AMHERST SCHOOLS
Committed to Academics, Service and Community
BACK TO SCHOOL News
School Start/Dismissal Times Updated
K-3: Shupe and Powers Elementary Schools 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
4-6: Harris Elementary and Nord Middle School 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
7-12: Amherst Junior High and High School 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Please consult with your child’s building website for drop off and dismissal procedures.
School Bus Safety Rules
We are pleased to be able to expand bus transportation services this school year. The following
rules are designed to ensure student safety and minimize bus driver disruption when the bus is in
motion. Please review these safety rules with your student prior to the first day of school.
1. To increase pedestrian safety, we suggest bus riders arrive at their assigned bus stop five
minutes in advance of their buses’ scheduled arrival time
2. When boarding the bus, take your seat quickly and quietly
3. Remain seated when bus is in motion
4. Once students have boarded the bus, they will not be permitted to leave the bus unless
directed to by the principal and/or teacher
5. Keep hands, feet and objects to self
6. Speak quietly
7. Quiet at all railroad crossings and bus turnarounds
8. No smoking, chewing tobacco or open flame on the bus
9. No eating, drinking, chewing gum or taking oral medications on the bus
10. No animals or pets will be transported
11. No profane language
12. No one shall cause damage to the bus
13. The District’s Code of Conduct applies to students when on the bus.
Rules of the Road: When Do Drivers Stop for the Bus?
As a reminder to all drivers, the following is the Ohio law regarding stopping for a school bus
displaying flashing lights.
If a bus is stopped on a street or road that has fewer than 4 lanes, all traffic in both
directions must stop for the flashing lights.
IF a bus is stopped on a street or road that has 4 or more lanes only traffic proceeding
in the same direction as the bus must stop for the flashing lights.
You may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled to do so by
the school bus driver.
Lunch Prices Unchanged for 2009-2010
The Amherst School District Food Services operations are self-sufficient and use no local tax
dollars. Compared to commercial food establishments, school lunches continue to be a bargain
for nutritious food. School menus are available on each building’s website. For the 2009-2010
school year, there is no increase in school lunch prices. Lunch prices are as follows:
Grades 1-6: $2.50
Grades 7-12: $2.75
Milk: $.50
The Amherst School District participates in the Federal School lunch program. Applications for
participation in this program will be distributed on the first day of school. The applications are
also available on our school web site. Participants need to complete a new application every
school year by September 25, 2009.
If you think that you may qualify for the program, complete the applications and return with your
student at their school building. Every year a new application has to be completed and kept on
file unless you have Direct Certification.
Pre Pay Lunch Program Improved
Based on positive response from parents, the Amherst School District will continue the credit
card pre payment system for lunch accounts. This system enables parents to apply money to
their children’s lunch accounts by credit card. Starting this school year there is no internet fee
for using this service.
This system uses Visa and Mastercard. Parents can use the link on the website or log in to
www.payforit.net to register their account. Parents that used the system last year, do not need to
re-register.
If you have questions,sSpecific details and instructions can be found on the website or by
contacting the building level food services manager at your child’s school..
Comet Connection
Amherst Schools Snapshots
August 2009
Transitions: People on the Move
Welcome to Tom Durham, as Nord Middle School Principal. Tom brings nine years of experience as a
building administrator and 27 years of experience in education. He will be replacing Todd Stuart, who
has agreed to serve as Interim Operations Coordinator while Hal Kendrick, is on a military leave of
absence in the Middle East as part of his Ohio National Guard service.
Beginning next August, Todd Stuart will become, Director of Curriculum Services, replacing Judy
Alexander, Director of Educational Services who will become Co Supervisor of Technology and Media
Services. We wish the best of luck to Tom, Todd, Judy, Hal and his Transportation and Logistics
Division.
Welcome to Sarah Yoder who joins the District as Grant Writer/Coordinator of Special Programs. In
addition to seeking new sources of grant revenue, her focus will be to coordinate the professional
development process.
Goodbye and Thank you to our retiring staff and faculty: David Bragg, Jill Harmych, Robert Jones,
Mary Jo Moluse, June Ondo, Sherryl Saccardi, Teresa Winiasz. Collectively, they represent nearly
200 years of service to Amherst students.
Summer Projects Improve Safety and Relieve Traffic Congestion
This summer, Permanent Improvement funds, were used to improve student safety and reduce traffic
congestion. The projects were high priorities for the Administration and Board of Education. “These
projects serve as tangible reminders that we are listening to our community and are committed to
keeping our facilities well maintained and safe,” said Superintendent Steve Sayers. The permanent
improvement funds come from a separate fund dedicated only to facilities improvement. It cannot be
used for operations: books, salaries, supplies. It is supported by a separate levy approved by voters.
