COMMUNITY A Forest Hills School District publication for residents of Anderson Township and UPDATE the Village of Newtown SCOT T. PREBLES, SUPERINTENDENT VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 4 • FALL 2018

QPQUALITY PROFILE

TIF QUALITY FINANCIAL CONSTRUCTION PARTNERSHIP PROFILE REPORT UPDATE PG. 3 PG. 4 PG. 6 PG. 13 FHSD 2 |FHSDCOMMUNITY UPDATE | FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT THE |FROM I top five percent of all Ohio high schools as as schools high Ohio all topof percent five the in ranked schools high FHSD both time, same that During three. intended the than rather to six years, last levy operating 2012 districts. County Hamilton same the it tenth among placing instruction to classroom of dollars amount highest sixth the dedicates district The districts. school 22 County’s Hamilton lowest in 11th arethe costs pupil per district’s the that revealed a reviewforecast five-year of the partnerships. and accountability fiscal wellness, student learning, and teaching including education to provide ahigh-quality areneeded believe we measures at accountability look in-depth to provide an intended information will see nation. state and the competitive in and prepared most the among remain students our that so strategies learning and teaching instructional level of research-based highest to provide the experts education national state and with local, Weprovides. engage community generous our resources of the stewards to good we be diligently work and community, of our expectations the meet to we that we employ those ensure among growth and development professional We mentality. encourage family and student to aservice exemplify who employees needs. individual their meeting while love of learning we to intend foster a students, empowering and engaging By classroom. of the outside to and excel inside both opportunities and Superintendent F ensure all students have support, resources resources have support, students all ensure n Forest HillsSchoolDistrict, we work to The district stretched funding from its its from funding stretched district The meeting, Board 2018 October the During you Update” of “Community issue this In To quality hiring on we focus this, do rom theDeskof

231-3600 |[email protected] 231-3600 Superintendent T.Scot Prebles Respectfully, wethat serve. student of the interest always best the be will and always has been focus primary our that assured rest Moreover, can residents taxpayers. of its generosity the respecting and facilities, its in investment community’s the preserving to controls, cost committed to remain district the expect can Hills Forest finances. its and of FHSD future the regarding perspectives to their share residents all schedule) to complete for encourage edu (visityear website our at www.foresthills. new the in opportunities additional will host We 2018. 25, Town October on meeting Hall atelephone held district the conversation, To ballot. the this on begin placed will be alevy when if and community with our to discuss now begin we must means This year. school 2019–20 the during balance cash minimum policy Board its will reach stewardship. excellent financial and improvement to continuous are committed community and parents staff, our that atestament It’s levels! academic highest Ohio’s among achieved students its while long, as twice to last operations daily for levy year a three to stretch was able is exciting district the that It World Report. and News by U.S. published Whatever is determined, residents of of residents Whatever isdetermined, Hills Forest that revealed also forecast The

