May 2018 | Superintendent News
"You must trust your instinct, intuition and judgement." ~ Rouben Mamoulian
Dear Kenston Families,

As the 2017-18 school year comes to a close, I want to take the opportunity to thank you, our students, families and staff. Tomorrow, over 240 students will earn their diplomas.

Our graduates have been supported on their educational journey from kindergarten to graduation by their families, educators and community. They are prepared to go into the world and positively impact society as they continue their education or begin a career. I am excited to see what path they will take to fulfill their goals.

As the school year ends, we are busy preparing for the 2018-19 school year. We look forward to welcoming your child back as they return to school on Wednesday, August 15th. Information about the upcoming year will be communicated on our website,
e-communication and through social media. If you have not already, please follow us on Twitter and Facebook .

Again, I would like to thank our staff, students, families and community for their work and commitment to Kenston. I continue to be inspired by all those who strive to provide the best education and opportunities for our students.

Enjoy your summer! I hope that you have the chance to spend time with your family and friends.
  
Sincerely,
Nancy R. Santilli
Superintendent
AN UPDATE ON CURRICULUM
The Ohio Learning Standards provides educators with the framework of what we teach. Within that requirement, we have a great deal of autonomy on how we teach. In particular, three curricular focus areas this year enhanced how we engage Kenston students with a meaningful K-12 experience. These are: professional development, technology integration, and college and career readiness.
Professional Development
We are using the support of the Schlechty Center to engage the Kenston faculty in a collective dialogue about students as volunteers in the learning process and teachers as designers of student work. This program is a systemic shift in the way we view the role of the teacher and the student. We have completed our second year of the district-wide focus with the desired outcome for students through inspired critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills. Kenston is one of seven local districts involved in this effort and receives support from the Education Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio.
Technology Integration
The focus on technology as a tool for engaged learning has become a district priority over the past several years. Some activities associated with this initiative this year include:
  • Created a District Technology Committee with a wide representation of district personnel.
  • Expanded the presence of technology integration experts for 2018-19 to one in each building.
  • Explored ideas for future makerspaces, engineering design, and innovative technology-based experiences for students through professional visits and conference sessions.
  • Developed a plan for 2018-19 that will increase the availability of technology in each building, including a one-to-one program at the middle school.
College and Career Readiness (CCR)
Since 2015-16, Ohio Law requires districts to adopt policy on career advising. Kenston's policy was developed for grades 6-12. We have added an available teacher resource to support the development of this initiative. Activities in 2017-18:
  • Established a district committee for a focus on college and career for KMS and KHS.
  • Extended the use of Naviance to include middle school.
  • Developed a framework to help students explore interests, learning styles and careers at KMS .
  • Continued the high school Speaker Series.
  • Utilized Kenston, Inc., our Business Advisory Committee, to expand community partnerships, including Geauga Growth Partnership.
  • Introduced an interviewing clinic.
  • Created a CCR website as a source of information for parents and students, including 7 KHS outlines for career pathways.
  • Created structure for PSAT/SAT administration beginning in 8th grade, including use of Khan Academy.
  • Next year: adding a focus for vocational and trades opportunities; adding curriculum connections at KMS; and identifying additional ways to support parents involvement in this process.
On Monday, May 14th, the Board of Education unanimously approved the addition of a Kenston Resource Officer beginning the 2018/19 school year. Kenston Resource Officers (KROs) will be a full-time police detail with a rotating officer that will serve all buildings. The assigned police officer will monitor and check schools, build relationships with students to strengthen the community, and assist with security planning and implementation.

As part of the Geauga Lake Auburn Collaborative, we are leading the discussion and presentation with local First Responders on School Safety, Security and Student Wellness as part of summer Professional Development for area Superintendents.

Included in our summer projects, a district-wide radio system will be purchased with repeaters installed to cover the entire school district.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
We recognize the increasing need for mental health support for our students. While a situation often calls for us to refer the student/family to expertise outside of the district, we continue to build our internal capacity to be informed and support students in their challenges.

Lynette Hairston, Katie Detweiler, Diane Snyder and Terry Markoff completed an 8-hour Mental Health First Aid Training course that teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training provided by NAMI on Geauga County (National Alliance of Mental Illness) provide the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

NAMI Geauga County offers a variety of Community Education on Mental Illness . NAMI Basics, Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer Education Classes, Ending the Silence, Parents and Teachers as Allies and Understanding Mental Illness. All classes offered FREE of charge thanks to NAMI and funding by the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services.
SUMMER PROJECTS
As we prepare for next school year and maintain our facilities, these are some of the projects that will be completed this summer.
TIMMONS ELEMENTARY
  • Replacement of Gutters/Downspouts
  • Patch/Paint throughout the building
  • Installation of a gate in bus loop
  • Playground inspection
  • Bleacher inspection
  • Replace one piece of playground equipment
  • Carpet replacement
  • Thorough cleaning of building
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
  • Patch/Paint throughout the building
  • Carpet replacement
  • Bleacher inspection
  • Playground inspection
  • Paint split rail fencing
  • Thorough cleaning of building
MIDDLE SCHOOL
  • Patch/Paint throughout building
  • Re-paint 8 classrooms
  • Re-paint restrooms
  • Exterior painting
  • Replace Fire panel
  • Replace autofill valves on boilers
  • Bleacher inspection
  • Ceiling tile replacement
  • Thorough cleaning of building
  • Carpet replacement
HIGH SCHOOL
  • Patch/paint throughout building
  • Upgrade AMAG lock system
  • Bleacher inspection
  • Thorough cleaning of building
  • Carpet replacement
  • Auditorium sound system upgrade
  • Roof repairs
GROUNDS
  • Asphalt repairs
  • Seal coating and striping
  • Landscaping
  • Boiler inspections/cleaning
  • Repair trip hazards (concrete)
  • Stadium turf replacement
  • Installation of new radio system
  • HVAC controls work (HB 264)
  • LED lighting
  • Installation of fencing
  • Filter changes
  • General preventative maintenance
GRADUATION LIVE STREAM
We stream our graduation ceremonies live, so that friends and family of our graduation students, who are unable to attend, can join in and view the celebration. Broadcasting will begin shortly before 7pm on Tuesday, May 22.

Congratulations to our Auburn Career Center students who will be celebrating the completion of their two-year Career Tech Program on Wednesday, May 23.
MAY 24TH IS FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAY
Chagrin Falls has led the way in making sure that Ohio House Bill 44 passed. Bill 44 declares May 24, each year, as the official First Responders Appreciation Day in Ohio. We are encouraging everyone to recognize their First Responders, for their selfless dedication 24/7/365.
UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
Work Session - Monday, June 4 - BOE - 6pm
Special Meeting - Monday, June 4 - BOE - 7pm
Regular Meeting - Monday, June 25 - TES - 7pm

Kenston Local Schools | www.kenstonlocal.org l e-communications@kenstonapps.org
17419 Snyder Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 l 440-543-9677