HOUSTON — The Hardin-Houston Local School District has enhanced its K-12 academic classroom instruction including FCCLA, FFA and multiple extra-curricular/athletic team opportunities. The district continues to provide a well-rounded environment for all students to succeed.
Superintendent Larry Claypool has submittd the following report:
For the 2017-18 school year, to enhance K-4 academics, the district was awarded the 21st Century Grant, one of five awarded in the state. The grant, worth $1,000,000 over a five-year period, will be used for after school academic instruction for K-4 students and has implemented a newly created Earthlab (STEAM instruction) model. Elementary Principal Sara Roseberry and her staff worked with the MRESC to make this opportunity possible.
For the second year, the Young Five’s Kindergarten program has provided a uniquely blended curriculum for five-years-olds who need special assistance as they begin their elementary careers.
The District continues to celebrate “All A’s Night” for those students in grades three through six who receive all A’s for the first semester of the school year. These scholars are honored at a varsity boys’ basketball game. In addition, this fall’s Spelling Bee winners were champion Katelynn Rockwood, and second place Cienna Kennedy. Colton Spriggs won the Geography Bee with Hayden Mowery placing second.
The Houston FFA Chapter was recognized as the No. 1 Chapter in Ohio for Building Communities, and also an overall Top 10 Chapter in Ohio out of over 350 chapters. With 103 members, the organization was also recognized as a 3-star chapter in the nation (Top 10 percent of the over 8,500 chapters). FFA member Isaac Stephenson was a National Proficiency Finalist for his Supervised Agricultural Experience (Top 4 in the U.S.). Kelci Cooper placed second statewide for the Job Interview contest, and fourth in Extemporaneous Public Speaking. Shelby Ayers achieved third place in the state for the Prepared Public Speaking contest, and the Agricultural Communication contest team also received fourth in the state. We are very proud of our FFA program under the supervision of Derek McCracken, and his student-led leadership team.
Matt Stephens, H-H’s technology director, has initiated several new programs this year. The most critical improvements began with the update and enhancement of the facility-wide security and surveillance camera system. Hardin-Houston also switched from Microsoft Office 365 to Google Apps for Education, and began introducing Chromebooks into the classroom, while updating 95 percent of Windows computers to Windows 10. The District obtained cost savings of over 50 percent on laptop purchases, and over 40 percent savings in upgrades and additions for the new security system.
Regarding building and grounds, the district completed a major facility project for our outdoor baseball, softball, and track athletic programs. In fall 2017, the new concession building with restrooms and storage area was completed.
Houston High School had numerous outstanding athletic performances this past year. Athletes recognized by the SCAL in various seasonal sport teams were Cameron Arnold, Sara Monnier, Jessica Monnier, Bryan Funk, Cameron Via, Devyn Ostrander, Seth Stoodt, Tristin Stangel, Ethan Knouff, David Stammen and Shelby Ayers. Also, the cross-country boys’ team won seven of their 11 invitational meets becoming one of the two district champions earning a spot in the state meet. Athletes included were Tristin Freisthuler, Ethan Knouff and Hollie Voisard.
Fiscally speaking, the district remains financially stable, and continues to be proactive in its financial planning.
Hardin-Houston has maintained a positive student open enrollment for the last seven years. Our $7,965 cost to educate one student ranks among the lowest public schools in the state. Our staff, administrative team, and Board Of Education, wish to thank every parent and student for making Hardin-Houston their school of choice.
