New Richmond Elementary took the entire school to the Shrine Circus as a reward for students reaching the 300-minute reading milestone during March. Principal Gary Combs and NRE teacher Connie Hammer discuss the trip in this video.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Athletic complex update
The Motz Group expects to have the baseball turf infield at the new ahtletic complex on Bethel-New Richmond Road across from the high school completed by the end of this week and will begin installing the turf infield on the new softball field.
After the turf is down The Motz Group will install a 3/4 inch layer of a sand-rubber mix between the 1 1/2 inch turf fibers.
After the turf is down The Motz Group will install a 3/4 inch layer of a sand-rubber mix between the 1 1/2 inch turf fibers.
New Richmond superintendent Tom Durbin (right) and Matt Meibers from SHP Leading Design (project architect) check out the Field Turf being installed at the new baseball field by The Motz Group.
The availability of the new ball fields this spring depends on the growth of the grass in the outfields. The grass, which was seeded last November, has sprouted and has pushed through the straw covering.
Heavy rain throughout the month of October and deep snow covering during the month of February have delayed the project.
Also awaiting completion are concrete areas behind the backstop sand stepped dugouts. Due to the estimated cost of the concrete foundations, the stepped dugouts will have to go to bid and that will delay their completion.
New Richmond superintendent Tom Durbin (right) discusses progress on the new softball field with Matt Meibers (center) from SHP Leading Design and Lou Schindler, field supervisor for The Motz Group. Schindler expects his crews to begin laying turf on the softball field this week.
The Motz Group expects to have the infield turf at the new baseball field completed this week.
New Richmond renews administrators
The New Richmond Exempted Village School District Board of Education rehired four administrators and tabled a proposal to contract with Petermann Bus Company to manage the district’s transportation department at its March 19 meeting.
Renewed for two years were high school principal Diane Spinnati, food service director Brenda Young and transportation supervisor Wayne Prescott. Assistant high school principal Jay Blavatt was given a 1-year contract.
Ms. Spinnati was first non-renewed on her previous 223-day contract and then was re-employed on a 2-year 260-day contract.
“We are moving all of our administrators to 260-day contracts as their contract expires,” explained New Richmond superintendent Tom Durbin for the change in Spinnati’s contract.
Prescott was originally scheduled for non-renewal when the board was considering a contract with Petermann.
“Wayne Pescott was given a 2-year contract because of the Petermann proposal being tabled,” said Durbin. “The Petermann proposal was for 5 years and was for management only.”
The Petermann proposal has to be brought back up at the next board meeting or it dies due to parliamentary procedures.
In other actions the board approved a contract with Clermont County Educational Service Center for special education services; authorized the treasurer to seek bids for a 72-passenger school bus to be paid with stimulus funds; accepted the resignation of teacher Janet Gemma for the purpose of retirement; employed Heather Hansbauer and Carly Knoechel as certified substitutes; employed Clifford Adams, Michael Franklin and Mark Ritter as classified substitutes; Jessica Boys as assistant softball coach; Mike Laub as assistant baseball coach; and John Duncan, Chelsey Noftz and Lauren Wilkins as volunteer coaches.
“The board also approved non-renewal of all supplemental contracts which is routine since they are all one-year contracts,” said Durbin. “The board will vote on each supplemental for next school year as they are recommended.”
The March meeting was held at New Richmond Elementary and attracted a crowd estimated at 200.
Renewed for two years were high school principal Diane Spinnati, food service director Brenda Young and transportation supervisor Wayne Prescott. Assistant high school principal Jay Blavatt was given a 1-year contract.
Ms. Spinnati was first non-renewed on her previous 223-day contract and then was re-employed on a 2-year 260-day contract.
“We are moving all of our administrators to 260-day contracts as their contract expires,” explained New Richmond superintendent Tom Durbin for the change in Spinnati’s contract.
Prescott was originally scheduled for non-renewal when the board was considering a contract with Petermann.
“Wayne Pescott was given a 2-year contract because of the Petermann proposal being tabled,” said Durbin. “The Petermann proposal was for 5 years and was for management only.”
The Petermann proposal has to be brought back up at the next board meeting or it dies due to parliamentary procedures.
