eagle update - Liberty

Transcription

eagle update - Liberty
December 2014 / January 2015
EAGLE UPDATE
Where Eagles Learn To Soar
Superintendent Office: 419-422-8526
Elementary Office: 419-422-9161
Middle School Office: 419-422-9166
High School Office: 419-424-5351
Superintendent’s Desk
= $1,694,985.10) These are dollars saved by the families of our graduates. Of
course this amount is most likely much higher due to our students attending
various institutions with higher costs.
Jim Kanable, Superintendent
Couple this with the fact that ACT reports college attrition rates to be at 64.2%
(2014 Study). This means that just over 1 in 3 students leave college prior to
the start of their sophomore year. We did an internal study of the graduates
of the classes of 2008 and 2009. The result of this study indicates that students
who participated in these opportunities at Liberty-Benton not only returned to
school for their sophomore year, but completed their degree. (100%) Many did
so early.
College Credit Plus Explained
In the November Eagle update, I opened the discussion on College Credit Plus.
This program has become the umbrella of all college offerings in high schools.
It replaces PSEO, Dual Enrollment, and other forms of college credit programs
offered during attendance in high school. This includes the courses taken at
Liberty-Benton, Owens, University of Findlay, and Millstream. This program
has allowed many of our students to leave high school and reduce the amount
of time spent in college by a semester or more and saved many of our families’
money on college.
At Liberty-Benton, we have coupled this with an end of year test called CLEP
(College Level Examination Program). These tests are designed by The College
Board and are similar to AP tests. Based on student scores, many colleges or
universities grant college credit to our students as they enter. From 2008-2014
Liberty-Benton students have earned a total of 1,176 college credit hours.
This is just one opportunity available for L-B students. Couple this with PSEO
and Dual Enrollment and that number grows to 5,173 credits. Why is this
significant?
This chart shows the most recent cost
comparison of college cost per credit hour
today. These are the six most attended
colleges or universities that our graduates
attend. The calculations add up quickly to see
the benefit of these opportunities.
A seven-year study of L-B students shows
that 713 students have earned the equivalent
of 5,173 credits from the programs that
currently exist. This equates to a low end
value of $1,694,985 if you were to use the
University of Toledo figure. (5,173 x $327.66
Liberty-Benton Local Schools
9190 County Road 9
Findlay, OH 45840
Published by Liberty-Benton Local Schools
Sent to all district and open enrollment households
These programs not only save student and parents’ money, but they also save
time. It is easy to conclude these programs greatly benefit the students and
families of Liberty-Benton. It adds a great value to the K-12 education they
receive.
We look forward to add the accomplishments of the class of 2015 to these
numbers.
Jim Kanable
Go Eagles!
LIBERTY
BENTON
EAGLES
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Findlay, Ohio
Permit No. 378
Page 2
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
HS Principal Update
First Semester Ends January 16th
Brenda Frankart, Principal LB High School
As I write this article, I absolutely cannot believe we are nearly halfway through
this school year already! Wow! This year has been flying by. Our first semester
will end on Friday, January 16th. Very soon we will be starting to think about
scheduling for next year. Right now, our departments are working to review
their course offerings, and we are involved in lots of meetings with area colleges
about the new changes in Ohio to the dual enrollment college courses and the
post-secondary options program. Stay tuned with more details to come later.
We hope to offer some new courses and some new partnerships with Ohio
colleges.
Our student council will be conducting a bloodmobile here at the high school
on January 12th, and our dance classes will be showcasing what they have
learned for parents on January 13th during the first semester Parents’ Social
Dance Night at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Parents of seniors heading off to
college should plan to attend the upcoming Financial Aid Night taking place
on January 21st at 6:30 p.m. here at the high school. Also, our musical cast and
crew is busily preparing for their performances of “Cinderella.” Please mark
your calendars for March 20th - 22nd to bring the family to one of these shows.
It is sure to be a great evening!
LBHS Football Cheerleaders
Stephanie Miller, Varsity Coach
LBHS Salvation Army Food Drive
Once again, Z-Club and LBHS STRIDES groups worked together to complete
the annual “Food Fight” to collect donated food items for the local Salvation
Army. Z-Club members took shifts each morning checking in the donated food
items in the office before school, sorting the items, and boxing them up for the
big pick up day. The LBHS STRIDES groups participated in a friendly competition in keeping with the “Food Fight” tradition, and each day had designated
food items worth competitive “STRIDES” points. Overall, LBHS met their
school goal and collected over 2,000 pounds of food, and as a result, student
council is coordinating the Winter Fun Day activities for December 19th. This
year, Mrs. Teders’ STRIDES group collected the most items, and Mr. Quisno’s
group came in second. Mrs. Teders’ STRIDES group received a pizza party
from the Salvation Army for their efforts, and Mr. Quisno’s STRIDES group
received ice cream treats from Z-Club. We were all happy to make a positive
difference for our local community! Well done!
State-sponsored Resources
Check out these resources available to teachers, parents and students:
Career Connections offer practical ways for teachers and school
counselors, families and community members to show students, as early
as in kindergarten, the types of jobs possible for them. Visit education.
ohio.gov/Topics/Career-Tech/Career-Connections to learn more.
The LBHS Cheerleaders had an outstanding football team to cheer on this
season! We cheered them on the whole way to regional finals! Coach Miller
would personally like to thank her team for their hard work, enthusiasm and
unity this fall…what an amazing group of girls to coach!
