Archive for Mariemont Schools Press Release

Mariemont Students Selected in Photography Contest

Lila Willis

Lila Willis

Congratulations to Mariemont High School students Gretchen Wittry and Lila Willis, whose photographs were selected as finalists for the 35th Annual College & High School Photography Contest, co-sponsored by Nikon and Photographer’s Forum magazine. Over 17,000 photographs were entered from the United States, Canada and around the world.

Because Gretchen and Lila’s photos were selected as finalists, they will be published in the November 2015 issue of Photographer’s Forum Magazine and exhibited at Brooks Institute. All contest finalists will also be published in the hardcover book, Best of Photography 2015.

Gretchen Wittry

Gretchen Wittry

Mariemont Students Work on Proposal for Cancer Research

Exploravision_2The Mariemont Elementary 6th grade ExploraVision teams spent an afternoon at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center‘s Genetics Lab learning from the new director, Dr. Harinder Singh, and his colleague, Dr Michelle Reed. Sixth grade students Ella Waltz, Alyssa Bach, Olivia Sullivan and Jackson Hacias are working on a futuristic proposal to develop a patch made of skin cells that have been engineered to identify cancer cells and then trigger an attack on the cancer cells by the immune system. Their project proposal will be submitted to the National Science Teacher Association’s Toyota ExploraVision contest at the end of this month.

MHS Students Among Top Business Students in the Country

MHS Students Among Top Business Students in the Country

Mariemont High School Students in the Business/Great Oaks’ Satellite program scored among the top business students nationwide on rigorous exams to test their business knowledge. The exams are part of the school’s High School of Business program, a national accelerated business administration program.

Receiving top scores were junior Natalie Popowics, who received third place on the Principles of Business exam, and senior Graham McCarthy, who received third place on the Principles of Marketing exam.

Students participating in High School of Business™ complete real, hands-on business projects through a series of six courses. The program also includes observational internships, opportunities to earn college credit, and local oversight via a steering team of college faculty, business professionals and school personnel.

High School of Business™ is a program of MBAResearch, a non-profit organization specializing in educational research and the development of business and marketing curriculum for high schools and colleges. The accelerated program is designed for college-bound students with interest in business administration careers, such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship or management.

(Side note: Both students live in Mariemont, Ohio.) 

2014 Graham McCarthy

Senior Graham McCarthy, who received third place on the Principles of Marketing exam

2014 Natalie Popowics

Junior Natalie Popowics, who received third place on the Principles of Business exam

MHS Students to Perform Adaption of Sleepy Hollow

MHS-Sleepy-HollowMariemont High School students will be the first to perform an adaptation of Washington Irving’s Sleepy Hollow on November 13-15The Awakening of Sleepy Hollow was written by Carol Brammer and playwright Frederick Gaines.

Carol Brammer is the owner of the Clifton Performance Theatre, located in the Clifton Gaslight District. She is also an actress, appearing in local, national and international performances. She has written 12 plays for children, and five of those have included original soundtracks.

“I love taking tales or fables that are short in nature and centuries or hundred of years old and ask myself, ‘What other characters were there and what was their story?’ The characters then slowly tell me their untold story. It’s an imagination game, mixed with history and the fables many of us know,” said Carol Brammer.

MHS Sleepy Hollow Rehearsal 2014

Group rehearsal with Carol Brammer

The Awakening of Sleepy Hollow is set in a secluded glen called Sleepy Hollow, in the late 18th-century countryside around the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town. In this original version of the folk tale we set out to discover what is really happening to the town’s people, and how the traditions of the times could lead to a spooky rumor taking over the town.

“The cast of 27 Mariemont High School students is comprised of freshman to seniors and the students are intent on entertaining their audience. We wrote this play to be age appropriate and intrigue our young actors and the adult audience. Just good spooky fall fun!” said Carol Brammer.

MHS student Lily Saylor tries on her costume.

MHS student Lily Saylor tries on her costume.

If you are interested in checking out this performance, call 513-271-3372 for ticket information or visit the Mariemont City School District homepage and click on the rotating button on the bottom right of the page.

