September 8, 2017
Welcome
Welcome to FRONTRUNNER, Groveport Madison Schools' monthly community 
e-Newsletter. Our goal is to provide parents and community members with news, accomplishments and updates associated with our students, schools, staff and school district.
Superintendent Hoover Excited About the New School Year
Superintendent, 
Bruce Hoover
As I've been visiting classrooms, talking with principals and teachers, I am struck by the sense of excitement and engagement that I'm seeing this year. Students hit the ground running by participating in active learning, and our teachers were able to swiftly work through well-designed daily lesson plans. School spirit is high, with a sense of optimism for what this year holds.
 
One of the major initiatives we've launched this year is our 1:1 student technology program. We've branded it "Cruisers with Chromebooks." Over the next two weeks we will put a Chromebook (a mini-laptop computer) in the hands of every student, grades K-12. Our teachers have been working exceptionally hard to learn how to best integrate this expanded technology into their instruction and daily learning routines for students. While computers can never replace high-quality teaching, they are essential tools teachers and students can utilize to make learning exciting and "real" as we challenge our thinking.
 
Students in grades 6-12 will be assigned a Chromebook computer that they can take home nightly and over the weekends and holidays. Just as it is the student's responsibility to take care of his/her textbook, the same holds true of the Chromebook computer they will be using. As adults, we need to help our students understand the responsibility that comes with this privilege. We want them to appreciate your investment in their learning, using this device and the opportunity it presents them in their future. We have more information on the Cruisers with Chromebooks program in this newsletter, as well as on the technology page of our website.
 
Another exciting bit of news for us is the upcoming release of the State Report Cards. Based on preliminary data, we expect to see improvement in nearly every grade level of the report card. While we can't take our foot off of the accelerator, this is a clear sign that we are moving in the right direction and that the investment that our community has made in our district is paying off.
 
I invite you to join us in this important work. We continue to need parents, grandparents, volunteers and others who will step forward to support their neighborhood school(s). Our children - your children - need to see that we value their education more than anything, and all of us want these young people to be successful in school and in life.
 
Thank you for your support of Groveport Madison Schools.
 
Respectfully,
 
Bruce Hoover
Superintendent
Le'Veon Bell Field at Cruiser Stadium Dedicated on August 25
Le'Veon Bell cutting the ribbon
On Friday, Augusts 25, Groveport Madison alum and Pittsburgh Steeler running back, Le'Veon Bell cut a 60-yard-long ribbon to officially dedicate the new Le'Veon Bell Field at Cruiser Stadium. Elected officials, District staff, special guests, Hall of Fame inductees and numerous students joined Bell in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. A huge crowd of students, alumni, staff and community members also witnessed the event, cheering loudly as the ribbon slowly fell to the field.
 
Bell is donating $750,000 to cover the cost of installing a synthetic turf athletic field. "This is an incredible gift to the Groveport Madison Schools community," said superintendent Bruce Hoover. "This gift speaks to the power of strong, trusting relationships between our students and staff. It also demonstrates the power and connection between our schools and our alumni - and what it means to be a Cruiser."

District Launches 1:1 Student Technology Program - "Cruisers with Chromebooks"
Ensuring our students can effectively and efficiently use technology in their learning and quest for information is essential for them to be successful students. That's why Groveport Madison Schools has launched the "Cruisers with Chromebooks" program. Through this program a loaner Chromebook computer will be assigned to each student in grades K-12. In fact, students in sixth through twelfth grade will be expected to take their Chromebook computers home throughout the week and during breaks.
 
According to some of the latest research, children enrolled in school districts where there is a high correlation of computers to students enjoy many advantages. They include:
  • Having ready access to a computer helps students personalize their learning, allowing them to learn at their own pace.
  • Students typically express positive attitudes and greater confidence in their ability to effectively use technology.
  • They are found to be more engaged, motivated and persistent when 1:1 technology is deployed throughout their school.
  • Students' technology and problem-solving skills are improved and their ownership of their learning typically increases.
  • Through the use of email, Google Docs and other shared or monitored applications, student-teacher communications often improve. It's also been found that parental engagement increases as parents can see more of what their children are learning.
Jaivir Singh, Ph.D. Leading GMHS to New Heights
When Groveport Madison High School students arrived on campus for the start of the school year, they found a familiar face in the principal's office.
 
Dr. Jaivir Singh, who has served as the assistant principal at GMHS since 2015, was chosen to lead the school after former principal Aric Thomas left the District in June.
 
Taking on the role of principal is "extremely exciting," because so many good things are happening at the high school, he said. He's eager to see how the district's new 1:1 technology plan impacts students. Through the program, every high school student will be issued a Chromebook computer - creating wonderful opportunities for learning, he said. He's also looking forward to the opening of the new high school building next school year.

Jones Takes Over as New Principal at Middle School North
Jeff Jones was drawn to the job of principal at Middle School North because he felt like it was a place where he could make a difference.
 
"My greatest successes have been with students who need me," said Jones, who accepted the job created when former principal Brandy Grieves left for a similar position in Colorado. "I want to be the person who helps students accomplish their goals."
 
Jones plans to spend some time getting to know his students, staff and building before initiating any changes or new programs. "There's enough work that needs done that I don't need to make a splash by coming up with some big idea," he said.

