Candace Fleming

New Albany 2-5 Elementary students and staff are anxiously awaiting author Candace Fleming’s visit May 21-24. As part of the New Albany Scholars Author Visits, with additional support from the New Albany 2-5 Elementary annual Book Fair proceeds, Ms. Fleming is sure to be an end of year blockbuster! Ms. Fleming’s popularity has soared since she began writing children’s books in 1994. Her many titles include picture books, chapter books, historical novels and stories, and biographies. Visit Candace Fleming’s website for fascinating information on her books and the author.

Ms. Fleming will spend a full day with each grade level, broken into smaller group sessions in Mershad Hall at the McCoy Center. Students will learn about the author, her books, her own personal story, the writing and editing process, and more. Ms. Fleming creative storytelling carries over to her school visits, and she adeptly tailors her presentations and materials for each grade level.

Librarians Kerry Cramer and Debby Baumgartner have worked with teachers for months, preparing and executing a strong educational program for our students prior to and during the author visit, with the use of some of her books. Additionally, students were offered an opportunity to preorder select books in April.  The books will arrive prior to this event and will be distributed to the students. They may then bring those books, and/or books they already own, to be autographed during Candace Fleming’s visit. There will be no books available for purchase during her visit.

As part of this author visit, the Columbus Metropolitan Library New Albany Branch will host a community event with Ms. Fleming Tuesday, May 22, 7-8 p.m. All ages are welcome.

This visit is made possible by the generous donation of the New Albany Community Foundation and the Carolyn and Lance White New Albany Scholars Endowment, the continued community support of the New Albany 2-5 Elementary Library’s annual Book Fair, in conjunction with New Albany Women’s Network and New Albany-Plain Local Schools Parent Teacher Organizations.

New Albany High School was one of just seven Ohio schools to receive a development grant, which were awarded to individual school buildings without an existing model of blended learning.  Funds were awarded to selected schools through a competitive application process open to all Ohio public schools and consortia.

“We are focused on innovating and creating educational opportunities of the future and blended learning models are a critical component of this future,” said Superintendent April Domine.  “The Blended Learning Grant will fund the research, development and staff training necessary to create new models for learning.  It will allow us to create learning structures of the future and equip our teachers to design this type of coursework.”

Blended learning combines online and face-to-face instruction to maximize learning outcomes for students.  Plans submitted by participating schools utilize one of six blended learning models, ranging from online supplements to instruction in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting to instruction that is primarily online with face-to-face check-ins as needed.

“This grant allows students to have access to a rich array of educational opportunities at the K-12 and college levels,” said Greg Davidson, Interim Executive Director of eTech Ohio.  “We are pleased to provide these outstanding schools with the opportunity to implement student-centered blended instruction for 21^st century learners.”

New Albany-Plain Local Schools has a long history of innovation in technology for learning.  In the late 1990’s, technology was one of the driving catalysts for change and development in the district. The eTech Ohio Blended Learning Grant provides the district with the funds for implementing another innovative program.

Project RISE will provide teachers with professional development to assist them with creating a Replicable, Innovative, and Sustainable blended model that will Extend learning opportunities for students.  Project RISE reflects best practices and research in online pedagogy and 21^st century learning skills, as well as recommendations from the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) National Leadership Institute, and U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, Understanding the Implications of Online Learning for Educational Productivity.

Superintendent April Domine credits a dedicated team of New Albany-Plain Local Schools employees who researched and wrote the Blended Learning Grant for the district.

“We are fortunate to have the visionary leadership of our educational technology team,” Mrs. Domine said.  “I applaud Jon Stonebraker, Andy Moore, Cathryn Chellis, Ray Cunningham, and Deb Dargham for their exceptional work on this grant application. Without their vision and expertise to secure the grant and lead this work, we would not be able to make the quantum leap forward that this grant will provide for our students.”

Ms. Wittig will succeed Deloris McCafferty as the K-1 principal.  Mrs. MCafferty retired December 31 after serving as the school’s first principal for 14 years.  Dr. Peggy Snow has been serving as the school’s interim principal since January.

“Susann Wittig was one of three highly-qualified finalists for this important leadership position,” said Superintendent April Domine.  “Ms. Wittig served as a K-1 teacher for over 20 years, holds a certification from the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards, and brings extensive experience in teaching and leading young learners.  Susann’s areas of expertise include early reading, and developing young math thinkers.  With a background in Biology, she has vision and insight into young children as scientists, researchers and inquirers.  Susann is a creative thinker, and uses data to engage young students in knowing where they are in their learning and tracking their progress.”

“Susann Wittig has extensive experience building Professional Learning Communities that provide a powerful staff development strategy designed to result in school change and improvement,” according to Dr. Marilyn Troyer, Chief of Innovation, Improvement and Human Capital.  “We believe our students and staff will benefit from Ms. Wittig’s instructional leadership, focus on building 21^st Century Skills, and ability to build partnerships with parents and the community.”

During Ms. Wittig’s five-year tenure as principal at Robert F. Schultz Elementary School, in the Delaware City Schools, her building has received an “Excellent with Distinction” rating from the Ohio Department of Education every year.  She has led research and intensive staff development around the new Common Core curriculum standards.

Susann Wittig holds a Bachelor’s degree in education from The College of Wooster and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Ashland University.

The director of the National Parks Service, Jonathan B. Jarvis, made an exclusive visit to New Albany Middle School, Friday, May 4.  Director Jarvis met with eighth grade students who prepared science projects based on National Parks.  He also announced a special park visit funded by the National Park Foundation for the entire class of 2016!