Mariemont Schools – Centers of Excellence

Mariemont Schools Top Banner

DISTRICT: The Mariemont City School District serves over 1,700 students in a suburb east of Cincinnati. The students reside in one of four small communities (Columbia Township, Fairfax, Mariemont, or Terrace Park). Although there is a cross section of all socioeconomic levels, most families are above average in both household incomes and in educational level attained.

Mariemont High School has been named a Blue Ribbon School four times. 82% of our students participate in our 32 clubs/activities. MHS complies with the NACAC “Statement of Principles of Good Practice.”

COUNSELORS: College Counselor: Amanda Leszczuk( aleszczuk@mariemolltschools.org); 11th & 12th grades: Wendy Long- (wlong@maricmontschools.org); 9th & loth grades: Pam Tackett (ptacketlliilmariclllontschools.org);

STAFF: 91% of teachers have Master’s degrees with an average of 20 years of experience. Pupil/teacher ratio is 13: 1

AFFILIATIONS: College Board, NACAC, OACAC, North Central. Dual enrollment partnership with Univ. of Cincinnati & Xavier Univ.

ENROLLMENT GRADES 9-12:  522  (eighteen 11th and 12th graders attend classes at a Great Oaks Career Campus).

SCHEDULE: 7:45 a.m. – 2:52 p.m. with seven 52-minute class periods. The academic year is two traditional semesters.

GPA/CLASS RANK: All courses are used in computing GPA and all students are li sted in class rank. Students have the choice of including class rank on transcripts. Honors and AP courses are weighted one additional point (i.e. A=5, B =4, etc.)

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Listed on the transcript as a course in progress, the 40 hour requirement becomes “P” once completed.

GRADING SCALE-2011-20l3
92-100 = A
83-91 = B
74-82 = C
65-73 = D

GRADING SCALE-20l4-present
90-100 = A
80-89 = 8
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
Number of HONORS/AP COURSES OFFERED

English 2/2      Math 4/3         Science 3/3     Compo Sci. 2/1          Soc. Studies 1/4         Studio Art /1   Latin /1

*weighted grades marked “H” on transcript

No limit to the number of AP courses a student may take

 

HIGHEST LEVEL COURSES OFFERED:

AP English Literature
AP Physics C/AP Biology
AP Calculus BC/AP Statistics
AP Latin Vergil
AP US Government & Politics
4th yr. German; 5th yr. Spanish
AP Computer Science A
AP Studio Art
GPA DISTRIBUTION          Class of2013   Class of2014  Class of2015

Top 10%                                  4.318-4.615     4.533-4.674    4.364-4.653
10%- 20% range                      4.000-4.289     4.229-4.532    4.186-4.333
21%- 30% range                      3.778-3.952     3.864-4.228    3.930-4.049
31%- 50% range                     3.341-3.773     3.467-3.863    3.523-3.907

 

GRADUATE PLANS:           2012    2013   2014

Class size                                 102      114     93
Four-year college                   72%     82%    94%
In-state                                    48%     63%    60%
Out of state                             52%     37%    40%
Two-year colleges                 17%     8%      3%
Other                                       11%     10%    3%

 

HONORARIES                                 Class of 2014

Cum Laude Society Members                        19
National Honor Society Members      45
National Merit Commended               8
National Merit Finalists                      4
National Merit Semi-Finalists             4

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTS – % scoring 3 or better

Test                                         2012    2013   2014
Biology                                   75        100      100
Calculus AS                            100      100      94
Calculus BC                            100      100      100
Chemistry                                N/A    100      100
Computer Science A               83        75        100
English Language                   94        94        96
English Literature                   90        98        93
European History                    93        88        93
Govt. & Politics – U.S.            89        92        97
Latin – Vergi l                          N/A      50        50
Physics C Elec.&Mag.            88        86        100
Physics C Mechanics              100      100      100
Psychology                              N/A      N/A      77
Statistics                                  100      97        87
Studio Art                               86        75        44
U.S. History                            97        93        94
World History                         N/A      N/A      100
ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST SUMMARY

