superintendent’s corner – mr. robert fischer pause mar 2018 (2).pdfsuperintendent’s corner –...
TRANSCRIPT
Spring Edition 2018
TWIN VALLEY COMMUNITY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER – Mr. Robert Fischer
While spring is the season of renewal and new beginnings, in education spring is a time of conclusion
and closure. In the beginning, an academic year is frequently perceived as a daunting long-term endeavor,
yet as we move into March and April, we usually wonder where the time has gone. Our seniors who are
so excited to begin their next phase of their life will soon reflect on how extraordinarily fast their high
school experience passed. No matter how exhausted the instructional staff and students become by the
end of an overwhelming semester, there is still that prevailing question of how the year vanished so
quickly. Ultimately, for everyone in education, spring becomes a time of urgency as well as completion.
As we move towards the summer and look at the future, the Twin Valley Community Local Board of
Education and Administration is working on our next steps to continue to make the community proud of
their school. After completion of the roof project in January, the district moved on to our next project that will protect and upgrade
our building. At the February 26, 2018 Board of Education Meeting, the district passed a resolution to pursue an energy savings
and safety project with Energy Optimizers USA. The project would allow for the following changes; replacement of ALL Interior
and exterior lights with LED lighting, replacement of ALL exterior windows and doors, replacement of our stadium lights and
poles at Vaughn Field and replacement of our current hot water boiler. This project would also allow the District to upgrade
several other components of our electrical system throughout the district as well as the opportunity to continue to improve district
safety options for each classroom and the district as a whole. Such options would include; safety mechanisms for each classroom,
some form of protective glass leading into the main offices as well as each classroom door and potential communication options
in the event a safety event took place. If TVS pursues this opportunity, it WOULD NOT require the school district to ask the
community for ANY new monies to pay for the $1.8 million project. The funding of the project would come strictly from the
savings earned by making the afore mentioned energy changes.
During the 2017-2018 school year, Twin Valley South Staff focused on Trauma Informed
Care and learning more about what we can do to ensure that our students feel like an active part
of the educational process. While this is never a finished product, we continue to make strides
and I’ve been pleased with the development and the atmosphere change that is taking place in
the hallways of TVS. I look forward to continuing our work in 2018-2019 and hope that all look
at Twin Valley South as a place where students come first!
As a reminder, if you have not yet taken time to connect to any of our communication
avenues, please do not delay. School information can be found on OneCall texts, Twitter,
Facebook, the TVS Website and my weekly update. I have made it a goal to make sure ALL
are aware of what is happening within the classroom and the district.
TREASURER’S CORNER – Mrs. Tearalee Riddlebarger
As the district’s treasurer, I would
like to thank the community for their
continued support of the district,
students, and staff. We all appreciate
everyone understanding the needs of
the district. On November 6th the TVS
Community will be voting to renew an
EXISTING .75 Income Tax Levy
previously approved in November of
2013. When passed, this levy will raise approximately
$806,000.00 ANNUALLY for the School District's current
operating expenses. School operating expenses include
classroom instructional materials, salaries and general day to
day bills of the district. It is a renewal which means no new
taxes. Please remember to vote November 6th!
Additionally, I wrote about the Current Agricultural Use
Values (CAUV) in the last few newsletters but I want to
address the issue again as the community has now witnessed
the effect on their property tax bills. The state of Ohio passed
legislation that reduced CAUV in the spring of 2017. Due
to this change, tax bills for those citizens who do not have
agricultural land may have shown an increase. The district
wants to make taxpayers aware that any increase was not
due to the addition of new levies, taxes or bonds. This
increase is the result of needing to meet the generated amount
previously voted by the community. 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 reach out to either the county auditor’s office or the
TVS district office.
TECHNOLOGY CORNER – Mr. Derrick Myers
Twin Valley is getting closer and closer to a 1:1 ratio for students to computers. We currently use 943
district owned staff and student devices. We provide Wi-Fi for hundreds of visitor, student, or staff owned
devices. We have a robust network of 60 wireless access points throughout the campus. As always safety
is also a top priority. Large monitors are currently being installed in each office to publicly display live
cameras. Grant funding recently provided TVs for public and student communication, staff meetings, and
sporting events in the HS Commons. We are always looking for inventive ways to use technology. Mrs.
Weldy is currently working with students to create stop motion clay animation. They use an app on
Chromebooks that records individual photos as students move their clay characters. They can then add
voiceover to make them talk. These photos are saved as video and can be shared later. Students are having
fun being engaged using the arts and technology to produce movies!
TRANSPORTATION & MAINTENANCE - Mr. Jeff Tully
It’s hard to believe the 2017-2018
school year is almost over! The
maintenance department has kept busy
with repairs and additional
improvements to the facility and
grounds. Here is a small list of our
accomplishments and upgrading
activities.
