Dear Colleagues,

This week, I literally got on the bus to join OAESA members in visiting three of our recent Hall of Fame Schools. What an amazing day of learning and excitement highlighting some of the great things happening each and every day in Ohio’s schools.

First stop for our Get on the Bus event was Granby Elementary School in Worthington City Schools where we experienced the Granby Mountain Bike Park and students proudly taught us about their school garden. The commitment to social-emotional learning was evident in every corner of the building. K-6 students participate in monthly family group meetings led by a staff member who remains with the students throughout their time at the school. And student engagement and self-regulation evident throughout the building. Thanks to Principal Patti Schlaegel and the Granby community for an awesome experience. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria joined us at Granby and then hopped on the bus for some facilitated debriefing with the group. Lots of new ideas, affirmations, and questions emerged from our discussion led by OAESA Past-President, Stephanie Klingshirn. 

On the bus, we viewed a promo video about our next stop, Toll Gate Middle School in Pickerington led by Principal Kara Jackson. Pickerington Superintendent, Dr. Chris Briggs, greeted everyone as we disembarked from the bus and, as with all of the school sites, we were greeted and welcomed by students. We had the chance to visit the Gateway Academy which serves the district’s 4-6 ^th grade identified gifted students. Personalized learning was evident throughout the whole facility specifically designed to support today’s learners. This is accomplished through a blended learning experience customized to an individual student’s pace. Attendees were also mesmerized by the purposeful commitment to “leading learning through movement.” We saw a Lu Interactive Gym as well as a sensory room with a Funtronic virtual reality projector. We experienced the new sensory walk incorporated into one of the main hallways, designed to give students and staff a chance for a brain break. A trumpet section from the sixth grade band provided entertainment during our lunch break and we also heard inspiring remarks from Superintendent DeMaria.

We jumped back on the bus for more conversations and connecting facilitated by Stephanie and also viewed the preview video of our last stop-- J.W. Reason Elementary School in the Hilliard City School District. Wow! Led by principal Jacki Prati, this school is another wonderful example of great learning. As we disembarked from the bus, we were greeted with high 5’s by the KINDNESS KREW! Hilliard was one of the first Ohio districts to focus on The R Factor and “Above the Line” choices, responses, and teachings were pervasive throughout the culture. I observed a Restorative Justice Circle in a third grade classroom and we observed co-taught EL classrooms designed to support the high population of English learners in the school. Digital portfolios support personalized learning and student ownership of the learning.

Once back on the bus, we were buzzing with excitement, ideas, questions and appreciations for all we had seen and heard throughout the day. And, we were tired! I had already logged in 7100 steps that day! I want to express a special thank you to Patti, Kara, Jacki and their teams for providing a wonderful day of professional development for us!

Missed the event this time? Don’t worry, we plan to do more in other areas of the state and the OAESA communications folks have these videos for you to view to be part of the experience!

Sincerely,

Dr. Julie Davis

OAESA Executive Director