us

Julie Wagner Feasel7636 Holderman StreetLewis Center, Ohio 43035(740) 657-4091julie_wagner-feasel@olsd.us

Adam White3579 Hidden Cove CircleLewis Center, Ohio 43035(740) 657-4092adam_white@olsd.us

2 O L E N T A N G Y

LOGO,FROM PAGE 1

SURVEY,FROM PAGE 1

LISTSERVES: www.olentangy.k12.oh.us/about-olentangy/olentangy-listservesBOARD OF EDUCATION: www.olentangy.k12.oh.us/board-of-educationSUPERINTENDENT’S BLOG: www.olentangy.k12.oh.us/superintendent/GET THE FACTS BLOG: www.olentangy.k12.oh.us/facts/FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/olentangylocalschoolsTWITTER: @OlentangySD

WWW.OLENTANGY.K12.OH.US

OLENTANGY BOARD OF EDUCATION STAY IN TOUCH ONLINE

the late 1980s. At that time, the district had no consistent logo.

The district eventually began using a silhouetted version of the Sullivan’s image. In 2005, the district copyrighted the silhouette as its official logo.

For Glenn and Liz Sullivan, the logo is a point of pride and a reminder of their time at Olentangy.

“It’s something that’s always fun to see when I come back home to Ohio,” said Liz Sullivan, who is now 23 and living in Colorado where she attends the University of Colorado Law School.

“At that time I was so

young that I really didn’t have a complete understanding of what it would become. I was just happy to be spending a day with my big brother at high school,” she said. “I didn’t realize how extensively it would be used until I was in high school myself and now I just think it’s great that it’s still being used.”

Now 34 and working as a general contractor in his family business, Glenn Sullivan said he never imagined the image would become so synonymous with Olentangy’s mission statement of facilitating maximum learning for every student.

“It’s something that always makes me smile when I see it,” he said.

to the board of education, Paul Fallon, the founder of Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. shared, “residents have a very positive opinion of the district.”

He added that “the exceedingly high numbers of positive responses are reflective of a high-performing district. In addition, these types of numbers come from the type of community that is pleased with its school system.” Of particular note, Fallon emphasized that a large number of respondents who currently do not have school-age children enrolled in the district gave equally favorably remarks.

“I have reviewed the results many times and I am thankful, even humbled, by the community’s overwhelming continued support,” said Olentangy Superintendent Wade Lucas, Ed. D.

Highlights from the survey include:

• 76% believe the Olentangy Local School District is headed in the right direction.

• 69% are satisfied with the Olentangy and believe the district has done a good job in managing and spending tax dollars in an effective

“I have reviewed the results many times and I am thankful, even humbled, by the community’s overwhelming

continued support.” — Olentangy Superintendent

Wade Lucas, Ed. D.

and responsible way.• 84% believe the Olentangy

has done a good job to ensure safety and security of its students.

• 77% believe the Olentangy does a good job in communicating with parents

and the community. When asked the same question in 2010, the result was a 62% satisfaction rate.

• To review the complete survey results, visit the district website at www.olentangy.k12.oh.us.

Are you interested in participating in an Olentangy fundraiser, getting involved in your school’s PTO, joining the Boy or Girl Scouts or the Olentangy Youth Athletic Association? Then you’ll want to check out the One-Stop Flyer Shop.

The many flyers the district receives for distribution from non-profit organizations are now posted online.

The One-Stop Flyer Shop reduces the amount of paper used for hard copies while better informing parents and families.

Visit the site to sign up and have the flyers that interest you sent directly to your email inbox.

Check us out at www.olentangy.k12.oh.us/flyers.

For more information, contact the district’s Communications Department at 740-657-4067.

OLENTANGY.K12.OH.US/FLYERS

New service provides info on local activities

O L E N T A N G Y 3

Olentangy students weigh in on dual enrollmentWHAT IS DUAL ENROLLMENT?Olentangy’s new dual enrollment program gives qualifying juniors and seniors the opportunity to not only receive college credit, but to also attend class in a college setting. The courses are taught by Olentangy teachers who are also college faculty members.

Students enrolled in the program will attend their selected courses at Columbus State Community College’s Delaware Branch (CSCC) located at 5100 Cornerstone Drive, off U.S. 23, in Delaware. All public colleges and universities in Ohio accept credit from these courses. In addition, CSCC has transfer agreements with a number of private institutions in Ohio, including Otterbein and Ohio Wesleyan universities.

Dual enrollment courses differ from AP courses in that college credit is attained by successfully completing the requirements of the course, rather than earning a necessary score on an exam as is the case with an AP course. Students should speak with their guidance counselors to decide on their best option.

For more information, see the Dual Enrollment FAQ at www.olentangy.k12.oh.us. Students interested in enrolling in the program should visit their school’s guidance counselor.

Which college or university do you plan to attend?I plan to attend either Ohio State University or Kent State.

What do you plan to study?I hope to go into nursing.

Why did you decide to participate in Olentangy Local School District’s Dual Enrollment program?It’s a good way to earn college credit and get a change of environment that’s more like what you experience at a college campus.

What do you like most about the dual enrollment program? I like that the Dual Enrollment program has a small class size

What advice would you give to an Olentangy student who is considering taking a dual enrollment class?My advice would be to be prepared to have to work harder than you do in high school classes. After all, these are college courses.

Which college or university do you plan to attend?I am not sure yet, but I would like to apply to OSU or Miami University.

What do you plan to study?I plan to major in business.