In other actions the board approved a contract with Clermont County Educational Service Center for special education services; authorized the treasurer to seek bids for a 72-passenger school bus to be paid with stimulus funds; accepted the resignation of teacher Janet Gemma for the purpose of retirement; employed Heather Hansbauer and Carly Knoechel as certified substitutes; employed Clifford Adams, Michael Franklin and Mark Ritter as classified substitutes; Jessica Boys as assistant softball coach; Mike Laub as assistant baseball coach; and John Duncan, Chelsey Noftz and Lauren Wilkins as volunteer coaches.
“The board also approved non-renewal of all supplemental contracts which is routine since they are all one-year contracts,” said Durbin. “The board will vote on each supplemental for next school year as they are recommended.”
The March meeting was held at New Richmond Elementary and attracted a crowd estimated at 200.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
NR grad taught Ochocinco
Chad Ochocinco got off to a good start Monday night on 'Dancing With The Stars' thanks in part to earlier dancing lessons from 2000 New Richmond High School graduate Desiree Penn.
Penn, who now owns an Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Kenwood, talked with Bob Lees about her New Richmond High School experiences and how the school district encourages the arts. She discusses Ochocinco and gives Lees a quick dance lesson.
Penn, who now owns an Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Kenwood, talked with Bob Lees about her New Richmond High School experiences and how the school district encourages the arts. She discusses Ochocinco and gives Lees a quick dance lesson.
Harassment policy review urged
New Richmond superintendent Tom Durbin is urging all New Richmond school district classified and certified staff and all students and their parents to review the district’s anti-harassment policy which is available online at http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/search/policies/po5517.htm.
“With the recent news about harassment in other school districts, this is a good time for our staff and students to review the board of education’s anti-harassment policy,” said Durbin.
The school anti-harassment policy covers sexual harassment, race/color harassment, religious (creed) harassment, national origin harassment and disability harassment.
“Everyone is encouraged to promptly report incidents of harassing to the appropriate person according to the board policy,” said Durbin.
The school district anti-harassment policy also covers privacy and confidentiality of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under the terms of this policy and its related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
The entire New Richmond EVSD bylaws and policies are available online at http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/.
“With the recent news about harassment in other school districts, this is a good time for our staff and students to review the board of education’s anti-harassment policy,” said Durbin.
The school anti-harassment policy covers sexual harassment, race/color harassment, religious (creed) harassment, national origin harassment and disability harassment.
“Everyone is encouraged to promptly report incidents of harassing to the appropriate person according to the board policy,” said Durbin.
The school district anti-harassment policy also covers privacy and confidentiality of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under the terms of this policy and its related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
The entire New Richmond EVSD bylaws and policies are available online at http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Kindergarten registration begins April 22
The New Richmond Exempted Village School district will begin kindergarten registration for the 2010-2011 school year on April 22 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its New Richmond, Monroe and Locust Corner elementary schools.
To attend kindergarten next school year children must be 5 on or before Aug. 1.
“It’s important that we know how many kindergarten students we will have as soon as possible for planning purposes such as classroom sizes and bus routes,” said New Richmond superintendent Tom Durbin. “Plus we want to make sure parents have everything they need to get their children off to a good start in school.”
Parents or guardians registering students must bring certified birth certificates, Social Security cards and immunization records for their children and custody papers if applicable. Parents or guardians also should have photo identification and proof of residency.
Parents unable to make the April 22 registration date can still register their children for kindergarten on consecutive Fridays from April 30 through May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the elementary schools.
To attend kindergarten next school year children must be 5 on or before Aug. 1.
“It’s important that we know how many kindergarten students we will have as soon as possible for planning purposes such as classroom sizes and bus routes,” said New Richmond superintendent Tom Durbin. “Plus we want to make sure parents have everything they need to get their children off to a good start in school.”
Parents or guardians registering students must bring certified birth certificates, Social Security cards and immunization records for their children and custody papers if applicable. Parents or guardians also should have photo identification and proof of residency.
Parents unable to make the April 22 registration date can still register their children for kindergarten on consecutive Fridays from April 30 through May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the elementary schools.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
NRMS moves up in science competition
New Richmond Middle School’s 6th place finish in the 2010 Cincinnati Regional Science Olympiad came as no surprise for coach Josh Grischow.
“We improved more than any other team from 2009 to 2010 (from 10th to 6th),” said Grischow, who credits his science coaching staff of Tina Grippa and Pam Hughes for the improvement.
