Dear Bay Village Schools Parents and Guardians --
Attendance
We
know there is a strong and positive relationship between student
learning and regular school attendance. Much of what is presented in the
classroom is sequential -- one day of learning builds upon the next. In
addition, the rich interaction between teachers, students and peers, as
well as experiences designed for collaboration and exploration, simply
cannot be duplicated in make-up assignments.
Of course, we need
to accommodate legitimate reasons for absence from school. These reasons
include illness, medical appointments, a death in the family, religious
observance and college visits. These are excused absences, and
administrators can excuse other types of absences on a case-by-case
basis. Unexcused absences can affect class grades. In addition, they can
trigger some of the absenteeism thresholds that require state
reporting, additional family/school meetings and, in cases of habitual
or excessive truancy, more serious interventions.
Our students’
regular attendance must be a top priority both for our schools and our
families. Your collaboration with us on this important issue is most
appreciated.
Read, Read, Read!
I was thrilled
to attend the Big Reveal for One School One Book at Normandy
Elementary, and I will be reading Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant
along with all our Normandy Elementary families, teachers, custodians,
bus drivers and many business owners through Bay Village! I am so
impressed with the work done by our Normandy teachers, our Normandy
parents, and Principal Dan Sebring in bringing this amazing program
together. A special thanks to art teacher Jama Jennings for decorating
school with the book’s theme, and to Normandy PTA for funding a book for
each child! You can watch the Big Reveal HERE – so much excitement for our youngest students!
Monday
is National Read Across America Day! Please remember to read to your
children, even when they're older! There are so many reasons to continue
doing this -- here are ten.
Planning regarding potential coronavirus directives
The
national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations are the
official arbiter of safe practices when we experience a public health
issue. We are watching carefully all information and recommendations for
schools regarding the coronavirus. We will turn to the CDC and, by
extension, our county health department, when making decisions about all
school-related guidelines, including cleaning, closing school, and
other recommendations that include travel advisories that may affect our
field trips. We are meeting with various staff groups to brainstorm
plans should further action be warranted.
Home of the Rockets!
We are thrilled to see the progress that the Home of the Rockets
team is making toward their goal of raising $1.6 million for the
planned construction of a new building at the stadium that will house
two team rooms, a new concession stand, restrooms and more. Home of the Rockets
presented a check for their first installment of $350,000 to our Board
of Education on Monday. The account with the board now holds $750,000,
including a board contribution of $400,000. Home of the Rockets also has
more than a quarter of a million dollars in pledges lined up. YOU can
learn all about this project and DONATE at various levels, including
seeing your name on a recognition brick, paver, plaque and more, at: https://www.homeoftherockets.org/
Home of the Rockets
is a 501(c)3 organization that raises money and provides other
assistance for construction, renovation, or other improvements to
facilities in the Bay Village city school district. Donations are tax
deductible. All Home of the Rockets donors will receive confirmation of their donation for tax filing purposes
This is happening! I interviewed Jon Ransom, a lead fundraiser for Home of the Rockets, for this podcast. Have a listen!
Sincerely,
Superintendent Jodie Hausmann
Pictured
from left: Athletics/Activities Director Matt Spellman, Board of
Education members Lisa Priemer (president), Paul Vincent, Dave Vegh,
Gayatry Jacob-Mosier (vice president), Beth Lally, district Treasurer
Nikki Spriggs, Superintendent Jodie Hausmann, and Jon Ransom of Home of
the Rockets.
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