OhioMeansJobs.com allows students to learn more about their career
interests and in-demand jobs, build résumés, search for college and
training programs, create a budget based on future expenses, and develop
meaningful academic and career plans for high school and beyond.www.
ohiomeansjobs.com.
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Liberty-Benton High School
Staff Member of the Month
November: Mr. Richard LaFontaine
Mr. Richard LaFontaine earned his undergraduate degree in English Education
from Bowling Green State University and his master’s degree in Educational
Technology from Marygrove College. He is currently in his 15th year of
teaching at Liberty-Benton High School, and he is a 1982 graduate of LibertyBenton High School. Before coming to teach at LBHS, Mr. LaFontaine taught
for four years at Tiffin Calvert.
Rich is married to his wife, Dorothy, who
taught for 13 years in Fostoria. Their oldest
son, Matthew, is part of Project Search at the
University of Findlay. Ethan is a junior at LBHS,
Jessica is a freshman at LBHS, and Isaac is a fifthgrader at Van Buren Elementary.
The thing that Rich enjoys most about teaching
is being able to interact with students as they
enhance their communication and analytical
skills.
Page 3
HS Guidance Update
February 26 - College Credit Info Meeting
Tracie Herr, Counselor LB High School
High School Webpage: The High School Guidance page is now updated
and a part of the new school webpage. This is a great way to stay informed,
especially as new scholarships become available. As always, please do not
hesitate to give me a call if you have any questions or concerns.
Financial Aid Night: Senior parents, please mark your calendar for January
21 @6:30pm in the cafetorium for our annual Financial Aid Night. Lawrence
Matthews will be presenting information to help navigate the financial aid
process. Mr. Matthews has spent the last 21 years as director of financial aid at
Bluffton University and is a leader in the Ohio Association of Student Financial
Aid Directors.
College Credit-Plus Parent Meeting: There have been state level changes
Richard LaFontaine
He is looking forward to vacationing in Georgia and spending time with his
family. He also tries to squeeze in time for watching Ohio State basketball and
football. Go, Bucks!
made to the Post-Secondary Education Options and Dual Enrollment
programs. If your son or daughter is planning on taking college courses
either here at LBHS, online, or on a local college campus next year, mark your
calendars for Thursday, February 26 @ 6:30 pm. Colleges and universities who
have partnered with Liberty-Benton have been invited to attend, giving you and
your child an opportunity to not only hear about the rules and regulation of the
program, but also a chance to receive information directly from the colleges. If
there is a conflict that you cannot attend, please contact Mrs. Herr at the high
school to make other arrangements.
Spanish Students of the Quarter
1
2
3
1) Spanish 1 Top Students : Abigail Heldman, Conner Johannigman, Jessica LaFontaine, Asa Baird, Olivia Christiansen and Conor Greer. 2) Spanish
2 Top Students: AJ Dobbins, Gabby Lyon, Maria Streacker, Lydia Mattingly, Lindsey Bishop, Jenny Fleck, Amanda Puthoff and Amaya Mars (not
pictured) 3) Spanish 3 Top Students: Jeb Bishop, Andi Garver, Sydni Colchagoff and Remmington Rosenburger.
Page 4
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LB Baseball Players Sign NLOI
LB Senior Baseball Players, Alex Harter and Caleb Russell, both signed their
National Letter of Intent to continue playing baseball at the collegiate level.
Alex, a two-time 1st Team BVC Pitcher, will continue his education at the
University of Findlay. Caleb, a 2014 1st Team BVC 1st Basemen, will continue
his education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Caleb Russell
Alex Harter
Millstream Sophomore Visit
The class of 2017 visited Millstream Career and Technical Center on Tuesday, December 9. Each student had the opportunity explore two of the 17 offered
programs. There will also be an open house at Millstream on Sunday, January 11 at 1:00 for parents to visit the program their student considering pursing. If your
sophomore has found a program they are wishing to attend for their junior and senior year, they need to complete Millstream’s online application and let Mrs. Herr
know so a transcript may be sent.
Below: LB students observing Auto Tech, Early Childhood, Culinary Arts & Cosmetology.
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Liberty-Benton High School
Students of the Month of November
Senior K.C. Stower is active in student council,
Stower
Z-Club, National Honor Society, quiz bowl, tech crew
for the musical, and is a STRIDES leader. She enjoys
reading, sleeping (but not in class), watching tv and
movies, and playing with cats and dogs. Her favorite
class is college writing, and she is looking forward to
traveling the world. Her personal goal is to just be
happy. K.C. is the daughter of Carol and Craig Stower.
Junior Derek Gupta enjoys reading, running,
Gupta
attending Gateway Bible Study, and listening to music,
and his favorite class is CAD. Derek is involved in cross
country, track, indoor track, musical (for the first time),
Hancock Youth Leadership, National Honor Society,
FCA, LB Bible Study, and serves as class treasurer. He is
looking forward to outdoor track meets and his musical
performance. His personal goals are to improve his
1600 meter record in track and maintain a 4.0 grade
point average. Derek is the son of Ajay and Danette
Gupta.
Sophomore Sydney Brown loves to read, and her
Brown
Christiansen
J. LaFontaine
favorite class is math. She is involved in indoor and
outdoor track and serves as sophomore class vice
president. She is looking forward to a successful
future, and her personal goal is to be a four-year varsity
letterman in track. Sydney is the daughter of Jim and
Julie Brown.
Freshman Olivia Christiansen is active in soccer,
choir, Fermata the Blue, student council, and basketball,
and she enjoys all of her classes. She also enjoys
volunteering for The Arts Partnership, attending St.