Why did you decide to participate in Olentangy Local School District’s Dual Enrollment program?It is a great way to earn college credit for schools in Ohio and I would rather take this class than the other options at my high school.

What do you like most about the dual enrollment program? I like the change of environment at Columbus State, I like the class options (I plan to take dual enrollment Calculus next year).

What advice would you give to an Olentangy student who is considering taking a dual enrollment class?I would recommend this program to an Olentangy student who wants to go to college in Ohio. It is a smart way to earn college credit. Keep up with the work so you don’t fall behind.

Which college or university do you plan to attend?This is my junior year of high school, so I’m still deciding where I want to go.

What do you plan to study?Pre-Law

Why did you decide to participate in Olentangy Local School District’s Dual Enrollment program?The program allows you to not have to take English the first year of college.

What do you like most about the Dual Enrollment program? I like that the class is small so the teacher can give more personal help when needed. Also, I like coming to Columbus State in the mornings because it gives me a taste of the “college experience.”

What advice would you give to a student considering a dual enrollment class? You have to be willing to apply yourself. But it will all be worth it when you’re in college your freshman year and you don’t have to write papers constantly. It’s such a great opportunity.

Which college or university do you plan to attend?I plan on staying in Ohio, but I am unsure of what college I want to attend.

What do you plan to study? I am unsure of my major.

Why did you decide to participate in OLSD’s dual enrollment program?I thought it was a good idea because you automatically receive college credit without having to take an exam at the end of the course. Also, it is less expensive than taking English during college and so by taking it now I am saving money on college tuition.

What do you like most about the program? We can get individual help often and the teacher can be more focused on what we need to work on. Also, I enjoy the benefits of being a Columbus State student, we can use their library, study center, and tutors for any class.

What advice would you give to a student considering a dual enrollment class?If you are looking for a change of pace and environment take dual enrollment. But, be ready for the challenge.

Which college or university do you plan to attend?Ohio State University

What do you plan to study?Business Administration

Why did you decide to participate in Olentangy Local School District’s Dual Enrollment program?I'll be attending Columbus State after high school and earning college credit early on definitely gives me a good advantage.

What do you like most about the dual enrollment program? I like having a smaller and more personal English class as well as having the benefits of Columbus State, such as the learning center and resources for information.

What advice would you give to an Olentangy student who is considering taking a dual enrollment class?Dual enrollment is definitely a path worth taking. It allows you to get college credit and learn at a level that prepares you for what your future education will be like.

ABBY CRONLEYJunior, Olentangy HS

CASSIDY MARINO Junior, Olentangy HS

TYLER NORRIS Junior, Olentangy HS

AMANDA BREWERJunior , Olentangy HS

ALEX HABERMANSenior, Olentangy HS

As a defender for the Columbus Crew, Chad Barson has

successfully parlayed his athletic skills into a career doing what he loves. The credit for that, Barson says, is due in many ways to his formative years attending Olentangy Local Schools.

A 2009 graduate of Olentangy High School, Barson, 22, spent countless hours perfecting his soccer game as a member of the Olentangy Braves Men's Soccer Team. While at Olentangy, Barson was named to the 2008 Parade All-American team. The defender was also a two-time NSCAA Youth All-American and the 2008 All-State Second Team honoree for Division I.

"Coaches Scott Bryant and Jason Bayer did a great job of helping me grow as a soccer player," Barson said. "They helped me make the progression from where my game was at to where it is now."

Barson's interest in soccer began at an early age. Growing up, he watched his older brothers, Brent and Ryan, play soccer for the Olentangy Braves. Hoping to follow in their footsteps, Barson enrolled in the Olentangy Youth Athletic Association's club team.

"Basically, I started playing soccer for the OYAA

when I was like four or five years old. But soccer was a part of me even before that. I've been around the game my entire life," he said.

While in the eighth grade, Barson began playing on multiple U.S. national league teams. It was an experience that changed his life.

"That's when things came together for me,” he said. That’s when I realized that this is what I wanted to do.”

As his soccer skills improved, Barson was invited to join to a one-year residency program with a national soccer team in

Bradenton, Florida. He jumped at the opportunity and spent his junior year of high school living in Florida, playing for the United States U-17 team.

After high school, Barson studied Biology at the University of Akron, where he played soccer for the Zips. He helped lead the team to the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer National Championship title in 2010.

The Columbus Crew came calling soon after. It was a dream come true for the Olentangy product.

"I grew up a Crew fan and had been a Crew fan

my entire life," Barson said. Brian McBride was always my favorite player, so I was very honored when I was able to sign on with them. Being able to play for my hometown team is great."

As successful as his soccer career has been, Barson hasn't forgotten those who helped him get to where he is today. He's known to attend Olentangy Orange High School's soccer games, where Bryant and Bayer now coach.

"I try to make it to the games and I've played a little pick-up with some of the guys on the high

school team," he said. For Olentangy students

looking to follow in his footsteps, Barson offers the following advice: "I think one of the bigger things is to make sure you’re enjoying yourself and still have a love for the game — make sure it’s something you want to do, and if it is, pursue it to your fullest. Not everyone is going to be fortunate enough to play for a professional team, but you shouldn't be let down by that because by pursuing it, you'll still be doing what you enjoy."

4 O L E N T A N G Y

CHAD BARSONFormer Olentangy Braves Soccer player now an MLS star

Courtesy of Columbus Crew Communications

Olentangy grad finds success with Columbus Crew