School Survey Says . . .

A survey about our schools was distributed to families and/or posted on websites in February 2013. Approximately 402 surveys were returned. The results below show the percentages of those who “strongly agree” or “agree” with each statement.  

	Percentage of those who “strongly agree” or “agree.”
1. My child’s school has high expectations for students.	93%
2. Firm, but fair, discipline is maintained in this school.	88%
3. Our school has my child’s best interest at heart.	93%
4. I am kept informed about my child’s progress in class.	92%
5. Students are recognized and praised when they excel.	91%
6. Students get along well with other students.	86%
7. School buildings are in good condition.	60%
8. Parents and the school staff work together when a problem arises.	87%
9. I am proud that my children attend Logan Elm Schools.	95%
10. Student learning is a very high priority in our school district.	90%
11. The school staff is committed to improving student performance.	93%
12. Teachers willingly help students when asked.	92%
13. People in this school prepare students to be successful in their academics.	93%
14. Students who need academic help are given assistance.	92%
15. Students are kept informed of their grades and progress.	97%
16. Instruction and homework assignments are clear and easy to follow.	85%
17. Computers (other technology) are regularly used in our school.	90%
18. Administrators listen to me when I have problems.	91%
19. Administrators treat me with respect and dignity.	95%
20. Administrators follow through on things needing his/her attention.	90%
21. Administrators are visible in the building and at school activities.	94%
22. Administrators are friendly and helpful.	95%

What a Relief, the Levy Passed

As said on the Logan Elm Local School District website.

Thank you voters! We appreciate your support. We promise to be good stewards of your tax money. Thanks for supporting the students of Logan Elm. What a great community to live in.

and

Levy Results     FOR: 2908( 58%)     AGAINST: 2093 (42%).

With so much hanging on the balance, this is such a relief.  Class size will stay at 20 instead of going to 30+.  Extracurriculars will continue and families won't be moving out of the district.  Academic programs that have led to Excellent Ratings will be continued.  Peers will not be losing their jobs and students will continue to have special classes like music, PE, and library.

Thank you to all who supported our school!

The Superintendent Visits, Again

Three weeks ago, Mr. John Edgar, the Superintendent of Logan Elm Schools showed up in my classroom.  Needless to say, this unannounced visit was a surprise and a little unnerving.  However, it was all good news. 

Due to all of the snow days in February, Logan Elm had to make up five days of school.  After a staff vote, the decision was made to attend of four Saturdays.  Hadley, a Reading Workshop student questioned this decision, wondering why students weren't part of the decision making.

As we discussed this issue, I suggested Hadley contact Mr. Edgar about her concern.  She sent him an email, and he responded almost immediately.  He explained his position, and the factors regarding the decision.  You can read all of the details on Hadley's Planet.  Amazingly though, Mr. Edgar didn't stop there.  He visited the classroom just to let Hadley know he appreciated her concerns, and thanked her for writing.

This morning, on a make-up Saturday, the Superintendent visited again.  Two weeks ago we got 20 new Dell Computers (You can read some of the students' thoughts about that at Hannah's Hideout.)  Four Reading Workshop students, Ian, Josh, Micah, and Eric helped install these computers and others throughout the school.  Mr. Edgar stopped by just to thank these students for their help.

This is a remarkable example of leadership at its finest.  I appreciate having a superintendent of this district  that cares enough to help students feel successful and takes the time to let them know.

Stars Shine at Board of Education Meeting

Thank you to the Logan Elm Board of Education for allowing us to share information about the Reading Workshop during their November Board meeting.  As their rotating schedule brought them to Laurelville Elementary, they granted us the opportunity to share how technology is enhancing the education of our students.

Three Reading Workshop students shared how the use of technology affects their education.  Ian discussed how he uses his blog to share thoughts and opinions about books that he reads like in his post on Soldier's Heart.  Hadley talked about having a place  as a writer to share events in her life.  Hannah shared the opportunity she has to be a published writer and to work as an editor on Logan Elm Sports Spot.

These students did an amazing job, presenting like they had long been professional speakers.  All related the benefits of blogging from their own perspective, and used their blog to support their points.  Laurelville Elementary, Logan Elm, and The Reading Workshop can be proud of having students of this caliber to represent us.

A Gas Station Conversation

I just stopped at the market to get a newspaper and a snack. As I laid down the items to pay, the cashier looked at me and said, "what do you think about Logan Elm?"

A million thoughts ran through my head in just about two seconds. The whole time, she looked at me and waited for an answer. I had been working outside, and looked pretty scruffy. I didn't know her, and I guarantee she didn't know I was a teacher. Naturally, I expected the worse, so I fell back on the old teacher trick of answering a question with a question. I said, "what do you think about Logan Elm?"

