Art student solves district identity problem

New Richmond Exempted Village School District Supt. Adam Bird kept thinking something was missing when he arrived at work at the district central office on the third floor of the Market Street School.

"There was nothing to identify our office to visitors arriving at the front desk," noted Bird  when looking at the blank wall above the reception desk. With so many talented art students in the district there had to be someone who could fix the problem so he approached NRHS art teacher Amy Hausserman for a suggestion.

New Richmond High School senior Christin Smith puts the final touches on her sign to identify the NREVSD central office.

It didn't take Mrs. Hausserman long to find the right person for the job: senior art student Christin Smith.

"Christin Smith is a very artistically talented senior at NR and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her art classes this year making her a clear choice for this important job," said Mrs. Hausserman. "When Mr. Bird asked if I had a student who could make this happen, I knew she could handle it."

Smith jumped at the chance to put her art skills to work and leave  her mark on her school district.

"I designed a couple different signs on the computer and showed them to Mr. Bird," said Smith. "He picked parts from each and we incorporated them into the final design."

Smith, who has applied for admission to the University of Cincinnati art school, projected the final design on the wall and then traced the letters and district emblem with pencil which proved to be no easy task since it had to be done off a ladder with her arms elevated.

"I tried my best to stay inside the lines when I painted the outline," said Smith, who performed her work during several after school sessions. "It wasn't easy because all the work was overhead."

Visitors at New Richmond Exempted Village School District’s central office are now greeted by art student Christin Smith’s work.

"She is always willing to help out," said Mrs. Hausserman. "Christin jumped right in and followed through until the job was done."

Supt. Bird had one word for her effort:, "Perfect."

"Christin is a great art student and I am thankful that she was willing to donate her time to this project," said Bird.

Monroe provides PJs for needy

Thanks to Monroe Elementary's 2nd and 3rd grade classes, children at the YWCA House of Peace in Batavia will be warm and cozy with new pajamas this winter and  ready to snuggle up with a new book at bedtime.

Monroe 2nd and 3rd grade teachers Ann Marie Anderson, Jennifer Huelsmann, Melanie Shoemaker, Malinda Hawkins, Staci Heiden along with Stephanie Shoe of the YWCA and the 2nd/3rd grade students who donated to the Scholastic Pajama program in lieu of tradition holiday gift exchanges.

"The 2nd and 3rd grade classes at Monroe Elementary voted to participate in the Scholastic Pajama Program in lieu of a gift exchange this year," said Monroe 3rd grade teacher Staci Heiden. "Scholastic Book Club donates a new book for every pair of pajamas that came in.  Monroe was able to collect 60 pair of brand new pajamas for the kids at House of Peace."

Pajama Program is a nonprofit organization that provides new books and new pajamas to children in need, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. Since 2001, Pajama Program has donated over one million pajamas and books to children nationwide.

Monroe 3rd grade teacher Staci Heiden (top right) and some of her students help Stephanie Shoe from the YWCA House of Peach box pajamas collected by Monroe students in lieu of a holiday gift exchange.

In past years, Monroe students have given to organizations such as the Clermont County Animal Shelter and the Yellow Ribbon Center in lieu of gift exchanges.

GATES students support Ronald McDonald

Despite having its fundraising Childcare Night canceled due to weather, New Richmond’s G.A.T.E.S (Guiding Academically Talented and Exceptional Students) program was able to deliver 107 Grab 'n Go Snack Bags to the Ronald McDonald House.

NREVSD teachers Rachel Reynolds (standing left) and and Karen Burke (standing right) with their G.A.T.E.S. students who delivered 107 snack bags for guests at the Ronald McDonald House.

"We took our field trip to the Ronald McDonald House on Dec. 18, and due to the generosity of our GATES' families we were able to deliver the Snack Bags so guests at the Ronald McDonald House can stop in the kitchen to grab a snack bag before leaving to spend times at Children's Hospital for the day," said Rachel Reynolds, gifted coordinator and G.A.T.E.S. teacher for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District.

Each gallon-sized, zip lock bag had a juice or bottled water and 3-4 nutritional snacks. In addition, the Gates students  delivered over 17 lbs. of pop tabs from New Richmond Elementary, extra snack donations from Monroe Elementary, and two boxes of food and household items from Erin Parker's homeroom at Locust Corner Elementary.

NREVSD G.A.T.E.S. students were rewarded with ice skating on Fountain Square after delivering their donations to the Ronald McDonald House.

"It truly was a united effort," said Mrs. Reynolds. "We were able to have a small part in offering encouragement and strength for what these families are facing during the holidays."

The G.A.T.E.S. students were rewarded with a lunch downtown and ice skating at Fountain Square.

"Next quarter, our students are studying the Underground Railroad," said Mrs. Reynolds.  "We will be visiting the Freedom Center on January 23rd and also hosting a Performance Night at NRE at 7 p.m. on March 4.  Students will be presenting speeches, songs, instrumentals, and Reader Theater scripts all having to do with the Underground Railroad."

NRE is a High Progress School of Honor

The Ohio Department of Education has named New Richmond Elementary School a High Progress School of Honor, based on its 2012-2013 Local Report Card. The school previously was named a School of Promise by the ODE.

