Through the Classroom Door: December 2011
Scott McKenzie's Blog Page
A note to our staff
Posted 12/20/2011 at 8:18:50 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Today, I thought I might share this open letter
I've written for the staff of the Groveport Madison Schools. This week
with the loss of two students (see the Special Update below), we are
reminded of how precious life is and the impact all of our employees
have on children...
Dear Staff,
With
the holiday season upon us, I am aware of the huge social and
emotional impact school life has on students. I am also reminded that
in public education we give and receive gifts that are not always
tangible in nature and are, quite often, borne from the heart. I am
mindful that you give a special kind of gift to your students, one that
is very personal and powerful. You give the gift of yourself each and every day!
As
you know, the district's excellent grade card rating establishes
Groveport Madison as a leader in Central Ohio in providing a truly
meaningful educational experience. But, what doesn't get noted on the reports we submit to the state or data sheets that look strictly at numbers
is the care and attention you provide to our students. I have found
over the years, that hearts are big here in Groveport Madison which was
evidenced just this week with the special efforts made for the family of
the two girls we lost in a tragic fire.
This gives me the perfect reason to tell you how much you are appreciated for all that you do for the children with whom you interact each
day. So, while you may not hear it as much as you should, I want you
to know how much you are valued. Our administrative team and our Board
of Education know that you are the caretakers and even guiding light of our precious youth.
So, in this season of giving and receiving, please know that you are a priceless gift to this district and especially to your students!
Have a wonderful winter break,
Scott
SPECIAL UPDATE
The Center for GM Human Needs has been in contact with the family
of Treasure Mi Windom-Harris and Tomarra Renee Hackett, who lost their
young lives in a fire on early Sunday morning. If you wish to make a
donation toward the funeral expense, checks can be sent to Center for
GM Human Needs, PO Box 542, Groveport, OH 43125. The memo should have
Treasure and Tomarra in the note. CGMHN will accumulate and deliver a
check to the funeral home. Any monies above the amount needed will go
purchase gift cards for the family to use as needed.
Thank you in advance for your consideration to help one of our own GM families with this tragedy.
A day of sorrow
Posted 12/19/2011 at 7:16:43 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
This morning’s note is sent with a heavy heart ….
The
Groveport Madison family lost two students yesterday when an apartment
fire tragically took their short lives. One of the girls was 5 and the
other was 7.
Both will be sadly missed.
Please
keep their family members and their extended school family at Sedalia
Elementary in your thoughts. It’s never easy to say goodbye and is
particularly difficult when a child passes.
On behalf of the Groveport Madison Schools, I offer our deepest condolences. May hearts be filled with warm memories....
Scott
Trying an idea on for size
Posted 12/16/2011 at 7:45:27 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
All for one and one for all.
In it’s simplicity, that’s our goal: to meet the diverse needs of our diverse population of students. Our job is to always look for the best ways to provide the best education possible and we have never stopped short.
Right now we are trying the idea of school uniforms on for size. Commonplace for private schools, there is vast research that supports the belief that simplifying what students wear will help student achievement, regardless of public or private settings.
Rich Playko, our dean of students, is heading the charge and is currently surveying students, parents and community members as part of this feasibility study. Community support is crucial in considering such a change and the feedback we have received so far has been very receptive.
We held a public forum on the topic earlier this week to share the findings of our research and our rationale behind the idea that would change the dress code for students in grades 6-12. We will host another community meeting when school resumes after winter break at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 5 at Middle School South.
We have talked openly with the community about the environment in the Groveport Madison Schools and the steps we can take to make it the best it can be. The measures we’ve put in place through conversations with students, parents and residents and initiatives spearheaded by staff have had a positive effect, lowering incidents requiring student discipline.
Yet there is always work to be done and opportunities to discover ways to be better. Some are concerned uniforms will stifle individuality, but that doesn’t worry me. I know our students will find acceptable ways to express themselves and we are eager to support their creativity.
The research we are studying shows uniforms help create a safe and disciplined learning environment, which I believe is critical of any good school. Students who feel safe and secure, focus on the importance of developing strong values and put forth and effort to learn the essentials of good citizenship typically perform at higher levels.
Many communities that have adopted uniform policies have observed the following benefits:- Students are better equipped to concentrate on their work because distractions have been removed, which in turn instills a sense of community
- Outsider visitors and even intruders are more recognizable which helps instill students with a sense of self discipline
- Students and parents are better able to resist peer pressure to buy designer clothing and shoes which decreases theft, fighting and other negative situations
- Isolationist groups and/or cliques are prevented from wearing identifiable colors and/or insignias at school
Our discovery has been enlightening and we are finding innovative solutions that could enhance a sense of belonging and create a team environment. After all, we are all for one and one for all!
P.S. Please consider sharing your opinion through this survey link.
