FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR :

Welcome to school year 2010-11 with ERCO. After your summer's rest, we know you are all in anticipation of the excitement each year offers as it unfolds - some challenges but mostly the rewarding satisfaction of a job well done, as you assist your students with their continued development.

Our staff at ERCO is dedicated towards excellence in education and we know you share the same goals with us. We are here for you and ready to help with any concerns or questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us any time between our scheduled visits - our doors are open.

Again, welcome back and have a great and successful school year.

J. Leonard Harding, Executive Director
jharding@ercoinc.org

SCHOOL NEWS :

This year, ERCO is implementing a tracking/accountability system to better monitor reporting of its sponsored schools.

Laura Steenbergen, Director of Educational Services, will be contacting school administrators and EMIS coordinators to request student attendance numbers and submitted dates. Kathy Crosby, ERCO’s EMIS Consultant, will interpret the data and give recommendations regarding ways to improve school reporting.

We are looking forward to working with you and anticipate a fantastic year!

Aaron Kinebrew, Assistant Director
akinebrew@ercoinc.org

ZENITH ACADEMY

The third graders at Zenith Academy, Columbus, Ohio, (pictured above) learned about life in the African countries of Malawi and Uganda. The people there are poor and have very little clothing. The schools do not have the supplies they need to learn and some kids do not get to go to school. They have very few toys and games, such as soccer balls.

In response, the third graders wanted to help the children of Malawi and Uganda and asked for assistance from the Zenith community. People donated clothes, toys, school supplies, and money for the children of Malawi and Uganda. The students collected donations from Wednesday, November 25 until Friday, December 11, 2009.

In April, 2010, Zenith Academy Students collected 2,344 non-perishable food items – a total of 1,790 pounds – for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Upon delivery of the donation, the Food Bank congratulated them because it was one of the largest private donations they have ever received!

Leonard Harding, ERCO Executive Director, pictured with Melissa Robinson, ERCO Special Education/Northern Regional Consultant, Jeff Wahl, President and CEO of EdisonLearning and Sonya Boyd, school board member for Eastern Cleveland Drop Back In and Southern Cleveland Drop Back In. EdisonLearning manages eight Drop Back In Schools, located in Columbus and Cleveland, that ERCO has contracted with to be a sponsor/authorizer.

CHARTER SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

Unique Roles defined in Ohio's Community School System
Click here to view.

IDEA UPDATES

Special Education Leadership Events Scheduled for Sept. 20-21
Registration is now open for three events in September that will focus on serving students with disabilities. All events will stress the theme Inclusion Works and will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center:

• Pre-conference sessions – Monday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Choose from three options: 1) a panel discussion with district personnel describing their special education profiles and monitoring plans, followed by four breakout sessions about panel topics; 2) a master session on Including Students with Special Needs; or 3) a master session on Intervention and Connection. ODE is cosponsoring this event with the Ohio Association of Pupil Services Administrators.

• ODE’s Fourth Annual Special Education Leadership Conference – Monday, Sept. 20, 1 to 7 p.m., and Tuesday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Monday’s schedule includes a general session with ODE leadership, including Superintendent Deb Delisle, and a networking reception sponsored by the Council for Exceptional Children-Ohio. On Tuesday, more than 50 breakout sessions will feature topics such as: co-teaching in inclusive classrooms; establishing schoolwide systems of support; and understanding how the Core Curriculum, revised academic content standards and credit flexibility relate to students with disabilities.

• Principal’s Academy – Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – This program for building and district administrators will focus on acquiring skills and tools needed for inspiring inclusive practices. Wendy Murazski and Ervin Knezek, education leaders who have presented many similar sessions for principals in Texas, will conduct the academy. The event is cosponsored by ODE, the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators and the Ohio Association of Secondary Administrators.

For more details and to register for the preconference and conference, click here, and for the Principal’s Academy, click here.

REGIONAL ARRA TRAININGS OFFERED NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER

Funds made available through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) are subject to a higher level of reporting, scrutiny and monitoring than other funds received by community schools. It is important for all treasurers to keep abreast of the rules and guidelines applied to these funds. To this end, the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, in coordination with ODE, are currently offering a series of regional meetings titled Federal Stimulus Dollars - Second Year Reporting and Updates. The cost for these seminars is $25 for both members and non-members. ODE encourages you to attend one of these sessions. For more information and to register, visit the OASBO website.

