From the Superintendent’s Desk	JANUARY 25, 2016	WINTER 2015-2016

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BAND TRIP

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I want to commend our music directors and music boosters for a job well done this past week on the band trip. This is the first time I have traveled with the band as the administrator “on board” and I must say it was an educational experience for everyone involved. Our boosters and directors have such a refined process for running this event, there are very few chances for anything to go wrong. This includes on-the-fly itinerary adjustments for snow storms.

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Students are accounted for on this trip at virtually every potential separation point. If the group is allowed to stray more than five feet from each other (my estimate, not firm policy) at a location, chaperones collect and account for those in their charge before the group moves to a new location. While on board the ship, chaperones are posted in key locations virtually 24 hours a day to insure students do not veer from the program. All the while, a friendly, accommodating atmosphere is maintained so all may enjoy the trip.

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From the earliest preparations students are learning. All students must login and fill out registration information on the cruise lines website to secure their “set sail” pass. This is the card that allows the cruise liner to manage on board purchases and keep track of passengers when they leave the ship at the ports of call. Students experience the process of getting a passport or collecting the multiple documents needed to prove their identity in the absence of a passport.

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Students also learn about life in a different culture while on shore in Nassau. They see that life in other countries can be very different from their experience in Bath Township. While on board, our children learn about adjusting to the physical experience of being at sea. They also learn about adhering to different dress codes for different level of events such as the “Captains Dinner.” Our students gave an excellent performance in the elaborately ornate “Orpheum Theater” on board the ship. The performance was extremely well attended and received rave reviews along with our children’s behavior the entire cruise. From the ship’s crew, to the cruise director, to the passengers, everyone went out of their way to let us know how impressed they were with our students.

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All of this is just more evidence of what a great community we have here in the Bath Local School District.

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LOCAL CONTROL MOVEMENT

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Over the past twenty years, the landscape of education in the United States and in Ohio has moved from one of local control, where most decisions and policies are made by the local board of education, to one of state and federal control, where most polices and many detail decisions are made at the state and federal level, then dictated to the local board of education. This shift of control has frustrated many school leaders, myself included, causing us to begin banding together to educate the public about the current landscape of education. After the recent debacle of state testing, I and many other superintendents truly believe that our children would be better off if we began to restore control of our schools to the local board of education.

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I plan to join a group of about thirty superintendents to conduct a regional survey and begin crafting articles in an effort to inform you about what is going on in education today so you can decide for yourself if you think a change is needed. I have learned that change is slow until the grassroots majority speaks out to their state senators and representatives. I believe that a more informed public will help me and other school leaders work with our state policy and law makers to craft a better system for educating our children.

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For now, I just want to say how honored I am to be a part of the Bath School Community. I thank you for the support you continually give to our school and our children.

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I look forward to seeing you at our school and community events. Go Wildcats and Wildkittens!!

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Sincerely,

Dale E. Lewellen, Superintendent Bath Local Schools

FROM
BATH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MR. CHRIS RENNER, PRINCIPAL

	STUDENT SUCCESS NIGHT
On November 12, Bath Elementary School hosted Student Success Night, a night focused on helping parents support their children in their journey to becoming successful students and responsible people. I discussed with parents ways I am able to consult with them on academic,
	
behavioral, and parenting concerns, as well as gave parents some tips to ease some common struggles on the home front. The School Nurse spoke about how she handles illnesses and emotional concerns in elementary school students. The PVFF (Partnership for Violence Free Families) encouraged us to use little moments to speak to our children about drugs and alcohol. A number of representatives from community agencies shared how they are able to support students and families. I want to say “Thank You” to Lima First Assembly of God for their donations of useful prizes for children.	– April Neff, Bath Elementary School Guidance Counselor

WILDCAT KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP Bath Local School is taking names for 2016 - 2017 Kindergarten. To be eligible, a child must be 5 years old on or before August 1, 2016. If you have a child who meets this qualification, contact the elementary office during regular working hours. Parents will
need to provide the school with the child’s birth certificate (which includes mother’s maiden name), social security card, immunization information, custody papers (if applicable including all pages of the document and the judge or magistrate’s signature), and three documents providing proof of residence in the Bath Local School District. All of these items must be submitted to the elementary office before registration forms may be completed. Parents should pick-up the initial information packet in the elementary office as soon as possible. Parents will also sign-up for a screening time for their child at that time. Screenings will take place April 5, 6 and 7. The elementary office is open to pick-up packets from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and from 2:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. daily.

The NewsCats!
Bath Elementary School fifth grade students, Emma Gast, Rachel Clark, Logan Roush, Alexis Hammons and
Cody Vandemark met with Mr. Joe Gomez’s high school PAW print students on December 4 to learn how they put together The Paw Print News reports. The high school students shared with the fifth graders the steps they take to put together a news report they broadcast to the high school students. From this meeting, these fifth grade students have now produced and broadcasted two of their own news reports to the entire elementary student body. In these first two productions, they have reported the weather, what is for lunch and who has a birthday that day. They also interviewed several staff members about their favorite holiday traditions as well as students about what they most wanted for Christmas. Thanks to the high school students’ help, it appears The NewsCats are well on their way to producing some high quality news reports.

Sign up for Ohio Alerts for Bath Schools, specifically Bath Elementary School, to stay up to date on news and events!

February 15 – No School (Presidents Day)

MR. CHRIS RENNER, PRINCIPAL
FROM
BATH ELEMENTARY SPELLING BEE
BATH ELEMENTARY
Congratulations to Alexandra Long (left), the daughter of Staci Martin, who finished in first place in the Bath Elementary School Spelling Bee. Cohen Callahan (center), son of Michael and Mollie Callahan, was our runner-up and Hayden Mauk (right), son of George and Mindy Mauk, took third place. Being Bath Elementary School’s winner, Alex will participate on February 27 in the Allen County Spelling Bee at 10 a.m. at OSU Lima against other fourth through eighth grade students from the area county schools. Good luck Alex!

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Each year the local fire departments team-up and help kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders learn about fire and fire prevention. Bath Township firefighters held demonstrations for students during fire prevention week on October 6, 7 and 8. They
SCHOOL
provided information about the dangers of fires and what to do if they encounter a fire. Students had the opportunity to get an up-close look at a fire engine and a rescue vehicle. They learned about smoke detectors, calling “9-1-1”, “Stop, Drop, and Roll”, family fire plans, and other safety tips. The elementary appreciated our real local hero’s joining us for a day. We thank Chief Joe Kitchen and all those from the fire department who helped us learn more about the Bath Fire Department and fire safety.

GOOD CITIZEN AWARD WINNERS In the first and second semester of each year, three students from each of the first through fifth grade classrooms are recognized for being Good Citizens in our
school. Congratulations to all of our First Semester Good Citizen Recipients!

Third Grade Good Citizens

First Grade Good Citizens

Fourth Grade Good

Second Grade Good

BATH PARENT-TEACHER SOCIETY (PTS)

To find out more information about the Bath PTS, PTS activities, and updates, like us on the Bath PTS Facebook page!

Fifth Grade Good Citizens

FROM
BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL
MR. BRAD CLARK, PRINCIPAL
FRESHMAN ORIENTATION FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR

Parents and students of the current 8th grade class are encouraged to attend the high school freshman orientation meeting that will be held on
February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Bath High School Auditorium

At this meeting, Mr. Gross will review scheduling options for the freshman class for the 2016-2017 school year.

During the afternoon of February 16, Mr. Gross will meet with the 8th grade class to pass out curriculum guides and give information about scheduling and the evening meeting.

BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL 2016 TESTING
Please do no schedule any appointments, vacations, etc. on these days. Thank you in advance for making attendance a priority!

Monday, April 18th
	8th Grade English Language Arts
	
Tuesday April 19th
	7th Grade English Language Arts
	
Wednesday, April 20th
	6th Grade English Language Arts
	
Monday April 25th
	8th Grade Math
	
Tuesday, April 26th
	7th Grade Math
	
Wednesday, April 27th
	6th Grade Math
	
Monday, May 2nd
	8th Grade Science
	
Tuesday, May 3rd
	6th Grade Social Studies

All tests will be divided into two 90-minute sessions

IS SERVED!!

Both parents and students are encouraged	All three cafeterias serve choices of hot & cold breakfasts first thing to attend the evening meeting at the high	in the morning. Elementary & High School students eat in the school and bring the curriculum guide to            cafeteria and Middle School students take breakfast to their
Here at Bath we run 74 bus
the meeting.	classroom. Breakfast includes: an entrée such as pizza, sandwich, breakfast bar or cereal, plus fruit, juice & milk. Cost is $1.50, $.40

routes, drive over 1,000 miles	for reduced price students and no charge for free meals. each day and bus approximately 1,600 students each and every day. Our goal is to provide the safest transportation possible for all students to get to and from school in a timely manner. Some common questions for the Bath Transportation Department are:
Q: I cannot see my child’s bus stop from the house. Are there state laws that set the standards for bus stop location?

