Ridgeview Teacher honored at OSU - Pickerington Local School ...

2November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.usPreparing forTomorrowKaren Mantia, Ed.D.Superintendent of PLSDTo say that the times arechallenging for public educationin Ohio would be a majorunderstatement. But we inPickerington have a lot to beproud of and an exceptional baseto build on for the future. Whatwe do in the coming months willdetermine whether the Districtmoves ahead. Based on what I’mhearing, I know we will.Here’s why.Academically, spurred byteachers who know how to getresults, we are at the top of theOhio Report Card, “Excellentwith Distinction,” demonstratingthat we belong in the front ranksof Ohio school districts.Our teachers and staff areworking hard to maximize theindividual talents of Pickeringtonstudents. We are accomplishingthis at a lower cost per pupil thanalmost any of our sister districts.Facility-wise, there are manyencouraging items on the agenda.The District continues withconstruction of new facilities toease overcrowded conditions andgrowing student populations.Next school year, Toll GateElementary School, Toll GateMiddle School, and SycamoreCreek Elementary School willopen their doors.That will not only help relieveovercrowding but enhance thequality of teaching and learningenvironments.Additionally, there is likely helpavailable from the Ohio SchoolFacilities Commission (OSFC).We learned recently that OSFCwill match already voted localfunds and provide $50 millionPreparing continued on pg. 5Hooked on FishingBy Jennifer McComasPutting a worm on a hook,coordinating your body to casta line, and reeling in a fish is aspecial event for many children,and the Special Education staff atPickerington Local Schools wantsto make sure that all students enjoythis experience.On a brisk Friday morning inSeptember, Pickerington’s SpecialEducation students and staff, ledby Adaptive Physical EducationTeacher Steve Bravard, went onan adventure to build lifelongrecreation and leisure skills.The students with multipledisabilities, emotional disabilities,and orthopedic impairments,as well as students withcommunication, sensory and socialneeds, were invited to participatein a day-long learning experience.It gave them the opportunity tolearn and practice recreation andleisure skills as well as participateappropriately in social situations.“The goal is to teach our studentsthe basic adaptive behavior skillsin situations similar to what theydo during their family time,”said Bravard. “This was also anopportunity for students topractice behavioral and socialskills that they work on in schoolin a different setting.”Students worked on fishing skillsfor several weeks within the schoolsetting and the outing was theculminating activity.This opportunity is offered to theDistrict through a partnership withHickory Lakes and Fairfield Fishand Game Club.Both locations provided poles, bait,a stocked pond and a hayride at nocost. They even provided volunteersto work with students who neededextra help throughout the day.Each site hosted a different groupof students for the day.The District is committed tomeeting the diverse needs ofstudents so, when they graduate,they have learned how to accessthe community for work, as well associal opportunities. The Districtmakes sure that students andfamilies are assisted with uniqueand engaging activities that supporteach individual student.The School BellThe School Bell is a community newszine dedicated to providing in-depthcoverage of the Pickerington Local School District. Its staff is comprised ofDistrict staff and students.Editor: Lee ColeCopy Editors: Vicki Baptist,Diana Myers, Linda SamczakProduction/Design Team:Lee Cole, Betty ConleyPhotographers: EveryoneContributing Writers: Kayce B.,Edwina Campbell, Lee Cole, Julia F.,Dan Griscom, Kathy Kelly-Long,Jennifer McComas, Sandy Meigel,Martha England, Karen MantiaContributing Writers:Linda Samczak, Vince Utterback,Kaylin W.Publisher: Pickerington LocalSchool DistrictPLSD Board of Education:Wes Monhollen, president; LoriSanders, vice president; Lee Gray,Clay Lopez, Lisa ReadeSuperintendent: Karen MantiaTreasurer: Dan Griscom