“Their expertise shows why New Richmond was the highest scoring school in Clermont County last year on the 8th grade science OAT (Ohio Achievement Test). They pushed our kids really hard, and our kids responded.”
Members of the New Richmond Middle School Science Olympiad team show off their 6th place trophy won in the Cincinnati regional competition. Pictured are (from left) First row: Jessica Nazareth, Cody Biehle, Ian Wahoff, Jenny Roberts, Audrey Feiler, Amanda Nguyen, Abby Jewell; Second Row: Adam Slade, Paige Anderson, Lindsay Slone, Michaela Nordyke; Third Row: Ashlee Lewis, Matthew Graham, Laura Bosse, Kyle Weeks, Jade Stamper, Chandler Cochran; Fourth Row: Mrs. Tina Grippa, Mr. Josh Grischow, Mrs. Pam Hughes, Advisors. Not pictured: Nick Gilman
No other school in the 14-team regional competition, won by Summit Country Day, improved more than two spots from 2009. The top four teams advanced to the state competition.
Twelve of New Richmond’s team members received medals in the regional competition held at the University of Cincinnati’s Raymond Walters branch. The Science Olympiad in Ohio is sponsored by The Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Education and the Science Education Council of Ohio. Nationally, more than 350,000 students compete in the program.
Competing for the NRMS were Paige Anderson, Cody Biehle, Laura Bosse, Chandler Cochran, Audrey Feiler, Nick Gilman, Matthew Graham, Abby Jewell, Ashlee Lewis, Jessica Nazareth, Michaela Nordyke, Amanda Nguyen, Jenny Roberts, Adam Slade, Lindsay Slone, Jade Stamper, Ian Wahoff, and Kyle Weeks.
“I was pleased with the hard work, dedication, and leadership of 8th graders Laura Bosse, Chandler Cochran, Ashlee Lewis, and Jessica Nazareth in particular, who were our only returning members from last year,” said Grischow. “Jessica, along with Abby Jewell, were our co-MVPs. They placed in all three events in which they competed, each taking home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals.”
New Richmond Middle School students Jessica Nazareth, Abby Jewell, and Amanda Nguyen receive their 1st place medals for Experimental Design at the Cincinnati Regional Science Olympiad.
The team competed individually or in groups in a series of 23 events which tested their knowledge of science skills, processes, and applications in a wide range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, technology, earth science, and mathematics.
Medal winners for NRMS were:
Abby Jewell, Jessica Nazareth and Amanda Nguyen, 1st in Experimental Design.
Abby Jewell and Jessica Nazareth, 2nd in Bio-Process Lab.
Ashlee Lewis and Michaela Nordyke, 2nd in Solar System.
Abby Jewell and Jessica Nazareth, 3rd in Anatomy.
Paige Anderson and Adam Slade, 3rd in Shock Value.
Lindsay Slone and Ian Wahoff, 3rd in Ornithology.
Paige Anderson, Matthew Graham, Amanda Nguyen, and Kyle Weeks, 5th in Pentathlon.
Nick Gilman and Adam Slade, 5th in Physics Lab.
Ashlee Lewis and Kyle Weeks , 6th in Disease Detective.
Nick Gilman and Adam Slade , 6th in Junkyard Challenge.
New Richmond Middle School students Paige Anderson, Matthew Graham, Kyle Weeks and Amanda Nguyen compete in the Pentathlon competition at the Cincinnati Regional Science Olympiad.
“Our experiences competing in Science Olympiad for the first time in 2009 enabled us to be more prepared this year and it showed,” said Grischow. “Knowing what to expect, we started preparations earlier and made sure to enter in every event.”
“We improved more than any other team from 2009 to 2010 (from 10th to 6th),” said Grischow, who credits his science coaching staff of Tina Grippa and Pam Hughes for the improvement.
“Their expertise shows why New Richmond was the highest scoring school in Clermont County last year on the 8th grade science OAT (Ohio Achievement Test). They pushed our kids really hard, and our kids responded.”
