2015-16 Mariemont City School District Quality Profile

Message from the Superintendent

Message from the President of the Board of Education

The 2015-16 school year was an incredible one at Mariemont City Schools. We began implementation of Destination 2026, our strategic plan for the instructional future of Mariemont City Schools – the culmination of two years of work to address the changing needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students and how we, as a school district, will respond. It’s work that I am extremely proud of, as it’s what gives us our vision, our focus and drives our work.

Our community is a special place to live and raise children, made even better by our outstanding school district! We are so fortunate to be able to create great experiences for our children and help them reach their fullest potential, both inside and outside the classroom.

A critical component of Destination 2026 is Warriors BEyond, our flagship program for student opportunities to amplify the curriculum and enhance our academic program, including new enrichment experiences, travel opportunities, career exploration and service learning. This work will ensure we are best meeting the academic needs of our students and prepare them to compete with their peers around the globe in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Staying ahead of education also means providing the educational facilities that our students need to support today’s technology and learning. In 2009, the community updated the district’s Facilities Master Plan. It was this plan that resulted in the extensive renovation of our two elementary schools and replacement of the junior high building. Now it is time for us to revisit that work and to further assess the needs of our nearly 50-year-old high school. You will see more information about this on pages 10 and 11 of this profile.

Measuring success in our schools is ongoing and all encompassing when it comes to what we do each day. Throughout the pages of this year’s Quality Profile, you can review many of the metrics we use to monitor our progress and learn what makes Mariemont City Schools such a special place. There were so many important accomplishments and events last school year. I hope you will share in our pride as you read the details of our work.

And it is because of the support of our community that we are able to provide such enriching experiences for our students.

A sign of our strength in community is the great work and dedication of our many support groups. The support from these groups along with the support of our parents, volunteers and staff provides the extras that our students need in order to be positioned for success.

At the end of the day, it’s all about the student experience and preparing our kids to be global leaders in tomorrow’s world, and this is always our focus. You can see by the district academic achievement goal, objectives and vision on the next page – we want to be the best, providing the most comprehensive opportunities for our students so that they are positioned for success to become the leaders of tomorrow.

I believe in Mariemont City Schools and feel fortunate that our three children could have the “Mariemont Experience.”

I am constantly amazed by the accomplishments our students and staff achieve throughout the school year.

My fellow Board members and I recognized 167 students at board meetings last year. These scholars, artists and athletes are an incredible and very tangible indicator of the multitude of successes that occur in our schools.

And behind these students are teams of volunteers, staff members and parents who work diligently to ensure the students are and feel encouraged and supported.

The Board is especially proud of the extensive and innovative efforts to develop Destination 2026 over the past couple of years. Destination 2026 will set Mariemont City Schools apart for years to come, forever changing the way we approach and define the educational experience for all of our students. We want every student to feel empowered to lead, reach and explore the opportunities and the world around them. Destination 2026 is making this a reality – a reality that many districts never get the chance to experience.

None of it is possible without the support of our community.

On behalf of the entire Mariemont Board of Education, thank you to all of the community members, school support organizations, parents, volunteers, teachers, and staff that collectively ensure that learning happens everywhere for each and every student.

As you look through this Quality Profile, I hope you feel connected to and encouraged by the experience that is truly unique to Mariemont City Schools.

Sincerely,

Bill Flynn

President, Mariemont Board of Education

Thank you for helping to make the school year so outstanding. I am thrilled about what we have accomplished together, and we will continue to strive to exceed your expectations year after year.

Respectfully,

Steven Estepp

Superintendent, Mariemont City Schools

Mike Gaburo, Bill Flynn, Nan Dill, Ken White and Kelli Neville are the community members who comprise the Mariemont Board of Education.

Who We Are

It’s about Tradition. It’s about Community. It’s about Innovation. It’s about the Mariemont Experience.

It’s about ME. “It’s About ME” tells the stories of the traditions, achievements and legacy of the Mariemont Experience, through the voices of the students, teachers, parents, alumni and community members that live the experience. To date, we have 25 “It’s About ME” stories on our website. Check them out today!

