From the Flight Deck
November 2017 Staff Newsletter
From Frank
As we approach Fall Break, I wanted to update you on a couple of items. First, I was honored to accept, on behalf of the district, the award from the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce for the 2017 Large Business of the Year. In my acceptance words, I emphasized that our business is our students and our mission is to serve them to reach their full potential. This recognition is emblematic of every person in this district who commits themselves to our core business: students. We are grateful for this recognition but humble enough to know that we will never rest on our laurels and always strive to be better in our service. Thank you to each and every one of you for your contributions to our core business: our students.
Second and as a follow up to the Master Facility Planning, we have begun meeting with our architectural firm, SHP Leading Design, to put together the initial phases of our steering committee which will guide the engagement process around the educational visioning and facility planning portions of this process. I would expect the actual engagement sessions to begin after the first of the year. You have my commitment to keep you apprised of this process including ways you can offer your ideas within our planning process.
Finally, below is a TEDx Talk entitled “What Makes a Good Teacher Great.” We are blessed in Sycamore with great teachers, great leaders, and great support staff. I hope you find this clip thought-provoking, and I offer the following questions to stimulate your thinking:
What if we asked our students that very same question, “What makes a good teacher great?”
Are we listening to our students?
Are we learning with our students?
Are we humble with our students or with the people we lead?
Please know I value all you do for students, our families and each other.
2017 Large Business of the Year!
Board of Education Update
Butler Health Plan
- All employees eligible for coverage must enroll online to elect medical and dental benefits for 2018.
- If you are declining your insurance benefits, you are required to complete a waiver online.
- If you want to keep your same plan, you must enroll online.
- Enrollments not completed during Open Enrollment will result in a loss of coverage for 2018.
Are you renewing a teaching license this year?
The Ohio Department of Education’s online application system is now open for renewal of educator licenses that are due to expire on June 30, 2018. Below is a link to the online licensure system with step-by-step instructions for educators, particularly those who are due for renewal. The information also will assist those who will be seeking a new credential.
step-by-step licensure instructions
Pay attention to the renewal date!
If the educator is requesting a new credential, the effective date may be July 1, 2017, or July 1, 2018
Those renewing licenses that expire June 30, 2018, will have a July 1, 2018, effective date.Come Join the Fun
Montgomery Family Fun Night
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Montgomery Elementary
Sycamore Arts & Crafts Show
9:00 am - 4:00 p.m.
Sycamore High School
High School Variety Show
7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Sycamore High School
Thank a Veteran
This past Saturday was Veterans Day, and communities across the country celebrated with parades and ceremonies. I know you have extremely busy schedules but I would ask that you take a moment to thank a Veteran. Perhaps it’s a neighbor, parent, sibling or for some, it's your children.
Please take a moment to reach out to one Veteran and thank them for their service to our great nation.
United Way Campaign
Campaign materials, including pledge cards, were sent to buildings early in November. Please consider making a contribution to United Way to continue the assistance they provide for our neighborhoods and families.