New Richmond School news

Principal Spinnati takes medical leave

2012-01-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

New Richmond High School principal Diana Spinnati announced Friday that she will be taking approximately six weeks medical leave for treatment of "serious medical issues."

Jim Smith, a former principal of Grant Vocational and Bethel High School as well as superintendent of Bethel Schools, has been named as interim principal according to New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird.

Ms. Spinnati informed New Richmond High School students and their families of her medical leave in a letter sent home with students.

The letter follows:

Many students and parents are wondering why I have been absent several days over the past few weeks. I hope this letter will help clarify these issues and inform you as to the path for the future.

I have encountered some serious medical issues over the past several weeks. Unfortunately in order to address these issues, I must take approximately six weeks off. My hope is to return by spring break.

Mr. Bird has worked hard to ensure that what we have at New Richmond High School continues without interruption. We are happy to introduce Mr. Jim Smith as interim principal. Mr. Smith is the former superintendent of Bethel schools. He has also been a principal at Grant Vocational School as well as Bethel High School. We are pleased to have Mr. Smith and are confident the students will notice no interruptions in the educational process at the high school.

In closing I would like to thank the students, parents, and staff for their concern and well wishes. I can assure you in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger – “I’ll be baaack”

Thank you,

Diana Spinnati

Former board member Ralph Campbell dies at age of 78; services Saturday

2012-01-27T11:33:00.006-05:00

Former New Richmond Board of Education member Ralph Campbell died Tuesday January 24, 2012 at the age of 78.

Visitation, E.C. Nurre Funeral Home, 177 W. Main Street, Amelia on Friday from 5-8p.m. OES services at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 1177 W. Ohio Pike, Amelia on Saturday January 28 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Jackson, KY.

"We are so thankful for his service to our students, schools, and community," said New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird. "Mr. Campbell served the NR community 8 years as a faithful representative to the school district. On behalf of the NR Board of Education, I would like to send our condolences to his family."

"Mr. Campbell and his wife Joyce have also given many thousands of dollars in scholarships to NRHS students in memory of their son, Kevin Allen Campbell," Bird added.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 200 W. Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Please indicate in memory of Kevin Allen Campbell Memorial Scholarship Fund).

Arts Hall of Fame inductees announced

2012-01-26T11:08:00.013-05:00

New Richmond High School has announced the 2012 selections for the school’s Performing Arts Hall of Fame.

“Every year deserving people get honored for work they have done to help New Richmond’s performing arts program,” said New Richmond High School music director Doug Heflin. ”But his year you look at the list and we are really excited.”

Going into the Arts Hall of Fame this year will be John Hale, class of 1952 who still performs at community events; Kenneth Mauger, instrumental music director from 1959-67; Judy Schaechter, Class of 1972 who now teaches at New Richmond Elementary and serves as an accompanist for school, church and social events; and the 2004-2005 Troubadours who raised $250,000 to make a trip to New York City and perform at Carnegie Hall.

Listen to Doug Heflin announce the 2012 inductees

They will be inducted during a 7 p.m. concert Thursday March 15. The concert will follow a reception and acceptance speeches by the inductees.

“The high school band, the mixed and women’s chorus and Troubadours will perform selected works,” said Heflin. “The honorees will be inducted in between the performances.”

The 2012 inductees:

John Hale

A 1952 graduate of New Richmond High School, John Hale has been a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of the New Richmond community. Mr. Hale, who was inducted into the NRHS Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, has been a fixture at community events with renditions of God Bless America, White Christmas, Silent Night or the National Anthem.

“It hardly seems like a New Richmond event that doesn’t have John Hale there showing his gift and love of music and showing his love of the community,” said Heflin.

Kenneth Mauger

Ken Mauger was instructor of bands for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District from 1959-67. His recruitment and community outreach was outstanding, leading to a large high school band that received a superior rating in state competition in 1965. He also performed with the Dayton Symphony for eight years and served as an inspiration and mentor to dozens of children in the community and instilled in his students a lifelong love and appreciation for music. He also was instrumental in encouraging and expanding music educators in the district and community. Mr. Mauger died on Nov. 24, 2006.

Judy Schaechter

Judy Schaechter is a 1972 graduate of New Richmond High School. She served as the accompanist for Les Chanteurs and played trumpet in the high school band, as well as serving as accompanist for several school musical productions. She attended the College-Conservatory of Music and continues to serve the children of New Richmond as a teacher at New Richmond Elementary School. “Judy has doing music since the early 1960s and has been a loyal and wonderful member of the New Richmond music community,” said Heflin.

2004-2005 Troubadours

After a successful performance in Ohio Music Education Association competition, the 2004-2005 Troubadours were chosen to perform on the state at Carnegie Hall in New York City where they performed the entire Schubert Mass in g minor (a 67-page work) and performed along with college choirs and the New England Symphony Orchestra. “This once in a lifetime trip required an enormous fund raising effort to meet a budget of more than $250,000 for a traveling group of 150 people,” said Heflin. “This rates as one of the finest Troubadour groups from a long line of great ensembles.”

Watch the 2012 Hall of Fame inductions

2012-01-25T10:50:00.001-05:00

Joe Hawkins, Amy McMillian, Jamie McCart and Todd Wells were inducted into the New Richmond Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, Jan. 21. Click on the photo below to watch the inductions.

Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video

Monroe Elementary Awards Breakfast

2012-01-20T12:13:00.002-05:00

Monroe Elementary held its 2nd quarter awards breakfast Friday, Jan. 20 with principal Mark Bailey honoring top students in grades 3-6.

Click on the photo below to watch the awards breakfast

Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video

Bill Wildey retires after 29 years

2012-01-20T10:35:00.005-05:00

After 29 years of keeping New Richmond Exempted Village School District parking lots free of ice, grassy areas neatly mowed and the building infrastructure in top shape, Bill Wildey is retiring.

The head of the district maintenance department's last working day was Wednesday, Jan. 18 when he was honored by central office and maintenance department personnel.

Bill Wildey rings the ceremonial school bell presented to him on his last day at work by NREVSD superintendent Adam Bird. Pictured to Bird’s right are district treasurer Teresa Napier and treasurer office employee Sondra Marshall.

New Richmond Elementary honor rolls

2012-01-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

NEW RICHMOND ELEMENTARY
SECOND QUARTER HONOR ROLLS

MERIT HONOR ROLLS

3RD GRADE
Ronja Frigard, Cecilia Gilpin, Brady Jenkins and Jena Simpson.

4TH GRADE
Lynsey Kennedy, Allison Longnecker, Dakota Morris, Ruthie Richardson, Ella Calhoun, Lily Jones and Hannah Schultz.

5TH GRADE
Kaitlyn Lambert, Archer Maguire, Rachel Gastrich, Cade Heflin, Jacob Noble.

6TH GRADE
Malika Burnham, Austin Ewing, Jordyn Torrens, Kamree Nally, Elizabeth Shinkle, Lane Dees and Emerson White.

HONOR ROLLS
3RD GRADE
Caleb Adams, Kaia Bodley, Dakota Feldkamp, Madison Horton, Garrett Klein, Abigail Maness, Seth Mattingly, Jackson Miller, Kadin Pollard, Matthew Schmidt, Ethan Daniel, Cole Deavers, Riley Hawkins, Ethan Hayes, Madison Mills, Tyler Noble, Jaira Stamper, Zoey Arview, Lucky Berry, Kaylee Corbin, Dallas Duncan, Matthew Heinzman, Jacob Longnecker, Kelly Murphy, Caitlin rowan, Alden Story, Hope Wooten, Chris Kidd, Elleah Senters, and Lillian Bruner.

4TH GRADE
Hunter Arlinghaus, Andrew Baldrick, Erika Carter, paige Corbett, Chris Dizon, Hailey Leist,Jasi Stamper, Richard Admas, Wyatt Carey, Leasia Matthis, Audrey Powers, Emily Reid, McKenna Riehle, Alex Senter, Antonia Wills, Randy Hammons, Jasmine Jacobs, Kelly Naylor, Ian Vaske and Brandon Cole

5TH GRADE
Alissa Brumbaugh, Hunter Cook, Heidi Gilbert, Sean Hoagland, Heather Huff, Abigail Jones, Emily Kingm, Alexandra Olson, Bronte Reinert, Cecilia Schwalbe, Vincent Bingham, Twyla Blair, Gavin Clark, Griffin Delisle, Brody Hawkins, Maggie McDaniel, Courtney O'Connor, Aaron Prescott, TJ Ashcraft, Logan Campbell, Derick Henderson, Skyler Hounshell.

6TH GRADE
Kathryn Elam, Kohle Herrin, Mary Murphy, Sydney Payne, Blayke Murphy, Ethan Sells, Aubree Story, David Woolum, Morgan Abercrombie, Chloe Closterman, Andria Cochran, Donald Gilson, Alexis Gragg, Shane Jones, Emily Kidd, Madison Malicoat, Melissa Royce, Sarah Schwalbe, Anthony Stamm, Thane Witzak and Kacee Edwards.

Monroe Elementary honor rolls

2012-01-19T09:16:00.001-05:00

Monroe Elementary School
Second Quarter Awards 2011-2012
4th Grade Merit Honor Roll

Jason Ackerman, Abigail Allen, Garret Corbin, Lilli Fields, Seth Fischesser, Owen Gibbs, Jonah Hanrahan, Anna Houck, Austin Houston, Emily Justice, Claudia Kennedy, Jacob Kunz, Logan Kunz, Ellie Mansfield, Jetta McCart, Samantha Pratt, Katie Rufft, Ashley Sarbell, Brandon Savage, Allison Verdin, Lydia Victor, Kailey Wehrmeyer, Lilly Wildey, Danielle Williams, Mitchell Williamson.

5th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Holly Chandler, Sophia Deardorff, Tyler Heskamp, Lindsey Hoffman, Sebastian Johnson, Matthew Laub, Carmen McDonald, Jordan McKinley, McKenzie Miller, Sawyer Scheu.

6th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Elise Bezold, Josie Blome, Nicholas Edmondson, Aaron Ellis, Jacob Heskamp, Jazmyn Hinkston, Kiae Marshall, Kara O’Toole, Trinite Patterson, Kaleigh Pratt, Faith Schuster, Rainy Stripplehoff, Nicholas Swisher.

4th Grade Honor Roll
Emily Ball, Gabby Ball, Mario Battista, Nathan Blakley, Angel Calvert, Hailey Carnahan, Drew Coorey, Elizabeth Courtier, Aaryn Craig, Jarrett Donley, Maverick Ellington, Trenton Evans, Alexis Fiscus, Alexis Gould, Lexie Hebling, Nate Howard, Alyssa Jones, Taylor Jones, Chase Kiser, Isabella Lara, Austin Marck, Caleb McConnell, Katherine Moore, Destiny Morel, Jacob Reams, Sebastian Reissig, Bella Sanchez, Wyatt Seal, Brittany Seng, Hope Schuster, Kori Sebastian, Hannah Strunk, Nathan Taylor, Joe Vance, Lexy Vogt, Autumn Waddell, Corydon Ward, T. J. Williams, Chris Willis.

5th Grade Honor Roll
Taylor Bayless, Brandon Benzing, Olivia Brashear, Tyler Bullock, Sierra Deitsch, Matt Elliott, Cierra Fluhart, Gage Goodeart, Cody Harrison, Julie Harrison, Alex Heflin, Ian Herrmann, Hailey Jowers, Jody Lytle, Melanie Matheney, Mary Moran, Hailey Penny, Sierra Pelcha, Casey Riffle, Trista Smith, Alyssa Stiles.

6th Grade Honor Roll
Mackenzie Adams, Jaden Atkins, Andrew Bach, Natalie Barcheski, Julien Battista, Kaitlyn Blice, Hallie Bolton, Nivek Boostedt, Haylie Clemmons, Adam Durham, Lane Flamm, T. J. Gelter, Christopher Isaacs, Scott Lindsey, Shelby Miller, Michael Nichols, Haily Olson, James Seal, Evan Taylor, Maria Trimble.

4th Grade Principal’s Award
Jason Ackerman, Abigail Allen, Emily Ball, Nathan Blakely, Garret Corbin, Aaryn Craig, Trenton Evans, Seth Fischesser, Owen Gibbs, Alexis Gould, Jonah Hanrahan, Lexie Helbling, Anna Houck, Chase Kiser, Jacob Kunz, Logan Kunz, Isabella Lara, Ellie Mansfield, Jetta McCart, Caleb McConnell, Katherine Moore, Destiny Morel, Samantha Pratt, Katie Rufft, Joe Vance, Allison Verdin, Lydia Victor, Lexy Vogt, Autumn Waddell, Lilly Wildey.

5th Grade Principal’s Award
Taylor Bayless, Olivia Brashear, Holly Chandler, Jon Davidson, Sierra Deitsch, Kaylee Donahue, Gage Goodheart, Cody Harrison, Julie Harrison, Alex Heflin, Lindsey Hoffman, Sebastian Johnson, Matthew Laub, Melanie Matheney, Carmen McDonald, Jordan McKinley, McKenzie Miller, Mary Moran, Allison Neiderhelman, Sierra Pelcha, Hailey Penny, Faith Powers, Casey Riffle, Sawyer Scheu, Ben Spires, Alyssa Stiles, Brennan Verkamp.

6th Grade Principal’s Award
Mackenzie Adams, Jaden Atkins, Julien Battista, Elise Bezold, Josie Blome, Hallie Bolton, Haylie Clemmons, Zach Deardorff, Nate Dillow, Aaron Ellis, Lane Flamm, Jazmyn Hinkston, Christopher Isaacs, Bryce Lavely, Kiae Marshall, Michael Nichols, Kara O’Toole, Trinitie Patterson, Kaleigh Pratt, Faith Schuster, Rainy Stripplehoff, Nicholas Swisher, Shayla Underwood.

4th Grade Perfect Attendance
Jason Ackerman, Andrew Coorey, Lizzy Courtier, Christopher Crosby, Serena Cummins, Maverick Ellington, Lilliana Fields, Seth Fischesser, Owen Gibbs, Jonah Hanrahan, Lexie Helbling, Anna Houck, Taylor Jones, Chase Kiser, Jacob Kunz, Amy Lewis, Jetta McCart, Destiny Morel, Ashley Sarbell, Brandon Savage, Hope Schuster, Brittany Seng, Allison Verdin, Alexis Vogt, Autumn Waddell, Corydon Ward, Kailey Wehrmeyer, Lilly Wildey, Danielle Williams, T. J. Williams, Chris Willis.

5th Grade Perfect Attendance
Jadlyn Barth, Olivia Brashear, Christopher Brunk, Holly Chandler, Sierra Deitsch, Trent Felts, Cierra Fluhart, Gage Goodheart, Brian Hamilton, Sara arris, Tyler Heskamp, R. J. Lara, Jody Lytle, Carmen McDonald, Jordan McKinley, Mckenzie Miller, Abigail Morgan, Allison Niederhelman, Hailey Penny, Sawyer Scheu, Ben Spires, Joshua Vandergriff, Brennan Verkamp.

6th Grade Perfect Attendance
Lydia Anderson, Jaden Atkins, Josie Blome, Hallie Bolton, Nivek Boostedt, Hailey Clemons, Peyton Daugherty, Aaron Ellis, Lane Flamm, Jacob Heskamp, Scott Lindsey, Kiae Marshall, Shelby Miller, Michael Nichols, Haily Olson, Kara O’Toole, Kaleigh Pratt, Elexis Sanchez, Rainey Strippelhoff, Nicholas Swisher, Maria Trimble, Logan Waddell.

Walriven to head school board

2012-01-13T10:29:00.002-05:00

Kevin Walriven was elected president of the Board of Education of the New Richmond Exempted Village School District at the board’s Jan. 11 re-organizational meeting.

David Hawkins, who along with incoming board member Kim Hayden took the oath of office from Clermont County Municipal Court Judge James A. Shriver, will serve as vice-president for the 2012 school year.
Newly elected New Richmond school board members Kim Hayden and David Hawkins take their oath of office from Clermont County Municipal Court Judge James A. Shriver.

The Board established meeting dates for 2012 which will be held on the third Monday of each month with the exception of February when the meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21 due to the Presidents Day holiday, June when the meeting will be held on Thursday, June 28 to close out the books for the fiscal year, and July when the meeting will be moved to the second Monday (July 9) to accommodate scheduled vacations for school administrators.

Committee appointments for 2012 will be Ben Bird and Walriven on the Finance and Audit Committee; Fred Heflin and Walriven on the Facilities Committee; Hayden and Hawkins on the Policy Committee; Hayden and Ben Bird on the Curriculum Committee; and Hawkins and Heflin on the Personnel Committee.

Hawkins will serve as the Legislative Liaison Board member with Walriven as the alternate; Hayden will be the Student Achievement Liaison; and Heflin will serve as the Grant Career Center board member.

