Mr. Reno Contipelli, Ohio School Board Association Northeast manager, recently visited West Geauga Local Schools to honor West Geauga Board of Education member Kathy Leavenworth...
OSBA Honors Leavenworth
Mr. Reno Contipelli, Ohio School Board Association Northeast manager, recently visited West Geauga Local Schools to honor West Geauga Board of Education member Kathy Leavenworth. Mr. Contipelli presented a 30-year service award to Ms. Leavenworth at the Aug. 22 meeting of the West G School Board.
According to Dr. Rich Markwardt, West Geauga superintendent, “the award is a token of appreciation for all of the contributions that Ms. Leavenworth has made to the educational well-being of Ohio’s youth.“
West Geauga Board of Education President Dan Thoreson added, “Kathy brings a great deal of experience, knowledge and state-wide networking to our board.”
Friends and community members chatted and shared refreshments in honor of Ms. Leavenworth at the board meeting.
Technology Facelift Continues
In July 2015, the West Geauga Board of Education approved approximately $360,000 through its permanent improvement fund for the purchase of technology to be utilized in the district’s schools. Year two of the three-year proposal is already underway, replacing labs at the middle school and high school, aging teacher computers and adding to the 1:1 initiative.
“We recently replaced the aging Autocad drafting and design computers at the high school, the multipurpose library lab and an instructional technology lab at the middle school. These are machines that have had immediate benefit to our students who were unable to access modern versions of many programs due to outdated technology,” said Sean Whelan, director of technology and communications.
The first wave of a two-year staff computer refresh is also underway. Teacher computers are used to seek out and deliver instructional content and resources to students through a wide variety of methods. It is essential that they are up to date to meet this need. A majority of staff computers in service have been well beyond the five-year mark. Over 100 new machines were rolled out this past year.
“The diverse opportunities to interact new and exciting ways are only possible if our staff and students have access to the technology that is up to date and reliable. The West Geauga community has a rich history of valuing and supporting these opportunities. We couldn’t do this without it. It is very rewarding,” Whelan said.
In addition, over the past year, the district has added over 300 Chromebooks to its inventory to move students closer to 1:1 daily technology access. Chromebooks are a low cost alternative to traditional computers that allow students increased access to online resources while also offering students access to creative ways to collaborate with each other.
Students also utilize technology tools that allow them unique ways to demonstrate their knowledge through creation of digital content, presentations, exams that allow immediate feedback and other creative options. It is an exciting time for our learners.
WGHS Hosts Hidden In Plain Sight
Hidden in Plain Sight is a unique traveling exhibit created by the Bath and Copley Township police departments. The departments constructed what appears to be at first glance the bedroom of the average teenager, but amidst the clutter of clothing scattered on the floor, school supplies on a desk and personal care products on a vanity are more than 150 items that can actually be signals that a young person could be involved in risky, dangerous and even illegal activity.
The exhibit will be on display at West Geauga High School on Sept. 27. Doors open for browsing at 6 p.m., with a presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The exhibit is open to adults only. Admittance is free. Join at any time.
The audience is encouraged to explore and interact with items in the display which may be indicative that a teenager is involved in substance abuse, underage drinking, eating disorders, sexual activity and more. Participants will be enlightened, educated and astonished.
Chester Police Department will also be involved in presenting the exhibit. For more information, contact West Geauga High School Principal Jay Bishop at 440-729-5950.
Over 150 items which may be indicative of dangerous risky behaviors are placed throughout the display made to resemble a teenager’s bedroom.
West Geauga students work on new laptops purchased through board of education approved funding to improve technology in the district.
West Geauga Board of Education member Kathy Leavenworth accepts a 30-year service award from Reno Contipelli, OSBA northeast manager.