Share your “It’s About ME” story by visiting our website and clicking on “It’s About ME” under the “About” heading! We have a tremendous story to tell as a district, and it is one worth celebrating.

Be better.

We go beyond.

Promote and build the Mariemont Experience.

Approach every day with passion and a positive attitude.

Ask for help.

Give help.

We build it.

Invest the time to care, listen and respond.

Be part of it and contribute.

Always strive.

Never settle.

Be proactive, not reactive.

Find a way.

We are relentless.

Instructional Vision

District Achievement Goal •

Student achievement will increase through rigorous curriculum design, instructional best practices and purposeful environments that maximize learner autonomy and capacity to thrive in the 21st century.

District Objectives • Student learning will be enhanced through diverse curricular options and enriching experiences that drive deeper understanding and skill development and support global competency.

• Student learning will be maximized through the creation of purposeful, safe physical and virtual learning environments for students and staff that promote communication and collaboration.

• Student learning will be enhanced through instruction and programming that are responsive to assessment results, designed to meet the individual needs of students, and cultivate drive and resiliency.

• Student learning will be maximized through the implementation of 21st century instructional practices that stimulate student interests and foster inspiration and passion.

• Students will be global learners.

• Students will have a well-rounded educational experience.

• Students will be deeply committed members of the community and world.

• Students will be strong communicators and work collaboratively with others.

• Positive relationships will be strong among staff, students, parents and the community.

• Support organizations and volunteers will be an integral part of our work.

• High expectations will define the work of our students and staff.

• Intelligent risk taking will be encouraged with students and staff.

• Data will be used and analyzed by staff and students to make informed decisions, promote student growth, and maximize achievement.

• Students’ individual interests and passions will always drive our work.

• Continuous improvement will be ongoing to meet the demands of our ever-changing world.

• Best practice, well-researched instructional strategies and programs will be implemented.

• Experiences beyond the school day will be part of the academic program.

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Teaching and Learning

Digital Report Cards Learning Spaces The district created 6 active, flexible learning spaces at MJHS for collaboration as well as individual thought.

Report cards have gone digital! The report cards still have all of the information from traditional report cards; in addition, this new tool allows the district to communicate grades more efficiently and create a digital archive of each child’s report cards, accessible by both the district and the child’s parents/guardians.

Board Recognitions The Board of Education recognized 167 students at board meetings throughout the year for accomplishments in the arts, athletics and academics.

Whiz Kids The Village Church of Mariemont partnered with Whiz Kids and Mariemont Elementary to bring Whiz Kids, a literacy-based tutoring and mentoring program, to our school. A dozen students in grades 1-3 stayed after school one day a week to work with volunteers from the church, Kiwanis, MARIELDERS and throughout the community.

Award of Excellence The district recognized 27 staff members who were nominated for the 2016 Award of Excellence by their peers, community members, parents or students. Amanda McHugh, elementary intervention specialist, was selected to receive the district’s Award of Excellence, which is awarded to an individual who exemplifies dedication to and support of the school district.

85%

of the district’s staff has a master’s degree or higher

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Mariemont Academy District staff participated in the Mariemont Academy, a model for staff training and professional learning specific to educators. It is an initiative that is responsive, relevant and uniquely Mariemont City Schools. During the optional Mariemont Summer Academy, 51 staff members led 45 courses for their peers.

Teaching and Learning

2015-2016 Parent Survey Results

96%

of parents were satisfied with their child’s education this school year.

