FEBRUARY 2024

HERE We Grow MONTHLY HEADLINES FROM THE ESC OF LAKE ERIE

WEST COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CENTER

DIRECTOR'S HEADLINE

MORE INSPIRING

READS THIS MONTH:

At the ESC of Lake Erie West Community Schools Center (ESCLEW), our commitment to being exemplary in serving Ohio's Community Schools remains unwavering. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure we meet your evolving needs, we have launched the ESCLEW Mid-Year Satisfaction Survey. This survey has been sent to community school stakeholders on February 1st, and we would greatly appreciate your feedback be provided by Friday, February 23rd.

Your participation in the survey is vital so we can improve on:

Meeting Expectations: Ensuring we align our services with your expectations and needs.
Building Trust: Maintaining a strong, trusting relationship with our sponsored community schools.
Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth: Pinpointing areas where we excel and where we can improve.
Future Planning: Anticipating the types of support you'll need in the

future.

School Spotlight	2

ESCLEW Book Club	3-4

Governing Authority	4

Academic Services	5-6

Compliance	7

Special Education	8

Professional Learning	9

ESCLEW Staff	10

We appreciate your honest and confidential feedback as you complete the ESCLEW Mid-Year Satisfaction Survey.

Useful and Free Memberships Available

If you have a first year intervention specialist, there is an opportunity for them to join the Council for Exceptional Children-Ohio’s New Teacher Institute for free. Additionally, if you are in a superintendent role and not currently a member of Ohio Association of Pupil Services Administrators (OASPSA), now is the time to register for a free membership for the remaining
2023-2024 school year. Please see the following two links for more information.

OUR MISSION

"The ESCLEW Community Schools Center is a student-centered authorizer of charter schools, advancing quality educational opportunities throughout
the state of Ohio"

New Teacher Institute                                         OAPSA

2	FEBRUARY 2024

School Spotlight PATHWAY SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY Recognition for Academic Achievement

Pathway School of Discovery is one of ESCLEW’s sponsored K-8 public charter schools

serving students in the Dayton area and led by principal Cathy Miller. Recently, the

school was featured in the 2024 US News and World Report of Best Public Charter

Elementary and Middle Schools. Pathway was ranked nationwide with 45,236

elementary schools and 22,053 middle schools, and within the subset of the nation's

6,442 K - 8 public charter schools. When compared to other Ohio public charter

schools, Pathway ranked 8th in middle school and 12th in elementary school.

Congratulations Mrs. Miller and all the Pathway staff and students! This is an

outstanding accomplishment, and the staff at the ESC of Lake Erie West commend

you for your hard work and dedication to the students and families you serve. Keep

up the excellent work!

3	FEBRUARY 2024

ESCLEW Book Club

Headlines Written by Julie Kadri

To Lead is to Teach:

Stories and Strategies from the Classroom to the Boardroom

Author Jim Mahoney divides his book into two parts. Part II includes compact lessons informed by the author’s experiences and thoughts and practices of current writers, thinkers, and researchers. At the end of each chapter are three actionable pieces that can be used by practitioners to introduce, reinforce, or teach the topic of that chapter.

Part II Life Lessons Learned – Chapters 17-18

Build Productive Relationships with Boards

In Chapter 17, Jim shares stories and tips on how to develop successful relationships with boards.

Fit. When a board is searching for leadership, it’s important to look beyond credentials and accomplishments to find the right fit for the organization. Jim shares how this often begins when an interview turns into a conversation between people who are mutually getting to know each other and, better yet, like each other.

Communication. Boards and their school leader should have a conversation about communication. How would the board like to communicate with their leader and vice-versa? What are the board’s expectations for the school leader? Dive into this conversation and really understand what is said on all sides.

Shared Purpose. Leaders keep boards informed of and working toward shared purposes which vary greatly depending on the type of board and the work that they do.

4	FEBRUARY 2024

Realize Culture is the Byproduct of All You Do

“Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” – Simon Sinek

In Chapter 18, Jim shares stories of various organizations such as Southwest and Costco with stand-out cultures as well as areas to consider when building culture.

Measure – Use a measurement tool to obtain a starting point for your organization’s current culture.
ESCLEW Statewide Meeting
Identify – Study the best workplaces and identify similarities in culture. Expectations – Set expectations for staff/students/stakeholders and enforce them
immediately. Jim says, “It’s easy to leave one piece of clothing on a chair, and the room still looks good. Dust on a nightstand. Piece by piece clutter accumulates, when it would have been easier to address it earlier.”
Invest – Invest in strategies that keep teams moving and improving together.

