Ross Local Schools

Serving Our Community for 87 Years

Superintendent’s Message The opening of a school year is always very exciting. We are fortunate that each year we get to celebrate a “Happy New Year” in January and in August. When I was in school, I was excited for that new pair of jeans with the reinforced knees, a 64 count box of Crayola crayons with the built in sharpener, and when I got to high school, I had to purchase some 7.5 inch floppy disks. Obviously, things have changed but many things remain the same. Students are happy to be back to a schedule and to be with their friends; they are also curious about who their teacher(s) will be and what new adventures will be explored in their classroom. Parents/guardians are also happy their children are back into a routine, curious about this year’s teacher(s), but knowing that another school year means one fewer as a child, adolescent or teenager often causes sadness. The faculty and staff of Ross return from their summer of coursework, professional development, and time for learning at a different pace. New teachers and administrators have joined an experienced and talented group of educators that we are fortunate to have in our classroom and schools. They will bring their excitement and talents to the classroom with an understanding that we are helping our students become successful learners not only in school but, more importantly, in our community. Students will be challenged, but we will endeavor not to lose the balance that comes with encouraging creativity, exploring the unknown, and celebrating the gains. While we reflect on the “good ole days”, we have to remember that these will eventually be the “good ole days” for our students; we need to make them fun, exciting and truly memorable. I’d like to welcome you if you are new to Ross or this is your first year with a child in our district. I believe you will find this to be a great place to learn and grow. “Kids Are Our Business”

Fall 2017

There are many opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s education; we urge you to take advantage of them.

- Scott Gates, Superintendent of Schools Board of Education November Election Update On Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Ross Local School District residents will be heading to the poll to vote for three board member positions. Two 4 year seats and one 2 year seat are to be filled. Running for the two year seat is Sean Van Winkle. This seat finishes out the four year term of Mr. Steve Stitsinger, who resigned last spring. The two 4 year seats are currently filled by Mr. Ed Bosse and Mr. Shawn Webster. There will be more information to come as we move closer to election day.

One Call Now The Ross Local School District takes the safety and security of our staff and students very seriously. As a part of Ohio Revised Code, Ross is required to inform students and parents/guardians each year of our emergency parental notification protocols. In the event of an emergency, we will disseminate information through our all-call system (phone call, text and email), as well as our website and social media channels. We will continue to provide updates through those avenues, as needed. Please be sure that your emergency contact information is up to date in our files in order to be contacted in case of emergency.

Visit our Web Site www.rossrams.com ROSS REFLECTIONS

Ross Local School District Welcomes New Staff The Ross Local School District has had a busy summer in our Human Resource Department. There have been many shifts with staff this summer as well the hiring of the following staff members. Elda Elementary Carolinn Gassmann – Paraprofessional Janea Van Natta – First Grade Teacher Morgan Elementary Kalli Sawyers – Counselor Jodi Follick – Paraprofessional Amanda Roberson – Paraprofessional Stacy Dowdell – Intervention Specialist Veronica Elliott – Fourth Grade Teacher Katie Williams – Fourth Grade Teacher Courtney Young – Intervention Specialist Jim Lynn – Custodian Ross Middle School Michelle Rice – Counselor Lauren Downs – ELA/Math Teacher Sara Honaker – Art Teacher Ruth Mappes – Vocal Music Teacher Jennifer Rettig – ELA/Eighth Grade Teacher Erin Smith – Intervention Specialist Veronica Earick – Paraprofessional Je’Sean Godfrey – Paraprofessional Ross High School Tammy Daley – Custodian Kenyon Commins – Dean of Students Lauren Brandner – Intervention Specialist Amy Brossart – Math Teacher Jennifer Harrison – Math Teacher Jennifer Rupp – Intervention Specialist Kassie Wells – Sign Language Teacher Jovanta Harrison – Paraprofessional Administration Devin Huff – Maintenance Supervisor Tracy Wright – Instructional Specialist Peggy Lehmann – Transportation Supervisor Suzanne Kramer – Treasurer’s Assistant We WELCOME these new staff members to the Ross Rams family. We look forward to having them be a part of the team that works with the best students and staff in Ohio.

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The Financial Picture School funding continues to present a challenge to our district. The two-year budget approved by the Ohio General Assembly last June calls for a 1.4% increase in state revenue for our district this year and no increase next year. This is a concern since we have been operating the district with a cut in state revenue over the past eight years. The district will also be operating our transportation department with considerably less funding from the state. In fiscal year 2017, ODE covered 50% of our transportation operating expenses. In FY 18 this will decrease to 37.5% and then in FY19 it will decrease to 25%. While our expenses have continued to rise over this period of time, we have been able to operate the district without deficit spending. The district, however, will need to seek additional revenue in the near future in order to continue to avoid deficit spending.

New State Attendance Procedures The State of Ohio requires that all children between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age attend school every day that school is open. All students are, therefore, required to attend school regularly. Students are also expected to be on time for class so that they may receive the maximum benefit from the academic program. Effective July 1, 2017, Ohio law mandated public schools to provide closer supervision and documentation for student attendance (House Bill 410). Excused Absences Include: • Personal illness or injury • Illness or death in the family. • Funeral of immediate family member or relative • Quarantine • Religious holiday • Court appearances • Pre-approved absences. Five (5) days per year approved in advance by school administration All other absences are unexcused. Students may not be permitted to make up work for any unexcused absences. If a child accumulates (excused or unexcused) absences equal to or exceeding 38 hours per month or 65 hours per year, Ross Local Schools will provide written notification of these absences at 38 hours per month, 56 hours per year, 65 hours per year, and 72 hours per year. Students with excessive unexcused absences will be deemed “habitual truant” under HB 410. This is defined as students with unexcused absences totaling 30 or more consecutive hours, 42 hours or more per month, or 72 hours or more per year. Students meeting this threshold will be assigned to the Absence Intervention Team. Within 14 days of an assignment to the Absence Intervention Team, an intervention plan will be developed. The district is expected to make reasonable efforts to communicate this plan to the parent/guardian within 7 days of the development. If of age, the district

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will contact the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for the suspension of a student’s driver’s license. Truancy will be filed 60 days after the plan is initiated if the student does not participate or does not make progress.