Michael’s youth group, listening to music, and spending
time with friends and family. She is looking forward to
continuing to learn and grow as a high school student,
and her personal goal is to have a successful high school
career. Olivia is the daughter of Brian and Andrea
Christiansen.
Eagle Update Feedback
If you have feedback for this Eagle Update
Newsletter, we’d love to hear it. Please
email us at Eagle. Update@lb.noacsc.org.
Page 5
“Fruits of Learning”
Your Skills Could Help Our FFA
Schelby Beach: Liberty-Benton FFA Chapter Reporter
The FFA tradition, if you will, has always been the selling of fruit and various
nuts. Each year we congratulate
our top five sellers at our FFA
Banquet in May. These top five
winners receive a dollar amount
to be used in the FFA Shop
Online Catalog to pick out their
own prizes. Our top five sellers
for our 2014 Fruit Sales are:
• Jade Sterling
• Rachel Wehil
• Hannah Holley
• Kacey Durliat
• Mason Greer
In addition to those awards,
Kacey and Hannah have earned personalized FFA Jackets for selling over 30
boxes of fruit.
This year, our FFA Chapter decided to add OldeMan Granola to our fundraiser.
This is a local business that makes granola offering six different flavors
including two gluten-free flavors. The money we benefit from these fundraisers
goes into the FFA Chapter account to help provide money for educational
items. It also provides money for the CDE contests such as: general livestock
judging, wildlife, equine, dairy, rural and urban soil judging, and tractor trouble
shooting contests, in addition to scholarships to National and State Conventions
and FFA Camp. The kids of the Liberty-Benton Chapter want to thank all of
our customers and
we hope you continue
to purchase from
our Chapter’s fruit
fundraiser.
It is contest time,
(as always), and the
Liberty Benton FFA
would like to extend
an invitation to
anyone with expertise
in any of the FFA contest areas to please volunteer as a coach. So, if you have
great skills in Ag Mechanics, Tractor Troubleshooting, Dairy Foods, General
Livestock, Small Engines, Equine, Natural Resources, Poultry, Dairy Cattle,
or Agronomy and think that you could translate your skills to high school
students, please contact the ag program at jblakley@liberty-benton.org or call
the high school and leave a message so that we can set up some practice times
for the contests.
Page 6
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
LB Fairs Well In Fall Sports
The Liberty-Benton Athletic Department would like to congratulate all of our
Fall teams on their successful seasons. Thank you to all of our student-athletes
and coaches for your hard work and effort this season. We are extremely proud
of the product our coaches and athletes put together to share with our fans at
all of our athletic contests. We want to take this time to recognize our coaches
and athletes that received special recognition for their performances this Fall.
As you can see from the list, we had a large group of athletes excel in their sport
and also in the classroom. The Outstanding Performer, Most Improved, and
Coaches Awards are the main 3 awards that all of our athletic programs give
out at their awards nights. These award winners are picked by their respective
coaching staff. The All-League and All-State awards are voted on by the media
and/or league coaches. We hope to see our Eagle fans this winter as our new
seasons begin. Please visit our athletic website for updated schedules.
GO EAGLES!
League Champions
Boys Cross Country
Boys Golf
Football
Girls Cross Country
Girls Soccer
BVC Coaches of the Year
JoAnne Heaster - Cross Country
Steve Williman - Golf
BVC Players of the Year
Alec Rhodes - Football
Grant Kinsinger - Football
Meghan Bartel - Cross Country
Ty Gleason - Cross Country
All State
Alec Rhodes - 2nd Team Football
Austin Combs - 2nd Team Football
Justin Iott - 1st Team Football
Sophie Norden - 2nd Team Soccer
1st Team All League
Adam August - Golf
Alec Rhodes - Football
Austin Combs - Football
B.J. Lawson - Football
Carrigan Gray - Volleyball
Devony Miller - Cross Country
Eli Norden - Soccer
Grant Kinsinger - Football
Jaret Kern - Cross Country
Justin Iott - Football
Lindsay Bishop - Cross Country
Logan Whitaker - Soccer
McKenna Dire - Soccer
Meghan Bartel - Cross Country
Sophie Norden - Soccer
Taylor Thomas - Cross Country
Ty Gleason - Cross Country
Ty Waltz - Soccer
Tyler Vorst - Cross Country
Outstanding Performer
Adam August - Golf
Austin Combs - Football
Carrigan Gray - Volleyball
Eli Norden - Soccer
Genna Zachrich - Cheerleading
McKenna Dire - Soccer
Meghan Bartel - Cross Country
Ty Gleason - Cross Country
2nd Team All League
Allan Hartley - Football
Andi Garver - Cross Country
Austin Combs - Football
Chase Conkle - Football
Derek Gupta - Cross Country
Griffin Rath - Soccer
Griffin Rath - Football
Jackson Logsdon - Golf
Jensen Hiegel - Soccer
Lauren Kotey - Volleyball
Leah Recker - Soccer
Nathan Craft - Football
Remington Rosenberger - Cr. Country
Tyson Neiling - Golf
3rd Team All League
Allan Hartley - Football
Alyson Hughes - Volleyball
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
Senior All Academic Winners
Adam August - Golf
Alexis Shoffstall - Soccer
Ashleigh Carpenter - Volleyball
Ashley Frankart - Cross Country
Chase Conkle - Football
Colbi Colchagoff - Soccer
Devony Miller - Cross Country
Griffin Rath - Football
Griffin Rath - Soccer
Jacob Rozelle - Football
Jake Bixler - Soccer
Kiera Robinson - Golf
Lauren Marshall - Soccer
Logan Whitaker - Soccer
Madi Greiner - Cross Country
Nick Streacker - Golf
Olivia Newman - Volleyball
Tara Roeder - Cross Country
Ty Gleason - Cross Country
Most Improved
Allie Hunter - Cross Country
Alyson Hughes - Volleyball
Ashlee Eley - Cheerleading
Jacob Schimmoeller - Football
Jake Bixler - Soccer
Kaiden Robinson - Golf
Lily Johnson - Soccer
Remington Rosenberger - Cr. Country
Coaches Award
B.J. Lawson - Football
Colbi Colchagoff - Soccer
Derek Gupta - Cross Country
Devony Miller - Cross Country
Logan Whitaker - Soccer
Molly Pickett - Cheerleading
Nick Streacker - Golf
Olivia Newman - Volleyball
Quiz: Who’s Who....Name these teachers!