Imagine my surprise when she started to get a little teary eyed. "I am just so proud of those boys," she said (they are going to the Ohio state semifinals in basketball). "And their football team won all of those games. And the girls, too. The volleyball and basketball teams."

So I asked, "do you think closing school on Friday (the day of the 10:45 AM game) was a good decision?"

"Of course," she replied. "Those kids need to go up to the game and support the school."

"Do you have kids in school, or grandkids?" I asked.

"No, not for a long time. But I sure am proud of those kids."

"Me too," I replied. I walked out of the market, a little stunned, and a little amazed, and a whole lot thankful for student athletes that helped one cashier and I agree, we are proud of you.

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Relay for Life BBall Kickoff

Last year the Circleville Relay for Life raised $39,444.10 for the American Cancer Society. Of that Laurelville Elementary raised $2855.35, McDowell raised $2148.02, and Logan Elm High School's student union raised $524.00. That totals $5527.37, which means that Logan Elm schools were responsible for raising 14% of all of the money collected in 2008. We should all be really proud of that.

To jump start this Mrs. Amy Colburn, McDowell guidance counselor is organizing a collection this Friday at the boys' basketball game. We will have separate containers for each of the six Logan Elm schools, along with one for Bloom Carroll. Help us get a great start to this year's Relay.

You can read about last year's Relay here.

Students and parents, let's see who can collect the most money Friday night. Jump in and support the Relay and show your school support, too.

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Day in the Life of a Technology Coordinator

John Rundage, the Technology Coordinator for Logan Elm Schools described his routine and responsibilities at a presentation at the Ohio eTech Conference. In his informative session he discussed how he keeps the district running, maintaining the hardware and software while also planning, budgeting, and training teachers.

As he states on the Logan Elm Technology Blog I have a daily routine that starts before I walk in my office. I get up at 4:30am and get ready for work. By 5:15, I start the coffeemaker and pickup my Blackberry to look at the messages that came in overnight.

From this early morning start, until the end of the day, Mr. Rundag attempts to keep the districts computers running. The fact that he is, for the most part, responsible for 800 computers and 10 servers, in six buildings running Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), and Mac operating systems is an unbelievable task. At the same time, that he is maintaining the system's security, he is also installing software and building a library of video tutorials for teachers.

As Rundag continued his presentation describing the progression of his day, Tech. Coordinators from around the state of Ohio listened in, grabbing ideas to use in their own districts. Many seemed amazed that one person could do all that John is doing, while still finding time to explore new ideas.

The fact that Laurelville has such a strong technology-centered approach to education is only possible because of the support we receive. Very few schools have a computer for every student in their language arts classes. Without Mr. Rundag's never-ending help it would never happen. The details from A Day in the Life of a Tech Coord show how much hard work goes into making technology work at Logan Elm Schools.

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Success in Jr. High

I saw Trevor S. last night at Texas Roadhouse and it made me realize two things: 1. I miss seeing his big grin, and hearing his stories; 2. There is nothing better for a teacher than hearing about your former students going on and finding success.

I had just finished eating, looked up, and here he came, around the corner. As I talked to him, I found out he is really enjoying the transition to McDowell Jr. High. He likes his classes and most of his new teachers.

I also saw Dillon Y. twice last week, and he said about the same thing. He is feeling great about the new school year and really has plans to do well. I also talked to two other students, and two parents, who all have positive reports about the beginning of Jr. High.

Hearing this makes me feel good about the job all of the Laurelville Elementary staff members are doing to prepare students for their future. Hearing about former students' successes always makes my day.

So former students, stop back and tell me your good news. You can be sure even though you have moved on, we are proud of all you are doing at the Jr. High and at Logan Elm High School.

New School

Will we ever get a new school? Do we need one? Would it improve the quality of education for Logan Elm students? I was reading the Blue Skunk Blog when I saw this picture. It just made me sit and daydream about seeing a sign like this on S.R. 56.

As the Logan Elm Local School District searches for a new superintendent, the leading candidate, Mrs. Jan Broughton, current superintendent, Portsmouth City Schools, helped her current district achieve this. Logan Elm currently ranks 371 out of 612 districts by the Ohio School Facility Commission for matching state funds. Most of the schools up through the first 300 either already have new schools, or are in the process. We will soon be eligible.

Almost every district in our area has new buildings. You will see new buildings if you drive by Amanda, Southeastern, Adena, Huntington, Teays Valley, Canal Winchester, Logan Hocking, Unioto, Westfall, and many others.

Are our one hundred year old building good enough? Do we need air conditioning? Would it help if classrooms were bigger, so students would have more room? Would Laurelville Elementary students learn more in a new setting? Would more students succeed?