Monroe students ‘go bananas’

2012-01-12T13:41:00.004-05:00

New Richmond’s Monroe Elementary School collected 228 old cell phones for the Cincinnati Zoo’s Go Bananas Challenge.
Monroe Elementary third grade students (from left) Aaron Pike, Michael Ressig, Raven Lowery and Ray Lindsley are members of Monroe’s Art & Earth Club which initiated the cell phone collection.

“This initiative is a project to save the gorillas,” noted Monroe visual art teacher Adrian Hawk who organized the effort through the school’s Monroe's Art & Earth Club. “The materials and metals that are used to make cell phones are mined in prime gorilla habitats and by recycling old cell phones instead of throwing them away, gorillas and their habitats are being preserved!”

Cell phones contain an ore called coltan, which is mined in endangered gorilla habitat in Africa.

2012 Hall of Fame inductees announced

2012-01-12T10:36:00.002-05:00

New Richmond High School has announced the 2012 inductees for the Lions Sports Hall of Fame.
They are Joe Hawkins, a 1955 graduate who won 13 letters and went on to play college baseball at The Ohio State University; Todd Wells, a 1989 graduate who was named Southern Buckeye Conference American Division coach of the year nine times; Jamie McCart, a 2000 graduate and four-time all SBAAC selection in cross country; and Amy McMillin, a 1994 graduate who holds 5 school records in softball.

They will be inducted at the annual New Richmond Lions Sports Hall of Fame banquet Saturday, Jan. 21. Tickets for the 6 p.m. banquet are $15 and reservations can be made by contacting New Richmond Athletic Director Doug Foote (foote_d@nrschools.org) at 553-3191 ext 10003.

Joe Hawkins

During his time at New Richmond High School, from 1952-1955, Joe Hawkins earned 13 letters; four each in Baseball and Volleyball, three in basketball, and two in track. Joe was a four-year starter in baseball and was named team captain of the basketball team. At this time New Richmond High School was participating independently so there were no All-League Honors or League Championships to record. Despite not being associated with a league or conference, Joe is one of a very select few in the history of New Richmond Athletes to earn an athletic scholarship to a Division I school, The Ohio State University. Joe played baseball for the Buckeyes for three years. Returning to his hometown, Joe was a partner in the development of the New Richmond Youth Football League in 1969 and coached youth football for nine years. Joe also coached and served as an official representative of New Richmond Knothole Baseball from 1965-1978.

Todd Wells

Todd, a 1989 graduate of New Richmond High School, received a varsity letter in soccer and wrestling his freshman year. The next summer, an automobile accident ended Todd’s high school athletic career, though he remained active in Troubadours and Theater. Upon graduation Todd attended the University of Cincinnati and was the lead student-athletic trainer with Coach Bob Huggins and the Men’s Basketball Team for two years and for the Men’s Soccer team. After completing his studies at Cincinnati, he returned to his Alma Mater to begin his career. He was the Middle School Athletic Director from 1993-1997 and the NRHS Boys Tennis Coach from 1994-2006. Todd amassed an impressive overall record of 148-35. He was nine times the American Division Coach of the Year. His teams were American Division Champions seven times and Runner-ups 5 times. He coached the first doubles team in NR and Clermont County to qualify for the state tennis tournament. During those same years (1994-2007) Todd served in the role of Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) for the district, a program which he started. As the first ATC in Clermont County, in 1999 Todd and New Richmond High School were recognized by the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association as a Model Athletic Training Program.

Jamie McCart

Jamie McCart excelled at track and cross country while a student at New Richmond High School from 1996-2000. All four years he was the top runner on the Cross Country team and was voted First Team All SBC. In 1998 and 1999 Jamie was league champion and Runner of the Year. In 1999 he was the district champion and was voted Runner of the Year Division II All City. Jamie was a two time state qualifier in 1997 and 1999 and was 2 seconds away from qualifying in 1998. Three times, Jamie was named Most Valuable Distance Runner on the Track Team and was Most Valuable Track Man his Junior and Senior years. He earned First Team All SBC Honors his Junior year. His senior year, Jamie won District in the 1600m and 3200m.

Amy McMillin

Amy McMillin was a four year Varsity Softball player from 1991 to 1994 and started in 75 games. A first baseman her freshman and sophomore years, she moved to short stop her remaining two years. Amy’s four year batting average was .441. She holds season records of Most Runs Scored (37) and Most RBI’s (34) and maintains career records of Most Runs Scored (103), Most Hits (109), and Most RBI’s (109). Notable accomplishments include being named 1st Team All SBC (1991, 1993, 1994), Rookie of the Year (1991), MVP (1993, 1994), All City 2nd Team Shortstop (1994) and was the USSSA Greater Cincinnati Player of the Year in 1993. Amy earned a full athletic scholarship to Southern State Community College and was the Offensive Most Valuable Player in 1994 and 1995. Amy’s senior year team won the school’s first SBC league title posting a 13-1 league record and a 16-1 regular season record. Amy is one of the pioneers of softball at New Richmond Varsity Fast Pitch Softball. She helped start a tradition of winning at NRHS that continues today.

NRMS 2nd Quarter Honor Rolls

2012-01-11T11:46:00.001-05:00

7th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Grant Anderson, Brittney Bash, Kaeley Fagan, Alexis Forsee, Caitlyn Grooms, Anna Hamilton, Joseph Hammill, Averi Hammonds, Anna Heiden, Grant Anderson, Brittney Bash, Kaeley Fagan, Alexis Forsee, Caitly Grooms, Anna Hamilton, Joseph Hammill, Averi Hammonds, Anna Heiden, Kaylin Hoffman, Travis Justice, Anna Kellerman, Gage Kramer, Teddy Mansfield, Abigale Morris, Isabelle Oiler, Jacob Phillips, Rachael Riffle, Katherine Schlaak, Shelbi Simpson, Lukas Smiddy, Cortney Smith, Maggie Smith, Laura Wilson, Dakota Young.

7th Grade High Honors
Bailey Armbruster, Jessica Bauscher, Anna Bennett, Celia Bostic, Lilyann Cahall, Jason Chapman, Kaylee Chapman, Joshua Clancy, Sydney Closterman, Rachel Coons, Jacob Cyrus, Joshua Dixon, McKenzie Edwards, Raebecca Ellington, Clayton Farmer, Amber Fischer, Katelyn Forsee, Alex Gardner, Hunter Gilpin, Luke Glenn, Bailey Haas, Lindsay Hayes, Hunter Higginbotham, Calvin Hochberg, Zakery Hubbard, Amber Jividen, McKayla Kirschner, Madi Lanthorn, Brooke Lanthorn, Tori Loving, Angus Matthews, Ashley Mikles, Kandice Miller, Sydney Myers, Brianna Naylor, Christopher Nazareth, Zachary Neeley, Noah Scheu, Cooper Scholz, Peyton Schweickart, Heather Slye, Johnathan Snider, Brianna Sons, Staci Stephens, Tabitha Stevens, Douglas Stewart, Daniel Stoy, Maria Valenzuela, Trace Walriven, Brandin Webb, Daniel Weiskittel, Emily Willhoff, Ashley Willis, Bergen Workman.

7th Grade Honor Roll
Ryan Allen, Levi Antoni, Corey Baker, Courtney Bash, Savannah Bateman, Natalie Bates, Kaleb Boyer, Seth Butler, Taylor Cardarelli, Sally Corbett, Dawson Cromwell, Caleb Cyrus, Kasey Davis, Hannah Duty, Sadie Fischesser, Ethan Gundler, Hannah King, Jacob Konerman, Zackary Marck, Haley Maynard, Chase McDonald, Brittney Miller, Keaton Montgomery, Rebecca Reffit, Angel Sauer, Timothy Tyler, Tanner Webb, Emily Weitzel.

7th Grade Perfect Attendance
Zakari Adams, Alyssa Allen, Grant Anderson, Taylor Cardarelli, Jason Chapman, Kaylee Chapman, Sydney Closterman, Sally Corbett, Caleb Cyrus, Jacob Cyrus, Kaeley Fagan, Clayton Farmer, Alexis Forsee, Katelyn Forsee, Alex Gardner, Luke Glenn, Caitlyn Grooms, Anna Hamilton, Joseph Hammill, Averi Hammonds, Sophia Hawkins, Anna Heiden, Zakery Hubbard, Noah Kirby, Gage Kramer, Madi Lanthorn, Tori Loving, Teddy Mansfield, Angus Matthews, CJ Meyer IV, Ashley Mikles, Brittney Miller, Sydney Myers, Isabelle Oiler, Jacob Phillips, Brandon Planck, Timothy Redmond Jr, Rebecca Reffit, Nathan Sanders, Angel Sauer, Noah Scheu, Katherine Schlaak, Cooper Scholz, Heather Slye, Tiffany Vise, Dalton Wallace, Emily Weitzel, Ashley Willis, Andrew Wills.

8th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Alicia Bailey, Emily Belmont, Adrianna Flood, Evan Grippa, Timothy Hammer, Jacob Hayden, Chase Heflin, Morgan Huddleston, Harrison Light, Kelsey Nichols, Erin O'Toole, Eric Rolfes, Cydney Stiles, Kendal Warren.

8th Grade High Honors
Rachael Autzen, Chelsey Bowling, Brianna Chapman, Hannah Clifton, Kendal Collier, Kristin Evans, Kaitlyn Flake, Maren Hance, Hayley Hawkins, Dana Honaker, Ariel Huber, Ariel Johnson, Nicholas Kirby, Brooklyn Klein, Jade Kunz, Hunter Lansaw, Nicholas Laub, Ella Lindsley, Allyson Lutz, Joseph Maxwell, Kyli Meder, Jesse Noble, Kayla Olenick, Sydney Padgett, Darik Page, Laura Painter, Connor Pike, Amanda Redmon, Holly Reinert, Kiara Rivera, Tyler Sammons, Corey Secen, Maisie Waters, Corry Waters, Lindsey Williams, Anne-Marie Woods.

8th Grade Honor Roll
Cidney Adams, Gregory Beasley, Destiana Berling, Marjorie Bingham, Jacob Branson, Emily Crockett, Tamara Crosby, Rebecca Darland, Noah David, Kerrigan Dyer, Nicholas Flake, Ross Flenniken, Tyler Gates, Karl Greifenkamp, Zoe Hallahan, Benjamin Hamilton, Elise Holdsworth, Carla Koch, Peyton Kroeger, Hannah Lake, Morgan Malicoat, Taylor McKinley, Melissa Moore, Jonathan O'Dell, Kelly Rowan, Skye Saldana, Michael Simpson, Hali Stamper, Jenna Swormstedt, Austin Torrens, Jesse Troy, Chelsey Underwood, Brian Waddle, Magic Weir, Kaitlyn Williams, Michael Williamson.

8TH Grade Perfect Attendance

Erik Anderson, Alicia Bailey, Jonna Blum, Chelsey Bowling, Nikita Branam, Jacob Branson, Ryan Brunk, Dustin Carr, Brianna Chapman, Kerrigan Dyer, Donald Edwards, Kodie Feldkamp, Ross Flenniken, Adrianna Flood, Blake Gibson, Karl Greifenkamp, Benjamin Hamilton, Timothy Hammer, Jacob Hayden, Chase Heflin, Elise Holdsworth, Dana Honaker, Bailey House, Ariel Huber, Morgan Huddleston, Michael Jones Jr., Ethan Justice, Nicholas Kirby, Gavin Kirschner, Kayla Klei, Ella Lindsley, Morgan Malicoat, Seyvon Marshall, Kayla Olenick, Erin O'Toole, Laura Painter, Eric Rolfes, Tyler Sammons, Robert Sarbell, Kirsten Savage, Corey Secen, Nicholas Skeene, Christopher Sollberger, Hali Stamper, Austin Torrens, Jesse Troy, Chelsey Underwood, Anne-Marie Woods.

New Richmond begins coaching search

2012-01-09T10:28:00.008-05:00

New Richmond High School began a search for a new football coach Monday after losing two-time Southern Buckeye coach of the year Dan Scholz to Oak Hills High School.

Scholz, who compiled a record of 37-14 in five years at New Richmond including two league title and an appearance in the state playoffs, accepted the head coaching job at Oak Hills on Saturday.

Oak Hills is Ohio’s largest high school with an enrollment of 3036 according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Scholz replaces Kurry Commins who resigned following a 4-6 season in 2011. Oak Hills is a member of the Greater Miami Conference with Colerain, where Scholz was an assistant coach before being hired at New Richmond.

“We will begin the search for a new head coach today,” said New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird.

"We are thankful for the time, energy and passion Coach Scholz gave to the student-athletes of NRHS. NR Football has a legacy and tradition of success and Coach Scholz did a great job adding to that tradition. We wish him success as he moves on to another challenge."

Scholz has been in high school coaching since 1994. He was at Dublin-Scioto from 1995-2000 and coached under Kerry Coombs at Colerain from 2001-2006 before taking over at New Richmond.

“Thanks for all of the support from all of the people who made New Richmond football a special place,” said Scholz.

“My 5 years of being the head football coach in New Richmond have been very good and rewarding. I would not have the opportunity to go to such a school as Oak Hills, and to coach in the biggest public school league in the city of Cincinnati, if it were not for the hard work and dedication of the NR assistant coaches and players that have played these last five years.”

New Richmond lost only five league game during Scholz’ five seasons as coach and hasn’t lost to a SBAAC school since Oct. 16, 2009.

“I believe the football program has a great foundation, and the players know that their leadership is needed now to continue on what we have built. Knowing that there are 10 players who have started at some point on both offense and defense, the 2012 Lions should be ready to continue to win championships and finally get to the undefeated season we have been pursuing.”

Oak Hills superintendent of schools Todd Yohey believes his selection committee picked the right coach to make Oak Hills competitive in the GMC.

"Our selection committee wanted a coach who had a vision for not only our high school program, but also middle school and our community youth teams," said Yohey. "We also wanted someone with a strong coaching background and experience who can build on our current foundation and begin a winning tradition for our community. Coach Sholz met all of our expectations and we look forward to a new direction at Oak Hills."

NR teachers get technology boost

2012-01-04T09:22:00.007-05:00

If students in the New Richmond Exempted Village School District got a new electronic gadget for Christmas, chances are their teacher can show them how it works.

New Richmond recently devoted an in-service day for teachers to technology issues ranging from use of smart phones and pad computers, sharing documents over the internet with Google Docs, to using the latest in database, social media and web authoring software.

New Richmond schools’ technology director Matt Pritchard conducts a class in Google Docs during New Richmond’s technology in-service day.

“If you have not grown up in the age of technology, you are going to need some help,” explained New Richmond superintendent Adam Bird. “Technology changes so fast and if we don’t work hard we can fall behind the kids.”

The idea of devoting an in-service day to technology issues came from New Richmond technology director Matt Pritchard whose small IT staff was stretched to find time for one-on-one training of classroom teachers. He didn’t have to wait very long for approval from Supt. Bird, who has prioritized professional development and keeping teachers ahead of the technology curve.

“I don’t know if we covered everything, but we were really excited that we could have a day where teachers could work on the same things.” said Bird.

“It was a tremendous opportunity,” said Pritchard. “We are asking teachers to utilize more technology than ever and it’s only fair that we follow up and make sure they are properly trained. The feedback has been tremendous. "

Monroe Elementary teacher Curtis Massey (left) assists Tim Clark demonstrate Smartboard technology.

Training sessions included use of Google Docs for Education (which allows users to share documents and calendars over the internet), Smartboards integration in the classroom, use of laptops including Mac Books, smartphones and tablet PCs, use of social media including YouTube and blogs, creating web pages, and introduction to Progress Book and data mapping.

Progress Book is an online program for teacher grade books, student information system, special education/gifted software, online learning, lesson plans and report cards which will replace Edline in the 2012-13 school year.

Training sessions were conducted by Pritchard and his staff of Julie Edmondson, Steve Wolf and Tanya Carter, vendor representatives and trainers from SOITA, a non-profit agency providing educators with a variety of opportunities for learning how to use technology in their classrooms.

The in-service day also included sessions for elementary math teachers on implementing the district’s new math program and sessions for intervention specialists.

“We scheduled breaks in the math and intervention sessions to allow teachers to pick technology sessions they wanted to attend,” said John Frye, director of pupil and staff services.

“It was incredibly helpful,” said Nicole Parker, high school English teacher and president of the New Richmond Education Association. “It was nice that we could choose the training that was complimentary to what we actually use in our classrooms.”
New Richmond technology specialists (from left) Julie Edmondson, Steve Wolf and Tanya Carter, conducted training sessions along with a Q & A sessions with district teachers on technology subjects.

Schools collect 14,775 for Food Pantry

2012-01-04T09:15:00.000-05:00

New Richmond Exempted Village School District students and their families donated 14,775 items to the New Richmond Food Pantry during the district’s annual student council food drives.

The high school collected 7411 items followed by Locust Corner Elementary with 2869, Monroe Elementary with 2828 and New Richmond Elementary with 1667.
Students from Rick Mahan’s classes and library and office staff get ready to deliver the 7411 items New Richmond High School students collected for the New Richmond Food Pantry.

