lancaster city schools

Lancaster City Schools

2009-2010

A Review of

Accomplishments

Accomplishments 2009-2010

2009-2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Lancaster High School The Lancaster High School Percussion Ensemble had the honor and distinction

of performing for the Finale of the Spoleto Festival U.S. A. on June 7, 2009 at the Middleton Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Stock Market Game participants were awarded first, second and third place

winners.

The Current Events program received the National First Place award in the National Current Events league.

• Three (3) students achieved a perfect score of 120: David Pate, David Kirkbride and Jeff Uthe.

• Other top 15 students include: Brendan Gilbert, Izzak Beck, Nick Blanton, Brandon Battle, Mary Gibson, Brett Sisco, Kelson Henwood, Spencer Getz, Jeremy Wasserman, Dusty Delong, Emily Williams and Heather Prestidge

The cast and crew of the fall performance “Arsenic and Old Lace” have received an invitation to perform the entire play as a Featured Full-Length Show at the Ohio Thespian State Conference held at Ashland University in March 2011. This invitation is one of the highest honors a high school drama department can obtain. Many Colleges and Universities recruit during this time.

Twenty One (21) new members have been inducted into the National Honor Society for Actors. Three (3) members received Honor status by obtaining honor bar status.

The Carpentry Program has been selected as the grand prize winner for the 2009 Minwax Community Craftsman Award program. Minwax is proud to recognize the Lancaster Carpentry students’ many hours of work, the skilled woodworking that has been key to their contributions and the selfless attitude and generous spirit demonstrated by the students.

Chance Pinan was recognized as “Special Olympian” in Amanda on May 1st, 2010, at the Track and Field Special Olympic Games.

Junior cosmetology students did the hair and make up for both plays; “Arsenic & Old Lace” and “Foot Loose”.

Gift of time, juniors and seniors cosmetology students gave free haircuts and

manicures service to children 6 and under. Seniors cosmetology students gave free haircuts and manicure to the MH

students throughout the year. Juniors and seniors cosmetology students gave free haircuts to students in need.


Cosmetology students competed in SkillsUSA Competition Local and Regional. SkillsUSA students competed in SkillsUSA Competition Local and Regional

Adopt-a-park – Glassco park

• All Career Tech Education students helped clean up the park • Fresh paint on the equipment • Plant flowers by park sign • Build benches and/or picnic tables • Paint backboard (basket ball court) • Surfacing materials • Chalked of the Baseball diamonds

12 Auto Tech students were selected to represent LHS in the 2010 Ford/AAA

Student Auto Skills competition Joey Seifert, Ryan Aubrey, Derek Snoke, Donald Butler, Zack Hettinger,

Derrick Golden, Josh Yoho, Brittany Stewart, Jeff McKittrick, Billy Rodak, Daniel Nugeness, Thomas Whipps

One hundred members of the LHS Choirs traveled to New York City to perform at

St. John the Divine Cathedral and South Street Seaport 8 LHS Choir students were selected to participate in the Ohio Capital Conference

Honors Choir, held at Capital University on November 4, 2009. The students participating were: Dylan Fausnaugh, Sam Woltz, Max Stiffler, Alex Cochenour, Alisha Weeks, Brandi Perrine, Kayla Williams, and Lauren Shull.

The following students were selected to participate in the Ohio University Honors

Choir: Arianna Hamilton, Kayla Williams, Katie Shick, Matt Anderson, Casey Welch and Sam Woltz.

The following students will participate in the Ohio State Youth Choir this summer:

Sam Woltz, Joe Looman, and Lilly Douds. The Chamber Singers were invited to perform at the Statehouse Holiday Noon

Concerts, the State of the Schools Luncheon and the Olivedale Volunteer Luncheon.

2010 Ohio Arts Day Student Delegation:

• Asgaya Edahi, Kyle Marx, Emily Probasco, Samuel Woltz Lancaster Firefighters Local 291—Patch Design Contest

• 1st Place Chelsea Dearring • 2nd Place Molly Figgins

Army Recruiter’s T-Shirt Design Contest Anna Huntzinger, Winner

Ohio Capital Conference Art Exhibition:

• Stefan Floyd, Jennifer Hutchison, Kaitlin Treitmaier, Kristin White


Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibit: State Competition Qualifiers • Arielle Crockett, Morgan Dewey, Sara George, Jennifer Hutchison,

Emmanuel Mendez, Kalynn Renko, Leah Sims, Kaitlin Treitmaier, Princess Underwood, Dakota Willard

National Art Honor Society 2009-10

The following students were inducted into the National Art Honor Society • Courtney Becker, Jennifer Conkey, Karissa Conrad, Emily Crawford, Arielle

Crockett, Chelsea Dearring, Serina Felicetti, Kaitlyn Getz, Michael Gossett, Rene Grimes, Alexis Hall, Michael Hall, Kelson Henwood, Amy Hopkins, Miles Huston, Jennifer Hutchison, Valerie McCandlish, Pam McKibben, Dorothy Perry, Emily Probasco, Kalynn Renko, Leigh Roberts, Matthew Seymour, Leah Sims, Emily Smith, Emily Spearman, Amber Spring, Kaitlin Treitmaier, Kristin White

Local Arts Advocacy Committee: • Courtney Becker, Kaitlyn Getz, Alexis Hall, Ryan Johnson, Kelsey Jones,

Cathie Quamme, Lauren Shull, Savannah Smith, Sam Woltz Journalism/Quill and Scroll Journalism Honor Society --- The Lancaster High

School journalism class expanded to a full credit this year and started a news blog (www.eyeofthegale.edublogs.org). This blog was the subject of a story by the Lancaster Eagle Gazette and has caught the eye of news and media groups nationwide. The program is doubling in size next year and more and more students are pursuing communication and journalism fields of study in college. 16 students from this class were inducted into Quill and Scroll, the honor society for high school journalists.

