September 2019
The Experience Official Newsmagazine of Mariemont City Schools
Superintendent’s Update As we begin another school year at Mariemont City Schools, I am reminded of all the possibilities that lie ahead. A new school year brings a new opportunity for us to meet and exceed the expectations of our families and community members. A new school year also brings new programs and people to our district. One exciting addition to our Warrior family is Rob Polca who is joining our team as the principal at Mariemont Junior High School. You can read an in-depth Q&A feature with Mr. Polca later in this newsletter. He is somebody who prides himself on relationships and I am confident that he will lead the junior high staff and students and continue to deepen the student experience. During the 2019-2020 school year we will be showcasing the Mariemont Experience and its connection to our Destination 2026 strategic plan and vision. The instructional vision of our district is that students will become global learners and deeply committed members of the community as a result of a well-rounded educational experience. Our goal is for the greater community to not only understand our instructional vision, but to see how it is put into action in our
Mariemont High School Facility Project Points to Past, Current and Future Success With the passage of a permanent improvement levy last fall, Mariemont City Schools began to immediately implement the Mariemont High School Master Facility Plan. This plan was the result of hard work for a period of two years, auditing the condition and needs of the building, vetting through several possible building options and seeking the input of the students, staff and community. On page 4, you will see a timeline of how far the district has come and where the Mariemont High School facility project is going. From the initial assessment of the high school building to developing exterior and interior design concepts, so much has already been accomplished. But mostly, you will see countless examples of the project’s “Building on Excellence” mantra, and the district’s commitment to provide its students and staff with a building suited for 21st century learning. “We are very excited about the direction of the Mariemont High School facility project” said superintendent Steven Estepp. “This project, while remaining on time and within budget, is personifying the Mariemont Experience with what it will offer upon completion. We are confident this project will allow
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MEET ROB POLCA Page 3
MHS FACILITY PROJECT TIMELINE Pages 4-5
Work Smart.
Create Experience.
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THE MARIEMONT EXPERIENCE Pages 6-7
Embrace Growth.
Superintendent’s Update (continued from front page) classrooms each and every day. We want everyone to recognize the Mariemont Experience and how it is shaping the future of our district. You’ll find more information about this on page 6. Another priority for the upcoming school year is the continuation of the Mariemont High School facility project. Demolition of the old building was completed this summer and construction of the new academic wing is underway as we head into the fall. Additionally, temporary classrooms have been built inside the auxiliary gymnasium and modular units have been installed on the Kusel Stadium parking lot. Anyone interested in learning more about the project is encouraged to attend the last of three community open house events scheduled for Wednesday, September 18. It is definitely shaping up to be a busy, yet exciting school year! We are happy to welcome back our staff and students to kick off 2019-20. I hope you will find an opportunity to be involved in our schools whether by attending an athletic event or a student performance. We would love to see you! Together, we will continue to work smart, create experience and embrace growth for another wonderful school year.
Treasurer’s Update A Mariemont City School District tradition is to operate with great fiscal responsibility and offer great value to our community. We all know that strong fiscal stewardship is essential to the opportunities we provide our students each day through the Mariemont Experience. Our district also believes in transparency and being accountable to our taxpayers. This is why the district created the Community Finance Committee during the 2018-2019 school year. This group, which is comprised of community finance experts, will continue to meet quarterly to discuss the district revenue stream, expenditures and financial forecasting for our schools. The committee is developing an understanding of school funding in the state of Ohio and is making recommendations to assist the district in its long-term financial planning. Also, as promised, the district has been keeping a close eye on the state budget process. Every two years the governor of Ohio is required to put forth an initial budget plan which is vetted among state committees before being finalized. This summer it was announced that Mariemont City Schools will not be receiving any additional per pupil funding from the state. The district will, however, be receiving a nominal increase for social services directed at the well-being of students. These funds, which represent a 2.4% budget increase during the 2019-2020 school year and a 1% increase the following year, can be used in the categories of mental health, homeless, child welfare, community liaisons, physical health care, mentoring, family support, city connects, professional development for trauma, cultural competence and student services outside of the normal school day. Because the Mariemont City School District is already investing resources in these social services categories, the additional state funding will be used to supplant existing programs. While any additional dollars are helpful, the state’s decision to withhold any additional per pupil funding for our district sheds light on a familiar trend. State funding for Mariemont City Schools has decreased by 34% over the past 15 years. Regardless of what is happening at the state level, we will continue to direct our local dollars to provide the high-quality educational experience that our community expects and our students deserve. As always, I appreciate your support of our outstanding school district!
Steven E. Estepp Superintendent Tom Golinar Treasurer, CFO
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www.mariemontschools.org
Get to Know New MJHS Principal Rob Polca!
Rob Polca is the new principal at Mariemont Junior High School. Polca brings over 14 years of educational experience to Mariemont, working as an assistant principal for four school years and as a classroom teacher for 10. The Experience Newsmagazine sat down with Rob Polca this summer to learn a bit more about the newest addition to the Warrior family.