To be named a High Progress School of Honor a building must be a Title 1 (federal program for educating low income students) or Title 1-eligible schools with at least 40 percent of its students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

Schools also must rank in the top 10 percent for gains in proficiency, or if high schools, in the top 10 percent in graduation rates, and must have an Annual Measurable Objectives grade of C or higher and have met or exceeded Ohio’s value-added measure for the last three years.

The New Richmond Elementary School staff added Ohio Department of Education's High Progress School of Honor to its resume. The school previously was named a School of Promise by the state.

“Clearly your school is doing whatever it takes to make sure that your students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to achieve academically,” Dr. Richard A. Ross, Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction said in announcing the honor.
“This makes you an outstanding example of what is possible when students, educators, parents and community members work together believing that all students can succeed.”

“NRE is pleased to have been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education as a High Progress School of Honor,” said principal Terry Miller. “While we are proud of this achievement, we can never rest on past accomplishments as each year the bar is raised and expectations are high to continue to provide our students with the best education possible.”

New Richmond was the only school in Clermont County and one of 37 statewide to be named a High Progress School of Honor. Goshen High School was named a High Performing Schools of Honor.

Miller praised the effort of students, families and staff who contribute to the school’s success.

“We do thank the state for the pat on the back however and we will press forward to hopefully improve on the job we are doing,” said Miller.

NRE's 2013 food drive

New Richmond Elementary student council organized a school-wide food drive to help families in our community. N.R.E. students donated canned goods and other non-perishable items for the New Richmond Food Pantry. (Slideshow video by NRE visual arts teacher Amy Cholkas). Click on the Play button below to watch the slideshow.

School Board updates policieson harassment and bullying

The NREVSD Board of Education, as part of its continuing commitment to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students, has updated its policies regarding harassment and bullying.

“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated,” said NREVSD Supt. Adam Bird. “This prohibition includes aggressive behavior, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, and violence within a dating relationship. NREVSD will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation.”

All NREVSD policies are constantly reviewed and revised if needed to meet any changes in state or federal law or situations that might arise in the district.

Harassment is defined as any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of technology, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, or an employee's work performance; or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying is defined as any unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile environment, cause humiliation, or interfere with the individual's school performance. It may involve teasing, threats, intimidation, stalking, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, physical violence, public humiliation, or destruction of property.

“Any student or student’s parent/guardian who believes s/he has been or is the victim of aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the building principal or teacher,” said Bird. “Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student.”

Complaints regarding alleged bullying should be forwarded by the student, parent/guardian, or staff member to building principal for review, investigation, and appropriate action.

“All complaints about aggressive behavior or bullying that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated,” said Bird. “Students and/or their parents/guardians may file reports regarding suspected bullying that include person(s) involved, number of times and place of the alleged conduct, the target, and the names of witnesses.” 

Information on all Board of Education policies is available at http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/.

The anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies are available at the following links:

http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/search/policies/po1662.htm;

 http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/search/policies/po3362.htm;

http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/search/policies/po4362.htm

http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/search/policies/po5517.htm

http://www.neola.com/newrichmondev-oh/search/policies/po5517.01.htm

Cookies & Milk with Santa reset for Dec. 18

The New Richmond Elementary PTO will welcome Santa Claus at “Cookies and Milk with Santa” Wednesday, December 18, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Bring your camera and get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event, originally scheduled for Dec. 10, was canceled due to weather.

Enjoy Carolers in the halls!

Story Time with Santa’s Elves!

Shop at “Santa’s Secret Shop”.

Admission is $3.00 per child (includes cookies, milk and a craft).

Alacarte baked goods will be for sale for parents.

Questions: call Susie at 876-0886 or email at susand.saunders@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit the NRE PTO.

NRMS Athletic Dept. Poinsettias fundraiser

The New Richmond Middle School Athletic Department is taking orders through Dec. 13 for 15" poinsettias featuring five blooms for the holidays. Turn in orders by 12/13/13 to New Richmond Middle School Athletic Director Sue Curfman, 553-3161 ext.11018 or curfman_s@nrschools.org.

 BEAUTIFUL 15” POINSETTIAS

5 BLOOMS PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Order by December 13

 

            

Poinsettias:     Red, Pink, White - $10.00/20.00

Wreaths:             12”- $15.00  -  16” - $20.00

LaRosas Buddy Cards:  $10.00

Turn in orders by 12/13/13 to New Richmond Middle School Athletic Director Sue Curfman, 553-3161 ext.11018 or curfman_s@nrschools.org.

PICK-UP DATE/DELIVERY/DATE:  Dec. 17th.

(NRMS athletes will deliver poinsettias and wreaths to customers.

Monroe Elementary Veterans Day program

New Richmond's Monroe Elementary hosted area veterans at its annual Veterans Breakfast Nov. 14 with a performance by the school's choir under the director of music teacher Sally Lindsley. The program featured Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame member Ralph Shepherd introducing World War II veterans Bill Alexander, Joe Golfman, Ken McElfresh and Joe Whitt.

Josie Buckingham signs with Minnesota

New Richmond High School senior Josie Buckingham signed her national letter of intent with the University of Minnesota Nov. 13. She was joined in the ceremony by her parents Liz Misheff and Charles Buckingham and NRNS coaches Brad Hatfield and Laren Wilkins and her middle school coaches Patsy Wilson and Terri Flamm and her Lady Lions teammates.