“In addition New Richmond High School collected $949 in cash,” noted NRHS student council advisor Jim Robinson.

“A combined group, led by Rick Mahan’s classes, the library, and the high school offices took first place each of the three weeks, collecting 1959 items.”

John Callebs' math class was second with a total of 1159 items.

Fight for Nate raises $10,000

2011-12-27T14:16:00.003-05:00

The Dec. 18 Fight For Nate fundraiser at New Richmond High School raised $10,000 according to preliminary results.

The money goes to the medical fund for Nate Kramer, a 2007 New Richmond High School graduate and school swimming record holder who was diagnosed with leukemia last June after finishing his swimming career at the University of Cincinnati. Kramer is awaiting a bone marrow transplant at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

"We have a preliminary total -- approximately $10,000 -- and that doesn't include the City BBQ fundraiser tonight or the Mary Kay fundraiser that Carol Oetzel is doing," said event organizer Sue Griffin. "I think that's tremendous!"

Click on the photo below to watch a combined video/slideshow from the Dec. 18 fundraiser.

Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video

Lions Spirit Wear Sale Dec. 21

2011-12-20T11:46:00.001-05:00

2011 New Richmond High School spirit wear will be on sale from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 in the high school cafeteria for your Christmas shopping. Hookie sweatshirts are $25, T-Shirts $10, Pajamas $20 and Hats $20.

The Spirit Wear sale will take place during the New Richmond boys basketball team’s game against Hughes.

If you cannot make it to the sale you can print out the order form at the link below and order your Lions Spirit Wear by mail.

Lions Spirit Wear order form

Tourbadours 2011 tour of district

2011-12-19T11:36:00.002-05:00

The New Richmond High School Troubadours under the direction of NRHS music director Doug Heflin continued their tradition of touring the district with their Holiday Concert.

Click on the photo below to watch the Tourbadours' 2011 performance at New Richmond Elementary School.

Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video

2011 NRHS Band Holiday concert

2011-12-19T11:33:00.003-05:00

The New Richmond High School Concert Band under the direction of Michael McKinley performs its 2011 Holiday Concert for New Richmond Middle School students.

Click on the photo below to watch the band's 2011 Holiday Concert.

Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video

Retiring board members honored

2011-12-19T08:51:00.003-05:00

Retiring school board members David Painter and Sharon Stark were honored at the December meeting of the New Richmond Board of Education.

Stark and Painter, who served a combined 12 years, will be replaced by incoming board members David Hawkins and Kim Hayden, both former board members.
Retiring New Richmond School Board members David Painter and Sharon Stark hold Excellent With Distinction car stickers and ceremonial bells presented to them at their last Board meeting.

Board member Fred Heflin praised the two outgoing members.

"I have served on the Board of Education on and off since 1979 and have served with 19 different board members," said Heflin. "I want to compliment David and Sharon because they are at the top of the list."

Painter praised the role New Richmond schools has played in his life.

"Were it not for teacher Suzanne Hale, I would still be sitting on the wall on Front Street," said Painter. "She took a special interest in me and I went on to become the first member of my family to go to college."

Painter praised the two new board members.

"I feel good about the members coming on board," said Painter. "I'm confident the Board will continue to try to reduce the financial cost to the district and to improve on the education experience of students."

NRHS swim coaches honored

2011-12-19T08:41:00.000-05:00

A new scoreboard at the New Richmond High School pool was dedicated Dec. 18 in honor of Judy and Joe Middeler who have coached the Lions swimmers for a combined 50 years.

Judy Middeler is in her 36th year as swim team coach while her brother Joe is in his 14th season.

“I think they know how we feel about them,” said New Richmond athletic director Doug Foote.

“I’m not a New Richmond person but there’s something special about this place when you look back and see the Ron Birds (33 years as football coach) and Ron Reids who coach here for 30 years. People stay here forever and ever because of the quality of people they work with. Thank you Middelers, you are the best.“

Former New Richmond swimmers Mark Miller and Alex Lewis spearheaded the fund drive that raised $7500 for the new scoreboard. Among the groups making donations were the New Richmond High School PTO, Girl Scout troup 48026, River Hills Bank and the New Richmond Sports Foundation.

“They are not only great coaches, they’re great people and great mentors,” said Miller. “Granted they may have taught everyone in New Richmond how to swim, but that’s not all of the story. They have been involved with Special Olympics and the Village Food Pantry. They reach out to the community and if someone needs help they will be there to help.”

Click on the photo below to watch a video of the dedication ceremony which preceded the benefit for former Lion swimmer Nate Kramer.

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Art is a family affair at New Richmond

2011-12-14T12:23:00.006-05:00

Monroe Elementary’s 4th annual Creative Family Art Night attracted more than 250 people from the New Richmond school district who created artwork at 15 environmentally-friendly creation stations for families.

New Richmond Exempted Village School District art teachers (from left) Amy Cholkas, Adrian Hawk and Tim Cook greet families at Monroe Elementary’s 2011 Creative Family Art Night that attracted more than 250 people.

“The theme of this year’s event was ‘EARTH: Back to Nature’,” noted Monroe visual arts teacher Adrian Hawk. “Families from New Richmond Elementary and Locust Corner Elementary were invited to attend this year.”

Click on the photo below to watch a slideshow from Creative Family Fun Night.

Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video

Each family received a reusable cloth bag at the door and were invited to create a design on the bag that represented their family.

“They then visited the different creation stations, which included natural weavings, upcycled ornaments and flowers using old materials, watercolor paintings of ocean scenes, natural leaf rubbings, flower garden mural painting, and much more,” said Mrs. Hawk, who was assisted by NRE art teacher Amy Cholkas and LCE art teacher Tim Cook.

This event was sponsored by Monroe Elementary’s P.T.O.

Monroe Elementary 2nd grade student Emily Colonel (left) and kindergarten student Piper Ulmer work on the Monroe Flower Garden Mural during New Richmond Exempted Village School District’s Creative Family Art Night.

NRMS selling discount 'Go Cards'

2011-12-13T08:59:00.002-05:00

Need a stocking stuffer?

Check out the NRMS Athletics 'Go Card,' a discount card that pays for itself.

The New Richmond Middle School Athletic Dept. will be selling "Go Cards" for our winter fundraiser. The cards arrive Wednesday 12/14/11.

"We have 1150 total to sell," said NRMS athletic director Sue Curfman. "The card is good for one year and can be used as many times as you want. The cost is $10 and the card will pay for itself with the discounts."

Download the Go Card order form for your business savings and locations.

 Enjoy Continuous Discounts at Participating Locations

 Valuable Discounts and Offers Valid Until 11/30/12!

 Pays For Itself in Just a Few Visits … a Great Bargain!

 Makes a Great Stocking-Stuffer or Gift!

Questions? Please contact Sue Curfman: curfman_s@nrschools.org

NRE seeks volunteers for reading program

2011-12-12T09:12:00.002-05:00

Retired or have time on your hands?

Like Volunteering?

Want to Build Bridges between YOUR community and school?

Then New Richmond Elementary needs YOU! NRE is starting a program, Book Bridges; building bridges between home and school among 2^nd grade students. We are also looking for help with grade three readers. Volunteers are needed to work with students and provide opportunities to build reading skills. Book Bridges operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00a.m.-10:40a.m. Third grade times are negotiable. If interested, pick a day, and please contact Misty Cresap at 553-3181 x15310 or Terry Miller at 553-3181 x15001.

Monroe students support our troops

2011-12-07T09:25:00.007-05:00

Second grade students at New Richmond's Monroe Elementary have continued a class tradition of giving up their traditional holiday gift exchange parties in favor of making donations to worthy causes.

This year, students in the classes of teachers Staci Heiden, Jennifer Huelsmann and Melanie Shoemaker collected reading and entertainment items, snacks and health and beauty items from the Yellow Ribbon Support Center's Soldiers' Wish List.

Monroe Elementary second-grade team captains (from left) Jake Riffle, Katie Williams and Evan Hughes present some of the items the class collected for U.S. soldiers to Keith Maupin and Erica Huff from the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Eastgate.

Room captains Evan Hughes, Katie Williams and Jake Riffle presented the gifts to Erica Huff and Keith Maupin from The Yellow Ribbon Support Center, a non-profit organization that has sent over 17,500 packages to our troops serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Yellow Ribbon Support Center is located 700 Eastgate South Drive, Suite 430, Cincinnati, OH 45245. Anyone wishing to make donations to the center can call Mr. Maupin at 513-752-4310 or contact him by email at keith@yellowribbonsupportcenter.com.

Keith Maupin and Erica Huff (standing with second-grade teacher Staci Heiden) explain the purpose of the Yellow Ribbon Support Center to Monroe Elementary second-grade students who collected items for U.S. Troops.

Cholkas honored by art group

2011-11-23T09:29:00.001-05:00

New Richmond Elementary School visual arts teacher Amy Cholkas has received the Circa Recognition Award from the Ohio Art Education Association and inducted into the OAEA Circa Honor Society at the association’s annual conference in Dayton in November.

The OAEA Circa Society honors OAEA educators who have shown long term service and professional dedication to OAEA and the field of visual art education in Ohio.

The Ohio Art Education Association is Ohio’s professional organization for nearly 2000 of Ohio’s visual art educators and promotes educational growth and leadership within its membership.

“Congratulations to the New Richmond Exempted Village School District for having this outstanding educator in your district,” said Kathryn Cahill, OAEA membership chair.

NRMS concert honors veterans

2011-11-14T11:36:00.003-05:00

New Richmond Middle School honored our community's military veterans Nov. 10 with an assembly and concert by the school's 7th and 8th grade choirs under the direction of Mr. Doug Heflin.

Click on the photo below to watch a video of NRMS' Veterans Concert.

Right click here and select Save Target As to download the video

NRHS to hold Nate Kramer benefit

2011-11-10T13:08:00.001-05:00

New Richmond High School will join the University of Cincinnati swim team in “The Ted Mullin Hour of Power” cancer awareness swim relay from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 to benefit the Nate Kramer Medical Fund.

Kramer, a 2007 graduate of New Richmond, was diag¬¬nosed with Leukemia last June following the completion of his collegiate swimming career at the University of Cincinnati.

After being cut from basketball in middle school, Kramer switched to swimming and went on to set school records in the 200-meter and 500-meter freestyles, the 200 Individual Medley and the 100-meter backstroke and won a scholarship to swim for UC.

“Nate is one of an elite group of New Richmond High School graduates to receive a scholarship to a Division I college to participate in athletics,” said NRHS teacher Rick Mahan.

The benefit will be held at the New Richmond High School pool after school on the 22nd.

“We ask that you bring a donation and come swim or just watch,” said Mahan.
Anyone wishing to donate or has any questions can contact Mahan (553-3191 Ext. 10214), Malissa Cornette (553-3191 Ext. 10306) or Judy Middeler (553-3161 Ext. 11027).

Monroe serves those who served

2011-11-10T11:44:00.002-05:00

Monroe Elementary held its annual Veterans Breakfast Thursday, Nov. 10 featuring the Monroe Student Council serving breakfast meals to the veterans and also performing patriotic songs under the direction of Sally Lindsley.

Click on the photo below to watch a video of Monroe Elementary's Veterans program.

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Locust Corner honors veterans

2011-11-09T13:54:00.002-05:00

New Richmond's Locust Corner Elementary held its annual Veterans Breakfast Nov. 9 featuring four of the area's World War II veterans.

Click on the photo below to watch a slideshow video of Locust Corner's Veterans program.

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Amy Cholkas' salute to veterans

2011-11-09T11:57:00.001-05:00

New Richmond Elementary visual arts teacher Amy Cholkas created an educational and inspirational Powerpoint presentation for the school's annual Veterans program.

Click on the photo below to watch a video of Amy Cholkas' veterans presentation.

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NRE 2011 Veterans Breakfast

2011-11-07T19:13:00.002-05:00

New Richmond Elementary held its annual Veterans Breakfast Nov. 7 featuring readings honoring veterans and a performance by a combined faculty-student choir.

Click on the photo below to watch a video of NRE's Veterans program.

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NRE student council speeches

2011-11-07T13:10:00.005-05:00

Candidates for president and secretary of New Richmond Elementary's Student Council gave their campaign speeches Monday prior to voting by the school's 4th, 5th and 6th grade students.

The program was hosted by NRE Student Council advisor Karen Cahall and NRE Speech-Language Pathologist Tracy Maguire.

Click on the photo below to watch the speeches.

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Preschool openings at Locust Corner

2011-11-07T12:50:00.001-05:00

There are a few openings in the preschool classroom at New Richmond's Locust Corner Elementary. Families must reside in the LCE area to be eligible.

If you or anyone you know, has a preschool age child and would like enrollment information, please contact Erika Hauke at hauke_e@nrschools.org or leave a voice mail message at 553-3181 x15206.

NRHS to perform White Christmas

2011-11-03T10:05:00.017-04:00

The New Richmond High School music department has never shied away from major productions when it comes to the school’s Fall musical having produced the likes of West Side Story. But somehow White Christmas never made the production schedule until this year.

“White Christmas is a really wonderful old time story with a happy ending but it really doesn’t get produced very much because it’s moderately seasonal,” said New Richmond music director Doug Heflin, who is directing the show with the assistance of his wife, Lisa. “But because we have our musical a week before Thanksgiving, it kind of gives us a connection.

Cast members from New Richmond's production of White Christmas (from left) Sammi Gregory, Sarah Molitor, Ashleigh Beard, Will Heflin and Nick Gilman rehearse their roles.

Besides it’s an Irving Berlin musical.

“I’m a big Irving Berlin fan,” admitted Heflin.

The muisical will be performed November 18th & 19th at 7:00 pm in the NRHS theater.

The White Christmas storyline has two World War II veterans and song-and-dance act following two beautiful sisters to a Vermont lodge where they will be performing in a Christmas show. Once there they find their former Army commander, General Waverly, is the lodge owner and a series of romantic mix-ups result where they try to help the general.

“The movie version of White Christmas is a bit different from what we will do on stage,” said Heflin, who is directing a cast and crew of 75. “You can tell they changed the movie version around to be a vehicle for the great stars.”

The two main characters Bob and Phil (played in the movie by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) are being played by Will Heflin and Nick Gilman. The sisters (Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney in the movie version) are played by Sammi Gregory and Sarah Molitor.

“Those four characters are the driving force in the movie,” noted Heflin, “but in the stage version we are doing we also have very important parts being played by Ashleigh Beard who playing Martha Watson the inn keeper, Michael Steelman who is General Waverly and Sarah Denneman who is playing Susan Wavely, the granddaughter of Waverly. In our stage version both Martha and Susan have solos.”
NRHS music director Doug Heflin directs a scene during rehearsal while his wife and assistant director, Lisa Heflin, and Newton McCollum discuss his role in the musical White Christmas.

The New Richmond production also will include some of the dance routines from the Broadway and movie versions with the students doing their own choreography.

“Without a dance studio and a dance choreographer here, the students divvy up and do all their own choreography,” said Heflin. “We have a couple solo dances (Mary Grace Williams and Jessica Nazareth) and I think it looks great.”

Heflin said fans should not confuse White Christmas with Holiday Inn, another Irving Berlin musical from which the song White Christmas originated.

“White Christmas the musical only has a couple of Christmas scenes – the very two or three minutes and then the closing scene,” said Heflin.

“It’s going to be neat. It’s a good sit-back, feel-good about yourself and watch a neat show.”
Michael Steelman plays General Waverly in New Richmond High School's production of White Christmas.

