Sunday, February 28, 2010

Board Update

Good Afternoon:

Wow! What a busy week. As you know I send out my Weekly Board Updates on Sundays. But during the week I post various information that may come up during the course of on my blog http://votelangshaw4board.blogspot.com. If you have a Twitter account you can follow me at http://twitter.com/Langshaw4board. Of course if you ever have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me at 440-785-4240 or via e-mail at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Spread the word! If you know of anyone who is not receiving my weekly updates and would like to start getting them. Please have them shoot me an e-mail with the subject heading “Add me” or they can register on my website at www.danlangshaw.com


LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

On February 23rd I attended the City of North Royalton Recreation Board Meeting as the alternate School Board Representative because Board President Reinhard had a previous board function to attend to. The various city recreation clubs have begun their spring registration. On May 1st the New York Field #8 complex and parking lot will be opened. Mayor Stefanki reported that things are coming along with the YMCA.

At the (SCENE) School Community Exchange Night for Education/Albion Art Show on February 23rd. The first SCENE Meeting went well. It was great to listen to the many positive comments from those who attended. Every other month the North Royalton School District will be holding a School Community Exchange Night for Education at various buildings in the district. These meetings provide residents in the community an informal opportunity for questions and answers about the North Royalton School District. So, if you have questions and like to get some answers then come out to the next SCENE meeting in April. In addition to attending the SCENE meeting I also took the opportunity to check out the nice artwork that our students at Albion had on display at their art show which was held in conjunction with the SCENE meeting.

On February 25th I attended the Valley Vista Student Art Show. As the Valley Vista Building Liaison it was so wonderful checking out all the pieces of artwork that the kids created. The theme of the art show was dessert artwork based on the work of famous artist Wayne Thiebaud. The evening was literally sweet because the PTA had a delicious bake sale/ice cream sundae bar.

Special Thanks to Bob Serpentini
As I am sure many of you are already aware, Bob Serpentini of Serpentini Chevrolet (a North Royalton High School graduate) donated a Chevrolet Malibu which was raffled off last Friday at halftime of the NRHS/Parma boy’s basketball game. This school/business partnership will raise approximately $20,000 for our music and athletic programs along with another $20,000 to benefit the Stadium Improvement project.


THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

This week there is a School Board Work Session, a few committee meetings and various other events.

School Board Work Session on March 3rd at 6pm @ the North Royalton Board of Education Office Conference Room, 6579 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133. The Board will be reviewing the March Regular Meeting agenda items, and such other matters that may come before the Board. (See attached Flyer for more details)


City Earth Energy Environment Committee Meeting on March 1st at 6pm @ North Royalton City Hall, 13834 Ridge Road, North Royalton, OH 44133.

Policy Committee Meeting on March 3rd at 5:30pm @ North Royalton Board of Education Office Conference Room, 6579 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

Kindergarten Registration
Registration is now occurring for Kindergarten children who will be attending the North Royalton City Schools for the 2010-2011 school year. Children who turn age 5 by September 30, 2010 are eligible to attend Kindergarten. Registration will be held on March 2, 3, and 4, 2010 at the Community Room at the High School. You can pick up a registration packet beginning February 1 at the Board of Education Office, 6579 Royalton Road, or the Early Childhood Center, 9543 Broadview Road, Building 16, or any of the other school buildings. Early registration enables accurate planning for staff and materials for the 2010-11 school year.

Texas Hold'Em Tournament
The second Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, sponsored by the North Royalton Educational Foundation, will be held Friday, March 5, at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, 9445 Brecksville Road. Doors open for registration at 6 p.m. and the tournament begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 with 1 re-buy the 1st hour for $25 and 1 add-on the 2nd hour for $20. There will be sideboards/raffles, food and beverages. The prize money is $5,000 -- the $5,000 payout assumes a minimum of 135 entries. If less than 135 tickets are sold, the prize money will equal 50% of the entry total. This is a 21 years of age and over event. Proceeds benefit the North Royalton Educational Foundation a qualifying 501 (C3) non-profit organization. For more information contact: nredholdem@gmail.com (440-570-2446).

Strategic Plan Update
The next step of our strategic plan process is in full gear with the development of action teams and action plans. We have an aggressive timeline with all hopes of sharing the work of all teams on April 15th .

Important Immunization Changes for the 2010-2011 School Year
Ohio law requires that children who attend a public or non-public school be immunized against certain vaccine-preventable illnesses to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases amongst the children and the public. Beginning this upcoming 2010-2011 school year, the Ohio Department of Health at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued TWO additional immunization requirements:
1. ALL INCOMING KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO HAVE TWO DOSES OF THE CHICKENPOX VACCINE.
2. ALL INCOMING 7TH GRADE STUDENTS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO HAVE A Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) BOOSTER
These immunizations must be received prior to the start of 2010-2011 school year. Please contact your physician to schedule an appointment or vaccines are available through the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH). To schedule an appointment through the CCBH, please call (216) 201-2001. Once your child has received the vaccine, please forward a copy of your child’s immunization record to the school. According to the Ohio Department of Health (2010), “As with other school immunization requirements, students who do not provide documentation of this immunization are subject to exclusion from school”. If you should have any questions, please call Michele Prezenkowski RN, District Health Coordinator, at 440-582-9067.

Have a great week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-785-4240
www.danlangshaw.com

"Putting Students First"

____________________________________________________________________
If you no would longer wish to receive these updates or have a friend who would like to sign up for updates please e-mail danlangshaw4schoolboard@yahoo.com. Note that any views expressed represent my own personal viewpoints and do not necessarily reflect the views of the board or of fellow colleagues on the board.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Board Update

Good Afternoon:

If you know of anyone who is not receiving my weekly updates and would like to start getting them. Please have them shoot me an e-mail with the subject heading “Add me” or they can register on my website at www.danlangshaw.com


LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

On February 16th I had the honor of introducing myself to the members of the North Royalton Middle School PTA at their monthly meeting. It was nice hearing about all the great work they are doing for our students and staff. A few of the parents raised some very good questions to me and I hope through the district’s strategic planning process that those issues can be addressed. I have now officially visited every PTA in the District and have really learned a lot from attending these meetings.

At my Monthly Constituent Coffee on February 17th at the French Quarter; there was a very good turnout. I received a great deal of feedback from the constituents who attended and was able to address their specific concerns regarding the district. I just wanted to personally thank again all those who took the time to attend and give me their feedback. For those of you who don’t know about my Monthly Constituent Coffees. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. Check out my website www.danlangshaw.com in the weeks to come for the date of my March Coffee.

Renewal Levy Facts
I have received a few calls from constituents last week who were a little confused about the renewal levy that will be on the May 4, 2010 ballot. This renewal levy will not increase taxes. This levy is a combination of two issues, the first of which was passed in 1990 and was last renewed in 2005. The levy will continue to raise $6,695,000 annually. Please know this renewal levy will not increase taxes and passage is vital to allow our district to maintain current programs and services. This levy is a combination of two issues, the first of which was passed in 1990 and was last renewed in 2005. The levy will continue to raise $6,695,000 annually. If you or a neighbor has any questions regarding this please don’t hesitate to contact me at 440-785-4240 or at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org

THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

This week there are a few committee meetings and events.

City of North Royalton Recreation Board Meeting on February 23rd at 6pm @ North Royalton City Hall. Located at 13834 Ridge Road; North Royalton, OH 44133.

North Royalton City Schools SCENE
What is SCENE? School Community Exchange Night for Education. Our community has spoken and we continue to listen and act. During the focus groups for the district’s Strategic Plan, it became very evident that our community truly values two-way informal communication. The district has chosen not to wait until after the development of the Strategic Plan to implement such an opportunity. On February 23rd at 7pm at the Albion Elementary Media Center located at 9360 Albion Road; North Royalton, OH 44133 where we will hold our first NRCS SCENE. This will offer members of the community a chance for questions and answers about your school district from our administrators. There will be a brief update from Albion principal, Mrs. Vojta and Superintendent Mr. Vittardi and then they will be available for two-way dialogue with our community.(Attached is a flyer for the event).

Finance Advisory Committee Meeting on February 24th at 7pm @ Board of Education Office Conference Room. Located at 6579 Royalton Rd.; North Royalton, OH 44133.

Save the Date
Our State Representative in Columbus in the Ohio General Assembly is Matt Patten. On March 1, Matt will be holding district office hours at the North Royalton Library between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. There is no appointment necessary. You may also contact State Representative Matt Patten via e-mail if you wish at Matt.Patten@ohr.state.oh.us. Many of you have raised specific concerns regarding legislation passed by the state and its impact on education in our district. This might be a good opportunity for you to get some answers to those kinds of questions and more.

Have a great week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
(440)785-4240
www.danlangshaw.com

"Putting Students First"


____________________________________________________________________
If you no would longer wish to receive these updates or have a friend who would like to sign up for updates please e-mail danlangshaw4schoolboard@yahoo.com. Note that any views expressed represent my own personal viewpoints and do not necessarily reflect the views of the board or of fellow colleagues on the board.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Board Update

Good Afternoon:

If you know of anyone who is not receiving my weekly updates and would like to start getting them. Please have them shoot me an e-mail with the subject heading “Add me” or they can register on my website at www.danlangshaw.com

If anyone has any questions regarding the upcoming renewal levy or anything regarding the school district please stop by my next monthly constituent coffee on Feb. 17th at the French Quarter Café located at 5540 Wallings Road from 6pm to 8pm.


LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

At the Regular School Board meeting on February 8th the Board took action to place a renewal levy on the May 4, 2010 ballot. This renewal levy will not increase taxes. This levy is a combination of two issues, the first of which was passed in 1990 and was last renewed in 2005. The levy will continue to raise $6,695,000 annually. Please know this renewal levy will not increase taxes and passage is vital to allow our district to maintain current programs and services. This levy is a combination of two issues, the first of which was passed in 1990 and was last renewed in 2005. The levy will continue to raise $6,695,000 annually.

I had the honor of introducing myself last week to the members of the North Royalton High School and Early Childhood Center PTAs at their meetings on February 9th and 10th. It was nice hearing about all the great work they are doing for our students and staff. Most importantly it is great to see how involved our parents are in the district.

On February 11th I attended the Hearts for Haiti Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by the North Royalton High School Student Council. There was a good turnout and most importantly all the proceeds donated went to the American Red Cross Haiti Hurricane Relief Fund. I just wanted to thank all our students, staff, and community members who attended to support this great cause!


THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

No School February 15th for President’s Day.

Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are
invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee on Feb. 17th at the French Quarter Café located at 5540 Wallings Road from 6pm to 8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. You may also contact me via e-mail if you wish at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org or call me at 440-785-4240.

All Day Kindergarten Update
The district has filed our formal waiver application with the Ohio Department of Education regarding all day kindergarten. The application included our Board resolution and our plans for 2011-12. We have taken several steps in that area, beginning with an assessment of our physical space and a survey of our parents to determine how many would seek all day kindergarten if it were available, verses those who would prefer the current option of every other day or the equivalent of half day. Frankly our plans for 2011-12 are to continue this study of potential options because unfortunately, the situation does not change for physically housing students nor the considerable financial impact of increased staffing and facilities. Please know we believe ADK is a very worthwhile option for our students. It is our hope that the Ohio Department of Education continues to work with school districts to give the time, energy and resources including financial support to explore and financially implement ADK while also considering the value of our present programs and services that could be impacted with the mandate.

NORTH ROYALTON CITY SCHOOLS SCENE
What is SCENE? School Community Exchange Night for Education. Our community has spoken and we continue to listen and act. During the focus groups for the district’s Strategic Plan, it became very evident that our community truly values two-way informal communication. The district has chosen not to wait until after the development of the Strategic Plan to implement such an opportunity. On February 23rd at 7pm at the Albion Elementary Media Center we will hold our first NRCS SCENE. This will offer a chance for questions and answers about your school district. There will be a brief update from Albion principal, Mrs. Vojta and Superintendent Mr. Vittardi and then they will be available for two-way dialogue with our community. The district will follow this pattern in SCENE dialogues at buildings throughout the district in the months to come. (Attached is a flyer for the event).

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
(440)785-4240
www.danlangshaw.com


____________________________________________________________________
If you no would longer wish to receive these updates or have a friend who would like to sign up for updates please e-mail danlangshaw4schoolboard@yahoo.com. Note that any views expressed represent my own personal viewpoints and do not necessarily reflect the views of the board or of fellow colleagues on the board.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Renewal Levy

Last night the Board took action to place a renewal levy on the May 4, 2010 ballot. This renewal levy will not increase taxes. This levy is a combination of two issues, the first of which was passed in 1990 and was last renewed in 2005. The levy will continue to raise $6,695,000 annually. Please know this renewal levy will not increase taxes and passage is vital to allow our district to maintain current programs and services. This levy is a combination of two issues, the first of which was passed in 1990 and was last renewed in 2005. The levy will continue to raise $6,695,000 annually.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org

Monday, February 8, 2010

Board Update

Good Afternoon:

Do you have Twitter? If you do then follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Langshaw4board. I will tweet various information and send reminders about upcoming school board meetings, committees, and events. If don't know what twitter is. Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What's happening?

If you know of anyone who is not receiving my weekly updates and would like to start getting them. Please have them shoot me an e-mail with the subject heading “Request to be Added” or they can register on my website at www.danlangshaw.com

LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

City Earth Energy Environment Committee Meeting
On Feb. 1st I attended the City of North Royalton Earth Energy Environment Committee Meeting. There was discussion regarding the city’s recycling program. Instead of using blue plastic bags for your recycling there is now available blue recycling bins that can be purchase at Ace Hardware store on Ridge Rd. for a reasonable price of $9.99. The city is looking into possibly purchasing convenience containers. These would be 24/7 recycling bins which there would be containers that would hold cans, glass, plastic, and paper at several locations throughout the city. Service Director Mr. Kamps presented a few possible vendors for the committee to consider for these containers. City is also looking into Solar Energy Financing.