In-The-Know --- The In-The-Know team advanced to the second round of the

OSU In-The-Know/WOSU tournament this school year. Spanish Club has contributed to a Mexican family in need in the Columbus

area.(Christmas) We have collected funds for Adrian Solis throughout the year. We have been working on items for Honduras throughout the year to give to the children of Honduras.

Key Club

• Participated in booth for homecoming • Served at Kiwanis Pancake breakfast • Did set-up and take-down for the Lancaster Candlelight Tour • Volunteered for Special Olympics bowling • Co-sponsored a coat drive • Sponsored a fund-raiser for the Adrian Solis family • Sent three LHS students to Kiwanis Key Leader camp

http://www.eyeofthegale.edublogs.org/�


LHS Career Technical Education Agriculture Business/Science

Students performed and placed at District Soils Skills Competition. Auto Tech Prep

The Auto Technology Program received the “Tool Box for Education” Award sponsored by Lowes.

Broadcasting Tech Prep Students of the Broadcasting Program placed first in the “48-Hour Film Festival.”

Building & Property Trades The program continues to produce a higher-level of sets for the Drama Productions for LHS. This was evident in this year’s production of “Footloose.”

Business Management/Leadership Tech Prep Competed for the first time in the District 11 DECA competition. Students returned with nine trophies. Four students initially qualified for state competition.

Career Based Intervention (CBI) Students completed their ASVAB exam.

Cosmetology Ren Green competed in the SkillsUSA Ohio South Central Regional competition at the Delaware Area Career Center.

Criminal Science and Public Safety Nine juniors competed in the SkillsUSA Ohio South Central Regional competition at the Delaware Area Career Center.

Culinary Arts A select group of culinary students organized the Tech Prep Advisory Board Committees’ Breakfast. Two students gave speeches about being Tech Prep students.

Diversified Cooperative Training (DCT) A select group of students completed a two week intensive training program to qualify to earn their STNA certification.

Health Tech Prep Students in conjunction with the Ohio Red Cross provided blood pressure screenings for the community that was held at Carnival Foods and the Family Y.

Marketing Tech Prep Two students placed first in the DECA 1 competition.

Systems Technology and Industrial Engineering Tech Prep Students observed the National Robotics competition in Marion to prepare to compete in this event during the FY 10/11 school year.


Athletic Department Football Team had its 9th consecutive winning season under Coach Carpenter

and qualified for the State Playoffs for the 9th time in school history. Football team was the OCC Ohio Division Co-Champ. Samantha Swinehart-Placed 4th in the State Division I Golf Championship Nate Carpenter received football scholarship to attend Ohio University. Chris DePietro set school swim record in 200 IM and qualified for the State Swim

Meet. Finished 5th in the State with a 1:56.93 time. Coach Jon Spires had 5 wrestlers qualify for the District Tournament, the most in

recent history and the team won the Tiffin Columbian Wendy’s Classic tournament.

Jim Cordle, LHS grad and OSU Buckeye signed contract to play with NY Giants. Jack Greathouse named to the Ohio Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Boys Track:

• Nathan Cheek 8th in the Nation – Indoor Weight Throw • Indoor State Champions, 4x800M Relay – Cameron Heimberger,

Jared Wentz, Stephen Hood, Brannon Kidder • First Place Team; Hammond Relays, Fulton Relays, Mingo Relays, Larkin –

Crosten Classic • Runner-up Team OCC – Ohio Division • 3rd Place OSHAA Division I State Meet, 4 x 800M Relay – Kevin Brown,

Jared Wentz, Stephen Hood, Brannon Kidder (All-Ohio, 2nd Fastest Relay in LHS history)

• 3rd Place OSHAA Division I State Meet, 800M Run – Kevin Brown (All-Ohio, 4th Fastest 800M runner in LHS history)

• 3rd Place OSHAA Division I State Meet, 1600M Run – Brannon Kidder (All-Ohio, 4th Fastest 1600M runner in LHS history)

• Nathan Cheek – Academic All-Ohio • 11th Team Finish OHSAA Division I State Meet.

Brianna Phillips set a school record with 5 home runs this year in Softball.

Competition Cheer team qualified for the State Cheer Competition.

Merwyn Bowdish, A.D. of LCS was voted Central District Athletic Director of the

Year. Merwyn Bowdish, A.D., of LCS was voted into the OIAAA (Ohio Interscholastic

Athletic Administrators Association) Hall of Fame.