Cast List for White Christmas
November 18th & 19th at 7:00 pm in the NRHS theater
Will Heflin—Bob Wallace
Nick Gilman—Phil Davis
Sarah Molitor—Betty Haynes
Sammi Gregory—Judy Haynes
Michael Steelman—General Waverly
Ashleigh Beard—Martha Watson
Sarah Dennemann—Susan Waverly
Craig Hoagland – Ralph Sheldrake
Pavel Jump—Mike
Erica Jones—Rita
Rachel Heflin—Rhoda
Newton McCollum—Ezekiel Foster
Sydney Clancy—Tessie
Chelsea Fawley—Cigarette Girl
Charlie Spicker—Jimmy
Daniel Wilson—Conductor
Nicholas Wuest—Snoring Man
Cierra Edwards—Mrs. Snoring Man
Lydia Webb—Secretary
Lindsay Gundler—Dance Captain & Passenger #4
Morgan Olenick—Seamstress & Marty
Rachel Ploucha—Assistant Seamstress & Passenger #4
Luke Gilday—TV Announcer
Amber Hudson—Gloria
Jessica Nazareth—Feature Dancers
Hannah Smiddy—Feature Dancers
Mary Grace Williams—Feature Dancers
The Company
Halee Curtis
Tyler Davis
Megan Deters
Audrey Feiler
Cindy Hamilton
Abby Jewell
Olivia Latham
Emily Leffler
Skylar McDonald
Juliane Molitor
Mande Myers
Katelynn Nichols
Courtney Roberts
Analiese Rohdes
Jade Stamper
Ashley Stephens
Rachael Trowbridge
Kelsey Williams

NRMS 1st quarter honor rolls

2011-11-01T09:47:00.001-04:00

New Richmond Middle School
1st quarter honor rolls
7th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Grant Anderson, Brittney Bash, Jessica Bauscher, Rachel Coons, Kaeley Fagan, Alexis Forsee, Katelyn Forsee, Alex Gardner, Caitlyn Grooms, Joseph Hammill, Anna Heiden, Calvin Hochberg, Kaylin Hoffman, Travis Justice, Anna Kellerman, Gage Kramer, Madison Lanthorn, Brooke Lanthorn, Teddy Mansfield, Ashley Mikles, Abigale Morris, Daniel Parks, Jacob Phillips, Rachael Riffle, Katherine Schlaak, Shelbi Simpson, Lukas Smiddy, Cortney Smith, Staci Stephens, Daniel Stoy, Trace Walriven, Daniel Weiskittel, Laura Wilson, Dakota Young

7th Grade High Honors
Summer Adams, Levi Antoni, Bailey Armbruster, Savannah Bateman, Natalie Bates, Anna Bennett, Celia Bostic, Kaleb Boyer, Hannah Brown, Lilyann Cahall, Taylor Cardarelli, Jason Chapman, Kaylee Chapman, Joshua Clancy, Sydney Closterman, Sally Corbett, Caleb Cyrus, Jacob Cyrus, Joshua Dixon, McKenzie Edwards, Raebecca Ellington, Nicole Erdman, Clayton Farmer, Amber Fischer, Sadie Fischesser, Hunter Gilpin, Luke Glenn, Ethan Gundler, Bailey Haas, Anna Hamilton, Averi Hammonds, Lindsay Hayes, Hunter Higginbotham, Amber Jividen, McKayla Kirschner, Jacob Konerman, Victoria Loving, Zackary Marck, Angus Matthews, Haley Maynard, Chase McDonald, Brittney Miller, Kandice Miller, Sydney Myers, Brianna Naylor, Christopher Nazareth, Zachary Neeley, Isabelle Oiler, Angel Sauer, Noah Scheu, Cooper Scholz, Peyton Schweickart, Maggie Smith, Johnathan Snider, Brianna Sons, Tabitha Stevens, Douglas Stewart, Timothy Tyler, Maria Valenzuela, Elisabeth Walters, Brandin Webb, Tanner Webb, Emily Weitzel, Emily Willhoff, Ashley Willis, Bergen Workman.

7th Grade Honor Roll
Ryan Allen, Elizabeth Barber, Courtney Bash, Jacob Bishop, Samuel Blackburn, Jade Blackledge, Tyler Brown, Seth Butler, Dawson Cromwell, Shayna Curtis, Kasey Davis, Amber Drew, Brittany Edwards, Christian Faul, Nikolas Hensley, Luke Hoagland, Zakery Hubbard, Hannah King, CJ Meyer, Keaton Montgomery, Austin Niederhelman, Andrew Pruitt, Heather Slye, Bradey Strunk, James Thacker, Ashley Troy, Jude Utsinger, Sophie Wright.

7th Grade Perfect Attendance
Levi Antoni, Corey Baker, Brittney Bash, Courtney Bash, Savannah Bateman, Anna Bennett, Gary Blackburn, Jade Blackledge, Hannah Brown, Taylor Cardarelli, Jason Chapman, Kaylee Chapman, Sally Corbett, Shayna Curtis, Caleb Cyrus, Jacob Cyrus, Joshua Dixon, Hannah Duty, Kaeley Fagan, Clayton Farmer, Amber Fischer, Alexis Forsee, Katelyn Forsee, Alex Gardner, Luke Glenn, Caitlyn Grooms, Anna Hamilton, Joseph Hammill, Averi Hammonds, Sophia Hawkins, Anna Heiden, Nikolas Hensley, Hunter Higginbotham, Luke Hoagland, Calvin Hochberg, Zakery Hubbard, Amber Jividen, Gage Kramer,Madison Lanthorn, Rebecca Lanthorn, Victoria Loving, Teddy Mansfield, Angus Matthews, Haley Maynard, Mollie McDaniel, CJ Meyer IV, Ashley Mikles, Brittney Miller, Keaton Montgomery, Kennith Moore, Sydney Myers, Austin Niederhelman, Isabelle Oiler, Jacob Phillips, Andrew Pruitt, Rebecca Reffit, Nathan Sanders, Angel Sauer, Noah Scheu, Katherine Schlaak, Cooper Scholz, Heather Slye, Daniel Stoy, Ashley Troy, Timothy Tyler, Maria Valenzuela, Tiffany Vise, Dalton Wallace, Daniel Weiskittel, Emily Weitzel, Emily Willhoff, Ashley Willis, Laura Wilson.

8th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Alicia Bailey,Kaitlyn Flake,Adrianna Flood,Evan Grippa,Timothy Hammer,Chase Heflin,Ariel Huber,Jade Kunz,Harrison Light,Kelsey Nichols,Erin O’Toole,Kendal Warren.

8th Grade High Honors
Cidney Adams, Dylan Allen, Rachael Autzen, Gregory Beasley, Emily Belmont, Brianna Chapman, Hannah Clifton, Kendal Collier, Emily Crockett, Rebecca Darland, Noah David, Kristin Evans, Nicholas Flake, Ross Flenniken, Zoe Hallahan, Maren Hance, Hayley Hawkins, Jacob Hayden, Morgan Huddleston, Ariel Johnson, Nicholas Kirby, Brooklyn Klein, Hannah Lake, Hunter Lansaw, Nicholas Laub, Ella Lindsley, Allyson Lutz, Joseph Maxwell, Taylor McKinley, Jesse Noble, Kayla Olenick, Sydney Padgett, Darik Page, Laura Painter, Connor Pike, Amanda Redmon,Holly Reinert, Kiara Rivera, Eric Rolfes, Skye Saldana, Kirsten Savage, Corey Secen, Cydney Stiles, Austin Torrens, Chelsey Underwood, Maisie Waters, Kaitlyn Williams, Lindsey Williams.

8th Grade Honor Roll
Jacob Bauman, Lacey Bayless, Destiana Berling, Chelsey Bowling, Alexander Boyer, Nikita Branam, Jacob Branson, Ryan Brunk, Zachary Bullock, Dustin Carr, Tamara Crosby, Matthew Devoe, Kiley Doane-Deardorff, Kerrigan Dyer, Shawn Elam, Austin Frazier, Tyler Gates, Kaylee Gibbs, Blake Gibson, Karl Greifenkamp, Benjamin Hamilton, Elise Holdsworth, Dana Honaker, Bailey House, Carla Koch, Peyton Kroeger, Chad Louis, Morgan Malicoat, Seyvon Marshall, Melissa Moore, Adam Nassar, Jonathan O'Dell, Silas O'Dell, Tyler Payne, Kelly Rowan, Tyler Sammons,Robert Sarbell, Michael Simpson, Alex Snider, Jenna Swormstedt, Cole Thompson, Jesse Troy, Austin Verkamp, Brian Waddle, Zachary Walton, Magic Weir, Michael Williamson.

8th Grade Perfect Attendance
Cidney Adams, Erik Anderson, Rachael Autzen, Alicia Bailey, Jacob Bauman, Emily Belmont, Jacob Branson, Christopher Bullock, Zachary Bullock, Dustin Carr, Brianna Chapman, Hannah Clifton, Kendal Collier, Travis Crawford, Emily Crockett, Rebecca Darland, Noah David, Kerrigan Dyer, Donald Edwards, Ross Flenniken, Adrianna Flood, Casey Goodheart, Evan Grippa, Benjamin Hamilton, Timothy Hammer, Jacob Hayden, Elise Holdsworth, Bailey House, Ariel Huber, Ariel Johnson, Ethan Justice, Jade Kunz, Harrison Light, Ella Lindsley, Allyson Lutz, Morgan Malicoat, Alix Miller, Kelsey Nichols, Jesse Noble, Jonathan O'Dell, Kayla Olenick, Erin O'Toole, Sydney Padgett, Darik Page, Tyler Payne, Connor Pike, Skye Saldana, Tyler Sammons, Robert Sarbell, Nicholas Skeene, Christopher Sollberger, Hali Stamper, Cydney Stiles, Stile Sweet, Jesse Troy, Stacey Tucker, Chelsey Underwood, Austin Verkamp, Brian Waddle, Maryann Wuerdeman.

Monore 1st Quarter Awards Breakfast

2011-10-28T11:54:00.003-04:00

Monroe Elementary honored Kindergarten through second grade students for academic achievement at an Awards Breakfast Friday, Oct. 28 hosted by principal Mark Bailey.

Click on the photo below to watch a video of Friday' Monroe Awards Breakfast.

Right click and select Save Target As to download

Lions Reach Out begins clothing drive

2011-10-24T10:19:00.002-04:00

Lions Reach Out, the New Richmond charity that benefits needy students at New Richmond High School, will hold its annual clothing drive Oct. 31 through Nov. 15.

“Please feel free to donate any size items--infants, toddlers, children’s, teens are desperately needed this year--we’ll take it all,” said Lions Reach Out director Sue Griffin. “Please make sure the items you donate are in really good shape.”

Lions Reach Out is working with the Felicity United Methodist Church which will receive any items that Lions Reach Out cannot use.

Items can be dropped off any time during school hours at room 204 at New Richmond High School between Oct. 31 and Nov. 15. For more information call Sue Griffin at 553-3191.

Lions Reach Out is a 503c non-profit registered with the IRS and all contributions are tax deductible.

Monroe hosts Creative Family Art Night

2011-10-20T11:46:00.002-04:00

Monroe Elementary will host a district wide Creative Family Art Night from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. The event is open to all district elementary school families and students.

The theme for this year's Creative Family Art Night is "Back to Nature!". Each art creation station will be centered around the environment and other parts of the living world.

“CFAN includes cool art making stations to create great art with your family, an art exhibition of student work, and collaborative art experiences for community-based art experiences,” explained Adrian Vance Hawk, Monroe Visual Arts Specialist. “Families from NRE and LCE are invited to attend.”

Anyone with questions or willing to volunteer are urged to contact Adrian Vance Hawk at hawk_a@nrschools.org or 513.553.3183 ext. 14402.

Monroe First Quarter Honor Rolls

2011-10-20T10:18:00.001-04:00

New Richmond Exempted Village School District
Monroe Elementary School
First Quarter Awards 2011-2012

4th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Jason Ackerman, Abigail Allen, Lilli Fields, Jonah Hanrahan, Austin Houston, Taylor Jones, Logan Kunz, Ellie Mansfield, Jetta McCart, Samantha Pratt, Ashley Sarbell, Brandon Savage, Allison Verdin, Lydia Victor, Kailey Wehrmeyer, Mitchell Williamson.

4th Grade Honor Roll
Hailey Carnahan, Drew Coorey, Garret Corbin, Elizabeth Courtier, Aaryn Craig, Jarrett Donley, Jerrid Evans, Trenton Evans, Seth Fischesser, Owen Gibbs, Lexie Hebling, Anna Houck, Claudia Kennedy, Chase Kiser, Jacob Kunz, Amy Lewis, Caleb McConnell, Katherine Moore, Destiny Morel, Jacob Reams, Sebastian Reissig, Katie Rufft, Wyatt Seal, Dakota Stewart, Nathan Taylor, Joe Vance, Lexy Vogt, Lilly Wildey, T. J. Williams, Chris Willis.

5th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Holly Chandler, Cierra Fluhart, Lindsey Hoffman, Sebastian Johnson, Carmen McDonald, Jordan McKinley, McKenzie Miller, Hailey Penny, Sawyer Scheu.

5th Grade Honor Roll
Olivia Brashear, Tyler Bullock, Jon Davidson, Sophia Deardorff, Sierra Deitsch, Matt Elliott, Gage Goodeart, Julie Harrison, Alex Heflin, Ian Herrmann, Tyler Heskamp, Hailey Jowers, Jody Lytle, Melanie Matheney, Mary Moran, Abby Morgan, Allison Neiderhelman, Trista Smith, Ben Spires, Alyssa Stiles.

6th Grade Merit Honor Roll
Julien Battista, Elise Bezold, Josie Blome, Nicholas Edmondson, Jacob Heskamp, Jazmyn Hinkston, Kiae Marshall, Michael Nichols, Kara O’Toole, Trinite Patterson, Kaleigh Pratt, Rainy Stripplehoff, Nicholas Swisher.

6th Grade Honor Roll
Mackenzie Adams, Andrew Appelmann, Andrew Bach, Kaitlyn Blice, Hallie Bolton, Haylie Clemmons, Peyton Daugherty, Zachary Deardorff, Adam Durham, Aaron Ellis, Lane Flamm, Matthew Franks, T. J. Gelter, Matthew Hosler, Christopher Isaacs, Bryce Lavely, Scott Lindsey, Shelby Miller, Haily Olson, Jazmine Roden, Elexis Sanchez, Faith Schuster, Evan Taylor, Maria Trimble, Sean Underwood, Zachary Wuest.

4th Grade Principal’s Award
Jason Ackerman, Abigail Allen, Nathan Blakely, Drew Coorey, Garret Corbin, Trenton Evans, Lilli Fields, Seth Fischesser, Owen Gibbs, Jonah Hanrahan, Lexie Helbling, Austin Houston, Taylor Jones, Emily Justice, Jacob Kunz, Logan Kunz, Amy Lewis, Ellie Mansfield, Jetta McCart, Caleb McConnell, Destiny Morel, Samantha Pratt, Katie Rufft, Ashley Sarbell, Brandon Savage, Brittany Seng, Allison Verdin, Lydia Victor, Lexy Vogt, Autumn Waddell, Corydon Ward, Kailey Wehrmeyer, Lilly Wildey, Mitchell Williamson.

5th Grade Principal’s Award
Taylor Bayless, Olivia Brashear, Holly Chandler, Sierra Deitsch, Matt Elliott, Trent Felts, Gage Goodheart, Brian Hamilton, Sara Harris, Cody Harrison, Julie Harrison, Alex Heflin, Ian Herrmann, Lindsey Hoffman, Sebastian Johnson, Hailey Jowers, R. J. Lara, Matthew Laub, Paul McCulley, Carmen McDonald, Jordan McKinley, McKenzie Miller, Mary Moran, Allison Neiderhelman, Sierra Pelcha, Hailey Penny, Faith Powers, Casey Riffle, Sawyer Scheu, Alyssa Stiles, Brennan Verkamp.

6th Grade Principal’s Award
Mackenzie Adams, Lydia Anderson, Julien Battista, Elise Bezold, Kaitlyn Blice, Haylie Clemmons, Nate Dillow, Aaron Ellis, Jazmyn Hinkston, Christopher Isaacs, Bryce Lavely, Scott Lindsey, Kara O’Toole, Trinitie Patterson, Kaleigh Pratt, Elexis Sanchez, Rainy Stripplehoff, Nicholas Swisher, Maria Trimble, Sean Underwood, Jade White, Ryan Wolf.

4th Grade Perfect Attendance
Ackerman, Jason, Elizabeth Courtier, Jerrid Evans, Lilli Fields, Alexis Fiscus, Owen Gibbs, Anna Houck, Jacob Kunz, Logan Kunz, Isabella Lara, Katherine Moore, Brittany Seng, Allison Verdin, Lexy Vogt, Lilly Wildey, Christopher Willis.

5th Grade Perfect Attendance
Christopher Brunk, Tyler Bullock, Holly Chandler, Sierra Deitsch, Kaylee Donahue, Gage Goodheart, Brian Hamilton, Julianna Harrison, Ian Herrmann, Tyler Heskamp, Lindsey Hoffman, Paul McCulley, Carmen McDonald, Jordan McKinley, Taylor Rogers, Sawyer Sceu, Joshua Vandergriff, Brennan Verkamp.

6th Grade Perfect Attendance
Mackenzie Adams, Andrew Appelmann, Natalie Barcheski, Elise Bezold, Kaitlyn Blice, Hallie Bolton, Timmothy Brown, Hailey Clemmons, Peyton Daugherty, Adam Durham, Aaron Ellis, Courtney Faul, Lane Flamm, T. J. Gelter, Jacob Heskamp, Jazmyn Hinkston, Scott Lindsey, Haily Olson, Kara O’Toole, Nicholas Swisher, Evan Taylor, Maria Trimble, Shayla Underwood, Zachary Wuest.

Quarter auction to benefit After Prom

2011-10-17T10:58:00.004-04:00

The New Richmond High School PTO's After Prom committee will be holding a Quarter Auction on Thursday, Nov. 3 in the NRHS Cafeteria. Auction preview begins at 6:30 p.m. with the auctin starting at 7 p.m. Proceeds go to the 2012 After Prom.

