DECEMBER 2024

HERE We Grow MONTHLY HEADLINES FROM THE ESC OF LAKE ERIE

WEST COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CENTER

MORE INSPIRING READS THIS MONTH:

DIRECTOR'S HEADLINE

As the year comes to a close and we prepare for a much-deserved winter break, I want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for all you have accomplished this year. Each one of you—educators, students, staff, and families—has shown incredible resilience, dedication, and heart in making your school community a place of learning, growth, and care.

The holiday season is a time to pause and reflect, and I hope you take this time to celebrate your achievements, recharge your spirits, and create joyful memories with loved ones. Whether it’s reading a favorite book, enjoying winter traditions, or simply taking time to rest, know that your efforts throughout the year have made a lasting impact.

As we look ahead to the new year, we remain committed to supporting your success, fostering creativity, and helping you reach even greater heights in
2025.

School Spotlights	2-3

Governing Authority	4

Academic Services	5

Compliance	6

Special Education	7

Professional Learning	8

ESCLEW Staff	9

Together, we’ll continue to make your schools vibrant and thriving places for every learner.

Wishing you peace, joy, and a very happy holiday season. We’ll see you in the new year!

Warm regards,

OUR MISSION

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

2	DECEMBER 2024

School Spotlight BUCKEYE ON-LINE SCHOOL FOR SUCCESS Creativity in Action: Interact Club Volunteers with Heart

BOSS’s Interact Club kicked off the year by volunteering at a vibrant community event where local children unleashed their creativity by painting pumpkins and birdhouses. Five dedicated volunteers from grades 9-12 supported the young artists, offering encouragement and guidance as they expressed themselves through art.

Beyond fostering creativity, BOSS students played a key role in organizing the event, ensuring supplies were readily available and assisting with clean-up. One volunteer even partnered with the Rotary Club to sell raffle tickets, contributing to fundraising efforts.

Volunteering at events like these not only allows students to give back to their community but also helps them develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. By mentoring younger children, our volunteers discovered the value of patience and the joy of nurturing others’ talents.

These experiences build character, promote responsibility, and inspire a lifelong commitment to service. Through this event, our Interact Club demonstrated that service and creativity go hand in hand to strengthen both individuals and the community.

Thank you BOSS for your dedication to your community!

3	DECEMBER 2024

School Spotlight

SUMMIT ACADEMY COMMUNITY SCHOOL FOR ALTERNATIVE LEARNERS - WARREN MIDDLE & SECONDARY Learning Through Debate: Students Represent Presidential Nominees

Two of Summit Academy Warren Middle and Secondary seniors, Jocelyn and Chandler, took center stage on October 30, portraying Vice President Kamala Harris and now President Elect Donald Trump in a polished mock presidential debate. Held in the school cafeteria before students, teachers, and administrators, the event tackled pressing topics like the economy, reproductive rights, and border security, earning coverage from Youngstown’s WKBN-TV 27.

The debate was the culmination of weeks of study and preparation by Mr. George and Ms. Wehmeyer’s Current Events senior class. “We want students to learn about the election process, politics, and current issues,” explained George. While Jocelyn and Chandler knew the six prepared questions, audience inquiries added an impromptu challenge. “The audience made them think on their feet,” George noted, praising Chandler’s performance as particularly convincing and Jocelyn’s calm, well-researched responses.

Both students credited extensive preparation for their success. Jocelyn relied on note cards for clarity and accuracy, while Chandler studied past debates on YouTube. “The election process is vital,” said Chandler, emphasizing the importance of informed voting. The class also created tri-panel posters showcasing candidate policies, which George praised for their professional quality.

Principal Erin Bradley applauded the event for fostering public speaking, critical thinking, and real-world awareness among students. Reflecting on the experience, George highlighted the students’ professionalism and mutual respect, likening their performances to those in historical presidential debates.

Congratulations on an inspiring and engaging event!