Recently completed projects include:
• Painted Media Center walls over Christmas break
• Replaced loose floor tiles
• Painted stripes in Elementary Halls
• Assisted two FFA students, Nathan Espey and Austin
Baker with a project; painted blue and yellow stripes
and end walls in the Vo-Ag Hall
• Added and replaced signage in the parking lot
Future projects include:
• Replacing the library carpet and additional painting
• Adding FFA emblems/FFA history to the Vo-Ag Hall
• Improving visibility and security in the playground
• Painting exterior areas of the building
The variety of color and stripes in the building will help bring
in the school’s history and add an additional security measure
by making it easier to identify areas of the school.
Mr. Snyder has been busy preparing the bus fleet for the
Highway Patrol Inspection this spring. The fleet is inspected
each year to ensure they are safe for our students. All buses
have been serviced with a few receiving new tires and brakes.
Thank you to my hard working staff for cleaning and
maintaining the building and for safely delivering the students
to and from school each day this year.
PUPIL SERVICES - Mr. Daniel Lewis
Twin Valley South is constantly looking for new ways to better serve our students. A recent trend in
servicing students is a framework known as Trauma Informed Care. This framework recognizes that
students can experience traumatic events from a broad range of sources. Their ability to process traumatic
events is in turn impacted by a number of resiliency factors. Each child will process events differently.
Traumatic events can lead to issues in a school setting including minimal academic progress, an inability
to focus and social/behavioral concerns.
Our staff had the chance to work with Dr. Tim Callahan from the Greene County ESC during
professional development. Dr. Callahan showed how trauma literally changes the biology of the brain.
He also shared that proper interventions can help repair the damage these events cause. Trauma Informed
Care relies on existing frameworks, like Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, to provide universal
supports for all students. Directly teaching positive behaviors and self-regulating strategies, like deep breathing, allow students
to handle the anxiety that traumatic events can cause without conflict.
The framework for Trauma informed Care fits well with other professional development our staff has participated in this year.
We continue to work on building positive rapport with students, providing engaging lessons and allowing for non-confrontational
ways to handle anxiety and stress.
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Scott Cottingim, 7-12 Principal
We have begun the last nine
weeks of 2017 - 2018 school year.
As we head toward spring break,
students will soon be leaving for
trips including the 8th grade who will
be heading to Washington DC. The
7th grade students are excitedly
planning their trip to Camp
Campbell Gard in May. Spring
sports are well underway, and
student participation numbers are the highest that we have
had in years.
School safety is always a concern at Twin Valley South.
In an effort to continue a safe learning environment we are
encouraging students and staff that if you
See Something, Hear Something, SAY Something!!!!
State testing is under way; we will be administering the
ACT, ELA, Science, Math, and Social Studies tests this
spring. Scheduling for next school year has begun and will
be finalized in the next few weeks.
The junior class will once again sponsor our
Junior/Senior Prom April 14th which will be held at Miami
University. The junior class parents will host the after prom
at TVS High School.
April 20th marks the return of a drama production to
Twin Valley South, with our 7-12 students performing
Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.
Please mark your calendars for the 8th grade promotion
ceremony on May 18th at 6:00 PM and the High School
Graduation on May 24th at 7:00 PM.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ms. Patti Holly, K-6 Principal
Spring is in the air and the next
few months will bring a lot of
activities to the elementary. Our
students are gearing up for testing,
and our teachers are working hard to
ensure they are ready for spring
assessments.
We Read Across America this
month with Read for the Gold
Challenge through the end of March. Many classes
recognized Dr. Seuss Birthday with lots of fun activities this
month. Students ate green eggs and ham and dressed up as
his/her favorite Dr. Seuss character. And yes, the “Cat in
the Hat” was in the building!
Once a month the elementary staff attends professional
development after school with the Kid Whisperer, Scott
Ervin. What he is teaching our staff is not a system or
program, put simply, a way in which adults can calmly and
assertively set limits with students through systematic and
explicit skill and procedural instruction.
The elementary is patiently awaiting notification of a
literacy grant we applied for last month. This literacy grant
money will be used to provide much needed
intervention/enrichment for our kindergarten through third
grade students.
School safety has been a topic of discussion throughout
the year. We are encouraging students with the slogan: “If
you see something, if you hear something, say something.”
This slogan applies to bullying as well. We encourage
students and parents to report incidents of bullying to staff
members, the counselor, and/or the principal. It is our goal
to teach anti-bullying procedures/strategies as an everyday
classroom morning meeting routine.
In our effort to keep you informed of the activities at
TVS Elementary, we will continue updating our website and
sending home classroom newsletters. I know how busy you
all are as parents, but your dedication and support shows
how committed you are to your children and their education.