"Feels like Christmas! @josiebuck_ you're a Golden Gopher!" Minnesota coach Pam Borton on Twitter after getting Josie's faxed signed letter.

New Richmond Elementary Veterans Day program

New Richmond Elementary School observed Veterans Day with its annual breakfast for veterans Nov. 11 hosted by principal Terry Miller and Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame member Ralph Shepherd. The program featured songs by the school's choir and introduction of local veterans including World War II veterans John Gilfillen, Joe Golfman and Bill Alexander. Photos for the slideshow by NRE art teacher Amy Cholkas.

NRMS Veterans Day program

New Richmond Middle School observed Veterans Day with a program hosted by Principal Court Lilly and featuring a concert by the school's 8th grade and 7th grade choirs under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin.

NRHS observes Veterans Day

New Richmond High School joined the New Richmond Exempted Village School District's other four buildings in hosting a Veterans Day program. Guest speakers were NRHS graduate SSgt. Paul Brondhaver, a decorated Iraq War veteran, and Korean War veteran Ralph Shepherd as guest speakers. The program included a NRHS vocal trio of Eleanor Wildey, Jessica Nazareth and Alexis Meyer performing the National Anthem and NRHS band members Zack Rolfes, Paige Anderson, and Stone Oliver performing echo Taps..

Locust Corner Veterans Day Program

New Richmond's ocust Corner Elementary hosted area veterans at its annuals Veterans Breakfast Nov. 8. Locust Corner teacher Lisa Mays captured the Veterans Day program in this video slideshow.

Family Art Night attracts 245 artists

New Richmond's Monroe Elementary hosted the district's 2013 Creative Family Art Night directed by Monroe visual arts teacher Adrian Hawk. This year's art project was inspired by New Richmond's LogNESS Monster sculpture created by artist Janis Meyer, Fred Meyer, Leif Frigard and Ray Perszyk from an 80-foot sycamore tree driftwood left on the Ohio River bank in the spring. The 2014 CFAN attracted 245 students and parents.  (Slideshow photos by Adrian Hawk).

Click on the play button below to watch the Creative Family Art Night slideshow.

Lions Hall of Fame nominations accepted

Nominations for the New Richmond Lions Sports Hall of Fame are due by December 16. Nomination forms are available at the New Richmond High School office or online at http://www.nrschools.org/Downloads/nr-hall-nomination2.pdf.

Induction ceremonies will be held at the annual Hall of Fame dinner following the 4:30 p.m. Jan. 25 home basketball game against Bethel.

For more information and a list of Hall of Fame members visit the Lions Hall of Fame web page at http://www.nrschools.org/LionsHallofFame.aspx.

HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY  

FORWARD: The performances of the past serve as an inspiration for present and future activities. Yet, unless the achievements are recorded, they tend to become hazy memories. It is for this reason that we set forth the following purpose for the Lions Sports Hall of Fame.  

PURPOSE: To recognize outstanding contributions to the athletic program at New Richmond High School by athletes, coaches, athletic directors and administrators and therefore offer incentive to future participants in this program.  

A. Anyone wishing to make one or several nominations may obtain nominating petitions at the Athletic Director’s Office.

1. Petitioners must sign petitions or the petition will be invalid. 

2. Petitions must be submitted by the end of November. The committee will meet in December to select inductees. 

3. The induction ceremony will take place during basketball season on a date chosen before the start of the current school year.  

B. Any past athlete, coach, athletic director, or administrator is eligible for induction into the Lions Sports Hall of Fame with these exceptions:

1. An athlete must have earned a Varsity letter while attending New Richmond. Athletes cannot be considered within the first five years after his/her graduation date.

2. A coach, athletic director, or administrator is eligible immediately after retiring or upon leaving the district.

3. A present coach, athletic director, or administrator is eligible for his/her performance as an athlete at New Richmond. 

4. Outstanding athletic achievement and contribution to athletics is the primary requirement for nomination.

G.A.T.E.S. students aim to serve

If you are in need of an adult-night out, dinner at your favorite restaurant or Christmas shopping without the kids, the New Richmond Exempted Village School District’s G.A.T.E.S program is at your service.

New Richmond’s G.A.T.E.S (Guiding Academically Talented and Exceptional Students) program will hold a Childcare Night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at Locust Corner Elementary as its second quarter service project that will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

Cost is $15 per child between the ages of 3-8 ($10 per additional child in the same immediate family.

G.A.T.E.S teachers Rachel Reynolds
(right) and Karen Burke.

“With the money we collect we will buy needed items for Ronald McDonald House,” said Rachel Reynolds, gifted coordinator and G.A.T.E.S. teacher for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District. “We will provide a safe and fun environment for your child which will include a pizza dinner, crafts and games, cookie decorating, and a holiday movie with popcorn.” 

The students will deliver the items on a field trip to the Ronald McDonald House on Dec. 18.

“Together, we can encourage families who have children struggling with serious illnesses at Children’s Hospital,” said Mrs. Reynolds.

The deadline to register for the Childcare Night is Friday, November 22. You can register by phone with Mrs. Reynolds at 752-1432 Ext. 13217 or email at Reynolds_r@nrschools.org or with Karen Burke by phone at 553-3183 Ext, 14011 or by email at Burke_k@nrschools.org. You will need to provide your name, your email address, the child’s name and the child’s age.

