Due to the contributions of time and money by many, Weaver, Heritage, and Memorial Middle Schools now have AR (Augmented Reality) sandboxes. These sandboxes will be used to teach land features and topographic mapping. Special thanks to HEF and Tom Hetterscheidt who supplied the technology and skills to make these sandboxes functional.
Click Here to watch a video of the AR Sandboxes in use!
Brittany Sheedy has taught in Hilliard City Schools for 7 years, and, after teaching in multiple grade levels, she found that second grade was her sweet spot. Brittany is renowned at Horizon for checking in on others and genuinely caring about them. “I find that quick check-ins go a long way,” she says.
After giving birth to her daughter, many coworkers and friends checked in on her to see how she was doing, and this made her feel seen and cared for. After realizing how far these little inquiries go, she decided she would make a conscious effort to continue checking in with others.
Every morning before school, Brittany exercises so that when she gets off work, she can relax and have more time to herself. She particularly enjoys Peloton workouts because it is an intense, hard workout. She likes starting her day with these as it energizes her for the day ahead. She says, “Working out puts me in a better mood to start the day.” Upon completion of work, Brittany cares for her now two-year-old daughter whom she loves to see grow and learn. Brittany said that having a child was the best thing ever to happen to her and that her daughter has positively shaped the way she teaches. She now has more empathy and understanding of her students and their families.
Brittany often reflects on her days in the classroom and thinks how she can create a bright, safe environment in which her students can grow, learn, and feel loved with no judgement. Part of how she can do this is by frequently practicing positivity. Positivity is engrained within her, so she can carry that with her into her classroom for her students. She wants her daughter to be able to experience all of this in her schooling, so she strives to create that same environment for other people’s beloved children.
Juggling being not only a full-time teacher, but also a new full-time mother is undoubtedly very challenging, but Brittany is doing it very well. We appreciate the hard work and extra miles Brittany goes for Hilliard.
Hilliard Bradley hosted students from all three high schools for an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University) panel discussion. Six HBCU alumni spoke to over 60 students from all three high schools about their experiences in attending an HBCU. Alumni from Howard University, Meharry Medical College, Kentucky State University, and Spellman spoke to the students about how they chose a college and why they chose to attend an HBCU. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and build connections with the alumni. Students were encouraged and empowered to think of the possibilities after graduation.
The Columbus Symphony performed two concerts for Station students this week in the Station auditorium. Associate Conductor Andrés Lopera led the orchestra in performances of symphonic works targeted specifically toward young people. Maestro Lopera joked with the young audience and clued them in to various intricacies of the music being performed. Students and staff had a blast listening to these talented musicians perform.
Some might call Pat Scales an underdog. In his time at Hilliard Schools, he was on an IEP, and credits his tutors and coaches for where he’s at today.
“While feeling the need for additional support, teachers like Mrs. Donnelle, Mrs. Johnston and Mrs. Bundy, and coaches like Mr. Stephanic and Mr. Schlecht, helped fill the voids,” he said.
After graduating from Davidson High School in 2000, he attended DeVry University where he graduated with a degree in computer engineering in 2003. Jobs in the field were limited at the time, so he found himself in a product research role with Limited Brands.
He discovered while growing up working with his stepfather that he was also good with his hands, so started a handyman business where he helped family and friends with projects on evenings and weekends. This led to work on a 600-unit rental facility on Ohio State’s campus that ended up being his lifeline when he was unexpectedly laid off in 2008. He ramped up his work on the rental property as well as his freelance handyman jobs. This morphed into his current business, Pat Scales Remodeling, a design/build residential and commercial remodeler offering a unique project process to allow for a custom renovation for each client.
The company has grown to 20 employees, including his wife, Katie O’Connor Scales, a 1999 graduate of Hilliard Davidson. The company has made Columbus Business First’s Fast 50 list for the past four years and has been listed as a top remodeler in Columbus Business First since 2014.
Pat was involved in football, cross country, wrestling, and track and field throughout middle and high school. He said athletics, particularly wrestling, gave him a sense of discipline that has contributed to his success in life and business.
If you have an alumnus you would like to see spotlighted, click here to send us an email!
Beacon’s Innovation Discovery Center (IDC) is lucky to have two teachers that brighten not only their learning space but the entire school community. Kara Ripp and Rhonda Beauchamp teach in the IDC, a space that provides advanced-learning environments that inspire students and teachers to flex their creativity by applying cloud computing to solve real-world problems. These enhanced classrooms also encourage students to cultivate their interests in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and the arts in their daily lives outside the classroom.
Kara and Rhonda go above and beyond when it comes to providing unique, enriched experiences for their students. Kara, an avid gardener outside of teaching, has provided students resources to grow their own community vegetable garden. “The kids love to see the vegetables grow. It’s hands-on learning, and it’s caring,” said Kara. Rhonda, who has been at the IDC for quite some time, is always recommending books to students and staff. She tries to find books that are uniquely tailored to students, such as the book Little Daymond Learns to Earn; this book introduces kids to the basic ideas about money and starting their own businesses. Rhonda strives to inspires awe and curiosity in her students, as she likes to expand the students’ knowledge and drive to learn about a diverse array of topics.
Both Kara and Rhonda are positive rays of light for students and staff at Beacon. They both encourage their students to put their best foot forwards as well as empowering them to work together as a team. Both center their attention on planting seeds of kindness, which has demonstrated a ripple effect on students and staff. “Caring and kindness make a community.”
Outside of the classroom they both spend much time giving back to the community. Rhonda volunteers at the Hilliard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which is a 16-week course to volunteer to help the police and fire department. She is the organization’s treasurer and helps patrol Hilliard’s 4th of July parade, as well as helping people who need medical attention. She also volunteers with Hilliard’s Trunk or Treat, where she helps with traffic control. Kara is a big advocate for normalizing the conversation around self-care. She is always honest and vulnerable when it comes to her and her family’s health. “If we are transparent about our health, it’s good to know there are other people struggling with you and you’re not alone.” Kara also has a generous heart that is always wanting to help others. When asked what she would do if she were to win a million dollars, she said she would donate it because she has everything she needs. She would want those with less privilege to gain more.
Kara and Rhonda are truly invaluable members of the community, and we are so grateful to have them shaping our kids’ learning and futures. Keep up the good work and know we are thankful!