Members of the New Richmond Middle School Science Olympiad team show off their 6th place trophy won in the Cincinnati regional competition. Pictured are (from left) First row: Jessica Nazareth, Cody Biehle, Ian Wahoff, Jenny Roberts, Audrey Feiler, Amanda Nguyen, Abby Jewell; Second Row: Adam Slade, Paige Anderson, Lindsay Slone, Michaela Nordyke; Third Row: Ashlee Lewis, Matthew Graham, Laura Bosse, Kyle Weeks, Jade Stamper, Chandler Cochran; Fourth Row: Mrs. Tina Grippa, Mr. Josh Grischow, Mrs. Pam Hughes, Advisors. Not pictured: Nick GilmanNo other school in the 14-team regional competition, won by Summit Country Day, improved more than two spots from 2009. The top four teams advanced to the state competition.
Twelve of New Richmond’s team members received medals in the regional competition held at the University of Cincinnati’s Raymond Walters branch. The Science Olympiad in Ohio is sponsored by The Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Education and the Science Education Council of Ohio. Nationally, more than 350,000 students compete in the program.
Competing for the NRMS were Paige Anderson, Cody Biehle, Laura Bosse, Chandler Cochran, Audrey Feiler, Nick Gilman, Matthew Graham, Abby Jewell, Ashlee Lewis, Jessica Nazareth, Michaela Nordyke, Amanda Nguyen, Jenny Roberts, Adam Slade, Lindsay Slone, Jade Stamper, Ian Wahoff, and Kyle Weeks.
“I was pleased with the hard work, dedication, and leadership of 8th graders Laura Bosse, Chandler Cochran, Ashlee Lewis, and Jessica Nazareth in particular, who were our only returning members from last year,” said Grischow. “Jessica, along with Abby Jewell, were our co-MVPs. They placed in all three events in which they competed, each taking home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals.”
New Richmond Middle School students Jessica Nazareth, Abby Jewell, and Amanda Nguyen receive their 1st place medals for Experimental Design at the Cincinnati Regional Science Olympiad.The team competed individually or in groups in a series of 23 events which tested their knowledge of science skills, processes, and applications in a wide range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, technology, earth science, and mathematics.
Medal winners for NRMS were:
Abby Jewell, Jessica Nazareth and Amanda Nguyen, 1st in Experimental Design.
Abby Jewell and Jessica Nazareth, 2nd in Bio-Process Lab.
Ashlee Lewis and Michaela Nordyke, 2nd in Solar System.
Abby Jewell and Jessica Nazareth, 3rd in Anatomy.
Paige Anderson and Adam Slade, 3rd in Shock Value.
Lindsay Slone and Ian Wahoff, 3rd in Ornithology.
Paige Anderson, Matthew Graham, Amanda Nguyen, and Kyle Weeks, 5th in Pentathlon.
Nick Gilman and Adam Slade, 5th in Physics Lab.
Ashlee Lewis and Kyle Weeks , 6th in Disease Detective.
Nick Gilman and Adam Slade , 6th in Junkyard Challenge.
New Richmond Middle School students Paige Anderson, Matthew Graham, Kyle Weeks and Amanda Nguyen compete in the Pentathlon competition at the Cincinnati Regional Science Olympiad.“Our experiences competing in Science Olympiad for the first time in 2009 enabled us to be more prepared this year and it showed,” said Grischow. “Knowing what to expect, we started preparations earlier and made sure to enter in every event.”
Monday, March 15, 2010
NR art students aid Haiti relief fund
New Richmond’s elementary visual arts teachers had an easy time coming up with a theme for their 2010 Ohio Youth Art Month project.
Their students did it for them.
“The ‘HeARTs for Haiti’ project was established after our art students saw television coverage of the earthquake damage in Haiti and wondered how they could help,” said New Richmond Elementary visual arts teacher Amy Cholkas, who joined with Monroe Elementary art teacher Adrian Hawk and Locust Corner art teacher Tim Cook to encourage their students to make a difference through art.
The project resulted in students and staff at the district’s three elementary schools raising more than $1400 for the Red Cross Haiti relief fund.
“Art students in each elementary school made heart related items to sell, with donations given to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief,” explained Cholkas. “My art students used the elements and principles of art to design unique heart cards, pins and pendants.”
The cards went on sale for 25 cents and the pins for $1 with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Haiti fund.
“Even though many of N.R.E.’s children struggle with their own financial challenges, they gathered their pennies, quarters and dollars to purchase a “heart” to help Haitian families,” said Cholkas.