The G.A.T.E.S second quarter course is on Money Management and personal generosity. 

“The students are taking their own individual giving journeys to decide on a gift for someone and make a plan to work for it,” said Mrs. Reynolds. “This was a timely course that coincides with the holiday season and the spirit of giving.”

New Richmond Exempted Villagae School District G.A.T.E.S students are pictured preparing liquid soap packages that Mathew 25 Ministries will ship around the world as part of their first quarter community service project. Their second quarter service project will be a Childcare Night Dec. 6 that will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

In the first quarter, the GATES students participated in a reading course and studied a Japanese folktale, ‘Ooka and the Honest Thief’ about a poor man needing rice to feed his family. 

The first quarter community service project was a field trip to Matthew 25 Ministries where they worked in the processing center to create liquid soap packages to be shipped around the world.

Liquid soap is seen as liquid gold in those areas of the world,” explained Mrs. Reynolds. “ When the soap is gone the people clean the containers and use them to collect clean drinking water.  Matthew 25 Ministries says that for each hour a person donates they help 200 people.”

NRMS shows its 'Loving' support

When New Richmond Middle School teacher Deborah Loving walked into the morning staff meeting on Halloween, she was surprised to find that pink was the costume of the day in her support.

All her fellow staff members were dressed in pink in support of her upcoming medical challenge. She had a bigger surprise coming when the middle school students arrived.

Almost everyone was wearing pink in support of Loving, who faces invasive breast cancer surgery Nov. 6 followed by cancer treatment that will keep her on medical leave until after the holiday break.

New Richmond Middle School teacher Deborah Loving, who faces invasive breast cancer surgery Nov. 6, was greeted by staff and students wearing pink on Oct. 31 including Cody Harrison (seated to her right) who is a cancer survivor.

"This caught me by totally by surprise," said Loving, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last April. "The staff and 400 kids were able to keep this a secret from me all week."

Loving went from table to table in the cafeteria during lunch time thanking the students for their support.

NRMS teacher Deborah Loving was surprised by the level of support from students. Since she is an intervention specialist, most of the school's students don't know her.

"It's very uplifting to see this kind of support and helps me keep my mind off what I'm facing," said Loving. "The most heart warming thing about today is, since I'm a special ed teacher, that most of these kids don't know me yet they're showing their support ."

Deborah Loving (second from right) was surprised by the entire New Richmond Middle School staff wearing pink in support of her upcoming cancer surgery.

NRHS to perform an original production

The New Richmond  High School music department will perform 'Revising Josie,' an original musical written by NRHS music/drama director  Mr. Doug Heflin, at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 and two shows Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1 and 7 p.m. at the high school theater.

Jenny Roberts plays the lead role in the
NRHS original production of
'Revising Josie'

 "I've always wanted to do an original show and a full-scale production before I retire next year," said Heflin,  who wrote the story and the more than two dozen songs in the show. "The acting level and talent level of this group of students is awesome, and this is a great time to do this show."

The musical follows the life of Josephine Palmer who was a third grader was given the assignment of starting her life book.

In this video, Mr. Heflin and assistant director Mr. Errol Selsby explains the challenges of putting on an original production and cast members introduce themselves and describe their characters in the show.


"You don't hear of many high schools doing an original production," said Heflin, "Through the story we get to see the ups and downs of Josie's life and get to see some of the adventures she gets involved in during her life."

Mr. Shelsby, assistant drama director for NRHS, has the task of coming up with scenery changes to show Josie's life.

"The scene changes of going from one place to another is going to be very challenging for us but we'll get it done," said Selsby. "The locations go from a warehouse to a front porch to all over the place."

NRHS science class takes to the Ohio

With the Ohio River playing such a critical role in the local ecosystem, the river is an ideal classroom for New Richmond High School's environmental science class taught by Logan Minning.

Thomas More College's Biology Field Station (located on the Ohio River across from New Richmond at the site of old Lock 35) became Minning's classroom Oct. 22 where her students received  real-world experiences in the fields of microbiology, water chemistry, fish surveys, biological assessments, and toxicology.

NRHS environmental science students (from left) Jake Hauke, Levi Simpson, Felicity Elsaesser, Laura Huddleston, Chelsey Fawley, Malik Davis and Nathan Snider on the banks of the Ohio River.

"I attended Thomas More and studied at the Field Station under Dr, Chris Lorentz and I take my class on a field trip there once a year," said Minning. "This year we studied river ecology including water quality, macroinvertebrates (animals with no backbones that can be seen by the naked eye) as well as electric shock fishing."

NRHS environmental science students Chris Lawrence, Danny Minervini, Felicity Elsaesser, Raven Miller, Dee Roaden and Hannah Hensley get on board research boats at Thomas More's Biology Research Station.

The Biology Field Station uses electric shock fishing to study the ecosystem around  Duke Energy's Beckjord generating plant including the variation between the fish populations upstream and downstream of the plant.

"Our students sent electric current into the water which shocked any nearby fish which they caught in nets, identified, measured, studied and then released back into the water unharmed," said Mining.

Bailey Workman, Korinne Gilman, April Schmidt, and Nathan Rostetter study macroinvertebrates during their field trip to Thomas More's Biology Research Station.

Levi Simpson holds an Ohio River carp caught near Duke Energy's Beckjord station.