Warriors Change the World

Opportunities for Enrichment • Early entrance to kindergarten • Subject acceleration grades K-6, whole grade acceleration & early graduation • Online course work through Northwestern University-Gifted Learning Links • K-6 Learning Lab & 7-8 Warrior Bell (structured learning enrichment incorporated into the classroom schedule that fosters individualized learning through ungraded, real-life application) • Accelerated classes in grades 5 & 6 • Honors classes in grades 7-12 • 17 Advanced Placement (AP) courses • College Credit Plus and Dual Enrollment (students in grades 9-12 can earn college & high school credit through the successful completion of college courses)

All district elementary students led and participated in projects to better their communities through the Warriors Change the World initiative. Positively affecting both our local and our global community, our students partnered with organizations, businesses and causes such as Matthew 25 Ministries, Mercy St. Teresa Retirement Home, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Cookies for a Cause, JDRF, American Heart Association, Make a Wish, HART of Cincinnati, Aid for Africa, Rumpke, Habitat for Humanity, 8 Days of Greatness, Wounded Warriors, Blood-Water Foundation, Petsmart, Red Cross, ASPCA, SPCA, the Linus Project, Hope Chest, Feed My Starving Children, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Nike’s Grind program, Petco, Heifer International, Mountain Top, Kids Against Hunger, local police and fire departments and Kids Saving the Rainforest.

2015-2016 Parent Survey Results believe their 83% ofchildparents was academically challenged this school year.

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Teaching and Learning

This year, the district began intentional implementation of Destination 2026, our strategic plan for the instructional future of Mariemont City Schools – the culmination of two years of work to address the changing needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students and how we, as a school district, will respond. It’s what gives us our vision, our focus and drives our work. A critical component of Destination 2026 is Warriors BEyond, the district’s flagship program for student opportunities to amplify the curriculum, including new enrichment experiences, travel opportunities, career exploration and service learning.

Elementary After-School Enrichment Launched at the elementary level this year, after-school enrichment included guitar, piano, musical theatre, art, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin, “better babysitters,” “home alone” and STEM classes, including a total of 66 course offerings and 593 participants throughout the year.

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136 6th grade students and 80 high school leaders participated in the week-long learning experience at Camp Kern.

Expeditions During 28 Friday afternoons at Mariemont Junior High, 267 students participated in Expeditions. All students had two Wellness, two Arts, two Learning Beyond expeditions, plus an additional one of their choice.

Fifty-three different expeditions were offered, with partnerships with almost 30 community groups and businesses. Thirty district staff members were scheduled into Expeditions as well, allowing for team teaching, shared experiences and collaboration.

267 district 7th and 8th graders spent 14,952 hours learning through a manner that was hands on, ungraded and designed to ignite a spark of student interest.

Teaching and Learning 2015-2016 Parent Survey Results of parents believe the school district offered projects, trips and other handson learning opportunities that interested their child.

83%

109 students from the 8th grade class visited 22 monuments and museums during their 3-day trip to Washington, D.C.

World Languages • A comprehensive world language program that includes traditional instruction in Spanish, Latin and Mandarin, and online instruction in all other languages.

• Introductory Spanish instruction provided for all students in grades 3-7 and credited courses available for students in grades 8-12.

• Introductory Mandarin instruction provided to all students in grade 7 and credited courses available for students in grades 8-12.

• Credited courses in Latin available for students in grades 8-12.

• Mandarin & Spanish enrichment for all students in grades 3-6.

Service Learning 11 high school students participated in a service-learning trip to Nicaragua, where they gained insight into the challenges locals face throughout the country as they worked side by side building sustainable solutions, hopefully empowering communities for generations to come.

Global Student Leaders Summit This year, 10 high school students participated in one of two tours: “Leveraging STEM to Protect Human Rights” or “Education as a Human Right” which both culminated at the 2016 EF Global Student Leaders Summit in The Hague, Netherlands and focused on the theme “Exploring Human Rights.” This once-in-a-lifetime leadership conference brought young leaders from around the world together to inspire each other and collaborate to solve global challenges, allowing students to expand their global understanding and strengthen 7 their voices.

Fiscal Stewardship

Capital Outlay 1.5%

Other Expenditure 1.5%

Materials & Supplies 3%

The district recently earned the Auditor of State Award for demonstrating exemplary financial reporting in accordance with GAAP standards.

