MasonBuzz.com

Michael D. Clark and Sue Kiesewetter report:

Thousands of students in four northern suburbs are starting the school year in new schools.

In Butler County, Talawanda and Edgewood schools open newly constructed high schools and in Warren County’s Little Miami Schools, two previously shuttered schools are being prepared to open soon.

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And Wednesday Mason Schools – Warren County’s largest school system – starts an historical experiment with the first school consolidation in the top-rated district’s history.

More than 1,800 students – including 180 from the Catholic Royalmont Academy – have been shifted to new schools starting Wednesday.

Officials at the 11,000-student district closed Mason Heights Elementary, shifting hundreds of students to Western Row Elementary and the Mason Early Childhood Center. The Mason Heights building was then sold to Royalmont, which is moving from its much smaller Mason school campus into a bigger school.

“It’s just great,” Tony Feraro, executive director of Royalmont, said Tuesday. “We’ve gone from 23,000 square feet to 105,000 square feet and it’s a remarkable facility.”

Mason’s shifting of about 1,600 students to different schools has gone well, said Tracey Carson, spokeswoman for the district.

“Not only is the plan really coming together, but so are our students – literally. Our principals and teachers have done an outstanding job of making this historic step for our district go smoothly,” she said.

Little Miami Schools remain under state control and in “fiscal emergency” But a tax levy approval by voters in fall 2011 – after eight ballot rejections – has the Warren County district headed toward solvency and return of local autonomy in 2013.

The district’s enrollment is growing again and two schools – Harlen-Butlerville and Hamilton-Maineville – that closed in recent years as the district sank into financial distress are being re-opened.

Little Miami Superintendent Greg Power said the community supported the re-opening of the two buildings.

“Our current enrollment numbers are showing a nearly 400student increase over our population last year,’’ Power said. “If we hadn’t opened these schools, overcrowding would have made it next to impossible to provide a quality learning environment for our students.”

The new Talawanda High School began classes Monday, welcoming nearly 1,100 students and a new Edgewood High School opened its doors Tuesday with more than 1,150 students.

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: catholic royalmont academy, closed, consolidations, little miami, mason early childhood center, mason heights elementary, mason schools, talawanda, tony feraro, tracey carson, warren county, western row elementary

Michael D. Clark reports:

Continuing a trend of recent years Mason school officials Tuesday announced another round of job cuts totaling about $1.6 million for next school year.

The Mason school board unanimously approved the elimination of 39.5 positions next school year, including 17 teaching jobs with some job losses brought on by a consolidation of schools.

The latest round of budget reductions in Mason schools, which has an annual operating budget of $100 million, brings to $6 million in reductions since the 2010-2011 school year.

These cuts now total 108 school jobs eliminated in the last two school years.

Mason Schools Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline said it was with “great sadness” that she proposed the latest down-sizing.

The cuts in the last two school years have been largely among non-teaching personnel. Teaching jobs have been reduced by 37 positions or 5 percent of all cuts – the lowest percentage of reductions among the various types of school jobs eliminated, she said.

“By making the tough decisions now,” Kist-Kline told the board “we have tried to protect those that are closest to our students.”

The consolidation of Mason Heights Elementary into Western Row Elementary and Mason Early Education Center next school year will also save $700,000 during the 2012-2013 school year, said officials.

And, said Kist-Kline, the $6 million in total reductions during the last two school years has helped to keep Mason from asking residents for any new school tax hike for the rest of 2012.

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: budget, gail kist-kline, jobs, mason early education center, mason heights elementary, mason school board, mason schools, reductions, teachers, western row elementary

Mason Mayor David Nichols recently took time to read to third grade students at Mason Heights Elementary. Photo provided

Mason’s mayor recently took some time to connect with the city’s youngest residents.

Mayor David Nichols read the book “Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor” to third grade students at Mason Heights Elementary.

“Mayor Nichols was outstanding with the kids – he did great special voices for the characters in the book, and we all loved having him at Mason Heights,” said Eric Messer, school principal.

Nichols spoke to students about the importance of reading and answered a few questions about his job as mayor.  When asked about the best part of his job, the mayor replied, “Helping people.  Always help people when you can.”