Science teacher Josh Flory use the National Park Service’s Call to Action Report as a project-based learning tool to engage the students in solving real world issues.  The Call to Action Report cites several objectives in order to achieve its goal of connecting people to parks in the next century:

• Develop and nurture life-long connections between the public and parks—especially for young people—through a continuum of engaging recreational, educational, volunteer, and work experiences.
• Connect urban communities to parks, trails, waterways, and community green spaces that give people access to fun outdoor experiences close to home.
• Expand the use of parks as places for healthy outdoor recreation that contributes to people’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Welcome and engage diverse communities through culturally relevant park stories and experiences that are accessible to all.

The students designed creative and practical products that they displayed and explained to Director Jarvis.  The students and director also discussed the types of place and activities in national parks that appeal to young people and way they National Park Service can help reconnect kids and nature.

While speaking to the class, Director Jarvis asked how many of the students had never visited a national park.  Nearly 70 percent of the students raised their hands.

To the students’ delight, Director Jarvis announced he was making sure every student had the opportunity to visit a National Park.  With the support of the National Park Foundation, all 382 members of the Class of 2016 will travel to Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Thursday, May 10.  There students and teachers will experience “Sacred Spaces – A Place for Reflection in the Past and Today.”

Hopewell Culture Historical Park features earthen mounds and embankments outlining huge geometric enclosures dot the landscape of the Ohio River Valley.  These monumental structures were the work of many Native American hands nearly 2000 years ago.  Hopewell people gathered at these earthworks for feasts and funerals, rituals and rites of passage.  The NAMS field trip will allow to students to learn first-hand about these sacred spaces and reflect upon the lives of these American Indians.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a Spaghetti Dinner in the cafeteria.  Guests will enjoy the sweet sounds of the Middle School Jazz Band and other musical talent.  Following dinner, guests can enjoy a virtual gallery hop through school to view student art work created throughout the year.  A bake sale, silent auctions and raffles will round out the event.  The event concludes at 8 p.m.

Picasso’s Palette provides a great opportunity for fifth grade students and their families to experience Middle School life, in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Picasso’s Palette is a collaborative effort between the New Albany Middle School PTO and the New Albany Middle School staff.  All proceeds from this event are used by the MS PTO to provide additional resources for student learning throughout the school year.

The event is open to the public.  Discounted tickets are available before May 24, for just $10/adults and $7/students & children.  Tickets may be purchased at the Middle School main office or on the NAMS website with payment through PayPal.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

So far, students have: read Alison Underhill’s book New Albany: A Kid Sized History; obtained a taste of history from a visit to the Ealy House; learned about our fantastic school system from Andy Culp; and gathered information about all New Albany has to offer potential citizens from Alan Hinson and Scott McAfee.

During our reading of New Albany: A Kid Sized History, students learned that their street names tie into New Albany’s history.  For example, Yantis Drive is named for William Yantis and Landon Lane is named for Noble Landon.

While at the Ealy House, the Historical Society taught the students that the walnut tree grew in the area and was used to build the house.  The students were also fascinated to discover that the Ealy House was built in a square formation, and that the builders signed their names in the woodwork on the top floor.

From Mr. Culp, students took pride in knowing that they are the reason that our school is so great.  Mr. Hinson brought light to the fact that New Albany has a respected quality of life that offers families the chance to participate in many community activities (like the New Albany Classic, Founder’s Day, Fourth of July, and the New Albany Walking Classic).  Finally, from Mr. McAfee, students learned that in the past 30 years, New Albany’s population has grown by over 7,000 people.

We are looking forward to sharing the student work with the community.

Volunteers are needed on the following days. Times may vary depending on the number of volunteers we get, so bring a friend!

• Mon, May 14-Wed, May 16—during the school day
• Wed, May 16—after school until around 6:00
• Friday, May 18—after school until around 5:00
• Saturday, May 19—4:45-6:00
• Monday, May 21—during the school day or after school
• Tuesday, May 22—during the school day or after school
• Wednesday, May 23—during the school day or after school

Second grade teacher Courtney Smith shared his idea of making lunches for those in need in Central Ohio during his initial year of teaching at New Albany last year, and the “Lunches of Love” program continues to touch many young hearts.

Fellow teachers sign up on a Wednesday of their choice and assist their classes by arranging for the necessary items to be brought in so students can make sandwiches and pack brown-bagged lunches at school.  A handwritten note accompanies each lunch — usually consisting of a sandwich, side item, and drink — from a student to whoever receives the meal.

Mr. Smith is committed to providing students with real world experiences to help them understand that they don’t have to wait until they are adults to make a difference. His class explains the program by visiting other classrooms or via a video link that teachers can share.  More classrooms joined in this school year, and a group of students from the high school came and helped Mr. Smith’s class make the lunches one week.

The idea for “Lunches of Love” originated while Mr. Smith was in graduate school at The Ohio State University.  He accidentally left his lunch on a bus on the way to class, and thought perhaps someone who needed it more would get it.  He then developed the idea of making lunches with friends and delivering them once a week to area homeless shelters and areas in conjunction with others doing similar work for the needy.  Some students with their families have joined him in delivering the lunches on Wednesday evenings.

Mr. Smith and his colleagues recognize that students take away a valuable experience when they see and hear how the simple act of making a lunch for someone else has warmed the hearts of their students.  And one of life’s great lessons has been shared.

• How the components of the Solar and Wind Energy Demonstration Machine were assembled at the Solar Vision Company Lab in Westerville
• How Boston learned to operate and monitor the machine under the supervision of his Solar Industry Mentor, Greg Kuss, President, Solar Vision LLC
• Boston showed the reporter how he has conducted outdoor demonstrations for high school science classes
• Boston also collected data on both the 1 kilowatt Solar Panels in the background as well as the Solar and Wind energy producing Solar Panel and Wind Turbine mounted on the Green Energy Machine (GEM).

The Green Energy Machine (GEM) was provided to NAHS with a grant from the New Albany Community Foundation.