A: Ohio does not have a law requiring bus stops to be within sight of the student’s home. Students in Ohio may be assigned to a bus stop up to one-half mile from their home and we encourage parents to accompany their child to the bus stop whenever possible. This teaches the child safe habits of walking to and from the bus stop and may give the parent piece of mind.

Q: Can I make my child wait inside of my house until the bus is at the stop. I have heard this is not allowed – is this true?

A: Ohio law requires children to be waiting at the bus stop prior to its arrival. Bus drivers count the students at the bus stop ‘Place of Safety’ as they are approaching the stop before they load and then counts again as they get on the bus to ensure all children are safely on board. If students are not waiting at the bus stop ‘Place of Safety,’ the bus driver cannot count them and cannot be certain the students are all safely on board. Waiting at the bus stop before the bus arrives further ensures that no one chases after the bus – this is a very dangerous thing to do. We instruct students to be at the bus stop 3-5 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time of the bus. When there are no students waiting at the bus stop bus drivers are instructed to not stop, so that the event of a student chasing the bus is not possible.

TOYS FOR TOTS CAMPAIGN
In the weeks prior to Christmas break, the Bath Middle School students and staff participated in the Toys for Tots program. This program is coordinated by the Lima Salvation Army. The middle school students and staff did an excellent job collecting toys and supporting a very worthwhile program. We would also like to thank parents and community members who helped support the Toys for Tots program.

BOY SCOUTS TROOP 82 SPRING CRAFT SHOW

Bath High School Gym

Saturday, March 19, 2016 9 am - 3 pm $1.00 Admission
Interested in a booth? Call Mariah 419.230.9507

SPELLING BEE
FROM
BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL
On Thursday, January 14, 2016, the school-wide spelling bee was held in the middle school library. Forty-five, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders competed in the event. Preliminary spelling bees were held in the individual classrooms in order to determine the forty-five qualifiers. Katie Vore (grade 8) was crowned the champion, and Elijah Miles (grade 7) was named the first runner-up. Katie is the daughter of Kristy and Eric Vore, and Elijah is the son of Nikki Fuqua and Mark Miles. Katie will represent our school in the County Spelling Bee at OSU Lima and the Regional Spelling Bee at the Civic and Convention Center. Congratulations to these finalists and to all students who participated.

SIXTH GRADE QUIZ BOWL
The Bath Middle School Sixth Grade Quiz Bowl team is currently competing in matches scheduled and sponsored by the Allen County Educational Service Center. Our team will compete against teams from nine different area schools. Team members are: Kendal Doyle Isaac Fogt Jemin Gandhi Anthony Parker Karlie Romaker Rachel Wilcox

The Quiz Bowl team advisor is Adam Rohrbaugh

REAL MONEY REAL WORLD

On January 22, eighth-grade students at Bath Middle School took part in the Real Money/Real World activity. This activity involves each student being assigned a career and a corresponding salary. Students then go about budgeting their money as they purchase items and services necessary in the lives of an adult. Area business representatives, financial advisors, law enforcement officers and others donate their time to provide assistance and guidance in this “real life” activity.	The activity is coordinated by Bath High School teacher Jennifer Brachok, in cooperation with The Ohio State University and the Apollo Career Center. The activity serves to give our students an understanding of the costs of goods and services as well as the budgeting of money based on earned income. The middle school would like to thank the area business representatives for donating their time and knowledge to benefit of our students. We also wish to thank the Bath PTS for helping fund the activity.

MR. BRAD CLARK, PRINCIPAL
EZpay SYSTEM

The EZpay system allows you to pay your student’s fees and add money to their lunch account on-line using a credit or debit card.

Please see the school website for more information and the EZpay link.

