Monthly News and Notes - February 2024

• Kristin Tiell - Assistant HS Track 

• Track warm ups and apparel 

• The 24-25 calendar was approved.  See the parents section on the website.   

• The 5th grade trip to attend Camp Wilson in Bellefontaine, OH on April 29, 30 was approved.

• The OHSAA has updated the schools regarding increasing the number of divisions for basketball, softball, baseball and volleyball from  4 to 7 and the OHSAA will be voting in February for the 24-25 school year.   If passed, New Riegel will be in division 7.  Old Fort, Hopewell and Mohawk will be in division 6.  

• We met with representatives of the owners of the pipeline that runs about .28 of a mile through the district down at the corner of 591.  It was a public relations meeting to state their case of settling the current property tax valuation disagreement with the state.     

• Chiller - The work will commence on February 26.  I will update and share photos of the removal and installation process as it progresses.  
• Cameras -  We expect the cameras to be installed and upgraded in the months ahead.  This security improvement was fully funded by the School/Law Enforcement Technology Linking Safety Grant for $15,411.00.  

• ERATE Update - There is a motion to approve the E-Rate contract with NOECA for communication and technology services for the amount of $22,996.24 with 50-60% being reimbursed through E-Rate.
• Items being purchased - 2 Battery Backup Devices.2 wifi access points,3 wifi switches.

• We completed and recently were awarded the Ohio Attorney General's $2500.00 grant to assist in paying for the clinical counselor.   
• Our new bus should be coming soon.  If you remember, this bus was purchased with permanent improvement funds along with a grant for $65,000.00.   Our new bus will include a camera on the outside and inside of the bus as recommended by the State Highway Patrol.  

• A detailed review and update of the 2024-2025 course guidebook has been completed. Input was provided from every member of the high school teaching staff.   Highlight is the new requirement of Introduction to Careers for our juniors.  All juniors will be required to take it with the exception of our Sentinel students.  
• Seneca CEO has been promoted to parents and students of our sophomore and junior level students for the 2024-2025 school year. This is a great opportunity for students interested in business, marketing or entrepreneurship or who would benefit from real-world experiences.
• Remediation and testing strategies preparation are underway in preparation for our Spring OST.

• There are currently 24 students pre-registered for Kindergarten for the 2024/25 school year and we are anticipating more.  Kindergarten screening is set for April 26th.  Go to the school website for pre-registration.
• Students in grades 2 and 5 will be taking an online Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) during the mornings of February 22nd and 23rd.  The CogAT measures reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: verbal, quantitative and nonverbal.   These results will be used to determine gifted identification.

• Homecoming was a big success. The 8th grade students did a wonderful job of planning and hosting the pep rally and developing activities for the K-12 audience.   Our middle school dance had approximately 75 students in attendance while 135 tickets were sold for the high school portion of the evening. Students had a great time and the DJ complimented them on their behavior.
• Student advisory held their first meeting of the semester on Friday.  We recapped their ideas and reviewed progress on their agenda items.  Freshman advisory members presented at the January SAIL assembly
• The senior class is currently promoting their fundraiser for the Seneca County Humane Society as part of their class community service project. It will end on February 23rd with a pet toy/supply toss as the basketball game. 

• K-5 students and staff continued our theme, Wonderful World, Wonderful Life SAIL theme during this month’s SAIL meeting.  This month students learned about The Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt.   
• The S.A.I.L. habit that will be promoted this month is “effort is key”.   Staff and students will look for opportunities to improve our classrooms, and school environment and culture.   Teachers will promote this habit in classrooms and recognition with SAIL tickets.
• The kindergarten class shared about their Career Day and some of the jobs they are interested in.

• OSS Poster Contest - Each year O.S.S. Solid Waste District proudly presents the Billboard Contest for fifth grade. There are three winning designs per county to be displayed. Each winning design will be posted on a billboard, along with the name of the student and the school. In addition to the billboards, prizes will be awarded to the winning students.  The design is currently scheduled to appear near the intersection of Rt. 224 and 23 in April.
• 4H Assembly - High school students presented about the 4-H organization and opportunities available to join a club in Seneca County.  Students learned about the options available for projects, saw examples and even learned the 4-H motto and pledge. 
• Public Safety Assembly - On February 23rd, members of the Fostoria Police Department will present to K-5 students on safety procedures.  Students will also have the opportunity to learn about police dogs, drones and detective work.  Students in middle school and high school will have the opportunity to interact with and ask questions to the police officers.
• The Battle of Bullfrog Road men's basketball game was packed. Our cheer squad did a great job on a halftime performance where they collaborated with Hopewell Loudon.
• Preparation for FFA week is underway with plans for a petting zoo, coloring contest and a drive your tractor to school day event featuring a parade for our elementary students
• The senior class held their baked potato bar fundraiser on Sunday, January 28th. 
• The Music department pancake breakfast was held on Sunday, February 11th featuring performances throughout the event.