The After Prom committee is looking for donated items for the auction and volunteers to help set up and clean up after the auction.

"We have solicited to many local businesses and have gotten some great prizes, but if you happen to have “never opened/unused” items in your closet/basement that you have bought or received as a gift, we would love to take it off your hands," said commitee member Joyce Montgomery.

Anyone with items to donate or willing to volunteer their time should contact Linda Miller at lemiller63@yahoo.com or Tricia Bosse at tdbosse@zoomtown.com.

NRHS gets mobile math computer lab

2011-10-13T13:05:00.002-04:00

New Richmond High School math students now have the use of a mobile computer lab to use with GeoGebra, a free, multi-platform dynamic mathematics software for all levels of education that joins geometry, algebra, tables, graphing, statistics and calculus.

“Teachers have been trained in GeoGebra and are using it in everyday math classes at New Richmond High School,” said John Frye, director of pupil and staff services for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District.

Julie Edmondson from the NREVSD technology department programs 10 new laptop computers that make up a mobile computer lab for math students at New Richmond High School.

“The mobile computer lab will be shared by the high school math department teachers and teams of students will explore the applications and changes of vectors, coordinates and much more in a virtual environment.”

The mobile computer lab, consisting of 10 laptop computers, was delivered Thursday. High school match teachers received training in web-based GeoGebra during the summer.

GeoGebra was developed in Europe and is used internationally and is available on the internet at http://www.geogebra.org. It allows teachers and students to do constructions including points, vectors, segments, lines, and conic sections as well as functions, which can be altered dynamically by mouse afterwards.

“Our teachers will use it to demonstrate and teach higher level concepts and skills,” said Frye.

2011 New Richmond Homecoming Parade

2011-09-30T11:30:00.003-04:00

Click on the photo below to watch a video of the 2011 New Richmond Homecoming parade.

Right click and select Save Target As to download

Monore 2011 Grandparents Day

2011-09-26T11:35:00.002-04:00

Grandparents went back to school at Monroe Elementary Friday, Sept. 23 for the school's popular Grandparents Day.

Click on the photo below to watch a slideshow video of Monroe's grandparents.

Right click and select Save Target As to download

Locust Corner Grandparents Day

2011-09-13T12:31:00.002-04:00

Grandparents Day is always one of the more popular events at New Richmond's Locust Corner Elementary and the 2011 breakfast/open house filled every available parking space. Click on the photo below to watch a slideshow video of happy grandparents and students.

Right click and select Save Target As to download

Monroe artwork displayed at Starbucks

2011-09-13T10:14:00.005-04:00

A rotating exhibition of artwork by Monroe Elementary students is on display for the next three days at Starbucks in Cheery Grove.

"The students studied an environmental artist named Bryant Holsenbeck whose work utilizes old credit cards and gift cards to make collages of animals and birds," explained Monroe art teacher Adrian Hawk. "Starbucks has been saving gift cards used by their customers for our art room. The artists at Monroe cut the cards and made some beautiful artworks from them (see below)....they are so lovely in person!"

Monroe art teacher Adrian Hawk with some of the Monroe artwork on display at the Cherry Grove Starbucks.

NRMS athletics selling pizza cards

2011-09-13T10:02:00.003-04:00

New Richmond Middle School athletes are selling Buddey LaRosa Cards for $10. Five dollars of the purchase of the discount pizz cards will go to the NRMS athletic department.

"The cards are good for one year at the point of you activating the card," said NRMS athletic director Sue Curfman.

The sale ends Sept. 27 with the cards delivered the week of Oct. 10. Cards may be purchased from any NRMS athlete or by contacting Sue Curfman at the middle school or by email at curfman_s@nrschools.org.

Faculty Flash Mob Dance video

2011-09-12T09:42:00.004-04:00

Click on the image below to watch the New Richmond faculty Flash Mob Dance at the Sept. 9, 2011 high schol pep rally.

NRHS music department enjoying wide-open spaces

2011-09-08T13:28:00.012-04:00

New Richmond High School vocal music director Doug Heflin finally has the space to match his philosophy of never turning away a student from participating in a music program.

“For the first time I’m going to have a place where all the kids can prepare for a concert together,” said Heflin in describing the former library at New Richmond High School which was remodeled into a music room during the summer.

“When we have a concert we will have 240 people getting ready in this room and this is the first time in my teaching career of 27 years when all our choirs can prepare together.”
New Richmond High School music director Doug Heflin now has the space to house his 240-member music department.

The high school auditorium served as Heflin’s music classroom for the past two years after the school’s original music room was deemed too small to accommodate 120 students, the number needed for the school’s acclaimed Troubadours. Half the group would sit in the orchestra pit while the other half filled the first rows of the auditorium seating.

“The auditorium was a difficult place to rehearse because of the location of each section,” noted Troubadours president Grant Gilman. “The sopranos and altos would be far away and the sound didn’t blend very well. The only time we could get together was on the stage during concerts.”

Hearing the sopranos and altos is no longer a problem with the new sound system.

“The sound system is fantastic,” said Heflin, who is in his 20th year at New Richmond. He previously taught seven years at Jackson. “I can whisper and with my wireless microphone everyone can hear me from across the room.”

New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird came up with the idea of turning the large library into a music room.

“We conducted a survey and discovered that the majority of the students using the library did so for the computers or as a quiet place to study,” explained Bird. “Only four percent of the students were going to the library to check out books.”

The library computers were moved to an empty classroom to give the high school a second computer lab. The rest of the library moved into a one of the school’s two large art rooms which became available when the high school went to one art class.
New Richmond High School music director Doug Heflin discusses the department’s new spacious quarters with Troubadours president Grant Gilman.

Besides the 120 Troubadours, Heflin has 81 other students in mixed chorus and 35 students in his select choir. Those students also make up men’s and women’s choirs. Heflin also serves as the New Richmond Middle School music director with the retirement of Tom Gilfillin.

“Now that I’m in charge of the 7th and 8th grade choirs, I have seven choirs with 390 singers in grades 7 through 12,” said Heflin.

Heflin has 75 to 80 students in each of his choirs at the middle school, where he uses the former band room.

“It’s not as spacious as what we have at the high school, but we never turn away a child from being able to participate in a music program,” said Heflin.

Heflin will have a hard act to follow this year after his Troubadours came away from national competition in Maryland last spring with three gold medals.

“Every year we look at the Troubadours and say, ‘How can we top last year,’” said Heflin. “And I tell you, I think this group sounds great.”

“I think we can exceed the expectations from last year with this group,” said Gilman.

The New Richmond High School libarary has moved to one of the school's former art rooms. Library aide Joyce Montgomery is pictured with (from left) Greer Neess and Sarah Hartman who are using the library to study. A survey conducted last school year revealed that only four percent of students were using the library to check out books.

Celebrating Excellence in our schools

2011-08-25T12:51:00.002-04:00

Click on the photo below to watch a video of the 2011 Opening Day Convocation presentation celebrating the team effort by administrators, teachers, employees, parents and students that resulted in New Richmond being named an Excellent with Distinction district. The video is from a Powerpoint presentation by Mr. John Frye, director of pupil and staff services for the NREVSD.

Season Passes now on sale

2011-08-24T13:43:00.000-04:00

You can buy your season passes now in the office at NRHS. Several options for you are available.

Seat license for football games are $25 a piece plus admissions price.
All Sports Pass are available $90 adult/ $70 student
10 game pass $50 adult/ $30 student

Passes will not be sold on Friday night football games so please come in and purchase them.

Opening Day Convocation speeches

2011-08-17T15:10:00.005-04:00

Click on the images below to watch speeches by New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird and distinguished New Richmond alumnus Bob Lees at the 2011 New Richmond Schools Opening Convocation and the 2011 school year kickoff by the New Richmond High School cheerleaders.

* EXCELLENT WITH DISTINCTION *

2011-08-12T18:05:00.015-04:00

The New Richmond Exempted Village School District learned Friday that it has obtained an Excellent With Distinction rating by the Ohio Department of Education for the 2010-11 school year. It marked the fourth straight year that New Richmond has been rated Excellent.

“We are really proud of our students,” said New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, PTOs and staff of NREVSD.”

According to the superintendent’s report Bird received from the state last month, New Richmond scored higher than the state requirement in all testing areas and higher than our similar districts.

“And we have a district wide performance index of 101, the first time we’ve been over 100,” said Bird.

Superintendent Adam Bird will be hanging an Excellent with Distinction banner on the wall of the Central Office.

All five New Richmond schools – Locust Corner Elementary, Monroe Elementary, New Richmond Elementary, Middle School and High School – exceeded the state requirements in all testing areas to qualify for an Excellent rating. The district was elevated to Excellent with Distinction by its valued-added component of Ohio’s school report-card system measures growth or improvement to determine the "value" gained by a student during a time period.

School and district performance reports are issued annually by the Ohio Department of Education, detailing students’ performance on standardized statewide tests, rates of improvement on those tests, student attendance and graduation rates.

The only state performance measure not met by the district in the preliminary report was Adequate Yearly Progress in the area of special education math.

The minimum requirement by the state is a passing rate of 75 percent in each testing area. New Richmond exceeded 90 percent in six of the 23 testing areas and was over 80 percent in all but one area – 10th grade math (78.6 percent).

“I am very pleased with the efforts of our students and staff,” said Bird.“However, we are concerned with the 5 to 10 percent of our students not passing the state tests and we will be focusing more attention on those students.”

One of the tools New Richmond will be using to achieve Bird's goal is the Pro-Ohio assessment program the district has subscribed to for the upcoming school year.

Pro-Ohio is a benchmark/indicator-driven learning tool designed to help teachers prepare students for success on the OAA/OGT with assessments in math, reading, science and social studies in grades 2 through 10.

School calendars going online

2011-08-05T10:58:00.002-04:00

The New Richmond Exempted Village School District will not be sending out printed calendars this year.

"We are putting the school calendar online this year," said Adam Bird, superintendent of schools. "In addition to the savings in printing and postage ($8650 in 2010) it will allow us to keep the calendars up to date."

In the past the calendars had to go to the printer in July in order to be delivered by the start of school resulting in many inaccurate dates due to late schedule changes.

"You cannot predict in July what's going to happen the next April," said Bird. "Now our calendars will always be accurate."

The district calendar is available at this link http://www.nrschools.org/Calendar_Page.htm. The district calendar may be viewed by the week or month in calendar or agenda formats. Viewers also have the option to print monthly calendars or save them to the computer in PDF format.

No freshman orientation this year

2011-08-05T10:49:00.002-04:00

Due to renovation at New Richmond High School there will be no freshman orientation/open house this year.

"Incoming freshmen received a tour of the high school at the end of their 8th grade year so they could get a feel for the building," said NRHS secretary Becky Lewis.

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact Ms. Lewis at 553-3191 ext 10002.

The second phase of the high school renovation, which includes asbestos removal, new flooring, lighting and ceilings, will not be completed until the week of Aug. 15 the start of school making the building unavailable while the custodial staff prepares the renovated rooms for classes which will begin on Aug. 18.

High School schedules out next week

2011-08-05T10:43:00.002-04:00

New Richmond High School students should be able to pick up their schedules for the 2011-12 school year the week of Aug. 8.

NRHS Principal Diane Spinnati will send out an automated call to to parents when the schedules become available. The schdules are being completed by Ms. Spinnati and NRHS counselors Jim Reaker and Carol Ann Coulter.

NRE Beautification Day

2011-08-05T10:30:00.002-04:00

New Richmond Elementary principal Terry Miller is seeking volunteers for a NRE Beautification Day to be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday Aug. 13.

"I am concerned that our custodial staff is overwhelmed with projects and work still to do in the next two weeks and may not be able to tackle the "yardwork" that very much exists," said Miller.

The beautification project will include pulling weeds, planting perennials and spreading mulch on the playground and around the perimeter of the NRE building.

"We would love donations of plants from anywhere," said Miller.

NRE secretary Sally Wylie found someone willing to donate mulch.

Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and tools, including a small tiller and weed eaters.

Miller also is seeking donations of hotdogs, buns, chips, cookies and water to feed the workers. A propane tank for the PTO grill is also needed.

"With our Open House August 16, I really want to have the place spruced up and looking inviting," said Miller.

Anyone willing to help with the project are asked to call Sally Wylie or Principal Miller at 513 553-3181.

Parent only NRHS PTO meeting Aug. 8

2011-08-04T11:00:00.002-04:00

The New Richmond High School PTO meeting on Monday, August 8th at 7:00 pm in the NRHS Library is a PARENT ONLY PTO MEETING and NOT a Freshman Orientation.

The PTO is using the first meeting of the year to get connected with all parents and especially with new Freshman parents to introduce themselves, illustrate how parents can get involved in creating a successful high school experience for their student and to possibly answer freshman parent questions.

"Due to space, we ask that you not bring your NRHS student with you," said NRHS PTO president Linda Miller. "Thank you and hope to see you on Monday evening!"

Nothing common about new math books

2011-08-03T11:41:00.009-04:00

New Richmond Exempted Village School District students in grades kindergarten through six will be greeted with new math text books when they return to school Aug. 18 when the district switches to enVisionMATH.

New Richmond EVSD math teachers (from left) Michele Jackson, Kelly Gabriel, Jane Bevins, Rena Snouffer and Lauren Lindsley watch a presentation during a two-month long evaluation of math programs.

“It’s the first time we have upgraded our K-6 math text books in nine years,” said Adam Bird, superintendent of schools. “Our math teachers have had to shoe-string everything together because the math books they were using did not reflect the demands of the state tests.”

“The fact that we were able to pass the state math tests is a reflection of the job our math teachers have done.”

The enVisionMATH program is designed to meet the national Common Core math assessment standards that begin in 2014. The new math series has interactive and visual learning components and designed for both gifted at at-risk learners.

The new math series was selected by a committee of math teachers from the district’s three elementary schools who consulted with teachers in their buildings.

“It’s a program that our teachers believe best fits out district and our students’ needs and best prepares our district for the new common core national math standards coming out this fall,” said John Frye, director of pupil and staff services for New Richmond schools.

More than 25 teachers were actively engaged in the evaluation process which took place in April and May.

“We looked at districts that had excellent with distinction math scores and looked at what they were using,” explained Frye, who invited enVisionMATH, Everyday Mathematics, Math Investigations and Think Math to make presentations to the committee. “The evaluation process was really intense and I’m really proud of the work of our teachers.”

The new math series will cost $125,000.

“That’s about average for a K-6 math program,” noted Frye. “In addition to math books, it will include work books for students and materials for teachers plus online access to multimedia delivery that will be part of the daily lesson plans.”

Next up for New Richmond will be the adoption of a new reading program by the end of the 2011-12 school year to meet the new Common Core reading standings.

“I expect that evaluation process to take the better part of the school year,” said Frye.

Band prepares for 2011 halftime show

2011-07-27T09:32:00.007-04:00

New Richmond High School band director Michael McKinley (center) directs band members during this week's band camp.

The New Richmond High School Marching band is going through its equivalent of two-a-days this week with band camp at the stadium in preparation for the 2011 halftime show.

"We're doing a funk show this year," explained New Richmond band director Michael McKinley.

The show will include 'Tear The Roof Off' (Parliment), 'Birdland' (Weather Report), 'Sir Duke' (Stevie Wonder) and 'Pick Up The Pieces' (Average White Band).

"We've got 80 kids out this year and the show is well on its way after just two days of camp," said McKinley.

The band will perform a parents show at 5:00 p.m. on Friday at the stadium.
The 80-strong New Richmond High School marching band works on the 2011 halftime show under the direction of band director Michael McKinley.

Paving projects underway

2011-07-26T10:07:00.007-04:00

Re-paving projects are underway at New Richmond Middle School and the high school tennis courts. Both projects are scheduled to be completed before the start of school on Aug. 18.

NR cheerleaders get top rating

2011-07-25T10:15:00.003-04:00

(Front row from left): Rachel Benton, Katie Gelter, Kirstin Mattingly, Nicole Payton, Emilee Bateman, Mariah Corbin, Ally Meadors, Emma Feld (Back row from left) Jordan Berger, Amanda Nguyen, Jenny Roberts, Kelsi Curry, Jade Stamper, Paige Willhoff, Lexi Cook, Kelsey Kirschner, Alyssa Hallahan, Not pictured Nikki Dillow.

New Richmond High School’s cheerleaders came home with three blue superior ribbons and a superior team trophy from the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp at The Ohio State University July 18-21.

Senior Nicole Payton was named an UCA All-American and was invited to attend the UCA’s 2012 London Varsity Tour in London, England.
New Richmond senior Nicole Payton has been named an UCA All-American and invited to attend the UCA's 2012 London Varsity Tour in London, England.

The Lions cheerleaders are coached by Heidi Nieto and Abigail Mineer.

