Our staff looks forward to welcoming back our students and their families for the start of another school year beginning with Open House Tuesday, August 21st from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. and first day of classes for Gr. 1 – 12, Wednesday, August 22nd. Teachers, administrators and support staff are busy with preparations for an engaging year filled with a wide variety of learning experiences and opportunities for our students.
We are continuing to focus our efforts toward academic enhancements with the integration of technology in lesson presentation, curriculum materials, and assessment of student work. Along with curriculum and technology enhancements, we are also engaged with several initiatives across the district with our commitment to providing safe, supportive and vibrant learning environments for all students, allowing us to focus on both the academic and emotional needs of our kids. Likewise, we seek to raise our dedication to customer service across our district as we are your public school system and want to continue to earn your respect by providing a quality experience.
In an effort to redesign teaching and learning in the classroom and increase student engagement and accelerate academic achievement in the coming school years, we have partnered with Discovery Education to provide a systemic, comprehensive professional development program for our staff entitled STEMformation. Details of this professional development program will be shared in later newsletters and on our website.
During the past several months, improvements to the school building and property have included the installation of a new audio/visual system in the auditeria, gymnasiums, and music/band classrooms. We have also completed the refurbishing of the main gym floor, new carpet in the elementary and MS/HS office, and new furnishings in the media center. Work has also been completed with the replacement of our domestic hot water system with a state of the art solar powered hot water system. You will also notice that our new softball and baseball complex is ready for action as well as a new bleacher system at the Football/Track complex for our visitors. In an effort to provide additional safety for our students and staff, the Board of Education has hired a School Resource Officer (SRO) through the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department. The officer will play an integral part maintaining the safety and security of our students and staff and provide educational opportunities for our students in the areas of drug prevention and heathy lifestyles. Our SRO is Deputy Caleb Miller and his K-9 companion Cooper. Please take a moment during Open House to visit with Officer Miller and Cooper.
On another note, parents are reminded that we will once again utilize the number system for student pick-up in the circle drive and student parking lot at dismissal time. If you are unfamiliar with this system or forgot your family number, staff will be available at the Central Office entrance during Open House to convey the details of the system.
Our school website is currently under construction with the unveiling of the new website scheduled for mid-November. In addition to a new vibrant design and layout, our new website will feature a parent portal entitled ONEVIEW. The ONEVIEW Portal will serve as a location for parents to complete student forms that in past years, had been completed with paper forms. ONEVIEW is also the location that parents may use update student information such as change in address and/or contact numbers. In addition, ONEVIEW Portal is the location that parents may visit to complete the registration process for new students to our district.
When ONEVIEW becomes operational, we will mail a letter to all parents with the instructions regarding how to enter and utilize the portal. Thanks in advance for your assistance with this new endeavor and hope it provides an enhanced level of efficiency as we work together with the education of your children.
We have several new employees that will work with your children during the coming school year. Mrs. Tracey Stokes will serve as our Elementary School Principal. Mrs. Stokes replaces Mrs. Amy Hammer. Mrs. Hammer has moved into the position as Director of Curriculum & Technology Integration/Innovation that was previously held by Mr. Manz. Mr. Manz has assumed a similar position with the Wayne Trace school district. Mrs. Christen Bauer will serve as our grade 5 English/Language Arts and Science teacher. Mrs. Bauer is replacing Mrs. Owusu-Safo who has moved to a teaching position with the Edgerton Local School District. Mr. Kyle Zartman will serve as our Foreign Language teacher. Mr. Zartman is replacing Mrs. Monica Recker who has moved to a grade 5 Math & Social Studies teaching position. Mrs. Jassmine Reyes has moved to our grade 4 English/Language Arts teaching position with the departure of Mr. Pickenpaugh to a teaching position in the Delphos St. John school system. Mrs. Alyssa Saylor has moved from grade 6 to the grade 7 & 8 English/Language Arts position vacated by Mrs. Reyes. Mrs. Mary Lillemon has been hired to replace Mrs. Saylor. Mr. Andy Messman will serve as our Head Custodian. Mr. Messman is replacing the retired Mr. Mike Rohrs. Three aides have been hired to assist our Special Needs students. The aides are Kara Eicher, Alicia Bereszazi, and Ashley Fidler.
As the new school year begins, please remember that the most meaningful factor in assisting students to have a successful school experience is our ongoing partnerships with parents and guardians. In order to help your children attain their goals, we need your involvement, whether through attending conferences, extra-curricular events, volunteering in your child’s school, or, perhaps most importantly, reinforcing the importance of education and on-time school attendance.
Through the range of experiences and emotions throughout a year, from celebrations to heartbreak, we should always remember that we are all stronger – and our students’ experience better – when we work together as a team, extended family and community.
Remember to stay informed about your child’s school through our website: www.antwerpschools.org
Enjoy the last few weeks of summer vacation and best wishes for a successful school year.
Sincerely,
Martin A. Miller
Superintendent – Antwerp Local Schools