Darby Class of 2018 from Hilliard City Schools on Vimeo.

In the Hilliard School District we work to provide our students an education based on academic and social-emotional successes through personalized learning with an emphasis on interests, mindset, and rigorous academics.  Listening to our students, with open ears, brought us to the conclusion that we should investigate our current class ranking practices.  This spring I had the opportunity to facilitate a Class Rank Task Force comprised of Board of Education members, staff and parents. Our group reviewed research, examined nearby school district practices, learned what college admission officers are saying, and surveyed our own beliefs. When we were finished, we presented our findings to the Board of Education. Overwhelmingly, our committee found it best for all students to eliminate class rank.  Director of Secondary Curriculum and College Partnerships John Bandow said, “High School courses should be a time for students to explore their interests.   Allowing students to take a course or two in an area of personal interest even if it is only on a 4-point scale should not be a detriment to their GPA.  It was bothersome when I’d hear students say they can’t take that class because of its GPA.  The courses that may see an uptick in student enrollment will be in the arts, music and business departments.” After reviewing our findings the District Administration has announced that beginning with the Class of 2022, our current 8^th grade students, we will no longer calculate Class Rank.  Our school profile, most often used by college admission officers, will contain decile ranking.  This will place students into a 10% category based on their GPA.  We will also move to using Latin Honors at graduation. Hilliard College Counselor Tom Woodford added, “As students are viewed holistically through the college admissions process, taking rank out of the scenario will help many of our students.  We have so many students who have performed well, with over a 4.0 GPA, but their rank hasn’t been helpful.  I feel this decision to not rank our students will benefit our students in the long-run.” “In Hilliard we model our passion for growth through our actions,” Superintendent John Marschhausen said.  “The current class rank system is antiquated; it no longer is in alignment with the culture required to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. We continue to adapt and adjust our practices, to be intentional in our decisions, and to remain focused on preparing students for success in the future.”

Buses will run on their normal schedule.

Thursday May 31, 2018		Last Day of School
Period	Time	Minutes
1	7:40 - 8:16am	36
2	8:20 - 8:56am	36
3	9:00 - 9:37am	37
4	9:41 - 10:18am	37
5	10:22 - 10:59am	37
6	11:03 - 11:40am	37
7	11:44 - 12:20pm	36
8	12:24 - 1:00pm	36

 

Three Darby digital artists created winning designs for the "WHAT MAKES MY SCHOOL GREAT" cover contest sponsored by Ohio Schools. Samantha Conners was named the Grand prize winner and will have her design featured on the June 2018 Ohio Schools cover. Malia Evans & Connor Stewart also placed and will have their work featured within the publication. Both artists also received cash prizes. [caption id="attachment_11393" align="alignnone" width="690"] Samantha Conners Design[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11394" align="alignnone" width="686"] Malia Evans Design[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11395" align="alignnone" width="681"] Connor Stewart Design[/caption]

Junior Amanda Neighbarger has two pieces in the Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition Pictures here with her piece "Exposed" chosen as one of the Top 25 in the State. Show begins today April 22 and runs through May 17 at the Rhodes State Office Tower.