General Sherman Junior High School General Sherman was named an Excellent rated school by the state of Ohio. During Honor’s Night 268 students were honored for being on the A and B Honor

Roll. Two Power of the Pen students represented General Sherman at the state

competition. GENERAL program was instituted rewarding students monthly that give respect

and leadership throughout the building. Sherry Jones was named Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Outstanding

Teacher of Mathematics. Student Council raised money throughout the year for the Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation, people of Haiti, and holiday gifts for Sherman families. The wrestling team had a successful year placing 1st, two 2nds, and a 3rd in

tournaments throughout the year. Students sold over $11, 000 in the Chocolate Sale to help fund their pool day

incentive for answering over 200, 000 Study Island questions per grade level. General Sherman Parent Organization organized our first Walkathon to promote

health and fitness and raise money for a new school message board. These students received the following awards at Honor’s Night; Matt Elswick

(John Phillip Sousa Band Award), Madison Yerke (Gilmore Band Award), Alexis Smith (Director Band Award), Hannah Lutz (Billy Glenn Choir Award), Phelan Shaw (Rex Kern Male Student Athlete Award), Kelsey Stockwell (Stephanie Blanton Female Student Athlete Award), Kyle Trout & Haley Blecha (Dwight Kane Track Awards), Nate Thompson & Kelsey Whitcraft (Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Awards), Alex Fowler & Alex Farlow (American Legion Awards), and Phelan Shaw (Julie Ann Tracy Math Award).


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

some highlights: Students finished in the top 8 places at the Philo Invitational in various areas of study; students fnished in the top 6 places at the Grandview Heights Regional in March; our teams missing the State Qualification by only one spot, and our advisors, Michelle Bumgardner and Brian Barr winning the Coaches’ Dance Competition. Who says Science can’t be fun.

Power of the Pen continued its successful ways. Advisor Allison Kahrl shares the following specifics: Nick Bosser, Best in Round; Erin Jamison, 7th place winner; Sam Maffit won 5th place, and Seth Oettinger won 3rd place as well. Three students, Sam Maffitt, Bosser, and Eli Maffit all qualified for state competition! Go Team! Write Well!

Art teachers Bobbi Smith and Makiah Maxson led their students into the competitive realm and with great results. Our students have been featured and have placed well in: Lancaster’s Festival of the Arts; Today in Lancaster City Schools, Ohio Central Region Youth Art Month, Ohio Young People’s Art Exhibit, and the OAEA Central Region Show. Our students have also been featured on Artsonia.com and have won in competition at the 2nd Annual Art Art Walk for Crewtview Rehab Chats. We are extremely proud of all of our young artists!

Charitable contributions during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are always reason to be proud. This year, we gave $375 to Red Cross Food Pantries from our Faculty Pie in the Face, and $1700 from our faculty and staff’s D3 Initiative went to help our Ewing families in need.

Mrs. Penny Kotas and Mrs. Sandy Graham share the winning ways of our Special Olympians. All of the members of TEAM EWING competed to the very best of their ability, and we are proud to announce that almost everyone came home wearing plenty of medals! Kudos go to team members Michael Kuhn, Alexis Schriner, Cara Johnson, Tiffany Harding, and Bradley Miller. Our gang did a great job in bowling, track, and swimming! Go Senators!

The Green Team has worked very hard at raising recycling awareness in the building. We are proud to be the district’s lowest consumer of new paper, and have recycled close to 11,000 pounds of paper this school year. That alone has save over 226 cubic feet of landfill space.

Mrs. Marilynn Hough and her students continued their pen pal communications with their “brothers and sisters” in Japan. Letters, artifacts, and cultural traditions were shared across the many miles, and the students on both sides of the exchange have gained a greater appreciation for junior high students in another part of the world.


The Thomas Ewing Senators had outstanding seasons in all sports, but one of our real shining moments came when our 7th grade girls’ basketball team capped off an incredible run by winning their tournament and taking home the gold! Great things surely lie ahead!

Hats for Haiti campaign brought in $475 for disaster relief in that flooded region. We continue to believe and model what it means to pay it forward!

Kudos to Miss Bobbi Smith and Mrs. Kelly Bryant for being named Master Teachers this year! Additionally, recognition to our retirees, Mrs. Connie Stuart, Mrs. Jean Wolfinger, Mrs. Marilynn Hough, and Mrs. Sue Christian. These four women have given years and years of top-notch education and dedication to the young people at Thomas Ewing.

Cedar Heights Elementary Panasonic National School Change Award

This year Cedar Heights was a finalist for the 2010 Panasonic National School Change Award. Each year 60-100 schools are nominated across the country for this national award. Finalists will be recognized in July during a National Awards Ceremony at Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City.

Office Max Teacher “A Day Made Better” Leigh Johnson, NBCT a 2nd Grade teacher at Cedar Heights Elementary was recognized by Office Max for being this year’s “A Day Made Better” teacher. This teacher was nominated by the building principal. She received instructional materials for the school year.

Sensory Room This year Cedar Heights Elementary and the Lancaster City School implemented a sensory room at Cedar Heights.

