RUSSIA – Russia Local School District heads back to school Aug. 19 and there will be several new programs and teachers.
This year the biggest changes are in the high school with the new College Credit Plus Program and additional course offerings. The past few years they have offered college courses at Russia but this year with the new program, they are required to offer them free of charge to the students. The collaborative relationship with Rhodes State and Urbana University allow them to offer 46 credit hours to the students at Russia and still obtain college credit to get a head start on their college career. The additional courses they have added are psychology, engineering design, current events and speech.
Jessica Pitsenbarger will be teaching some of the most challenging courses at the high school level including AP Calculus. She is originally from Versailles and comes to Russia with two years of experience. She is also currently the head volleyball coach at Edison State and is approved as an adjunct professor at both Rhodes State and Edison State.
Andy Timmerman will be on staff full time this school year. He was hired last April and spent a month in the district as a sub and co-teacher with Mr. Sherman. Timmerman is coming to Russia right out of college. He will be coaching the freshman boys’ basketball team as well.
Cierra Saintignon will be taking over Mr. Youtz’s academic classes as well as come other classes from Mrs. Salisbury and Mr. Topp to allow them to implement additional course offerings. She comes to Russia with one year experience and will also be coaching the eight grade volleyball team.
In the elementary Michele Huber will be teaching fourth grade English/language arts and social studies. She is coming to Russia with several years of experience in a variety of grade levels.
Patricia Clark will be taking over Spanish classes in the high school. She comes to Russia with 22 years of experience teaching Spanish in Piqua and most recently Franklin Monroe.
There will be a back to school night on Monday, Aug. 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for students to meet their teachers and see their classrooms.
School lunch prices for the year are as follows:
Grades 1-6: $1.95
Grades 7-12: $2.20
Adults: $2.50
Applications for free or reduced lunches may be picked up in the school office.
Student picture day is Sept. 11. A letter and picture packet will be sent home with all students prior to the day of pictures.
All this information, a school calendar, and more, can be found at http://www.russiaschool.org/.