NRHS senior Alexis Cook overcame her fear of holding a fish during the field trip to  Thomas More's Biology Research Station.

Malik Davis, Shelby English, Paige Willhoff and Alexis Cook during a break from research at Thomas More's Biology Research Station on the Ohio River across from New Richmond.

Chelsey Fawley holds a carp caught by electric shock for study at the Biology Research Station. The carp was returned to the water unharmed.

NRHS studnts in Logan Minning's environmental science class do water ecology tests at Thomas More's Biology Research Station on the Ohio River at the site of old Lock 35.

October 21 School Board meeting

The BOE meeting called to order by Board president Kevin Walriven at 6 p.m. and went into executive session after invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board returned from executive session at  6:58 p.m. with BOE members Kim Hayden, Fred Heflin, David Hawkins, Kevin Walriven and Ben Bird and Supt. Adam Bird and Teresa Napier present.

Superintendent's report:

Supt Bird commends New Richmond Elementary for being named a School of Promise.

Supt. Bird presents a chart of poverty versus performance index on state report card. New Richmond is one of the districts that overcomes poverty obstacles. Other Clermont County schools with high test scores despite high poverty rate include Goshen and Bethel. NR has a district poverty rate of 46.3 percent.

Girls soccer team may make an  unofficial trip to England for training and games. NREVSD will not be involved in trip.

Treasurer's report:

8. Treasurer’s Report

A. Approval of Minutes

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the September 4, 2013 Facility Committee meeting, the September 16, 2013 Regular meeting, the September 25, 2013 Facility Committee meeting and the September 30, 2013 Policy Committee meeting.

B. Approval of Financial Report

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the financial report which includes: receipts, cash position, expenditures and investments for the month ending October 31, 2013, as per attached.

C. Acceptance of Donations

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve
acceptance of the following donations:

• $1,000 to New Richmond High School’s Sports Medicine Foundation Scholarship fund from Roll Giving and Paramount Community Giving grant via Matthew Godsey
• $330 to New Richmond Class Reunion from New Richmond 1921-1965 Scholarship fund
• $300 to New Richmond High School Troubadours for uniforms from Douglas Heflin
• $50 to New Richmond High School Band department from Janet and Paul Bishop
• $30 to New Richmond High School Troubadours from Daniel Gajus
• $25 to New Richmond High School Band department from Karen and Martin Bezold
• One (1) Gibson clarinet with case to New Richmond Exempted Village School District from Wayne Chesley
• $10 to New Richmond Middle School Band from Elizabeth Zembrodt
• $512 to New Richmond High School Troubadours from Coney Island
• $190 to New Richmond High School Cross Country Scholarship from an Anonymous Donor
• $110 to New Richmond High School Cross Country Scholarship from an Anonymous Donor
• $20 to New Richmond High School Cross Country Scholarship from Kelly Grogan
• $10 to New Richmond High School Cross Country Scholarship from Staci Heiden
• $10 to New Richmond High School Cross Country Scholarship from Katherine Sharp-Lykins

D. Disposal of Equipment

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve disposal of the following:

• One (1) floor wax applicator, s/n 010161 from New Richmond Elementary School, and
• Items from Monroe Elementary School per attachment number 8.D.

E. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the participation in the following grants and establish appropriations as follows:

Fund Description Amount
019-9004 Target Literacy Night Grant $2,000.00
019-9899 Duke Energy Grant $1,000.00
019-9921 Greater Cincinnati Foundation Grant $1,000.00
Total  $4,000.00

F. FirstEnergy Solutions Contract

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the blending and extension of the First Energy Solutions Contract for the purchase of electricity effective October 8, 2013 through January 2017.

G. Authorization to Pay

It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize the Treasurer to pay the following invoices per attachment number 8.H.

Invoice Vendor Amount
Clermont County Educational Service Center $5,556.00
Ohio Valley Voices                 $3,277.76
Hamilton County Education Service Center  $6,996.82

Total                       $15,830.58

H. Auditor of State Memorandum of Agreement

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Auditor of State for Clark Schaefer Hackett & Co. to audit the New Richmond Exempted Village School District for the fiscal periods July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2017.

I. Five Year Forecast


It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the five year financial forecast for fiscal years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and direct the Treasurer to file it with the Ohio Department of Education.  

Treasurer's Report approved by vote of 5-0.

The 5-year forecast at a glance:

The fiscal year 2014 forecast is for $26,303,019 in tax revenue and grant payments from state and federal sources and $2,871,316 in other sources including $1,780,000 from open enrollment for a total revenue of $29,174,335. Total expenditures for fiscal year 2014 are estimated at $28,926,245 which will result in a cash balance of $21,573,967 on June 30, 2014.

Forecast expenses for fiscal year 2014 include $13,940,933 for personal services, $5,175,882 for employee retirement/insurance; $4,232,836 for purchased services (including special education services); $1,007,272 for supplies and materials; $1,274,616 for capital outlay; and $2,871,316 for operating transfers out.

Total revenues (minus any revenue from other sources such as open enrollment) are forecast at $26,052,063 fora fiscal year 2015; $24,949,982 for fiscal year 2016; $24,559,981 for fiscal year 2017; and $24,306,533 for fiscal year 2018. This projection includes the scheduled closing of the Beckjord generating station on Jan. 1, 2015.