Connections to Curriculum The beginning of the school year brings exciting opportunities for students: new teachers, new friends, and new learning experiences. All of the “new” that students encounter can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. During this time of adjustment from summer to school, home is the ideal environment to reinforce and practice important coping strategies with your child. Acknowledging success through identifying strategies and processes which lead to positive outcomes is one beneficial strategy which can be reinforced at home. Statements such as, “You tried a new strategy and figured out how to solve a problem,” or “You stuck with this and now you really understand it,” connect a strategy to a successful outcome. This empowers a child to not only replicate that strategy, but also to be willing to “give a go” to other problem-solving strategies in the future. Author James Joyce said, “A man’s mistakes are his portals of discover.” Sometimes a challenging task will lead to student missteps. Emphasizing that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process is another way to provide a child with support at home. Instead of seeing mistakes as failure, reinforce with your child that mistakes provide new information about a topic, enhance curiosity, and teach him or her about self-correction. Through developing the belief that they are able to learn despite challenges, children are more engaged, interested in learning, and ready for a new school year!

Child Find The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the American Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) requires that all public schools have a “comprehensive child find system” to assure that all children who are in need of early intervention, accommodations and/or special education services are located, identified, and referred. Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer as early as possible, all young children with disabilities and their families who are in need of an early intervention program, accommodations or special education services. Ross Local School District actively seeks to locate, identify, and refer children from ages 3 to 21 who may require ADAAA protections or accommodations or special education and related services in order to assist them and their families in acquiring a free and appropriate public education. Anyone who may have a concern about a delay in a child’s development or a child’s disability that

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may interfere with learning or having access to learning are encouraged to contact their building counselor or the Office of Student Services at 863-6150. Child Find for infants and toddlers is governed by the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention Services; therefore, children age birth to 3 years old who are or are suspected of having a developmental delay or a disability should contact Butler County Help Me Grow at 867-5960.

Safe Schools Hotline The Ohio Department of Public Safety has established a school safety hotline called SAFEROH. By calling or texting 844-SAFEROH any student, parent, or community member can anonymously report anything that is suspicious or may endanger students or a school. The proper school authorities will be immediately contacted in order to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of students.

Interested in becoming a substitute? • Substitute teachers need to apply through the Butler County Educational Service Center at www.bcesc.org/sub • Bus Drivers – CDL training provided by district – Contact Transportation Dept. at 738-2900 • Cafeteria, Custodial, Secretarial, and Paraprofessional Workers Contact Superintendent’s Office at 863-1253

Stay connected through Twitter Twitter is an easy way to stay connected with up to date information as well as activities taking place in all of our buildings. Below is a list of Ross groups who share information on Twitter along with their Twitter handle. Ross Superintendent – RossRamsSupt Ross High School – RossRams1 Elda principal – PrincipalKohls Elda PTO – EldaPTORocks Morgan Elementary – MorganRossRams Ross Football – Ross_Football Ross Cross Country – RossRamsXC Ross Choir – Rosschoralarts Ross Sports – RHSHerd Ross Tennis – rossramtennis Ross Boys Soccer – ross_boyssoccer Ross Wrestling – RossWrestling Ross Medical Trainers – RossramsATC Ross Baseball – Ram_Baseball Ross Yearbook – RossonianYB Ross High School Paper – The RoHiTi Athletic Director – RossRamsAD Ross Girls Soccer – rhsgrlssoccer Ross Head Football Coach – WinTheDay_RRFB RMS Show Choir – NextRoss Ross Swimming – RossRamsSwim Ross Boys Basketball – rossrams _mbb Ross Track – RossTrack

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Ross Local School District 3371 Hamilton Cleves Road Hamilton, Ohio 45013

For Your Information

Ross Local School District 3371 Hamilton Cleves Road Hamilton, Ohio 45013 District Office 863-1253

Scott Gates, Superintendent John Kinsel, Treasurer Becky Tompkins, Curriculum Director Bradley Webb, Student Services Director Devin Huff, Maintenance Supervisor Deb Christophel, Food Services Director Peggy Lehmann, Transportation Director

ext. 2901 ext. 2904 ext. 2902 ext. 2908 ext. 2909 ext. 1531 738-2900

Ross High School 3601 Hamilton Cleves Road 863-1252 Brian Martin, Principal, ext. 1515 Emily Doblinger, Assistant Principal, ext. 1513 Kenyon Commins, Dean of Students ext. 1512

3980 Hamilton Cleves Road

Ross Middle School 3425 Hamilton Cleves Road 863-1251 Chris Saylor, Principal, ext. 2151 Tony Albrinck, Assistant Principal, ext. 2152 Elda Elementary 738-1972 Jesse Kohls, Principal

3427 Chapel Road

867-8456 738-2315 738-2117 233-1920 868-6113

Morgan Elementary 738-1986 Tom Perry, Principal Board of Education Keith Klinefelter, President Edward Bosse, Vice President Michael Kroeger Sean Van Winkle Shawn Webster