Practice – Jim says, “If two people agree on everything, one is useless. If they disagree on everything, they are both useless. It’s in the meaningful and honest exchange of ideas that we grow.”
Energy – Fill your organization with activators, people who share a positive energy and approach a project with a, “When can we start?” attitude. Leaders can also use themselves to move people who aren’t natural activators. Jim says, “My experience is that whatever emotion you give, others get. My enthusiasm often generated enthusiasm from others, and we had a physical workspace that subtly encouraged this all day.”

Governing Authority Headlines
Written by Julie Kadri

Open Meetings and Public Records Training

As a reminder, board members are required to complete approved Open Meetings and Public Records training by April 30, 2024. Recently, the Attorney General’s Office temporarily removed their on-demand online training option. Board members can complete a scheduled virtual webinar through the Attorney General here or an on-demand online version through the Auditor of State here. Please contact Julie Kadri with any questions about this requirement.

After House Bill 68 Override, Implications for Education in Ohio – from Bricker Graydon Update

The Ohio legislature’s override of House Bill 68 comes after nearly two years of debate about how to handle mental health, healthcare, and athletics for transgender youth. School districts and higher education institutions should take proactive steps to understand the new laws and their implications.

5	FEBRUARY 2024

Academic Services Headlines
Written by Kristi Hayward

HOW ARE WE DOING? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

It’s time to complete the ESCLEW Mid-Year Satisfaction Survey. This survey was sent as an email and can also be found on the front page of the sponsor update. We ask that all key stakeholders for each school complete the quick survey with honest, accurate feedback. This includes building leaders, building-level special education coordinators, management personnel, and all governing authority members. The survey includes separate sections for compliance, fiscal, governance, special education, academics, and RTAE services. As the building leader, you may respond to each section or choose only the sections that you have the most input on (i.e. academics and RTAE services) and skip the other sections by selecting N/A and “next”.

We understand your time is very valuable, and we appreciate you providing detailed feedback so we can continue to streamline our processes to improve our services for each of our sponsored schools. The survey link will close on Friday, February 23rd.

Complete the survey at ESCLEW Mid-Year Satisfaction Survey.

Going for the GOLD?

As a reminder, if your school is interested in applying for a PBIS programming award (Bronze, Silver, or Gold), an "Intent to Apply" application is required. The deadline for these submissions is February 12, 2024.

Information on this process and the application link can be found here: -https://education.ohio.gov/Media/Ed-Connection/Jan-22-2024/PBIS-Recognition-Award-application-and-Intent-to-A

We are here to support all PBIS teams as they complete the application process. If your PBIS team has any questions, please reach out to your RTAE for assistance.

6	FEBRUARY 2024

Academic Services Headlines
Written by Kristi Hayward

GOVERNOR’S MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

The Governor’s Merit Scholarship program officially launched on Dec 4. The program provides up to $5,000 per year in financial assistance to high school seniors who are identified as graduating in the top 5% of their class. School districts will be able to indicate their top 5% of graduating seniors through an online application portal: meritscholarship.ohio.gov.

Questions about the program can be directed to meritscholarship@highered.ohio.gov.

ATTENTION ALL COHORT 1 SCHOOLS

EDSTEPS Cohort 1 entities are required to complete a three-year needs assessment and plan. The due date for Cohort 1 entities to complete the One Needs Assessment and One Plan is April 30, 2024.
Cohort 2 and 3 entities are not required to complete a three-year plan this year, however, they may edit their existing plans at any time. For a list of educational entities and their cohorts, visit the EDSTEPS Planning Cohorts. For helpful resources to complete the One Needs Assessment, please visit the EDSTEPS website.

7	FEBRUARY 2024

Compliance Headlines Board Submissions

#522 Policies for Use of Credit Card Accounts - Policy – If the school holds a credit card account, submit the governing authority adopted policy for the use of credit card accounts that address the requirements in ORC 3314.52(A). The name of the school shall appear on cards and checks. If the school does not hold a credit card account, type N/A in the narrative box.
#523 Policies for Use of Credit Card Accounts – Compliance Officer – If the designated fiscal officer of the community school does not retain general possession and control of the credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks, submit evidence of appointment of compliance officer. If this task does not apply, type N/A in the narrative box.
#526 Policies for Use of Credit Card Accounts - Rewards – If the school holds a credit card account that earns rewards, an annual report must be submitted to the governing authority. If the school does not hold a credit card account OR if the credit card account does not earn rewards, please type N/A in the narrative box.
#764 Threat Assessment Team Training – Last year, ESCLEW collected training certificates for all Threat Assessment Team members. This year, please certify that the school has a certified team. Documentation should be uploaded in the school’s emergency plan as required by DEW and made available upon request. As a reminder, team members must complete training upon appointment and every three years after.

