HSCD Walk of Gratitude #1

In today's society we are all so busy. We constantly are pushing ourselves and each other to do more and to be more. In our quest to #BeELITE, we often forget to stop and reflect and simply say "thank you". To pause and take the time to tell those that make our lives better that we appreciate them for all the little things and big things they do to enhance our journey.

Within the Hilliard City Schools we focus on instilling a passion for growth in ourselves, our staff and our students. We push ourselves to #TheEdge each day to be the best for our students, colleagues, district, parents and the community we serve. We expect to be at the top of our profession. We push to be innovative, to take risk, to demonstrate a growth mindset and to stay above the line. We strive to provide a world class experience for our students that prepares them to be ready for tomorrow. We believe we have created this environment within our district because of the amazing staff that we have in front of our students each day. Those staff members all are relentless in their pursuit to #BeELITE in their classroom for their students.

So today we pressed pause and took time to simply say "thank you". To show gratitude for all the little and big things these professionals do each day to create a first class experience for our students. To let them know that they are appreciated and that their hard work does not go unnoticed. These teachers demonstrate a passion for growth which has created a classroom culture that promotes risk taking and fosters student growth both academically and socially! They are preparing students to be Ready for Tomorrow! THANK YOU!

We hope you enjoy reading about the first in a series of HCSD Walks of Gratitude! This week we feature Davidson HS, Weaver MS and Tharp Sixth Grade. 

Hilliard Davidson High School 

Lindsay Limbacher and Erin Vance are our teachers in the life skills class. They LOVE our students! This year they have started a school store run by their students. Staff, parents and students have loved seeing them at the front door. Come stop by and pick up their hottest selling item, the iPad stylus! - Davidson Admin Team

Brad McKinley is an educator who goes above and beyond to help his students succeed.  He is caring and compassionate with all of his students and does an excellent job of communicating expectations with students and parents.  He is constantly working towards being innovative in his classroom to help his students succeed.  Brad is a valuable asset to the Davidson High School and community.- Davidson Admin Team

Sam Stille has taken the R Factor to another level.  Talk about a true team player!  Sam volunteered to build an R Factor curriculum, from scratch, that was used by Davidson’s R Factor teacher and student trainers at the beginning of the school year.  The lessons within the curriculum were outstanding and were chock full of engaging videos and activities.  Additionally, Sam has already created the materials we will use to roll out R 5 to our student body during Block Week in October.- Davidson Admin Team

Lisa Braun is a courageous teacher who exemplifies taking risks with her students in the classroom.  She partners with our technology teachers for innovative team learning experiences.  In addition, Lisa is an exceptional instructional leader as she employs: workshop model practices, student voice and choice, project based learning, mastery learning, and much more.  Most importantly, she blends instruction in order to personalize every student's educational experience. - Davidson Admin Team

Hilliard Weaver Middle School

The following teachers have shown a continued commitment to the implementation of instructional best practices in the area in which they teach. Their dedication to the HCSD school community and their unwavering belief in the culture of Weaver Middle School is essential to our collective success and these teachers demonstrate this day in and day out. 

Our Weaver teachers exemplify the Power of the Team by engaging themselves in meaningful collaboration with colleagues, demonstrate a Passion for Growth by being active participants in purposeful professional development and model their own success and failures in the teaching and learning environment by embracing the phrase, Stand Up and Own It.

At Weaver Middle School we have many teachers that continue to push themselves in all aspects of their work. Their service to our students and our parents is unwavering.

We are grateful to recognize the first of many teachers this year at Weaver and across the district so that our colleagues can also celebrate the excellence that exists in the HCSD learning community. - Craig Vroom/Sam Althouse

Hilliard Tharp Sixth Grade Building

Tharp would like to honor and recognize the outstanding best practices in teaching and learning implemented by our science data team who go above and beyond to create the strongest, most effective data team I have ever seen. They are leading the way with innovative best practices in science instruction while personalizing learning. An example of this would be the “Darby Creek Experience” they have created for every student at Tharp which fosters scientific inquiry, real life application and working with local community agencies to monitor the water quality of Darby Creek. Here is the write up on the district website about the experience. - Cori Kindl

http://www.hilliardschools.org/hilliard-station-students-prepare-for-science-field-trip/

Thank you to our building administration for fostering cultures in their buildings that allow staff to #BeELITE. 

