September 25, 2009

This is a second version with the correct date for the Magnet Elementary Schools Open House. 

Dear Friends of Cincinnati Public Schools,

It’s been awhile since I was a principal, but I still remember Open Houses as one of my favorite times of the school year. It’s a chance for principals, teachers and other school staff to meet parents and families, talk about learning goals, and build the kinds of great relationships that lead to student success.

Open House season is in full swing right now in Cincinnati Public Schools. Most high schools held their open houses Tuesday night, and most elementary schools will hold open houses next week. I encourage parents and community partners to participate, if they haven’t already done so, to learn more about the great things that are occurring in our schools.  Read a flier with more about open houses.

Voter Registration

Most schools also will be offering voter registration opportunities at their open houses. The deadline to register to vote in the November 3 election is Monday, October 5. If you are not registered or have changed your address since you last voted, you can register during open houses. You also can download a voter registration form from the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

H1N1 Vaccine

Cincinnati Public Schools is partnering with the Cincinnati Health Department to administer the first doses of the 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine next month. The vaccine is voluntary, free to students and eligible adults, and highly recommended as a means of protection from this potentially serious virus. A letter from me and consent forms will be distributed to families next week. The Health Department is requesting that parents return the forms by October 7 so Health Department officials can make plans to offer the vaccines in or near schools in our district. I hope our parents take advantage of this great opportunity to help their children stay healthy. Read more about how to prepare for H1N1 and other forms of pandemic flu.

 Attendance Campaign

If students aren’t feeling well, of course we don’t want them to come to school until they’re completely recovered — meaning that they are free from flu symptoms for 24 hours and are fever-free without medication.

On the other hand, it’s very important for children who are well to be in school and take advantage of every day of instruction. Again this year, we’re offering our Attendance Campaign to encourage students to come to school. Parents, mentors and community partners can play a valuable role in reinforcing this message.  Check out the new look of this year’s attendance campaign.

Boosting Brainpower

Healthy eating is a great way to stay healthy — and do better in school at the same time. Our partners in the “do right” campaign at the Center for Closing the Health Gap of Greater Cincinnati, which works with our schools to combat childhood obesity, have helped put together some tips on foods that boost brain power, as well as foods that don’t. It’s good information not just for parents but for all of us who want to perform at our best.

By the way, the Center for Closing the Health Gap will hold a march and rally to address the issue of childhood obesity beginning at noon on Saturday, October 10, at South Avondale School, 636 Prospect Place (45229). All are welcome.

 CET Interview

We’re off to a terrific year in Cincinnati Public Schools, and I never pass up a chance to talk about it. Recently, I had a wonderful conversation with Barbara Kellar, host of CET Express, about our strategies to accelerate academic achievement in Cincinnati Public Schools. I’m told you can view a video of our conversation beginning on Tuesday, September 29, by logging on to www.cetconnect.org and clicking on “Around our Communities.”  Here’s the direct link.

Thank you for all you do to support our students, schools and district.  We’ve started the year strong, and, with your partnership, I know it’s going to be one of the best years ever in CPS!

Best regards,

Mary A. Ronan, Superintendent