Team members are seniors Nicole Payton, Kirstin Mattingly, Emilee Bateman, Jordan Berger, and Nikki Dillow; junior Katie Gelter; sophomores Lexi Cook, Alyssa Hallahan, Amanda Nguyen, Kelsey Kirschner and Paige Willhoff; and freshmen Emma Feld, Mariah Corbin, Kelsi Curry, Ally Meadors, Jade Stamper, Rachel Benton and Jenny Roberts.

“The girls worked hard all week and are excited to perform new material during the 2011-2012 school year,” said Nieto.

Television reports on Beckjord closing

2011-07-20T09:55:00.006-04:00

New Richmond Exempted Village School District chief financial officer Teresa Napier and other local government officials will meet Monday with Chief Clermont County Deputy Chuck Tilbury to determine the financial impact of Duke Energy's decision to close the Beckjord generating plant in New Richmond by 2015.

"It's going to be huge," Napier said Tuesday in interviews with WCPO television news reporter Tom McKee and WKRC television reporter Rich Jaffe. Their reports can be seen in the links below.

(It should be noted that the 500 district employees mentioned in the report include all subs and part-time workers).

WCPO report:

WKRC report:

Math teachers add new software

2011-07-18T12:40:00.006-04:00

New Richmond High School and Middle School math teachers have completed two days of training in order to introduce the international math software program Geogegra to their classrooms this fall.

GeoGebra trainer Steve Phelps (standing) works with New Richmond math teachers (from front) Cara Corbin, Vickie Corpuz and Lisa Kellerman. John Frye, director of pupil and staff services for the NREVSD, observes.

GeoGebra comes from geometry and algebra and is an open source software for mathematics education in schools that joins dynamic geometry, algebra and calculus. The program has won several educational software awards in Europe.

“Our teachers will use it to demonstrate and teach higher level concepts and skills,” said John Frye, director of pupil and staff services for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District.

“The high school math department requested training in GeoGebra which will allow teachers and students to use interactive graphics, algebra and spreadsheet graphs to better understand mathematical concepts from elementary school to university level.”

Frye said the middle school teachers were invited as the higher level math courses are being introduced at those grade levels.

The program is used internationally and is available on the internet at http://www.geogebra.org and allows teachers and students to do constructions including points, vectors, segments, lines, and conic sections as well as functions, which can be altered dynamically by mouse afterwards.

On the road to Excellent again

2011-07-07T11:08:00.004-04:00

The New Richmond Exempted Village School District is in line for an Excellent rating for the fourth consecutive year by the Ohio Department of Education according to preliminary results of testing for the 2010-11 school year.

“According to the superintendent’s report I received from the state, we scored higher than the state requirement in all testing areas and higher than our similar districts,” said New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird. “And we have a district wide performance index of 101, the first time we’ve been over 100.”
Superintendent Adam Bird expects to hang a fourth Excellent banner on the wall of the Central Office when the final state school report card is released in August.

All five New Richmond schools – Locust Corner Elementary, Monroe Elementary, New Richmond Elementary, Middle School and High School – exceeded the state requirements in all testing areas to qualify for an Excellent rating.

School and district performance reports are issued annually by the Ohio Department of Education, detailing students’ performance on standardized statewide tests, rates of improvement on those tests, student attendance and graduation rates.

The only state performance measure not met by the district in the preliminary report was Adequate Yearly Progress in the area of special education math.

“I believe we have a chance for Excellent with Distinction,” said Bird. “We’re still waiting for the value-added results which will be released on Aug. 16.”

The value-added component of Ohio’s school report-card system measures growth or improvement to determine the "value" gained by a student during a time period. Districts meeting the value-added component are moved up one step in the state ratings.

The minimum requirement by the state is a passing rate of 75 percent in each testing area. New Richmond exceeded 90 percent in six of the 23 testing areas and was over 80 percent in all but one area – 10th grade math (78.6 percent).

“I am very pleased with the efforts of our students and staff,” said Bird,.“However, we are concerned with the 5 to 10 percent of our students not passing the state tests and we will be focusing more attention on those students.”

Band performs in 4th of July parade

2011-07-06T13:39:00.000-04:00

The New Richmond High School band, under the director of Mr. Mike McKinley, continued its tradition of performing in the Village of New Richmond's 4th of July parade.

Click on the photo below to watch a slideshow video of the 2011 New Richmond 4th of July parade.

Right click and choose Save Target As to download

Monroe collects 409,000 pull tabs

2011-07-05T11:55:00.005-04:00

Janice Fender's sixth grade students at Monroe Elementary School hold up jars containing more than 35,000 pull tabs they collected for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"Mrs. Fender's class collected the most and the whole school collected over 409,000 pop tabs this year, our most ever," said Monroe art teacher Adrian Hawk, who coordinated the collection. "We have donated over 800 pounds of pop tabs since 2008."

High School renovation on schedule

2011-07-01T10:05:00.008-04:00

School board member Ben Bird, an engineer, goes over ways to re-route steam pipes in the hallway between the gym and cafeteria to accommodate new lighting fixtures with board member Fred Heflin (left) and superintendent Adam Bird.

The second-phase of the New Richmond High School renovation project is on schedule for completion in time for the start of the 2011-12 school year on Aug. 18.

Superintendent Adam Bird said an unexpected need to relocate steam pipes in the hallway between the gym and the cafeteria and the discovery of additional areas with asbestos will not hold the project up.

"Everything is on schedule and we are happy about that," Bird told board members at their June 30 meeting.

The first phase of the project, which includes asbestos removal and new floors, ceilings, wiring and lighting, was completed last summer on the second and third floors of the original high school building constructed in 1965.

This summer's second phase includes the lower floors, cafeteria and the former high school library, which is being turned into a vocal music room.

School board members (from left) David Painter, Ben Bird and Fred Heflin inspect the high school renovation project with superintendent Adam Bird prior to the June 30 board meeting.

New Richmond receives training grant

2011-06-30T11:26:00.001-04:00

The New Richmond Exempted Village School District has received a $45,750 grant from the Ohio Department of Education that will be used to help train the district’s K-6 teachers in reading and math initiatives.

“The grant comes from excess stimulus funds that had not been spent and it comes at an opportune time for our district as we roll out our new math program,” said John Frye, director of pupil and staff services for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District. “In reading it will be used to continue our work with the DIBELS program and our early literacy initiative.”

DIBELS is a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through sixth grade.

“In addition, the grant will be used for training for teachers in K-3 who will be returning to Smart Board equipped classrooms which is one of the components of the delivery of our new math program,” said Frye. “We will have a lot of professional development going on this summer and into the 2011-12 school year.”

The grant money must be spent by September 30.

Supplemental contracts approved

2011-06-20T11:39:00.003-04:00

The New Richmond Exempted Village School District Board of Education approved supplemental contracts for the 2011-2012 school year at its June 16 meeting. Pay level information is available by calling the NREVSD treasurer’s office at 553-2616 ext 12105.

High School supplemental Contracts
High School Athletics
Douglas Foote, Athletic Director/Dean of Students

Daniel Scholz, Varsity Football Head Coach, Pay Level 12
Charles Warden, Varsity Football Assistant Coach, Pay Level 10
Patrick Fagan, JV Football Coach, Pay Level 10
Joseph Piening, JV Football Coach, Pay Level 10
Richard Mahan, Freshmen Football Coach, Pay Level 9
Kyle Schnee, Freshmen Football Coach, Pay Level 9
Brian McMonigle, Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach, Pay Level 12
Mark Majick, Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant Coach, Pay Level 10
Eric McMonigle, Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach, Pay Level 9
Bradley Hatfield, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach, Pay Level 12
Lauren Wilkins, Varsity Girls Basketball Assistant Coach, Pay Level 10
Lana Gilday, Freshmen Girls Basketball Coach, Pay Level 9
Douglas Flamm, Varsity Boys Soccer Head Coach, Pay Level 11
Brian Benzinger, Varsity Boys Soccer Assistant Coach, Pay Level 9
Shelby Pride, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach, Pay Level 11
Julie Shepherd, Varsity Girls Soccer Assistant Coach, Pay Level 9
Brian Benzinger, Varsity Baseball Head Coach, Pay Level 11
Michael Laub, Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach, Pay Level 9
Shelby Pride, Varsity Boys Track & Field Head Coach, Pay Level 10
Terri Flamm, Varsity Girls Track & Field Head Coach, Pay Level 10
Gerald Reardon, Varsity Boys and Girls Track & Field Assistant Coach, Pay Level 8
Terri Flamm, Head Girls Tennis Coach, Pay Level 8
Lana Gilday, Varsity Softball Head Coach, Pay Level 11
Susan Curfman, Softball Assistant Coach, Pay Level 9
Phillip Heflin, Varsity Golf Head Coach, Pay Level 8
Rylan Shebesta, Varsity Cross Country Head Coach, Pay Level 9
Rylan Shebesta, Varsity Boys Tennis Head Coach, Pay Level 8
Deron Shinkle, Varsity Wrestling Head Coach, Pay Level 11
Gregory Minor, Varsity Wrestling Assistant Coach, Pay Level 9
Judy Middeler, Varsity Girls Swimming Head Coach, Pay Level 10
Jospeh Middeler Jr., Varsity Boys Swimming Head Coach, Pay Level 10
Carla Corbin, Varsity Volleyball Head Coach, Pay Level 11
Susan Curfman, Varsity Volleyball Assistant Coach, Pay Level 9
Heidi Nieto, Varsity Cheerleading Advisor, Pay Level 9

Volunteer high school coaches
Football

Ben Bird
Tim Dunn
Greg Hawkins
Tom McOwen
Dave Schnee
Buddy Stark
Zak Taylor

Middle School Athletics Supplemental contracts

Susan Curfman, MS Athletic Director
Ronald Bird, 7th Grade Football Head Coach, Pay Level 7
Eric Grippa, 8th Grade Football Head Coach, Pay Level 7
Greg Hawkins, 7th Grade Football Assistant Coach, Pay Level 6
Christopher Sheldon, 8th Grade Football Assistant Coach, Pay Level 6
John Callebs, 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, Pay Level 8
Patricia Wilson, 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, Pay Level 8
Phillip Heflin, 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, Pay Level 8
Jeffrey Lavely, 8th Girls Basketball Coach, Pay Level 8
Kelsey Bender, MS Cross Country Coach, Pay Level 6
Kelsey Bender, MS Boys Track Coach, Pay Level 8
Chelsey Noftz, MS Track Assistant Co-Coach, Pay Level 5
Scott Bowman, MS Track Assistant Co-Coach, Pay Level 5
Chelsey Noftz, MS Track Assistant Co-Coach, Pay Level 5
Richard Mahan, MS Swimming Head Coach, Pay Level 6
Malissa Cornette, MS Swimming Assistant Coach, Pay Level 4
Sherie Davis, 8th Grade Volleyball Coach, Pay Level 6
Andrea Schultz, 7th Grade Volleyball Coach, Pay Level 6
Andrea Schultz, MS Girls Track Coach, Pay Level 8
D. Douglas Smiddy, MS Wrestling Coach, Pay Level 8
Corinne Doyle, MS Fall Cheerleading Advisor, Pay Level 3
Corinne Doyle, MS Winter Cheerleading Advisor, Pay Level 5

Music, band, academic supplemental contracts

Amy Cholkas, NRE Yearbook Advisor, Pay Level 2
Kelsey Bender, MS Yearbook Co-Advisor, Pay Level 2
Timothy Cook, District Art Show, $80.18 stipend
Malissa Cornette, Junior Class Advisor, Pay Level 3
J. Patrick Crowley, Ecology Club Advisor, Pay Level 2
Heather Fritsch, MS Yearbook Co-Advisor, Pay Level 2
Kelly Gabriel, LCE Yearbook Advisor, Pay Level 2
Stacy Gibbons, District Art Show, $80.18 stipend
Susan Griffin, Academic Team Advisor, Pay Level 6
Susan Griffin, HS Newspaper Advisor, Pay Level 9
Adrian Hawk, Monroe Student Council Advisor, Pay Level 3
Adrian Hawk, District Art Show, $80.18 stipend
Douglas Heflin, MS Theatre/Musical Director, Pay Level 3
Douglas Heflin, MS Vocal Music Director, Pay Level 6
Douglas Heflin, HS Vocal Music Director, Pay Level 7
Douglas Heflin, HS Drama Director, Pay Level 11
Pamela Klein, Substitute Teacher Caller
Lauren Lindsley, Monroe Yearbook Advisor, Pay Level 2
Sarah Lindsley, Monroe Elementary Music Director, Pay Level 6
Paige McConnell, LCE Music Director, Pay Level 6
Michael McKinley, Theatrical Music Conductor (Orchestra) Pay Level 1
Michael McKinley, HS Pep Band Director, Pay Level 1
Michael McKinley, MS Instrumental Music Director, Pay Level 6
Michael McKinley, Marching Band Director, Pay Level 7
Michael McKinley, HS Instrumental Music Director 7
Logan Minning, Senior Class Advisor, Pay Level 3
Logan Minning, Prom Coordinator, Pay Level 4
Sharon Nehls, S.A.D.D. Advisor, Pay Level 2
Erin Parker, LCE Student Council Advisor, Pay Level 3
James Robinson, HS Student Council Advisor, Pay Level 8
James Robinson, HS Yearbook Advisor, Pay Level 9
Sarah Swango, NRE Music Director, Pay Level 6
Mary Beth Weiler, MS Student Council Advisor, Pay Level 4
John Wright, HS Marching Band Assistant Director, Pay Level 4

Spanish students get taste of Spain

2011-06-08T10:54:00.015-04:00

Sharon Nehls couldn’t take her New Richmond High School Spanish students to Spain for the summer to experience Iberian culture so she did the next best thing by bringing a taste of Spain to her classroom.

“Culture is very important in teaching a language,” said Nehls, who called on Hector Esteve of Paella at Your Place to cook up a dish of paella in her classroom to feed 30 of her New Richmond Spanish students.

Spanish teacher Sharon Nehls listens while Hector Esteve explains the history of paella to her New Richmond High School students.

Paella is a made from rice, vegetables, meats (also rabbit, snails, seafood and crustaceans in parts of Spain) and spices and is considered the national dish of Spain.

“I have traveled in Spain and paella is what we ate when we were traveling and I wanted to give my students the opportunity to experience it,” said Nehls.

Esteve is a microbiologist from Puerto Rico and remained in Cincinnati for the past 30 years after he received his degree from the University of Cincinnati. He started cooking paella for family and friends 15 years ago and it developed into a business (http://www.paellaatyourplace.com/).

“I have been doing it for Spanish classes as a cultural exchange for a couple years to expand kids’ horizons about different cultures,” said Esteve. “A lot of times they will hear a name in Spanish and think it’s Mexican food but it is Spanish from Spain.”

While cooking his paella in a special pan called a paellera, Esteve explains the history behind paella and makes sure the students know the Spanish name for each ingredient.

“Paella is not a spicy dish in any way and completely different to what they have tried before,” said Esteve. “People confuse Spanish food with Mexican food, which is spicy because of the peppers they use. The Mexicans started using peppers in their food as a preservative.”

Hector Esteve explains the history behind paella to New Richmond Spanish students Cody Johnson (left) and Dylan Hobbs.

Esteve doesn’t take snails, rabbit and crustaceans found in some traditional Spanish paella recipes to the classrooms.

“I only cook traditional paella for my family,” said Esteve. “Around here people are very skittish about rabbit, snails and things like that.”

His paella was a hit for the 30 New Richmond Spanish students who paid $10 each for the special lunch as seconds were the order of the day.

“I wanted my students to experience something that I could not present to them outside the classroom,” said Nehls.

New Richmond sophomore Natham Dixon gets a heaping serving of paella from Hector Esteve of Paella At Your Place.

The New Richmond Class of 2011

2011-05-28T10:05:00.005-04:00

Click on the photo below to watch a video of the graduation of the 2011 Class of New Richmond High School held Friday, May 27 at the New Richmond High School Stadium.

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2011 Locust Corner Fine Arts Night

2011-05-27T11:15:00.000-04:00

It was a great crowd that gathered on May 12th for the Locust Corner Elementary “Fine Arts Night”.

The evening highlighted our students’ creative work from throughout the year. Young Authors Books were on display, which the students created in our technology classes with Ms. Mays.

A student art show presented artwork from students K-6. Mr. Cook’s art students created a variety of 2-D and 3-D works this year in a wide variety of different media.

The night also included some lively and exciting musical performances. Mr. Folkens’ band students performed their instrumental selections and included many soloists.

The fourth grade music classes, led by Mrs. McConnell, joined in on the evening with a recorder performance and even a few songs! Then it was the Chorus’ turn, again led by Mrs. McConnell, and included many great selections.

A crowd favorite was called “Beep, Beep”! Overall it was a great time to see the hard work of our students and staff brought together in this culminating event. This event allows us to showcase the well roundedness that we strive for in our students’ education. Thanks to all the families who came out to support the arts in our school! -- Tim Cook

Click on the photo below to watch a video of Locust Corner's Fine Arts Night.