93% scored 3 or higher
32% of all exams scored a 4
27% of all exams scored a 5

AP SCHOLARS – 70

PSAT/NMSQT MEAN SCORES

Class of’ 14     Class of’ 15

% of 11th gr. tested                83%                 82%
Critical Reading mean            56.2                 54.6
Math mean                              56.1                 54.7
Writing skills mean                 55.0                 51.8

 

ACT SUMMARY                              Class of’ 13     Class of’14

% tested                                              83%                 90%
Mean Composite score – MHS           25.8                 26.4
Mean score Composite – Ohio            21.8                 22.0
Mean Composite score – National      20.9                 21.0
Middle 50% Composite – MHS         22-29               23-31

 

SAT SUMMARY                               Class of’13      Class of’ 14
% tested                                                     85%                 72%
Mean score Crit. Reading – MHS        575                  600
Mean score Crit. Reading – Ohio        548                  555
Mean score Crit. Reading- National   496                  497
Middle 50% Crit. Reading – MHS      500-630         530-650
Mean score math – MHS                     568                  590
Mean score math – Ohio                      556                  562
Mean score math – National               514                  513
Middle 50% math – MHS                    490-640          510-670
Mean score writing – MHS                  553                  577
Mean score writing – Ohio                   –                       535
Mean score writing – National            –                       487

 

Mariemont Schools Press Release: The Levy

MARIEMONT CITY SCHOOLS: BOARD APPROVES PROPOSED CUTS IF LEVY DOES
NOT PASS

(Mariemont, Ohio) – Stating that they are hoping for the best on Election Day but that they must prepare for the worst-case scenario, the Mariemont Board of Education approved a list of $1.9  million in cuts that will be phased in if the November 4 levy does not pass.

“None of us wants to implement what appears on this list and it is not what we hope for our future and what earned us the #1 rating in the entire area from Cincy Magazine, stated Ken White, board president. “Regardless, we believe in open and honest communication with our public about what is at stake and that’s what this is about.”

Dee Walter, board vice president agreed. “Since the last levy our schools have seen significant losses in funding from the state and have enacted reductions to offset those losses. In fact, we did all that while stretching the last levy to last one year beyond what we promised voters. Now, this levy represents the lowest millage rate that will protect what we have.”

During the evening’s presentation, Tom Golinar, district treasurer, along with Superintendent Steven Estepp noted that the $1.9 million in cuts is based upon what the district knows today regarding funding. In other words, that cut amount could increase if the state of Ohio enacts further, unforeseen cuts to Mariemont City Schools, or if they implement any unfunded mandates over the next several years.

In arriving at the list, Superintendent Estepp also noted that while efforts were made to protect students and programs, the reality is that district’s budget is largely earmarked to the classroom already so that it is not possible to spare what happens in the schools each day.

“The fact is that cuts hurt our schools and without a doubt our schools would look very different if we had to implement these cuts,” stated Steven Estepp, superintendent. “It is clear that much is at stake for the schools that we care about and this helps inform residents before they vote in the November election.”

Listed below are the board-approved $1.9 million in cuts that will occur over the next two years if the Tuesday, November 4 issue does not pass.

Phase 1 (Implemented during the 2015/16 school year – $900,000 cut)

  • Eliminate classroom instructional aides in elementary classrooms
  • Reduce elementary art, general music and PE and implement the PE waiver for Mariemont High School students
  • Eliminate the district College & Career Planning Center counseling position• Reduce media center hours in all schools
  • Eliminate one administrative position
  • No base pay increases for district staff
  • Reduce transportation to state minimum
  • Increase pay-to-play fees & caps

Phase 2 (Implemented during the 2016/17 school year – $1 million cut)

  • Eliminate six teaching positions across all grade levels
  • Eliminate three support positions
  • Eliminate one administrative position
  • Eliminate all field trips (including Camp Kern)
  • Reduce technology integration specialists
  • No base pay increases for district staff

Mariemont City School Accolades and Accomplishments

An Impressive Array of Mariemont City School District Accolades and Accomplishments for the 2013-2014 School Year

Academics

  • Four seniors were named National Merit Finalists by the College Board. Seniors Evan Doran, Holly Huber, Olivia Erhardt and Aaron Routt scored in the top one percent of the nearly 1.6 million students who took the test.
  • Eight seniors were named National Merit Commended Students by the College Board including Sarah Blatt-Herold, Taylor Giordullo, Kendall Harden, Sander Henning, Hans Hinebaugh, Ryden Lewis, Abby Moreton and Nick Peterman These studentsl scored in the top 5% of the more than 1.5 million students nationwide who entered the 2014 competition.
  • Seventy Mariemont High School students from the classes of 2013 and 2014 earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program courses and exams.
  • The Mariemont Junior High School 8th grade team came in 1st place overall at the regional Power of the Pen tournament while the 7th grade team came in 4th place. Many students won individual awards.
  • Ten Mariemont High School students placed in the top ten in the state DECA competition, and six of those students went on to compete in the international competition. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
  • Four Mariemont High School students filled out Perfect Sheets on the National Latin Exam. Amanda Lewis, Mackenzie McNeil, Cohen Bailey and Michael Reber joined the less than .6% of test takers in the world who filled out perfect sheets.
  • Terrace Park Elementary student Bren Findley competed in the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee.
  • Terrace Park Elementary student Nathan Bush had his Science Fair Project Selected for Inclusion in the State Science Fair.

 

Athletics

  • The Mariemont High School varsity football team made its first playoff appearance since 2005.
  • Two Mariemont High School students competed at the state level in cross-country.
  • Mariemont High School student Will Grimmer finished in 2nd place at the Division II state golf tournament.
  • Mariemont High School student Claire Gilmore placed 1st in the 200 freestyle at the High School State Swimming Championships and thirteen Mariemont High School students competed in the Ohio high school state swimming championships.
  • A Mariemont High School student competed in the Ohio high school state diving championships. Also of note, swim coach and Terrace Park Elementary kindergarten teacher Kevin Maness was named the CHL Girls Swim Coach of the Year & SW District Girls Coach of the Year.
  • The 2013 Mariemont Junior High Lady Warriors won the soccer league tournament final.
  • Mariemont High School student Will Grimmer qualified for the U.S. Open Championship. He is the youngest golfer to qualify for this year’s tournament.

Community Outreach

  • Sam Klekar, a student at Mariemont Elementary School, was selected to be a member of the JDRF Youth Ambassador Program.
  • Mariemont Elementary 6th-grade student Shannon Renner was named a finalist in the Uncle Ben’s Cooking Contest for a chance to win a $30,000 cafeteria makeover for Mariemont Elementary + $15,000 cash prize for college + a trip to New York to be on the Rachel Ray Show.
  • Seven Mariemont High School students were named as the 2013 Champions for Children: The Next Generation by 4C for Children. Olivia Erhardt, Holly Huber, Addison Shelley, Sarah Blatt-Herold, Abigail Moreton, Ryden Lewis and Jon Bezney were honored at the 8th Annual Champions for Children Celebration for their work on the “5K for Eliminate” Mariemont Key Club project, which raised over $12,000 to eradicate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) around the world.

Performing & Visual Arts

  • The Mariemont High School Concert Band received an “Excellent” Rating at the Ohio Music Education Association State Large Group Adjudicated Event.
  • Members of the cast and crew of Mariemont High School’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” earned five Cappies nominations, including Best Featured Actor, Best Male Vocalist, Best Female Vocalist, Best Comic Actor and Best Overall Review.
  • Twenty-five Mariemont High School students received Scholastic Art Awards this year, out of hundreds of students from Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
  • Three Mariemont High School students were named as finalists for the 34th Annual College & High School Photography Contest co-sponsored by Nikon and Photographer’s Forum magazine.
  • The Mariemont High School Drumline placed 3rd at the Tri-State Circuit Championships.
  • Mariemont High School senior Olivia Erhardt received the Springer Award and was judged the best of all the writing submissions from the city of Cincinnati by the historic Mercantile Library in downtown Cincinnati.
  • Two Mariemont City School District students were selected to perform with the Ohio Music Education Association District 14 Junior High Honor Band.
  • Six district elementary school students had artwork selected to display in two statewide exhibits in Columbus, Ohio.