VOLUME 3|ISSUE4FALL 2018

(COVER) PHOTOGRAPHS BY TK COMMUNITY UPDATE | FHSD Partners in Providing CALENDAR Recreation Opportunities NOVEMBER 16 Grades PK-6 No School, Elementary Parent-Teacher ➔ FOREST HILLS PARTNERS WITH TOWNSHIP PARKS TO Conferences PROVIDE COMMUNITY RECREATION FACILITY NOVEMBER 21–23 No School, Fall Break NOVEMBER 26 Board of Education Meeting n September, the Board ap- bution. This will provide necessary 7 p.m., Nagel Middle School, proved a Tax Increment Fi- funding for the entire RecPlex 1500 Nagel Road nancing (TIF) agreement with project. I DECEMBER 5 Anderson Township to provide re- “I am excited that the district Shop & Share sources to modernize the RecPlex was able to partner with the Town- 4:30 p.m.–7 p.m., Target, at Beech Acres. ship and Park District to support 8680 Beechmont Ave. A TIF redirects property taxes local recreation programs. This DECEMBER 17 to fund projects that partnership will Board of Education Meeting benefit the commu- continue to keep 7 p.m., Nagel Middle School, nity. In this instance, our community and 1500 Nagel Road the Board voted to schools vibrant,” DECEMBER 24–JANUARY 1 contribute a portion I am excit- said Scot T. Prebles, No School, Winter Break of new property “ FHSD superinten- tax revenue to be ed that the dent. JANUARY 18 No School, Teacher Work Day generated by the Jim Frooman, Stonecrest Senior district was Forest Hills Board JANUARY 21 Living development, able to part- president, agreed. No School, adjacent to the “Many benefits may Martin Luther King, Jr. Day RecPlex. This means ner with the be derived from JANUARY 26 that, without giving this type of devel- Science and Innovation Expo 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Nagel Middle School, up a revenue stream, Township and opment, especially 1500 Nagel Road the district will for students who contribute $33,000 Park District participate in Park FEBRUARY 7 a year for 30 years District programs,” Grades 9-12 Parent-Teacher to support lo- Conferences to help provide the said Frooman. By appointment community with an cal recreation “Without the TIF indoor recreation- agreement, the FEBRUARY 18 No School, President’s Day al facility that will programs.” RecPlex renova- benefit all residents, tion would not be FEBRUARY 21 from senior citizens possible and the Grades 7-8 Parent-Teacher who participate in district is proud Conferences By appointment RecPlex activities to FHSD stu- to be a part of partnerships that dents who visit the RecPlex for enhance our community. Under FEBRUARY 28 extracurricular programming. this agreement, the property will Grades PK-6 Parent-Teacher Conferences Anderson Township negotiated be developed. By appointment the terms of a purchase and sale “We are excited that the Dis- agreement with Beech Acres to trict’s contribution will assist the MARCH 15 acquire the RecPlex and surround- Anderson Park District as it con- Distinguished Alumni Awards 11 a.m., Ivy Hills Country Club ing property, will redirect $2 mil- tinues to provide much needed lion from the Township’s portion extracurricular programming and For a complete district of the Stonecrest TIF revenue to services for Forest Hills students, calendar, visit foresthills.edu. combine with the district’s contri- families and seniors.”

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE | 3 FHSD | COMMUNITY UPDATE QUALITY PROFILE: FOREST HILLS SHARES EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF SCHOOLS

Teaching and Learning ➔ A well-rounded education includes a wide variety of engagement, service and academic opportunities to help all students reach their full potential.

DISTRICT ACCOLADES

Ohio Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports Awards earned by Wilson Elementary, Step Up to Quality Turpin High School, 5 Star rating for A+ school district Ayer Elementary preschool program and the 6th Best and Mercer exhibiting excel- District in Hamilton Elementary for lence in learning and County (out of 22) efforts to instill development, family based on academ- positive behavior and community ics, student life and habits and increase partnerships, staff community input. achievement with qualifications, and Source: Niche Ohio Academy of Science Governor’s students administrative and Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in leadership practices. STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), earned by both Anderson and Turpin high schools (2 of only 3 Cincinnati area schools). To support student learning, FHSD provides: PRESCHOOL: one iPad for every five students Top 5% of Ohio KINDERGARTEN: one iPad for every four high schools students based on reading and math assess- FIRST GRADE: one iPad for every student ments, graduation 1 of 4 Hamilton County school one Chromebook for every rates and college districts named to the College Board GRADES 2–6: student preparation. AP District Honor Roll for increased Source: U.S. News student participation and performance GRADES 7–12: “Bring Your Own Device” or and World Report in Advanced Placement courses. a device rental program

4 | FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 QPQUALITY PROFILE

➔ Forest Hills School District’s Quality Profile provides a closer look at accountability measures that are important in a high-quality education: teaching and learning, student wellness, fiscal accountability and partnerships.

