Art student solves district identity problem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monroe provides PJs for needy

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

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

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

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

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

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

GATES students support Ronald McDonald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NRE is a High Progress School of Honor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NRE's 2013 food drive

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

School Board updates policieson harassment and bullying

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cookies & Milk with Santa reset for Dec. 18

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

Enjoy Carolers in the halls!

Story Time with Santa’s Elves!

Shop at “Santa’s Secret Shop”.

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

Alacarte baked goods will be for sale for parents.

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

NRMS Athletic Dept. Poinsettias fundraiser

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

 BEAUTIFUL 15” POINSETTIAS

5 BLOOMS PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Order by December 13

 

            

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

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

LaRosas Buddy Cards:  $10.00

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

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

(NRMS athletes will deliver poinsettias and wreaths to customers.