A new connecting road was completed between the parking lots at the Junior High School and Harris
Elementary. This new traffic pattern should help reduce traffic congestion at each school while
providing easy access to additional parking for events at either school. The new road also provides a safe
way for students to walk to the schools while offering parents new opportunities to safely pick-up or
drop-off students at the Junior High School or Harris.
“The change in school hours of operation and improved traffic flow will provide a safe and convenient
campus like setting for students at both schools, said acting Business Supervisor, Todd Stuart. I
appreciate all the groundwork that Hal Kendrick completed before he left for his military service. His
work turned this project into a reality.”
In a separate high school project, acres of surface parking lots received a fresh top coat of asphalt. This
eliminated potholes and improved the flow of traffic at this busy site.
Middle School Takes Action to Improve Reading Scores
While the District has an earned an “Excellent” academic rating from Ohio for the eighth straight year,
the Ohio Department of Education has identified Nord Middle School as needing “school
improvement.” The Federal No Child Left Behind Act requires school districts to identify school
buildings within their district that have not made sufficient progress in
one or more content areas for at least two years in a row. This year, Nord
Middle School is in Year Two of School Improvement in the area of
Reading.
To enter School Improvement, a school has to not achieve the Adequate
Yearly Progress indicator in the same component for two consecutive
years. The Adequate Yearly Progress measurement is a complex tool
based upon 10 statistical groupings that cover a variety of factors including gender, race, learning needs
and ethnicity. Failure to make adequate progress by any one of the subgroups can reflect on the whole
school. Nord Middle School had this occur in Reading.
Amherst Schools have a long standing tradition and commitment to ensuring each child reaches their
fullest potential. Upon learning of this designation last year, Nord Staff created a plan. The plan yielded
resulted in improvement in student reading performance. However, under the rules set forth by the No
Child Left Behind mandate, they are still considered as School Improvement until they show progress for
two years in row.
You can learn more about this process at the Nord Middle School website.
Search for Children with Disabilities
Schools are required by law to identify, evaluate and serve children with disabilities from the ages of 3
to 21. Preschool children between the ages of three and five are eligible for assessments if the child has a
suspected deficit in communication, hearing, motor, vision, cognitive or adaptive skills or having a
developmental delay. School-age children are identified as disabled with the following disabilities;
autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, hearing impairment, cognitive disabilities, multiple disabilities,
orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, emotional disturbance, specific learning disability,
speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury or visual impairment. If you have, or know about,
a child up to the age of 21 who has, or is suspected of having, a disability, living within the boundaries
of the Amherst School District and NOT currently served by the school district, please call Dr. Judith
Hudgins, Director of Special Education at (440) 988-4406 or e-mail judy_hudgins@amherstk12.org
leaving contact information: your name, address, phone number/e-mail, so further information may be
gathered about the child.
Federal Funds Notice: Public Comment
Amherst Schools has received notification of their entitlement of federal funds for the school year
2009-2010 allocated in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act, IDEIA Part B, Public Law.
Utilization of these funds is designated to serve children with disabilities.
Persons who wish to comment on how to utilize these designated funds should submit their written
suggestions to Dr. Judith Hudgins Director of Special Education by e-mail
judy_hudgins@amherstk12.org.
Amherst Schools Fast Facts: Did You Know …
Finances
Expenditure per pupil is $8327, lower than the State average of $9990 and the $8928
average for our 14 member Statewide school peer group that includes North Ridgeville,
Midview and Olmsted Falls School Districts
Employs fewer teachers and administrators than school peer group
Academics
Earned the highest academic rating “Excellence with Distinction” from Ohio; - Tops in
Lorain County for 8 Years in a row
Over 4300 students enjoy a challenging curriculum and wide ranging extra-curriculars
Teaching staff has the highest attendance (96.1%) rate of all Lorain County Districts.
Learn more visit: www.amherst.k12.oh.us.
Amherst Schools Strategic Plan
2009-2012
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual
accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to
attain uncommon results. Andrew Carnegie
Strategic Planning Cabinet: Working Together to Help Shape the Future
The Strategic Planning Cabinet, your neighbors and coworkers, used the data gathered from community members,
students and employees to develop the vision, beliefs goals and action plans.
Howard Akin, Judy Alexander, Shirley Antel, Wendy Barrett, Beth Burgett, Colleen Burman, Karen Casper-Linn,
Lisa Dadas, Charles Deremer, Andrea Dolacki, Mike Gillam, Teresa Gilles, Carolyn Hamm, Tammi Hill, Darlene
Isaacs, Kim Jasinski, Debbie Kelley, Norm Miller, Valerie Neidert, Paula Roth, Steve Sayers,
John Schmitkons, Todd Stuart, Chuck Winiarski
Vision for the Amherst School District:
By June 2012, the employees of Amherst Schools - in partnership with families and the
community – will create the best academic district in Northeast Ohio - by preparing students to
excel through challenging curriculum and innovative instruction supported by up-to-date
technology provided in safe and improving facilities. Our actions shall be supported by
aligning resources in a fiscally responsible way.
Guiding Beliefs: Amherst School District
We Believe:
• Expectations should be set high.
• Achievement is the foundation of the growth and success of a person and organization.
• Respect is reciprocal.
• Individuals possess the self-discipline to pursue excellence.
• Members of an organization communicate thoughtfully and constructively.
• Integrity, respect, compassion and flexibility are at the foundation for all activities and
actions.
• Change, innovation, diversity and growth are drivers of excellence.
• Excellent results are a result of accountability, teamwork, commitment and shared,
focused goals.
• There is strength in connectedness among families - schools - communities.
• The balance of character and academics is essential to being a responsible citizen.
• Successful organizations support freedom, independence and trust.
• Learning occurs best in a disciplined environment where everyone accepts the
consequences of their behavior.
• “WE ROCK.”
•
Together We Work to Achieve these Goals:
• Academic Achievement:
• The District will annually achieve the State’s highest academic rating.
• All students will graduate prepared to be successful.
•
• Climate and Communication:
• Create climate and procedures so that community members, students and employees feel
welcomed in each building.
• Address social, emotional, physical and health needs of students through programming
and recognition of achievements.
• The District will promote and conduct open two-way communication among district
personnel and between school personnel and the entire community they serve.
• Community Engagement:
• The District will promote, facilitate and expand partnerships among students, parents,
staff and community.
• Facilities:
• Repair and update facilities and technology to provide a safe, cost effective and
educationally appropriate environment for students, staff and community.
• Financial Operations:
• Fund and efficiently manage a school budget that adequately provides for quality
educational programs, facilities and staffing while operating as a financially secure and
stable district.
• Enhance Revenues
• Operations Improvement:
• Enhance school operations and procedures to be responsive to internal and external
needs without compromising academic goals.
Strategic Planning: A Community Blueprint for Excellence
Meeting the Student Achievement Challenge
The Amherst School District has completed the development of a three year strategic plan. The Strategic
Plan is a “connecting point” between the school district and the community. Based upon community and
internal aspirations for the District, the plan is designed to stretch our thinking while setting tangible and
measurable goals, said Superintendent Sayers. The plan reflects the hardwork and input of about 150
people who represent a cross section of citizens, business people and members of local governments, plus,
school employees (Board, administration, teachers, staff) and students.
A core group, called the Strategic Planning Cabinet, used the data from community members, students
and employees to develop a final set of recommended areas for action to Superintendent Sayers in May.
Superintendent Sayers then worked with his building and district administrators to create a list of first
year priorities and district action plans. The nearly year long effort was culminated when the entire Plan
and the first year’s recommendations were approved unanimously by the Board of Education in June.
The District will actively communicate the plan and its contents over the next few months to ensure
residents, employees and students have a full understanding of what the Strategic Plan is and is not about.
As the school year begins, each building and department leader will begin working with employees,
students and residents to design their specific actions and begin the implementation process.
Student Achievement-The Driving Force
Over the next three years, the Plan will provide a framework for the community to apply as they work to
resolve the challenges of sustaining high levels of academic achievement while providing the facilities,
technology, communication, ongoing operational improvement and a teaching and learning climate
needed to support student achievement.
The Strategic Plan is designed to be a unifying force to energize and focus people and resources toward a
common set of goals. We think that in such turbulent times, three years enables the district to set realistic
goals based upon realistic assumptions about the future. This project based approach enables the District
to both coordinate and focus actions while allocating limited resources on a set of common organizational
priorities.
Learn More/Review the Plan
The Strategic Plan defines shared school and community expectations. The Plan has two main parts. The
first section contains the mission, beliefs, objectives, strategies and philosophical principles that serve as
the foundation on which all actions and decisions will be based. The second part of the Plan contains a set
of tangible, achievable, specific action plans that will define the action at the District, building and
individual level. A complete list of the action areas and district plans can be found at this link:
http://www.amherst.k12.oh.us/administration/strategicplan/pdfs/districtactionplans_june09.pdf