STAFF ACCOLADES

Linda Lagemann, Wilson Elementary fourth- grade teacher, was named the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year for her exemplary commitment to student achievement, leadership, parent outreach and volunteerism. 1 of 37 Ohio districts to be named a Best Community for Music Educa- tion in the nation. Source: National Association of Music Merchants Mindy Trujillo, Turpin High School language arts teacher, received the Hamilton County Education Foundation Celebrate Excellence Teaching Award for her high commitment toward student achievement and a teaching style that is engaging, energetic, creative, collaborative and innovative. One of the 2018 Top 15 Large

Workplaces in Cincinnati Brian Lyons, Wilson Elementary assistant principal, (second year in a row) Source: was named the 2018 National Outstanding Cincinnati Enquirer Assistant Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals for demonstrating More than 100 extracurricular exceptional leadership and setting high expecta- activities, 28 sports and more tions for students and staff. than 50 fine and performing arts opportunities.

Wendy Teismann, Wilson gifted teacher, for being 1 of only 104 teachers in the U.S. to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for teachers of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE | 5 FHSD | COMMUNITY UPDATE Teaching and Learning STUDENT ACCOLADES ALUMNI ACCOLADES 7 SENIORS RANK IN THE Petty Officer Third Class TOP 1% Christopher Omedeo, of U.S. high school class of 2011, was students. Source: awarded a Navy and College Board National Marine Corps Achieve- Merit Scholarship ment Medal in 2017. Program Jeff Heimbrock, class of 2011, is currently 8 SENIORS RANK IN THE working on Broadway TOP 5% in “Wicked.” of U.S. high school Andrew Norwell, seniors in the nation Evie Ferguson, Ayer Elementary student, started Book class of 2010, plays in when they were named the World, a project that works to send school supplies the NFL, formerly with National Merit Com- to young girls in the Middle East. the Carolina Panthers mended Students. and currently with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

MORE THAN Ross Roadruck, class of 2006, was named the 2017 Middle Level Art Educator $3.9 of the Year by the Keegan King, a 2018 Ellie Wong, a 2018 Illinois Art Education MILLION Turpin High School Anderson High School Association. in scholarship money graduate, was named the graduate, was named earned by the Anderson Area Chamber the Eastern Hills Ex- Sam Strayley, Anderson and Turpin of Commerce Student change Club Youth of class of 2013, is classes of 2018. of the Year for being a the Year for attaining currently starring in freshman mentor, soccer high levels of scholastic the ABC-TV series scholar athlete, lead trum- achievement, community “The Kids Are Alright.” pet in band and four-year involvement, leadership Honor Roll student while and social service, which demonstrating kindness, lead her to help start a Nader Masadeh, resiliency, collaboration Unified for Uganda chap- class of 1990, is the and a strong work ethic. ter at Anderson. CEO of Buffalo Wings & Rings.

Students exceed national average test scores on the Mike Craycraft, SAT, a test that assesses student college readiness. class of 1990, founded 41 FHSD students the Testicular Cancer FOREST HILLS NATIONAL qualified for the SUBJECTS STUDENT AVERAGE AVERAGE Society. Southwest Ohio Science and Engineering Expo READING/WRITING 607.5 538 at the University of Cincinnati. MATH 608 533

6 | FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 QPQUALITY PROFILE ALUMNI Student ACCOLADES Wellness ➔ A variety of services Stephanie Laing, provide options to ensure all students receive individualized class of 1987, director instruction, enrichment and support. of “Irreplaceable You” and “Veep,” served as executive producer for Later school the HBO series, start times, “Vice Principals,” and implemented has seven Emmy in 2018–19, better support nominations, including student academic success one win. and wellness.

Claudia Mills Anderson, class of 1984, is the vice president at TE Connectivity, a Fortune 500 Company. 60 FHSD high school serve on Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer network Gary Philbin, that supports suicide The Experience The parent resource class of 1975, is the CEO prevention and Program meets the coordinator provides of Dollar Trees Stores in awareness. needs of students who parents with information Chesapeake, Va. experience difficulty in a on special education By calling or traditional high school set- processes, laws, support Bob Dames, texting 1-844- ting by utilizing technol- groups, resources, parent class of 1979, opened SAFEROH, ogy, counseling services workshops and more. the first Flipdaddy’s students and adults can and smaller class sizes to Burgers and Beer anonymously share infor- meet student needs and restaurant in 2010 and mation regarding threats academic goals. has raised more than to school or student safe- $150,000 for the Michael ty 24 hours a day, 7 days Transition programs J. Fox Foundation and a week. Through part- for kindergarteners, FHSD schools earned UC’s Gardner Center. nerships with the Ohio seventh-graders and 2018 Hamilton County Department of Education freshmen help students Public Health Clean Cindy (Richey) Livingston, and the Ohio Department and parents successfully Kitchen Awards for class of 1969, served of Public Safety, the Saf- transition to new schools. sound public health as CEO of Callanen erOH tip line is provided knowledge and sanitation International and is to Forest Hills at no cost. Professional Learning principles. credited with starting Communities support the international busi- FHSD students academically, ness for Guess Watches. partnered socially, emotionally with Grant and physically through Us Hope student ownership FHSD works with Social Nominate a Forest Hills increase of learning, staff Sentinel to proactively graduate for the Distin- student mental health collaboration and job- monitor social media guished Alumni awards at resources and awareness. embedded learning for platforms for information fhfe.org/distinguished- educators. on possible safety and se- alumni-event/. curity threats to schools.

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE | 7 FHSD | COMMUNITY UPDATE Fiscal Stewardship ➔ FHSD’s financial responsibility ensures that the majority of funding is spent on classroom instruction.

WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM:

GENERAL FUND REVENUE In Ohio, the funding of public schools is a shared state and local partnership. The level of state support is largely depen- dent upon the value of the local property tax base. Districts like Forest Hills, with strong local business and residential property tax bases, receive less revenue from the state than a rural district with little business development and more land that is vacant or devoted to farming. The majority of funding for the ordinary operation of the district and the ma- jority of all tax dollars collected for the district is accounted for in the General Fund.

Real Estate Taxes: $40,603,947 Tax Increment Financing: $10,435,686 Public Utility Personal Property Tax: $2,147,579 Other Local Revenue: $2,944,154 State Grants-in-Aid: $19,569,722 State Reimbursements: $5,685,010

Total: $81,386,098

In the 2017–18 school year, Forest Hills’ General Fund revenue was allocated as follows: LOCAL FINANCIAL SOURCES:

Real Estate Taxes: $40,603,947 improvements and to fund payments to the district General property tax is paid by both residential and busi- to compensate in whole or in part for tax payments ness property owners on buildings and land. lost.

Tax Increment Financing: $10,435,686 Public Utility Personal Property Tax: $2,147,579 For years, Forest Hills has partnered with Anderson Town- Public Utility Personal Property is the only source of ship to stimulate economic development in the community. tax revenue for this line item. Forest Hills School District In 1994, the district approved Tax Increment Financing has lost $12 million due to a change in legislation. agreements, a tool used by cities and townships to finance public improvements and support new development in the Other Local Revenue: $2,944,154 community. Under a TIF, property owners still pay the full Other Local Revenue includes investment earnings, rate of tax but tax payments on selected properties are grants, student fees, facility fees, all-day kindergarten redirected to the city or township to finance community tuition and preschool tuition.

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STATE FINANCIAL SOURCES:

State Grants-in-Aid: $19,569,722 State Reimbursements: $5,685,010 The State Foundation program is the allocation of the Homestead/Rollback exemption is the reimbursement of state’s share of the cost of the basic education program, real property tax credits. Residential taxpayers are eligible along with supplements for transportation and gifted to receive a 10 percent and 2.5 percent credit on property education programs. This allocation is different for every tax bills. Seniors are also eligible to receive a homestead school district as it is primarily based on enrollment and exemption for certain qualifying criteria. The state reim- the value of the local property tax base. burses these credits to the district.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES:

Instruction: $50,328,990 Pupil Services: $5,430,851 Instructional Support: $5,118,808 Board and Administrative Services: $5,895,006 Fiscal and Business: $1,770,566 Operations and Maintenance: $5,747,921 Transportation: $3,839,959 Extracurricular Activities: $1,978,054 Support Services: $1,118,779 Other: $7,051,271

