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October, 2023
Hello parents and guardians!
The end of October signifies that the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year is almost complete! I hope you and your family have had a great start to the new school year. As we quickly approach the Thanksgiving season, we are grateful for the ongoing support from our parents and community.
Below you will find information regarding several important topics from across our district. This new quarterly communication will be sent in addition to what you receive at the building level and through the Firelands Express. Communication continues to be a priority for our district.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance,
Mike Von Gunten
FLSD Superintendent
Report Card Summary
Recently, the state report card was released. We have begun to provide additional support in the areas in which we need to improve. For example, all students in grades K-8 have a daily intervention, reinforcement or enrichment period. During this time, all students receive targeted instruction based on individual needs. Our focus continues to be on achievement and academic growth from year to year. While the report card does not reflect the whole student and the numerous accomplishments throughout the district, we are committed to providing the necessary support for all students.
Firelands Outfitters
This project-based learning environment provides students the opportunity to work collaboratively through the design, product creation, marketing and sales process of various clothing items. Through real world application, Firelands Outfitters is preparing our students for the world of work.
To learn more about Firelands Outfitter please click the student picture above.
Religious Instruction
A letter was shared with all parents/guardians on October 10th regarding a third party that approached the district regarding religious instruction during the school day, off campus.
The Ohio Revised Code, along with a FLSD Board Policy, permits religious instruction during the school day under certain conditions.
Please click the flag for additional information.
As a district, we want to ensure that our teachers have the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to provide high-quality education and support the diverse needs of students in an ever-evolving educational setting.
In October our district held our first professional development day of the 2023-2024 school year. The day focused around utilizing student data and evidence based instructional practices. By leveraging student data effectively, teachers can make data-driven decisions that positively impact student achievement and success!
To the right, pictured is Dr. Stevens from Ashland University working with district social studies teachers.
Community volunteers based from HUMC, have again committed to participate in the active reading program with selected first graders! This organized group has graciously agreed to read with selected first grade students, during scheduled times, throughout the school year. One-on-one reading greatly impacts our students and we are extremely appreciative of this wonderful program and kind volunteers!
This supportive group, SHINE, has grown throughout the 4 years that they have been working with our students. We are extremely thankful for these volunteers and the work that they do.
Learning to read!
FES students in Mrs. Morris’ classroom read stories with partners this week! Reading to others will help our students strengthen their skills and become confident readers.
Firelands led the LC8 All Sports Cup Standing for the Fall 2023-2024 season!
Cup points are awarded by the order of how a school finishes in the conference in each sport. All points are tallied for each school at the end of the year and divided by the number of sports participated in by each school. The school with the highest total average wins the revolving cup.
Firelands ended the fall season with 48 points with Wellington in second place with 39 points. Congratulations to our fall athletes for a great season!
FLSD Fall Sports:
- Men's Cross Country
- Women's Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Men's Soccer
- Women's Soccer
- Volleyball
On December 7th we will be again honoring our local senior citizens and retired staff members. These outstanding individuals have been wonderful role model for our students. The Holiday Preview has been created just for them as a thank you for guiding our students.
If you are a retired staff member or local senior citizen, we invite you to come enjoy breakfast, view beautiful art pieces and hear holiday music from our students in grades 4-12. The Holiday Preview is made possible through a grant from the Friends of Firelands.
A RSVP by November 27th is required for this free event.
Creating a community of lifelong learners that will function as responsible, self-sufficient citizens of a global society.