Total expenditures are forecast to increase to $$26,391,363 in fiscal year 2015; $27,025,794 in fiscal year 2016; $27,703,375 for fiscal year 2017; and $28,418,455 in fiscal year 2018.

The cash carry over balance is forecast to drop to $12,003,538 in fiscal year 2018.

Lease Agreement 

It is recommended that the Board of Education enter into a Lease Agreement per attachment number 10. (Rental of property at Watkins Hill and Bethel-New Richmond Road to employee for $600.)

Approved by vote of 5-0.

Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board MOU  

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board and New Richmond Exempted Village School District for the period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, as presented. (Supply of counselor services for students).

Approved by vote of 5-0.

Employment of Personnel

A. Certified Substitutes

Natalie Bendgen
Kelsey Cropper
Jill Kennedy
Jill Knapp
Richard Kuhn
Lisa Martin, effective October 4, 2013
Jennifer Schmidt
Gary Sheldon

B. Classified Substutites

Natalie Bendgen
Sherry Osborne
Barbara Stanforth

C. Gate Worker

Tina Stiles, effective September 20, 2013

D. Volunteer Coach

Josh Fite, Football
Ian Mallot, Soccer

E. Concessions Manager
(Current Hourly Rate, Upon Kronos Submission, effective July 1, 2013)

F.  Lay Freshman Basketball coach

    Michaael Laub

Approved by a vote of 5-0

Adjournment at 8:55 p.m.

NRE named a 'School of Promise'

New Richmond Elementary School has received the Ohio Department of Education's prestigious School of Promise award for a third time.

“Schools of Promise and the prestigious High Performing Schools of Honor are examples of what can happen when principals, teachers, parents and community members all believe that children can learn,” said Dr. Richard A. Ross, superintendent of public instruction for Ohio. “These schools overcome challenges, sometimes significant challenges, to provide a high-quality education to Ohio children."

"NRE is very pleased to have been chosen as only one of 141 schools in Ohio as a "School of Promise" by the Ohio Department of Education," said NRE principal Terry Miller. "It is nice to be acknowledged for the hard work that students, staff and families are doing to close achievement gaps in reading and math."

NRE principal Terry Miller, pictured between School Board president Kevin Walriven (left) and NREVSD Supt. Adam Bird will be adding another 'Ohio School of Promise' banner on the school wall.

"I am so thankful for the incredible level of talent, support, and effort that it takes to earn an award like this," said NREVSD Supt. Adam Bird. "NRE is truly blessed to have a great staff, an active PTO, and a student body that wants to grow and learn."

"Congratulations to NRE principal Terry Miller and thanks to her staff from the Board of Education," said New Richmond BOE president Kevin Walriven. "We know a lot of good work went into this accomplishment."

To qualify as a School of Promise, a school must have a 75 percent or better average proficiency rate on the Ohio Achievement Assessments and the Ohio Graduation Tests for the 2012-13 school year. They must also have: a 75 percent proficiency rate in two subgroups; an A or B grade for their annual measurable objective (AMO) for narrowing performance gaps between groups of students on the state school report card; an A, B, or C progress grade on the local school report card; a graduation rate of A or B; and must also serve 40 percent of more economically disadvantage students.

Felicity-Franklin Elementary and Goshen High School also were named Schools of Promise for 2012-2013. Monroe Elementary received the School of Promise award for 2011-2012.

"What they have done is working and I am urging them to help other Ohio schools learn how they can overcome their challenges as well,” said Dr. Ross.

"We have always felt we were on the right track with instruction, intervention and enrichment and this award supports that as well," said Miller. "Thanks and congratulations to all of our N.R.E. community who had a hand in helping achieve this special recognition."

NREVSD going green with energy

New Richmond’s school colors are red and black but when it comes to energy savings you can color the New Richmond Exempted Village School District green.

New Richmond is in the middle of a $1.7 million Ohio HB264 project with Energy Optimizers that will make its buildings energy efficient and result in enough energy savings to pay for the project in 12.8 years.

"There will be an initial investment, but we expect that cost to be recovered with electrical usage savings," said NREVSD Supt. Adam Bird.

NREVSD maintenance workers Jim Hetterick (left) and Andy Verdin replace outdoor halogen lights at the high school with longer lasting, more energy efficient LED lights.

HB264 allows school districts to make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings, borrow money to pay for those improvements without having to pass a ballot issue and use the cost savings to pay off the loans. With interest on savings being less than 2 percent and interest on loans being more than 4 percent, the NREVSD will pay cash for the project for additional savings.

Included in the project are:

1. Energy efficient light bulbs will replace old technology bulbs in every building of the district.
2. Heating and Air Conditioning systems will be controlled by a digital system that will allow Principals and Head Custodians to control remotely by computer or iPad.
3. The steam boiler at NRHS that is original to the building (1965) will be replaced by a more energy efficient boiler and a system of smaller and strategically placed hot water heaters.
4. NRHS pool water and air will be heated with a high efficiency natural gas system.
5. Increased use of motion sensors to control lighting and heating systems when spaces are not in use.

All parts of the energy conservation program had to be reviewed and approved by the Ohio School Facilities Commission allowing the projects to go to contract without open bidding.

The most expensive parts of the project are $343,200 for lighting enhancements and $319,800 for the high school boiler plant and pool HVAC improvements.