Total: $88,280,205

General Fund expenditures for the 2017–18 school year were allocated as follows:

Instruction: $50,328,990 supplement the teaching process. Examples of Pupil Instruction is the largest expenditure category for Services expenditures include counseling, nursing, the district. It accounts for the cost associated with the speech and language, psychological, occupational and direct instruction of all students, including those with physical therapy, and social work services. disabilities and those who are academically gifted. Expenditures included in this category include classroom Instructional Support: $5,118,808 materials, such as textbooks, and teacher salaries and Instructional Support expenditures sustain activities benefits. associated with assisting the instructional staff with materials needed to provide learning experiences for Pupil Services: $5,430,851 pupils. Examples of Instructional Support expenditures These expenditures sustain services designed to include technology services, curriculum development assess and improve the well-being of pupils and to services and educational assistant compensation.

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE | 9 FHSD | COMMUNITY UPDATE Fiscal Stewardship

FHSD dedicates 73% of tax dollars directly to classrooms, more than 10 other Hamilton County districts and more than the state average of 68% of the General Fund, while having a per pupil expenditure that is lower than 11 districts.

SCHOOL DISTRICT COST PER PUPIL PERCENTAGE TO CLASSROOM STATE GRADE

INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE $15,142.00 70.80% A

MARIEMONT CITY $12,387.00 70.50% A

SYCAMORE COMMUNITY CITY $11,996.00 72.20% B

WYOMING CITY $11,787.00 75.60% A

MADEIRA CITY $11,224.00 73.60% A

NORWOOD CITY $10,662.00 74.50% C

PRINCETON CITY $10,223.00 66.30% D

CINCINNATI PUBLIC $10,117.00 62.20% D

DEER PARK COMMUNITY CITY $10,089.00 67.30% C

FINNEYTOWN LOCAL $10,086.00 72.80% D

WINTON WOODS CITY $10,080.00 70.20% D

FOREST HILLS $9,939.00 73.00% B

LOCKLAND LOCAL $9,743.00 58.30% D

MILFORD EXEMPTED VILLAGE $9,078.00 66.90% B

SOUTHWEST LOCAL $8,883.00 69.10% B

MT. HEALTHY CITY $8,806.00 68.70% D

READING COMMUNITY CITY $8,603.00 74.60% C

OAK HILLS LOCAL $8,575.00 71.90% B

ST. BERNARD-ELMWOOD PLACE $8,515.00 79.90% D

NORTHWEST LOCAL $8,416.00 68.50% C

THREE RIVERS LOCAL $8,285.00 67.90% C

NORTH COLLEGE HILL CITY $7,228.00 71.40% F

Board and Administrative Services: $5,895,006 Fiscal and Business: $1,770,566 This category includes expenditures related to activities The Fiscal and Business category includes expenditures that establish and administer policies in connection with related to the financial operations of the school district, operating the school district, along with overall administra- including budgeting and accounting services, auditing, tive responsibility for a single building, a group of build- purchasing, and payroll and benefit processing. Payments ings or the entire district. This category includes support made to the County Auditor and Treasurer to support the personnel for administrative positions. collection of real estate taxes are included in this category.

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Operations and Maintenance: $5,747,921 Transportation: $3,839,959 Operations and Maintenance expenditures include costs Transportation includes costs related to the transporta- related to the repair, maintenance, safety and operation of tion of students to and from school, including school bus buildings and grounds. This category includes all custodial, maintenance and repairs. Operating one of the largest maintenance and utility costs associated with more than transportation systems in the area with a fleet of 77 buses, 1,000,000 square feet of facility space and 150 acres of FHSD transports more than 4,000 students across more grounds and outdoor athletic facilities. than 4,300 miles each day. Transportation is provided to 38 public and private schools with 384 runs daily. Extracurricular Activities: $1,978,054 A part of the General Fund, this category supports Support Services: $1,118,779 the costs associated with enhancing and personalizing This category includes expenditures related to the district each student’s educational experience through more than departments of communications and human resources. 100 extracurricular activities, including comprehensive athletic and performing arts programs. Eighty percent of Other: $7,051,271 Forest Hills’ middle and high school students participate This category includes costs related to needs of the in extracurricular activities. district paid through other funds.