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Locust Corner honors retirees

2011-05-27T11:03:00.003-04:00

Locust Corner Elementary honored four long-time staff members who are retiring at the end of the school year at an open house on May 26. Pictured (from left) are Becky Wilson (1st grade), Anne Fry (school psychologist), Melinda Marsh (2nd grade), Joyce Longhauser (head cook).

Clint Lytle is one of two Ohio studentsselected for Oak Ridge science camp

2011-05-26T13:19:00.004-04:00

New Richmond junior Clint Lytle has been selected as one of two students from Ohio selected to attend the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge (Tennessee) National Laboratory (ORNL) 2011 Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute and Science Camp sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

“Clint was notified by Gov.(John) Kasich's office that he is one of only two students from the state of Ohio that was selected to take part in the research program for this year,” said New Richmond High School chemistry teacher Laura Prescott. “This summer camp program will include professors, researchers, teachers and other students from the Appalachian region.”
New Richmond High School junior Clint Lytle (seated) is pictured with his chemistry teacher Laura Prescott. Lytle is one of two Ohio students selected to attend the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge (Tennessee) National Laboratory (ORNL) 2011 Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute and Science Camp.

The Oak Ridge camp (from July 9 to 22, 2011) is a two-week residential hands-on learning institute focusing on math, science, and technology for high school students and teachers. Two students and two teachers from each of the 13-state Appalachian Regional Commission area were selected for the program that will focus on the application of math and science principles in the workplace.

“Chemistry is my first love so this is going to be a great experience for me,” said Lytle, who plans to attend the University of Cincinnati after graduation in 2012 and major in chemical engineering. “It’s kind of like a nuclear camp in chemistry. It will really help me in college.”

All major expenses, including meals, lodging, transportation to and from the participant’s home base, and local transportation, will be covered for all participants.

Lytle and the other participants will spend most days in one of several ORNL research laboratories, but will take field trips to nearby industries, universities, and museums that illustrate the applications of math and science.

Mrs. Prescott encouraged all of her students to apply for the ORNL camp at the start of the fourth quarter. Lytle, who is the son of Scott and Julie Lytle, jumped at the opportunity.

“My dad was a chemistry major in college and I’m following in his footsteps,” said Lytle.

“Clint is looking forward to attending and we are very proud of him,” said Mrs. Prescott.

Monroe 4th quarter awards breakfast

2011-05-26T09:24:00.002-04:00

Monroe Elementary honored students for outstanding classroom achievement in the 4th quarter at an awards breakfast May 20.

Click on the photo below to watch a video of Monroe's 4th quarter award breakfast.

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Friday’s 2011 Graduation schedule

2011-05-24T12:58:00.004-04:00

Graduation for the Class of 2011 of New Richmond High School will be at 6 p.m. Friday, May 27 at the New Richmond High School Stadium.

A portable stage will be constructed on the football field for the graduation ceremony along with seating for 2011 graduates, two family members per graduate, board members and district and high school staff. All other guests will be seated in stadium seating. Each graduate will receive 12 tickets plus two field level tickets for family members. Each person will need a ticket to be admitted.

“We strongly encourage all who are attending to car pool as much as possible,” said superintendent of schools Adam Bird. “The predicted rainfall this week will make it difficult to park cars in our practice fields.”

There will be a district wide 30-minute early release on Friday to help with clearing the parking lots. Only the main entrance (in front of New Richmond Elementary) will be open to traffic trying to park for graduation.

Parking lots will open at 4 p.m. Friday with a special parking passes needed for the Middle School lot and spaces behind the stadium. Those spaces (reserved for graduates, disabled parents and district staff and officials) will be made available for general parking if not filled by 5:30 p.m.

Those with handicap needs should contact the high school office (513-553-3191) as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Superintendent Adam Bird (seated center) goes over final graduation plans with (from left) high school principal Diane Spinnati, New Richmond Police Chief Randy Harvey and members of the high school and district maintenance staffs.

The New Richmond Police Department will be directing traffic before and after the graduation ceremony. District maintenance and custodial staff will assist with parking and guest seating.

“Please make sure that you have your parking pass ready to show to the police and parking assistants,” said Bird. “This is not an athletic event, so attendees will be asked to remain seated. If there is not enough seating, attendees will be directed to visitor stands.”

Graduates will meet and line up at the high school and will go in procession to the stadium.

A decision on postponement (if necessary) will not be made until 2 p.m. on Friday. Information on any postponement will be made by automated telephone calls, email and posted on the district’s web sites. The district’s maintenance and custodial staff has made plans to quickly dry all seating in case of rain prior to the ceremony.

“I am looking forward to what I believe will be a special and memorable event!” said Bird.

Teachers accept 3-year pay freeze

2011-05-20T13:56:00.005-04:00

The New Richmond Education Association has accepted a three-year pay freeze in a new contract with the New Richmond Exempted Village School District. The contract, which runs from July 1, 2011 until June 30, 2014, was ratified Thursday by both the teachers and the Board of Education.

“The NREA agreed to some huge concessions for the betterment of our community and our tax payers in the district,” said superintendent of schools Adam Bird in announcing the agreement at Thursday board meeting. “It includes a three-year base salary freeze, a three-year step salary freeze, a three-year tuition reimbursement freeze.”

The contract will allow for salary movement for teachers who receive advanced degrees.

The teachers also agreed to pay an addition 2.5 percent toward their health care and agreed to 15 additional minutes per day with students.

“It will now be 90 percent of health care covered by the Board of Education and 10 percent by the teachers,” said Bird, who negotiated the agreement in informal sessions with NREA president Nicole Parker.

Parker did not give details on the ratification by teachers but noted that it was not a close vote.

“It passed by a nice majority,” said Parker. “It was not a tough sell. We were happy to work with Mr. Bird and the Board to come up with something that still gives us some security in our contract and some protection in some areas.”

The teachers also agreed to go to 25 pay periods in the first year of the contract and 24 pays in year two and three of the contact which will save on administrative costs.

The agreement by the teachers to give up 15 minutes of their 40-minute planning period allows the district to move start times up 15 minutes resulting in transportation savings due to buses not having idle time between high school and elementary routes.

The board approved new start times of 8:45 a.m. for elementary buildings, the high school at 7:40 a.m. and the middle school at 7:45 a.m. for the 2011-12 school year.

”I really want to commend our NREA and our teachers for making these concessions,” said Bird.

“It was a big move for teachers,” said Parker. “I think it definitely shows that we are behind this district.”

NRE 5th graders on Dance Party Friday

2011-05-19T09:39:00.009-04:00

New Richmond Elementary 5th graders will be featured on WKRC Television's Dance Party Friday on the station's May 20 Good Morning Cincinnati program.

Local 12 host Bob Herzog filmed the Dance Party to Go segment May 18 with help from the New Richmond High School Leo the Lion mascot. The dance feature will be shown during the program's 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. segments.

NRE 5th grade teachers Karen Cahall, Judy Schaechter and Brennan Hatfield choreographed the dance routine to 'Beat It' which was recorded by the NRE students.

"Our fifth graders earned this experience," said Schaechter. "We are celebrating working hard all year and getting ready for OAAs."

Click on the photo below to watch a video of the NRE dance filming.

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Karlye Gilpin wins art supplies at NRE

2011-05-18T11:48:00.003-04:00

Karlye Gilpin, a student in Nancy Foote's kindergarten class at New Richmond Elementary, holds a basket of art supplies she won in the school's drawing following the Kaleidoscope of the Arts show. "All NRE students attending the art show were entered in the drawing," said NRE art teacher Amy Cholkas.

Monroe Walk-A-Thon raises $9,415.97

2011-05-16T12:45:00.006-04:00

Monroe princpal Mark Bailey knew he was in trouble when the Monroe PTO got him to agree to dress as a clown for a day if students raised at least $6000 in the school's annual Walk-a-Thon fundriser.

"I also knew it would motivate the kids," said Bailey, who lived up to his promise when the students generated $9,415.97. "It was an unbelievable success considering the current economic situation. Needless to say our PTO could not be more proud of our community!"

Click on the photo below to watch a video slideshow of Mr. Bailey's clown act.

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Shannon Neus is teacher of the week

2011-05-13T17:50:00.001-04:00

Locust Corner Elementary second-grade teacher Shannon Neus has been selected as Warm 98 Radio's Teacher of the Week. She will be featured in Monday's WLWT's 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. News 5 Today program.

Click HERE to watch the WLWT video feature on Shannon Neus.

WLWT's News 5 Today host Todd Dykes surprises Locust Corner Elementary teacher Shannon Neus Thursday when he announced to her class that she had been selected as Warm 98 radio's Teacher of the Week. Ms. Neus is pictured with students Isaiah Smith and Andrea Parker, whose mother Nicole Parker nominated Ms. Neus for the weekly honor.

Shannon Neus is joined by her second-grade students at Locust Corner Elementary to record a promo for WLWT's News 5 Today show to run Monday, May. 16 when Ms. Neus will be featured in the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. segments as Warm 98's Teacher of the Week. Andrea Parker does the microphone work for the promo.

New Richmond honors The Troubadours

2011-05-13T17:35:00.000-04:00

The New Richmond High School Troubadours, who won a national choral competition in March, were honored at the May 10 New Richmond Village council meeting. Accepting a plaque from New Richmond mayor Ramona Carr are (from left) Cheyenne Cochran, Rebekah Taylor, Micah Brondhaver, Sarah Glenn, Joshua Greene and Jake Glenn. The Troubadours scored the school’s first Gold Medal performance in national competition with two first place finishes in the Heritage Music Festival at Annapolis, Md.

District disputes claims in anonymous letter

2011-05-12T12:40:00.001-04:00

An anonymous letter being circulated in the New Richmond Exempted School District contains misinformation and distorts the position of the New Richmond Board of Education according to school superintendent Adam Bird.

The anonymous letter was placed on mailboxes in the district and contained complaints about salaries and benefits being paid to teachers and suggested that the New Richmond Board of Education is considering a tax levy.

“While it is true that our district is anticipating a financial shortfall, the five-year forecast that was presented at the last board meeting in April and is going be approved in May shows that there is not going to be a need for a levy for several years,” said Bird.

The only mention of a levy at a board meeting was in January in a report submitted by a financial planning committee that was tasked with developing a plan to offset the projected loss of $8.1 million per year beginning in 2017 when Ohio stops reimbursing the district for revenue lost when Ohio deregulated electrical utilities.

The committee suggested cutting future staffing levels through attrition and the possibility of placing a future capital improvement levy on the ballot.

“We’ve mentioned the word, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be happening anytime soon,” said Bird. “We have not had a levy in this school district since 1977 and we are at the 20-mill floor, the lowest millage allowed by law.”

NREVSD treasurer Teresa Napier said the district will remain in the black for fiscal year 2012 despite losing $1.2 million in state funding and $344,000 due to Duke Energy tax reductions.

Superintendent Bird has proposed savings of $1,269,000 for 2012 by not replacing retiring employees including 12 teachers, and other savings.

“The Board of Education continues to actively manage the financial situation of the district to ensure its financial solvency,” said Napier. “For fiscal 2012, the savings from reduction in staff and other general operating expenditures will offset the reduction in state and local revenues and enable the district to operate at a positive working capital position.”

The anonymous letter also accused the teachers union of “resisting any effort to increase their share of health benefits or retirement benefits” and wanting to raise district taxes “so they can get more of your hard earned money.”

The letter also complained about the salary scale, days worked (185 days per year) and paid sick days (15 days per year) that teachers receive.

“We are in the advanced stages of our negotiations with the teachers and they have tentatively agreed to pay more toward their health benefits,” said Bird. “As far as salaries go, they are not out of line with their education, experience and advanced degrees.”

Bird noted that the number of paid sick days for public employees is established by the Ohio Revised Code not by negotiations and that New Richmond teachers work more days than teachers in other Clermont County districts.

The next meeting of the New Richmond Board of Education will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at the Market Street School Building. Items on the agenda include approval of the 5-year financial forecast, staffing levels and a change in start times for the 2011-12 school year.

NRMS is top Cincinnati areaschool in Ohio Science Olympiad

2011-05-06T11:00:00.008-04:00

New Richmond Middle School finished in the top 30 in the state Science Olympiad at The Ohio State University in the school’s first appearance in the state competition.

“Representing the Cincinnati region, the Lions went head to head against the 39 best teams in the state for a chance to reach the National Competition,” said NRMS Science Olympiad coach Josh Grischow. “The Lions were the highest placing Cincinnati-area school, besting fellow regional competitors Summit Country Day and St. Aloysius."

New Richmond Middle School students Griffin Mulvaney and McKenzie Lauver prepare their rocket for the bottle rocket competition at the 2011 Ohio Science Olympiad at The Ohio State University.

Grischow was assisted by New Richmond Middle School science teachers Tina Grippa, Pam Hughes and Doug Smiddy.

The state Science Olympiad was won by Solon Middle School.

Competing for the Lions in the 6th-9th grade competition were 8th graders Marie Bezold, Audrey Feiler, Matt Graham, Alex Grooms, McKenzie Lauver, Griffin Mulvaney, Jenny Roberts, Lindsay Slone, Ian Wahoff, Eric Williams, and Leah Wolfer, and Freshman Paige Anderson, Abby Jewell, Jessica Nazareth, and Michaela Nordyke.

Placing in the top 20 in the state for the Lions were Alex Grooms and Eric Williams in Junkyard Challenge, Paige Anderson and Michaela Nordyke in Dynamic Planet, Paige Anderson and Jenny Roberts in Shock Value, Audrey Feiler and Matt Graham in Compute This, Audrey Feiler and Marie Bezold in Ecology, and Abby Jewell and Jessica Nazareth in Microbe Mission.

The Science Olympiad is a national nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition of outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers.

The Science Olympiad Tournaments are academic interscholastic competitions, which consist of a series of 23 individual and team events students prepare for during the year.

NRMS principal is 6th in Flying Pig

2011-05-04T12:49:00.005-04:00

Despite 10-hour work days and rainy weather, New Richmond Middle School principal Court Lilly still finds time to train for marathons and it paid off for him with a 6th place overall finish in the 2011 Flying Pig Marathon.

Click on the link below to listen to Court discuss his training, including running with New Richmond's Eric Finan, now an All-American cross country runner for the University of Cincinnati.

Listen to Court Lilly interview

NRMS principal Court Lilly holds a replica of the Olympic Torch that he received for participating in the 2002 Olympic Torch relay.

2011 Flying Pig results
Male Participants
1. Kieran O'Connor 2:28:02
2. David Riddle 2:31:14
3. Rob Morwood 2:35:53
4. Chris Herren 2:37:46
5. Eric Bair 2:38:01
6. Court Lilly 2:42:49
7. Tim Lessek 2:46:32
8. Kenneth Brooks 2:48:18
9. Ian Adams 2:48:30
10. William Allen 2:48:34

NR Middle School honor rolls

2011-04-29T10:28:00.003-04:00

New Richmond Middle School
3rd quarter 7th grade honor rolls
Merit Honor Roll

Adrianna Flood, Evan Grippa, Timothy Hammer, Chase Heflin, Harrison Light, Kelsey Nichols, Cydney Stiles.

High Honors

Rachael Autzen, Alicia Bailey, Emily Belmont, Chad Brewer, Brianna Chapman, Hannah Clifton, Kendal Collier, Noah David, Kristin Evans, Kaitlyn Flake, Nicholas Flake, Karl Greifenkamp, Hayley Hawkins, Jacob Hayden, Ariel Huber, Morgan Huddleston, Ariel Johnson, Dustin Kennedy, Brooklyn Klein, Jade Kunz, Nicholas Laub, Allyson Lutz, Joseph Maxwell, Taylor McKinley, Jesse Noble, Erin O’Toole, Sydney Padgett, Darik Page, Connor Pike, Amanda Redmon, Holly Reinert, Kiara Rivera, Malea Roberson, Eric Rolfes, Corey Secen, Jenna Swormstedt, Kendal Warren, Maisie Waters, Lindsey Williams.

Honors

Cidney Adams, Dylan Allen, Lacey Bayless, Gregory Beasley, Ethan Benjamin, Destiana Berling, Chelsey Bowling, Jacob Branson, Ryan Brunk, Dustin Carr, Emily Crockett, Rebecca Darland, Kiley Doane-Deardorff, Kerrigan Dyer, Shawn Elam, Ross Flenniken, Blake Gibson, Casey Goodheart, Zoe Hallahan, Benjamin Hamilton, Maren Hance, Elise Holdsworth, Michael Jones, Nicholas Kirby, Hannah Lake, Barrett Leahy, Ella Lindsley, Kyli Meder, Alix Miller, Kayla Olenick, Laura Painter, Tyler Payne, Skye Saldana, Tyler Sammons, Robert Sarbell, Allison Shook, Michael Simpson, Hali Stamper, Thelma Sturgill, Stile Sweet, Brian Waddle, Taylor Waitman, Matthew Waters, Megan Webster, Magic Weir, Michael Williamson, Tyler Young.

