Did you know?

  • TMS 7th graders are learning about lifelong healthy eating patterns and evaluating their personal eating habits. A new course, “Healthy Foods”, was implemented this year.

 

  • Tallmadge Rotary has made a permanent commitment to provide every 3rd grader with their own personal dictionary. This “Dictionary Project” aligns with the Rotary commitment to promote literacy.

 

  • PTA was founded 117 years ago. Tallmadge launched it’s first PTA 109 years ago.

 

  • Big shout out to Tallmadge City Schools, who, in partnership with Akron Public Schools, Children and Family First Council, Summit County ESC and Greenleaf Counseling Center has been awarded a $26,000 grant for collaborative civic engagement. This effort meets the mandates of HB1. Grant dollars will offset the costs that many districts will incur as well as position the district to garner future grant dollars.

 

  • THS students advance to State competitions: 3 BPA and 7 DECA students will represent Tallmadge at upcoming business and marketing competitions. This is the 10th consecutive year THS students have qualified for the State DECA competition. Congratulations… and good luck!

 

  • The Summit County Educational Service Center (ESC) supports our district’s efforts to improve student achievement and community engagement in the learning process. Future entries will provide more specifics. Look for “ESC:”

 

  • THS students raised more than $2000 for Haitian relief efforts. The money was raised over a two day period.

 

  • The decision to cancel school because of inclement weather or building conditions is made by the superintendent. The top priority is  student safety, with the goal to minimize the loss of classroom instruction time.  A “snow day” is a lost day of instruction that each child will not get back. The superintendent monitors the national weather service, local weather condiditons and remains in constant communication with the City’s road crews to ascertain the road conditions throughout the district.  Parents are immediately informed of the decision to cancel school via the district’s phone dialer system.

 

  • 1 in 11 adolescents report being a victim of physical dating abuse (CDC 2006)

 

  • The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation decided to ask elementary school principals what they thought about recess and its value to the school day. RWJF commissioned a first-of-its-kind Gallup poll of 1,951 principals in partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and Playworks, a Vulnerable Populations grantee. Overwhelmingly, principals reported that recess has a strong positive impact on academic achievement. Students listened better and were more focused after recess. And principals widely agreed that recess positively impacts social development and well-being. http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=55249

 

  • February is “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.” 

 

  • A maintenance building is being built behind the Middle School (next to the tennis courts and extending toward the softball fields). This building will replace the one that was sold with the “old” middle school property. Completion is targeted for August 2010.

 

  • John Ross will  be returning to Overdale as a “substitute” principal. Curriculum needs second semester will require Dr. Hruschak’s attention, occasionallytaking her out of the elementary building. Mr. Ross, who was the interim principal in the building last year, will step in on those days to provide a continuous leadership presence for students, families and staff. (creative and cost effective)

 

  • Next semester (Jan 2010) will see THS unveil a dual credit course.  20 students will be taking the Honors Physics class, earning 1 required science credit at THS AND 5 college credits. This course is a collaborative effort of Tallmadge City Schools, Kent State University and the Summit County Educational Service Center(ESC). A grant from the ESC will underwrite the cost of books and the college credits. The course will be taught by a current science teacher at THS (Miss Spain), who has met the academic rigors to join the KSU faculty as an adjunct professor.

 

  • Tallmadge students are giving back to this community through activities that include the “adoption” of Christmas families, Tallmadge Good Neighbors, Toys for Tots and the Canned Good Drive at the Circle.

 

  • This blog recently received its 11,000th hit.

 

  • Tallmadge has been recognized by the State of OH for the achievements of our English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

 

  • 12-08-09 saw 4th and 5th grade students kick off Munroe’s Annual Buckeye Bash. This high calorie candy factory is the culminating activity for Munroe’s economic education unit. Orders for more than 5000 buckeyes are being processed. Proceeds from the Buckeye Bash will be “given back to the community,” as Munroe students “adopt” struggling local families for Christmas.

 

  • Congratulations to Sally Antanucci, recently named THS’s “Teacher of the Year.”

 

  • 47 THS students, the largest number in school history, were inducted into National Honor Society today. Congratulations!

 

  • In a comparison of high schools of similar demographics, Tallmadge was rated #1 in OH for the 2008-09 academic year.

 

  • With a full year of occupancy completed, the cost per sqare foot of operating the new high school has been calculated. At $4.26, it is the most efficient building in the district.

 

  • FYI…the Ohio Achievement Tests (OAT) will now be called the Ohio Achievement Assessments (OAA).  Name change only!

                              

  • There are 873 high schools in the State of Ohio. In a comparison of performance indices (components of the State Report Card), Tallmadge High School has been ranked 34th in the state for the 2008-09 academic year. That is Congratulations!

 

  • This blog recieved its 10,000th hit last week.

 

  • Tallmadge is 1 of 4 districts working with the Summit Education Initiative (SEI) on a pilot for an 8th grade version of the ACT. Results from this test will facilitate academic planning for students’ future success on the ACT.