“The lighting improvements have a 4.93 year payback,” noted Bird. “Our current HS steam boiler was installed when the building was built in the '60's.  It has reached its limit and we are replacing it with a much more energy efficient system."

District maintenance supervisor Glenn Beyer said the high school boiler project will begin in late October or early November but will be done in sections so the building will not be without steam for heat or hot water.

“We’re waiting for equipment to arrive that has been ordered but we will be keeping the school up and running during the work,” said Beyer. “It addition to poor efficiency, our problem at the high school is we have three different systems in the high school and they do not work very well together being controlled by one system.”

Energy Optimizers estimates that the project will have an annual fuel savings of $18,015, annual electrical savings of $92,380, an annual maintenance savings of $18,100 and qualify for a utility rebate of $41,890 from Duke Energy.

The NREVSD is doing additional energy savings projects separate from the HB264 project.

“We are doing a lot of outdoor lighting ourselves and will be getting the energy rebates from Duke ourselves,” said Beyer. “We did the main gym at the high school and are replacing the outdoor lights at the bus garage and district parking lots.”

Beyer estimates a savings of 65 percent on electric at the bus garage by replacing the outdoor halogen lights with LED lighting.

“The LED lights have an estimated lifetime of from five to 10 years,” said Beyer. “And we were replacing some of the lights at the bus garage every year.”

Other energy projects by the NREVSD include replacing three dozen rooftop HVAC units at New Richmond Elementary that were beyond their estimated lifespan with new more efficient units, and replacing the electric heat and aging air conditioning unit at the high school theatre.

Hawk to head NREVSD ‘Green Team’

New Richmond Exempted Village School District Supt. Adam Bird has appointed Monroe Elementary teacher Adrian Hawk to head a district ‘Green Team’ that will come up with ways the district can save energy and resources.

“I am excited to announce the creation of the NREVSD Green Team,” said Bird. “I will let the Green Team set its own agenda but possible projects include recycling, reusing, and finding ways for NREVSD to limit its use of electricity and other resources.”

Monroe Elementary visual arts teacher Adrian Hawk, known for her creative ways of turning refuse into art, will head the NREVSD 'Green Team' that will make recommendations on energy conservation.

“I am really looking forward to leading this exciting project and I think it is a wonderful thing for our district to get involved with,” said Hawk, who has been named the recipient of the Ohio Art Education Association South West Region's "Outstanding Art Teacher for 2013, partly for her creative ways of turning refuse into art. “I love education and the environment so this is the perfect position to be in!”

Hawk will be looking for a teacher at the high school, middle school and New Richmond and Locust Corner elementary schools to head building Green Teams.

“Also, she will be looking for about 10 students per building to join the district Green Team,” said Bird. “There will be some really nice perks for those students who join and I am excited to see the creative ideas that they come up with.”

 The New Richmond Board of Education is in the middle of a $1.7 million project that will make its buildings more energy efficient and result in enough savings to pay for the project in 12.8 years.

“It is my hope that the Board of Education's projects in combination with the Green Team's initiatives will lead to our district being able to compete for one of Ohio's nominations for the US Dept of Education's Green Ribbon School award,” said Bird.

District staff prepares of new standards

While students were enjoying a day off from school, New Richmond Exempted Village School District administrators and certified staff spent Oct. 14 preparing for the new Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES) and writing Student Learning Objectives (SLO) that will be used in future evaluations.

New Richmond teachers participated in training for the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System and locally created Student Learning Objectives during in service training Oct. 14. (Photo by Matt Prichard)

Half of each NREVSD teacher's evaluation beginning this year will come from how much their students learn over the course of the school year. If available, teachers must include the Ohio Department of Education’s Value-Added data in the student growth measure. If Value-Added data is not available, districts can use other assessments such as state approved national testing results or locally developed SLO.

A SLO is a target that a teacher sets at the beginning of the year for all students or for a subgroup of students and demonstrate a teacher’s impact on student learning. The challenge for measuring student growth is that not all teachers can use the same assessment or in subjects where traditional assessments are not an option (such as art, music or physical education).

NREVSD Supt. Adam Bird created a district SLO committee that met last week to kick start SLO planning that was presented at the Oct. 14 in service session. Committee members included Supt. Bird, Monroe Elementary principal Joe Roach and NREVSD teachers Kelly Schmittou, Tim Cook, Misty Cresap, Greg Chandler, Megan Allen, Tina Grippa, Allie Ball, Stacy Gibbons, Nicole Parker and Bill Harris.

The other half of a teacher evaluation under OTES is an evaluation that includes a teacher’s  performance rating that is based on a professional growth plan and a minimum of two observations.

Spirit Week at New Richmond High School

It's Spirit Week at New Richmond High School leading up to the Oct. 4 Homecoming Game against Blanchester. In this photo slideshow recorded by NRHS Principal Mark Bailey, the Freshman Class took honors in the hallway decorating contest.

Click on the Play button below to watch the slideshow.

Former BOE member Enoch Sergent remembered for his dedication

Former New Richmond Exempted Village School District Board of Education member Enoch A. Sergent died Sept. 24 at the age of 92.

Enoch A. Sergent

Sergent, who served of the Board of Education from 1958 to 1970, was involved in the opening of New Richmond Elementary in 1958 and the construction of New Richmond High School in 1964-65 and the old Pierce Elementary School in 1963.