District Wellness Day Initiative to Kick-off at Dunloe ES on September 23
Parents, students and community members are invited to join us on Saturday, September 23 for the District's first Wellness Day celebration. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dunloe Elementary School, located at 3200 Dunloe Road, Columbus, 43232.
 
Wellness Day will include fun activities for elementary-age children and health and wellness tips for children and adults. The Dunloe ES PTO also will provide free food during the day's events.
 
Vendors include ADAMH, Buckeye Health Plan, The Buckeye Ranch, Concord Counseling, doTerra Essential Oils, Eastland Fairfield Career Technical School, Franklin County Public Health, Groveport Madison Human Needs, Groveport Madison Schools, Groveport Rickenbacker Employee Transportation, SAFY, Sandy Hook Promise, Southeast Branch of Columbus Metro Library, Care Source and United Health Care.
 
There also will be presentations by former OSU football player, Jimmie Bell, and Patricia Parker, of The Sandy Hook Promise.
 
In addition, door prizes have been donated by Groveport Madison Human Needs, Planet Fitness, Red Fusion Slim Solutions, United Health Care and Walnut Creek Dental.
 
Don't miss this fun and informative event. Good health is good living!
Important Reminder Regarding Payments to the District
We want to make sure that when you send a check to the District that we can process that check properly. Please ensure that all checks and money orders are payable to Groveport Madison Schools and not to the individual school buildings.
 
You may include the student's name or student ID in the memo line, but the payable section of the check or money order MUST be made out to Groveport Madison Schools.

Cruisers Share their First Day Photos Online
The Cruiser Family celebrated the first days of school by taking more than a 100 photos and sharing them with us. From selfies to annual shots in front of school signs, parents, students and staff captured wonderful moments and shared them on the District's Facebook page.
 
Be sure to like and share your favorite pictures from the First Day Photo Album. If you haven't posted your child's photo yet, go ahead and post it on our page. We're always happy to post pictures of smiling Cruisers!
Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Application Available Online
Families wishing their child to be considered for a free or reduced-price breakfast and/or lunch may apply online through the District website at http://www.gocruisers.org/FreeandReducedLunch.aspx. Paper applications also are available at our schools or the District Service Center.
Groveport Madison Students Fought Summer Brain Drain with Books
More than 470 Groveport Madison students participated in the Columbus Metropolitan Library's Summer Reading Club. The club, which encourages kids to read and attend library programs, is designed to keep students engaged with learning during the summer. Studies show that kids who read during the summer maintain reading skills that are critical to future school success.
 
"We're pleased that so many of our parents and students prioritized reading over the summer," said superintendent Bruce Hoover. "We know that reading during the summer helps kids maintain and expand their reading and comprehension skills."
The number of Reading Club participants at each school includes:
Asbury Elementary - 39
Dunloe Elementary - 35
Glendening Elementary - 52
Groveport Elementary - 82
Madison Elementary - 52
Sedalia Elementary - 72
Middle School Central - 31
Middle School North - 34
Middle School South - 37
High School - 39
Cruiser Academy - 1
High School Students Create Mural for Local EPA Office
The foyer of the Ohio Environmental Protection office in Groveport is a little more inviting thanks to the work of four high school art students. Beatrise Mariscal and Sloane Strauss, who graduated in June, worked with current junior Trent Vinion and Amanda Comehn, a current sophomore, to create a nature scene at the building located in Groveport.
 
The student artists were inspired by the agency's work when they designed the mural, which depicts a pond full of wildlife and surrounded by native plants, said art teacher Helen Slater. "The EPA protects the land, water and wildlife of Ohio," she said. "The students wanted the mural to reflect that important work."
 
Painting the mural was a great learning experience, she said. The students gained a better understanding of landscape painting and Ohio wildlife. "It was a wonderful opportunity for our kids," Slater said.

Stay Connected
The District's Communications Department and our principals want to provide you with news and updates throughout the school year. In addition to regular newsletters, the district and our schools will be routinely sharing information on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to like our Facebook pages and follow us on Twitter in order to see the latest communications.

Important Dates to Remember

DATE
EVENT
Sep 23
Wellness Day -  Dunloe Elementary
Oct 11
Two-hour Late Start
Oct 19
Teacher Release Day - No School
Oct 20
COTA Day - No School
Newsletters Provide Useful Tips for Parents


The September issue of Early Years includes ideas for getting your child to welcome their new role as student by discussing ways to be a successful student. In addition, an activity suggestion will help encourage your youngster to be kind to others.


In this month's Middle Years issue, parents will find strategies to help their student jump-start the new school year successfully. In addition, tips are offered on note taking, communicating with teachers and school staff, and the value of extracurricular activities.



This month's issue of Home & School Connection offers parents tips on ways to bring learning home. Being excited about what your child is learning in school will get her excited to learn. Parents also will find helpful tips to keep your child organized, allowing for a smooth school day.

Share Good News About Groveport Madison Schools!
We know that great news occurs every day. We invite you to share positive news items with us via our social media outlets as well. News and information can be shared via personal messaging on Facebook (Groveport Madison Schools). You can also email us at  [email protected], or call us at (614) 492-2520.

Thank you,
Office of Marketing, Communications & Community Relations
Groveport Madison Schools   |   (614) 492-2520   |    gocruisers.org
Office of Marketing, Communications & Community Relations
STAY CONNECTED:
STAY CONNECTED: