The school year is off to a fantastic start, and I’m proud of the hard work and dedication our students, teachers, and staff have demonstrated so far.
The decision to close Nevin for new construction purposes and the financial investments needed to keep the building open for this school year has been a blessing in disguise as the facility has deteriorated significantly, especially the roof.
The realignment of our grade bands has been a successful transition for the district. Broadway Elementary now serves kindergarten through second-grade students, while LT Ball Intermediate has become the home for our third through fifth graders.
To accommodate the additional students at LT Ball, we constructed new classroom spaces, which blend seamlessly into the existing building. The new areas look like they’ve always been part of the school, and the feedback from students, staff, and families has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s been wonderful to see everyone settle in so well.
We recently learned that Tipp City Schools earned a 5-star overall rating on the 2024 Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) State Report Card, highlighting the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student success. ODEW scored each public school district in Ohio on five components, using a weighted method to determine a district’s overall rating.
Tipp City Schools earned a 5-star rating in the categories of Achievement, Graduation Rate, and Gap Closing, securing the highest scores. The Early Literacy and Progress areas were assessed a 4-star rating.
While we are proud of our achievements, we also recognize opportunities for improvement. The district ranks 86th out of 606 districts in the state, which tells us there is room for growth, and I am committed to making this a top district in the state. This is a time for Tipp City Schools to focus on improving our skills in connecting students to higher-level learning. The more students achieve and learn at increased levels, the more opportunities they will have for success in the future.
The scores don’t tell the whole story of what makes a district great, but state ranking provides quantitative data that the district can use to improve instruction and student learning. The district is taking steps to elevate student outcomes. I am committed to investing in our staff to increase student engagement and learning opportunities across all grade levels. This includes increased collaboration, a focus on student learning, and support for student and staff success.
We see student success every day! Tippecanoe High School senior Benjamin Van Oss was named a Semifinalist in the prestigious 70th annual National Merit® Scholarship Program. Benjamin's exceptional academic achievement places him among only 16,000 students nationwide to earn this honor, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors who entered the competition. His classmate Sadhil Mehta was named a National Merit Commended Student. Over 1.3 million students enter the program annually, and approximately 34,000 are recognized as Commended Students. To enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
The Tippecanoe High School color guard is having a good season. Recently, the squad presented an impressive, award-winning performance at the OMEA Troy Invitational. This group of students, who have shown unwavering dedication and talent, were awarded first place in class A and first place overall! Their months of hard work on technical mastery, creativity, and precision have truly paid off.
Our Tippecanoe Middle School and Tippecanoe High School fall sports teams are also enjoying winning seasons. Teams claimed MVL Championships, and individuals are district qualifiers in girls tennis, girls golf, and boys golf. The volleyball team is ranked 10th in the state in its division, while football is ranked 5th. Cross-country and soccer teams are competing for championships.
Later this month, LT Ball Intermediate students will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting Career Exploration Day. With nearly 50 interactive stations to choose from, students will learn about various careers, including job responsibilities, required education, essential skills, and necessary training. They'll also gain insights into the goals and challenges professionals face in their fields. Most sessions will be led by our parents and local community members, offering a valuable connection between the classroom and the real world.
Let’s continue this positive momentum as we head into the second quarter. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for student engagement, opportunities, and success!