4	DECEMBER 2024

Governing Authority Headlines Written by Julie Kadri

FALL CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS

In early November, ESCLEW emailed the 2024 Fall Contract Modification to all school stakeholders. The modification includes statutory changes required by legislation passed by the General Assembly, in-service training requirements impacted by Erin’s Law and House Bill 47 AED requirements, the sponsor’s expectation for proposed merger of community schools, an update to the school’s Attachment 9.5 Financial Plan to ensure compliance with the requirement to provide an estimated per pupil expenditure for each future year of the school contract in addition to the Five-Year Forecast, and revisions to the Attachment 6.12 Admission Policy (if it currently addresses monthly residency verification) and Attachment 6.13 Attendance Policy to incorporate excused absences for religious expression days. Your school’s modification may also include school-specific updates.

After all modification terms are finalized, the modification must be approved by the Governing Authority. The Governing Authority should authorize the School Leader or other designated person to complete and submit any ancillary documents or attachments to the modification. The deadline for the original signed modification
submission and all attachments is January 31st.

IN THE NEWS

On November 13, 2024, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill (SB) 104, which makes changes to the Ohio Revised Code related to the College Credit Plus program. It also introduces the Protect All Students Act, addressing restroom access in K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities. The bill is now awaiting Governor DeWine's approval, who has 10 days to sign it into law. The new provisions will take effect 90 days after the Governor signs the bill. Schools should review the new requirements and determine if any changes to existing
practices are needed to comply once SB 104 is in effect.

ESCLEW ANNUAL REPORT

On November 18th, ESCLEW emailed a copy of the ESC of Lake Erie West Annual Report 2023-2024 to all school stakeholders. This report is a lengthy document because it’s comprised of all of our sponsored school’s annual reports. The ESC is required to report this information to our schools, and the schools post the report on their website to share with parents of students enrolled in the school.
.

5	DECEMBER 2024

Academic Services Headlines
Written by Kristi Hayward

IS A NEW READING ACHIEVEMENT PLAN REQUIRED OR ONLY A PROGRESS REPORT?
The Reading Achievement Plan is a district plan for raising student achievement in reading. Ohio law (ORC 3302.13) requires each school district or community school that meets the following criteria, as reported on the past two consecutive report cards issued for that district or community school, to submit a Reading Achievement Plan.

1. The district or school received a performance rating of less than three stars for the early literacy component on Ohio’s School Report Card.
AND

2. Fifty-one percent or less of the district or school’s students scored proficient on Ohio’s State Test for grade 3 ELA.

For schools who are required for the second consecutive year to submit a Reading Achievement Plan (RAP), the department has created a Progress Report template. This template allows you to reflect on progress made toward the plan, indicators used to measure progress, updated data analysis, actions taken based on feedback, barriers encountered, and needed revisions.

Schools who were not on last year’s RAP list will be required to complete the entire Reading Achievement Plan using the template provided. Completed plans are required to be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce by December 31st.

CAN A READING ACHIEVEMENT PLAN (RAP) SERVE AS THE READING IMPROVEMENT PLAN (RIP)?

Yes! Although the determining requirements are different, if a school is required to submit a Reading Improvement Plan (RIP) and already has a Reading Achievement Plan (RAP) in place, the same plan can be submitted if the completed plan meets the following requirements;

1. The plan includes a Reading Specialist

2. The plan has been approved by the school’s governing authority via a signed resolution or approved meeting minutes.

The Reading Improvement Plan is only required to be submitted to the Sponsor via Epicenter by December 31st. The task will require submission of the completed plan and documentation of approval from the Governing Authority.

We understand the confusion these two tasks can create as they are closely intertwined. The ESCLEW Office of Community Schools Center is here to help and provide clarity as needed. Please feel free to contact your assigned Regional Technical Assistance Educator or the Academic Services Team Leader, Kristi Hayward.