With all of us working together, we will certainly achieve
all of our goals this year.
Go Panthers!
FOOD SERVICE – Mrs. Megan Fields
The Food Service Department continues to have a very productive 2017-18 school year! We teamed up
with Galactic Ice to provide 100% fruit juice slushies for our Middle and High School students. In March,
we anticipate to extend this to our elementary students! In hopes to increase breakfast participation,
elementary students who came for breakfast on Friday, March 16th, 2018, each received a ticket to get a
free slushie with lunch that day!
As a benefit to students that qualify for reduced meals, breakfast is served at NO COST. This is
a $0.30 per day savings! This cost is not reimbursed to the district by the state or federal government, it is
a cost picked up by the food service department.
Our High School students have been buzzing over “Pizza Friday’s” with tasty recipes such as Buffalo
Chicken Pizza with Blue Cheese Crumbles, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Mexican Taco Pizza, Cheeseburger Pizza and more! These
yummy and nutritious pizzas are made from fresh dough and meet the USDA guidelines.
All grades have been excited over the smart snack compliant Hershey Ice Cream options including ice cream cones, fruit
freezes, ice cream sandwiches and more! We continue to spice up school lunch with Walking Taco Thursday’s for all grades as
well as adding a very popular item, “Pulled Pork Sandwich.” Our delicious 4oz. Pulled Pork sandwich is served on a wholegrain
bun and students are able to use the sauce of their choice to make it their own.
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.
Our Middle School and High School students participated in Aramark’s Viewpoint Survey and received a free snack. This
survey questioned the students their likes and dislikes when it comes to school lunch. We are highly anticipating the results!
On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, a committee of eight high school students met with Mrs. Megan Fields to discuss menus, food
topics and ways to improve TVS school lunch.
Free and reduced applications may be filed at any time during the school year. The application covers both breakfast and
lunch and is available in the school offices or on the District web page. If your financial situation has changed, please fill out an
application. We want everyone to enjoy a healthy meal!
Check out the Food Service web-page for monthly menus, 2017-18 price list, and a link to MySchoolBucks.com our on-line
payment service. Please note there is a fee for on-line payments (paid to a third party, not the school). You may use the site for
free if you just want to check your child’s account balance or view his/her transactions.
The Food Service Department works with TVS in supporting, See something... Hear Something...SAY Something!!!
SOUTH STRONG – PANTHER PROUD
SUCCESS LIAISON – Allie Shafer FFA ADVISOR- Alison Derringer
The Preble County Success
Program removes non-cognitive
barriers to learning by building
bridges between home, school and
the community to improve school
success. The Success Program is
currently in its second year at
Twin Valley South. Students and
families enrolled in Twin Valley
South Schools are eligible to participate.
The Success program is having another very exciting
year. Currently there are 22 TVS families being served
by the Success Program. Success is able to bring
programs into the District such as our annual Shoes 4 the
Shoeless event, Christmas for Kids, Hunger and
Homelessness Awareness Week, and a new program
coming this fall. Success will be hosting a Back to
School Fun Fair on August 10th! This will be fun
opportunity for families to receive support before they
return to school.
If you are interested in the Success Program, have
questions, or know a family who could benefit, please
contact Allie Shafer at [email protected] or 937-
839-4688.
Go Panthers!
Shoes 4 the Shoeless Program
Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week
As the year has progressed, in
addition to the monthly meetings and
various contests, our FFA program has
been part of these activities:
The Bistro -On March 3rd seven
FFA members made a trip to The
Bistro at Eagles Point in Eaton to
volunteer for the day as bussers, hosts
and waitresses in an effort to give back
to our community.
Ag Ball - In an effort to raise money for Children's
Hospital in January and February, we participated in FFA
Basketball throughout the area. Each player and members
gained pledges in order to raise money and awareness for the
Children's Hospital. Luckily, our chapter held our first ever
Ag Basketball tournament at TVS as well as attending the
National Trail and Preble Shawnees tournaments.
National FFA Week - February 17th-24th we asked FFA
members as well as the rest of our school to participate in a
week of dressing up to promote agriculture. During the week,
we held themed days as well as National Blue and Corn Gold
day. In addition to the planned activities, we made a
breakfast for the TVS Staff to show our appreciation.
The Wall - If you have walked down the Ag hallway
recently, you may have noticed the new paint job! We are
ecstatic to announce our wall of fame. This wall was made to
give recognition to State and American Degree recipients
over the history of the TVS FFA Program.
8th Grade Recruitment – As we look to the future of our
program, on March 16th our chapter held the 8th grade
requirement for all upcoming HS students. During the day,
the FFA students gave an overall presentation of what Ag
means. The 8th GD students split into 3 groups to tour the
greenhouse, shop and FFA classroom. At the end, the 8th GD
students met together in the gym to play a fun, engaging
game. This event was a great success and was a great way to
invite new members to join our growing family.
