Carlisle Local School District
Summer 2016
The Torch Has Been Passed to You!!
By Larry Hook,
Superintendent
To the Class of 2016:
As we close another exciting year at Carlisle Local
Schools, I want to direct my comments to the graduating
class of 2016. It is always exciting at this time of year as
another class is about to close out
one chapter of their lives and begin a
new one.
I must first tell each of you in the
Class of 2016 how proud I am of all
your accomplishments. You have
had a tremendous year. There has
been excitement, achievement, and
successes in the classroom, on the
athletic field, in the performing arts,
and many other areas. Also, there have been a few tears.
What is important, however, is that you cherish the memories of your high school years and press forward with
what lies ahead. Your destiny awaits you … all you have
to do is begin and remember three important points as
you move forward.
Do what is right. Every one of you knows the difference between right and wrong … choose right. You
know the difference between good and bad … choose
good. You know the difference between class and classless … choose class. I also realize that doing the right
thing may not always be popular with your friends … do
it anyway. In the final analysis, when you’re looking at
yourself in the mirror tonight, and no one else is around,
what will you see? Or better yet, who will you see staring
back at you? Hopefully, someone you can be proud of.
Do your best. Your time on this earth is precious and
valuable. The life expectancy for Americans is approximately 76 years. This sounds like a long time, especially
when your 18; however, when you consider how long
this planet has been in existence or how long mankind
has walked this Earth, then 76 years is more like a
“moment.” Do not waste one moment doing something
that is not your best, because you a paying a high price
for it. God gives us all the talents we need to reach our
destiny, you just have to provide the effort. So, if you’re
going to college, be the best student. If you’re going directly into the work force, be the best employee. If
you’re going into the military, be the best soldier. When
you reach the twilight of your years, and you have your
grandson or granddaughter on your knee and you begin
to tell them of your life and accomplishments you will be
able to tell them how you were so successful because of
your efforts, rather than the “what ifs” or “if I only would
have…”
The third and final point I want to emphasize with
you is to remember the “golden rule.” Treat other people
the way you want to be treated. Respect and dignity for
your fellow students, teachers, parents, and others are
NOT old-fashioned and will NEVER go out of style.
Truly successful people are not successful because they
“stepped on everyone” on their way to the top. They got
there by making good choices, doing what is right, doing
their very best, and helping a lot of other people get what
they wanted, and so, they have reaped the benefits.
In closing, I am so thankful that I see these qualities
in so many of you. Because of this, it is easy for me to
repeat the words of President John F. Kennedy, “Let the
word go forth from this time and place … that the torch
has been passed to a new generation of Americans …”
Good luck, best wishes and may God richly bless each
and everyone of you.
SENIOR AWARDS: May 16 @ 8:30 a.m.
SENIOR PICNIC: May 16 (after awards)
SENIOR EXAMS: May 17-20
SENIOR DAY: May 20
SENIOR FIELD TRIP: May 23
BACCALAUREATE: May 26 @ 7 p.m.
GRADUATION PRACTICE: May 26 @ 9 a.m.
GRADUATION: May 28 @ noon
Bringing the School Year … and False Rumors … to a Close
By Brad Potter,
Carlisle High School Principal
As we fast approach the summer months, I am a bit
stunned that the school year is nearly a memory. Time
stops for no one at Carlisle High School!
I believe fourth quarter poses the greatest challenge to
our students. School seems long, and it may be harder to
maintain that academic effort. Please pay attention to
your student’s grades and encourage best effort. If you begin to see
a slide, react to it. Speak to your
student about his or her level of
effort. Don’t be afraid to contact
the classroom teacher to ask for
assistance. Please know the staff
here at Carlisle High School is
dedicated to ensuring that each
student learns. Contact us and see
if we can be of help in identifying
strategies that may better assist your child. It’s a team
effort!
I also encourage you as supportive parents to reflect
on the successes of your child. Let your student know
you are proud of his or her accomplishments. It never
hurts to sit your child down and share how proud you are
of their academic work and achievements.