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: books, david nichols, mason, mason heights elementary, mayor, read, students

Shields, 9, is now a third grader at Mason Heights Elementary. She was adopted from an orphanage run by nuns in Bangalore, India when she was four years old. In this provided photo, taken when she was adopted, is Molly, bottom center, her adoptive parents, Gary and Teri Shields, at top, and their biological son, Luke, at left. In the center is Sister Alice Ann, from the orphanage and Kusma, a caretaker with the orphanage at right. The other two children are orphans, Madhavi, at left, and Francis at right. Francis has since been adopted to a French family.

Michael D. Clark reports:

One week after birth in her native India, Molly Shields was abandoned by her parents because she is an albino.

Though Molly was later adopted – and moved halfway around the world by her adoptive Mason parents – this tiny youngster sporting an over-sized heart refuses to abandon her once-fellow orphans in India.

In 2010 Molly was bedside at her adopted mother, Teri Shields, as the Mason mother of five recovered from cancer surgery. Shields read a just-arrived letter from the nuns who operate the primitive Ashyra orphanage in the city of Bangalore in southern India.

It was a heart-wrenching communique, with descriptions of new improvement in the poorly funded, shoddy facility that only had electricity three hours per week.

The nuns wrote Teri and Gary Shields about their futile efforts to raise money to purchase solar panels for generating temporary electricity for lights, water purification and refrigeration of medicines.

Shields recalls Molly’s light blue eyes widening with an idea.

“I could sell my Polly Pocket toys. They are worth a lot.”

Teri still gets emotional at the memory.

“Molly was abandoned at just one week old because of cultural fear that surrounds albinism in India. So my heart was about to burst with joy to see firsthand the love that this child shares for the people of her native country,” Shields says.

Instead of selling toys, Molly and her family created a Facebook page called “Let Their Be Light: Molly’s Mission” (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Let-there-be-light-Mollys-Mission/106932696033539).

On it, they told the story of the orphanage, which took in the outcast Molly and other albino children among its more than 100 orphans, all cared for by nuns. Two years later the, site has raised more than $5,000 – enough to purchase four solar panels for the orphanage.

Now 9 and a student at Mason Heights Elementary, Molly pauses from her busy class day to do what she rarely does: Reflect on her own generous spirit.

“I remember at night we needed candles and it was very hard to read and to help the sick people so I wanted to help the orphanage children,” she says. “I feel like I’m bringing people together for a good cause. It’s amazing so many people wanted to help by donating money.”

Mason Schools Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline recently visited Molly at school to give her pointers on dealing with the news media. Molly’s mom says producers of “Inside Edition’’ plan to tell her story soon.

Kist-Kline came away moved.

“We are so proud of her and I can’t wait to watch her movement grow as others are inspired by this brave and determined young lady,” she says.

Since 2007, when she was adopted by the Shields family at age 4, Molly has been the youngest of an extraordinary Warren County family. Four of the Shields’ six children have albinism, a genetic condition that limits the level of pigmentation in their skin, hair and eyes.

Shields says her family – devout Christians – believes one of their roles is to provide safe haven.

“My husband and I have spent most of our adult lives protecting our children from the stereotypes that the world has created for such individuals. What we’ve learned along the way is that albinism does not define who a person is, but is instead an element of who they will become when faced with adversity.”

“Molly was a castaway because of others’ fear, yet she does not even know nor care,” she says. “She thinks about her loving (nuns) in India and wants desperately to help the children, the ones who wait for parents. Her desire to share hope and happiness still amazes me.”

Posted in: Community, News |

Tags: Tags: albino, ashyra orphanage, bangalore, india, let there be light, mason, mason heights elementary, molly shields, molly's mission, nuns, solar panels

Olivia Wise a 3rd grader help to create this mosaic last year, it on the wall by the school library at the Mason Heights Elementary that will close this summer. Photo taken by Tony Jones Feb. 22, 2012.

Michael D. Clark reports:

One of Mason’s oldest schools will close next school year, but hand-made pieces of art created over the years by thousands of its young students may live on.

Since 2005 large and colorful mosaics have adorned both the interior and exterior of Mason Heights Elementary. Created by second- and third-graders – under the guidance of a local artist – the tile and glass mosaics have become an iconic part of the 800-student school.

In a cost-saving move earlier this month, Mason’s school board voted to merge 45-year-old Mason Heights Elementary with Western Row Elementary and consolidate their students at Western Row and Mason Early Childhood Center. The merger will impact more than 1,600 students and their families in the Warren County school system.

Mason Heights now houses grades 2 and 3.