Answers Left to Right:
Laurie Collier, 7th
Grade Reading;
Tony England, 8th
Grade Social Studies/
AD; Brittany Haas,
Third Grade; Mary
Jo McFarlane, Music;
Lance Stevens, CAD/
Comp/Art; Kelley
Foltz, History.
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
MS Principal Update
Testing...Testing...1, 2, 3....
Bruce Otley, Principal LB Middle School
If there has been one prevalent theme in public education over the last 5 years,
that theme is change. The middle school staff has been working very hard to
prepare your students for success over the last two years in transitioning to
the new Ohio standards for education and in preparation for the Common
Core. This spring, the Ohio Achievement Assessment, which measured student
achievement against the Ohio Teaching Standards adopted in 2003, is being
replaced by two distinctly different assessments. These assessments have been
developed by the Partnership for Assessment for Readiness for College and
Careers (PARCC) and will be more rigorous than the old OAA. The first is the
Performance Based Assessment or PBA and the second is the End of Year Exam
or EOY. These tests together are commonly referred to PARCC assessments.
Below is some information from the PARCC website about each test.
What are the components of the PARCC assessment system?
Performance-based assessments (PBA) in ELA/literacy and mathematics. All
students will take this summative test toward the end of the school year to
show what they know. In ELA/literacy, this will involve analyzing literature
and a narrative writing task. Students will read texts and write several pieces
to demonstrate they can read and understand sufficiently complex texts
independently; write effectively when using and analyzing sources; and build
and communicate knowledge by integrating, comparing and synthesizing ideas.
In math, students will be asked to solve problems involving the key knowledge
and skills for their grade level, express mathematical reasoning and construct
a mathematical argument, and apply concepts to solve model real-world
problems.
Page 7
Nat Geo Geography Bee
Andrew Grimm is 4X Champion
Students in grades 4-8 competed in the National Geographic Geography Bee.
A written qualifying test was given on November 20. The top 27 students went
on to compete in round one held on December 4, and the top 10 went on to
compete in round 2 on December 12. Congratulations to Andrew Grimm
is our National Geographic Geography Bee Champion. Andrew has been
competing in the bee since he was in fourth grade and has been our champion
since grade 4 each year.
Round 1 Participants
Andrew Grimm, Brayden Todd, Luke Sunderman, Ryan Bell, Lauren Guo,
Chloe Heidlebaugh , Cameron Criblez, Lincoln Ebert, RJ Coldron, Claire
Kreischer, Jackson Smith, Jason Alford, Luke Broerman, Gina DeMarsh,
Michael Kotey, Chase Collert, Iain Osborne, Luke McDonald, Chloe Kern, Ally
Micheal, Joe Gerken, Kevin Rickle, Riley Irwin, Laura Reed, Aly Carpenter,
Jessica Tremains, Greg Musselman.
Round 2 Top 10 Participants
Aly Carpenter, Andrew Grimm, Brayden Todd, Gina DeMarsh, Kevin Rickle,
Luke Broerman, Luke Sunderman, Claire Kreischer, Cameron Criblez, Chloe
Heidelbaugh.
End-of-year assessments (EOY) in ELA/literacy and math.
All students will take this at the end of the school year. The results will be
combined with the performance-based assessment to produce a student’s
summative assessment score. For the end of-year assessment, students will
demonstrate their acquired skills and knowledge by answering computer-based,
machine-scorable questions.
Below are the dates that LBMS students will be taking the PBA and
the EOY. Please make sure your student is in attendance for these
important assessments.
• PBA Grades 6-8 ELA and Math Week of February 23
• PBA Grade 6 Social Studies March 5
• PBA Grade 8 Science March 5
• EOY Grades 6-8 ELA and Math Week of April 20
• EOY Grade 6 Social Studies May 7
• EOY Grade 8 Science May
Left to right: Four time champion Andrew Grimm, runner up Luke Sunderman, and
third place Gina Demarsh.
“The man who does not read good books
has no advantage over the man who
cannot read them.” - Mark Twain
Page 8
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LB Middle School Holiday Concert: The middle school annual band and choir concert was held on December 16. The event was well attended, with an
estimated attendance of over 1,000 people. Students in all three grade levels performed various Christmas and holiday music and got us all in the holiday mood.
Students Learn to Write Code
LBMS Students Make Their Own Video Games
Students in Mrs. Stanton’s iPad 6 and iPad 7 class learned how to write computer
programs to create their own video games
as a part of the iPad 6 and iPad 7 class. On
December 18, both classes held a “Code and
Cookies” day to showcase their games, and
other creations. Sixth and seventh grade
teachers, Mr. Otley, and Mrs. Pickett were
invited to try out the games and view the
animations that students created. The students
did an
outstanding
1
job designing,
creating, and
2
presenting their
games on their
iPads.