FINANCIAL ACCOLADES

Saving more than $10 million by participating in a health and wellness consortium.

Auditor of State Award recipient for excellence in record keeping and accounting.

Lower tax assessment than Hamilton County school district av- erage. ($1,178 per $100,000 of FHSD home value compared to $1,365 county average). Source: Hamilton County Auditor

Earning a $492,000 grant to purchase busses.

Partnering with parents and local Stretching funding from the organizations to fund student pro- March 2012 operating levy grams, activities and resources: lasted 6 years, rather than the More than $1 million from Anderson intended 3 (funds used only for dai- Township and the Village of New- ly district operations; a bond town police and fire departments levy, such as the one in 2014, funds only construction). More than $440,000 from PTOs/ PTAs/Boosters/FHIMA Saving more than $200,000 More than $250,000 from the For- annually by self-insuring workers est Hills Foundation for Education compensation claims.

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QPQUALITY PROFILE Partnerships Community schools connecting community partners

1 FHSD partners with parents, comm- 4 FHSD develops a strategic vision and yearly goals unity members, alumni and others to through ongoing community feedback. Since 2017, engage and empower students. JOIN more than 6,500 community members have partici- pated in surveys to provide feedback on academics, communication, school start times, finances and more.

Your PTO/A FHIMA The Athletic 5 Through Help Build Hope, Boosters students helped build houses for local families in need. 6 Students helped provide more than The Forest Hills 9United $65,000 in gifts and sustainabili- Foundation Learn more at 9united.org/ for Education events--projects.html ty for more than 850 local Learn more at foresthills.edu/ families through get-involved/volunteer.html. 9United’s Shop & Share event. 2 17 local businesses provided intern- ships for more than 30 FHSD students with disabilities 7 Community schools engaging community through classroom lessons and exploration

PARTNERSHIP ACADEMIC-CONNECTION Chickfil-A P.E. Health and Nutrition Mercy Health-Anderson Hospital Science/STEM and Medical Explorers University of Cincinnati Fusion-Career Exploration Society of Women Engineers Gifted-extension courses Duke Engineering Science, Math

8 FHSD implemented Project Lead the Way, a program that empowers students to design real-world solutions for real-world problems through partnerships with Duke Energy and the Forest Hills Foundation for Education.

3 FHSD students partner with mem- bers of American Legion Post 318 on Poppy Day, an event that supports and honors veterans.

12 | FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 HARD HAT PHOTOGRAPH BY CSABA PETERDI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM VOLUME 3|ISSUE4FALL 2018 ➔ HERE A the 2019-20 schoolyear. site are scheduledto becomplete by thebeginningof ber 2018. AndersonHighSchoolandtheTransportation scheduled. Turpin isslated to becomplete by Decem- Transportation site) are ontrack to becompleted as ed to see thework onthenew bandandpercussion sound. “Ourperforming artsteachers have been excit- turf. This space was also designedto beacoustically easily transported to thefield for performances onthe rently inthespace for the percussion instruments to be room. The area willutilize thegarage doorthat is cur- formerly housedthecardio equipmentintheweight to becomplete by theendofDecember. new space in December.” The bandroom isscheduled much lookingforward to gettingmoved down into our ments interms ofbothspace andquality. We are very “The bandandpercussion areas willbegreat improve- finishes. AHSbanddirector Toby Biederman stated: clude new windows, acoustic panels, flooringandother as office space for thedirectors. The bandspace willin- newly renovated bandspace willincludestorage aswell wrestling room andaportionoftheweight room. The will now belocated inthespace that was previously the began inthebandroom andpercussion room which wrestling room. The performing artswingconstruction cus to theperforming artswing,locker rooms andthe At AndersonHighSchool,theproject hasshifted its fo- ANDERSON HIGHSCHOOL

