It is hard to believe that the first grading period is over, but we have begun the second quarter of school and the beautiful fall season is in full swing. Congratulations to the Tri-Valley Marching Band on qualifying for state competition for the 40th consecutive year. Additionally, our Varsity Girls Soccer Team won the MVL championship.
The start of the school year was very smooth this year, even though there has certainly been a lot of activity. The new District Administrative Center project started in late June and is well underway. Additionally, we are in the early stages of the design process at Nashport Elementary to add six new classrooms. The Nashport project also includes additional measures to help with traffic flow before and after school.
One of the major issues we have been dealing with since spring of last year is the number of our students’ vaping at school. We have installed vape detectors in the middle school and high school restrooms to help curb this new trend. Many parents may not realize that many of these vape cartridges contain synthetic forms of THC that are much stronger and much more addictive than what might be found in standard marijuana. The school district tests these vapes for THC and on way to many occasions they have come back positive. In response to this disturbing trend, we have partnered with Steered Straight, a non-profit organization, to educate our students about the dangers of vaping. Steered Straight Founder, Michael DeLeon, will deliver a message to students, grades 5 through 12, about “life choices and the importance of consequential thinking so they understand that there are consequences to their actions.” During his message, Mr. DeLeon will share his mission: “to educate youth to stay on the right path when it comes to serious life issues, especially drugs.” As a reformed ex-offender, Mr. DeLeon will share his message with our students in an effort to curb the growing trend of vaping that has become prevalent in our schools.
On Friday, January 6, 2023, all 5th and 6th grade students in our district will gather at Tri-Valley Middle School to listen to Mr. DeLeon’s message. Students from Nashport, Frazeysburg and Adamsville Elementary will be bussed to and from the middle school for the assembly. Dresden Elementary students will make the short walk across the parking lot to the middle school. Later that same day, the middle school and high school students will attend a similar presentation.
In addition to educating our students about the dangers of bad decisions (and vaping), Mr. DeLeon has provided a parent video presentation that we encourage all parents/guardians to watch. While the video is lengthy, the message is well-delivered and an important one for parents. To view the video, please use the following link: shorturl.at/dgnC2
As your superintendent for the last fifteen years, a resident of the district, and a parent, I am very proud of our school district. I encourage community members to feel free to reach out to us with any questions or suggestions. School Board meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the district office directly across from the bus garage. Go Dawgs!