New Reading Program

Cedar Heights Elementary School successfully implemented a district adopted reading program. Teachers worked hard to correlate this program with state standards.

Intervention Program “Kid Talk” Staff members at Cedar Heights were part of a new program called “Kid Talk”. This program provided much needed discussion on best practices for meeting the needs of individual students.

Ready Bodies Learning Minds Professional development was done to prepare kindergarten teachers for the implementation of Ready Bodies Learning Minds. This program will be implemented in our kindergarten program in an attempt 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.”


Lunchbox Weather This year students at Cedar Heights were selected for a 4th grade science program called Lunchbox Weather. Jerry Martz, Fox 28 visited Cedar Heights Elementary and presented the program. The weather question of the week came from Hannah. Hannah asked: Is it true that it takes a million drizzles to make 1raindrop? Jerry's answer: No. The average raindrop is 10 to 20 times bigger than a drop of drizzle. So it would take about 10-20 drops of drizzle to make one raindrop. One million drizzle drops would make one BIG raindrop!

Staff Learning

Cedar Heights’ staff members participated in two book studies this year. Book studies are done to help teacher grow professionally. The knowledge learned from these books was directed toward teacher instruction.

4th Grade Idols Mrs. Root's 4th grade class at Cedar Heights is the proud winner of the Classroom Idol Contest sponsored by Co-Co Key Water Resort and T-100. Curtis and Tiffany of the morning show asked teachers to nominate their class by singing a song. Mrs. Root's class sang "My Thesaurus," a song from their musical play, The Case of the Missing Paragraph." Over 40 different classrooms from the 100.3 listening area entered the contest. The class won Spring Break passes to Co-Co Key Water Resort in Newark.

Jump Rope for Heart Mr. Shupp’s gym classes at Cedar Heights raised over $3,100.00 for the American Heart Association to help fight heart disease and stroke. Thank you to all who gave to make a positive difference!

East Elementary Successful renewal of a five year 21st Community Learning Center Grant. East

Elementary successfully completed their first five year grant program and has now joined with the West After School Center to continue the after school program at our site.

Hosted Columbus Children’s Theater for two performances during the year – Sleeping Beauty, Scrooged and Abe Lincoln. Each performance was funded by our East PTO.

Mr. Hale and Mrs. Wigton produced new episodes of - The Reading Notebook, on Lancaster Schools Network. The show is designed to share tips, ideas, and strategies to help students become more successful readers.

The East Elementary PTO provided funding for a complete renovation of the basketball courts at East Elementary – new poles, backboards, and hoops.


East Elementary 4th and 5th grade students participated in a “Boston Tea Party” and an authentic “Colonial Day” as part of their social studies units. Mrs. Schisler and Mr. Cochran wrote a successful grant through the Lancaster Education Foundation to help fund materials for these authentic historical productions.

East Elementary added technology upgrades to every classroom in the building

including: classroom projectors, magnetic and interactive whiteboards, Classroom Performance Systems (CPS units), Mobi Tablet devices, Mimio systems, and IPod hardware / ITunes software to help keep the staff and students up to date with the latest teaching tools.

Mrs. Wilson (5th Grade Teacher) successfully implemented an After-School

Enrichment program- The Whiz Kids Club- teaching students in Grades 3-5 SMART Board technology (hardware and software), development of Notebook activities, and using IPod touch technology in the classroom.

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 a local veteran, Col. Thomas Moe during the “Cover a Veteran with Love” ceremony.

East Elementary was awarded an Ohio Historical Marker for being located on the

original Zane’s Trace road. The marker was officially presented on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

The East Elementary boys and girls basketball teams both had successful

championship seasons this year. The Lady Bobcats won the Biddy Basketball Tournament and the Wildcats (boys) completed an undefeated regular season winning the League Title. This is the 4th consecutive season that the East Boys basketball team has won either the regular season or the tournament title.

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

Education in the fall, for the seventh consecutive year. Medill Elementary fifth graders passed the social studies and science Ohio Achievement Tests, which appeared to be the most difficult state tests.

Medill Elementary continues to be nationally recognized as an Official Core Knowledge School, one of only two schools in the entire state of Ohio.

Medill students participate in service learning projects such as collecting over

$500 in coins to help families that needed assistance during the holiday season. They also collected hundreds of toys and canned food items. In addition, Medill’s Student Council collected items to assist the Humane Society and UNICEF.


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 technology, curriculum development, behavioral interventions, legal seminars, alternate assessment, science strategies, math strategies, language arts strategies, gifted education, and balanced literacy best practices.

Medill staff members worked collaboratively in Professional Learning

Communities (PLC’s) to review achievement data, instructional strategies, and best practices in delivering classroom instruction. Newly created strategies are then implemented based on research based practices and collegial input.

Medill staff members are preparing 21st Century digital learners for today’s global

economy. Technology is integrated throughout the school day, with access to podcasting, electronic books, webcasting, distance learning, virtual field trips, etc. These important technology avenues provide students with the 21st Century skills they will need to compete with their global peers.

