It's hard to believe, but the end of the school year is fast approaching.
Although there may be only a few weeks left on the calendar, all of our Grandview Heights City School District students remain busy both in and out of the classroom.
On May 27, we will graduate the class of 2018. We have afforded our graduates the opportunity to explore their passions, develop purpose, unlock their potential and attain the skills that they will need to succeed.
This class has been especially impressive. Until the final school bell rings, our high school students are actively engaged in AP testing, spring sports, band and choir concerts, and award and scholarship presentations.
Students at Stevenson Elementary and Edison Intermediate/Larson Middle schools are ending the year with a fantastic service project. To show appreciation to those who serve our community, students are creating care packages for our first responders and friends at the Grandview Heights fire and police departments.
On May 18, the district and the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Education Foundation will work together so that the entire school district and community can participate in a communitywide, project-based learning experience called "Hands of Gratitude."
Students in grades K-12, along with volunteers, will work in teams to assemble a prosthetic limb (arm and hand) to be given to a child who has lost a limb due to land-mine explosions, birth conditions and/or accidents. The recipients of the devices that we will build span our entire country and globe.
Our students will have the opportunity to learn about their recipient, create a video message for him or her, and design a personalized case to house the device they construct.
We believe this experience offers an authentic learning opportunity for all students. Further, it is an integration and meaningful incorporation of empathy, perseverance, community, science and engineering.
We need many volunteers to help our student teams complete their project and build their device. You do not need to be an engineer to volunteer. If you have a heart for kids and can help them follow directions, then you are the perfect volunteer. Visit our website for event and volunteer information.
The Financial Advisory Committee continues to research and analyze recommendations for the funding and phase-in of the district's facilities plan. The initial recommendation will be presented to the community in a public meeting. The committee will present an overview of its initial findings, then facilitate conversations with attendees in order to gather additional information and feedback to help formulate final recommendations to the superintendent.
Those unable to attend the meeting may complete an online survey at ghcsd.org. The survey will go live immediately following the community meeting. Check the website for updates.
As I reflect on all that we as a district and community have accomplished together in supporting our schools this year, I am truly humbled. It continues to be a privilege to serve as your superintendent.
Andy Culp is superintendent of the Grandview Heights City School District.