Bright Local Schools is excited about our local report card. As a district we have evaluated the areas for improvements and have taken necessary step's to make positive changes. We will celebrate our success and not become complacent with our success. A huge THANK YOU to the entire staff who works tirelessly helping our students. Student Growth/Student Achievement/Student Well Being !

What is Strategic Planning?

Strategic planning is an organizational management activity that is used to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, and ensure that employees, board members, and stakeholders are all working toward common goals. It is an effort that will guide fundamental decisions and actions to shape the future of your school district.

What is a Strategic Plan?

A Strategic Plan is a living document used to communicate the organization's goals, the priorities needed to achieve those goals, and metrics used to measure progress on those goals. It includes both the academic and operational aspects of the school district.

Strategic plans are aligned with the Boards governing policies. Through these policies, the Board sets the directive; however, the Superintendent ensures a process is put in place to develop and implement a strategic plan.

Bright Local Schools has began the strategic planning process. I would like to take a moment to recognize the following individuals who have played an important role in our introductory meetings and the beginning stages of strategic planning.

Jason Iles- Superintendent

Jeff Rowley- Treasurer

JP Gauche- JH/HS Principal

Whitney Gobin- Elem Principal

Steve Cox- Board Member

Nicole Barnett- Board Member

Heather Roberts- BTEA President

Chris Gobin-Mowrystown Church of Christ Pastor

Lisa Beresford- District Special Needs Coordinator

Christina Taylor- Elementary Parent/PTA Representative

Travis Bogart-Media Specialist/Website/Technology Coordinator

Kelly McMullen-Parent of HS JR/ Open Enrollment

Dylan Newman- Payroll/Asst Treasure

Dear Wildcat Families,

Please take a look at the attached letter for updated informational page in regards to how our inclement weather days are handled.

Kindergarten registration for next school year is Wednesday, March 27th and the Preschool Playdate is Friday, April 26th.

Parents interested in registering their child for Preschool or Kindergarten can go to the Bright Local webpage, www.blsd.us, and start the process. Click on the ENROLLMENT TILE, then click on the blue hyperlink to complete the survey for either Preschool or Kindergarten. Someone from the elementary will call you about setting up a registration time. Please call the elementary at 937-927-7010 with any questions.

Ms. Scott class enjoying Suess Mix for a snack.

Mrs. Jenna Davis was nominated by Mrs. Kress as our Hardworking Wildcat. She has made teaching so much easier this year for the first grade teachers. She is always willing to step up to the plate and help in any way possible, no matter the situation or task.

Just a few amazing participants in our father-daughter dance ! We are thankful for everyone who participated and made this night so special.

The SOESC has partnered with the Cook Center for Human Connection on a Parent Guidance Series. I have been sending updates to your administrators in hopes they would pass it along, but I wanted to double up and send the reminders to you all as well. The next session is tonight at 7. This is free to our districts as the ESC has paid for it. Please share this with any that would benefit. The below email is something you can share to describe the session tonight. All cameras are off and this is all anonymous.

We are hosting a webinar about Compassionate Parenting & Self-Compassion tonight March 14th at 7pm! The way we express compassion to ourselves is a model for our children. Would you like to be kinder and more compassionate toward yourself, your children, and those around you? Join us as we learn what compassionate parenting looks like and practical tools and exercises you can do to develop more self-compassion.

You can register right up to the last minute, even if you can't attend the live event. By registering, you will be added to the follow-up email list and receive a recording of the session the following day.

Use this link to register:Parent Guidance Series

Mrs. Bach received an award from the GRIT project at the Leap Forward with GRIT conference.

Mrs. Bach was recognized for going above and beyond for her students and school district by helping drive the career and workforce component in her district.

Thank you for your dedication and efforts in all you do!

Whiteoak High School 9th grade students had the opportunity to experience the various programs offered at our southern hills career center in Georgetown.

Creative Minds of WHS

Whiteoak High and its driver education contractor, The Driving Authority, have partnered to provide a quality basic Driver Education program to all students. The goal of the program is to provide new drivers with a base of knowledge and safe motoring skills so that parents can continue the state-required additional instruction and supervision of their young driver, as they develop the knowledge, skills, and experience essential to becoming a safe driver. Any student completing both the 24 hour course and the behind the wheel experience with The Driving Authority will be eligible to receive high school credit.