SIXTH GRADE CAREER EDUCATION
On November 4th, the sixth grade students had the opportunity to meet three community members and learn about their careers. Each community member discussed their career, skills and education needed, and personal attributes essential to be a successful professional. The students were excited to be able to ask them questions pertaining to their profession. The students’ questions opened an engaging dialogue with the guest speakers allowing them to hear personal stories, some local history, and the importance of community involvement. During the presentations, all guest speakers emphasized the need to love what you do, be respectful and caring, exhibit good communication skills, team work, and honesty. This opportunity allowed the students to realize that success comes from hard work, friendliness, being goal oriented individuals who value education and believe in giving back to the community. The students were able to understand that success also depends on continuing education and is fostered by having supportive families and friends. Our deepest thanks to Amy Musil owner of Lu Lu’s Diner, Jill Bakies-Lewis owner of Beauty By Jill, and Devin Dye realtor with Ron Spencer Real Estate. These young professionals gave time out of their busy schedules to make a positive impact on the education and future success of our sixth grade students.

FROM
BATH HIGH SCHOOL
MR. RICK GROSS, PRINCIPAL
ACADEMIC TEAM PLACES 2ND AT BLACKSWAMP

The academic team placed 2nd at the recent Blackswamp tournament hosted by the Allen County ESC. The team posted a 10-2 tournament record. The league was comprised of schools from Allen County. The team record currently stands at 20-6 with the following competitions for spring of 2016: Bath Invite, WSU Invite, and the WBL tournament.

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULING 2016-2017
Scheduling for the 2016-2017 school year will commence on Tuesday,
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Cheeseman and Alexis Ball
February 16th. We will meet with current 9th graders @ 8:20 a.m., 10th	Left to Right: Brooklyn Iiames, Rachel graders @ 9:10 a.m. and 11 graders @ 10:00 a.m. in the Auditorium.          Inskeep, Wyatt Stahl, Noah Young, Tristam We will meet with the current 8 grade students in the Middle School
STUDENT COUNCIL
Cafeteria @ 3:00 p.m. There will also be a special meeting for all 8th grade students and parents @ 7:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. All schedules will be due on or before Friday,
February 26th.	The high school student council collected over $2000

OHIO GRADUATION TESTS

Spring Administration: Monday, March 14 through Sunday, March 27

Summer Administration (Optional): Monday, June 13 through Sunday, June 26.

Volunteer Opportunities at St. Rita’s Medical Center
2016 Summer Volunteen for students ages 14-18. Please contact the guidance office for more information or St. Rita’s Medical Center. Various areas for service: Thrift shop, gift shop, escort patients, deliver flowers, clerical and administrative duties, etc.

for the annual Christmas Basket drive. With that money, baskets were provided to 16 families from our own Bath community. Not only did the baskets contain food for over the holiday break, but additional items donated by other groups in the school. The National Honor Society provided smalls gifts for the children in each family, the Spanish Club donated a blanket to each family, and FCA donated hats and gloves for the families. This year was a very successful year, and we hope to help additional families each year.

COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS (PSEO)

The annual College Credit Plus (PSEO) mandatory meeting will be Wednesday, February 17th @ 7:00 p.m. in Auditorium. All College Credit Plus intent forms are due on or before Friday, April 1st.

SPRING END OF COURSE AIR EXAMS

English language arts tests – April 4 to 29, online tests.

Mathematics, science and social studies – April 4 to May 13, online tests.

2016 End-of-Course Administrations
Algebra I Geometry
Integrated Mathematics I Integrated Mathematics II English Language Arts I English Language Arts II American History American Government Biology
Physical Science

Part 1

90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs)
105 min (1 hr 45 min) 105 min (1 hr 45 min) 90 min (1.5 hrs)
90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs)

Part 2

90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs)
105 min (1 hr 45 min) 105 min (1 hr 45 min) 90 min (1.5 hrs)
90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs) 90 min (1.5 hrs)

Total (Parts 1 & 2)

180 min (3 hrs) 180 min (3 hrs) 180 min (3 hrs) 180 min (3 hrs) 210 min (3.5 hrs) 210 min (3.5 hrs) 180 min (3 hrs) 180 min (3 hrs) 180 min (3 hrs) 180 min (3 hrs