"Enoch was a very dedicate man to whatever he was involved with," said former BOE member Ralph Shepherd, who lived down the street from Sergent and spent 20 years on the school board after Sergent's terms. "He was very dedicated to the board and would walk around schools every day. He was just as dedicated to the Boy Scouts and the New Richmond Food Pantry."

Sergent, who was preceded in death by his wife Nina M. Sergent, was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in Italy.

"I was extremely proud when he showed up for our 4th of July parade in 2012 when we honored World War II veterans," noted Shepherd.

He was the father of Stephen Sergent (Michelle), the late Nina S. Sergent and Nancy Eling (Jeff); the grandfather of Andrew Sergent (Amanda), Bridget Sergent, Nick Eling (Caity) and Nina Eling and the great grandfather of Xaiver McDonald, Aiden Sergent, Zara McDonald and Emma-Elizabeth Sergent.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of  service at 11 a.m. at E.C. Nurre Funeral Home 200 Western Ave. in New Richmond on Saturday Sept. 28. Burial will be in Greenmound Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to the New Richmond Food Pantry.

State honors for Monroe's Adrian Hawk

The Ohio Art Education Association has reached the same conclusion that the New Richmond Exempted School District has known for years: Monroe Elementary visual arts teacher Adrian Hawk is outstanding in her field.

Hawk has been named the recipient of the OAEA South West Region's "Outstanding Art Teacher" award for 2013. She will receive the award at the OAEA's annual professional development conference in Toledo in November.

Adrian Vance Hawk, pictured in her "Creative Sanctuary" at New Richmond's Monroe Elementary, has been named the Ohio Art Education Association's South West Region's "Outstanding Art Teacher" award recipient for 2013.

"It comes as no surprise to me that Mrs. Hawk has received such a high honor at the state level," said Monroe principal Joe Roach.  "She is a true treasure to our school and our community. Mrs. Hawk refers to her Art Room as the "Creative Sanctuary" and her passion for teaching art is obvious to anyone that steps into our school."

Mrs. Hawk's specialty is creating art from nature and one of her many community projects has been leading a cleanup of the New Richmond riverbank and turning the debris collected into art.

"Adrian teaches the Monroe students that just about anything can be reused and created into art," said Roach.

Mrs. Hawk also oversees Monroe's Student Council, its Art & Earth Club, the school's Character-Building Program, the "Green Team" Recycling Initiative and the district's Creative Family Art Night.

"I'm truly honored to receive the Southwest Outstanding Art Teacher award from the Ohio Art Education Association," said Hawk. "This experience inspires me to continue to do whatever it takes to make art an important and meaningful part of the educational process for the young artists I teach.  Each day I realize the power that I have as an educator.”

The OAEA award cites Mrs. Hawk's professionalism, dedication, commitment to students and creativity.

"Adrian Vance Hawk continually meets the needs and interests of students, bringing about learning, growth, and development in all areas," the OAEA said in a letter to NREVSD Supt. Adam Bird. "She regularly creates innovative and developmentally appropriate activities to stretch the imagination of students and further develop their visual skills."

"I am just thrilled that I have the opportunity to teach the wonderful kids at Monroe Elementary and to work with such a supportive staff of teachers, aides and administrators," said Mrs. Hawk.

Troubadours featured at Patriot's Day

The New Richmond High School Troubadours are featured in the village's 2013 Patriot Day ceremonies Sept. 11. Click on the Play Button below to watch New Richmond's Patriot's Day ceremony.

Open enrollment continues to climb

The New Richmond Exempted School District continues to be one of Ohio’s most popular in attracting open enrollment students from other districts.

“This is our 12^th year of open enrollment and it’s grown every year,” noted NREVSD Supt. Adam bird. “Two years ago it was 160, last year it was 260 and this year we’re in the 300s and it continues to grow.”

A total of 330 students were approved for open enrollment in New Richmond’s five buildings and 307 enrolled and are attending classes.

In Ohio, state aide amounting to $5700 follows a student to the district they attend meaning New Richmond will gain  $1,749,900 in money from the state this school year from open enrollment.

New Richmond won’t know until the first week of October how many of its students have open enrolled in other districts which has been an average of 30 in past years. A loss of 30 students would mean a loss of approximately $171,000 which will result in a net gain of about $1.6 million/ That would almost offsets the expected loss of $2 million per year when Duke Energy closes the Beckjord generating station in 2015.

“I think  it’s a compliment to our district,” said Bird. “I think it says that we have a good reputation educating students, that we have good programs and that we have a good staff and people want to send their children here.”

The financially troubled West Clermont District will lose $1,134,300 to New Richmond with 199 of its students deciding to attend New Richmond schools. Open enrollment students from other districts include 43 from Felicity, 31 from Bethel, 13 from Batavia, 10 from Western Brown, four from Milford, three from Cincinnati Public, two from Forest Hills, 1 from Hillsboro and 1 from Williamsburg.

By building, Locust Corner Elementary attracted 128 open enrollment students, Monroe Elementary 53, New Richmond Elementary 26, New Richmond Middle School 28 and New Richmond High School 82.

New Richmond enrollment numbers by building:

Locust Corner Elementary                      466

Monroe Elementary                                428

New Richmond Elementary                     433

 New Richmond Middle School              356

New Richmond High School                   655

Total New Richmond enrollment           2338