Debt Service 2%

Purchased Services 19%

Expenditures 2015-2016

Retirement & Benefits 17%

Salaries & Wages $11,769,015 Retirement & Benefits $3,671,178 Purchased Services $4,102,056 Materials & Supplies $659,692 Capital Outlay $312,204 Other Expenditures $311,603 Debt Service $334,098

Salaries & Wages 56%

Total $21,159,846

Revenues 2015-2016

Real Estate Tax $16,378,566 Public Utility Property Tax $1,263,904 State Foundation $3,716,404 State Tax State Tax Allocation $2,269,315 Allocation 9% Other Revenue $216,019

State Foundation 16% Total $23,844,208

We partnered with school districts throughout Hamilton County as members of the Greater Cincinnati School Advocacy Network—yet another vehicle for making sure our voice is heard to protect our local public schools.

Other Revenue 1%

Public Utility Property Tax 5%

Real Estate Tax 69%

70%

Participated in the Duke PowerShareÂŽ Program

Percentage of district budget spent on classroom instruction

Shared Services with Various Districts & Organizations

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Classroom

Office & Custodial Supplies

Natural Gas & Electric Services

Food Service

Transportation

Printing

Technology

Fiscal Stewardship

Mariemont City Schools is ranked 10th in the country as a school district that commands top premiums for home values.

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Facilities Master Plan

Eight years ago, together our community and district culminated years of analysis, research and conversation on the district’s Facilities Master Plan, building and renovating three beautiful, functional and modern school buildings. And in the 2009 report, it was noted that the needs with the Mariemont High School building should be reassessed in the future…and

is now!

2018

the future

High School Facility Master Plan complete Board of Education makes final decision on high school facility Report community feedback to Board of Education Conduct community survey – we want your input!

Host community forums – we want your input!

Report solution options to Board of Education Conduct design workshops

Create Building Team

2017

Report final assessment to Board of Education Create Futures Team

2016

Create Community Facility Taskforce

School Chats with Superintendent Estepp to start the conversation!

September 21, 8:30am at Mariemont Elementary September 28, 7:30am at Terrace Park Elementary

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21st Century Facilities And now is the time Mariemont Elementary to talk about Completed the future of Mariemont High School!

Terrace Park Elementary

Completed

Mariemont Junior High School

Completed

I

n the coming school year, we will begin a community-based and very open process through which we will reassess and discuss what our next steps at the high school might be.

There will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to be a part of this process – community input is critical to the process.

In the meantime, on these pages is the timeline that will guide our work and conversations.

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Academics

$6.6 M Merit-based scholarships awarded to MHS seniors

65 seniors received Honors diplomas

Colleges and Universities Where the 2015-2016 Graduating Class is Attending

2015-2016 Parent Survey Results of parents believe the school district has high expectations for its students.

89%

50% of seniors received a scholarship

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92% of this year’s graduating class is continuing their academic pursuits at 44 institutions across 22 states

Academics

60% Junior high students took high school credit courses

52

Grade K-6 students are subject or whole-grade accelerated National Merit Scholars:

137

The faculty and staff of Mariemont High School are pleased to announce that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation named 14 district students as National Merit Scholars. Congratulations to seniors Michael Barrett, Elizabeth Geary, Lindsay Harden, Will Hobart, Elijah Koreman, Gabriel Koreman, Charles Manzler, Wyatt Peterman, Gabriel Safier, Logan Urbanski, Shea Wells, Connor Jacob, Sarah Morgan and Natalie Popowics.

These students scored in the top percentages of more than 1.5 million students nationwide.

Grade 4-6 students participated in the accelerated math program

28 27

Average District Score for 2014-2015

25.5

State Average: 22.0

National Average: 21.0

District Average Composite ACT Scores:

26

26.1

25

26.4 25.8

25.5

24.8 24 23 22 21 20

State Average: Critical Reading: 557

Math: 563

Writing: 537

National Average: Critical Reading: 495 Math: 511 Writing: 484

2015

2014

2013

2012

Critical Reading: 579 Math: 568 Writing: 547

2011

Average District Scores for 2014-2015

125

National Honor Society members

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Academics

471

75%

awards, scholarships and accolades were presented during the MHS Recognition Day ceremony

of college applications were accepted at 116 different institutions

10

students signed letters of intent to participate in a sport at the collegiate level