February 2024

Compliance Requirement	Due Date	Type	Responsibility

ITEM OF NOTE

February 2024

Monthly Financial

Financial Reports - January	February 15	Submission	Linda

Board Submissions

As a reminder, #667 Open Meetings & Public Records Training Affidavit is
due April 30, 2024. Board members,

Approved Governing Authority Meeting Agenda

Approved Governing Authority Meeting Minutes

#522 Policies for Use of Credit Card Accounts - Policy

#523 Policies for Use of Credit Card Accounts – Compliance Officer

#526 Policies for Use of Credit Card Accounts -

Rewards

2 Weeks After Meeting

2 Weeks After Approval

February 28

February 28

February 28

Submission

Submission

Submission

Submission

Submission

Regional Rep

Regional Rep

Julie

Julie

Julie

treasurer, chief administrative officer, other administrative employees, and all individuals performing supervisory or administrative services for the school under a contract with the operator of the school are required to complete an approved annual training
on public records and open meetings

School Submissions

#764 Threat Assessment Team Training	February 28	Certification	Julie

law. Please contact Julie Kadri with any questions pertaining to this
requirement.

8	FEBRUARY 2024

Special Education Headlines
Written by Jessica Bair and Heather Tester

IEP Section 6: PLOP

The Present Levels of Academic Performance (PLOP) plays a crucial role in the IEP process, offering a broad snapshot of a child's current academic achievements, functional abilities, and how their disability affects their educational experience. By incorporating parental concerns and evaluative data, the PLOP encourages collaboration between educators and parents to shape an educational plan that aligns with both school objectives and family desires. The PLOP adapts over time through regular reviews, ensuring it remains responsive to the child's growth and changing needs, emphasizing the commitment to providing a personalized and supportive learning environment.

To assist in creating a compliant and effective PLOP, we've developed a video resource as a guide. This video offers insights into best practices, showcases a well-constructed PLOP, and provides tips for ensuring alignment with educational regulations. To access this video click HERE.

PD OPPORTUNITES ETR Part 1 Virtual PD
How to complete an assessment for an ETR. Including what data to

include and how to properly complete a Part 1 form.

SPECIAL EDUCATION
Update
Ohio's Alternate Assessment PROFILES
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires annually each district or
community school to submit a justification

When: March 5th	Time: 2:30-3:30pm	when it anticipates testing more than 1.0 percent of students using the Alternate

This PD is for anyone who completes part 1 of the IEP including Gen Ed teachers! CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Indicator 13 -Transition Plans Virtual PD
How to use the Indicator 13 Checklist to write quality and compliant

transition plans.

Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD). Starting January 2024, the Department is transitioning the District Justification and Assurances process to the Comprehensive Continuous Improvement Plan (CCIP). Justification links will no longer be emailed
to Superintendents. The due date for the

When: February 27th	Time: 2:30-3:30pm

Spring 2024 District Justification and

Assurances is April 26, 2024.

CLICK HERE for more information and to register	Additional information.

9	FEBRUARY 2024

Professional Learning Headlines

Our winter 2024 Professional Learning Newsletter is now published. Please take a few moments to read about the upcoming professional learning available as well as consultation services that are always available and ongoing.

Please see our new curriculum page included in the Professional Learning Website to discover additional resources.

10	FEBRUARY 2024

ESCLEW Staff

Superintendent Sandra C. Frisch

ESCLEW Governing Board

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CENTER CONTACT INFORMATION

DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CENTER

Kurt Aey (419) 246-3142

Jeff Bunck

Jared Lefevre

Brent Buehrer

TEAM LEADER, ACADEMIC SERVICES

Kristi Hayward (419) 214-3893

TEAM LEADER, OPERATIONS

Julie Kadri (419) 724-4288

Thomas Ilstrup Joan Kuchcinski

Treasurer

Richard A. Cox

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AND ACADEMIC SPECIALIST

Aimee Mendelsohn (419) 280-1661

SPECIAL EDUCATION SPECIALISTS

Jessica Bair (419) 367-3562 and Heather Tester (419) 260-4793

Director

Kurt A. Aey

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

Linda Moye (419) 724-4291

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Natalie Miller (419) 246-3137

Administrative Offices

2275 Collingwood Blvd. Toledo, OH 43620 (419) 245-4150

Community Schools Center

4955 Seaman Rd. Oregon, OH 43616
(419) 246-3137

IN NEED OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE?

Contact your school's regional technical assistance educator (RTAE) for direct support related to on-site visits, governing authority updates, compliance, academics, and more.

Brittany Beck	DeAnna Hardwick	Augie Herman

(419) 461-5375	(330) 591-0217	(937) 243-4900

www.esclakeeriewest.org

Allison Lentz

(419) 260-7708

Joyce Lewis

(419) 290-4759

Jennifer Little

(419) 764-9545