6	DECEMBER 2024

Compliance Headlines ITEMS OF NOTE - DECEMBER 2024

Financial Submissions

CS Annual Budget – Board Resolution or Approved Meeting Minutes – Please upload evidence of board approval for the annual budget. ESCLEW submits the documentation to DEW.

Board Submissions

Governing Authority Roster – As a reminder, each community school governing authority must have at least five members with current BCI background checks and FBI (if the member has not lived in Ohio for the past five years). All potential candidates must be preapproved by ESLCEW and provide current BCI & FBI criminal background checks and Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form.

#121 Reading Improvement Plan – Schools in which less than 80% of students score at the proficient level or higher on the 2023-24 third-grade ELA assessment must complete the plan and submit it to Epicenter by December 31st.

December 2024

Compliance Requirement	Due Date	Type	Responsibility

School Submissions

Monthly Financial

Financial Reports - November	December 15	Submission

School Safety Drill Notification Certification – Not later than
Linda	December 5th of each year, the

CS Annual Budget – Board Resolution or	December 15	Submission	Julie	principal or person in charge

Minutes

Board Submissions

shall provide written certification by mail, facsimile, or electronic
submission of the date and time

Approved Governing Authority Meeting Agenda	2 Weeks After Meeting	Submission	Regional Rep

each	school	safety	drill

required under division (D)(1) of

Approved Governing Authority Meeting Minutes	2 Weeks After Approval	Submission	Regional Rep	this	section	was	conducted

Governing Authority Board Roster

#121 Reading Improvement Plan

#156 Parental Notification of Core Curriculum Requirements (Secondary Schools)

#438 Compulsory School Age Requirements for Admission to Kindergarten or First Grade - Pupil Personnel Service Committee (K-1 Schools)

#901 Corporal Punishment Policy & Procedures –

Positive Behavior Intervention, Restraint, and Seclusion

December 31

December 31

December 31

December 31

December 31

Submission	Julie

Submission	Kristi

Submission	Kristi

Submission	Kristi

Submission	Julie

during	the	previous	school year, as well as the date and time      each      drill	will	be conducted during the current school year, to the police chief or	other     similar     chief     law enforcement      officer      of      the municipal corporation township, or     township     or	joint     police district in which the school or
institution is located.

School Submissions	Julie School Safety Drill Notification	December 4             Certification                Julie

If you have any questions, please contact Julie Kadri.

7	DECEMBER 2024

Special Education Headlines
Written by Jessica Bair and Heather Tester

SPED DOCUMENTATION VIRTUAL TRAINING
Enhance your understanding and skills in special education documentation with this comprehensive training session. Learn what information should be documented, why it is critical, who is responsible, when it should be completed, and how to document effectively. This session will cover key areas including Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), progress monitoring, progress reports, accommodations, modifications, and support for school personnel. Designed for all professionals working with students with IEPs— intervention specialists, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and support staff—this training ensures compliance and supports improved student outcomes. Examples will be provided!
CLICK HERE for more information and to register

COMPLIANCE TIP OF THE MONTH: SDI LOCATION

When documenting the location of specially designed instruction (SDI), be specific. The location cannot include multiple settings or broadly state "school building" (unless referring to PT/OT
services).

SPECIAL EDUCATION UPDATES

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is actively revising guidance on workload and caseload requirements. In addition, updates to ETR and IEP documents are anticipated for the 2025-2026 school year. Updates to the Universal Supports are also being planned, though the specifics have not yet been released. We will share details and guidance as soon as they become available
to help you prepare for these updates.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROFILES

Special Education Profiles are set to be released in December. These profiles are critical, as they may indicate required actions for your school.
The ESC of Lake Erie West’s Special Education Specialists will review each school’s profile and follow up with schools flagged for required actions. Profiles will be accessible via OH/ID accounts for individuals listed as the school’s superintendent and special education contact. Please ensure these profiles are reviewed
promptly to address any necessary steps.

8	DECEMBER 2024

Professional Learning Headlines

Our Winter 2024 - 2025 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.

9	DECEMBER 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) 360-8213