• Hilliard Davidson HS - Aaron Cookson(@adcut2), Lauren Schmidt, Nate Bobek(@nathanbobek), Brian Moore, Jeremey Scally(@jscally55), Erica O'Keefe
• Hilliard Weaver MS - Craig Vroom (@Vroom6) and Samantha Althouse (@sammyalthouse)
• Hilliard Tharp Sixth Grade - Cori Kindl and Scott Snyder (@bulldog80scott)

With Gratitude,
Dawn Sayre(@dsayre32), Mark Tremayne(@t_livinthedream) and John Bandow

Stay Connected: Please follow us as a Secondary Curriculum Team on Twitter: @hcsdseced

*See the story behind the Walk of Gratitude from Jon Gordon here​. 
(Thanks to Mr. Vroom for providing the link)

HCSD Middle Level Spotlight #5 - Memorial Jaguars

This week we turn our attention to the dynamic leadership team at Memorial Middle School, Mr. Barry Bay and Mr. Jon Way.

Mr. Bay and Mr. Way have fostered a family-oriented school environment with a strong concentration on academics, character education and extra-curricular activities. Memorial has an excellent teaching staff, dedicated to assisting students in finding success.

Mr. Barry Bay

Mr. Bay is entering his 37th year in education and his 6th year as the principal at Memorial. Prior to leading the Jags, Mr. Bay spent 7 years as a Math teacher and coach at Chillicothe HS and 7 years as a Math teacher and coach at THE Hilliard High School.  Mr. Bay also spent 3 years as an Assistant Principal at Hilliard HS and Hilliard HS Transition Building. Mr. Bay served as the Athletic Director of Darby HS for 7 years and then moved to Heritage Middle School for 7 years as an Assistant Principal.

Mr. Bay attended Heidelburg University for his undergraduate degree. He then went on to THE Ohio State University for his master’s degree.

When asked his "why" for being an administrator he shared that it is, "To have a positive impact on students and staff". He hopes that all staff and students are able to integrate the R Factor skills into their daily lives during this school year. He is excited about the future of the Hilliard City Schools and all the amazing opportunities we are able to offer our students and staff to be ready for tomorrow. Mr. Bay loves being a part of the middle level team in Hilliard. He appreciates the teamwork amongst the group and the ability to share ideas so that we all continue to learn and grow.

Outside of school Mr. Bay enjoys spending time with his wife- Diana and their children- Jackson (18), Mackenna (16) and Keaton (8). Mr. Bay also like to exercise and participate in sports. On the weekends you can find him cheering on his favorite sports teams, THE Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals.


Mr. Jon Way

Mr. Way is entering his 21st year as an educator. Mr. Way has taught 3rd, 5th and 6th grades at two different schools in the Delaware City Schools. Mr. Way also served as an assistant principal at a 5/6 building for 1 year and then served as the principal at Conger Elementary for 1 year. Mr. Way then came to the Hilliard City Schools where he was the Brown Elementary Principal for 3 years.

Mr. Way attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he played football and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then earned his Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova University and his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Mr. Way also earned his Superintendent Licensure from Miami University.

Mr. Way is passionate about working with people and helping children succeed. He is energized to be part of the Hilliard City School District and Memorial Middle School. When asked about this year he said, "This year presents new learning for me and learning on the Edge. I cannot wait to forge a new path and make a positive influence in my community".

Mr. Way shared three quotes that he uses to guide him daily:
"What they should teach in school. Only two things: 1. Solve interesting Problems 2. Lead". -Seth Godin
"A wise man can always be found alone; a weak man can always be found in a crowd". -Unknown

 "I never lose. I either win or learn". -Nelson Mandela

Mr. Way is a proud member of the Hilliard Community. He lives in Hilliard with his wife of 21 years, Dena. Dena is also a teacher in the Hilliard City Schools. She has served as a teacher at Darby High School for 21 years. They are proud parents of 3 wonderful children, Griffin -11yrs. old and attends Station 6th Grade Building; Grady- 9 yrs. old and Delaney-7 yrs. old. who are both proud students at Darby Creek Elementary.

