Spring Edition 2017 Panther Pause - tvs.k12.oh.us Pause April 2017.pdfSpring Edition 2017 Panther...
Transcript of Spring Edition 2017 Panther Pause - tvs.k12.oh.us Pause April 2017.pdfSpring Edition 2017 Panther...
Spring Edition 2017
Panther Pause
TWIN VALLEY COMMUNITY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER – Robert Fischer ([email protected])
It's hard to believe that spring is here and
the 2016-2017 school year is almost
completed. As we look ahead to the future,
we have a number of projects that are on the
horizon, and we are looking at potential
opportunities that will only enhance the
school district to our community and the
area. The first opportunity is our upcoming
roof replacement project. Because of the
generosity of the community in March of 2016, the district started
working with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission
(OFCC) to formulate a plan to replace our 22-year-old roof. As
the school year has progressed, TVS Schools are now in the final
process of the decision-making step and look to start construction
in June.
We are looking at several scenarios for the roof replacement
which include complete replacement or, at a minimum,
replacement of just the flat areas. During the week of April 10th,
the district had a nuclear scan completed of the roof. Once the
information from that scan comes back, we will have a much
clearer picture of the total scope of our project.
In addition to our roof project, the District is looking into the
Guaranteed Clean Energy Program (GCE). The GCE is a
program that pays 100% of an energy savings project with no up-
front cash payments and guarantees a positive financial return
immediately on the replaced energy efficient items. In other
words, the GCE will pay the costs for the school district to up-
grade/update/replace items in our buildings that will increase
energy conservation. The re-payments of the project costs are
made over time, typically 15 to 20 years, through the school
district’s property assessment. The project is secured by the
guaranteed energy savings and paid as an addition to the building
property tax bills. The benefit of this project is it will not cost our
tax payers any additional monies!
If the school district pursues this program, we could
potentially replace some of the following items:
Exterior doors and windows
Replacement of interior light fixtures (LED lights)
Replacement of the football stadium lights
Replacement/addition of outside parking lot lighting
Boiler replacement
Addition of energy efficient light switches/sensors
The District Safety Committee put together an
improved/updated safety plan and practiced several scenarios in
the event of an emergency. Special thanks to the members of the
committee for helping us make this a meaningful and
collaborative initiative. Twin Valley South will be holding a
second safety scenario on June 20th, in conjunction with the
Sheriff’s Department to continue to find ways to make TVS safe!
As the year has progressed, we have been busy releasing
wonderful stories about our students and updating school
activities through our various communication formats. If you
have not yet taken time to connect to any of these resources,
please do not delay. My number one goal is to make sure ALL
are aware of what is happening at TVS!
TREASURER’S CORNER – Tearalee Riddlebarger ([email protected])
Twin Valley leaders have been working
hard to protect your tax dollars while
continuing to meet our students’ needs. As
you can see below, it has been a busy year
with a number of significant initiatives we
want you to be aware of:
During the 2016-2017 school year, the
district continues to stay ahead in revenues
and behind in expenditures of the projected
forecast. What does this mean? We have balanced our budget.
During the school year, the administration and staff maintained a
conscientious approach of their spending while still managing to
serve the students’ and improve on the communities’ investment.
At this point, the school’s 2017-2018 projected budget is a bit of
a challenge due to the State of Ohio’s budgeting process.
Governor Kasich’s budget plan is still making its way through the
House and the Senate and we hope to have more concrete
information shortly. As a result of the unknown, the district will
continue to plan conservatively when budgeting for the next
several years in order to keep the district in the black. Our current
5-year Forecast was approved in October of 2016 and will be
amended at the May Board of Education Meeting. Up-to date
financial figures can be found on the Ohio Department of
Education website.
Additionally, we were able to implement fair raises for our
staff to improve the District’s ability to retain and attract staff. All
of the above items were accomplished while keeping the district’s
financial health bottom line in mind.
The community should be aware of one change that may be
taking place with the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) in
Ohio. Recent legislation reduces the increase for property holders
heavily impacted by the most recent CAUV adjustments. If the
projected change takes place, the tax bills for those citizens who
do not have agricultural land could increase. The district wants to
make taxpayers aware that any possible change in taxation is not
due to the addition of new levies, taxes or bonds. This proposed
impact on tax bills will be a result of needing to meet the generated
amount previously voted on by the community while complying
with reduced agricultural contribution. Our goal is to make sure
we keep our citizens informed and want to be as forthcoming as
possible. If at any point you have ANY questions, please feel free
to contact me.
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL – Scott Cottingim, 7-12 Principal ([email protected])
The last nine weeks of 2016 - 2017 school year is underway. Several student groups recently returned
from trips over spring break. The H. S. Band performed at Disney World and the 8th grade went to Washington
DC. The 7th grade students are excitedly planning their trip to Camp Campbell Gard in May. Spring Sports
are well underway and participation numbers are the highest that we have had in years.
State testing is under way; we will be administering the ACT, ELA, Science, Math, and Social Studies
tests this spring. Scheduling for next year has begun and will be finalized in the next few weeks. TVS will
host a mock accident on Friday, April 21st as part of prom week activities. The dangers of drinking and
driving are the point of emphasis along with prom and graduation safety issues. Special thanks to the West
Alexandria Emergency Squad, West Alexandria Fire Department, West Alexandria Police Department, and Preble County Med
Copter! The junior class once again sponsored our Junior/Senior Prom which will be held at Miami University on April 22nd. The
junior class parents will host the after prom at TVS High School.
Please mark your calendars for the 8th grade promotion ceremony on May 19th at 6:30 PM in the TVS Auditorium and the
High School Graduation on May 30th at 7:00 PM at the Princeton Pike Church of God.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Patti Holly, K-6 Principal ([email protected])
This has been a remarkable school
year for Twin Valley South Elementary.
The staff and I want to thank you for all
the support and patience shown these past
10 months. We had some great
accomplishments and faced our
challenges head-on as we strive to create
an environment that will support all
students in meeting their maximum academic and social
potentials.
Journey’s was adopted by TVES this year as the new
English Language Arts program. Introducing a new academic
program always presents challenges, but we were able to work
through these issues and look forward to Journey’s in 2017-
2018 school year.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program
(PBIS) is a program that we began to implement this year that
has helped build a positive learning environment for our
students. This program has encouraged our students to focus
on expectations that reinforce responsibility and respect.
Three elementary students were invited to share their Panther
Paw Charms at our school board meeting. Each student was
able to identify and explain the reason they received their
individual charms. Students were honored quarterly for
perfect attendance and straight A’s. Weekly, a student in each
classroom was honored with a Panther Paw award for their
“Responsible, Respectful and Ready” behavioral
expectations.
Under the direction of
Mrs. Weldy, K-6 Art teacher, a
new event was shared with
families that featured our
student’s art masterpieces
matted and framed for their
parents to both admire and
purchase. This is an event we
would like to continue for
years to come.
Mid-year students in grades second through sixth began a
keyboarding program. Each day students eagerly looked
forward to challenging themselves to reach the next level. The
skill of keyboarding will tremendously help students with
online testing responses as well as developing an important life
skill.
There are not enough words of gratitude for all the
volunteers who were in classrooms and outside of them
supporting our teachers in every way possible. Your presence
and support makes a much stronger Twin Valley South
Elementary.
TECHNOLOGY CORNER - Derrick Myers ([email protected])
During the 2016-2017 school year, we are continuing to find ways to make communication a priority.
This year we started grade level email groups for parent communication. You can add yourself by visiting
tvs.k12.oh.us, parent menu, “Join an Email Group”. Also, please remember to check us out on Facebook,
Twitter @superintendent1tvs. Teachers can be reached directly via email. If you know the teacher name,
you know their address! Example would be John Doe,”[email protected]”. We also highly encourage
regular use of our online Gradebook. Don’t wait until the final week of the quarter to check out your
students grades! If you had an account last year, it’s the same this year.
Stay up to date with school or athletic calendar events on your phone. Check out our “Mobile
Calendar Sync” instructions under the Calendar menu on our website.