We have some heavy lifting ahead
Posted 12/13/2011 at 7:05:04 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
A study issued just a few days ago brings discouraging news about Ohio's health.
The
latest report card on our state’s wellness ranking reveals we are
slipping and losing ground. A drop from 33 to 36 shows Ohio clearly in
the bottom third when measuring the nation’s health.
America’s
Heath Rankings, compiled by the United Health Foundation, American
Public Health Foundation and Partnership for Prevention, were released
last week. The executive report indicates our country struggles to
correct unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating and smoking.
Furthermore,
a study also released last week shows that children as young as 3 can
face increased heart risks if they are overweight. And, research
conducted at the state level in the past year shows the obesity rate of
Ohio’s school children isn't getting any thinner.
Independent of one another, the reports are quite upsetting. Combined, it’s downright frightening.
As
we sit in the bottom tier, it’s important to understand that in order
for us to forge in a new direction, we have to do more than make sure a
square meal is on the table each night. This is exactly why our Board of
Education has asked our administrative team to make wellness a
priority.
For
that reason alone, I applaud our schools for the efforts they make to
combat this problem. Sedalia Elementary has won a state challenge two
years in a row to encourage children to stay active, others have eagerly
helped organize fitness challenges and many have been active
participants in my monthly Walk with a Superintendent initiative. We
have also made significant changes in our cafeteria menus to be sure
healthful choices are plentiful.
The
new state rankings show that obesity has risen in Ohio adults by 40
percent the past 10 years, and nearly 30 percent of all adults are
obese. “A Report on the Body Mass Index of Ohio’s Third Graders” shows
roughly 30 percent of our youth are overweight or obese -- a rate that
hasn’t budged in five years.
In
schools this is an issue because children who are overweight or obese
tend to face more health-related issues than their peers. They can have a
childhood of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol along
with possible depression, frequent absences and lower academic
performance.
In
the Groveport Madison Schools, we will continue to educate our
community’s children about the benefits of developing good exercise and
eating habits. We will also use this most current news to push the
conversation and encourage each other as staff members to lead by
example.
End of year brings new start
Posted 12/9/2011 at 7:40:38 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
New Year’s is weeks away, but it feels like a new beginning today in the Groveport Madison Schools.
Last night, the Board of Education extended an offer to Deputy Superintendent Bruce Hoover to take the helm of the Groveport Madison ship after this school year. I announced my plans this past summer to retire from the post, so this is exciting news for all of us.
Mr. Hoover gladly agreed to assume the role and will begin charting the course for the district on Aug. 1 for at least the next three years. I will continue to serve Groveport Madison as Superintendent until that point and will help Bruce navigate the waters for his new perspective.
Bruce, who was hired in September 2010 as our deputy, has earned his wings and has proven himself to me, our board and many in the district. I look forward to watching his continued growth over the next few months as folks become acquainted with his warm and caring personality and see his very focused vision for our school district.
Board President Mary Tedrow last night said: Mr. Hoover has shown his dedication and willingness to serve the Groveport Madison School District over the past 15 months and deserves an opportunity to lead the district. He is a problem solver and a visionary. We are eager to continue to work with him.
As I reflect on Bruce's accomplishments during his tenure with the district, I am not caught short. The following thoughts come to mind:
- He played an instrumental role in earning the district a Race to the Top grant, a federal initiative that puts close to $1 million into our district over the course of four years.
- He has a keen ability to create a vision for the district that is a talent one cannot acquire; I believe you either have it or you don’t and his ability to communicate his vision is outstanding.
- His knowledge of curriculum is very deep and that will serve as a blessing in a time of changing standards, textbook adoptions and testing requirements.
- Bruce’s strong work ethic and willingness to give a job his all until it’s done is very commendable.
Add these attributes to about three dozen more and that makes for a wonderful leader and superintendent. The district is lucky to have him!
Last night, Bruce told the Board he “wants the schools in this district to be places where the parents and the community can join together to serve a variety of our students’ needs. Over my years in education, I have found that the difference between successful and unsuccessful schools lies in the commitment and efforts of the organization to connect students, parents, staff and the community to provide a learning environment that is both unique and engaging for all students regardless of socio-economic levels or student abilities.”
Before joining us in Groveport Madison, Bruce worked at the Education Service Center of Central Ohio since 2008 as a facilitator for the Ohio School Improvement Process. He has additional experience as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction for North Union Local Schools and as a teacher in Indiana. With a Bachelor of Science from Tri-State University in Indiana and a Master of Science from Indiana University, Bruce maintains professional memberships in Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators, School Study Council of Central Ohio and Batten Disease and Research Association.
It will be hard to say goodbye, but I am happy I am not doing so just yet. I have been with Groveport Madison Schools since 1978 when I started as a guidance counselor at Middle School South. Over time, I have served as a principal, curriculum director, public relations director, technology director and business manager. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Education Council.
