080724_2024-25_SchoolGuide

2 | Y E L LOW S P R I N G S N EWS 2 O 2 4 – 2 5 S C HOO L G U I D E Welcome to the 2024–25 school year! I hope that you and your family had an opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the summer break. This is an exciting time to be a part of Yellow Springs Schools. As we open a new school year, I believe now more than ever that by intentionally creating a culture focused on relationship-building — with students, staff and community — we can effectively improve academic achievement; empower students through accountability, innovation, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration; and provide an inclusive, equitable and safe environment. Because of our innovative approach, we have the opportunity to build on successes we have seen in academics, fine arts and extra-curriculars from last school year. Highlights include a 5-STAR Ohio Depart- ment of Education & Workforce Rating; the designation by NAMM as a “Best Commu- nity for Music Education”; stellar theater arts performances, including “The Addams Family: The Musical”; student art exhibi- tions at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery; and successful athletic seasons. This year will be exciting aswe break ground for our Master Facilities Improvement Projects at both buildings. Expected groundbreaking is in January 2025. We have an entire portion of our website dedicated to all things construc- DR. TERRI L. HOLDEN, superintendent tion: ysschools.org/construction. In our public schools walk the scientists, researchers, educators, doctors, artists and political leaders of the future. What makes Yellow Springs Schools special is that we do not need to look to the future to see leadership. We see advocacy, innovation and student-led change today in our classrooms, in our schools and across our community. We are focused district-wide on our vision of thinking boldly, caring deeply and advo- cating courageously as we welcome our Fearless Thinkers back on Thursday, Aug. 15, for an invigorating year of learning. Welcome to the 2024–25 school year! We hope our students enjoyed the summer months, and they are ready to return to school. Our dedicated Mills Lawn teachers and support staff have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming academic year, and we are eager to welcome the students back to school. There will be new faces joining our team: Aimee Courtwright (sixth grade), Jennifer Colvin (intervention specialist), Sarah Hudgens (intervention specialist), and Emilie Mayer (instructional assistant). Our team’s goal is to continue to provide the resources and support necessary for all students to feel valued, accepted and safe. We are excited to announce that the first preparation for the renovation process was completed this summer! The renova- tions will enhance our learning spaces and create new learning opportunities and experiences at Mills Lawn. We are com- mitted to keeping you informed about the progress of the renovations and any impact they may have on daily school routines. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated as we work to improve our facilities. We value the strong partnership between our school and families. Through- out the year, we will continue to offer vari- ous opportunities for family and commu- nity members to volunteer and participate in school and PTO events. In its third year, the Mills Lawn Extra-cur- ricular Program (MLEP) will continue to serve as an extended learning opportunity for our students. The Mills Lawn Bike Bus will begin its inaugural year and provide students, family members, and community members with a fun and active ride to school. More information on these opportunities for our students and volunteers will be available in the upcoming monthly school newslet- ter. The PTO Class List Celebration will take place on Friday, Aug. 9, from 3–4 p.m., out- side the main entrance doors. Together, we will make this school year an unforgettable and rewarding experience for all. MEGAN WINSTON, Principal, Mills Lawn Elementary School | WELCOME GREENE COUNTY C A R E E R C E N T E R • K E E P I NG T H E WOR K FOR C E S T RONG • 937-372-6941 • www . greeneccc . com Award-winning career/technical programs for high school and adult students. • Back To School Night AUGUST 8 , 4–7 p.m. • Here's to a GREAT YEAR! YSCHAMBER.ORG (e) : info@yschamber .org | (ph) : 937-767-2686 101 DAYTON STREET | YELLOW SPRINGS, OH 45387 To make a donation & for grant applications: www.YSCF.org WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS THE BEST YEAR YET! TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE! JOIN US! 4 Youth Action Board, grades 7–12 4 Charlotte Drake Student Grants 4 YS Endowment for Education Grants 4 YSHS Senior Scholarship Program 4 YS Schools fundraising support u nderdog c afé ! E mporium W ines OPEN: M– F @ 7 A .M. | SAT & SUN 8 A .M. GIVE YOUR DAY A HEAD START WITH A HOT BREAKFAST BURRITO! ESPRESSO • MUFFINS • COLD BEVERAGES SANDWICHES AND MORE! 2 3 3 X EN I A 937 - 76 7 - 70 7 7 YEAR-ROUND HEALTH STARTS HERE Primary care visits are instrumental in helping you stay healthy and catch health issues early. Regular check-ups help your healthcare provider get to know you, your health history, and your goals. And the sooner you start, the more impact it has on your health! Kettering Health Primary Care 888 Dayton St., Suite 200 Yellow Springs, OH 45387 (937) 767-7291 Find the right provider for you and your family at ketteringhealth.org/ruralhealth