The more than a dozen intricate art works range from the gigantic – 20 by 8 feet – to poster-sized ones in the school’s lobby, halls and outside walls. Each has a theme, such as biology, diversity, internationalism, science, reading. Many include tiny self-portraits of former grade-school students who precisely used colored tile and glass pieces to create unique works of art.

“When I talk to people and former students, the first thing they ask now is what is going to happen to the mosaics,” says veteran art teacher Kerry Kronenberger, who has coordinated the school’s annual mosaic program since 2005.

“All our students have participated in the past seven years, and it’s meaningful to the public, too,” Kronenberger says. “It’s the students’ legacy here.”

Eric Messer, principal of Mason Heights, echoed the importance of the mosaics. Standing in the school lobby next to the second largest art work, which depicts children saying hello in 22 languages, Messer says “they are neat, and they are different.

“There has been a lot of hard work, pride and dedication put into these over the years. It helps the kids to feel like it’s their school, and it’s a connection for them. They come in with their parents and point to that and say ‘I did that,’ ” he said.

Tracey Carson, spokeswoman for the schools, says district officials understand the emotional and historical importance of the mosaics.

“Right now, we are talking with a contractor, as well as the original artist, to explore the process for preserving and moving the murals,” says Carson.

“Our hope would be that some of the murals could be moved to Western Row, some to the Mason Early Childhood Center and a few could even end up at the district’s Central Office,” she says.

Posted in: Board of Education, News, Schools |

Tags: Tags: eric messer, Kerry Kronenberger, mason early childhood center, mason heights, mason heights elementary, Mason Heights mosaics, mason heights school, western row elementary

Mason Heights technology teacher Melanie Jordan reads the letter that Ritwik Jaipuriar (left), Aaron Nichols (right) and Quinn Nichols (not pictured) wrote to her about why they appreciate her and what they could do to help as part of a Holiday Helpers initiative. Provided photo

Watch out, Santa’s elves.  Students at Mason Heights are in training to become holiday helpers.

When students in Corri Doenecke and Whitney Young’s third grade classes were asked to finish the phrase, “Tis the season to…,” most of them said, “get presents.” The two teachers wanted to change their perspective by encouraging them to help others and give back to the school, said Doenecke.

“A group of students were paired with teachers, janitors, secretaries, etc… to help the staff with whatever needs done right before break,” she explained.  “We talk about a way to help others without giving presents, but giving of ourselves.”

Student Ritwik Jaipuriar helped technology teacher Melanie Jordan as part of the initiative.

“She is kind, respectful and helpful and that’s why we wanted to help her,” he said.

Posted in: Schools, Student achievements |

Tags: Tags: aaron nichols, christmas, corri doenecke, giving, holiday helpers, holidays, mason heights, mason heights elementary, melanie jordan, ritwik jaipuriar, whitney young

Western Row third grader Cierra Tibbs enjoyed KISS Day with her mom, Pam, and dad, Scott. Photo provided

Hugs abounded last week at Western Row and Mason Heights elementary schools.

Students at both schools invited friends and family to share a part of their school day with them as part of KISS (Kids Invite Someone Special) Day.

Western Row students and their guests participated in the school’s Kids Caring for Kids campaign, in which students raise money to purchase and assemble craft kids for patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Sam Graler was excited to bring his grandfather, Tom Graler, to share his school day.

“This is the best day of the year because I get to do fun things in class with my Papa,” he said.

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: family, friends, kiss day, mason heights elementary, mason schools, school, students, western row elementary

It’s Veteran’s Day. Here’s how Mason is celebrating the nation’s military veterans.

Mason Schools planned several early morning tributes to veterans at its schools, including a veteran’s breakfast, parade and ceremony. Liberty Bible Academy also held a flag-raising ceremony early this morning in which they honored local veterans.

What’s ahead for today:

• Mason Christian Village will hold Veteran’s Appreciation Day beginning at 11 a.m. at 411 Western Row Road.
• Mason Heights Elementary will hold a flag folding ceremony from 1-2 p.m. at 200 Northcrest Drive.

• The City of Mason will hold a Veteran’s Celebration at 7 p.m. at the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Toad. Guests are invited to visit the outdoor Mason Veterans Memorial near the southwest corner of the Municipal Center any time today.  Harry O. Rohde, World War II veteran and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three clusters, and Purple Heart medals, will be the featured speaker. Mason Community Band will provide music.