Foundation Puts Kids FirstPickerington Education Foundation seeks to provideresources to further expand student achievementBy Kathy Kelly-LongThe Pickerington Education Foundation (PEF) has been putting educationfirst in the Pickerington schools since 2004. Founded at the suggestionof a parent, PEF’s mission is “to enrich, improve, and support the totaleducation of all students in grades K-12 in the Pickerington Local SchoolDistrict.” The foundation accomplishes this by providing grants toteachers and District staff.3November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.usSince 2004, grants have been awarded to every school in the District; toprograms in all areas of core curriculum; and to programs in music, art,special needs, and physical education.The foundation’s grant program is open to any PLSD staff member anddecisions are made by the PEF Grants Committee which is comprised ofparents, school board members, and the District teacher of the year. Formore information visit www.pefoundation.org.The foundation also manages designated funds, such as scholarships.This past year, John Carter and his family established the Linda CarterFund in memory of Linda Carter, a longtime teacher who passed away ina car accident in 2007. This year, the first Linda Carter Scholarship wasFoundation continued on pg. 5

4November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.usCover StoryHonor RollPickerington Schools receive the highest ratingpossible -- Excellent with Distinction!By Edwina Campbell, Ph. D.The Ohio Department of Education has provided thePickerington Local School District with validation of whatresidents have known all along: we are excellent. Furthermore,the District has received the highest rating possible on a statereport card – Excellent with Distinction.Pickerington achieved this designation by meeting 29 of the30 state indicators, which are based on Ohio Achievement Testresults, Ohio Graduation Test results, high attendance ratesand a high graduation rate.The District also met the federal criteria of Adequate YearlyProgress in the areas of math and science, part of No Child LeftBehind requirements.In addition to the other accomplishments, the District obtaineda Performance Index score of 100.9, which measures howmany students score in each range of the test, which includelimited, basic, proficient, accelerated and advanced.The added component of our rating this year, “Excellent withDistinction,” is a result of our students’ yearly improvement/growth for two years in a row.At the conclusion of 2006-2007, the District obtained a“Continuous Improvement” rating. Many believed this ratingwas not representative of the work of students and staff. ThePickerington Local School District, led by SuperintendentKaren Mantia, used that rating as a benchmark and decided touse the information in the state report card as a tool to refocus.“We conducted a complete analysis of the testing data,” saidMantia. “Our staff was extremely focused on the needs of theindividual student. The state-mandated data allowed us totailor classroom instruction to better serve our children.”District principals collaborated with teachers andadministrators in the development of curriculum models,retooling of assignments and creating peer models. Thisproved instrumental in improving student achievement.“We engaged our students and staff with a top-down,bottom-up approach to instruction. The entire District workedtogether to create lifelong learners, and this included the staff,”said Mantia.RidgeviewRocks!We’ve got an EXCELLENT Staff, GREAT Students,and WONDERFUL Parents!The PTO invites you to join; our membership drive contest ends November 30. The winning team’s teachers will each receive an extra 50%in their spending accounts, for the year, to spend in their classrooms. Help your student’s team by sending in a membership form anddonation today! More information is available on Ridgeview’s website or at the school office.Spirit Wear Sale starts soon! Once again, we’re offering great designs on short & long sleeved t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. New thisyear: flannel-lined, embroidered pullover wind jackets; stadium blankets; and drawstring backpacks. More information will be coming homewith your students and will be posted on Ridgeview’s website!We’re always looking for volunteers to help with Teen Nights and staff appreciation events. If you’d like to hang out with your kids for a fewhours on a Friday night, or provide food for staff lunches, please contact us!PTO meetings are held the 2 nd Tuesday of each month, at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend. If you can’t make it, meeting minutes areposted on the PTO page of the school website.