 

  • Over 400 grandparents attended Grandparents Day at Munroe.

 

  • All students who participate in any extra/co-curricular activities are required to adhere to the district’s Code of Conduct.

 

  • The cost of field trips, including the 6th grade field trip to Camp Fitch,, is cost neutral to the district.  Since cuts were instituted, expenses related to field trips have been paid for by the individual club/group/team.

 

  • Information about H1N1 flu is available on the school website.

 

  • The 2 custodians hired at the 09-16-09 BOE meeting filled 2 currently empty postitions (not adding any new staff).

 

  • 68% of the college bound 2009 graduates earned scholarships.

 

  • 92% of the Class of 2009 is attending a two or four year college.

 

  • The sale of the former Middle School has been completed for a purchase price of $500,00. The buyer has agreed not to ask for an abatement of real estate taxes.
  • In a new agreement, First Energy will be supplying the district with electricity at a rate of $.50 per kilowatt hour. During the 08-09 school year, the rate was $.64. This new rate reflects a 16% decrease from an already discounted rate.

 

  • More 10th grade OGT stats… percentage scoring in the ADVANCED range: Reading – 39%, Mathematics – 69%, Writing – 14%, Science - 42%, Social Studies – 63%

 

  • 89% of 10th grade students scored proficient or better in all 5 OGT subjects (reading, mathematics, writing, science, and social studies)

 

  • Three GAR grants totaling $22,887.00 were awarded to Tallmadge High School and Middle School teachers for the 09-10 school year. These funds will purchase a variety of materials that enrich students experiences in both academics and building transitions.

 

  • Tallmadge City Schools  has a full time registered nurse who works throughout the district.

 

  • Although the Board adopted “Special Education Model Policies and Procedures” (Recommended by the OH Deptartment of Education (ODE) at the 08-19-09 Board meeting, Tallmadge City Schools had already implemented this standard of practice in 2005.
  • Every 3rd grader at Dunbar will receive their own personal dictionary, compliments of the Tallmadge Rotary Club. This “Dictionary Project” is part of Rotary’s global commitment to promoting literacy.

 

  • The STARS Initiative coordinated the donation of more than $2000 worth of school supplies and educational support supplies that will directly benefit the children of Tallmadge.  (Moms on a mission are a force to be reckoned with).

 

  • As one of the school districts comprising  the Six District Compact, Tallmadge High School students are now able to participate in a new Aviation Careers Academy.  This two year College Tech Prep Academy combines college prep academics with technology based aviation content. The areas of concentration include aviation management, aeronautical systems, engineering technology, air traffic control and flight technology.
  • This school year (09-10), for the first time in recent memory, no teachers, new to teaching, were hired.

 

  • Decisions about the consolidation of bus routes and the clustering of bus stops were made by Tallmadge City Schools administrators. 

 

  • Effective 09-01-09, health insurance rates for district employees will increase 8%.  Health care costs account for approximately 12% of the overall district budget.
  • This year Tallmadge will use federal stimulus monies to provide 2 math and 2 reading tutors for hands on instructional time with students at Dunbar and Munroe.
  • Federal stimulus monies cannot take the place of locally funded operating dollars.  The schools cannot use these funds to pay current staff.

 

  • Tallmadge City Schools has AGAIN received “Excellent with Distinction” recognition from the State of OH. Congratulations to all of our students, teachers, families and staff.

 

  • 10th grade OGT results were outstanding. Tallmadge achieved the 2nd highest scores in Summit County, 2nd only to Hudson. Congratulations students, teachers and families!

 

  • The School Board and Administration will continue to work diligently to make sure that the children of Tallmadge receive the best possible education within the financial limits dictated by the voters.
  • The blog received its 8000th hit on 05-04-09.
  • The deadline to file for the Senior Citizen tax relief application is June 1, 2009.
  • The person whose home has a market value of $100,000 will pay $211 annually with the passage of Issue 11.  If that person is over 65 and has filed for the $25,000 exemption the tax drops to $158 per year.
  • The wage and salary freezes that have been approved by all school district employees for the next school year will save the district over $400,000.00
  • All students are impactedby the loss of classroom aides and tutors.  Struggling students lose the hands on benefits of individualized instructioal support. The other students in the class lose “teacher”  instructional time as the classroom teacher must focus more attention on support/tutoring activities.

 

  • The state funding that the Governor projected for Tallmadge City Schools to receive over the next two years has been eliminated in the House revision of the bill which freezes the funding for next year and actually decreases State aid by 2%  the following year.  

 

  • In “round” numbers, the school district’s 2700 students come from 1900 households.
  • 7000 hits on this blog occurred in the evening of 04-22-09.

 

  • The academic reductions planned for the 09-10 school year will result in elementary students receiving 40% less art, music and gym.
  • Tax collections have decreased approximately $200,000 from last year, some of which is attribiuted to delinquincy. As a result, the schools are not receiving the monies that they are entitled to from the current levies.
  • Passage of the emergency levy, will generate monies for the schools beginning in 2010. No monies will be collected this calendar year.
  • Through the efficient utilization of existing staff and purchase of equipment, the school district was able to absorb the maintenance of the additional acreage and square footage of David Bacon AND the new high school without hiring any staff.
  • The 2 TTA / Beef ‘O’ Brady’s fundraising events raised $655 for the levy campaign.  
  • The school system’s food service operation is separately funded and self supporting.  Expenditures totalled approximately $612,000 last fiscal year. State commodities, which are available as discounted prices, are staple supplements that are considered in meal planning.
  • THS has been selected (voted on by over 42 area school districts) as the recipient of the 2009 Sportsmanship Award for the Winter Sports season.  The following criteria are used: 1) sportsmanlike conduct, 2) conduct of student body before, during and after athletic events, 3) attitude of the cheerleaders and 4) attitude and conduct of the coaching staff.
  • Over 300 children have lost access to tutors for reading and math.
  • This blog reached a milestone 5000 hits on 04-08-09, just 5 1/2 weeks after its debut.

 

  • During the 06-07 and 07-08 school years, Tallmadge PTAs donated approximately 2600 volunteer hours  to benefit the students in our schools.
  • In 2009, the average class size, K thru 12, will increase by apprpoximately 20%.
  • Throughout the winter, thermostats in all buildings are kept at 68 degrees during the day. Dunbar, THS and the MEC automatically set back to 55-60 degrees at night and on weekends. The other buildings are manually shut off during those times whenever possible. 
  • A science textbook that cost $55.85 in 2001, cost $173.00 in 2008.
  • Textbooks become  inaccurate, worn and obsolete.  Staggering the replacement of texts has enabled the schools to replace textbooks, on average, every 10 years or so, and  allows for effective budgeting. Due to cuts, the replacement of texts was suspended for the 08-09 school year and will continue in 09-10.

 

  • Over the past 10 years, the school district has procured more than $2,000,000 in grant funds for curriculum programs and classroom projects.
  • During the 2008-09 school year 9,951 state mandated tests will be administered to Tallmadge’s 2700 students.  

 

  • The taxable value of your home, as determined by the County Auditor, is 35% of the appraised value. For example, if you live in a $286,000 home, the taxable value is $100,000.

 

  • Art education develops students’ creative problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
  • 1/3 of the 2008 graduating class earned an Honors Diploma.
  • The school district takes advantage of OH State commodities, which are available at discounted prices, to supplement foods needed to maintain food service operations.
  • Including the impending cuts announced at the 03-18-09 School Board meeting, Tallmadge City Schools will have reduced its work force by 21%.
  • The superintendent is planning  for the 2009-10 school year now. Decisions about programs and staffing cannot wait until the Governor’s proposal is voted on by the legislature. 
  • The school district participates in the “State of Ohio Cooperative Purchase Program” to buy needed equipment and vehicles under discounted state pricing contracts.
  • 2008 graduates earned more than $600,000 in college scholarships.
  • Tallmadge partnered with 248 other school districts to negotiate an 8.693% discount from First Energy for the distribution and generation costs of electricity.

 

  • As a result of budget cuts put into place this school year (2008-09), there is no longer dedicated math intervention, in grades 2 – 8, for students who are struggling .

 

  • The high school and middle school relocation was completed by school staff. Professional movers were used only to move the libraries and laboratory chemicals.

 

  • In July, 2008, 46 staff positions were cut, which included 14 teachers, as well as classroom aides, bus drivers and others support staff.
  • 96% of the 2008 graduating class enrolled in college programs.
  • By pursuing a government subsidy, the school district was able to cut the cost for telecommunications by 45%.

 

  • Tallmadge City Schools is a member of local cooperatives for discounted bulk purchasing of rock salt, paper, office supplies, fuel, tires and other equipment.
  • 48% of the students who graduated in 2008 took Advanced Placement courses to earn college credit and save tuition dollars.
  • This emergency levy (6.9 mills) will cost the owner of a $100,000 house 57 cents/day.
  • The district has saved over $30,000 in diesel fuel costs so far this school year by initiating  cluster bus stops and eliminating high school busing. (August 2008 – January 2009)
  • The best case scenario for an increase in funding to our schools from Governor Strickland’s proposed budget amounts to less than 1 mill of local tax revenue. This proposal does NOT fix our school funding crisis in Tallmadge.
  • The old Middle School will be put up for auction this Spring. By law, the school district can only use proceeds from the auction/sale for permanent improvement projects. Those monies cannot be used for operating expenses.

 

  • By law, no school or tax dollars can be used to promote school levies? Tallmadge PRIDE is committed to raising the funds necessary to run levy campaigns.
  • Tallmadge City Schools is ranked “Excellent with Distinction” by the Ohio Department of Education.
  • Tallmadge City Schools has functioned without any new operating monies for 8 years.