• All Greater Cincinnati and Dayton area Papa John’s locations are committing $1 to the USO for every online order placed between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. today. Papa John’s has one Mason location at 5612 Tylersville Road.
• Military veterans work out free today between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. at Urban Active locations in Greater Cincinnati. Urban Active has one Mason area location at 5600 Deerfield Blvd. in Deerfield Township.

What’s ahead for this weekend:

• The Mason Community Band will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Mason Middle School, 6370 Mason-Montgomery Road. The band will perform the patriotic musical selection, “Freedom Keepers.

Submit your Veteran’s Day celebration photos to MasonBuzz. All photos will be featured in a special gallery on MasonBuzz.

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: armistice day, business, city of mason, concert, deerfield township, free, liberty bible academy, mason, mason christian village, mason community band, mason heights elementary, mason schools, military, papa john's, urban active, veteran's day, veterans

Reading out loud is easier for students with reading difficulties when the audience has a furry face and a wagging tail.

Volunteer handlers bring trained and certified therapy dogs to Mason Heights Elementary School once a month to help students there learn to read.

“For young children, one of the big challenges in learning to read is the embarrassment of making mistakes. Reading to dogs provides a simple solution — a non-judgmental, comforting furry friend who ‘listens’ and takes the pressure off a child if he or she stumbles,” said school reading specialist Leah Taylor. “This gives students the opportunities to practice reading aloud in a relaxed setting so that students build their love for reading.”

The Enquirer’s Leigh Taylor was there on Friday for the latest visit.  Click on the photos below to see larger-res versions.

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: children, learning, mason city schools, mason heights elementary, reading, students, therapy dogs

Mason City Schools named three new assistant principals while cutting six administration positions for the upcoming school year.

The three new assistants are: Jocelyn Center, Mason High School; BJ Smallwood, Mason Intermediate; and Jessica Stevens, Mason Heights Elementary.

Jocelyn Senter, Mason High School

Senter, a former Withrow University High School assistant principal, began her teaching career in North College Hill in 1994.  She received her Masters of Education degree in 1998 from Miami University and a Masters in Educational Administration degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2005.

She joins a staff of five assistant principals at Mason High School, which is one less than the school had last year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Senter to Mason High School,” said Mason High School Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart.

“She is an experienced administrator who is focused on the development of the whole student, welcomes parent involvement and will provide stability and support to our staff and students. I am impressed with her level of commitment, and her enthusiasm for becoming a Mason Comet.”

BJ Smallwood, Mason Intermediate

Smallwood, who previously taught kindergarten at Mason Early Childhood Center, earned his Masters of Education degree in 2008 and his Principal’s Licensure in 2010, both from Miami University.

Smallwood has served on district initiatives, including the Stakeholder Satisfaction and Save and Inviting Schools committees, the district’s Green Team and helped lead the implementation of the Reading and Writing Project through Columbia University.

Smallwood will fill a vacancy left by Dave Segrist, who passed away last year after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Mr. Smallwood is a very energetic, enthusiastic and motivated leader who will build tremendous relationships with students, parents and staff,” said Mason Intermediate Principal Greg Sears.  “We are fortunate to hire him after a very successful tenure as a kindergarten teacher.”

Jessica Stevens, Mason Heights Elementary

Stevens, a Mason Intermediate sixth grade teacher since 2003, will tackle her new role as a half-time assistant principal at Mason Heights.

Stevens received her Masters in Educational Leadership degree from Marygrove College in 2007 and her Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Licensure from Miami University in 2010.

Stevens has served several key roles in the district: sixth grade social studies department chair, professional learning community pilot team member and on the safe and inviting schools and diversity committees  She was honored in 2006 as one of 12 outstanding staff members in the district.

Stevens will fill a vacancy left by Melissa Bly, who was promoted to MECC principal.

“Ms. Stevens was a key instructional leader at Mason Intermediate who will be a great fit for Mason Heights,” said Mason Heights Principal Eric Messer.  “She understands the importance of building relationships with students, parents, colleagues and community members in order to set the stage for outstanding student achievement.”

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: administration, administrator, assistant principal, bj smallwood, comets, cuts, dave segrist, eric messer, greg sears, jessica stevens, jocelyn senter, mason city schools, mason heights elementary, mason high school, mason intermediate, melissa bly, mindy mccarty-stewart, schools, students