Where were you before coming to Mariemont? I was in the Mason City School District before coming to Mariemont. I spent four years there as an assistant principal, 10 years as a teacher, coach and technology coordinator.
Why did you want to join Mariemont City Schools? Mariemont City Schools is a great district that is known throughout the state and throughout the region. It has very strong community support, high academic achievement, wonderful extracurriculars and a lot of innovation. For me, there was a lot that attracted me to Mariemont and I am delighted to be here.
What do you find rewarding about working with junior high students? Junior high is such a formative age with the opportunity to impact students both academically and socio-emotionally. To have an impact on lives that can be long-lasting and authentic is really what attracted me to the junior high school age.
What do you consider your educational philosophy? My educational philosophy is student-centered. I believe it all starts with relationships and connection – getting to know students personally. I want to help students identify their strengths and opportunities for growth, their passions and pursuits. I want to develop our students as critical thinkers and problem solvers. But really, it’s to put students in a position where they are empowered to exercise voice in their choice through assignments, courses and extra-curricular activities. I view my philosophy as well-rounded and studentcentered while trying to make the experience for them as rich as possible and put students in the driver seat as far as owning the learning, both short term and long term.
What do you see as the vision for Mariemont Junior High School this year? The vision for Mariemont Junior High School is to respect tradition, to get connected with our students and families and teachers. Mariemont Junior High School has a lot of strengths right now and building on those strengths is really important. My initial focus is getting connected with our community. The vision is making sure the junior high school is a positive place where our students are challenged with care, supported as a whole child and whole learner and is a place where our students and staff want to be.
September 2019
What are your personal interests outside of work? My family is really important to me. My wife is a teacher and we have been married for 15 years. We have three daughters that are the center of our universe – Anna is 11, Avery is nine and Audrey is four. We just got a puppy which is kind of a big deal in our family. I love to read, spend time with family and travel. I absolutely love baseball, I could watch it all day long. It might not be the most exciting sport for some, but I enjoy finding the small struggles or moments within a game and being able to focus on those. But really I just love spending time with friends and family and anything sports related.
Child Find Policy Mariemont City Schools Child Find Policy requires that all children below twenty-two (22) years of age residing within the district who have a disability, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located and evaluated in accordance with all federal and state standards. For children birth through age two, a disability means that a child has a behavior, cognition, communication, physical development, sensory development and/or social or emotional development deficit. For children ages three through five years of age, a disability means that a child has a documented deficit in one of more of the following areas: communication skills, hearing abilities, motor function, social-emotional behavior functioning or vision abilities. For school-aged students, a disability means a person having one or more conditions such as autism, developmental handicap, hearing handicap, multi-handicap, orthopedic and/or other handicap, emotional/behavioral handicap, specific learning disability, traumatic brain injury or visual handicap. If you are aware of a child who you think may have a disability, please contact Linda Lee, Special Education Supervisor, at 513-272-7517.
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Mariemont High School Facility Project Points to Past, Current and Future Success
campus. The old academic wing of the building has been demolished and cleared and the site is being prepped for the new construction to begin. Additionally, temporary classrooms have been built inside the auxiliary gymnasium and modular units have been installed on the Kusel Stadium parking lot.
(continued from front page) us to provide even more amazing opportunities for our students in the future.” As the summer of 2019 winds down, construction is well underway on the Mariemont High School
As with every step of this facility project, extreme care and consideration went into the planning of temporary classrooms to ensure the education of the district’s students would not be interrupted. The classrooms house fully-functioning science labs, technologyequipped learning spaces and every safety precaution from the former building. Safe to say, the Mariemont High School students will continue to be positioned for success during the 2019-2020 school year.
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2017
Spring/ Fall 2017
Fall 2016 The district and community began the initial assessment phase to look at the high school facility needs and what could be done to protect the community’s investment and ensure an excellent education for students. 4
2018
A 25-member steering committee began to meet with architects and construction experts. Additionally, over 100 community members, residents, parents and staff members volunteered for six different facility teams to look closer at the high school needs in the areas of design/architecture, learning spaces, technology, finance, arts and athletics.
Spring 2018 The Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the Mariemont High School Master Facility Plan.
Fall 2018
Fall 2018/ Spring 2019
The community voted to pass a combined 2.5-mill operating and 5.75-mill permanent improvement levy. The funds will be used to cover expenses such as teachers, utilities and supplies, as well as address the renovations at the high school and provide security enhancements throughout the district.
Board members, administrators, staff, students and community members formed 10 different committees and focus teams to provide input on the Mariemont High School facility project. The committees include: Superintendent’s Facility Committee, Transition Task Force, Community Project Team, Academics Focus Team, Administrative/Student Services Focus team, Arts Focus Team, Athletics Focus Team, Operations/Maintenance Focus Team, Safety/Security Focus Team, Salvage/ Auction/Commemorate (SAC) Committee.
www.mariemontschools.org
In an effort to keep the community, staff and students informed with the latest facility project news, Mariemont City Schools will be periodically rolling out a Hard Hat Update to share up-to-date news and notes. Hard Hat Updates will include FAQs, news releases, video interviews, renderings and more and will be disseminated whenever there is new information to share. Hard Hat Update information can be found on the district’s website and social media accounts. “As the big construction work begins, I want to reiterate my thanks to the countless students, staff and community members who helped us get to this point” said Estepp. “Their dedication to our district over the past three years has been the driving factor in this project. I am excited for the things to come this school year and well into the future for the students and staff of Mariemont High School.”