Twin Valley Community
Local School District
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PANTHER/BULLDOG/TIGER PROUD
Do you have any memorabilia celebrating the history of
the Twin Valley School district? Would you like to
clear up a little space in your home and help share that
history? TVS is currently accepting donations and
loans of memorabilia from Lanier and West Alex
schools to help decorate the TVS halls.
If you are interested in making a contribution,
please either contact Mr. Fischer or drop your items
off at the TVS District Office.
2018-19 COMMUNIITY PICNIC
The West Alexandria Celebration Committee will be
holding the annual Community Picnic at Twin Valley
Community Local Schools on Thursday, August 16, 2018
from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm in the Commons.
Mingle with the teachers, staff, and local businesses, enjoy
burgers or dogs with chips and a drink for a $1.50, and
maybe win a door prize or
two.
There will also be an Open
House for all grades the
same evening beginning at
5:30pm.
KINDERGARTEN 2018-2019
• Kindergarten Registration:
Need to register? Contact the ES Office
at 937-839-4315
• Kindergarten 101:
April 19, 2018 @ 6:30 pm
Sign up at Kindergarten Registration
• Kindergarten Screening:
May 2 & 3
Sign up at Kindergarten Registration
• Kindergarten Stagger Start Day 1*:
August 20, 2018, 8:20a-3:30p *Letter sent home in August with details.
• Kindergarten Stagger Start Day 2*:
August 21, 2018, 8:20a-3:30p *Letter sent home in August with details.
• Kindergarten Orientation:
August 22, 2018 @ 1:00 pm
• Kindergarten First Day:
August 23, 2018 – 8:20a-3:30p
MS/HS TESTING DATES
April 10, 12 - ELA April 17, 19 - Math April 24, 26 - 8th GD Science and Biology April 24, 26 - American History and Government
Twin Valley South Schools presents
April 20, 2018 & April 21, 2018
At 7:00 pm TVS Auditorium
Would you like to receive text messages from One Call?
If so, text ALERT to 22300.
Mark Your Calendars
May May
May 1 – Percussion Ensemble & Jazz Band
May 2 – Band Field Trip
May 2-4 – 5th Grade at Camp
May 2 – CP Science Field Trip
May 3 – 6th Grade Field Trip
May 3-4 – FFA State Convention
May 5 – FFA Spring Plant Sale Open House
May 5 – Special Olympics
May 7-11 – Book Fair
May 7 – Choir Concert
May 7 – ES Art Show
May 8 – Elections
May 8 – 8th Grade Band & Wind Ensemble
May 10 – 3rd Grade Field Trip
May 10-12 – CCC Track Tournament
May 11 – FFA Ag. Awareness Day
May 15 – Energy Team Recognition
May 16-18 – 7th Grade Camp
May 18-19 – Choir @ Kings Island
May 18 – ES Field Day
May 18 – MVCTC Sr. Last Day
May 18 – 8th Grade Promotion
May 18 – MS Farewell Dance
May 21 – Senior Awards & Memory Walk
May 21 – Senior Lunch
May 21 – HS Athletic Awards
May 21 - 4th Grade Field Trip May 22– MVCTC Jr. Last Day
May 22 – ES Band Concert
May 23 – Underclassmen Awards
May 23 – Last Day Students
May 23 – MS Spring Athletic Awards
May 24 – Students Last Day
May 24 – TVS Graduation Ceremony
June/July
District Office Summer Hours:
Open: Mon-Thu – 6:30am-4:30 pm
Closed Fridays during June & July
April April
Apr 2 – MVCTC No School
Apr 2-6 – Spring Break – No School
Apr 9 – Classes Resume
Apr 9-10 – All County Band
Apr 13 – Fred Durkle Invite
Apr 14 – FFA State Officer Interviews
Apr 14 – TVS Prom
Apr 14 – TVS After Prom
Apr 17 – Spanish Class Field Trip
Apr 18 – FFA State Veterinary Science
Apr 20 – 2nd Grade Field Trip
Apr 20 – Kindergarten Field Trip
Apr 20-22 – Play/Drama Performance
Apr 21 – Band @ Kings Island
Apr 24 – Senior Citizen Dinner
Apr 24 – Envirothon Team Event
Apr 26 – 5th Grade Field Trip
Apr 26 – Rotary Honor Scholars Banquet
Apr 27 – Choir Field Trip
Apr 27 – 1st Grade Field Trip
Apr 27 – FFA State CDE Finals
Apr 30 – Faculty Recital
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
James Pemberton Tim Beneke Christine Bitner Jason DeLong Matt Lunsford
President Vice President Member Member Member