42

92

AP Scholars with Distinction

AP Scholars scored a 3 or higher on at least 3 exams

scored at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and received scores of 3 or higher on 5 or more of those exams

Advanced Placement Results 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

2013 2014 2015 2016

Number of students

84

117

130

139

134

143

131

131

162

154

186

189

Number of exams

139

202

213

240

226

259

231

254

339

330

334

429

% scoring 3 or higher

95

92

85

86

91

93

93

95

93

93

86

87

Academics

43% of graduates will attend a higherlearning institution outside the state of Ohio

3%

Elementary activities: Girls on the Run, K-2 Spanish Enrichment, PTOsponsored after-school programs & enrichments, COSI, Everybody Counts, science fair, spelling bee, fine arts assemblies & field trips, and author visits including Loren Long, Rick Sowash & Shelley Pearsall.

of seniors will participate in other programs such as taking a gap year & enlisting in the military

STAR Math and STAR Reading are computer adaptive assessments to measure student growth and provide teachers, students and parents important information to monitor student progress toward grade-level expectations.

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Arts Art Accolades Members of the cast and crew of MHS’s production of “The Secret Garden” earned nine Cappies nominations.

The MHS Chamber Ensemble and Concert Orchestra brought back the ‘Gold’ after three days in New York City, where they participated in the New York Heritage Festival.

The Mariemont High School Indoor Drumline placed 1st in its division in its first-ever competition! The drumline’s show was an original composition called “Under African Skies.”

“Since I joined Mariemont’s orchestra, music has become an extremely important part of my life and who I am. Our orchestra programs provide an outlet where I can accelerate as well as be challenged.

MaryBeth Khamis, the orchestra teacher, has made orchestra into not only a creative environment, but an environment where I feel welcomed and encouraged to be myself; the orchestra has become a family where we can grow and learn together.”

- Nina Payiatis, MHS student

10 junior high and elementary students had artwork displayed in an exhibit at the Aronoff Center for the Cincinnati Arts Association Student Art Show.

John Morris Russell, conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, led the band and orchestra for Mariemont High School, Indian Hill High School and the band from Madeira High School during a concert at Indian Hill High School.

14 MJHS & MHS students received Scholastic Arts Awards, out of hundreds of students from Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Six district students, with the help of Melissa Rupe, elementary art teacher, and Joe Toman, architect and district parent, created a permanent display in the Terrace Park Elementary foyer – a mobile entitled “The Modern Solar System.”

80 students had artwork displayed in the Festival in the Woods art show.

2015-2016 Parent Survey Results

46 Student Art Performances

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88%

of parents believe the school district offers enough opportunities in the arts.

Parent and Community Involvement

The Superintendent Advisory Council is comprised of 15 community members, business leaders and parents to provide the district with objective feedback about district priorities, operations and finances.

The school district receives considerable support from the following organizations: Mariemont Alumni Association, Mariemont Arts Association, Mariemont Athletic Boosters, Mariemont School Foundation, Mariemont High School PTO, Mariemont Junior High School PTO, Mariemont Elementary School PTO, Terrace Park Elementary School PTO and Kiwanis.

The district partners with Great Oaks, one of the largest career and technical education districts in the country. 324 district students participated in the Great Oaks program.

Rusty Wilson was officially recognized as the 2016 recipient of the Friend of the School Award. In 2015, the district announced the Marie Huenefeld Friend of the School Award, which aims to recognize individuals in our community who make significant contributions to our school district with their time, service and expertise to create a better experience for our students and make us a better school district.

The Warrior Club is open to district residents who are 55+ without kids attending school in the district. We currently have 130 members, who enjoy free admission to district home sporting events and arts performances and are invited to special events, like the annual Warrior Club breakfast. Call 513-272-7500 for more information!

1,987

likes on Facebook

1,151

followers on Twitter

83

followers on Instagram

Congratulations to our 2015 Distinguished Alumni: Donn M. Davis, class of 1981, Managing Partner, Revolution Growth; Michael L. Fordyce, class of 1969, President/CEO, Craig Hospital; and Mark W. Lippert, class of 1991, United States Ambassador to South Korea.

“Something special about Kiwanis is how it really invests in students. Kiwanis frequently has its scholarship recipients come back to speak on their experiences, struggles and successes in college, which truly demonstrates the club’s continued interest in students of our community.” - Amanda Lewis, Class of 2017

78%

2015-2016 Parent Survey Results of parents volunteered at their child’s school and/or for a school support organization.

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Student Leadership and Activities

As a part of the district’s Destination 2026 vision, MJHS participated in its first school-wide Day of Service for Warriors BEyond! Students spent the school day at one of 10 local organizations to provide for others.

Thanks to a generous donation and assistance from the Mariemont School Foundation, two MHS students participated in the Eureka! Ranch Innovation Engineering Workshop.

Five 6th grade students had their Science Fair project selected for inclusion in the Ohio Academy of Science State Science Day.

Amanda D. Leszczuk, the districtšs director of college & career counseling, and Brittany Meyer, school counselor, hosted inaugural Career Passport events at both elementary schools. During these events, all 5th and 6th grade students had the option to visit different career stations, which were hosted by at least two professionals, who spoke about their careers and demonstrated their craft with props, anecdotes and insight.

Twenty-three professionals spoke about arts, business, education, government, manufacturing, natural sciences, social sciences or technology.

86%

Junior High Participation Rate in Extracurricular Activities

33

High School Activities/Clubs

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18

Junior High Activities/Clubs

80%

9-12th Grade Participation Rate in Extracurricular Activities

The Mariemont High School girls varsity swimming team was named national champions by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association.

22

Junior High Athletic Teams

40

High School Athletic Teams

Student Safety & Wellness

We work every day to make our schools as safe as possible for every person who enters our doors. Our commitment to safety includes the following:

Safety Drills: Our students and staff participated in 15 safety drills throughout the school year.

Safety Reporting System: The online reporting system and the 1-866-listen2me phone system are for students and parents to report concerns which may affect the peace of mind of students or jeopardize the safety of people or school facilities.

Emergency Training: 100% of district staff completed ALICE training during the 2015-16 school year. ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training prepares individuals to handle the threat of an intruder and lead others to safety.

Emergency Notification: Beginning in the 2015-16

school year, the district began using a notification program called SchoolMessenger in the case of an emergency. The district also plans to continue to utilize standard media outlets and/or social media as well as email, the district website and the district app to inform key people in an emergency situation.

Security Cameras: The district has dozens of digital cameras in our schools to monitor activity inside and out. At the high school we replaced 21 cameras and added 10 additional cameras in the “hard to see” areas.

2015-2016 Parent Survey Results

87% 90%

Emergency Plans: Programs like NaviGate, which provides a web-based system where critical information can be stored, updated and accessed by all essential school and safety personnel, made it even easier for us to have instant access to critical emergency information. We are one of the few school districts in the area to have launched this innovative and effective tool. We developed an Emergency Operations Plan for each building in compliance with Homeland Security.

Safety Task Force: A Safety Task Force, comprised of

The district participated in the Youth Frontiers’ Respect Retreat (grade 10), Courage Retreat (grade 7) and Kindness Retreat (grade 5).

The goals of these retreats are to enhance social-emotional learning, connect students to classmates & teachers, challenge students to act with kindness & respect and engage learners of all styles and backgrounds.

staff and community members, reviewed district policies and practices for several safety topics, identifying key findings and a variety of options and presenting those to the Mariemont Board of Education for consideration in future planning.

of parents feel the school environment is caring and supportive. of parents feel the school district is a safe place for their children.

During the 2015-16 school year, the district began a partnership with Child Focus, Inc. to offer additional mental health services for students in grades K-12. Students access this optional and confidential service in the district’s school buildings. The partnership is self-sustaining and does not require any financial investment by the school district.

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