New Richmond Middle School
3rd quarter 8th grade honor rolls
Merit Honor Roll

Audrey Feiler, Alexander Grooms, Griffin Mulvaney.

High Honors

Rachel Benton, Marie Bezold, Mac Blome, Micha Brumbaugh, John Buckingham, Kyle Campbell, Emily Carter, Katelyn Chumley, Halee Curtis, Tyler Davis, Madeline Farmer, Emma Feld, Austin Fischer, Derek Gelter, Matthew Graham, C.J. Grogan, Dalton Henderson, Emily Hensley, Madison Holdsworth, Sierra King, McKenzie Lauver, Madeline McDaniel, Maggie Mulloney, Ella Neess, Kayla Nort, Jennifer Roberts, Taryn Rupp, Troy Saunders, Eric Scholz, Bryant Sharp, Joseph Singleton, Hannah Slye, Ashley Stephens, Karlyn Thul, Kyle Weeks, Eric Williams, Daniel Wilson, Leah Wolfer, Taylor Zimmer.

Honors

Daman Abner, Wendy Appelmann, Andi Bateman, Tristin Baumann, Austin Berger, Isiah Bostic, Miles Burnam, Mariah Corbin, Jacob Craig, Kelsi Curry, Kelby Davis, Jazmine Dyer, Kayla Gardiner, Kyle Gilday, Lyle Hawkins, Kyle Heidlage, Cody Helbling, Hannah Hensley, Patrick Jones, Lexi Jump, Cody Kirschner, Bryce Kroeger, Olivia Latham, Christina Lawrence, James Mahan, Ally Meadors, Alexis Meder, Katelynn Nichols, Brittney O’Brien, Trevor Patterson, Patrick Richardson, Analiese Rohdes, Alexandra Schultz, Tucker Schweickart, Savannah Scott, Lindsay Slone, James Snider, Charlie Spicker, Carrie Stapleton, Rachel Taylor, Ian Wahoff, Tyler Walker, Shyann Webb, Grace Williams, Steven Wolf, Nicholas Wuest.

2011 Kaleidoscope of the Arts

2011-04-27T20:30:00.002-04:00

Click on the photo below to watch a video of New Richmond's 2011 Kaleidoscope of the Arts. Photos for the slideshow provided by Amy Cholkas, Tim Cook, Adrian Hawk and Amy Hauserman.

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Monroe Walk-A-Thon May 13

2011-04-27T08:44:00.002-04:00

Monroe Elementary's PTO has set a goal of raising $6000 in its annual Walk-A-Thon on May 13.

Monroe students have been given an added incentive in reaching the goal.

"If we raise that amount, Mr. Bailey (Monroe principal Mark Bailey) has agreed to dress in a clown costume for an entire day and not talk anywhere in the building except his office," said Monroe PTO secretary Crystal Pratt. "Of course to compensate for the not talking, the PTO has agreed to give him a horn to use!"

Monroe students will be collecting donations every day until the day of the event."

District to make $1.2 million in cuts

2011-04-26T07:21:00.001-04:00

New Richmond Exempted Village School District superintendent Adam Bird has proposed $1.2 million in cuts for the 2011-12 school year to keep the district in the black.

“We’re looking at a significant loss of revenue next year and in anticipation of that loss revenue we’re looking at cuts of 12 teaching positions as well as making changes to transportation and our aides,” said Bird, who was directed by the school board on April 1 to come up with a minimum of $1 million in cuts due to a projected loss of more than $1.2 million in state aid for next year.

Bird presented the school board with a plan that calls for savings of $852,000 in reduction of certified personnel, $136,000 in reduction of classified personnel, $90,000 from not hiring any substitute custodians, $41,000 from not hiring substitute classroom aides, $90,000 from transportation consolidation and reduction and $60,000 reduction in fees for county provided services.

The cuts total $1,269,000.

Most of the personnel reductions will come from not replacing retiring employees.
In addition to the reduction in state aid, New Richmond faces a loss of $344,000 in taxes paid by Duke Energy next year and beyond.

“This is good news to the taxpayers of New Richmond that we are responding quickly to the loss of revenue and that the district is determined not to spend more than it takes in next year,” said Bird.

Bird told the school board that any additional cuts will come from a reduction in force. He has presented a list to the teachers union but is withholding names until he meets with individuals on the list.

Monroe 3rd quarter awards breakfast

2011-04-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

Click on the photo below to watch a video of Monroe Elementary's 3rd quarter awards breakfast.

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Monroe Art Spirit Week

2011-04-12T09:20:00.003-04:00

Click on the image below to watch a slideshow of Monroe Elementary's 2011 Art Spirit Week. (Photos by Adrian Hawk)

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Spring is art season at New Richmond

2011-04-11T12:23:00.008-04:00

A sure sign of spring time in the New Richmond Exempted Village School District is the display of artwork everywhere from Columbus to the school board office to the hallways of the district’s five school buildings as part of Youth Art Month.

Youth Art Month kicked off with Monroe Elementary art teacher Adrian Vance and New Richmond art teacher Amy Cholkas recognizing the achievements of four of their students being selected for statewide exhibits. Faith Powers of Monroe and Ella Calhoun have their artwork on display at the Ohio Youth Art Exhibition at the State Teachers Retirement Building in Columbus.

Savannah Appelmann from Monroe and Archer Maguire from New Richmond were chosen as exhibitors for the 31st Young People Art Exhibition at the Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus.

There’s no shortage of outstanding artwork elsewhere in the district and the work of all New Richmond’s student artists will be on display Friday, April 15 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, April 16 from 12-4 p.m. at the New Richmond High School gymnasium when the district showcases art work by students from its five buildings in the annual Kaleidoscope of the Arts.

"Students have been working hard to create some exciting artworks at Locust Corner Elementary,” said art teacher Tim Cook. “For instance, 5th grade students are working on their Paper-Mache' masks inspired by artists from around the globe, and our sixth graders just finished a 'Pop-Art' printmaking project and are moving into a clay figure sculpture inspired by the terra-cotta warriors of ancient china."

Monroe Elementary art teacher Adrian Hawk greets students for Glitzy, Bright, Neon dress day during the school's Art Spirit Week as part of its Youth Art Month celebration.

All students K-6 just finished up their artwork for the Art to Remember Program, a school wide fundraiser where every student created an artwork that can be printed on to keepsake type items.”

Locust Corner will hold its "Fine Arts Night" May 12th featuring a visual art show, music and band performances, and young author’s books.

New Richmond Middle School art students began the year with their 5th Annual Mural Project, and great activities continue this spring.

“The Advanced Art Students have chosen to compete in the 2011 ‘Doodle 4 Google’ contest,” said NRMS art teacher Jessica Isaacs. “They are creating digital artwork using Photoshop (for the first time). The theme is “What I want To Do Someday”. These students are competing for a $25,000 Technology Grant for our school as well as a scholarship towards the college.”

They will also be participating in the 2011 Student Art Show presented by the Cincinnati Arts Association. Their works will be on display April 16-April 24 in the Fifth Third Theater at The Aronoff Center!”

Monroe Elementary’s celebration of Youth Art Month included its annual Art Spirit Week when students dressed in daily color themes. Mrs. Hawk’s classes also painted ties for principal Mark Bailey and New Richmond superintendent Adam Bird.

New Richmond High School art teachers Stacy Gibbons and Amy Hauserman have come up with creative ways to take art beyond the tradition paper, pen and brush.

“We had many students participate in cake and cupcake decorating for the Ajax Knoechel Benefit,” said Ms. Gibbons. “Students baked and decorated cakes and cupcakes in many creative ways that were included in the cake walk and the bake sale. Some students also designed and painted flower pots that were auctioned off at the benefit as well.”

NRHS AP Studio art students also are working on completing their portfolios for the AP test in early May.

“During Youth Art Month, we are continuing the Minumentals tradition for the second year,” said Ms. Gibbons. “The students are exploring many different art movements and creating artworks that are no larger than 2". We will be including these in the Kaleidoscope of the.”

Troubadours bring home the gold

2011-04-08T12:04:00.009-04:00

(This is an updated story sent out to the media about The Troubadours with additional comments by Doug Heflin and members of the Troubadous)

New Richmond High School's music group TheTroubadours scored the school’s first Gold Medal performance in national competition with first place finishes in the Heritage Music Festival at Annapolis, Md.

The Troubadours, Women's Choir and Men's Choir all won their respective classes, with the Troubadours and Women's Choir earning gold medals, and the Men earning silver.

"The Troubadours became the first group in our school's history to win both their Concert Choir division and also receive a National Gold Medal," said New Richmond music director Doug Heflin. "This resulted in an invitation to the National Finals. The Troubadours were one of only two schools (out of 17 at Annapolis) to qualify for this honor." (Watch Doug Heflin interview)

Troubadours members Carmen Staton, Jordan Shook and Rachael Westrick put French braids in music director Doug Heflin's hair. Heflin agreed to wear the braids during class if the Troubadours came back with a gold medal from the Heritage Music Festival.

New Richmond, which was the only school in the Annapolis competition to win in three categories, had to decline the trip to the national finals which will be held at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

“The cost of going to the finals would approach $250,000 and there just isn’t enough time for that kind of fund raising,” said Heflin, whose group raised more than $70,000 for the Annapolis competition.

The Heritage Festival started 30 years ago with a goal to recognize, encourage, and celebrate musical artistry and excellence at the high school and middle school levels, has evolved into the country’s most prestigious high school music festivals.

“It will definitely rank as one of the top memories I have in my 17 years of life,” said Troubadours president Kelli Bosse. “It’s hard to top taking 119 of your closest classmates to a national competition and winning the whole thing.”

The Troubadours’ winning performance included a piece called ‘The Seal Lullaby’ by Eric Whitacre, a Hungarian dance song called ‘Tambur’ and ‘Of Thunderstorms and Starlight Pains,’ a song written by Mr. Helfin and New Richmond senior Krista Loose.

“I wrote the music to that based upon lyrics by Krista Loose,” said Heflin. “In that piece, I wrote a solo for senior Kaleigh Autzen (Watch) who will be going to Otterbein next year as a music major.”

“Mr. Heflin and I went through a process where I probably wrote about four versions of the song,” said Krista Loose. “It was inspired by my personal experiences and how I felt about the word ‘hope.’”

The Troubadours got an impromptu practice session the night before the competition when they visited the Naval Academy Chapel to hear a performance by the Naval Academy Glee Club.

“We had the opportunity to go to the Naval Academy Chapel and were asked if we would be willing to sing ‘Tambur’ in the chapel,” said Heflin. “Of course we were willing.”
Another highlight of the trip was a visit to Fort McHenry in Baltimore where the Troubadours sang the National Anthem under the flag which inspired Frances Scott Key to write what became the National Anthem.

“We went under the flag and we sang the National Anthem and one of the gentlemen who works there came up afterwards and said that he was really proud because that was the way the National Anthem was supposed to be sang,” said Heflin. “I bet we practiced it 150 times.”

The practice paid off at the Heritage Festival competition with the three first-place awards.

“We expect to win,” said senior David Stigler. “But when we were told that every choir we participated in got first place and that we won two gold and a silver, it was a shock and we were overwhelmed.”

Breakfast with Easter Bunny

2011-04-08T08:38:00.000-04:00

The New Richmond High School PTO After Prom Committee is hosting the annual 'Breakfast with Easter Bunny' on Saturday, April 16 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the high school cafeteria.

In addition to a delicious breakfast, the children will enjoy crafts, prizes, face painting and a visit from Easter Bunny.

The cost is $4.00 for children ages 1 to 10, and $5.00 for adults and children 11 and older. Tickets are being sold at Rivertown IGA, and you can also pay at the door the day of the event.

LCE hosts Math 24 district tournament

2011-04-07T08:57:00.003-04:00

Locust Corner Elementary will host the Math 24 District Tournament Saturday. The event begins at 10:00 and ends at 1:00.

The schedule is as follows:
10:00 - event begins
10:20 - round 1 (96 participants/24 proctors)
10:55 - round 2 (96 participants/24 proctors)
11:40 - announce semi-finalists
11:45 - round 3 (48 participants/12 proctors)
12:15 - announce finalists
12:20 - round 4 (12 participants/3 proctors)
12:55 - recognize winners

Doug Heflin talks about his Troubadours

2011-04-06T12:43:00.003-04:00

Doug Heflin, New Richmond High School's Vocal Music Director, discusses the trip to the Heritage Musica Festival at Annapolis, Md. and the award-winning performance by the school's Troubadours. Click on the photo below to watch the interview.

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Troubadours excel at Music Festival

2011-04-04T09:22:00.015-04:00

(From left) New Richmond High School music director Doug Heflin, Bekah Taylor, Women's Choir president, Kelli Bosse, Troubadours president, and Zach Dixon, Men's Choir president, proudly display the honors the music groups won at the Heritage Music Festival.

New Richmond High School's Troubadours, Women's Choir and Men's Choir won their classes at the Heritage Music Festival in Annapolis, Md. March 31-April 3.

The Troubadours, Women's Choir and Men's Choir all won their respective classes, with the Troubs and Women's Choir earning gold medals, and the Men earning silver.

"The Troubadours became the first group in our school's history to win both their Concert Choir division and also receive a National Gold Medal," said New Richmond music director Doug Heflin. "This resulted in an invitation to the National Finals. The Troubadours were one of only two schools (out of 17 at Annapolis) to qualify for this honor."

New Richmond was the only school in the Annapolis competition to win in three categories.

The Heritage Festival started 30 years ago with a goal to recognize, encourage, and celebrate musical artistry and excellence at the high school and middle school levels, has evolved into the country’s most prestigious high school music festivals.

Members of New Richmond's Troubadours, Women's Chorus and Men's Choir sing the National Anthem at Fort McHenry outside Baltimore during their visit to the Heritage Music Festival in Annapolis, Md. March 31-April 3. (Photos by Lori Richards)

New Richmond young artists honored

2011-03-31T09:44:00.013-04:00

Four New Richmond Exempted Village School District elementary students have been honored by having their artwork displayed at statewide exhibits in Columbus at part of Ohio’s Youth Art Month.

Faith Powers, grade 4, from Monroe Elementary, and Ella Calhoun, grade 3, from New Richmond Elementary, were chosen as exhibitors for the Ohio Youth Art Month Exhibition, held at the State Teachers Retirement Building in Columbus. Their artwork will be on display through April 18.

"Faith’s artwork that was chosen for the YPAE show was a piece that was inspired by a contemporary New Orleans artist named Heather Mattingly,” said Adrian Vance Hawk, Monroe Elementary art teacher. “Faith demonstrates a great interest in art through the thoughtful work that she produces and I always find myself looking forward to what she is going to do next!"

Ella Calhoun was inspired for her art after reading a book about Vincent Van Goh.

“Effervescent and imaginative, these are words that describe third grade N.R.E. artist Ella Calhoun,” said Mrs. Cholkas. “After reading the book Vincent Van Gogh’s Cat, Ella painted a delightful multicolored cat strolling through a painting she admired--The Snail by Henri Matisse.”

Savannah Appelmann, grade 2, from Monroe Elementary and Archer Maguire, grade 4, from New Richmond Elementary were chosen as exhibitors for the 31st Young Peoples Art Exhibition, held at the Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus. Only 158 student artworks from all over the state were selected for the exhibit. The entire YPAE show will be displayed at the Ohio Department of Education building during the summer of 2011.

"Savannah is a lovely girl with so much creative energy,” said Mrs. Hawk. “It is so nice to have her in the art room at Monroe because she is a shining example for those around her. I'm very proud of the work she does and am so happy that her work was chosen to be in such a great exhibit!"

Archer Maguire transferred from Batavia Elementary this year.

"We are happy to welcome Archer to New Richmond Elementary,” said New Richmond Elementary art teacher Amy Cholkas. “The beautiful watercolor selected for the YPAE exhibit features Archer's interpretation of silhouetted desert cacti against a multi-colored sky." New Richmond Elementary student Archer Maguire holds his watercolor selected for display at the Young Peoples Art Exhibition in Columbus. Monroe student Savannah Appelmann displays some of her artwork. She was one of four New Richmond students who had their art work displayed at statewide exhibits in Columbus.

New ball fields dedicated March 28

2011-03-25T14:14:00.006-04:00

New Richmond's new baseball and softball fields were dedicated Monday, March 28 with a baseball game against Norwood and a softball game against Fayetteville. New Richmond split the games, winning 4-3 in baseball and losing 5-3 in softball.

Todd Benzinger threw out the ceremonial first pitch in baseball and Darcy Strickmeyer, a pitcher on New Richmond's first fast-pitch team, threw out the first pitch in softball. Mr. John Hale sang the National Anthem before the baseball game and senior Kallie Long sang the Anthem before the softball game.

Click on the photo below to watch the baseball first-pitch ceremony.

Click on the photo below to watch the softball first-pitch ceremony.