We hope you use some of these methods to be better informed of school news!
FOOD SERVICE – Mrs. Megan Fields ([email protected])
For families that feel they would
be eligible for free or reduced priced
meals, please note that you may submit
an application at ANY time during the
school year. Only ONE application is
required per household. Application
forms can be found in any of the
building offices or on the school
website. If you would like an
application mailed to you or need assistance completing
your application, please contact my office at 839-5691.
Breakfast is available for all students every
day. Students receiving a free lunch may also receive a free
breakfast. Students who qualify for a reduced lunch rate
will also qualify for a reduced breakfast price of
$0.40. Please note that breakfast will not be served on days
that school is delayed.
Students with special dietary needs should consult with
our school nurse, Mrs. Unger. Food service will work with
the nurse to modify breakfast and lunch menus based on
written orders from the student’s family physician.
In order to help families, sack lunches are available for
any student participating in a class field trip. One day
notice is appreciated. Please call the food service office, or
send a written request with your child.
We would also like to remind Elementary
parents/guardians that you are welcome to eat lunch with
your child at any time. We ask that ALL visitors contact
the school office and pick up a visitor’s pass in the office
before proceeding to the Commons for Lunch.
During the 2017-2018 school year, Elementary
students will be eating breakfast in the cafeteria instead of
the classroom. This change gives our students more
opportunity to feed their brains for learning! Please feel
free to join us down in the cafeteria! We will have samples
available for new breakfast items! Also, we look forward to
offering “Taco Thursday” in all buildings next year!
SOUTH STRONG – PANTHER PROUD
TVS REACHING OUT & KEEPING IN TOUCH
Need more information about Twin Valley South? You can find us on any of the following…
Facebook:
Twin Valley Community Local School District
Twitter: @Superintend1Tvs – Mr. Fischer, Superintendent
@TVS_Athletics – TVS Athletics
Website: tvs.k12.oh.us Phone: HS – 937-839-4693
MS – 937-839-4165
ES – 937-839-4315
DO – 937-839-4688
TRANSPORTATION & MAINTENANCE - Mr. Jeff Tully ([email protected])
The 2017-18 school year has gone well. As the building continues to age, we are constantly looking at
ways to increase safety and looking for projects to keep the building as the “crown-jewel” of the community.
Recent projects include, turning the HS office desks to face the front doors which also gave us an opportunity
to update the carpet in that area. We added locks that require visitors to be buzzed into each office, added
gates to the ES playground and additional rubber mulch to bring it to the required depth, made repairs to
several fan motors, milk coolers, as well as replaced light ballast, lights, lockers, loose countertops and water
leaks around the building. We have continued to add fresh paint to the building including several of our
student and activity bathrooms. As a cost savings measure, we are taking advantage of a DP&L rebate to
replace the house lights in the auditorium with LED bulbs. We plan to remove the 500 watt bulbs and replace them with 18-watt
bulbs which will give us the same amount of light while saving 14,460 watts of power and cutting down on maintenance issues.
Transportation is up and running thanks to Mr. Snyder’s hard work. Due to replacing our aging fleet with new buses as grant
money becomes available, we have only had a minor number of maintenance issues. We will be adding one new bus as the year
comes to a close. Despite the time spent on maintenance issues with transportation and facilities, Mr. Snyder managed to obtain
his OBI certification. This certification will allow us to train new drivers and sub drivers in house at a savings to the district.
Mr. Don Strebig will be leaving TVS this year after 9 years of driving for the district. We would like to thank him for his
service and wish him well in his future adventures.
BUTLER COUNTY SUCCESS PROGRAM – Mrs. Allie Shafer ([email protected])
The Success team continues to work
diligently advocating for our students and
program at the State level. On March 17th,
we had the opportunity to speak to
Representative Rezabek and Senator
Beagle. During this meeting, we
discussed the positives of the program and
the upcoming funding concerns. We
traveled to Columbus on March 22nd to testify in support of
continuation of the Healthier Buckeye Grant. Additionally, I
recently met with the West Alexandria Council to educate
them on the program and the work we are doing in the school
to help students and families. If you feel your family or
students need help breaking down the socio-economic barriers,
please do not hesitate to contact me!