Outside of school Mr. Way enjoys traveling, friends and family and sports. He is an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops and THE Ohio State Buckeyes....in that order!

With Mr. Bay being a Bengals fan and Mr. Way being a Browns fan, the Battle of Ohio (October 23rd and December 11th) should be fun this year!

Middle Level Spotlight #4 - Hilliard Weaver Cats

This week we are excited to feature the leadership team from Hilliard Weaver Middle School! Mr. Craig Vroom and Mrs. Samantha Althouse combine their talents to lead an energetic and innovative school community. 

Mr. Craig Vroom

Mr. Vroom is entering his 23rd year in education. Mr. Vroom started his teaching journey in 1994 at Hilliard Crossing Elementary where he spent 5 years prior to moving to Hilliard Heritage for the next 2 years. After that, Mr. Vroom transitioned into school administration where he served as the Beacon Elementary Principal for 7 years. Mr. Vroom currently serves as the Principal of Weaver Middle School entering his 9th year of service with the CATS! Mr. Vroom attended Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio where he earned his undergraduate degree. Mr. Vroom then went on to pursue his master’s degree at THE Ohio State University. 

When asked his "why" for becoming an administrator, Mr. Vroom shared that it is "Being able to work alongside both students and teachers on a journey to finding their "why" and to continue the passion of teaching and learning for all". Mr. Vroom's favorite quote is by Dr. Seuss - "To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world." Mr. Vroom hopes to continue to grow as a leader this school year and to help facilitate learning experiences for others and himself.

Mr. Vroom is a proud father and husband. He lives in Hilliard with his wife Michelle and their 4 children; Hayden, Isabella, Aidan and Rowan. The Vroom family also enjoys playing with their Goldendoodle - Darbie! When Mr. Vroom is not cheering on his children in their school events or cheering for the CATS, he enjoys traveling, golf and spending time with family and friends. He also is an avid fan of college and professional sports. His favorite teams are Syracuse, THE Ohio State Buckeyes, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. 

Mrs. Samantha Althouse

Mrs. Althouse is entering her 13th year in education. She spent 10 years as a 7th grade math teacher at Dublin Davis Middle School, and one year as an Administrative Intern at Chapman Elementary before joining the Weaver team. Mrs. Althouse earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University - Bachelor of Science. Mrs. Althouse then attended Miami University where she earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.

Mrs. Althouse is passionate about doing things better, and is always looking for ways to improve the educational experience for kids. She loves being an administrator because she can learn and share best practices with teachers all while having a greater impact than in her own singular classroom. Mrs. Althouse also has a servant heart, and believes that there is no better feeling than helping others. Whether it is a teacher or a student that she is coaching through a difficult time or teaching about a life lesson, she just wants to leave each place/person better than when she arrived. Her favorite quote is "Have courage, be kind." - Cinderella. Mrs. Althouse hopes that the Weaver community will continue to build upon their goal of embedding the #WeaverWay culture into everything that they do. She hopes that teachers continue to take risks instructionally as they enter year two with the iPad integration. Her dream is for each student to embrace the #WeaverWay culture and take an active role in making Weaver an even better place to learn and grow! 

Mrs. Althouse is married to her husband, Keith, who is a middle school science teacher in Dublin. They have two children; Remy (2nd grade) and Bellamy (kindergarten), and a Goldendoodle named Riggins. 

Outside of the Weaver walls Mrs. Althouse enjoys her family! They spend their evenings and weekends attending their children’s activities, and they love every minute of it! The Althouse family is a sports family, so they are typically found at a sporting event whether their own children's or their favorite teams'. The family’s favorite teams include THE Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns! Mrs. Althouse is also a secret Disney addict, and has a small problem/obsession with custom dresses that she has made for her daughter to wear every time they visit Disney World. Just ask, she have lots of pictures! 

Mrs. Althouse is truly excited for this school year! Go CATS!

Hilliard Station Cougars Admin Spotlight - Week #3

Welcome to week #3 of our HCSD Middle Level Team Spotlight Series! This week we have the great opportunity to turn our attention to the powerhouse team at Hillard Station 6th Grade Building; Mr. Kevin Buchman and Mr. Jacob Grantier! 

Hilliard Station Cougars

Mr. Kevin Buchman

Mr. Buchman is entering his 27th year in education. He started teaching in the fall of 1989 in Perry Local Schools as a fifth grade teacher. Mr. Buchman piloted Perry's inclusion classroom starting in 1993. Upon the school becoming departmentalized he began to focus on LA, SS and SC.  After 17 years of fifth grade, Mr. Buchman became a 6th grade teacher where he taught SS and SC. Two years later Mr. Buchman became an Administrative Intern at Perry Middle School.  The following year, he was hired by Hilliard as an assistant principal at Weaver Middle School.  Since coming to Hilliard, he has been an assistant principal, coordinator of curriculum and instruction K-12 and a principal.

Mr. Buchman earned his undergraduate degree from Heidelberg University and then moved on to Kent State where he earned his Master’s Degree. When asked "why" he become an administrator, Mr. Buchman stated that he "wanted to not only enhance a child's educational experience, but all stake-holders experience.  I love helping people grow personally and professionally". Mr. Buchman's motto is: "Life is what you make it, always has been, always will be". Mr. Buchman hopes to create a school-wide program this year where Station focuses on the needs of the "whole child" through a new Advisor/Advisee Program within the confines of a positive learning environment.

Outside of school Mr. Buchman enjoys spending time with his family. He comes from a family of educators and administrators at the public and collegiate level.  His daughter, Natalie, is a freshman at Dublin Coffman HS and his son, Nathan, is a sixth grade at Sells MS. He also enjoys being at the lake, gardening, cooking and DYI projects. Mr. Buchman is a college sports fan and enjoys cheering for OSU and Duke while eating chicken wings!

Mr. Jacob  Grantier

Mr. Grantier is in his first year as part of the leadership team at Hilliard Station and his seventh year as an educator all within the Hilliard City School District. When Mr. Grantier entered college he intended to go to medical school after completing his undergraduate degree. However, as both of his parents were lifelong educators (his mother was an English teacher and his dad was a history teacher, principal, and superintendent) and after serving in a number of roles that involved teaching others (lifeguarding, teaching assistant, service trip to Africa) and his realization that medicine was not for him, he enrolled in a graduate program and licensure program in education. He spent three years in the classroom teaching online science, chemistry, and biology at Darby High School and then served as the district's secondary instructional coach for science through which he worked to influence best practices and professional development. His deep work as lead to his passion of promoting mastery learning, standards-referenced grading practices, instructional design, and high-quality assessment opportunities.

Mr. Grantier attend University of Rochester where earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology and Immunology. He the earned his Masters of Science from the University of Rochester in Adolescent Science Education. Mr. Grantier then attend Miami University and earned his M.Ed. in School Leadership.

 When asked his “why” for becoming an administrator Mr. Grantier stated: “I want to positively impact the experiences of all students, teachers, and parents, promote the benefits of public education, work to improve how we do business by aligning practice to education research and theory, and be the source of contagious positive energy that can motivate others to lifelong learning and the desire to be civically-minded members of an altruistic global society”. Mr. Grantier hopes to be a source of positive contagious energy at Station and model for our teachers and students that you can't take a day off.

Outside of school Mr. Grantier enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Cara met at the University of Rochester. They have been married and have lived in Columbus since 2010. They have a dog, Lola, and enjoy spending time downtown and traveling. Cara just finished her Masters of Science in Nursing at THE Ohio State University and will start work at the James Cancer Hospital in September. She also teachers Pure Barre part time in Dublin. They currently live in Powell.

Mr. Grantier also enjoys reading (mostly nonfiction, but my favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird and anything by Charles Dickens), working out (running and cycling), music (playing the piano and performing with the Columbus Symphony Chorus) spending time outside and with friends, and traveling. Mr. Grantier appreciates the opportunities to have conversations with colleagues that push my thinking and make me think and work deeply to grow my understandings.

Mr. Grantier loves to cheer on his favorite collegiate and professional teams which include: THE Ohio State University, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants!