A lot of levy talk

By Marie Rossiter | Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 10:53 AM

There’s been a lot of school levy talk lately.

Madison Twp. voters are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, Feb. 2 to decide on a $1.1 million renewal levy. In neighboring, Little Miami schools face a critical vote today on a 16.9-mill levy that has some serious consequences if it goes down the way it has the last three times it has been on the ballot.

The outcome of these votes will not only have an effect on the two districts directly affected today, but also the other districts in our area who are considering a levy later this year. Middletown has already has its name on the May ballot and other districts such as Edgewood and Lakota are well on their way to asking voters to help bridge the budget gap.

Today’s levy results will be a signal to all school districts on the voters’ mood. With an economy that continues to crawl along and unemployment still above 10 percent, school districts looking for community funds have a number of obstacles to overcome if they want a win at the polls.

In a story scheduled for this Sunday, we will be taking a closer look at today’s election results and what message voters are sending school districts as they gear up for their own levy vote.

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H1N1 clinics return to Middletown schools this week

By Marie Rossiter | Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 04:18 PM

Anyone interested in having their child receive the first vaccine, or the 2nd dose, must complete the consent form sent home by the district and return it to their child’s school. If the student will be receiving his/her 2nd dose of H1N1, please have him/her bring the card noting the date of the previous vaccination.

Vaccine clinic dates and times are as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 27
9:15-10:15: Rosa Parks
10:45-11:45: Amanda
12:45-1:45: Highview
2:15-3:15: Miller Ridge

Thursday, Jan. 28 9:15-10:15: Central 10:45-11:45: Wildwood 12:45-1:45: Mayfield 2:15-3:15: Creekview

Anyone with questions or concerns about the H1N1 vaccine or the clinics, can call the Middletown Health Department at (513) 425-1831.

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ProgressBook training on Monday, Jan. 25

By Marie Rossiter | Sunday, January 24, 2010, 09:59 PM

Middletown City Schools ProgressBook demo for parents and student of Vail, Verity, and MHS training has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 25 A Parent/Student Access demonstration training is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. in the Manchester Building Banquet Room (door K), 4420 Manchester Rd. No reservation is needed to participate.

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Getting to know Greg Rasmussen

By Marie Rossiter | Friday, January 15, 2010, 09:36 AM

Greg Rasmussen’s name has been in the local spotlight since his name was released as one of three finalists for the MCS superintendent vacancy. After a week of candidates jumping ship just before final interviews, Rasmussen stood alone to face the school board and community. He only had a short time to present himself and make an impression. He must have done his job well: the school board entered into negotiations with him earlier this week.

I’ve spent the better part of two weeks trying to get to know Mr. Rasmussen by talking with him, as well colleagues from his current and previous jobs.

Want to know more about Greg Rasmussen? Check out this Sunday’s Middletown Journal for an in-depth profile on the man who may be Middletown’s next superintendent.

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The blog is back; Mayfield Elementary celebrates learning

By Marie Rossiter | Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 12:49 PM

As the new education reporter, I am glad to be able to get the education blog back up and running. Check back for frequent updates on stories and events around the MIddletown area schools. Of course, if you have any story ideas or events coming up, drop me an e-mail or leave a comment!

Mayfield Elementary has a few special celebrations this week for the students and community.

First, on Tuesday, Jan. 12 and Wednesday, Jan. 13, the school will host a Celebration of Learning event where students get to show off some of their best learning experiences. Mrs. Patricia Kienlen’s second grade class is focusing on teamwork. They have an acrostic poem displayed in their hallway called: “Together Everyone Achieves More With Ongoing Respect and Kindness. (TEAMWORK). The students have also been writing stories as to how they have used teamwork in the classroom- especially how they are helping their classmates meet reading goals. In Kienlen’s classroom, there is bulletin board devoted to reading partners. The teamwork theme is correlated to their current Houghton Mifflin story “Ants.”
“Students have done a great job using comprehension skills (such as compare and contrast) as the curriculum is enhanced with school activities,” Kienlen said. “They are realizing that it is so very important to work together.” You can read more about this event in tomorrow’s edition of the Middletown Journal.

Also, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, there will be a Parent Action Committee night for the community. Principal Marla Marsh said there will be group from the Freedom Center there to re-enact life during the slavery era. There will be a pizza dinner provided and Marsh said she hopes there will be a great turn out.

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Many students consent to vaccine

By Meagan Engle | Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 04:51 PM

A total of 1,850 students have consent for the H1N1 vaccine, said Debbie Alberico, school communication specialist.

City Nursing director Jackie Phillips said she could begin this week or early next week giving shots to high-risk students.

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Two cases of H1N1 at private school

By Meagan Engle | Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 03:22 PM

Two students from Middletown Christian Schools have been diagnosed with H1N1 flu, said spokesman Roger Brandenburg.

A high school student and elementary school student this week and last, Brandenburg said.

The school is sending information to staff and students on good hygiene, like covering a sneeze with an elbow and washing hands.

Students with flu-like symptoms are also disinfecting their desks at the end of the day.

The school also has a standing policy that students cannot come to school with a fever.

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