From the Superintendent

Last week I was fortunate to attend Gov. John Kasich’s State of the State speech in Medina.  I felt privileged that education played a fundamental role in his remarks. I’m truly inspired that our state’s highest office-holder shares my concerns—and I’m sure yours—for Ohio’s drop-outs and our struggling girls and boys who are still in school. Without major help, these Ohioans will miss out on so many opportunities for good jobs, careers and other positive things in life.

I want to give you a quick rundown of some of the education initiatives Gov. Kasich proposed.

Deadlines and Dates

Approaching deadlines or important dates mentioned in previous editions of EdConnection

For school superintendents, principals and treasurers

• Straight A Fund legislative changes for fiscal year 2015
• Straight A Fund update meetings scheduled
• New Web page organizes information about field tests for Next Generation Assessments
• Medical questions related to upcoming statewide assessments addressed
• USDA and USDE letter discusses Community Eligibility Provision
• School Improvement Grant application guidance available; webinar planned
• Changes to state law in calculating the school calendar year
• Registration is open for 2014 roster verification application trainings
• Ohio School Facilities Commission School Security Grant Program Update
• March 15 is application deadline for new Health Informatics programs
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching nominations now open

For curriculum directors, school counselors and teachers

• Session listing for Spring Symposium is now available
• Camp OFLA offers language camp for grades four through eight this summer
• Students named top Ohio youth volunteers of 2014

From the Superintendent

I’m passionate about all of Ohio’s girls and boys having a high-quality education that spans from preschool to high school graduation—and beyond. Everything we do, from the time a child enters an early learning program until they walk across a stage in a cap and gown must be focused on preparing that child to be successful in the world beyond Kindergarten through Grade 12; whether they choose to continue their education at one of our two- or four-year institutions or they choose to enter the workforce.

Our youngsters start their K-12 years at varying levels of readiness. Some have had many academic experiences and are well-prepared for kindergarten. Others haven’t had those experiences and have a lot of work to do to be on a level field with their peers. If they don’t catch up quickly, they fall behind. And without proper instruction and intervention, as they grow older they disappear from our schools unprepared for the demands and opportunities the world presents.

Deadlines and Dates

Approaching deadlines or important dates mentioned in previous editions of EdConnection

For school superintendents, principals and treasurers

• 2014-2015 state test schedule is available
• Register now for the Straight A Fund Programmatic Webcast
• Straight A Fund update meetings scheduled
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service letter mailed to state superintendents
• Registration is now open for the 2014 OAASFEP Title I/Federal Programs Spring Conference
• Schools selected for 2014-2015 oral health screening