Report Cards To Be Distributed Soon – The end of the first grading period is Thursday, October 16, 2014. Report cards will be issued on Friday, October 24.
Free Teacher Toolkits Available for Earth Science Week - To help observe Earth Science Week, which runs Sunday, Oct. 12 through Saturday, Oct. 18, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Geological Survey is making Teacher Toolkits available, while the supply lasts. These toolkits, which include experiment materials, a calendar, posters, and activity sheets, among other items, are free (except for shipping costs) and can be ordered by calling the Geologic Records Center at 614-265-6596 or emailing [email protected]
In addition, a limited number of kits will be available at some of the events that are planned for the week. Other events can be found online. The website also offers details about various free resources, such as walking tour guides, leaflets and maps that Ohioans can use to explore the state's geology.
OFFICE OF TEACHING & LEARNING
Parents' Guides to Student Success – The Parents’ Guides to Student Success were developed by teachers, parents and education experts in response to the new academic standards that more than 45 states have adopted. Created for grades K-8 and high school English language arts/literacy and mathematics, the guides provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career. The guides are available on the national PTA website:
http://www.pta.org/parents/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2583
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
HTHS Learns About Giving Blood - On Thursday, Hamilton Township High School students 16 years of age and older attended an assembly hosted by Patricia Aronhalt from the American Red Cross. Students learned about eligibility to donate blood, the donation process, and the need for blood donations. Students also asked questions about donating. Ms. Aronhalt ended her presentation with a short video of Madeline, a little girl from Powell, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and needed several blood transfusions. Madeline is alive today because of the blood donations she received. Students were moved by this video and eager to donate. The first blood drive of the year is October 15 from 8am-2pm in the high school auditorium. National Honor Society students will work the registration table, and students and staff will donate blood throughout the day. If you are interested in donating, please see Mrs. Jados to sign up. Thanks for making a difference, Rangers!
HTHS Marching Band Places - On Saturday, the Hamilton Township Marching Band competed at the Teays Valley Golden Sound Showcase. It was the bands first performance at an Ohio Music Education Association sanctioned event in over 9 years. Despite the cold weather and the first show nerves, the band put together an outstanding performance. The band received three superior ratings and four excellent ratings from the seven categories that were judged, giving them an overall excellent rating. The color guard and field commanders also received excellent ratings. Overall, the band placed 6th of the 14 competing bands and missed qualifying for state finals by the smallest of margins. The band will be competing next at the Tri-Valley Classic in Dresden on Sat., Oct. 25.
HTHS Educator Of The Month - Mrs. Meghann Steele
"I nominate Meghann Steele for Teacher or Employee of the Month. She is positive and innovative. She is a good listener and a go-getter. She motivates those around her and cares about each student." - HS Staff
"Meghann Steele is one of the key components of Hamilton Township High School and she deserves the recognition of teacher of the month! While working with Meghann, it has become very clear that she really cares about the students. Meghann has worked very hard at making the guidance office a very welcoming place for students that need her help but also an inviting environment as a college and career readiness office. Meghann is involved with a lot of things from scheduling, scholarships, working with students, to meeting with parents, administration and teachers. Meghann does so much throughout her day but this year she even found time to take on a brand new class for college bound seniors, College Prep 101. I am amazed and inspired by how many things Meghann can efficiently balance while having a smile on her face!" - HS Teacher
"I recommend Meghann Steele for Counselor of the Month. Without her, the building would not run as smooth as it does. The students love her and need her on a daily basis. She is there for her students, loves what she does and has fun doing it." - HS Staff
"I would like to nominate Meghann Steele as Guidance Counselor of the Month because she works so hard this time of year (and really all year) to make sure schedules are ready to go, etc. She is very flexible and always willing to listen to students as well as teachers." - HS Teacher
Steele stated, "Thank you for nominating me as Teacher of the Month. If it wasn't for the wonderful faculty and staff at HTHS, I would not be able to effectively do my job as counselor. I am grateful that I get to work with a high school team that is extremely supportive of the roles that we as school counselors play in the lives of our students, especially in encouraging and preparing them academically, socially, and emotionally for life beyond high school.”