ODE ISSUES HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHER (HQT) TOOLKIT FOR 2010-2011

The Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) Toolkit has been revised for the 2010-2011 school year and is now posted on the ODE website. The kit’s materials serve as a guide for Ohio’s school administrators in reporting highly qualified teachers and qualified instructional paraprofessionals. To download and print a copy of the toolkit, click here, or visit education.ohio.gov and search for HQT Toolkit. Please forward this information to building principals, human resource directors and curriculum directors. If you have questions, contact Wesley Williams in ODE’s Center for the Teaching Profession at wesley.williams@ode.state.oh.us.

FOUNDATION PAYMENT DATES SCHEDULED FOR THE YEAR

Payments to community schools are made no later than the 10th business day of each month. The next date for payment is Aug. 13. The remaining dates for the first half of FY2011 are: Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 14.

SPECIAL EDUCATION DATA CHECK

Based on expectations expressed during a recent verification monitoring visit by the federal Office of Special Education Programs, ODE’s Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) is looking more closely at Educational Management Information System (EMIS) special education data, especially those data reported in the State Performance Plan (SPP). To assist LEAs in reporting complete and accurate data for SPP indicators, OEC staff members conducted a preliminary analysis of compliance indicator data. Subsequently, in early July, OEC sent two e-mail messages to LEA superintendents and special education directors who have submitted data indicating potential noncompliance or missing codes. Although not every community school has received these e-mails, all local education agencies are encouraged to check their data for inaccuracies.

FY 2011 PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (PCSP) AND DISSEMINATION GRANTS

These grants begin July 1, 2010, and end June 30, 2011. See the fiscal guidance documents here for more information, or visit education.ohio.gov and search for keyword: PCSP. You also may contact Bill Nelson at (614) 644-3533.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL ANNUAL TIMELINE

The following link will provide information regarding the Community School (CS) Operations FY 2010 Annual Timeline. The timeline includes monthly deliverables and tasks in different areas from July 2009 to June 2010.
FY11 Community School Annual Timeline

EMIS Updates

Remember to log into TIDE and confirm that you are testing and verify your pre-loaded order quantities to receive materials for the Grade 3 Fall 2010 administration. Schools that do not confirm participation will NOT receive test materials.

Be sure that you order and submit pre-id labels for OGT and 3rd Grade Reading OAA. The timeline for submitting Pre-id labels is:
      OGT: 08/17/2010 – 9/2/2010
      3rd Grade Reading OAA: 08/09/2010 – 9/8/2010

ODE has released 3 new collections requests for 10K, 10N and 10G. You need to log on to the Data Collector and try to run these new collections. If a collection has already been submitted and is pending acceptance, you may start a new collection.

The Data Collector will be the new way our EMIS data will be submitted to ODE in the FY11 school year.

Value Added information results for the Local Report Card will not be available until mid-to-late August. ODE EMIS does not have an exact date as to when this data will be available. For further information, contact the ODE Office of Accountability.

SOUND OFF!

Check out our Discussion Board and share your opinion on the latest topic! The most recent topic is from the New York Times discussing inexperienced management companies chasing school funds.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER?

Email Laura Steenbergen at lsteenbergen@ercoinc.org.

VLT ACADEMY - VALUE LEARNING AND TEACHING

April 16, 2010

We at VLT Academy are proud to announce that the class of 2010 will be graduating 18 of 19 seniors. Most of the graduating seniors have been with us since 2005 and their perseverance has helped them reach their goal of graduation. Our first graduation will be held at the University of Cincinnati on June 13th.

The graduating seniors of VLT Academy have been accepted to 15 different colleges including: Morehouse College in Atlanta, Central State University, The Ohio State University, Northern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Miami University, University of Dayton, Spellman College, Xavier University, Wright State University, Clark-Atlanta University, Benedict College, University of Cincinnati, Bowling Green State University, and The Art Institute of Cincinnati. Both Tariyah Phillips and Tyesha Holmes set our beginning record by being accepted to six different colleges.

Combined our seniors have received over $397,000 in scholarship offers. Tariyah Phillips has received full scholarship offers from Miami University and Xavier University, along with a $3,000 scholarship to Central State University. Her total scholarship offer sets the school record for scholarship money at approximately $239,392. Devoshay Herbert received a full scholarship offer to Central State University equaling approximately $26,428. Tyesha Holmes received scholarship offers from Wright State University and Benedict College ($10,000 and $30,000 respectively).

One of our juniors received a letter from Princeton University, which started off saying:

“Dear Brandon,
Your academic achievements suggest that you are looking at the nation’s most outstanding universities. I invite you to consider Princeton University”.
                   From Janet L. Rapelye Dean of Admission

VLT Academy will continue to strive for excellence from all its students and look forward to the success of its students in future graduating classes.