Driver Education Age Requirement:

The state of Ohio requires anyone under the age of 18 to complete a certified driver education course consisting of at least 24 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 8 hours of behind-the-wheel experience.

To be eligible to register for a class session, students must be 15 years and 5 months old by the first day of class. Once a student is age eligible, parents and students can contact the office for a free access code for the online driver education course. The Bright Local Board of Education recognizes the importance of drivers education and will be providing this course at no cost to the student. Once students have completed the course, and have obtained an Ohio driver permit, behind the wheel drives can be scheduled with The Driving Authority. This 8 hour driving portion can be completed during school hours or after school depending on the students availability. The cost of the behind the wheel experience will be offered by The Driving Authority at a discounted price for Bright Local Students. There also may be financial assistance available to students.

For more information, please contact the Whiteoak High School or The Driving Authority. https://thedrivingauthority.com/

Please see Ms. Bach we have ordered seats for our students.

JP Gauche

Principal

Whiteoak JH/HS

44 North High St. Mowrystown OH 45155

(937) 442-2241 Ex. 11121

Please be sure to log onto Final Forms and complete the necessary signatures for the 2023-2024 school year. Access information is sent the the email you provided the district.

Parents we need your assistance in getting all the signatures completed. As we prepare for upcoming field trips your student will not be able to participate in events or school functions without completion of all forms.

Any questions please contact:

Travis Bogart

travis.bogart@blsd.us

Cathy Forsythe

cathy.forsythe@blsd.us

Saturday at Miami Trace the Mowrystown FFA participated in the District FFA Competition.

HS General Livestock placed 3rd as a team, the team consisted of

Addison Roberts 3rd Individual

Hannah Burnett

Kara DeAtley

Weston Blair

MS Livestock placed 5th

Jenna Canada

Christopher Wessner

MS Nature Interpretation placed 1st in the district

Carson Hart 1st individual

Hayden Stratton 2nd individual

HS Wildlife placed 2nd

Meghan Thompson 3rd Individual

Kylee Ruark 5th Individual

HS Nature Interp placed 3rd as a team

Meghan Thompson 3rd Individual

President- Addison Roberts

Strengthening AG VP- Lydia Carr

Budling Communities VP- Elly McMullen

Growing Leaders VP-Sydney Shelton

Secretary-Kara Deatley

Treasure-Marly Gobin

Reporter-Adrionna Phillips

Sentinel-Tyler Wessner

Student Advisor- Eli Roberts

Congratulations to our elected student council officers.

President --Tyler Wessner
V. Pres. Addison Roberts
Secretary-Sydney Shelton
Treasurer--Lydia Carr
Historian--Christopher Wessner

Mr. Lanham is the advisor for student council.

Director of Bands

Contact :

Mr. Alexander McKenna

Director of Bands Whiteoak High School

alex.mckenna@blsd.us

Contact Athletic Director Mr. Miah Call

miah.call@blsd.us

Please mark your calendar and make it out to a game. Please find the new updated schedule for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. Spring sports are gearing up. If you have an athlete that is participating in Spring Sports they must have all parent and student forms completed in Final Forms.

Please share this information.

While introducing our student athletes at pre game we are asking all parents/fans to rise and cheer for our Wildcats. This is a new tradition we would like to begin to promote our school pride.

Congratulations to the following winter sports athletes.

• Jaylie Parr - Boys Basketball/First Team All District

  Weston Blair - Boys Basketball/3rd Team All District

  Jake Ward - Bowling

  Matalynn Conrad - Bowling

  Isaiah Rowe - Bowling

  Sawyer Blair - Honorable Mention All District

  Lydia Carr - Honorable Mention All District

Beginning this Winter Sports Season, we are excited to announce that ALL LIVE Streaming will be hosted on a new Platform. Our streaming service, Hudl has created a Whiteoak Fan Page (fan.hudl.com/US/OH/Mowrysto…) where all LIVE Streams & Recordings can be found. We will continue Stream all Whiteoak Basketball HOME Games and were available, some AWAY Games. Viewing is still FREE of charge.