May 2019
2019
Mariemont City Schools hosted the Mariemont High School groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the official start of construction on the facility project.
September 2019
June 2019 Demolition of the academic wing of Mariemont High School was completed while temporary classrooms were prepped for the 2019-2020 school year.
September 2019 All community members are invited to attend the last of three Mariemont High School Community Open House events at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.
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#Mariemon The Mariemont Experience: Integrating Technology into Learning Our Philosophy for Integrating Technology Instructional technology in our classrooms is an important part of the Mariemont Experience. Our students are growing up in a digital world with an unprecedented level of innovation happening at an unprecedented speed. We believe in supporting the development of skills to ensure our students are prepared to navigate this digital world.
Instructional technology is deployed through the lens of four core beliefs: 1. Technology is a tool for instruction. 2. Professional development for teachers is critical. 3. Growing up digital is reality. 4. Technology is more than just screens.
Did you know? Students in grades 9-12 are using virtual reality headsets to parachute into Normandy on D-Day to experience the sights and sounds firsthand. Students in grades 7-8 are creating their own documentaries and podcasts to demonstrate their learning of real world issues and interests. Students in grades 3-6 are programming drones and Sphero robots to follow complex commands. Students in grades K-2 are creating digital portfolios to document and demonstrate their learning.
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www.mariemontschools.org
tExperience What Teachers Say About Technology: Technology Should Amplify Learning Mariemont City School District students have access to a variety of technology tools beyond just tablets and computers . Yet we recognize that classroom instruction does not require and/or need the use of technology at all times. Rather, technology is only used when a teacher sees it as the most appropriate instructional tool to amplify learning.
Using instructional technology effectively allows teachers to: •
better accommodate different learning styles,
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accelerate learning by delivering personalized instruction,
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increase the amount of data and feedback available to learners and teachers about progress; and,
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access diverse learning materials both inside and outside of school.
The Mariemont City School District offers a one-toone common device program for its students in grades K-9 and soon will expand to students in grades 10-12. Teachers can monitor students’ devices during class and the district can filter content on all devices. A one-toone program creates a common learning experience for all students, limits time spent troubleshooting multiple devices and maximizes the district budget. The district has many safeguards in place to protect its students. This includes a cloud-based internet content filter on every device issued to students. Apps for social media, non-educational games and/or online social networking are prohibited, and the use of school devices is reserved for instructional purposes only. *To learn more about the district’s technology program, visit www.mariemontschools.org
September 2019
What the Research Says About Screen Time: Be Intentional About Its Use Whether at home or at school, today’s students are using smart phones, tablets and computers in a variety of ways for entertainment, socializing and learning. Watching YouTube for entertainment, gaming or using social media is considered “passive” screen time and too much of it can come with risks. The Mariemont City School District is committed to partnering with families to help our children manage their time in front of screens at home and during free time. In school, when using tablets and computers, students are engaged in “active” screen time which is different than “passive” screen time. Active screen time involves tasks like completing online homework, creating presentations, practicing skills with educational games or collaborating with other students. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend screen time limits for children ages six and older, but it does emphasize the importance of monitoring their use to prevent adverse effects. The Academy distinguishes between “passive” and “active” screen time and does not count “active” use of technology as screen time.
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ME Parent Information Night (grades 1-4) – 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
College Planning Program for Parents of Seniors – 6:30 p.m.
MJHS Open House – 7:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
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ME Bike/Walk to School Day
Warrior Run – 5:00 p.m.
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All community members are invited to attend the last of three Mariemont High School Community Open House events.
MHS Facility Project Community Open House 7:00 p.m.
September 18
16 Life & Leadership Series with Lee Bierer – 6:30 p.m.
14 Board of Education Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
11 MHS Homecoming Parade – 5:30 p.m.
11 6th Grade Elementary Field Day – 12:00 p.m.
10 ME & TPE Title/Reading Intervention Parent Night – 7:00 p.m.
Mariemont Arts Association Meeting – 7:30 p.m.
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OCTOBER
27 ME Walk-A-Thon – 9:00 a.m. & 1:15 p.m.
25 ME Picture Day
24 TPE Picture Day
20 MJHS Night Out – 5:15 p.m.
18 MHS Facility Project Community Open House – 7:00 p.m.
16 MHS Open House – 7:00 p.m.
11 MHS Financial Aid Program – 6:30 p.m.
Labor Day, No School
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SEPTEMBER
UPCOMING DATES
2 Warrior Way | Cincinnati, Ohio 45227 www.mariemontschools.org
www.mariemontschools.org
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