Sincerely,
Valerie Lee

SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS:

A Positive Start for Your Child’s School Year
Ready or not, it’s that time of year again; the time of year that we all get a flutter in our tummy because we have been trained, since our very first day of Kindergarten, that when school starts, there are lots of “firsts” and lots of new beginnings: new classrooms, new teachers, new projects, and new activities. Let’s look at some things to remember to help our students begin their school year on a positive note.

Making The First Day of School Easier
The first day of school always stirs feelings of excitement as well as anxiety. Parents are caught up in the flurry of buying school supplies, school clothes or uniforms, and making sure the school has all of the proper forms and signatures. Children are filled with the excitement of getting new school supplies and clothes, however, as the first day of school approaches, they can become anxious about what to expect.

Parents, you don’t always have all of the answers, but there are several ways to help ease your child’s first day of school. Even if your student is attending the same school, but a new grade, there will probably be questions and the anxiety of a whole new routine, new teacher(s), and new activities to get involved in. One of the first things you can do is check out the school’s online website. The website can answer many questions, but the best place to start is the school calendar. Be sure to note any deadlines for joining specific activities or when certain forms are due. Find out when the school Open House is scheduled so you can attend with your child. Find the classroom, meet the teacher, and see where your student will hang her coat or where your student will sit. If your student will ride the bus, learn where your child will get off of the bus in the morning and get on the bus to return home. The school website may list bus routes, but if not, ask about it at the Open House. Taking time to do this will build confidence and a sense of independence in your child that your student won’t be left behind.

Before you spend money to purchase a backpack, make sure that your child’s school permits them and ask if there are any specifications that must be adhered to. Some schools prohibit the use of backpacks to ensure the safety of students and school personnel. If you purchase a backpack, allow your child to help pick it out, but guide him or her to select one that has wide padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Try it on your child before you purchase it to make sure it is not too big for their body; once packed, it should never weigh more than 10%-20% of your child’s body weight. Balance the weight in the backpack with heavier items close to the center of her back. Also remember that your student will probably be packing it on their own some of the time, so it is important that you teach them how to handle it. Rolling backpacks are an option for students who must tote a heavier load, but rolling backpacks must be pulled up stairs and may be difficult to maneuver in snow.

Traveling To and From School
If your child will walk to school, walk the route with him or her the first time so you can remind them how to stay safe. Even though some safety precautions seem like common sense to you, it is important that you are proactive and cover them anyway. Crossing streets, watching traffic, showing courtesy toward other walkers (exercise walkers or moms with strollers), are some of the “basics”, however, be sure to discuss how important it is that they stay “tuned in” and aware of their surroundings and who is near them. Although it may be difficult to talk about, and you don’t want to scare your child inappropriately, let them know that not everyone who says they are a friend really is. Discuss ways that your student, boy or girl, can protect themselves; the local police department can provide age-appropriate suggestions if your local school does not have something available.

To make the first day easier, you may want to connect with neighbors and find other children who will also be walking. Or, you may wish to arrange to walk or drive your child to school the first day. In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school each day.

Having an adult walk along with a group of children may also curb bullying. Bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, walking to or from school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet or cell phone. Be sure to ask what your child’s school policy is for bullying and find out if they offer literature or training for students and/or parents about how to deal with bullying. Find out the proper channels and procedures in which to report suspected bullying.

If your child is riding the school bus, it is just as important to cover the basic rules: 1) the bus must be at a complete stop before your student approaches; 2) your student must watch for traffic from both ways if they must cross the street to board the bus; 3) always make sure your student is in clear view of the bus driver; and 4) remind them that they should always wear seat belts, if your school bus is equipped with them.

While riding the bus, your student should always use their ‘indoor’ voice. He or she should always stay seated in the same seat – no bouncing from seat to seat or walking/running down the aisle while the bus is in motion.

Before and After School Child Care
In today’s economy, it is very likely that parents are working more than one job to make ends meet and very probable that before and after school child care will be required. Children younger than thirteen always need supervision and some adolescents from 13-15 years of age need someone to provide structure, boundaries and accountability. Just because they have reached the magical age of ‘adolescence’ does not mean that they are mature enough or disciplined enough to behave or respond appropriately in unexpected circumstances. If there are occasions when adult supervision is not available, you should make special efforts to supervise from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive home and should be required to check in with a neighbor or parent by telephone.

If you choose to place your child in an after-school program, in addition to asking about the cost, be sure to inquire about the qualifications and training of the staff, whether or not activities are planned and what they are, whether or not snacks are provided, if tutors are provided, and if outdoor activities are supervised within a fenced play area. Asking these questions will provide you with a basis to make a comparison among services to determine which program will best fit your needs, as well as your budget.