On an entirely different note, I would like to speak to
you about a topic that has been coming up more than I
would like at Carlisle High School. There is a very troublesome rumor/belief that is circulating that needs to be
addressed. The rumor centers on drug use at the high
school and goes something like this: “They had a drug
search at the high school last week, and 26 students were
caught with drugs. Carlisle High School is filled with
drugs.”
Unfortunately, that rumor was entirely inaccurate.
Please allow me to explain. We have periodic and random K-9 searches of our campus, which includes the
lockers inside the building and our parking lot. We have
police officers and their dogs from several adjacent counties and municipalities assist us in a search. The last K-9
search was performed by four officers and their dogs
combing our campus. It should be noted this is purely
voluntary on our part and comes at no cost to the district.
During the last search, we had three lockers and two
cars that the dogs “alerted on.” An “alert” occurs when
the dog smells the substance he is trained to detect, and
he reacts by “pointing” out the locker or vehicle. The
locker/vehicle is then searched. Please know that the
lockers are the property of Carlisle Local School District,
and as such we are allowed to search them at any time.
Vehicles are a bit trickier, but the bottom line is that if a
dog has alerted on a car – the police now have probable
cause and we are, by law, allowed to search the vehicle.
Any contraband found in the car is considered the property of the vehicle’s owner or primary user.
The assumption being made in some circles is that
students who had the dogs alert on their vehicle are
guilty of drug possession. This is simply not the case. Of
the five hits on our student lockers and cars which resulted in a search – nothing was found. There are numerous
“false alerts” during a sweep. False alerts can occur for a
variety of reasons:
1) The dog is not infallible and neither is its handler.
Occasionally, the actions of the dog can be misinterpreted.
2) We have had instances where the vehicle in question was a recently purchased, used vehicle.
Tip: Vacuum and clean any recently purchased
vehicle thoroughly!
3) Virtually any other way that the smell of marijuana
could have been transferred to you or your belongings. The dog is simply reacting to the scent.
So you see, not every student we speak to on the day
of a search is guilty of anything. During each search, I do
my best to treat each student with dignity and respect
because I know there is a great likelihood we will find
nothing, and the student is guilty of nothing. We will
give each parent, regardless of the results of the search, a
call just to let you know what occurred.
The reason for these searches is that they serve as a
deterrent. I am not naïve enough to believe that all of our
students are drug-free. I am also not cynical enough to
believe that every student is a drug user. What I do know
is that we will do whatever we can to ensure our campus
is drug-free. So we will search. And we will respond to
information concerning drug use or the trafficking of
drugs.
In the unfortunate event that we find some illicit substance on our campus, the appropriate consequences will
follow. Those consequences certainly include suspension, and quite possibly could include expulsion, as well
as the police will be notified.
It is the least enjoyable component of my job. However,
students know what is at risk. They know we will take
every measure to ensure the safety of all our students and
staff.
You as a parent have quite a bit more control over this
than we do. Talk to your student about drugs. Let your
child know that it is not ok and keep pounding that message. Make sure your child knows what your response
will be if they choose to use.
If you ever have questions or concerns about any of
this topic - or any other issue - please contact me at 937746-4481, ext. 400, or via email at
[email protected].
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Premier Health Drive Smart Program
Offers Mock Crash Demonstration to
Carlisle High Students
Photos by Tanya Wells
The Mock Crash took place on Tuesday,
May 3, to provide our students with a
first-hand look at the very real dangers of
driving while impaired or distracted.
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE:
Premier Health Careflight Drive Smart Program, State Farm, Sandy’s Towing,
Carlisle Fire Department, Carlisle Police Department, Franklin Township Emergency Services,
Careflight, and Laura Seger.
All time and resources were donated by these organizations to support our students!
HOW TO REACH US:
Carlisle Local Schools, 724 Fairview Dr., Carlisle, OH 45005
937-746-0710
937-746-0438 (fax)
Transportation
Alden Brown Elementary
Chamberlain Middle School
Ext. 611
937-746-7610
937-746-3227
Food Service
Grigsby Intermediate
Carlisle High School
Ext. 560
937-746-8969
937-746-4481
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Chamberlain Prepares for Finish of 2015-2016 School Year
By Dan Turner,
Chamberlain Middle School Principal
As the school year comes to an end, we can reflect upon what a great year it has been here at CMS. We have
had many successes; academically, athletically, and socially. The culture of our building truly changed this year, for the best. We started early in the year with Re-Do Day. It was a
great two days full of activities aimed at bringing our students together and alleviating the
bullying problem common in all middle schools. The students learned a lot about one another and learned empathy towards their fellow students. We will be continuing with this program every other year.