Statistics:
Number of referrals: 52
Active families: 23
Success Stories:
Provided support to homeless student. Able to connect
her with JFS to begin receiving Medicaid and Food
Assistance.
IEP was signed for and ES student
Included on support strategy for chronically truant MS
student
Working closely with cafeteria staff to address students
who do not have funds in their lunch accounts on a
regular basis.
PUPIL SERVICES – Daniel Lewis ([email protected])
I have had a chance to get to know a lot of students and parents in my first year here at TVS. It has been
a very positive experience and I would like to thank everyone for making it so. One thing parents often tell
me is that they don’t know how to go about getting help for their child besides communication with the
classroom teacher. I would like to share information about the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) process
as a starting point to getting additional support.
The IAT team is a group of teachers that meet to discuss students that have been referred to the committee
by parents or staff. The team collects information and progress data on the students in order to suggest
strategies and structures that could help the student in the general curriculum. The classroom teachers then
implement those strategies and structures into their classroom planning. After a few weeks, the IAT team collects more data to
determine if the suggestions have been beneficial. The IAT team revisits the plan and makes new suggestions if needed.
If you would like more information on the IAT process, please contact the classroom teacher, the Guidance Office, or the
Office of Pupil Services.
Congratulations to the TVS staff members who will be retiring at the end of the 2016-2017 school year:
Mr. Glen Mabry - HS Social Studies Mrs. June Creech - TVS Cafeteria
Mr. Don Strebig - TVS Bus Driver Mrs. Joyce Kimball - TVS Cafeteria
Best wishes and thank you for your service to the students of the Twin Valley Community Local Schools.
PANTHER PAUSE
Twin Valley Community Local Schools
100 Education Drive
West Alexandria, Ohio 45381-1184
POSTAL CUSTOMER
West Alexandria, Ohio 45381
MISSION STATEMENT of Twin Valley Community Local School District
“…is to provide a safe learning environment where all children are challenged to achieve their maximum
potential, based on individual needs and abilities, utilizing a team effort among parents, educators, staff, and
community.”
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mike Randolph Jason DeLong Tim Beneke Sean Maggard Jim Pemberton
President Vice President Member Member Member
Mark Your Calendars
May May
May 4 & 5 – FFA State Convention
May 5 – 5th grade return from Camp Kern
May 6 – Special Olympics
May 8 – 3rd grade Field Trip
May 9 – 4th grade Field Trip
May 9 – Percussion Ensemble
May 12 – HS Engineering Day Field Trip
May 22 – Band Concert
May 23 – 3rd grade field Trip
May 23 – Underclassmen Awards
May 23 – MS Awards
May 23 – HS Athletic Awards
May 24 – Students Last Day
May 30 – High School Graduation
May June / July
May 12 – MVCTC Senior Last Day
May 13 – CCC Track Meet
May 15 – Band Concert
May 16 – MVCTC Juniors Last Day
May 16 – 5th Grade Talent Show
May 17 – 7th Grade Camp Campbell Gard
May 18– 1st Grade Cincy Zoo Field Trip
Jun 26 - Board Meeting
Jul 4 – Holiday – District Office Closed
Jul 24 – Board Meeting
District Office Summer Hours:
Open: Mon-Thu – 6:30am-4:30 pm
Closed Fridays during June & July
April / May May
Apr 22 – Prom & After Prom Activities
Apr 25 – Senior Citizens Dinner
Apr 27 – 6th grade Earth Day Field Trip
Apr 27 – Rotary Honors Banquet
May 2 – Election Day
May 3 – 5th grade to Camp Kern
May 3-5 – Kindergarten Screening
May 18 – Kindergarten Field Trip
May 18 – Choir Concert
May 19 – 7th grade return from Camp
May 19 – ES Field Day
May 19 – Senior Activities/Grad Practice
May 19 – 8th grade Promotion/MS Dance
May 22 – 2nd grade Field Trip