Community Email - May 2, 2016
Dear Community Members:
The month of May has arrived. There are a mere 20 days left in the school year which is simply amazing when you think about it. I have a couple of informational items for you.
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
This is annually Teacher Appreciation Week across the country. We are very blessed with a faculty that truly cares about our students and wants to see them succeed. They are dedicated professionals whose work goes well beyond the hours of the school day and year. You will see them meeting after school and in the summer to improve their craft so they can deliver the best instruction possible. I am proud of all they do.
It is my hope that our students, parents, and community members will take the time to say thanks for all you do.
UPCOMING ACADEMIC HONORS AND RECOGNITION NIGHTS
Over the next couple of weeks we have several important events that honor the work of our students. On Tuesday, we will induct the next class of National Junior Honor Society students at the Middle School at 7:00 PM. These students have demonstrated not only academic excellence, but a level of character and commitment that goes above and beyond. We are very proud of this year’s class of inductees.
On May 12th we have the opening of the District Arts Show in the Eastwood High School Gym as well as the High School Academic Awards Night at 7:30 PM in the auditorium. We are extremely proud of the academic work of our students and pleased to have the chance to honor them. The media does a great job of recognizing the work of our athletes, and this night is dedicated to honoring our kids for their achievements in the classroom.
We are also thrilled to couple the Academic Awards with the District Art Show. Last year we had some amazing pieces in the gym from students at all grade levels. The show will be up through the choir concerts on May 15th. We hope that you will take the chance to see yet another example of the creative minds of our students.
Finally, our end of year concerts are set for May 10th – MS and HS Bands, and May 15th – 2:30 – MS Choir Concert and 4:30 HS Choir Concert.
It will be a very busy couple of weeks.
CONGRATS TO DAVIS ANDREWS!
Last week Eastwood Senior Davis Andrews won Gold and 1st place at the FCCLA State Competition in Columbus for his Culinary Nutrition and Wellness project. He goes on to Nationals in San Diego in July. Well Done to Davis!!
He is pictured above with his parents Dave and Amy.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION FOR 2016-17
Information for transportation was sent home with students recently, but if your house is like mine, chances are that it is stuck beneath a pile of other items on a counter. Below you will find a copy of the letter which is due next Friday May 13th.
While we are thanking our teachers for their work, I can tell you that the most thankless job in the district is running transportation. While many may not realize it, we are by far the most generous district you will find when it comes to accommodating people with transportation. In MANY districts, parents have the option of ONE drop-off and ONE pick-up spot. We are far more flexible with some families changing spots almost daily. We do this because we understand the challenges many of you face with complicated work and childcare schedules. We do not want transportation to be an impediment to people who are battling to earn a living.
However, it is very complicated to run transportation this way, and as a result sometimes mistakes get made when we have subs or last minute changes. Please remember that out people do the best they can with a tough job. Trying to be all things to some people is not easy.
One way we can make it easier is to get these forms in to the transportation office in a timely manner so they can start working on the routes right away in the summer. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
CONGRATS TO BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
Just a quick encouraging word to our Baseball and Softball teams who are off to great starts. Both earned #1 seeds for their upcoming district tournaments. They are still working through the second round of league play with plenty of make-up games in front of them. While no one hands you a trophy for having a good first half of the year, both groups have been resilient and playing hard. Good luck in the second half and in your tourney games.
CANOEING THE PORTAGE WITH SONFIRE CHURCH
This Saturday the Sonfire Church in Pemberville is hosting an event called Canoeing the Portage. Stop over to Sonfire by the River (parking lot behind Higher Ground in Pemberville) and be treated to a free hotdog lunch and a great day of family fun and fellowship. Our volunteers will shuttle you from Sonfire for a 35-45 minute peaceful canoe trip down the Portage River and drop you back off at Sonfire when you’re done. The trip is completely free, but free will donations will be accepted to benefit someone in need (see more at the event). There is more information below.
EASTWOOD HS GIRLS BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMP
Below is the flyer and waiver for the Eastwood Girls Basketball Camp for students going into grades 4-7. Good Luck and work hard this summer!