On May 6, we invited fifth grade students to come to the middle school for a little preview
of what to expect as a sixth grader. Our goal was for students to be able to meet teachers,
work with lockers, and get a better idea of how the middle school building works.
On May 12, eighth grade students participated in "Real Money, Real World," offered by
the The Ohio State University Extension program. Students will engage in an interactive,
hands-on experience of making lifestyle and budget choices similar to what adults face on a
daily basis.
Prior to this day, students will choose an occupation based off their GPA and will randomly be given a family
with different number of kids. Based on their occupation, salary and family, students will then rotate through a
simulation and attempt to pay all of their bills for the month. At the end of their simulation, the goal is to have money left over for the month.
This experience opens their eyes to understand how the real world works when they need to provide for more
than just their self. It allows students to see how expensive it can be to raise children and how unexpected issues
can arise and be a burden on the family when you're not prepared mentally, emotionally or financially.
We are achieving great things on the academic front as well. Our Value-Added score overall was an A. We also
achieved A’s in the following sub-categories: Gifted, Students with Disabilities, and Lowest 20% in Achievement.
We are currently ranked fourth in the State in the Vocabulary Bowl on Vocabulary.com. We also had over 100 students with GPA’s over 3.25 who are eligible to apply for National Junior Honor Society.
Students are very active in extra-curricular activities as well. The band this year has seen a huge increase in participants. The sixth grade metro basketball teams enjoyed success with the sixth grade girls winning the tournament and the sixth grade boys earning second place. The middle school cheer squad was very successful this year
winning several first place trophies at area competitions. Our National Junior Honor Society, along with Student
Council, ran a canned food drive. They also organized Pennies for Patients, participated in Middle School Mash
Up, and took part in Fall Fest.
Drawing a successful school year to a close, I wish each of our students a wonderful summer, and good luck to
our eighth grade students who will be moving on to Carlisle High School next year.
Carlisle for Youth Speech
Competition Shows Talent
The Carlisle for Youth final speech competition
was held March 16. Fourteen students from the
preliminary round competed. Results are:
3rd and 4th Grade Category:
1st place: Katelyn White
2nd place: Chloe Lucas
3rd place: Dustin Huffman
5th and 6th Grade Category:
1st place: Samantha Hatton
2nd place: Addi Lucas
3rd place: Elsie Dobbins
7th - 11th Grade Category:
1st place: Olivia McAtee
2nd place: McKenzie Hatton
3rd place: Zoe Fowler
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New Legislation May Impact Teaching Next School Year
By Dan Michael,
Curriculum Director
There are two pieces of legislation that have potential to impact teaching next year and beyond.
First, here in Ohio a revision of Ohio learning
standards is underway as required by a recent state
law.
Since full implementation of the last change in
learning standards is really only in its second year, it
would be unrealistic to see significant changes in
Ohio’s learning standards at this time. Sometime this
summer we will see the final product of this revision
process.
Any significant changes will lead to a requirement
for implementation in a few years. Minor changes
might be implemented in the coming 2016-2017
school year.
Secondly, a new act of Congress given the acronym
ESSA is a replacement of the “No Child Left Behind”
legislation which is close to 15 years old.
Attention 7th Grade Parents:
New Vaccination Required
by Health Department
The Ohio Department of Health is now requiring that your child receive a Tdap
(tetanus, diphtheria, and
pertussis) vaccine AND a
meningococcal vaccine prior to entering 7th grade.
If your child has already
received this vaccine, please
send in a copy of his/ her
vaccination record so that
we can update your child’s
student record.
Any student who has not received the
TDAP and meningococcal vaccines by September 13 will be excluded from school and
all absences are considered unexcused.
For questions, call Rebecca Baker, RN, at
937-746-7610, extension 134.