So far the NRE art students have collected donations of $418.00. The sale has been extended through March 31.
“From a genuine concern for others, the project evolved into an interdisciplinary lesson,” said Cholkas. “Students learned about the country and people of Haiti. They learned about aesthetics and merchandising. They learned what colors, shapes, patterns and sizes of cards and pins would appeal most to students, teachers or parents?”
NRE students and staff honored the Red Cross during the school’s ‘300 Minutes’ reading promotion about heroes by wearing red clothes, a red cross or a heart pin to honor Red Cross founder Clara Barton and Red Cross volunteers.
Monroe staff and students collected $634.84 for the Red Cross.
“Monroe artists responded beautifully to the needs of the Haitian people” said Hawk. “Students created small heart paintings (inspired by Cincinnati artist Jim Dine), valentine cards, magnets, and recycled pins to sell.”
Locust Corner raised $370 for the Red Cross fund.
“Our sixth grade art classes made special handmade magnets using color and design ideas
in a wide variety of heart designs,” said Cook. “Many students also worked hands on in selling the heart artworks at a variety of times this month. Many of our younger art students also made paper ‘HeARTworks’ for sale this past month.”
Brenda Barnes’ sixth grade classes at Locust Corner also donated funds raised from their valentine card sale to the Red Cross.
“The students learned hands on about economics and running a business during the sale, and used their efforts to donate to the people of Haiti.,” said Cook. “The students learned that their art and efforts can help others in a positive way.”
Their students did it for them.
“The ‘HeARTs for Haiti’ project was established after our art students saw television coverage of the earthquake damage in Haiti and wondered how they could help,” said New Richmond Elementary visual arts teacher Amy Cholkas, who joined with Monroe Elementary art teacher Adrian Hawk and Locust Corner art teacher Tim Cook to encourage their students to make a difference through art.
The project resulted in students and staff at the district’s three elementary schools raising more than $1400 for the Red Cross Haiti relief fund.
“Art students in each elementary school made heart related items to sell, with donations given to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief,” explained Cholkas. “My art students used the elements and principles of art to design unique heart cards, pins and pendants.”
The cards went on sale for 25 cents and the pins for $1 with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Haiti fund.
“Even though many of N.R.E.’s children struggle with their own financial challenges, they gathered their pennies, quarters and dollars to purchase a “heart” to help Haitian families,” said Cholkas.
So far the NRE art students have collected donations of $418.00. The sale has been extended through March 31.“From a genuine concern for others, the project evolved into an interdisciplinary lesson,” said Cholkas. “Students learned about the country and people of Haiti. They learned about aesthetics and merchandising. They learned what colors, shapes, patterns and sizes of cards and pins would appeal most to students, teachers or parents?”
NRE students and staff honored the Red Cross during the school’s ‘300 Minutes’ reading promotion about heroes by wearing red clothes, a red cross or a heart pin to honor Red Cross founder Clara Barton and Red Cross volunteers.
Monroe staff and students collected $634.84 for the Red Cross.
“Monroe artists responded beautifully to the needs of the Haitian people” said Hawk. “Students created small heart paintings (inspired by Cincinnati artist Jim Dine), valentine cards, magnets, and recycled pins to sell.”
Locust Corner raised $370 for the Red Cross fund.
“Our sixth grade art classes made special handmade magnets using color and design ideas
in a wide variety of heart designs,” said Cook. “Many students also worked hands on in selling the heart artworks at a variety of times this month. Many of our younger art students also made paper ‘HeARTworks’ for sale this past month.”
Brenda Barnes’ sixth grade classes at Locust Corner also donated funds raised from their valentine card sale to the Red Cross.
“The students learned hands on about economics and running a business during the sale, and used their efforts to donate to the people of Haiti.,” said Cook. “The students learned that their art and efforts can help others in a positive way.”
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
2010 Hall of Fame concerts
The 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductees give their acceptance speeches. Video features a performance by the New Richmond High School Select Choir under the direction of Ms. Samantha Stapleton.
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New Richmond High School vocal music director Mr. Doug Heflin introduces the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductees at the 2010 concert.
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The New Richmond High School Concert Band under the direction of Mr. Michael McKinley performs at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions.
