Lynchburg-Clay Elementary receives School of Promise honor

Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Richard Ross, and Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents John Carey met with students and staff throughout the day Tuesday at Lynchburg-Clay Elementary School, Blanchester High School and Sabina Elementary.

When speaking with students at Blanchester High School, Superintendent Ross and Chancellor Carey promoted the new College Credit Plus program that begins during the 2015-2016 school year. “College Credit Plus is a plus for you and Mom and Dad,” Dr. Ross told students. “It offers you choices.”

The new program allows students to earn college credit while still in junior and senior high school at no cost to the students, and according to Dr. Ross, students who earn at least 9 hours of college credit before graduating high school significantly increase the likelihood that they will graduate from college.

Dr. Ross also noted there are funds in the state budget for continuing education so that classroom teachers may complete the 18 hours of course work necessary to become adjunct instructors. This will allow students to participate in the College Credit Plus program while remaining in their home schools.

Superintendent Ross and Chancellor Carey were also at Blanchester High School to honor the students and staff for once again being recognized as a School of Promise.

As a School of Promise, Blanchester High School has demonstrated substantial progress in ensuring high achievement for all its students. This is the third consecutive year that BHS has earned such distinction, thus, qualifying BHS also as School of Honor for the second consecutive year.

“We are honored to receive these awards,” said Principal Rick Hosler. “These accolades and awards are earned by a wonderful student body and an outstanding staff. The students and staff do it the old fashioned way...they work hard and earn their way. There is no ‘Entitlement’ expected and none given. Very simply, ‘You earn your paycheck and you win with people!’”

• Superintendent Ross’s second stop of the day was at Lynchburg-Clay Elementary where fifth grade students sang a favorite song and other students provided a tour of the kindergarten, first, and second grade classrooms.

Dr. Ross also visited third, fourth, and fifth grade students and teachers and asked about the day’s lessons. During the award presentation, Dr. Ross congratulated students and staff for their commitment to education and for earning the distinction as a School of Promise for the third time.

“The School of Promise award has been made possible because of our efforts to work as a team,” said Principal Joni Minton. “I truly believe teamwork is the primary factor in the accomplishments our building has made. Teachers and staff meet at grade level and building level on a regular basis throughout the school year to plan curriculum for our students.”

Lynchburg-Clay Elementary School was also recently nominated as a Blue Ribbon School and is nearing the completion of the application process for this additional honor.

Sabina Elementary School also opened its doors and welcomed Superintendent Ross who honored students and staff for their achievements in reading and math, distinguishing Sabina Elementary as a High Progress School of Honor adding to its accolades of Excellent with Distinction and a 2011-2012 School of Promise.

First grade students performed a selection showcasing their musical talents and third and fifth grade students participated in a one-on-one discussion with Superintendent Ross about their favorite subjects. Following the award presentation assembly, Superintendent Ross visited classrooms where he joined students in working with fractions and discussing history.

“Sabina Elementary is pleased and humbled to be recognized for its efforts in helping all students achieve. It is a direct result of the perseverance and dedication of everyone involved in each child’s education including our families that prepare their children to come to school ready to learn,” said Principal Terri Barton. “Teachers clearly understand the needs of our students and prepare lessons to help them become successful learners. We hold high expectations for the achievement of all of our students, and these expectations have shaped our progress.”

A consistent message shared by Superintendent Ross during each school visit was the fact that while Ohio has over 4000 school buildings throughout the state, only 100 school buildings achieved the honor and recognition that Blanchester High School, Lynchburg-Clay Elementary, and Sabina Elementary have earned as Schools of Promise and Schools of Progress.

Superintendent Ross credits, the principals, teachers, parents, and community members who provide a high-quality education and believe that children can overcome significant challenges, and that they can learn.

(Courtesy of Diana L. Miller)