Miamisburg High School art teacher Megan K. Newton is the 2022 recipient of the Dayton Art Institute’s Pamela P. Houk Award for Excellence in Art Education. In a press release, the Dayton Art Institute's Curator of  Education Casey Goldman stated, "We were inspired to learn about Megan’s deep commitment to teaching the arts by inspiring student choice and discovery. She is being recognized for her work implementing the learner-centered TAB method, coaching pre-service teachers at the University of Dayton, demonstrating leadership at the district level, and actively contributing to the education field."

As recipient of this award, Megan:

• and family are invited to the 2022 DAI Annual Meeting, to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday February 17, 2022, at the museum, where she will receive her framed honorary certificate;
• will receive a custom-made work of art made by renowned glass artist and award namesake Pamela P. Houk’s son, Peter Houk,
• will receive permanent recognition in the Lange Family Experiencenter, which is DAI’s nationally recognized, family-friendly gallery started by Pam Houk,
• will receive a complimentary one-year family-level membership to the museum,
• and, of course, bragging rights!

Congratulations to Megan Newton for inspiring her students each and every day!

The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) celebrates School Board Recognition Month in January to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society. School Board Recognition Month honors the members of Ohio’s more than 700 city, exempted village, local and joint vocational boards of education and educational service centers governing boards for their commitment to providing quality public education to Ohio’s school children. The Miamisburg School District joins other districts throughout the state to recognize the important contributions school board members make to their communities. “Our school board members are citizen-servants who shoulder critical responsibilities and often make difficult choices for our district, all with minimal pay,” Superintendent Dr. Laura Blessing said. “Their focus is always on the future success of the children in our district. Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to say thanks for all they do.”

Miamisburg Board of Education members were honored at the January 20, 2022 board meeting. This was the first meeting held after long-time board member Sharon Angel’s retirement. Sharon served the Miamisburg School Board of Education for sixteen years. She held the office of President three times and Vice-President three times. Sharon held a spot on many committees and served many times as the District’s Legislative Liaison. During the meeting, Ann Niess was presented with a gavel as a token of appreciation for serving as Board President in 2021. Ann has served as a board member since 2018, and will serve as Vice-President in 2022. Christopher Amsler will perform the duties of Board President. Chris has been a board member since 2014. This will be the second time that he has served as Board President. Other members of the Board of Education are Dale Toadvine (since 2008), Tim Lewis (since 2020) and Corey Dafler (elected in 2021). Miamisburg Board of Education members deserve a thank you for all that they do for the students, staff and community of Miamisburg City Schools. (pictured are Dale Toadvine, Tim Lewis, Ann Niess, Chris Amsler and Corey Dafler.)

Contact-tracing efforts have overwhelmed schools in recent weeks, as COVID cases among students and staff skyrocketed amid the Omicron surge. Our school nurses, who already were overburdened, often shouldered the duty of tracking students who were close contacts of COVID-positive students while they were infectious.

Effective today, parents will receive written notification about positive case numbers in their children’s schools. You will not be notified individually. Each day the school will report the number of cases in each grade level of students and staff. In the elementary buildings, classroom cases and quantity will be reported. In middle school, grade level and team cases will be shared with families. At the high school level, grade level cases by staff and students will be shared. Preschool guidance falls under ODJFS and students are required to quarantine outside of school. Therefore, the school staff will continue to contact parents directly.

What to do if you receive a notification from your classroom, team or grade level: recommended mask wearing for 10 days, monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if they are sick. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, notify their friends and close contacts of the possible exposure.

We appreciate your assistance and understanding. (Click on graphic to enlarge or print)