As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
- John F. Kennedy

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I pause and reflect on all that I have to be thankful.  I am grateful for the Kenston community of committed educators, staff, students and parents who play vital roles in shaping the future.  This time of year gives me the chance to stop and reflect upon the importance of these individuals in my life and express my gratitude to the many people who have helped me and while enriching the lives of Kenston's students.

This year, I challenge you and myself to share gratitude and appreciation on a daily basis.  In this busy world of social media and 24-7 news cycle, stop and have the little conversations, easily forgotten asides, the friendly smile or compliment that can change the course of someone's day.   They cost nothing but their value is immeasurable.

I am honored to be part of this community and am thankful for your dedication to our schools.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

Nancy R. Santilli
Superintendent
ON THE SUPERINTENDENT'S DESK

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
After extensive planning and meetings with community and district personnel, the Board of Education has approved schematic drawings for the bus garage and to move it to the former Gardiner Early Learning Center.  The plans call for removing a portion of the back (southeastern corner) of the building to screen the four-bay maintenance garage, which includes a washing bay, from the street view.
 
At the same time, schematic drawings were approved for the improvements to the community stadium including replacement of bleachers, concession stands and restrooms.

The board will review and approve construction drawings before starting the bid process.

OHIO SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCE
Several Board members and administrators attended the 2015 Ohio School Boards Association's Capital Conference.  It is Ohio's premier continuing education program - delivering practical solutions to help school district governance teams improve student learning and achievement. 

SAFETY UPDATE
The safety and security of our students and staff are vital in our district. We continue to work with our students on the procedures and protocols that will create a secure environment for them to learn.

In addition to students and staff participating in safety drills, the district is currently updating safety plans to meet the increased requirements from the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Tom Gabram, high school associate principal, and the Safety Committee are working on revising the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans that include the Emergency Operations Plans, Floor and Site Plans and Emergency Contact Information Sheet.

Our local police and fire departments provide excellent guidance and support in keeping our schools safe. Their efforts are an immense help in keeping the high standards of safety and preparedness.
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU?
KHS PTO for hosting the Harlem Wizards, great family entertainment, and fundraising for AfterProm.

All KHS and KMS Fall athletic coaches that supervised and shared their love of their sport with over 450 student athletes.

TES PTO and One School One Book Committee for creating and transforming Timmons into the setting from An Enormous Egg and supporting a Kenston tradition.

Local Accountants from Zinner & Co. for sharing information about financial literacy with 5th graders.  They used FETCH!, a game that encourages students to discuss personal and financial goals.

Third graders for their patriotic musical performance, "This is America" by directed TES Music teachers, Holly Gedeon and Kerry Norman.

Veterans, Richard "Doc" Schaedler, James Anderson, Anthony Barille, Al Body, Rick Ritt and Larry Mansfield, who shared their experiences in the military with third graders, and for their service to America. Marlene Remias and Linda Nutter who champion the annual Veterans Day Program that honors Veterans and instills patriotic pride in our students. 

Andreas Johansson, Technology Director, for presenting "Got Google!" to over 200 participants at the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference.

Kenston Center Stage cast, crew and Director Steve Hoffman for their entertaining Fall production, "The Curious Savage."

Tracy Jordan and representatives of the Geauga County SART team for presenting to 9th graders on the dangers of "sexting," sharing photographs of themselves in explicit or compromising situations and the current laws.  

KHS Special Education teacher, Amanda Englehart, for presenting the Creating Exceptional Character program at the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) Conference.

Chief Jon Bokovitz and Officer Ryan Patete of the Bainbridge Police Department for presented to KHS Health classes on current issues, sexting, drugs and alcohol.