VIT and MDH

What a long week. We finally moved into a home in Ipava. Lots of moving and cleaning from our rental. Tiring is the best way to describe moving. After getting into our new place, my sister and mother came to visit on Saturday. My mother was looking around on her own and fell and broke her hip. Scary and stressful times. I have to admit, we had great rescue service from Ipava. Then after her surgery, we have had great nursing and caregiver experiences at MDH in Macomb. There are several VIT grads and community members who work at MDH. We have had two nurses and two other employees who work there with VIT ties. Everyone has been great. She will be going home on Wednesday, but she has had a very good experience at MDH and with Ipava Rescue. Thank you to everyone who has made this stressful event a little more tolerable for her.

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Registration for 2014-2015

REMINDER - VIT Registration will be held on July 16th at both buildings from 7:00-11:30 and 12:30-6:30PM.

2014-2015

As I have started my second year at VIT, I thought it was a good time to share a few changes for this coming school year.  1. We have a new principal in place at the Junior-Senior High School. Mr. Snowden has retired after many years at VIT. His efforts have been greatly appreciated. After several applicants were screened by a committee of staff members. Four candidates were presented to the Board for an interview. After four interviews with four outstanding applicants, Tracey Korsmeyer was selected to be the next principal. Ms. Korsmeyer has taught at VIT for several years and has the support of the staff to lead the school in its efforts to continually provide quality educational opportunities to the students. She has been at work this summer making plans for the start of the year. She will be on hand all day at registration. 2. The district has employed two new teachers for 2014-2015. Mrs. Melinda Treadway and Ms. Kylee Palmer have been selected by Ms. Korsmeyer and her interview team to take over HS math and HS English respectively. I will have a special introductory blog for each later this summer. 3. The district, with a great deal of assistance from P.T.O., has purchased a software package from Study Island. Study Island is an online educational tool that we are looking to use a great deal in 2014-2015. For more information, you can check-out www.studyisland.com . 4. Both buildings are now total wireless environments. The number of laptops and tablets will continue to increase. Students can bring their own devices to school for use in academic settings. Parents can access our network while they are here for ball games or other school sponsored events. In order to make this system run as smooth as possible, we have employed Mr. Aaron Bucher as a full-time district technology leader.  Mr. Bucher will also teach one hour of a technology/computer course to our students in HS. 5. We are very close to starting a horticulture class for 2014-2015. upon approval, we will have the class 1st hour everyday. The class will be taught by a professor from Spoon River College. We will have a new greenhouse and garden on site. 6. Mr. Wilson has moved to the JSHS to serve as the P.E. teacher and Mr. Matt Klaska will now serve as the Dean of Students at the elementary school.  7. REMINDER that registration will take place all day on July 16th. I am looking forward to seeing as many parents and students as possible on July 16th. Stay tuned - there will be more blogs coming as we approach a new school year.

SES provider fair tonight

Don't forget the S he S provider fair tonight for V I T elementary students. The fair is from 7 PM to 8 PM in the elementary gymnasium. Parents will have an opportunity to select a free tutor for the summer for their student. The number of students eligible is limited so make sure you show up to the fair to select a provider. Those students that show continuous academic need and economic need will be given first priority for services.

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8th Grade Promotion

Tonight is VIT's 8th Grade Promotion. Although these kids will only be moving to another part of the hallway next year, the move is a significant one. Going into high school is a big deal for kids. It is the beginning of four years of change for all of them. They will experience more educational opportunities, experience high school athletics, receive awards and recognitions, join clubs, make new friends, feel real disappointment, face academic and athletic adversity, and hopefully learn the most important skill in life: perseverance. They will in essence, begin to "grow up" right in front of us. As a HS principal I remember seeing more personal growth in my students from 9th to 10th grade. So to some, 8th grade promotion might be a bit old fashioned, but I say "enjoy it" because high school will be a new experience all to itself, for students and parents alike. Congrats to the VIT 2014 8th grade class.

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Today's Legislative Meetings

This morning I am at the State Capitol with numerous area school administrators. We are meeting with various legislators to discuss funding and other educational issues. We hope to see as many legislators as possible today.

7th grade and Freshmen Orientatation

On Tuesday, April 29, the incoming 7th and 9th graders are invited to an orientation for Junior High and High School. Counselors, teachers, and the new JSHS Principal will be on hand to discuss the differences between elementary and JH and JH and HS expectations, courses, etc. We encourage all students and parents entering 7th and 9th grades to attend. 6pm for 7th and 7pm for 9th.

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