3
4
5
1) Jayde Bailey and Sophia Aschmeier display their work. 2) Mrs. Stanton conferences with Dalton Holley and Mia Siferd; 3) Alexis Rickenbacher and Kadan
Ebert showcase the programming screen for a game. 4 & 5) Students in grade 6 and grade 7 Ipad class display their certificates of achievement.
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
LBMS Upcoming Dates
Visit liberty-benton.org for a complete list of all LB related activities.
January 8
January 16
January 19
January 23
January 29
School Wide Spelling Bee 1:30 p.m.
Scoliosis Screening Grades 6 & 7
End of the Second 9 Weeks
No School—MLK Day
Grade Cards Mailed Home
2 Hour Delay Day
Page 9
MS Staff Ugly Sweater Contest
The faculty at LSMS had some holiday fun with an “ugly sweater contest” on
December 8 at our staff breakfast. Both the students and faculty had a chance
to vote for their favorite “ugly sweater”.
Staff Vote Winners:
Winner: Ray Wolfe---Texas Roadhouse gift certificate
Second Place: Jill Harmon—Delicious homemade cheesecake baked by Tony
England
Third Place: Mary Garcia—Cold Stone gift certificate
Student Vote Winner: Mary Garcia-- Delicious homemade cheesecake baked by
Tony England, and awesome elf trophy.
Flu Prevention
In-State College Tuition Prices
The flu is a virus that is spread by droplets through coughing, sneezing, sharing
personal items and by contamination of one’s own hands. It is contagious
within the first few days of illness. Some symptoms include:
Below is a sample of the cost of one year, in-state tuition for some Ohio
universities for the 2013/2014 school year. To view the full list:
http://www.collegecalc.org/lists/ohio/most-affordable-in-state-tuition.
• Rapid onset of fever, Headaches, Muscle Aches, Fatigue, Cough
1. Remind your student to wash their hands frequently, especially before
eating. This is probably the single most important thing you can do to
help prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses.
2. Remind your student to cover their mouth/nose when sneezing and to use
tissues.
3. If your student is running a fever, please keep them at home.
Treating the flu:
The best way to treat children who have the flu is to make sure they have plenty
of rest. It is also important that they have plenty of fluids.
Youngstown State
$7,670
Toledo$7,864
Bowling Green
$9,096
Cincinnati$9,124
Ohio State Main Campus
$9,168
Ohio University
$10,446
Miami of Ohio
$11,443
ITT Technical Institute
$17,748
Tiffin University
$20,700
University of Findlay
$28,894
Ohio Northern
$36,470
Page 10
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Seventh Grade Greek Olympiad
On November 21, students in grade seven
participated in the culminating event of an
interdisciplinary unit on Ancient Greece. As
a part of the unit, students dressed the part of
the fictitious “god” or “goddess” they created
and participated by organized city state in a
series of fun and educational Olympic games.
Students worked collaboratively to create
their own unique
city state banners,
1
motto, and
speeches. Motto’s
banners and speeches were given during
the lunch time feast in the gymnasium. A
medals ceremony in the gym at the end of the
day concluded the Olympiad, where bronze,
silver and gold medals were received for the
various competitions.
2
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
Dale Lauck, Custodian Retires
20 Years of Dedicated Service
Our long time middle and elementary custodian, Dale Lauck, will be retiring at
the end of the month of December. For most of his career, Mr. Lauck worked
as the middle school night
custodian but his most
recent position has been
the day custodian for both
the middle and elementary
school. According the
Miriam Webster Dictionary
online, a custodian is one
who is entrusted to watch
over or take care of things.
For the last 20 years, Mr.
Lauck certainly took very
good care of our facility
and our faculty. Dale was known for always taking care of the little things to
help our teachers and our kids. A retirement reception was held in the LibertyBenton Middle School cafeteria to celebrate Dale’s retirement on December
17. Congratulations Mr. Lauck! Thank you for your many years of dedicated
service
1) Kaige Knight presents the speech for Sparta.
2) Micah Todd, God of Legos, won the Golden
Goblet for Argos, and it magically filled with sour
gummy worms all day! 3) The winning city-state
of Athens; 4) Lexi Sutherland and Emma Otley
are beautiful women of Corinth; 5) The toga
winners were Max Curry, Jackson Smith, Amanda
Tremains, Emma Otley, and Michael Kotey. 6)
Megara marches to Olympic Fanfare.
4
3
5
6
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Page 11
Middle School Guidance News
Stacy Pickett, Middle School Counselor
As the middle school guidance counselor, I wear a lot of different hats
throughout the year. One is that of a teacher teaching 6th Grade Study
Skills. It is so enjoyable seeing the students take the skills they are taught
and applying them to their academic lives. Two students of mine did an
amazing job when asked to speak with Mrs. Shivers’ 5th grade Study Skills
class. Those two students were Justin Madsen and Kyler Wright. They went
to the different sections of her 5th grade classes and shared about their own
personal experiences as to what they have learned in their Study Skills class that
helps them succeed in school. Both boys encouraged the 5th graders to stay
organized and focus hard on their academics. Wonderful job boys!
Middle School Student Council
Stacy Pickett, Advisor
The middle school student council was very busy this holiday season. First off,
in November they held their annual Salvation Army Food Drive. The middle
school collected over 2,000 items for the families in our community. The
homeroom that brought in the most items won a pizza party. That homeroom
was Mr. Homburg’s 8th grade homeroom. Instead of taking the party for
themselves, they donated their pizza to families that were
being helped by the Salvation Army.
Then in December, student council held their annual
Peppermint Post Office and sold over 2,000 candy canes
during lunch. The money raised was used to purchase
Christmas gifts for six children from the Angel Tree at
Walmart. All of the student council members would like to
thank everyone in the middle school that helped make both
of these projects a success. It’s wonderful how supportive
Liberty Benton is in
helping our community.
Sixth graders, Justin Madsen and Kyler Wright, from Mrs. Pickett’s Study Skills class
present to 5th Grade Study Skills class.
1) The Middle School Student Council brings in over 2,000 items for the Salvation
Army Food Drive. 2) The Middle School Student Council sells candy canes to help
make Christmas brighter for six children. 3) Twelve Middle School Student Council
members shop at Walmart to purchase Christmas gifts for six children from the Angel
Tree. 4) Mr. Homburg’s homeroom wins the food drive contest and donates their pizza
party to families.
2
1
3
4
Page 12
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
PTO Update
Many Ways to Support the PTO
Cherie Hocanson, PTO Vice President (volunteer)
The Liberty-Benton PTO is working hard to help provide necessary funds for
our students and teachers! Here are some ways you can help support the PTO
on a regular basis:
Shop PTO:
Purchase gift cards at the Elementary School Office. You can purchase gift cards
for your groceries, gas AND Christmas gifts. It is one-stop shopping and gives
money directly back to LB!
Market Day:
Place your order each month at Marketday.com and a portion goes to LB PTO!
Box Tops:
Save your box tops, clip them and
send them into school. Our goal
this year is to raise $7,000 from Box
Tops! Collect them from family,
friends and neighbors!
Eatery Nights:
LB PTO Sponsors nights to eat
out at several local restaurants. A
portion of each sale goes back to
PTO. Restaurants include Bob
Evans, Beer Barrel, Stevie B’s and
Texas Roadhouse.
Liberty-Benton
PTO Carnival
All for FUN and FUN for all!
Saturday, February 7th
Great Scot Receipts:
Save your Great Scot grocery receipts and turn in to the elementary office. Each
time we collect $2,000 in total receipts, Great Scot donates a portion back to our
school!
Families enjoyed the free Breakfast with Santa at the school on December 13.
Illness - General Guidelines for Returning to School
1. Child should be fever free for 24 hours. A child’s temperature is lowest in
the morning, so a low temperature on awakening is not a true indicator. If you
have given your child Tylenol or Motrin at night, the medication could still
be affecting your child’s temperature. A child should be fever free without the
assistance of medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
2. A child should be free of vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to
school. A child who has been ill during the night may feel slightly better in the
morning and even ask to go to school. However, the child will likely experience
Upcoming PTO Events:
PTO Carnival is Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 - 3:00 p.m.
symptoms of illness later, will also be tired from loss of sleep, and will still be
contagious to other children.
3. A child with thick or constant nasal discharge should remain home. Very few
younger children can effectively blow their noses and wash hands afterwards. A
child with these symptoms will quickly spread the illness to other children.
4. A child diagnosed with strep throat/scarlet fever should remain home for the
first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. A child remains contagious until he/she
has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.
5. A child diagnosed with conjunctivitis may attend school after 24 hours of
treatment. There should also not be any drainage from the eyes.
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
ES Principal Update
Important Test Dates - Mark Your Calendar
Brian J. Burkett, Principal LB Elementary School
Happy New Year! By the time you read this, we should be into a new
year…2015. It is so hard to believe that the year is fast approaching the halfway mark. As busy as it has been in our first semester, I am confident our next
semester is going to be packed with lots of activities, events, and programs.
Here are a couple of the “bigger” events that you will want to mark your
calendars for in advance:
PTO Annual Carnival
Right to Read Week
Spring Break
MORE Play
The Adventures of Lewis & Clark
Saturday, Feb. 7th 11:00a.m.-3:00 p.m.
March 5th – March 13th
March 30th – April 3rd
April 14th 7:00 p.m.
Of course, there are lots of other events and activities including skate nights,
movie nights, PTO meetings, etc. that will be occurring each month, too. Please
make sure to consult the calendar on our school website for a complete list of
events each month.
Testing has expanded this year to include the new State tests called the PARCC
tests. This year, we will be in the process of switching to these tests while
phasing out the Ohio Achievement Assessments (OAAs). Student attendance
during these times is very essential to the success of our students and our
school. It is important to remember that students will not be excused for
vacation leave during testing periods. Below is a list of test dates based on this
new format. I’m including these dates below to aide parents in their planning
for the remainder of the school year.