I do look forward to working together with Bruce, the administrative team, our board of education, and our certificated and non-certificated staff for the rest of 2011-2012.
So, suffice it to say, Bruce has adopted a wonderful family and I am pleased the board and district have welcomed him to the fold. While he will not always be traversing still waters, he will at least have an able captain at the helm to see him through.
Reply Posts
Congratulations
Posted 12/9/2011 at 9:16:50 AM by [anonymous visitor]
Congratulations on your retirement and Mr. Hoover's promotion. Good luck to both.
Sounds of the season
Posted 12/6/2011 at 7:35:01 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
And as crooner Andy Williams sings in his famous holiday tune: "With kids jingle belling ... It's the happiest season of all."
Sedalia
Elementary third-, fourth- and fifth-graders kicked off the holiday
concert season last night and are followed tonight by Groveport
Elementary and the high school on Thursday. And that's just this week.
The
pleasure continues until our buildings close for winter break the week
after next. I encourage you to take pause from the hustle and bustle of
the holidays and attend one of the concerts, if you can. You won't be
disappointed.
The
countless hours given by our music teachers and instrumental music and
choral directors will be on full display as students of all ages perform
holiday classics, as well as, newer compositions. We are truly blessed
for the dedication of all to their craft.
Music is such a vital component to the development of a child.
Early
and continued exposure to music enhances its appreciation but also
nurtures artistic qualities and has proven to positively impact
intelligence and student achievement. Providing students the opportunity
to participate in band, choir and the visual arts also encourages
learning at a broad level: academically, socially, physically and
emotionally.
In
our elementary curriculum, music teachers focus on basic musical
fundamentals and introduce a variety of genres to the children. Older
students who take music electives or are a member of orchestra, choir or
band refine techniques and study music more intensely.
Parents
and family members can bridge the gap between school and home by taking
children to concerts and performances, tuning in to musical programs on
television or even joining community or church choirs.
Regardless of age or upbringing, many of us have a deep connection to the music so special to this time of year. From Frosty the Snowman to Ava Maria, seasonal music fills many hearts with warmth and I love we are able to share that with our students!
When the weather outside is frightful
Posted 12/1/2011 at 8:43:17 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
As we settle in to December, Old Man Winter is building up steam to barrel through our doors.
It’s
hard to say just when the brutal weather will arrive, but as with all
things, it’s best to be prepared. There are no storms in the immediate
forecast, though we could see the first flakes of winter by this time
next week.
I
have yet, in my 38 years in education, to meet a student who isn’t
thrilled by the suspense of the elusive snow day. It’s fun to wonder
with excitement if the next day will be one filled with snowballs and
hot chocolate or books and school lunches.
Yet,
when severe weather hits, we have a critical decision to make. I think
it’s important to share with you the process we use to determine if we
close our doors or keep them open because it impacts the whole
community.
The
safety of our students and staff is priority number one so we make the
final call based on a careful analysis of several factors. We understand
the outcome can have a big impact on families. We also know students
are better served during typical school hours -- both academically and
socially -- by being in class.
As
superintendent, I am responsible for the final decision, but it is a
collaborative effort based on the input of several people and the
assessment of the following criteria:
- Road
conditions: Student transportation staff and administrative personnel contribute. Special consideration is given to the most dangerous
roads in the district; some streets may appear safe and passable where
travel in other areas within boundaries may be quite dangerous. We must
also consider the safety of high school students who drive to school
(though we encourage parents to offer alternatives).
- Accumulation of snow and ice
- Weather
predictions: Typically a decision is not based on a prediction because
of possible inaccuracies, however this is sometimes unavoidable.
- Facilities:
We must ensure our building will provide electricity and heat, and be
certain our parking lots and sidewalks can be treated and cleared
adequately and safely.
- Temperature and wind chill: We have to consider the well-being of our students who walk to school or wait for buses.
- Area
school districts: We communicate regularly with other districts to
share information and stay abreast of their decision making processes.
Once
the decision is made to delay or cancel, our goal is to inform the
public right away so those who are impacted can plan accordingly. We
will:
- Post information on the district website www.gocruisers.org
- Call families and staff members with our broadcast phone system
- Announce through local radio and television stations
In
rare instances, we will dismiss students early and use the same methods
of communication to relay that decision. Safety is the main concern,
but it is not easy to reverse our decision. For instance, we have to
give adequate notice to the transportation crew to return to the fleet
and we must give consideration to the meals (food cost) that have been
prepared for the day.
My
staff and I do our absolute best in this process, but know there is no
perfect decision. Ultimately, a parent has the authority to keep their
child(ren) home.
As
it gets colder by the day, we’ll bundle up, watch and wait for the
winter to fall hard and fast upon us. We want to be ready the best we
can when Old Man Winter does come knocking.