ESSA still requires the same amount of testing;
this level of testing has been in Ohio for over 10 years.
However, the goals that state
schools are required to set are
now left up to the individual
states.
There also remains a
requirement to look at how
different groups of students
achieve compared with one
another. Any achievement
gaps between groups must
then be addressed by districts.
Again, most educators do not see a large difference
in how Ohio operates.
For the students and educators in Carlisle Local,
next year will represent a third year of teaching with
Ohio’s new learning standards. This will provide
opportunities to add new lessons and assessments to
further build the skills of our students.
Summer and Sun Safety
1. Minimize sun exposure especially during
peak times 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
2. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen 30SPF or
higher
3. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure
4. Reapply sunscreen often
5. Wear a hat and sunglasses
6. Use lip balm of 15SPF or higher
7. Prevent sunburn
8. Sunburn blisters are 2nd degree burns see
a doctor
9. Examine skin regularly
ABCDE of skin cancer
a) A Symmetry
b) Border
c) Color
d) Diameter
e) Elevation
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Grigsby Intermediate Set for the End of the Year
What an incredible year we have had at Grigsby
Intermediate. Our third graders
transitioned well from Alden
Brown, and fourth graders
emerged as true leaders in our
school. Grigsby’s fifth graders
are set to move up to the middle
school, and while we don’t want
to see them go, we wish them all
the best as they journey down
the road.
To continue with learning
over the summer break, the Franklin Library has an
excellent summer reading program. Please consider
getting your child involved as students have a great
time, and they have the chance to win some incredible
prizes.
As we look toward the end of the school year, I
want to share with you a few important events and activities:
Field Day - Third grade field day will be held on
May 16, fourth grade field day will be held on May
18, and fifth grade field day will be held on May 20.
Please call the school for specific times.
Last week of school - A number of celebrations
will be held this week. Please check with your child’s
teachers for grade/class specific celebrations.
On May 25, we will hold our annual talent show.
The talent show will be held from noon-2 p.m. Including as many acts as we can, this show will be for all
grades. Everyone is welcome to attend, and details will
be sent home by the classroom teacher.
Our school-wide end-of-the-year celebration will
be May 26. Third grade awards ceremony will be 8:30
-9:15 a.m., fourth grade awards will be 9:30-10:15
a.m., and fifth grade awards will be 10:30-11:15 a.m.
The school picnic will be 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Again, everyone is welcome to attend and details will
be sent home with your child.
If your schedule permits, please consider joining us
in some of the end of year merriments. If you have any
questions, feel free to contact me at 937-746-8969, or
via email: [email protected].
Reading – It’s the Key to
Year-Round Success!
Kindergarten Registration
for 2016-2017 school year
By Shane Estep,
Grigsby Intermediate Principal
By Mike Milner,
Alden Brown Elementary Principal
As we approach the end of the school year and enter the summer months, I want to
take a few moments to emphasize
how important it is for your child
to read and/or be read to each
day, even throughout the summer.
Not only will your child enjoy
learning about new things or losing themselves in a make-believe
story, they’ll also be set up for
continued success in school.
I want our parents to know that the staff at Alden
Brown Elementary, including me personally, are happy to assist you in finding appropriate reading options
for your child. Please feel free to email you child’s
teacher, or me at [email protected], for
assistance with reading recommendations.
Thank you and happy reading!
If you will be registering a child for kindergarten
for the 2016-2017 school year,
please call the school at 937-746-7610
as soon as possible to set up an appointment
with Phyllis Lilly, the principal’s secretary.
The earlier we are students registered,
the more effectively we can plan for next year.
In order for a child to be eligible to attend
kindergarten during the 2016-2017 school year,
he/she must be 5 years of age on or before August 1.
When you come to register your child,
bring the following with you:
child’s original birth certificate, any applicable
custody papers, shot/immunization records for your
child, parent/guardian driver’s license, and proof of
residency (ONE of the following: Rent/Lease
Agreement, Mortgage Account Statement/Mortgage
Coupon Book, Settlement Statement, Copy of Deed,
Land/Purchase Contract).
For questions, call the school or email Principal
Mike Milner at [email protected].
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