DATES
Feb. 17-20
GRADES
Grade 3 & 4
Feb. 23-27
Grade 5
Mar. 3
Mar. 16-20
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 5
Mar. 23-27
Apr. 20-22
Grade 3 & 4
Grade 3 & 4
Apr. 27-29
Grade 5
May 5
May 6
Grade 5
Grade 4
Mar. 4
TEST
English Language Arts & Math Performance
Based Assessments
English Language Arts & Math Performance
Based Assessments
Social Studies Performance Based Assessment
Science Performance Based Assessment
Iowa Test of Basic Skills & CogAT Assessments
Iowa Test of Basic Skills & CogAT Assessments
English Language Arts and Math End of Year
Assessments
English Language Arts and Math End of Year
Assessments
Science End of Year Assessment
Social Studies End of Year Assessment
Page 13
Although this may appear to be a considerable amount of new testing
occurring, it is only slightly more than previous years. The previous Ohio
Achievement Assessments (OAAs) provided 2½ hour period of assessment time
per content test. The new assessments (PARCC) include 50-60 minute periods
of assessment per test completed. It therefore becomes more spread out with
approximately a total of two to three hours of increased testing time over the
sum total of all the tests between February and May. I would encourage you
to explore the new test protocols and practice tests available on-line at www.
parcconline.org . The new tests are designed to be administered digitally;
however, we have elected (with State approval) to have all tests completed via
paper and pencil for these new tests just this year to give us additional time to
prepare for this new online testing format. If you have any questions regarding
this, please feel free to contact either Mrs. Gazette, our school counselor, or
myself at school at (419) 422-9161.
My Parent Advisory Committee had its first meeting on Dec. 3rd with twentytwo parents present. On our agenda, we covered our literacy coach position,
balanced literacy, our language arts textbook adoption process, and PARCC
testing. It is not too late to join this on-going group. Our next meeting is
scheduled for January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Computer Lab
(across from the Library). This next meeting’s agenda will focus heavily on
the new State testing (PARCC). Although most meetings are designed to last
one hour, this meeting will last approximately until 8:30 p.m. as I am providing
guided experience for parents in the PARCC on-line assessments. If you are
interested in attending, please send me an email at bburkett@liberty-benton.
org.
Our first half of the year has gone very well and I look forward to a busy, yet
rewarding second half of the year. As always, a big thank you goes out to all
our parents and members of our community for helping make our students and
school experience the success that it does. Your support, time, and commitment
in many ways makes a huge difference! If you have any questions, feel free to
contact me at school either by email or by calling the school office (419-4229161). Again, I sincerely wish everyone the best in the upcoming new year…
hoping 2015 will be a year that is filled with much success and many wonderful
memories for everyone!!! Take care!
Reminder - Call the School!
If your child is going to be absent
or late arriving to school, please
remember to call and let us know.
Elementary: 419-422-9161
Middle School: 419-422-9166
High School: 419-424-5351
Page 14
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
Elementary Guidance
Kids Care Club Give Blankets for Christmas
Barbara Gazette, LB Elementary Guidance Counselor
Kids Care Club: In December the Kids Care Club made blankets for Open
Arms and Hope House and wrapped Christmas/Winter books in them to bring
cheer during the holiday season. We will continue with this project and finish
it up with some nice throws for elderly residents and local nursing homes. The
students showed much talent and dedication with this project. Going forward,
we plan on bringing back the very popular Pet Photo Contest to raise funds and
supplies for Teddy’s Rescue. More details to follow.
Individual Counseling Requests: I love working with the students in this
manner and utilize this to help with current problems that can be rectified. It is
used also to screen students for counseling through our community resources.
Please call me if your student needs this service.
Classroom Visits/Lunch Bunch Groups: These are both ongoing and
Students in the Elementary Kids Care Club (KCC) make blankets with wrapped books
inside for families at Open Arms and Hope House during December as one of their
service learning projects.
“Every artist was at first an
amateur.” - Ralph W. Emerson
help me to reach students on many levels. Please let me know if you have any
questions about this part of counseling services.
State/District Testing: We have our testing dates on our district calendar.
3rd-5th grades have many windows of state testing beginning in February.
Please check for these dates. Requests for vacation days are subject to principal
approval and limited during state testing.
Any questions or concerns, please contact me at 419-422-9161 or bgazette@
lb.noacsc.org.
Staff Team Players of the Month – December
Tonya Gierke & Tami Karhoff
In the elementary school, we typically recognize one staff member each month for being a “Team Player”
in our building. This month, we had almost 40 different nominations come in from our staff. So, we are
awarding two for this month.
Our first “Team Player” for this month is Mrs. Tonya Gierke, 3rd grade teacher. She is often jumping in and
helping not only her third grade team, but others in our school. This month, she also took an extra recess
duty on a really cold day when we didn’t have a substitute for one of the aides that is normally out on duty.
Congratulations and thanks for being such a team player, Mrs. Gierke!
Tonya Gierke
Tami Karhoff
Our second “Team Player” for this month is Mrs. Tami Karhoff. She is an outstanding aide that provides our fifth grade team with instructional support with our
special education inclusion classes. She was nominated for jumping in and helping put extra apps on iPads for IEP students. Another teacher also nominated her
for always being willing to lend an ear, giving advice, and just helping in every way she can in the fifth grade. Congratulations and thank you for being a great team
player, Mrs. Karhoff!
As a team player of the month, Mrs. Gierke and Mrs. Karhoff will receive a complimentary pass for a free dinner at Texas Roadhouse and a movie at Carmike
Cinemas.
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
Literacy Corner
There’s an App for That!
Page 15
Elementary Students of the Month
Ronda Smith, Literacy Coach LB Elementary
Technology is forever evolving around us. Students are engaged with interacting
devices. It is amazing to watch students interact with Ipads or tablets. These
devices can be utilized as a valuable teaching tool for children and it mobility
means it can go anywhere a child does. Here are some top apps for elementary
school learning. The following is a list of apps!!
