This summer, Grandview Heights Schools has been alive with activity. We are grateful to have students learning through summer programming, to host open houses that celebrate both the past and future of our school district and facilities, and to welcome new staff members. All of these events heighten our anticipation for a successful start to the new school year.
Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the district received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding and we are putting it to good use. These funds are being used for summer programming to help students stay on track and bridge any learning gaps after a challenging year.
The state budget has been finalized and, as expected, the impact on Grandview Heights Schools is minimal. Our district receives little funding from the state and communities like ours will continue to look to the generous support of our taxpayers to maintain our quality of schools. We are incredibly fortunate to be in a community that ensures its students will continue to experience the deep-rooted traditions and excellence of Grandview Heights Schools.
On June 19th, Grandview Heights High School hosted an open house for alumni and community members to walk the halls and relive the memories of the building prior to its July renovation. More than 250 people attended and had the opportunity to view and select school and sports memorabilia to add to their personal collections such as old yearbooks, trophies, plaques, vintage school uniforms, and championship banners. Due to the Grandview Heights High School Alumni Association and the Grandview Heights Marble Cliff Historical Society’s support, the open house was a success!
Our next open house will be Saturday, August 14th, at 11:30 a.m., to celebrate the opening of our new Larson Middle School. We are so excited to share this innovative learning space with the community and continue to thank you for your support. Generations of Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff students will benefit from the collaborative classrooms, modern science labs, cutting-edge art and music rooms, and light-filled gymnasium. Follow us on Facebook or visit www.ghschools.org for open house details.
In August, we will welcome eight new staff members including Lisa Sullivan, Stevenson Elementary Principal; Carrie Szlag, HS Intervention Specialist; Lindsay Harper, Grade 4 Teacher; Thomas Stanley, General Music and Orchestra Teacher; Megan Daughters, Reading Teacher; Kylie Gang and Deron Green, Paraprofessionals; and Kristina Brannon, Human Resources Coordinator. Each of these individuals are excited to serve the students of Grandview Heights Schools and we are as equally as excited to have them joining our Bobcat family.
We are in the process of collaborating with other area school districts, Franklin County Public Health (FCPH), the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), residents with medical expertise, and our Board of Education and community more broadly regarding masking, lunch protocols, and quarantine requirements and recommendations for schooling this fall. We will update everyone as soon as we have made our final decisions. As always, we continue to deeply appreciate the support of the Grandview Heights Schools community and look forward to welcoming our students back to school on August 17.