Strategic Planning Retreat
At the Strategic Planning Retreat on February 1st and 2nd. The group that assembled to talk about beliefs, vision, mission and goals worked extremely hard and poured their heart and soul into the discussions. We learned about consensus building and having everyone's opinions heard and respected as we worked to develop an outline for our district. Those comments were echoed by fellow school and community members involved in the two full day process! The retreat team took the feedback from the over 800 folks involved in focus groups held in recent months along with other data about our schools and community to formulate our vision, mission, beliefs and goals. Special thanks to the individuals who took two full days out of their schedule to participate in our retreat! As the next step, we have paired community leaders with our building administrators (along with central office administrators that will be involved with various goals throughout the process) to help facilitate the committees. The chairs of the committees are included along with the work of the retreat team. Our timeline is to begin the goal committee meetings in the next week and have that work completed by the end of March before spring break. Once each committee has competed their task, we will host a State of the Schools Meeting and subsequent presentation of the plan to the Board of Education for approval. This process is fluid and communicative so if you have any feedback about the work already completed or that which is in front of us feel free to contact me. Stay tuned as we continue the progress!!

On Feb. 3rd I attended the Ohio School Board Association’s Labor Negotiations Roundtable held at the OSBA Office in Columbus. The roundtable panel was composed of the director of management services for OSBA, consultant from Huffmaster Crisis Management, and a Federal Mediator. I learned a lot of useful information regarding the whole negations process.

At the School Board Work Session on Feb 4th the Board passed a resolution to submit for a renewal levy of $6,695,000. This renewal levy will not increase taxes. For more details on this check the Sun Star article at http://www.cleveland.com/sunstarcourier/index.ssf/2010/02/north_royalton_city_schools_wi_1.html
The Board also reviewed February Meeting agenda items, and various other items.


THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

This week the board has its February Regular School Board Meeting on Monday Feb. 8th at 7pm in the North Royalton High School Community Room; located at 14713 Ridge Rd. North Royalton, OH 44133. At the Regular School Board meeting the following items may appear on the agenda, be discussed and/or voted upon:
1. COMMITTEE REPORTS
2. A RESOLUTION DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH THE SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORS OF NORTH ROYALTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT THE QUESTION OF THE RENEWAL OF AN EXISTING TAX LEVY, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 5705.194 THROUGH 5705.197 OF THE REVISED CODE. Once this second resolution is passed; then the resolution and all documents will be filed with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections by Feb 18th. Then the renewal levy will be on the May 4th election ballot.
3. APPROVE APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS
4. APPOINT OSBA DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE
5. APPROVE EASTER SEALS CONTRACT
6. APPROVE 2010-2011 COURSE CATALOG
7. APPROVE APPOINTMENTS-STIPENDS
8. APPROVE POSITION
9. ACCEPT RESIGNATIONS
10. APPROVE LEAVES OF ABSENCE
11. APPROVE CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT
12. APPROVE APPOINTMENTS-CERTIFICATED/LICENSED AND CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES
13. APPROVE APPOINTMENTS-SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACTS
14. NON-LICENSED SUPPLEMENTAL EMPLOYMENT-2009-2010
15. APPROVE APPOINTMENTS-PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS
16. APPROVE RESOLUTION-INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
17. APPROVE VOLUNTEERS
18. APPROVE APPOINTMENTS-EVENING SCHOOL STAFF
19. APPROVE APPOINTMENT
20. AUTHORIZE OHIO SCHOOLS COUNCIL TO ADVERTISE AND RECEIVE BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BUSES
21. APPROVE PARENTAL TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTS
22. APPROVE EXTENDED TRIP PROPOSAL
23. ACCEPTED GIFTS/DONATIONS

Hearts for Haiti
North Royalton High School Student Council is hosting a Hearts for Haiti Spaghetti Dinner on February 11th from 6pm-8pm at the High School Cafeteria. Tickets can be bought before hand or at the door. Adults $8.00, Students $5.00, and a Family of 5 or more $25.00. Proceeds donated go to the American Red Cross Haiti Hurricane Relief Fund. (Attached is a flyer with more information on the event).

Enjoy the Super Bowl!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-785-4240
www.danlangshaw.com

"Putting Students First!"

____________________________________________________________________
If you no would longer wish to receive these updates or have a friend who would like to sign up for updates please e-mail danlangshaw4schoolboard@yahoo.com. Note that any views expressed represent my own personal viewpoints and do not necessarily reflect the views of the board or of fellow colleagues on the board.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

North Royalton School Board Special Meeting

The Board will hold a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, Feb 4th at 6pm
@ Board Office Conf. Rm located at 6579 Royalton Rd. North Royalton, OH 44133. The purpose of the meeting is to adopt a resolution to submit to renew an existing tax levy, to review February Meeting agenda items, and such other matters that may come before the board.