Math: 10 Frame Fill, Math Bingo, Coin Math, Math
for Kids, What Day, Kids Clock, Nutty Numbers,
Math Mix-up, Kids Mathlete, AB Arithmetic, MAD
Math, Lobster Drive
ABC/Easy: ABC Phonics, ABC Lite, 1-Letters,
ABC Free, Dr. Kids Life, Phonics
Spelling: Spelling Bee, Spelling Bug, Spelling
Tree, Spelling Cat, Spelling Farm, Spelling Magic,
Hangman (Hard), Letter Hunter, Spell and Fill,
Spell It Rite2, Grade1 Words
Back row: Jacob Elchert (Gr.3), Kameron Garlock (Gr.4), Xavier Bailey (Gr.5); Front
row: Karissa Worstein (Gr. K), Reid Irwin (Gr. 1), Gabe Rader (Gr. 2)
Sight Words: Fry Sight Words, Primer, Sight
Words, Sight Touch, Sight Words Lite
Handwriting: ABC Tracing, 123 Writing Alphabet
Tracing, Handwriting
Reading: Read Me Stories, Toy Story, StoryChimes, 3 Pigs 2, A Story B4 Bed,
Time Reading, Stanza, Wolf ’s Story, Ocean Friends, Alice ABC, Story Kit,
StoryRobe
Music: ShelMovies, SingNSend, Grammar Jammers Primary, KidsSongs,
Singing Fingers
Science: Leafsnap, BrainPop, Google Earth, Learn Sharks, Stellarium, Cosmic,
HubbleSite, NASA, SkyORB, Space HD, Space Images, DinoMatch, Animal
Fun, Dinos, Planets, Moon, Weather Eye, Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs for Kids
Social Studies: Stack the States Life, Trains, World History Maps, French for
Kids, French for Kids, Kids Chinese, iTheaurus, Spanish LE, WordPower Lt,
Translator, Dictionary
Above, Miss Vaupel's 2nd grade class enjoys a "Pajama Day" for a little holiday fun!
Baby - It’s COLD outside! The Student/Parent Handbook states that students will go outside for
-Zig Ziglar
recess when the temperature
is above 20 degrees and the wind chill is above 15 degrees. Please dress
your child accordingly. If your child needs a coat, gloves or hat, please let your teacher know.
Page 16
LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS - WHERE EAGLES LEARN TO SOAR
LB Volleyball Season Recap
Dec 2014 / Jan 2015
Meet the Teacher: Mrs. Jennifer Stillings
Coach Cristi Gray
How long have you been a teacher? I am in my 15th year
of teaching.
Season 21-5
How long have you taught at LB? This is my first year.
All BVC
1st Team – Carrigan Gray
2nd Team – Lauren Kotey
3rd Team – Alyson Hughes
Honorable Mention – Olivia Newman and Brooke Hoehne
All Academic – Olivia Newman, Ashleigh Carpenter
All District: 1st Team – Carrigan Gray
All Senior All-star Team – Alyson Hughes, Olivia Newman, Lauren Kotey
All-Ohio: Carrigan Gray – Honorable Mention
School Awards:
Outstanding Performer- Carrigan Gray
Coaches Award – Olivia Newman
Most Improved – Alyson Hughes
New School Records:
Olivia Newman – Most Aces in a Season (66), Most Career Aces
Carrigan Gray – Most Assists in a Season 650, Highest Setting % in a
season 99.8%
LB Boys Soccer Season Recap
Coach Greg Norden
NCOSA
1st Team: Eli Norden, Ty Waltz, Logan Whitaker
2nd Team: Griffin Rath
Honorable Mention: Brendon Wolford
NORTHWEST OHIO ALL-DISTRICT
1st Team: Eli Norden
Honorable Mention: Ty Waltz, Logan Whitaker
NWOSSCA (Northwest Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association)
Academic Awards:
Jake Bixler, Griffin Rath, Logan Whitaker
NWOSSCA ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE TEAM AWARD
Team GPA - 3.51
The 2014 LB boys soccer team advanced to district semi-finals.
NCOSA Record - 4-2-1 Season Record 6-8-3.
Degrees earned, from where and for what: I earned my
bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the
University of Findlay, Master’s Degree in Mathematics
6-8 from Walden University, and my Teacher’s
Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership from Walden
University.
How old were you when you wanted to become a
teacher? I was in 7th grade when I wanted to be a teacher. I had three amazing
middle school teachers that inspired me to go into teaching. They showed the
true definition of what a teacher represents. If I can be half of what they were to
me then I can consider myself as an accomplished teacher.
What do you teach (grade/subject): I am teaching 5th grade science and social
studies.
What’s on your current playlist? An assortment of many different styles, country,
rock, r&b, hip-hop,
Who’s your favorite actor/ess? Sandra Bolluck, Julia Roberts, Nicholas Cage, Mel
Gibson
Where did you grow up/go to school? Findlay, Findlay High School
What is your favorite quote? Be better than your average… This is what I tell my
students. No matter how good you are at something, you can always do better
and be better.
What are your hobbies: Watching my sons in their sporting events, running/
working out, and spending time with my family
What do you love most about LB: The students and staff! I feel like I have been
here for years the way that the community, staff, and students have accepted
me and openly welcomed me. The support that I have received in my first few
months here has been so appreciated. I am blessed to be at such an amazing
district.
Chat Acronyms
Kids are always texting. Do you know what those acronyms mean? We
checked out www.netlingo.com to learn some:
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion
TTYL - Talk To You Later -or- Type To You Later
ISO - In Search Of
ASL - Age/Sex/Location
KPC - Keeping Parents Clueless
MOS - Mom Over Shoulder
PIR - Parent In Room
LMIRL - Let’s Meet In Real Life