IdentifyingOur GiftedState of Ohio has mandated processfor identifying gifted studentsBy Sandy Meigel5November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.usMy child is gifted. Millions of teachers across the nation hearthis statement annually. While every child in the PickeringtonLocal School District is considered special, the State of Ohiohas mandated that school districts identify academically-giftedstudents using a standardized set of criteria.Ohio House Bill 282 defines what is considered “gifted” inOhio. The term “gifted” is assigned to a student who performsor shows potential for performing at remarkably high levels ofaccomplishment when compared to others of his or her age,experience, or environment.There are four areas of identification: Superior Cognitive,Specific Academic, Creative Thinking, and Visual and/orPerforming Arts. Although the state mandates identification,it does not provide additional funding for such targetedprograms.The Pickerington Local School District offers a variety ofprograms for students with high academic abilities.Superior Cognitive AbilityA student is identified as exhibiting “superior cognitive ability”if the student did either of the following within the preceding24 months:• Scored two standard deviations above the mean, minusthe standard error of measurement, on an approvedindividual or group intelligence test.• Performed at or above the 95th percentile on anindividual or group standardized basic or composite batteryon a nationally-normed achievement test.• Attained an approved score on one or more above gradelevelstandardized, nationally-normed approved tests.Specific Academic AbilityA student is identified as exhibiting “specific academic ability”superior to children of similar age in a specific academic abilityfield if within the preceding 24 months:• The student performs at or above the 95th percentileat the national level on an approved individual or groupstandardized achievement test.Creative Thinking AbilityA student is identified as exhibiting “creative thinking ability”superior to children of similar age if within the previous 24months:• The student scored one standard deviation above themean, minus the standard error of measurement, on anindividual or group intelligence test and also did either ofthe following:• Attained a sufficient score, as established by theDepartment of Education, on an approved individual orgroup test of creative ability; or• Exhibited sufficient performance, as established by theDepartment of Education, on an approved checklist.Visual and Performing ArtsA student is identified as exhibiting “visual or performing artsability” superior to that of children of similar age if the studenthas done both of the following:• Demonstrated through a display of work, an audition,or other performances or exhibitions, superior ability in avisual or performing arts area; and• Exhibited sufficient performance on an approvedchecklist of behaviors related to a specific arts area.Preparing from pg. 2 foundation from pg. 3for continued renovation andfacility improvements. There willhave to be voter action – extendingthe presently existing ClassroomFacilities Maintenance Levy fromits current 13 years to 23 years. The“no new tax” facilities issue wouldguarantee the additional statefunding for renovations at Fairfield,Pickerington and Violet elementaryschools, Ridgeview Junior High, andPickerington High School Central.Finally, I am so proud of theprogress the District has made ineconomizing on every front. It fallsto each of us to tighten the beltwhile focusing on placing everypossible dollar into classroominstruction. I am reminded dailythat our District’s financial teamcares intensely about providinga quality education, even as itmonitors spending at every level.Providing superior service at anaffordable cost is the foundation ofpublic education in Pickerington,where our focus is on education,efficiency and accountability.As always, I am so grateful to you,the supportive residents of ourcommunity, whose sacrifice for andinvestment in quality education ispaying such great dividends. The“Excellent with Distinction” ratingis not just deserved for our teachers,parents, and young learners, it’san affirmation that our entirecommunity – including those whodo not have children presently inthe schools – values education.Without your support, we wouldnever have the resources to excel.A day does not go by without beingreminded that District residentscare intensely about their schoolsand the future of our children.My best wishes to you and yourfamily for a safe and meaningfulholiday season.awarded to Megan Moriarty. Threeadditional scholarships will begiven each of the next three years.The Pickerington EducationFoundation remains committed toall the students of the PickeringtonLocal School District. Funding forthe PEF comes from a variety ofsources. Nearly 50 percent of thePEF’s donations are received fromindividuals, staff, alumni, parents,and other community members.Approximately 30 percent hascome from businesses andorganizations in our community.The foundation continues to growand make strides in supportingexcellence in education, with plansto award more than $2,200 toprograms in our schools this fiscalyear. The foundation gratefullyaccepts contributions to its annualfund and endowment.Bequests and memorial gifts arealso welcome and donors have theoption of establishing a specialfund within the Foundation. Allgifts are tax-deductible. For moreinformation on how to volunteer, orto make a charitable contribution,visit www.pefoundation.org orcontact Kathy Kelly-Long, 614-833-2603, wlong1@insight.rr.com.

6November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us“I am not advocating jumping out of airplanes. I want to show ourstudents that they should not place limits on what they can achieve.”Cindi Goldhaber, principal PHSNNo BoundariesThroughout the District, students focus on building character through a programcalled the “Six Pillars of Character.” The six pillars are trustworthiness, respect,responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The program explores thefundamentals of good stewardship as the District strives toward its ultimate goal ofcreating lifelong learners who are socially responsible citizens.

9Managing GrowthMaryKirby from pg. 1Ann Kirkby.Mrs. Kirkby is a social studiesteacher. She has been an educatorin the District for a number ofyears, and she has even taughtmany of the staff here at PRJHS.This shows a tremendousamount of dedication to theteaching profession.Mrs. Kirkby is an inspirationto everyone. She has beendiagnosed with cancer but hasn’tlet her illness hold her back. Shecomes to school wearing wigsand caps after losing her hairduring chemotherapy treatments.Chemotherapy is one of the ways inwhich doctors try to remove cancerfrom the body.Regardless of how she feels, shecomes to school every day with asmile on her face to be with herstudents! Mrs. Kirby helps all ofher students achieve their goalsand we mean all of them. She isan inspiration to so many teachersand so many students.On Saturday, November 1, therewas a Living With Lung CancerFoundation balloon launch inMrs. Kirkby’s honor. Hundredsof balloons filled the air like akaleidoscope.What an incredible woman! She’sfighting this disease every day andstill only thinking of others. Mrs.Kirkby is an inspiration to all whoknow her.November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.usschool alignment from pg. 1minimize or eliminate the use ofmodular classrooms from Districtfacilities at the K-6 level.by December in order to beginestablishing busing and walkingboundaries.Next fall, more than 2,000 eager minds will fill the hallsof the newly constructed Toll Gate Middle, SycamoreCreek Elementary and Toll Gate Elementary schools.In 2007, voters approved a bond issue that affordedthe District the opportunity to construct three newfacilities to accommodate the District’s growing studentpopulation and lessen the need for portable classrooms.“The construction of these buildings represent the hardwork of the District taxpayers,” said Vince Utterback,business manager. “We are currently within budget andare expected to open doors for students at the start ofnext school year.”Sycamore Creek Elementary Schoolis in the final phase of construction.Work is continuing on the interior ofthe building.a cost savings to the taxpayer,” said Utterback.Both of these schools are in the final phase ofconstruction as well.The District is also expected to receive an estimated $50million for future renovations from the Ohio SchoolFacilities Commission. This money is contingent uponvoter approval of extending the current ClassroomFacilities Maintenance Levy, and will be received aspart of a matching or segmented program based onthe construction of Toll Gate Middle, Sycamore CreekElementary and Toll Gate Elementary schools.“The underlying goal is to providea safe, nurturing and welcomingeducational environment for ourstudents,” said Jim Sotlar, assistantsuperintendent.The plan assigns school attendanceareas based on street address andsubdivisions. The proposed plancan be viewed on the District’s website at www.pickerington.k12.oh.us.The members of the schoolalignment committee presentedthe plan to the Pickerington Boardof Education during its October 7Board of Education meeting.“The purpose of the plan is tooutline the new boundary lines andfuture school assignments for theelementary and middle schools,”said Sotlar.The plan needs to be finalizedDuring the informational meetings,the District gathered somevaluable information throughfeedback. These comments, and thepresentations made by concernedparents to the Board, allowed thecommittee to review the plan andreview potential adjustments.“We have been reviewing anddiscussing the needs and concernsof our parents,” said Sotlar.“Developing a plan such as this is amajor undertaking. We must createa plan that will sustain futuregrowth,” he continued.There are some residential areas inthe District that have low studentpopulation, but the District hassystems in place such as openenrollment to accommodatethose families.Although Toll Gate Middle Schooland Toll Gate Elementary School areon the same property, they are twoseparate facilities.“The two schools are joined by acommon breezeway that connectsthe two buildings. This type ofarchitectural design allowed theDistrict to maximize its landresources, which ultimately results inSycamore Creek ESSchool bell from pg.1in-depth coverage of the District, its operations and support organizations.The School Bell is not just a community newsletter but a news magazine,or “newszine.”This redesign also represents a significant cost savings to the District.Although we have expanded the format and content, the changes in design,printing and distribution resources will generate a cost savings of 40percent from the previous year.

10November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.usDid YouKnow?See if you can identify thetrue statements from themyths.True or False(Answers at bottom of the page)1. More than 200,000people each year havecomplications from the fluthat require hospitalization.2. People with asthmashould not get the fluvaccine.3. It is not safe to return towork or school after restingfor a day or two from theonset of the flu since youare still contagious.4. You have to get a newshot every year, becausedifferent viruses cause theflu each year.5. Over-the-countermedications can help relievesome of the symptoms ofthe flu.6. The flu can causediarrhea and vomiting ratherthan cold-like symptoms.7. A cough can last forweeks to months after otherflu symptoms disappear.Food Service Delivers the GoodsHungry kids, whole grains and fresh fruit – ohmy! The PLSD Food Service Department has beenserving quality nutritional foods while providingexcellent service to District students. On a dailybasis, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables areserved in all buildings.Food Service promotes healthy food choicesbecause it gives students energy to live, learnand be active. In addition to these healthyalternatives, we have incorporated the followingcreative and innovative programs to enhance thequality of service.In an effort to assist school nurses and parentsin identifying foods that may contain ingredientsthat could cause an allergic reaction, the FoodService Department created 14 binders offood labels, ingredient, allergen, and nutrientinformation for the 5-week cycle menu coveringthe elementary and middle schools.All 14 binders were distributed to elementaryand middle school head cooks and buildingnurses. This was done to help the nurses evaluatecarbohydrate counts and locate ingredients whena question of food allergy was brought to theirattention by a parent.In addition, we have created a calorie andcarbohydrate list for the junior high and highschools for menu items offered. We are also inthe process of creating a label and ingredientbinder for those buildings.Breakfast-To-Go in the Classroom(pilot program)Students at Diley Middle School enjoy eatingbreakfast with their peers and jump starting theirday with a nutritious breakfast. Studies revealthat students who eat breakfast perform betteron tests, report less absenteeism and disruptivebehavior, and are more attentive in the classroom.Food Safety TrainingAll employees, including substitute employees,have received training on the fundamentals ofbasic food safety and sanitation. This instructionwas conducted by a certified health professional.Safety and Sanitation EducationIn November, the three main satellite kitchens’head cooks will take a ServSafe Course in FoodSafety and Sanitation. The goal is to have all ofthe head cooks complete the ServSafe course bynext fall.Certification is a nationally-recognized andaccredited program and is a 15-hour course. Allthe candidates will receive their certificationunder the Ohio Revised Code for Food Safety andSanitation Guidelines as required by the CountyHealth Department.Flu Season is Right Around the Corneror coughing, then immediately wash his hands because any article hetouches after sneezing may carry a virus. It is very important to wash handsfrequently, especially before eating.The best way to prevent getting infected by the virus is getting a flu vaccineevery year. The earlier in the season that you get the shot, the stronger yourimmunity will be to fight the virus. The flu vaccine is safe and recommendedfor most of the population.People who should not get the vaccine are children under six months of age,those with a severe egg allergy, those having a history of developing Guillain-Barre’ syndrome after a previous vaccine, and people who have moderateor severe illness accompanied by a fever (wait until the fever is gone beforegetting the vaccine).8. When sick with the flu,you need to drink a lot ofliquids and get plenty ofrest.One last note: If you ora loved one exhibit flusymptoms, go to yourdoctor right away. If caughtin the first day or two, thedoctor may give you antiviralmedication that willdecrease the symptoms andlength of your illness.Answers to quiz above1-T, 2-F, 3-T, 4-T, 5-T, 6-F,7-T, 8-TAre you prepared for influenza season? It is one of the most dreadedthree-letter words in the world today – the flu. Like many illnesses,the influenza virus is spread from the respiratory tract. If the mouthor nose is exposed to virus particles in the air, or on a surface that has beencontaminated with the virus, the person is likely to contract influenza.A person is contagious from one day before symptoms start until five daysafter becoming ill. You can help prevent illnesses by using good personalhygiene. A person with a cold or flu needs to cover his mouth when sneezingThe vaccine is recommended for those at high risk, which include childrenfrom 6 months to 19 years, pregnant women, people over 50, those with achronic medical condition, and those living with or caring for those who areat high risk of getting the flu. The flu vaccine contains killed virus, which thebody will build defenses against. Since there is no live virus in the vaccine,you cannot become ill from the flu shot.Which of these symptoms describe influenza?1. Stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea2. Runny nose, sneezing and normal temperature3. High fever, headache and coughIf you picked #3, you are right! Vomiting and diarrhea aren’t the flu at all,but you hear people say they have “the flu” with these symptoms. Actually,they may have an infection in their stomach or intestinal system calledgastroenteritis.A cold is described in #2. Headaches and fever do not commonly occur witha cold, but cold symptoms are present with influenza. You may also havebody aches, feel tired, and have chills, a cough, and a sore throat with the flu.

Pickerington ElementaryCreates Recycled ArtArt is taking the external environment and injectingit with the souls of the artists. At PickeringtonElementary, students in Mrs. Rosen’s art room areusing the District’s trash and injecting a whole lot ofhigh-spirited elementary school spirit.Recycling in the art room is not an innovative idea; itis just something art teachers do. This year, students inMrs. Rosen’s art room are becoming more involved inthe recycling process and its importance.“Recycling is important because it helps us save trees,”said Isabella Trott.The students are becoming more environmentallyconscious by learning that recycling is not just throwingempty cans or paper in a bin, but reusing materials overand over instead of throwing them in the trash.“We would be living in a big dump now if we did notrecycle,” said Paul Augenstein.Rosen has been dedicated to art and the environmentfor years and took the opportunity to educate studentsabout the environment, art, and social responsibilitythrough a program called the Elmer’s Glue CrewRecycling Program.The Elmer’s Glue Crew Recycling Program takesa hands-on approach to teaching students aboutrecycling. Not only are the students and teachersat Pickerington Elementary School involved in therecycling program, the District is also involved.Shredded documents from the District Office aredumped into a recycling box in the art room.Twelve to fourteen large garbage bags of shreddedpaper were used to stuff and fill the students’ threedimensionalartwork.Students are learning what it means to recycle and begood stewards of their environment.We are very proud of the contributions andgenerosity of District students as they are learningthe important life lesson of the value and importanceof helping others.7 5 8MediumThat’sSudokuhow the committeefromcanget the word out - we’llwww.SudokuPuzz.com_____________________________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2 73 1 51 2 6 9 38 46 7 8 1 54 6 27 57 9 1ADVERTISE___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Attention District schools, non-profit or supportorganizations. Would you like to advertise inthe School Bell? Contact the CommunicationsDepartment at (614) 833-2110 for pricing and tosee your ad in the next issue.11November 2008 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.usGriscom from pg. 8the district and its financial management.We are extremely proud of our team in the Treasurer’soffice. Earning this recognition is a testament to ourstaff members who work diligently every day. I alsowish to congratulate Vince Utterback, former treasurer,for his hard work to achieve this award for several yearsin a row. I will do my best to continue this traditionof excellence.I am always open to your questions and feedback. Feelfree to contact me at 614-833-2112 or e-mail dan_griscom@fc.pickerington.k12.oh.us. Best wishes for afulfilling holiday season.Hitting the TargetPickerington Local School Districtis rated “Excellent with Distinction”

Thank youPLSD stafffor all the time and effort spent with our students and helping themand once again achieve success with a “Excellent”with Distinction rating fromThe Ohio Department of Education on the state report card.