Author: Tanner Atha

Mrs. Smith’s Forensic Science class at Davidson High School took part in a unique lesson where students created a storyline regarding the reason for arson in a structure. Once they created their storyline, students had to build a two-story structure (composed of popsicle sticks and wood glue) that contained at least three windows, a door, and a roof. Norwich Township Fire Department then came in to discuss the dangers of arson and accidental fires with the class. Fire Investigator Darryl Miller ignited the structures the students built based on each group’s storyline. The next period after the burn, students used our knowledge of arson vocabulary and burn patterns to analyze and discern where the fires started in each structure.

Bradley Teacher, Coach, Trades Textbooks for Triathlon

Some teachers like to take it easy during their breaks. Others, like Kyle Heinlen, a math teacher and cross country and track coach at Bradley High School, take advantage of the extra time to pursue their interests, like training for and participating in a triathlon.

This was his second year participating in the Ironman 70.3, which took place in Sandusky, Ohio, and involved a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. His training regimen began in months before the race and sandwiched both ends of his day teaching and coaching, usually beginning at 4:30 a.m. On Mondays, he focused on swimming and weight lifting; Tuesdays on biking; Wednesdays and Thursdays on running and leg strengthening; Fridays on biking; and on the weekends, longer biking and running combination routines.

He said he learned a lot about his nutrition intake the first time around and it paid off this year. He cut 25 minutes off his previous race time, earning him a personal record. He’s thankful to be able to share and apply the lessons he’s learned through his extracurricular endeavors with his students.

“I try to teach them to persevere when it’s hard. You will come to a point in the race, whether a literal race or in your academics or life in general, where you will hit a wall,” he said. “My goal is to give them the training they need to get to the finish line. Learning to love the process is important too, so I try to get my students to fall in love with the process.”

What’s next on the docket for Mr. Heinlen? He just ran in the Columbus Marathon and he has his sights set on a full Ironman, which is double a triathlon. Your Hilliard community will be behind you all the way!

Congratulations to these Embrace, Empower & Inspire Award winners, Betsy Long (Elementary Teacher Leader), Jackie Noland (Elementary Teacher Leader), Nikole Abate (Secondary Teacher Leader), and Linda Sowers (Bus Driver).

“Betsy deserves this award for many reasons. Betsy is an administrator who truly leads by example. She makes all teachers feel valuable when having important math discussions. Betsy also helps teachers troubleshoot when things do not seem to be working out in the classroom. She stretches our thinking during professional development. Betsy has also led lessons in the classroom to help us with our math instruction. I truly feel she empowers teachers to deliver math instruction that is of high quality. I love that she always says teaches with integrity. Betsy has created a safe environment for teachers to share their celebrations, as well as voice their concerns.”

“Jackie Noland is everything an embrace, empower, inspire award nominee should be. She embraces teachers, working with them in the productive struggle where they are in their professional development, in the implementation of a new curriculum, and in understanding the science of reading. Jackie empowers others with her practical guidance and modeling on how to support students through instruction. She inspires others around her with her knowledge, help, patience, and responsiveness. Thank you Jackie for your tireless efforts to support every teacher and student without exception!”

“The students and staff of this district are so fortunate to have Nikole as a teacher leader who supports teachers in their instruction of English Language Arts. Nikole was instrumental in leading the ELA Course of Study Revision and selection of a new ELA 6-12 curriculum resource. Her facilitation of that process as well as the design of support she provides teachers has ensured a smooth implementation. Nikole’s commitment to district priorities that maximize student achievement while being that support for teachers and providing personalization and professional learning based on their individual needs is commendable. In addition, she has been instrumental in the district’s MTSS process and launching reading support teachers at the secondary level to meet the needs of our most vulnerable learners. Nikole is committed to being a true expert in reading instruction while also modeling what it means to be a life long learner. She is currently working on her Orton Gillingham practicum.”

“Linda was in Groveport picking up Briar Patch yesterday, a lady in a white Cadillac had a medical emergency and almost hit her head-on. She did hit the box truck behind the bus and 2 other cars in the intersection just behind where the bus is stopped. This is the prime example of what defensive driving looks like and how our drivers are trained to react. She calmed her student down and got him out of pure panic. This is the perfect example of why we do what we do!”

These staff members go above and beyond the expectations of the Hilliard Way and truly make a difference in our district. If you know a staff member that goes above and beyond their way to make a difference, you can nominate them for next month’s award by clicking HERE!

Hilliard Davidson High School will host its Military Information Fair on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bradley and Darby High Schools will also have students from their buildings in attendance.

The purpose of this fair is to have our students gain a better understanding of the military and the educational benefits of what each branch offers.

We will be busing students from Bradley and Darby and parents will also be invited.

Please RSVP by Monday, October 30, 2023, to Lori_Mongolier@hboe.org or at 614-921-7220 with your name, branch, amount of tables you will need, and how many will be in attendance. We will be meeting in the gym. Please plan to be set up by 9:00 a.m. and check in at the main office upon arrival.

If you have any questions, please contact Lori Mongolier or Tom Woodford at Tom_Woodford@hboe.org

We look forward to seeing you!

Tess Esquivel, a student at Bradley High School, has rowed for the past three years and was honored to be selected to represent the Central Ohio Rowing Club in Boston, MA, at the Head of the Charles Regatta, featuring more than 11,000 rowers!

Every year, athletes from around the world gather for the chance to leave their mark on the Charles. A three-mile race upstream on a river full of bends and bridges promises to keep family, friends, and spectators cheering from start to finish.

On top of being selected to row, Tess is this year’s Central Ohio Rowing team Captain! She will be rowing on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 10:43 a.m. in event 55 – Women’s Youth Fours. The timed three-mile race will be televised live on YouTube.

We can’t wait to cheer you on!

 ASBO Awards Hilliard City School District for Excellence in Budget Presentation 

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is proud to recognize Hilliard City School District for excellence in budget presentation with the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for the fiscal year 2023–2024. This award reflects our District’s commitment to sound fiscal management and budgetary policies. Hilliard City School District has annually received this award for over a decade.

ASBO International’s MBA and introductory Pathway to the MBA programs promote and recognize excellence in school budget presentation. Program participation enhances school business officials’ skills in developing, analyzing, and presenting a school system budget. Participants submit their budget documents to a panel of school financial professionals who review the materials for compliance with the MBA Criteria Checklist and other requirements and provide expert feedback that districts can use to improve their budget documents. 

Districts that meet the stringent program requirements may earn either the MBA or Pathway to the MBA (Pathway). Pathway is an introductory program that allows districts to ease into full MBA compliance. 

“ASBO International’s MBA program provides school districts with tools and resources to develop a high-quality, easy-to-understand budget to share the district’s goals and objectives internally and with the community,” ASBO International Executive Director David J. Lewis explains. “By participating in the programs, districts demonstrate their commitment to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.” 

 About ASBO International 

Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation.