Superintendent

Superintendent

Thursday, December 23, 2010

December 23, 2010

If I don't get this written in record time, I may as well change the title of this blog to Christmas Eve, as in about 30 minutes it will be December 24!
Vantage had its third calamity day on December 22, and I am certain it won't be our last one for this winter. While it was a somewhat short week, some important things were accomplished which should be noted here before the holidays begin.
Vantage Skills USA officers headed up fundraising efforts to donate to both the Paulding county and Van Wert county Toys for Tots programs. The students did a great job, with their efforts resulting in donations of $493 to each county's program! Opportunities to help others, especially during this time of the year, surround us. The junior Health Technology students adopted a family for Christmas and purchased special gifts for them to make their Christmas brighter. Each year during the month of December, several staff members at Vantage take part in the Santa Sister event. This year a food drive option was offered and several participants chose to donate a canned or boxed food item instead of giving a small daily gift to their "sister". The event is fun and brings out the best in all of us, but it feels particularly good to know that our group was able to donate the collected items to the "Circle of Friends" Cooperative Parrish Food Pantry. Four churches in Continental and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville make this food pantry successful. There are many more acts of giving that are led by Vantage staff and students throughout the year--too numerous to mention individually, but collectively their caring efforts make quite an impact on people in several communities.Thanks to our staff members for initiating these efforts and working with students to foster their participation in such valuable community service activities.
Enjoy the holiday season and Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 13, 2010

December 13, 2010

Good morning, and what a great day it is outside! The sun is shining, but schools are closed throughout the Vantage district. I appreciate living so close to Vantage on days such as this one.

Vantage inducted 26 students into the National Technical Honor Society last Monday evening. Several instructors and parents were in the audience to witness their students' induction. All enjoyed a great dinner and program, led by Mr. Bob Vennekotter, Director. Several parents expressed their pride and appreciation for the personal focus which was put on the ceremony as the audience heard the reasons why teachers nominated each of these outstanding students for the National Technical Honor Society distinction. Congratulations to all of these students for this tremendous accomplishment. Vantage continues to induct at least 20 students annually who exemplify the traits of knowledge, skill, honesty, service, responsibility, citizenship, and leadership.

I can't close my blog today until I note what a wonderful concert I attended at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Sunday night. Kenny G was truly amazing to listen to, and he entertained the audience with much humor throughout the show. The snowstorm outside made it even cozier to enjoy such terrific music.

Monday, December 6, 2010

December 6, 2010

Good Morning! Vantage is starting out the week with a 2-hour delay, as the first instance of slick roads can present challenging driving for our students and staff. A little more daylight to see the road is helpful.

Vantage public relations coordinator,MaryJo Wilhelm and I, along with six students, traveled to Delphos for their annual Hometown Christmas celebration and parade last Friday evening. Thanks to one of our electrical students, the school van was decked out in Christmas lights, and the students passed out three buckets of candy to people along the street. The red and white Vantage banner was walked through the parade to announce we were there! We all enjoyed wearing Santa hats and waving to the crowd. While most of the people in Delphos were at the state championship football game to cheer on the Delphos St. John's football team to an outstanding victory, there were plenty of people to line the streets for the parade.

Have a great week, everyone!