The Ohio School Boards Association is celebrating School Board Recognition Month in January 2018 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 is joining with other districts throughout the state to recognize the important contributions school board members make to their communities. “Ohioans benefit every day from the dedicated energies and countless hours devoted by a group of more than 3,400 men and women across the state,” said Dr. David Vail, Superintendent. “These public servants are elected to serve by local citizens and receive little compensation for their tireless efforts. These men and women are the local school board members of Ohio. “These people unselfishly contribute their time and talents toward the advancement of public education. They represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education. Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation to our school board members, we recognize their contributions reflect a year-round commitment on their part. “They are dedicated individuals who are committed to the continuing success of our schools and students.”

Miamisburg Board of Education members were honored at the January 18, 2018 board meeting. Sharon Angel was presented with a gavel as a token of appreciation for serving as Board President in 2017. Sharon has served as a board member since 2006 and has served as Board President three times during her tenure. Christopher Amsler will perform the duties of Board President in 2018. Chris has been a board member since 2014. This will be the first year that he has served as Board President. Other members of the Board of Education are Vice-President Dale Toadvine (since 2008), Danielle Kuehnle (since 2009) and Ann Niess (elected in 2017).Thank you to our Miamisburg Board of Education members for all that you do for the students, staff and community of Miamisburg City Schools. (pictured above are Danielle Kuehnle, Sharon Angel, Ann Niess, Christopher Amsler and Dale Toadvine)

MIamisburg's District Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Ed Hutchison was also recognized (pictured at right with Director of Business Scott Gilbert). Ed earned the Certified Building Operator distinction from Northwest Energy Effeciency Council. Building Operator Certification is awarded to individuals who pass the Building Certification Examination, demonstrating they have competence in critical job knowledge, skills, and abilities in energy efficient maintenance and operation of buildings, indoor environmental quality, and associated tasks with the building operator profession. Congratulations Ed! 

The Miamisburg City School District Board of Education held their Organizational Meeting on Thursday, January 4th. Mayor Dick Church administered the oath of office to re-elected board members Sharon Angel and Christopher Amsler. New member Ann Niess was also given the oath of office. Christopher Amsler was named Board President and Dale Toadvine will serve as Vice-President for 2018.

Pictured are Board Members Danielle Kuehnle, Sharon Angel, Ann Niess, Christopher Amsler and Dale Toadvine.

The Miamisburg City School District December Student of the Month is Exon Vasquez-Serrano. Exon is an eighth grade student at Miamisburg Middle School and was nominated by his counselor Bonita Belton. Mrs. Belton said "Our focus Asset for December was Asset #24 Bonding to School - Young person cares about his or her school. Our focus character word for the month was Caring - Student shows concern and consideration for others. Exon is a delightful young man to be around and thoroughly enjoys the time he spends at MMS each day.

Exon's family moved to Miamisburg from Honduras during his 4th grade year. He spoke only Spanish when he came our school district. Ms. Deck, his ESL Tutor, had wonderful things to say about him, "Exon has always been a friend to everyone he has met. He has been especially helpful with students who speak Spanish as a home language. He has been willing to befriend them immediately and help translate important information to them. I believe Exon remembers being a new student to Miamisburg the last week of his 4th grade year and the challenges of not knowing anyone. He wants to make the transition as easy as possible for other kids who find themselves in his situation. "
Exon has a positive attitude in all aspects of his life. He has commented, "we all have things that go wrong in life but if we have a positive attitude it will work out". He carries that attitude with him throughout his school day by helping others. If he sees that someone is sad or lonely he wants to make them feel better so he talks to them or tells them a joke to help cheer them up. At school and in his neighborhood he enjoys looking for ways he can help others by carrying things if they have a heavy load, helping with directions if they are lost or do not know what to do, and he willingly shares if he knows there is someone else that needs something.

Read more: December District Student of the Month is Exon Vasquez-Serrano

Jennifer Damon is the October Teacher of the Month for the Ohio Lottery. She teaches fourth grade at Mark Twain Elementary School.

“Humble. Compassionate. Giving. Inspiring. These are the qualities that immediately come to mind when you think of Mrs. Jennifer Damon. She consistently works hard to increase her student’s confidence, and models professionalism and respect on a daily basis. She is a tireless advocate for her students and is relentless in her pursuit for professional development.” says Misty Tinney, Mark Twain Elementary School Parent Teacher Association President. She is able to “embrace” the diversity around her and always looks beyond her own needs to her students, coworkers and the families of the school.

For being recognized as a Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Damon will receive an assortment of Partners in Education merchandise from the Ohio Lottery along with a gift card.