The percussion room willreside inthearea which SCHOOL PROJECTS REACH THEHOMESTRETCH; THETRANSPORTATION CENTERMOVES AHEAD son HighSchool,Turpin HighSchoolandthe well. The three remaining projects (Ander- projects are beginningto come to acloseas s 2019 fast approaches, FHSDrenovation

WE GROW techniques inamuchmore efficientmanner. This new- our student-athletes withup-to-date equipmentand entire year. They have allowed ourcoaches to prepare positive impactonallofourprograms throughout the ly designedwrestling room. These facilities willhave a gym andare anxiouslyawaiting occupancy ofthenew benefits from ournewly built weight room/auxiliary Chris Newton said,“We have already seennumerous to theathletic facility improvements, athletic director the area. Itwillreceive new finishesas well. In regards will includethecurrent office as well asnew HVAC in such asphysical education. The new wrestling room can alsobeusedfor additionaleducational programs house thewrestling room for AHSwrestlers. This space new auxiliaryspace, theformer weight room willnow December!” saidPrincipalRob Fellows. to move into thesenewly renovated spaces asearly rooms. They cannotwait for theirstudents to beable   Percussion Room Band Room With theconstruction oftheweight room inthe CONSTRUCTION UPDATE |FHSD CONSTRUCTION

FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE|13

- FHSD | CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

level currently housing the choir. Once the band moves into its new area, the choir will move to the current band room to make way for the construction to be- gin upstairs. The new restroom facilities, which will be outside the gym and Titus lobby, will also be part of the work starting in January.

TURPIN HIGH SCHOOL The Turpin construction project is scheduled to be com- pleted in December 2018. Math teachers moved into their new classrooms on October 29. This is the final classroom area to be completed and now the process of Wrestling Room removing the temporary classrooms begins. The floor- ing in the auxiliary gym is scheduled to be put in place in November and finished by December. “Turpin High School will be complete in December of this year which is very exciting. Our students and staff will be able to enjoy the new space completely. While the project finishes in December, we will continue to work on punch list items throughout the next year,” Broadwater said. The new auxiliary gym will provide much need- ed space for students participating in extracurricular activities at Turpin High School. THS Athletic Director Tony Hemmelgarn exclaimed, ”Simply put, an auxiliary gym is a game changer! It not only provides previously unavailable space for cheer and dance teams, but Detention Area for music and other school groups as well. It also clears up space in some of our elementary schools to better found efficiency has given our kids the opportunity to be able to serve their communities. Our people are train even harder than in years past and allows for more fired up!” time with family and studies by getting them home The completed math classrooms include the same earlier each night. At AHS we believe that the desire to furniture and technology that all other classrooms in prepare our student-athletes for life-long success has a the district were outfitted with during the project. The greater precedence than the desire for just a one-ime math department at Turpin was holding classes in the achievement. These new facilities help us to instill our temporary classrooms this school year until the new beliefs!” classrooms were complete. “These new classrooms The detention area behind Charles Brown Stadium are so worth the wait. I feel like this is a fresh start for is complete. This detention area was required due to the rest of our careers. We’ll come to work every day the addition of parking areas on the Anderson High in a bright, dynamic room where students can cover School site. Part of the site package was the inclusion every wall with problems (each room contains three of a footpath running from Forest Road to the student large whiteboards), collaborate with others around parking lot. Mike Broadwater, assistant superintendent, their grouped tables, or pull apart to work individually said, “The footpath will increase safety for students if that’s what they prefer. Everything is shiny and clean who may be walking to school on Forest Road. Ander- and filled with enthusiasm and we are just so happy to son Township officials mentioned the idea to alleviate be here and our students are finally getting to use the foot traffic along Forest Road. FHSD incorporated this furniture teachers chose for them!” said an enthusiastic path into the plans as the area was being re-graded for Lindsey Stelzer, a THS math teacher. the detention area anyway.” Included in each building throughout the district The renovations at Anderson High School will be was the transition to a Learning Commons. Turpin is complete in August of 2019. When the lower level con- no different as the new area is equipped with spaces taining the band and wrestling areas are complete in designed for student creativity. Every classroom has December, the next area to be addressed is the upper utilized the idea of flexibility to create different learning