Developing Good Homework and Study Habits
Overseeing the completion of homework and enforcing a set time for study is dreaded by parents as well as students because it is frequently a battle to get it done! However, this is one of the most important things to make the school year easier for parents, students and teachers. When students are prepared because they completed their homework or studied, their confidence soars. They are quicker to participate and their test scores reflect the effort they make. These are habits that also develop life skills which will provide a solid foundation throughout life. It reinforces the principle to “be prepared.”

Develop the ‘study’ habit while your child is young. Although the attention span for a Kindergarten child will be shorter, you can establish the pattern of “homework” or studying with children this young. Also check your school’s website to see If there is a page which shows all homework that has been assigned. This way, you know what the teacher is expecting from her and your student knows you know!

Set specific study time each night and prohibit cell phone calls, MP3 or TV until homework is complete. Although the computer and Internet may be required for some homework, it is important that parents monitor the websites that their children are visiting. Pay attention to pop-ups and chat rooms that he or she visits. If you aren’t sure what to watch for, contact your school and ask if they offer assistance for parents in this area.

These are just a few suggestions to help your child have a blessed school year. Most importantly, pray for God’s protection over them and ask Him to help you “lead up your child in the way they should go.”

SIGNIFICANT REVISIONS MADE TO BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

House Bill (HB) 1 changed certain background check requirements for licensed educators in Ohio effective Jan. 1, 2010. As a result, fewer checks are needed for many educators who hold multiple credentials, or for those who hold only credentials of fewer than five years’ duration. In addition, all educator criminal background checks are now on five-year cycles. Major changes are:

• An educator who is renewing a license or permit, has lived continuously in Ohio for the previous five years and has a state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) background check on file with ODE will need to complete only an FBI criminal background check once every five years. (Previously, the law required BCI and FBI checks whenever licenses or permits were renewed.)

• Educators who are renewing licenses or permits and who have not lived continuously in the state for the past five years will need to complete both BCI and FBI background checks once every five years.

• An educator with multiple licenses needs to submit the required background check only when he or she is applying for renewal of the license or permit that is of the longest duration.

• Educators who hold eight-year professional certificates, permanent certificates or non-tax certificates are still required to submit the required background checks once every five years. Certificate holders who have lived continuously in Ohio for those five years, however, will need to submit only FBI background checks.

• Initial applicants seeking their first educator licenses must complete both BCI and FBI criminal background checks. These checks need to be less than 365 days old to be considered valid for licensing purposes.

• Educators who currently hold licenses or permits and are applying for initial licenses in a different field need only to have FBI background checks that are less than five years old if they have lived continuously in Ohio for the previous five years. If they do not meet the residency requirement, they must have both BCI and FBI background checks that are less than five years old.

For more information about educator licensure, click here. For answers to frequently asked questions, click here.

CONTENT STANDARDS ADOPTED

On June 7, the State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards in mathematics and English language arts as well as revisions to Ohio’s academic content standards in science and social studies. The standards will be effective when newly aligned assessments are implemented in several years.

The Common Core State Standards provide students with a consistent set of expectations for learning in mathematics and English language arts. These standards were informed by thousands of educators nationwide, with Ohio assembling feedback groups that submitted more collective comments than any other state. Ohio’s education community also was instrumental in revising its academic content standards in science and social studies. The material is better organized by topic and theme, the language is streamlined to reduce redundancy and make the content more manageable, and key concepts and skills are better articulated across the grades so that students at each level can acquire them in a developmentally appropriate manner.

To access the standards, click here or visit education.ohio.gov and use the link under the heading Educators at bottom left.

BANK OFFERS FINANCING FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has announced a $325 million effort to support building, expanding and renovating charter school facilities. According to a company press release, Chase will give $50 million in grants to community-development financial institutions to support charter schools. It also will provide $175 million in debt financing and about $100 million in new markets tax-credit equity for charters. The grant program is aimed at schools that have a strong academic track record and at established charter operators who want to launch new schools.

School Websites
To get the most current information and news about one of our schools, connect directly to their website:

CASTLE (Cleveland)

Cleveland College Preparatory (Cleveland)

Northeast Ohio College Preparatory (Cleveland)

Hamilton County Math and Science (Cincinnati)

King Academy Community School (Cincinnati)

Millennium Community School (Columbus)

New Day Academy and Boarding School (Euclid)

Premier Academy of Ohio (Columbus)

Providence Academy for Student Success (Columbus)

TCP World Academy (Cincinnati)

Zenith Academy (Columbus)