Last night, the district announced the decision to discontinue the Heritage Elementary all-day every day kindergarten program for 2012-2013 and beyond. Over the past several months, an administrative task force examined the practicality of continuing this program, looking at the history, costs, and benefits of an all-day, every day kindergarten program. The task force has submitted a memorandum addressing their findings to the board. The memorandum can be found at this link.

Next year Heritage Elementary will become a K-5 elementary, causing the need to redistrict our elementary students. Redistricting is never an easy process. This is an important community decision and we are asking for your participation. Applications for committee members will be accepted between now and December 21, 2011. The committee will meet in January, and have a recommendation by mid-February.

Download the Redistricting Committee Application.

AHA honors Olentangy buildings and students at Dec 14 Board Meeting

The American Heart Association (AHA) recognized the efforts of the district at the December 14 Board of Education meeting by presenting several awards. The AHA honored MacKenzie R. from Scioto Ridge Elementary School; who was recognized as the top student in the Jump Rope for Heart campaign, Wyandot Run Elementary School; number two school in the state in the Hoops for Heart campaign and Scioto Ridge Elementary School; number two school in the state in the Jump Rope for Heart campaign.  Cheshire Elementary School was recognized as the rookie school of the year for their efforts in the Jump Rope for Heart competition. In addition, Glen Oak Elementary student Simran A. was invited to share her “Youth Survivor Story”.  Simran will be pictured on national literature for next year’s Jump Rope for Heart campaign collection envelopes. Overall, Olentangy Local Schools raised $98, 434.86 for the American Heart Association in their 2010-11 fund raising year.

It was a party atmosphere when Olentangy’s Food Service Department met after hours recently to wrap gifts and goodies for six families in need.  The families, with 20 children in all, were identified by the district’s social worker as those who could use some special holiday help.  Food Service employees from across all buildings contributed about $1600 and Kohls stores offered a 25% discount for all of their purchases. Gordon Food Service also helped out by offering a 9 pound ham to each family, a gift certificate and other snacks for the children’s goodie bags.

"Gluskabe and the Four Wishes"

Alum Creek Elementary School Teacher Meghan McDonnell Anderson wrote and produced a musical for her fifth-grade students about Native American Indians.  The lesson turned into an across-the-curriculum affair for the students as social studies, art and physical education also created related projects. Part of the guidance curriculum was also involved as the moral of the play was to help others.