14 | FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE | FHSD

spaces for students. THS principal Dave Spencer said, “As our renovation project nears its completion, we are already seeing the results. The flexible learning spaces allow our teachers to deliver instruction in ways they have not been able to do effectively before. Consistent space in every classroom and the ability to change the layout of a classroom in just minutes to accommodate group and independent learning has had a direct impact on not only the learning but the attitude of our students and professionals. This has been truly transformational.”

TRANSPORTATION

Plans for the new transportation site will begin in earnest Math Classroom with the idea of being fully functional at the start of the 2019-20 school year. Buses have already been moved to the new site at 3652 Roundbottom Road in Newtown. “Our transportation department, including drivers, me- chanics and supervisors have been extremely patient as the transition from Anderson High School to the new ad- dress has been delayed. The professionalism of our driv- ers has been evident throughout the process and they have been nothing short of amazing,” said Broadwater. Bus driver Dennis Sepeck said, “I have never worked with people as good as the people we have here at FHSD. From the drivers to the mechanics to the supervisors to the administration, they are all willing to help each other to make things the best they can for our students.” Learning Commons

RUNNING THE NUMBERS ➔ A little more than three years after Forest Hills School District passed its $103 million bond in 2014 to update its facilities, seven projects have been completed, with three remaining. The chart below reviews the district’s bond project expenditures to date.

ORIGINAL PROJECT AMOUNT SPENT BRICK AND MORTAR SITE ALLOCATION as of 10/22/2018 DIFFERENCE COMPLETE

ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL $25,692,999 $23,658,556 $2,034,443 Summer 2019

AYER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $5,260,998 $5,419,282 $-158,284 Complete

MADDUX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $6,732,981 $7,482,024 $-749,043 Complete

MERCER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $7,501,002 $7,890,657 $-389,655 Complete

NAGEL MIDDLE SCHOOL $2,990,000 $2,783,389 $206,111 Complete

SHERWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $5,310,998 $5,640,548 $-329,550 Complete

SUMMIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $7,236,798 $7,313,860 $-77,063 Complete

TURPIN HIGH SCHOOL $23,487,002 $22,790,154 $696,848 December 2018

WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $15,600,000 $15,358,112 $241,888 Complete

TOTAL $99,812,778 $98,336,583 $1,476,195

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018 FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE | 15 Non-profit US Postage PAID Cincinnati, OH Permit No. 1117

Communication Department 7946 Beechmont Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45255

All Day Kindergarten Save the Date!

For the 10th year, Forest Hills students and residents will participate in Shop & Share, a service event hosted by 9United, an organi- zation that partners with FHSD to provide service opportunities to students. During the event, students, parents and community members partner with Target on Beechmont Avenue to shop for local families in need.

• Week of November 26: Students participate in donation drives to generate funds for Shop & Share, as well as year- long service opportunities.

• December 5: Students and community Forest Hills School District will offer tuition-based, all-day kinder- members meet at the Beechmont garten during the 2019–20 school year. The program tuition is Target to shop for necessities, wishes and $3,000. Financial assistance will be available to those who qualify. surprises for more than 850 local families in need. Enjoy free popcorn and drinks Forest Hills will continue to offer a half-day kindergarten program. from Target! Both programs will meet the same curricular goals; all-day kinder- Come join the fun, community event that garten will provide additional time for learning, discovery wand shows when people of all ages, backgrounds enrichment. and talents come together, we can positively impact a community! A parent information night will be held on January 3, 2019 from 6:15p.m. to 7:45p.m. at your child’s elementary school. Kindergarten Learn more at registration begins online on January 4, 2019, at 9 a.m. 9united.org/shop-share-2018.html

16 | FHSD COMMUNITY UPDATE VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2018