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The New Richmond High School Troubadours under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin perform at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Solists: Catherine Reed and Zack Znamenacek. Piano: Sarah Molitor and Sam Anderson.
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The New Richmond High School Mixed Chorus under the direction of Ms. Samantha Stapleton perform at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Soloists: Luke Gilday, Pavel Jump and Cierra Edwards
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The New Richmond High School Men's Choir under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin performs at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Soloist: Blake Beckett.
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The New Richmond High School Women's Chorus under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin and Ms. Samantha Stapleton perform at the 2010 New Richmond High School Peforming Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Soloists: Katie Waitman and Sarah Molitor.
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Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video
New Richmond High School vocal music director Mr. Doug Heflin introduces the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductees at the 2010 concert.
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The New Richmond High School Concert Band under the direction of Mr. Michael McKinley performs at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions.
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The New Richmond High School Troubadours under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin perform at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Solists: Catherine Reed and Zack Znamenacek. Piano: Sarah Molitor and Sam Anderson.
Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video
The New Richmond High School Mixed Chorus under the direction of Ms. Samantha Stapleton perform at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Soloists: Luke Gilday, Pavel Jump and Cierra Edwards
Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video
The New Richmond High School Men's Choir under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin performs at the 2010 New Richmond High School Performing Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Soloist: Blake Beckett.
Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video
The New Richmond High School Women's Chorus under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin and Ms. Samantha Stapleton perform at the 2010 New Richmond High School Peforming Arts Hall of Fame Inductions. Soloists: Katie Waitman and Sarah Molitor.
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Hometown heroes welcome students
New Richmond Elementary students were greeted by Hometown Heroes (police, fire ems) when the got off the bus March 8. It was part of "Heroes: Hollywood to Hometown" theme for the school's 2010 "300 Minutes" program that encourages students to read for 300 minutes each month.
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Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video
Monday, March 8, 2010
NR students stage language ambush
Click on the play button above to watch Mr. Nyam and his students explain the ambush. Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video
What would be your reaction if you were shopping at Eastgate Mall and someone comes up and says “Comment allez-vous?” or “Quelle heure est-il ?” or “Vous vous appelez comment?”
If you’re like most shoppers you would probably just ignore the person and go on to your store.
That’s one of the attitudes that students in Roger Nyam’s French class at New Richmond High School along with students from Bethel High School, were Mr. Nyam previously worked, tried to change when they took part in a ‘language ambush’ project in February to promote Discover a Foreign Language Month.
“We wanted to raise public awareness to foreign languages and went to Eastgate Mall and had the students go up to total strangers and speak to them in either French or Spanish,” said Nyam. “The goal was to record the expression on that person’s face.”
The objective of the project is to teach people the importance of learning a second language.
It’s becoming a global world and Nyam said it's important for people to be fluent in a second language.
"The only way to prepare our young people to interact with the rest of the world is to teach them a second language," said Nyam.
Nyam’s students didn’t need any convincing after taking part in the language ambush.
“I had a lot of good experiences with it,” said Michael Steelman, one of three New Richmond students who participated in the project. “I had some people who did not reply at all. We had people who refused to replay. And we had people who knew the language but couldn’t remember it.”
“The project went well,” said Joseph Shepherd. “There were some people who didn’t know the language and some that did. Those were the ones that freaked me out, personally, because I wasn’t expecting it.”
That happened when Shepherd, Steelman and fellow New Richmond student Brian Paskins approached Foot Locker employee Will Hudson, of Milford, who knew enough French to respond to their questions.
“He was asking me my name and who I was. I didn't expect that," said Shepherd.
New Richmond students Brian Paskins, Michael Steelman and Joseph Shepherd talk in French to Eastgate Mall Foot Locker employee Will Hudson, of Milford. It caught the students off-guard when Hudson responded to their questions in French. (Kellie Geist/Community Press photo)
In case you don’t remember your French, the translation to the phrases the students asked strangers were: How are you, what time is it, and what is your name.
The project was featured in a story by Kelly Geist in the Community Press along with a photo slideshow.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Heroes promote reading at NRE
New Richmond Elementary teachers and staff dressed as costumed heroes Monday to greet students as part of the school's '300 Minutes' reading promotion to encourage students to read for at least 300 minutes each month.
