Dear Kent Community Members,
Success of our staff and students is one of the most important things that we celebrate in Kent Schools. This month we applaud several staff members whose work will have great impact on our students.
First, three Kent elementary teachers, Robyn Elia, Christine Lowden, and Kristin Peel won a free SMART Slate for their Walls students. Their contest entry in Smart Ed’s technology competition was a Free-Tech Shout-Out video that they entered while they attended a recent Smart Ed conference. To win, they created a “jingle” about technology in education. Congratulations, Robyn, Christine, and Kristin—your students will enjoy both the new free hardware and your “Shout-Out Video”!
Second, our new Instrumental Music Director, Dr. John Roebke, will be honored by Hastings College in Nebraska. Dr. Roebke graduated from there in 1989, but he recently received a special recognition by his Alma Mater. When one of his past band students wrote an essay about Dr. Roebke, Hastings College made the decision to award its first Outstanding Teacher Award to John, who will be receiving his award on May 21, 2011. Hastings College will be giving a $1,000 cash award to Roosevelt High School in John’s name, and also will be awarding John with a separate award and travel expenses.
Many of you know by now that Dr. Roebke teaches instrumental music in all of Kent’s buildings, to include grades five through twelve. When asked about the award, John said, “I feel honored to receive this award. It is very exciting and, at the same time, very humbling that a student thought so much of me after four years of college that he would think of me as his most influential teacher.” By the way, John received his doctorate in music from Kent State University in 2005. Congratulations, Dr. Roebke!
These examples are just the proverbial “tip of the iceberg” of successes in Kent Schools. We congratulate these teachers, and we also give full credit to many more Kent students and teachers whose projects are equally as exciting and exemplary.
On a different note, as February ended, we had used five (5) snow days. At the time of this writing, it is possible that the new Ohio legislature will react to Ohio’s severe winter and return the number to five (5) allowable snow days. So, we will not plan any “make-up” days until we see the results of House Bill (HB) 36 passing or not passing.
For many details about our school year, please feel free to navigate our excellent Web site at www.kentschools.net for all of the information you need about your children’s programs and school buildings. At the same time, I invite any parent or community member to call me (330-676-7610) with questions, comments, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joe Giancola
Superintendent