Medill fourth grade students were highlighted in the Columbus Dispatch due to

their strong use of technology skills. Specifically, the students demonstrated the integration of their curriculum goals with technology goals, as they digitally created opinion letters that were emailed to their teacher Mrs. Clark-Cupp.

Miss Ohio 2009, Erica Gelhaus, and OSU/LHS standout Jimmy Cordle both

visited Medill Elementary. They motivated students to excel in all academic pursuits, work hard, and achieve their personal goals.

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.

Sanderson Elementary Sanderson is acknowledged as an “Effective School” by the Ohio Department

of Education following five years of an “Effective School” rating and one year of reaching the “Excellent” mark.

95% of Sanderson teachers have earned their Master’s Degree, and in most

cases have additional graduate hours. Sanderson teachers continue to meet regularly as vertical teaching teams and

Teacher Based Teams for the purpose of instructional planning, sharing ideas and techniques and reviewing test data.


Sanderson’s PTO provided over $11,000 for projects, annual family events, two Children’s Theatre performances, student awards, programs such as COSI, Artist in Residence, our Decorative Arts Day, student scholarships, and much more!

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

• “Welcome Back” family picnic was well attended on August 21, 2009 • Grand People’s Ice Cream Social” was enjoyed by families with Arnett Howard, Singer and Songwriter on October 20, 2009 • Sanderson’s annual Holiday Party and Secret Santa Shop on December 1,

2009 • Family Fun Night Carnival took place on May 14, 2010

Sanderson received an Ohio Arts Council grant to support a two-week Artist in Residency program and invited Eric “The Fish” Paton to school in May. The Japanese Taiko Drum musician met with all students, but focused on 3rd and 4th grade Core Groups. The groups performed for students and parents at the end of the residency.

Sanderson students LOVE to check books out of the library: as of the end of

May, 18,297 books have circulated and 6,020 AR quizzes have been taken! Both numbers are significant increases over last year.

Our Student Council was re-established this year and they accomplished a

number of service projects: charity fund raisers, a food drive, mitten/glove collection, etc.

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.

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.

Through a long term partnership with O.U., Ohio University students in the

College of Education spent many hours again this year in Sanderson classrooms observing, tutoring and teaching.

South Elementary South Elementary School Extends Their Partnership with Big Brothers and Big

Sisters of Fairfield County In addition to the adult mentors who are working with students at South, young mentors from Lancaster High School joined this partnership to serve as lunch buddies with students. Mentors give up their lunch hours to meet with students once a week, and both “Bigs” and “Littles” enjoy the relationships they are forming.


Title 1 and Intervention Personnel Bring Delivery Services to all Grade Levels Students with disabilities and other at-risk students benefitted from extra intervention as the delivery service model was changed at South this year. Each teacher and educational assistant was assigned to a grade level team and was able to provide more intervention services to a greater number of students.

Teacher Collaboration Solidifies Teamwork

Grade level teams regularly utilized their common planning time to meet to discuss instruction and student concerns this year while Title 1 teachers, Intervention Specialists, and Educational Assistants met weekly to discuss concerns and successes related to our new special education delivery option. The result was that the needs of all students were considered in the drive to move South Elementary towards excellence and the responsibility for student success was shared by the team.

Building Leadership Team Completes Building Plan

A newly founded Building Leadership Team completed the Ohio Improvement Plan process. The specifically-designed action steps will move South Elementary forward as we strive to raise the achievement level of all students.

Technology Enhances Instruction At South Each classroom at South now has a mimeo that allows teachers and students to use their white boards interactively with computer programs and CDs. This technology is regularly employed to engage students and enhance instruction.

Parent Teacher Conferences Attended by All One hundred percent of South parents met with teachers this year for parent-teacher conferences in November. This was a first for us.

5th Grade Student Represents South Well at the County Spelling Bee Fifth grader, Naquan Mays, practiced hard and placed eighth in the County Spelling Bee. Naquan placed higher than any other student in the Lancaster City Schools, and we were proud of him.

3rd Grade Science Fair

Third grade teacher, Gina Schultz, provided the opportunity for her students to participate in a science fair. The evening event is scheduled for mid-May, and families will be invited to attend to enjoy their students’ accomplishments.

Families Encouraged to Attend Events at South

Events during and after school allow families to visit South Elementary to enjoy positive experiences with their children. The PTO hosted its annual evening events, and attendance increased significantly this year. Parents were also invited to visit during the school day to read to their children in kindergarten and observe quarterly student recognition assemblies, our spelling bee and science fair.


Tallmadge Elementary Implemented research validated intervention materials such as LLI (Leveled

Literacy Interventions) in reading.

Created / Implemented / Progress Monitored a new Code of Conduct with the acronym • HEROES (honesty, effort, respect, ownership, excellence, safety) • Provided Tallmadge HEROES T-Shirts for every Tallmadge student to

promote the new Code of Conduct

Completed a Long Term goal of putting in a 400 meter walking trail for student, staff and public use around the Tallmadge grounds.

Received, Installed and Implemented technology in the building such as mimios, video projectors and interactive white boards.

Adopted and implemented a new reading / language arts curriculum series.

Adopted and piloted new social studies curriculum materials.

Raised over $2000 for Jump Rope for Heart in an effort to help cure heart

disease. Participated as a main site in the Feed Ohio summer lunch program – feeding

nearly 50 men, women and children each day from 11:30-12:30. Supported the national movement to help the victims of Haiti after the

devastating earthquake that destroyed the lives of its citizens. Coordinated three family activity nights for students and parents, allowing safe,

entertaining fun for Tallmadge students.

Chief Tarhe Elementary Tarhe Student Wins 9th Place in Billboard Contest - Jada Wolfe a 3rd grade

student in Ms. Jubach’s class won overall 9th place out of 1,881 students in Fairfield County. Her poster was selected as an honorable mention for the “Recycling Poster Billboard Contest.

Spelling Bee Winners - Congratulations to Conner Buckley (5th Grade) 1st Place,

Casey Palmer (4th Grade) 2nd Place, and Noah Harrington(4th Grade) 3rd Place during the Tarhe Annual Spelling Bee. Conner went on to participate in the county spelling bee and came in 63rd.

Tarhe Students Compete in Handwriting Contest - Several students were

awarded for their outstanding penmanship by the Zaner-Bloser textbook company. Congratulations to Spencer Knight 3rd grade, Joe Blaisdell, 5th grade, Hannah Simpson 2nd Grade, and Hannah Parker 1st grade.


PTO and School Places big emphasis on Health and Fitness - The PTO and Student completed a large fundraising campaign to have a walking path constructed on school grounds. During the summer of 2009, the path was complete and students have been walking on it each day during recess and in the morning to help increase healthy exercise. The great thing is that no tax dollars were used to pay for this!

Tarhe continues to Grow - Two additional classrooms were added to Tarhe this

past summer. The great news is that we can continue to accommodate all of our new students moving into the area.

Money Donated to Red Cross and Foundation Shelters - Tarhe Student Council

raised $250.00 for the American Red Cross and $240.00 for the Lancaster Based Foundation Shelters. Our students take great pride in supporting others in need.

Tarhe 5th Graders win Scholastic “Care Where You Are Sweepstakes” - Mrs.

Sines’ 5th grade class participated in the program sponsored by Peyton Manning and Scholastic Books Inc. and earned 500 books that they chose to donate to local organizations. Many of the books will go to Children’s Hospital in memory of Paige Weaver a student who passed away in 2008. Great Job 5th Graders!

Tarhe Staff Continues to Place Huge Emphasis on Academics - This year Tarhe

Elementary Teachers worked very hard to analyze student test data and to prepare lessons to help children perform to their fullest potential on the Ohio Achievement Assessments. The staff is very hopeful that the hard work will pay off when results arrive in July.

Nature Trail Annual “Re-Beautification” - This spring Tarhe students took to the

nature trail to pick up sticks, clean the trail, and stock the bird feeders. In addition to the students helping out, the Tarhe Cub Scout Pack has also adopted the trail and works to keep it maintained.

West Elementary Students Win: Mackayla Wilson, a fourth grader, won the Save the Cannon

Coloring Contest. Grace Holbrook, a third grader, won the Lancaster City Fire Prevention Poster Contest.

Students Win: Kaysee Blevins, Myka McCuistion, and Kaitelin Lansinger were

named Dare Essay Winners in the fifth grade. Fifth graders, Gerald Stratton and Rebecca Cupp were the Spelling Bee winner and runner-up respectively.

PTO Enriches: The West Elementary School PTO provided the funding for

student enrichment assemblies. The programs included COSI on Wheels’ It’s Simply Chemistry, a Rainforest Assembly on Understanding Wildlife, an author visit with Ronda Friend, Columbus Children’s Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Good Program with Ron Derry.

Families Return: The West Elementary School PTO provided evening activities

throughout the year to bring students and their families back to school. These fun activities included a Swim Night, a Back to School Picnic and Open House, a Fall Family Hoedown, a Wrap Night, a Beach Party, and a School Carnival.


Assembly Recognizes: Each nine weeks, homeroom teachers recognized a student in the following five categories: Academic Excellence, Best Effort, Student of the Nine Weeks, Most Improved, and GALES Attitude. Recognized students enjoyed a root beer float or a chocolate sundae with their principal.

Community Donates: Every kindergarten student received a book from the

Lancaster Wal-Mart store. Every third grade student received a dictionary from the Lancaster Rotary Club.

Community Donates: Every kindergarten student received a book, a bear, juice,

and cookies from the Salvation Army. The Bremen Bank provided students the opportunity to open a savings account and to make deposits on a monthly basis.

Students Give: The entire school contributed to a can food drive for Community

Action during the month of December. First graders had a cookie sale and raised $280.00 for Twig 7 at the Fairfield Medical Center.

Students Give: Mrs. Gerds, physical education teacher, encouraged students to

Jump Rope for your Heart and thus raised $2450 for the American Heart Association. Fifth grade students began their Hope for Haiti campaign with a coin war and raised $820.96 for earthquake victims in Haiti.

Food Service Department State Department conducted a 5 year review of the Food Service Department. We

were commended for meeting the required levels of nutrients, the variety of fresh fruit and vegetable offerings and for total compliance in all areas of service and procedures.

Participation in breakfast has increased by 5%; and lunch participation has increased

by 2 1/2%. Food Service was awarded $30,000 in ARRA stimulus grant. The money will be used

to replace the walk-in freezer and cooler at South over the summer of 2010. Reorganized the Wellness Committee. Developing strategies to encourage staff and

community involvement in development of healthy habits. Continued education and certification of managing cooks in food safety and sanitation

through the Columbus Health Department. Custodial/Maintenance Ceiling tile was replaced in one hallway at Cedar Heights. Ongoing replacement

of floor and ceiling tiles is continuously being done for all buildings. Old lighting is being replaced with T-5 lighting to save energy. The gymnasium at

Lancaster High School has already been completed along with Cedar Heights. We will soon be doing General Sherman and Thomas Ewing.


We began auctioning old vehicles and equipment on-line at Govdeals.com. So far, we have sold one-1991 van for $675.00; two-1992 vans for $4,231.25, one-1993 van for $280.00 and one mower deck for $700.00.

Due to ongoing erosion at Fetters Run, the Maintenance Department worked with

the Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District; Natural Resources Conservation Service; and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to restore and stabilize Fetters Run Stream corridor in the vicinity of Thomas Ewing Junior High School and Fulton Field.

Lockers were repaired and/or refurbished at Thomas Ewing for the beginning

2009-2010 school year. Added air conditioning to Thomas Ewing and Lancaster High School libraries and

computer areas. Twenty-four radios were bought for the district in order to replace the out-dated

radios. Outside Knox-Box 3200 Series were bought and installed on the district buildings

for use by the Fire Department.

The work order system that was started in 2007 is doing very well, with the ability to track and compile different reporting statistics much easier. To date 8,200 work orders have been issued.

Refurbishing of Lancaster High Schools Senior Court was completed for the

beginning of 2009 school year. Controls were be added to Cedar Heights heating and air vents to enable us to

control and make time schedules to save energy. The basketball poles and rims were replaced at East with the help of their PTO. Several areas of cement and plaster repairs were done throughout the district.

Instructional Services Ohio Improvement Process - Joined the State Professional Development Group

for continued state support. Completed stages 1, 2, and 3.

Professional Development - Established and implemented a district professional development plan based on the district’s OIP goals.

Short Cycle Assessments - Elementary updated and administered common short

cycle assessments for Reading and Math. Secondary created and administered short cycle assessments for core subject areas, grades 6-10.

Data Collection/Analysis - Data collection systems were created to gather data

for short cycle assessments. Time was set aside for Data Days to collaborate and analyze student results.


New Language Arts Textbooks - Textbooks were adopted in 2009 and implemented in the 2009-2010 school year for grades K-12.

Co-Teaching - Expanded Co-teaching at the secondary schools and created an

improvement plan for 2010-2011. Math Intervention Program (ALEKS) - Purchased an intervention tool for at-risk

students to assist them in gaining math skills. New Social Studies Textbooks - Textbooks were adopted in 2010. Professional

development was offered on how to effectively implement the new texts. Collaboration between departments - Communication was improved between

Instructional Services and Student Services Department through monthly meetings.

Grade 3 Gifted Service - GALES instructors provided introductory sessions to

grade 3 students to prepare them for next year’s program. Student Services Reading Intervention program was purchased and training provided for teachers

K-5. Reading program for non-reading students with special needs was purchased and training provided for special education teachers in MD and CD units. (Severely cognitively delayed)

We implemented the new IEP/ETR system for special education teachers and

resources personnel to use for writing and maintaining IEP and ETR records. Special Education Leadership Teams were developed to work on two main

issues this year. First Co-teaching. This team is producing a Co-teaching handbook for the district and professional development program suggestions for the District Leadership Team

The second Special Leadership Team worked on producing a district transition

plan. This plan should be completed by June 2010. 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 forms, 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 2010.

Special Education teachers and Student Services Department will produce the first Teacher Protocol. This manual will be helpful to unify teacher practice across the district in meeting special education policies and procedures.


We have opened a sensory room at Cedar Heights and plan on opening another sensory room at West. These rooms provide the sensory integration activities and equipment necessary to meet the needs of special needs students.

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.

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.

Technology Department All district libraries upgraded Accelerated Reader to the Enterprise and web-

based version. This has made it possible for children to have access to thousands more reading books and quizzes.

Gaggle.Net was successfully piloted by all schools in the district. The district is

moving forward with utilizing its 21st Century Tools for the 2010-2011 school year. This includes student e-mail, blogs, wikis, and digital lockers.

Many teachers and students are engaged in blogging. The high school

journalism class created the Eye of the Gale blog and many elementary students have used Tween Tribune.

Replaced and upgraded K-5 technology. All elementary classrooms are now

equipped with standard technologies including a teacher computer, 4 student computers, all LCD monitors, LCD projectors for presentations, and Mimio interactive boards.

Installed thin client computer labs in the junior high schools. This added 30 new

computing stations for student use in each junior high. The Lancaster Schools Network and broadcasting students competed in and won

the Columbus 48 hour Film Project with “Imagine This.” The Lancaster City Schools successfully launched a Facebook page. There are

more than 1500 fans of the page. The Lancaster Schools Network created its own website and Facebook page.

The Lancaster Schools Network and broadcasting students produced real-world

projects with the Columbus Crew and Tanksy Toyota. The technology department completed 1031 work orders during the school year.


Transportation Department Implemented online auction site and have successfully auctioned vehicles and

items that have been in storage for a net gain of approx. 30,000 dollars. I have trained Angela Hill and Tara Comer for future auctions.

We have hired eight drivers, six of whom we trained to replenish our sub pool

and fill route positions. We have surpassed our efficiency target from ODE which positively affects the

funding we will receive per the newly passed state legislation. We have passed our SHP yearly and spot inspections of our school buses.

We have added GPS capability to some of our fleet which has proven to be a

very useful tool for efficiency and safety. We have developed an emergency list and response directives that involve best

practices, rules and regulations, and associated law in events involving the transportation of students by school bus.

We have at least eight drivers who will compete in the school bus road-e-o,

sponsored and organized by OAPT. We have had another very successful year in regards to number of miles traveled

with only one minor cited violation or accident. Considering the approx. 400,000 miles traveled and 2,500 students transported each day we are pleased with the results of our training and compliance procedures.

Business Worked with the Transportation Supervisor to use and set-up a website called

www.govdeals.com. The amount of potential bidders for miscellaneous items that are not needed by the district has increased. We have currently received in excess of $38,000 for these items that we have no more use for in the schools, have missing parts, and in most cases have been in storage for years.

North school was secured with plywood over all the windows on the first floor as

well as the glass doors. The windows on the second and third floors are slated to be covered this summer to help minimize access and potential dangers to the general public that use the grounds.

A new agreement with XEROX allowed each building in the district to receive new copiers equipped with OMR test grading software, imaging software, copy, print, scan, and scan to email. The new agreement saves $4,123.50 a month.


Due to higher enrollment at General Sherman and Thomas Ewing and increased numbers in kindergarten at Tarhe; each of the three buildings received a two classroom modular unit. The unit at Tarhe was attached to the existing 8 classroom modular that was already on the site. The units at General Sherman and Thomas Ewing are free standing.

The Fetter’s Run Stream Bank has been restored at two locations along the west

side and east side of the stream preventing erosion from spreading toward the fencing at Fulton Field and the walking path.

The damage to the high school gym floor was caused by a break in the clay tile

under the gym floor. The pipe has been repaired with PVC piping and the remainder of the pipe has been inspected using a video camera. The piping has also been cleaned.

The school district enrolled and met with the Ohio Department of Administrative

Services, Office of Cooperative Purchasing to take advantage of contracts negotiated by the state. This state office solicits bids across the state for the purchase of supplies, services and equipment. Contracts are made available to participating agencies to take advantage of the negotiated price.

The remodeling of the Chemistry Labs and LHS has been bid and contractors

with the lowest best bids have been awarded the contracts for this work. The work will commence on June 8th, 2010 with a completion date of early August.

Custodial Analysis Sheets are submitted monthly by all building administrators

documenting the current state of their buildings. Ensuring that their buildings are in the best shape possible and conducive to a learning environment.

Treasurer’s Department Received the “Making Your Tax Dollars Count Award” from the Auditor of State.

Received an unqualified opinion on the FY 2009 audit with no citations or

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

Report (CAFR) for FY 2009 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 2009 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.


Proposed setting a cash reserve policy/resolution for Lancaster City Schools. The Board of Education adopted a resolution in March 2010 to set a 12% cash reserve for operating funds for two years going forward in the five year forecast.

With the chart of account’s revision finalized the Treasurer’s Office was able to put on-line reports for all buildings and departments on the internet. These financial reports update each night which gives everyone up-to-date information.

Signed the District up for auto payment on utilities.

Revised Investment Policy, expanded interim depositories, and implemented a Safekeeping Service Agreement for agency security purchases so the District can maximize interest earnings.

Visited all buildings and departments, including the auxiliary districts, during FY 2010. This allowed face-to-face time with principals and secretaries. We went over procedures, answered questions, and ensure each person knew how to access and read their on-line financial reports.

Updated fixed assets on the system (July 2007 – current). Director of Human Resource Services Coordinated the hiring of 12 educational aides to serve as instructional assistants in

elementary schools with federal ARRA funds. Revamped the entry year mentor program to meet the new Resident Educator

Transition requirements of the Ohio Department of Education.

Entered into a pilot program with the Lancaster Educator Association in which building administrators utilize pre-observation and walk through forms to increase specific feedback and collaboration between administrators and staff.

Coordinated the interfacing of the SubFinder substitute system with the district’s A-site so that absence information can be reported directly into the payroll system.

Maintained a fill rate of 97% for substitutes for staff through the month of April, 2% above the industry standard of 95%.

Developed a comprehensive on-line compliance training program for staff to eliminate the need for staff meetings to be used for compliance training.

Coordinated the Master Teacher Program, adding 10 teachers to the district total for teachers who have earned this designation.

Provided building administrators with an updated evaluation tracking system.

lancaster city schools

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