Please see the attached schedules. These schedules are tentative and subject to change. UPDATED

Bright Elementary - There are some new state requirements beginning this school year. All school districts in the state of Ohio are required to provide curriculum in child sexual abuse awareness and prevention as apart of HB 85. Ohio passed Erin's law which requires schools to provide developmentally appropriate instruction each year to students K-12th grade on this topic.
Bright Elementary will be starting this instruction on Monday, November 6th. We will be using a state approved curriculum called “Fight Child Abuse”. The videos and lessons can be easily located by clicking the link provided at FightChildAbuse.org. Parents/Guardians may view these videos/lessons and have the option of sending in a note asking that your child(ren) be excused from this instruction. Please provide the notes no later than Monday, November 6th.

Any questions, reach out to Principal Gobin.

Please stay tuned for information regarding JH/HS Updates

We are grateful for our amazing JH/HS School counselor Ms. Bach. If you have any questions or concerns with your students schedule, graduation pathway, financial aide, scholarships, social/emotional needs ,mentoring, CCP courses, mental health services, etc

UPCOMING REMINDERS AND DATES

The Connect to College program is open to juniors and seniors from area high schools to get a glimpse of what Southern State has to offer from a technical degree perspective (i.e. early childhood education, business, computer science, etc.) post graduation. There will be conversations about scholarship opportunities, pathway programs, and break out sessions for students to attend.

Contact Ms. Alison Bach alison.bach@blsd.us

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students. If your student is considering the military, please feel free to contact Ms. Bach for further information. alison.bach@blsd.us or 937-442-2241 ext. 11112

Links for information and practice tests

FAFSA NIGHT ( seniors and parents come out for some help with the FAFSA Nov 2nd 6 PM WHS library)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form available every year that determines your eligibility for college-related financial assistance. This can be overwhelming, so if you need support or have questions please contact Ms. Bach at alison.bach@blsd.us or 937-442-2241 ext. 11112

ACT (American College Test)

We believe in helping all students strive and thrive to meet their career readiness goals. Bright Local recognizes that each student is unique and will follow their own pathway for after graduation. Some students may consider serving in the military, some may consider entering the workforce, while others will pursue a college track.

The ACT is a test that all juniors are required to take at WHS. Those students planning on a college pathway should consider this test as a high priority. The higher the test score the more potential for scholarship dollars. We are preparing our students to do their best on this test. Students will be provided test prep, as well as individualized support when requested. Please find below information regarding test prep dates and test dates.

ACT prep for juniors/seniors

ACT dates for 23-24 ( students may qualify for a test waiver and can see Ms. Bach for details)

Click link

I hope this email finds you will. As the new academic year approaches, we understand the importance of financial aid in pursuing higher education. To assist families in navigating the complexities of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we are pleased to announce that our Hillsboro campus will be offering support for completing the 2024/2025 FAFSA for students.

Our team of experienced financial aid advisors will be available to provide personalized guidance or small group assistance to ensure students and families accurately complete the FAFSA and maximize eligibility for federal student aid programs. Interested students may call 937-393-3421 ext. 2515 to schedule an appointment for a FAFSA help at the Southern State Community College Hillsboro Campus.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need addition information. We look forward to assisting students achieve their education goals.

Mentoring

Whiteoak is proud to have a peer/adult mentoring program. If you have a student that would like to have a mentor or have questions about the program contact Ms. Bach for more information. We are also looking for community leaders willing to mentor students. IF you are interested in being a volunteer please reach out to Mrs. Bogart or Ms. Bach. Last year we served over 30 students in the mentoring program. Mentoring can help make a difference in a child’s life.

Ms. Bach will be meeting with the 9th grade students to review graduation requirements and future success plans. All 9th grade students will have access to the class of 2027 google classroom. You are encouraged to view this with your student to help them with their graduation pathway. If you would like to schedule a meeting or have concerns, please contact Ms. Bach at alison.bach@blsd.us to schedule a meeting.

Its still not too late to sign up for the Atomic Credit Union. Please stop by and sign up. These accounts program will be available to all students at both Bright Elementary and Whiteoak JH/HS. If your student will be transitioning from Bright Elementary to Whiteoak JH we will still operate on a weekly basis.

*Bright Local Schools is currently accepting applications for substitute/full time bus drivers.

lynn.decker@blsd.us

* Bright Local Schools is currently accepting applications for summer custodial help

Please contact Matt Risner with questions

matt.risner@blsd.us

Parents and community members are invited to follow us on Facebook (Bright Local Schools) and Twitter (@BrightLocalSD) to receive updated information from the district.

If you have items you would like to be included/considered for the Bright Local Newsletter, please send to jason.iles@blsd.us