"Every day is a different day in my office because I face various situations on a daily basis, which can range from conflict resolution and crisis management to college and career readiness. I value every opportunity that I get to talk and connect with students on a daily basis and be available to assist them in any way that I can. During this time of year, I am processing high school transcripts and writing letters of recommendation for seniors that are applying for college and scholarship opportunities, preparing for the administration of statewide assessments, introducing new students to HTHS, and reviewing student schedules and making sure that they meet graduation requirements." - Steele
"This year, we have been fortunate to offer College Prep 101 as a semester elective to 54 current college bound seniors during 3rd period in the auditorium, in which we help them explore college options, research college majors, understand the application process for scholarships, grants, and loans, learn time management and decision making skills, and prepare for the ACT and SAT. We also advise them on college and scholarship applications, admission essays, and letters of recommendation. It is such an awesome opportunity for us to work with seniors in this capacity and to create an awareness of the opportunities that lie ahead of them once they graduate from high school." - Steele
"Thank you again! I truly love what I do and it is such a blessing to be a part of this Excellent TEAM at Hamilton Township High School!" - Steele
HAMILTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
ST Math and JiJi the Penguin are Making Math Fun! - Over the past two weeks, Middle School Math students have been working with the new ST Math program on the Chromebooks and iPads. The program was made available through a grant and allows the students to work at their own pace on math topics that are being discussed in class. The program focuses on creating a conceptual understanding of the standards and allows the students to play games and take assessments that teachers can use the data from to direct interventions and extensions. The students have really enjoyed the break from the typical math day. ST math is being used in the Elementary and Intermediate schools as well and students can access the program at home from the Hamilton Schools website.
Roller Coaster Physics - Who knew that learning about the types of energy and friction could be so fun? 8th graders were assigned to Cedar Point's design team to create next summer's new roller coaster! Students were required to build a coaster out of foam piping that consisted of 2 hills and at least one loop. But that's not it...the roller coaster car (marble) had to complete the entire course, without going off track! As students built their roller coaster, they were focused on the different types of energy and contact forces that were present throughout the ride.
HAMILTON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Hamilton Intermediate Student Featured For Her Techie Skills - 6th grader, Heidi Kondrath is a member of WIE TECHie (Women In Engineering). Every Saturday for the past four years, Heidi spends her time with women who work in the fields of engineering and computer programming creating EV3 robots. She was chosen to be part of this special group of girls after she applied to TECHie club in 2nd grade and won an essay competition. Then after attending a summer camp and excelled, she was invited to be a member of the WIE TECHie club. Recently, she attended an evening with the mayor for the premier of The Girl’s Book, which she is featured through out.
Hamilton Intermediate Collecting Winter Apparel - For the month of October’s Community Service project, students at the HIS are collecting new or gently used coats. Only NEW donations for hats, gloves, and mittens will be accepted. Donations will be given to The Salvation Army of Central Ohio!
HAMILTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HES Third Grade Students Take the Fall Reading OAA – On Tuesday third grade students had their first opportunity to take an Ohio Achievement Assessment and show what they have learned during their elementary career. Attendance was nearly perfect and students showed the test taking strategies they have learned by using the allotted two and a half hours to check their work. The results should be sent to the building in approximately six weeks, and teachers will use the data to make educational decisions according to student needs.
Wal-Mart Gives HES $650 – Each year, area Wal-Mart stores choose schools to receive a donation of gift cards for teachers to use to purchase supplies for their classrooms. This year, Hamilton Elementary School was one of the recipients of this gift. The HES donation totaled $650 in gift cards. The staff at HES would like to thank Wal-Mart on South High Street for their generous contribution that will ultimately benefit the students of this community.
HAMILTON PRESCHOOL
Pumpkin Patch at the Preschool - Students in Mrs. Schmauch’s class were asked to decorate a pumpkin as a family project. The students could use any materials they wanted and were encouraged to think creatively. Once the pumpkins were completed the students were able to share them with the class and add them to the pumpkin patch. This is the first of many family activities the students will be completing this year. Families get ready for some fun crafty assignments!
Thank You, Wal-Mart - Thanks to the Wal-Mart on South High Street for selecting each of our preschool teachers to receive a $50.00 gift card for the purchase of school supplies and materials. Wal-Mart has always been a big supporter of Hamilton Preschool and recognizes our commitment to our district's students and families.
OFFICE OF ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS
Technology makes an impact in the classroom - The Alternative Academy is now using 20 Google Chromebooks in the classroom. These laptop computers are available for any student to use to do research, email their teachers, use Google apps like word processing and spreadsheets, and much more. In addition, students are enrolled in online courses for Math credits and for OGT Preparation through iLearn Ohio. So far the students and staff are very excited to utilize these fun and useful learning tools.
DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
Boys’ Soccer Earns MSL Title Share with Victory over Fairfield Union - The Varsity Boys’ Soccer team earned at least a share of the MSL title with a 2-1 win over Fairfield Union on Thursday night. The Rangers league record improved to 8-0-1 and 12-3-1 overall. Currently the Rangers are tied with Fisher Catholic who has one league match left with Teays Valley that was postponed until Monday, October 13 due to weather. Congratulations to the Rangers and Head Coach Grant Taylor on a great regular season and at least a share of the MSL title!
Rangers Athletes Attend OHSAA Foundation Leadership Conference - The Athletic Department was fortunate to be able to send four student athletes to attend the annual OHSAA Foundation Student Leadership Conference. The conference was held at the Ohio State University Student Union. The guest speakers this year include Olympian Butch Reynolds, Jerome Singleton, Gary Sailes and Dom Tiberi. The student-athletes who participated in the event will use their leadership skills to help all Ranger Athletics. Congratulations to the following Rangers for their participation in the Leadership Conference: Julia Scholl, Khari Berger, Lauren Longbrake, and Ian Foreman. A special thanks goes to Head Girls Basketball Coach Carla Shaw for taking these students to OSU.
Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer and Volleyball Learn Central District Tournament Draws - The Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer and Volleyball teams have learned their tournament draws for the OHSAA Central District Tournaments in their respective sports.
• The Volleyball team earned the Division II Central District #3 seed. This #3 seed in central Ohio earned the Rangers a first round bye. They will await the winner of the #13 Heath and #16 Marion-Franklin matchup. The winners will come to HTHS and play the Rangers on Thursday, October 16th at 6:00pm.
• Our Girls’ Soccer team will travel to Bloom-Carroll on Saturday, October 18th for a 7:00pm start.
• Our Boys’ Soccer team will travel to Pickerington Central on Wednesday, October 15th for a 7:00pm start time.
Good luck to our Rangers as they enter the postseason.
Rangers Football Defeats Liberty Union - The Rangers football team rallied past Liberty Union 49-28. Patrick Robinson threw for 345 yds and four TDs. Deric Phouthavong led the receivers with eight receptions for 189 yds and three TDs. Xavier Harris added six catches for 77 yds and a TD, while also rushing for two additional scores. Wes Payne led the rushing attack with 130 yds and a touchdown. The Rangers finished with 506 yards of offense compared to Liberty Union's 271 yards.
This win places the Rangers in 4th place in the OHSAA Division II Region 5 Computer Rankings which would result in the Rangers hosting a playoff game if the playoffs started today. The Rangers travel to Teays Valley on Friday, October 10 in hopes of continuing their winning ways and remaining in the D-II playoff picture. Kickoff is at 7pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS
See what’s happening in our district this week!
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