2016 ROYAL CARIBBEAN BAND TRIP

FROM
In January, the Bath Symphonic Band cruised to Nassau, Bahamas where they performed an entertaining
BATH HIGH SCHOOL
concert to a crowd of over 1,000 people from all over the world! The students received a huge standing ovation along with overwhelming positive complements. They were the rock stars of the entire trip!
This trip enabled our travelers to see and learn about different cultures in our small world and have a hands on experience to apply what they have learned at Bath Schools. Mr. and Mrs. Grim led the group on a guided foot tour of Nassau where they saw how the native island people live, as well as the American Embassy, the changing of the guard at Parliament Square, and shopped the straw markets. On the Royal Caribbean Private Island, we walked a tropical trail, snorkeled in the Atlantic Ocean, saw sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas and bath blue fish with gold stripes. We had fun dancing on the pool deck and participated in pool deck festivities, including the “belly flop” contest won by Shawn Hanthorn. Because of the major winter storm, interstate 75 was shut down, causing us to stay in a hotel in northern Georgia on our return drive home. We arrived home safely only 15 hours later than planned but we now have a lot of fun stories to share! The students represented Bath Schools in the highest regard. In fact, many people stopped our students, parents and directors to compliment how well mannered, mature, professional and well behaved the students were. This was truly our best performance and trip in our 31 years of teaching. Thanks to the students, music association, and directors, it was an awesome trip of a lifetime. We are very proud of our students, music association and community.
MR. RICK GROSS, PRINCIPAL
-Mr. and Mrs. Grim

Fringe: Bath High School’s Literary Magazine

The 2016 issue of Fringe will be created this spring. We hope to celebrate the creative work of our high school students and honor some of the most notable submissions. Poems, short stories, creative nonfiction, and all mediums of artwork will be accepted.

High school students who are interested in getting their artwork and/or writing published in the third edition of Fringe should submit their work to Mr. Steidl via email (steidlm@bathwildcats.org) no later than Thursday, March 31st. Written work should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document. Images of artwork may be submitted as digital photos or drawings (jpeg files are preferred).

STUDENT ATHLETE REGISTRATIONS
All athletes in grades 7-12 planning to participate in a spring sport must register through our athletic website http://oh.8to18.com/BathHS by February 13th, 2016. Parents can find directions on the main page of the athletic website to complete the registration.
If you should have any questions, please contact the athletic office at 419-221-1839.

BATH LOCAL SCHOOLS 2650 BIBLE ROAD
LIMA, OHIO 45801

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 65 LIMA, OH 45801

ECRWSS Postal

P A R E N T	S C H O O L	C O M M U N I T Y

BATH ADMINISTRATION Dale Lewellen, Superintendent Annette Morman, Treasurer 2650 Bible Road
Lima, OH 45801 (419) 221-0807

BATH LOCAL SCHOOLS DIRECTORY BATH ELEMENTARY	BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL Chris Renner, Principal                Brad Clark, Principal
Chris Clark, Asst. Principal	Rich Dackin, Asst. Principal 2450 Bible Road                         2700 Bible Road
Lima, OH 45801	Lima, OH 45801 (419) 221-1837	(419) 221-1839

BATH HIGH SCHOOL Rick Gross, Principal
Brian Jesko, Asst. Principal 2850 Bible Road
Lima, OH 45801 (419) 221-0366

TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS
In response to a survey given last year relating to tobacco use and smoking on school grounds, the Bath Board of Education approved a new policy, designating the Bath Local School District campus as a tobacco free site including e-cigarettes and vaping. This policy was put into place to provide a healthier environment for our children and community members. While on school grounds, including the athletic fields across from the middle school and high school, smoking of any kind and chewing tobacco is now prohibited. We appreciate your support of this new policy.

2015-2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Building Staff Meetings (2 Hr. Delay)	Wednesday February 3, 2016 Presidents Day (No School)                           Monday February 15, 2016 Last Day before Easter Break                        Thursday March 24, 2016 School Resumes after Easter Break               Tuesday March 29, 2016 Last Day for Students                                     Friday May 27, 2016
Graduation	Saturday May 28, 2016 @ 10:00 a.m.

BLOODMOBILE
The annual Bloodmobile will be Tuesday, March 15th 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
in the Gymnasium
Please contact Mr. Gross if you would like to donate blood. (419) 221-0366 or GROSSR@BATHWILDCATS.ORG

BATH COMMUNITY ROOMS

You may have noticed a new sign hanging on our bus garage building! Bath Community Rooms were created this school year as a common place to hold regular meetings that had been taking place in one of our three school buildings, all in an effort to promote community. You might better know them as the old elementary library and a second grade classroom. Many of the Girl Scout and Boy Scout meetings are now housed there, as well as PTS meetings and Bath Parents Sports Club meetings. We are pleased to provide this space to our community and only ask that in return, you leave these rooms better than you found them. Please be courteous and pick up after your meeting and turn off all lights before leaving. Let’s work together to keep this a place we will be able to use for years to come.