Mrs. Gillespie’s Honors ELA students are working on a Design Thinking Project to solve real-world challenges that amputees may encounter. Students started this project by reading the novel The Running Dream, which is about a high school track star who tragically loses her leg in a bus accident. Throughout the novel, the class learned how the runner overcame obstacles both physically and mentally.

To add real-world experiences, the class had the opportunity to hear from Bradley student Gigi Humeidan and ILC teacher Katie Bondy, who are both recent amputees, along with Jen Swift, an OSU physical therapist. Deputy Superintendent Mike McDonough rounded out our guest speakers by giving students a glimpse into what life is like after being an amputee for several years.

Students then chose specific hurdles to solve that the speakers deal with daily. They then researched their challenges to become more knowledgeable and started ideating and prototyping. Once they have a completed prototype, the students will have the opportunity to share their challenges and subsequent solutions with the school.

The class’s biggest takeaway was to see how all three of these people continue to have such a positive mindset even after new and unexpected setbacks.

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students from J.W. Reason Elementary participated in a design thinking challenge to design a shoe for kids that do not have access to shoes. Students had to empathize, define the problem, ideate, prototype, and test their designs. The top 20 shoe designers were selected from J.W. Reason Elementary based on their creativity, design, and function of their shoes. These chosen creatives took a field trip to the Innovative Learning Hub for three consecutive days to partner with a 7th and 8th-grade student in the BE2TA lab to bring their shoe to life using the 3D printer!

Student leaders at Darby Creek Elementary came up with a charitable idea called See Kids Dream, where classmates donated loose change and a committee of 30 students conducted interviews with local organizations to determine where their earnings would go. Within five days, Darby Creek scraped together nearly $4,500! The student leaders decided to donate their earnings to Callahan Murphy Hare Foundation, a central Ohio organization that advocates for critically needed pediatric cancer research to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer. 

On May fourth, the student leaders will go to the Riffe Center to share their journey with other student leaders and community leaders. Students learned that small change can make a big impact and they will continue to figure out ways to make a difference for their community.

Gail Tanner, Arrow Program’s Gifted Intervention Specialist, exudes creativity and imagination into her classroom every day. Gail was ecstatic when the opportunity arose for her to teach at the Arrow Program. The program is a nontraditional learning environment for highly gifted students. “Teaching in a non-traditional environment brings challenges every day, and the student’s learning is not predictable, and that brings me excitement. Watching my students solve problems in their unique way makes me want to come to work each day.”

In her classroom, Gail makes sure her students feel welcome and accepted for who they are and their uniqueness. “The world is tough enough, and kids should have a place to go that’s welcoming, happy, and accepting no matter what, and for some kids this is the only place. Teaching is hard, but if we all have each other’s backs, we can make these kids feel great and bring positivity to the building.” Gail enjoys not only her students but also loves her colleagues in the Arrow Program. “They are awesome and make coming to work enjoyable.” She found that working in such a unique program with other teachers that share her passions creates a rewarding environment in which she works.

Outside of teaching, Gail enjoys traveling, spending time with her grandson, and taking care of her animals. She can travel often due to her husband being in the horse racing business; they spend their weekends traveling to different tracks and races where she enjoys being around well-groomed horses. When she’s not traveling, she is home taking care of her animals. Her newest addition to her family’s animals is a horse she recently adopted. Although she does not ride anymore, she thought it would be fun to take on a horse as part of her pet family.

If that isn’t enough Gail volunteers as a soccer coach for her grandson’s youth soccer team. The team desperately needed a coach or else they could not play for the upcoming season, so Gail stepped up and took on the challenge. This is her second year coaching, and she loves seeing the players grow each practice.

Gail’s realistic and positive outlook on life has helped her students express their unique selves and feel more comfortable in their non-traditional learning environment.

The Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) annually recognizes elementary and/or middle-level schools and school leaders for their exceptional service to the students and school communities throughout Ohio.

OAESA announced that Brown Elementary School in the Hilliard City School District has been selected as a 2023 OAESA Hall of Fame School.

The Hall of Fame School Award recognizes schools that engage faculty, students, and the community to provide a quality school experience. The school staff submitted an extensive application documenting the effectiveness of their educational program in several areas. Hall of Fame Schools were selected by committees of OAESA members.

OAESA also announced that Jaclyn Prati, principal of J.W. Reason Elementary School in the Hilliard City Schools District, was selected as the 2023 Ohio Principal of the Year. 2023 marks the 39th year that the state of Ohio has selected a principal to recognize statewide.

These awards recognize schools and staff that engage faculty, students, and the community to provide a quality school experience. The district would like to thank you for all that you do!

The Ohio Department of Education announced 165 Ohio schools are receiving the Purple Star designation as members of the Purple Star Class of 2023. Hilliard Bradley High School was recognized for for being one of the schools  receiving the Purple Star Award for the class of 2023. Purple Star schools show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.

“Ohio led the nation in establishing the Purple Star program, and I am proud to congratulate this next group of school communities as we recognize the Month of the Military Child,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We recognize the unique challenges facing military families, and Ohio’s Purple Star schools embrace these students and their families to ensure their learning needs are met, while providing support and resources so they can be successful in school.”

“Purple Star schools demonstrate the importance of students feeling supported and what it means to be part of a learning community,” said Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Stephanie Siddens. “I share my deep gratitude with Ohio’s military service members and their families and congratulate this year’s Purple Star schools for providing the academic and wellness supports so these students are ready to learn, grow and achieve.”

Ohio is home to 511 active Purple Star schools that dedicate time and supports to students in military families. All awardees meet the unique wellness and academic needs of Ohio’s military-connected youth. To qualify, schools choose a school-based staff person to serve as a liaison between military families and the school. These liaisons complete professional development, identify military-connected students and facilitate supports throughout the school community for identified students and families. Purple Star schools also participate in at least one supportive activity each year. The Purple Star Class of 2023 includes schools that host monthly military kids club meetings, professional learning for all educators on the unique considerations for serving military-connected students and school wide celebrations honoring military students and families.

The district would also like to recognize Hilliard Davidson High School for being a long-time contender for this prestigious award.