On Monday, March 8, the students will dress as heroes they can read about and will be greeted by real life heroes from their hometown.
Click on the photo to watch Monday's program.
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On Monday, March 8, the students will dress as heroes they can read about and will be greeted by real life heroes from their hometown.
Click on the photo to watch Monday's program.
Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video
Board considering music addition
New Richmond superintendent of schools Tom Durbin has met with architects to begin the process of developing preliminary plans for a music addition to New Richmond High School to replace the current music room which is considered safe but too small to accommodate the school’s acclaimed Troubadours which has 120 members.
The board of education finance committee also is exploring how the project might be funded.
“We now have had 5 air quality inspections by experts and all 5 reports say that room is safe,” said Durbin. “That room is safe but it is not conducive to having 120 people in it.”
Durbin recommended to the school board that they “begin the planning process to provide students with classrooms that are conducive to the learning process.”
“I also told the board that in my opinion we did not have anything at the high school that would currently meet the needs of the music program therefore we would have to look at construction.”
The process began February 22 when Durbin contacted SHP Leading Design and asked them to develop some preliminary plans.
The planning process will take approximately six months.
Rough sketches by architects in 2004 called for a music wing being built onto the high school theatre.
“I would say 6 months would be fairly accurate time frame just to get to the bid documents,” said Durbin. “Then we have to look at how it’s going to be funded.”
Funding future capital improvements won’t be as easy as it’s been in the past due to Ohio’s deregulation of electric utilities which will see the district lose $8 million a year in tax revenue beginning in 2017, Teresa Napier, the district’s chief financial officer, noted at the February 19 board meeting.
In the past 15 years the district has spent $41 million on capital improvements, all coming out of the general fund. The major projects have included the Market Street School administration building, the new Locust Corner Elementary, remodeling and additions to Monroe Elementary, remodeling of New Richmond Elementary, structural repairs and façade replacement at the high school and two athletic complexes, including a state of the art football stadium with field turf and the baseball-softball complex currently under construction.
Once the architect has the preliminary plan they have to present it to the building and grounds committee which will review and make changes. After any revisions, the architect must meet with the entire board for approval to develop specifications and bid documents which will include an estimated cost for the project. The bid documents have to be approved and must be advertised for bids which have to be accepted.
“They already have some plans that were developed back in 2004 and I suggested they use those as kind of a guide but those plans were just sketches and not detailed plans,” explained Durbin.
In the 2004 sketches SHP suggested building a music wing onto the theatre with a band room on the first floor and a choral room on the second floor which would extend out from the current theatre lobby. Those plans were never developed after the school board began exploring building a new high school. The board chose to repair the current high school and replace the façade when the cost of a new building became exorbitant.
When the bids go out can determine how much the addition will cost, which could range between $2 million and $3 million.
“When you bid can help determine the price,” said Durbin. “If you bid early in the year, say January and February, this gives the construction companies the opportunity to plan for summer work. If you go out to bid in July or August and have an immediate construction schedule, you might not get the best bid because people already have on going jobs.
“An example is the baseball and softball athletic complex being constructed across the street from the high school. The plans had an estimated cost of $1.2 million, but because the bids came at a time when earth moving companies were looking for work the winning bid came in at just under $800,000.”
If approved by the board, construction of the music addition may not start until the summer of 2011.
“Next summer would be a good guess on my part,” said Durbin. “There are certain requirements you have to meet as far as occupancy so it depends on where they might build. If they build onto the theatre it might be hard to use the theatre. So there are a lot of variables involved in this. It’s not as simple as saying, ‘Let’s build this.’ You have to look at all the variables to determine when the best time to build.”
Some district parents have questioned the amount spent on athletics.
“Expenditures for athletics represent just 12.8 percent of our total capital improvements,” noted Durbin. “The stadium is not just for football and soccer, it’s a classroom for band and physical education classes.”
One week last fall saw the stadium hosting 9 high school soccer and football events in six days and was used daily during the week by the high school band and PE classes from the high school, middle school and New Richmond Elementary. The New Richmond youth football league then used the stadium all day on Sunday.
“You could not have done that without those improvements,” said Durbin.
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In other action at the February meeting, the school board accepted the resignation of Monroe teacher Carole Snider for the purpose of retirement; approved Emily Arnold, Kristie Bates, James Hufford Jr. and John Jandes as certified substitutes; approved William Gantzer, Cynthia Breller and Stephen Wright as classified substitutes; hired Lana Gilday as a homebound instructor; and approved a supplemental contract for Kelsey Bender as the middle school boys track coach.
The board of education finance committee also is exploring how the project might be funded.
“We now have had 5 air quality inspections by experts and all 5 reports say that room is safe,” said Durbin. “That room is safe but it is not conducive to having 120 people in it.”
Durbin recommended to the school board that they “begin the planning process to provide students with classrooms that are conducive to the learning process.”
“I also told the board that in my opinion we did not have anything at the high school that would currently meet the needs of the music program therefore we would have to look at construction.”
The process began February 22 when Durbin contacted SHP Leading Design and asked them to develop some preliminary plans.
The planning process will take approximately six months.
Rough sketches by architects in 2004 called for a music wing being built onto the high school theatre.
“I would say 6 months would be fairly accurate time frame just to get to the bid documents,” said Durbin. “Then we have to look at how it’s going to be funded.”
Funding future capital improvements won’t be as easy as it’s been in the past due to Ohio’s deregulation of electric utilities which will see the district lose $8 million a year in tax revenue beginning in 2017, Teresa Napier, the district’s chief financial officer, noted at the February 19 board meeting.
In the past 15 years the district has spent $41 million on capital improvements, all coming out of the general fund. The major projects have included the Market Street School administration building, the new Locust Corner Elementary, remodeling and additions to Monroe Elementary, remodeling of New Richmond Elementary, structural repairs and façade replacement at the high school and two athletic complexes, including a state of the art football stadium with field turf and the baseball-softball complex currently under construction.
Once the architect has the preliminary plan they have to present it to the building and grounds committee which will review and make changes. After any revisions, the architect must meet with the entire board for approval to develop specifications and bid documents which will include an estimated cost for the project. The bid documents have to be approved and must be advertised for bids which have to be accepted.
“They already have some plans that were developed back in 2004 and I suggested they use those as kind of a guide but those plans were just sketches and not detailed plans,” explained Durbin.
In the 2004 sketches SHP suggested building a music wing onto the theatre with a band room on the first floor and a choral room on the second floor which would extend out from the current theatre lobby. Those plans were never developed after the school board began exploring building a new high school. The board chose to repair the current high school and replace the façade when the cost of a new building became exorbitant.
When the bids go out can determine how much the addition will cost, which could range between $2 million and $3 million.
“When you bid can help determine the price,” said Durbin. “If you bid early in the year, say January and February, this gives the construction companies the opportunity to plan for summer work. If you go out to bid in July or August and have an immediate construction schedule, you might not get the best bid because people already have on going jobs.
“An example is the baseball and softball athletic complex being constructed across the street from the high school. The plans had an estimated cost of $1.2 million, but because the bids came at a time when earth moving companies were looking for work the winning bid came in at just under $800,000.”
If approved by the board, construction of the music addition may not start until the summer of 2011.
“Next summer would be a good guess on my part,” said Durbin. “There are certain requirements you have to meet as far as occupancy so it depends on where they might build. If they build onto the theatre it might be hard to use the theatre. So there are a lot of variables involved in this. It’s not as simple as saying, ‘Let’s build this.’ You have to look at all the variables to determine when the best time to build.”
Some district parents have questioned the amount spent on athletics.
“Expenditures for athletics represent just 12.8 percent of our total capital improvements,” noted Durbin. “The stadium is not just for football and soccer, it’s a classroom for band and physical education classes.”
One week last fall saw the stadium hosting 9 high school soccer and football events in six days and was used daily during the week by the high school band and PE classes from the high school, middle school and New Richmond Elementary. The New Richmond youth football league then used the stadium all day on Sunday.
“You could not have done that without those improvements,” said Durbin.
-----------------------
In other action at the February meeting, the school board accepted the resignation of Monroe teacher Carole Snider for the purpose of retirement; approved Emily Arnold, Kristie Bates, James Hufford Jr. and John Jandes as certified substitutes; approved William Gantzer, Cynthia Breller and Stephen Wright as classified substitutes; hired Lana Gilday as a homebound instructor; and approved a supplemental contract for Kelsey Bender as the middle school boys track coach.
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