Staff Recognition

  • Mariemont City School District Athletic Director Tom Nerl received the National Federation of High Schools’ Citation from the Southwest Ohio Athletic Directors Association. This award is presented to an individual associated with categories of professionals who have made significant contributions to the NFHS and/or other organizations that have impacted high school activities.
  • The Hamilton County Education Foundation honored Terrace Park Elementary School Principal Linda Lee with the 2014 “Celebrate Excellence” Educator Award.
  • Mariemont City Schools recently earned one of the highest credit ratings for budgetary performance from the Standard & Poor’s Rating System, demonstrating the district’s strong, conservative fiscal operations and stability. The AA+ rating is an increase from the AA rating previously awarded to the district.
  • Mariemont Elementary School art teacher Shelley Komrska received the Ohio Art Education Association’s (OAEA) Outstanding Art Teacher Award from the Southwest region.
  • Swim coach (and Terrace Park Elementary kindergarten teacher) Kevin Maness was named the CHL Girls Swim Coach of the Year & SW District Girls Coach of the Year.
  • Terrace Park Elementary School second grade teacher Maria Childs authored the children’s book titled “Firefighters Don’t.”

MHS junior Will Grimmer qualifies for U.S. Open Championship

Will Grimmer

Mariemont High School junior Will Grimmer qualified for the U.S. Open Championship after a long day of golf Springfield Country Club. He settled with 5-under-par for 36 holes. “I looked up while playing the 18th hole during my second round and saw that there were nearly 100 people watching me. It was then that I realized that I must be doing pretty well and could possibly be in one of the top three spots to qualify for the Open.”

Grimmer is the youngest golfer to qualify for the U.S. Open this year and will be playing the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13. He could then go on to play on Saturday and Sunday if he qualifies for the next round. Out of the 156 golfers, 60 qualify.

“I’ve been dreaming about this since I first picked up a club. It’s shocking – the moment you realize your dream has come true. I’ve nagged my dad many times about taking me down to play Pinehurst No. 2 and he always said ‘Just qualify for the U.S. Open and then you can play it five or six times in a week’ and here I am. I just can’t believe it.”

The tournament will air on ESPN on Thursday and Friday and NBC on Saturday and Sunday. “I’ve played in front of hundreds of people before, but never thousands of people, not counting the millions that will be watching on TV. This is definitely an experience, and I hope to learn a lot while I’m there and just soak it all in.”

Grimmer said he is excited about the whole experience – about doing interviews, playing golf and interacting with some of golf’s biggest legends.

Grimmer’s caddy will be Michael Misleh, who is a life-long friend and will be a freshman at Xavier University next year. Misleh was also his caddy at the qualifier at Springfield. “I’ve known him since I was seven years old. I’m grateful he’ll be coming to Pinehurst with me because, not only do I value his advice, but he helps me stay relaxed and not get too caught up in all of it.”

Swing instructor Doug Martin will also accompany Grimmer to Pinehurst. Martin is the University of Cincinnati’s men’s golf coach and has played at nearly a dozen U.S. Open Championship tournaments before he retired, due to an injury. Grimmer hopes that Mariemont High School varsity golf coach Denny Nead will also be able to make the trek to Pinehurst. Grimmer’s family and some close friends will accompany him to North Carolina. Will is the son of Sarah and Kevin Grimmer of Columbia Township.

By qualifying for the U.S. Open, Grimmer automatically qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship in August at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Grimmer is a two-time state finalist, finishing 5th as a sophomore and 2nd as a junior. He is also the two-time Cincinnati Division II Player of the Year.

“I love the big stage and there’s nothing bigger than the U.S. Open. But in reality, it’s just another round of golf.”

Will played very well and garnered great experience but, as expected in his first try, failed to make the cut. This is just one of the milestones in a promising future career.

Congratulations from the staff of Mariemont.com

MHS DECA Awards

The Mariemont High School DECA chapter members earned the organization’s highest honors at DECA’s 68th annual International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, GA., May 3-6, 2014.

Students receiving recognition at the international level were:
Andrew Grissom: Marketing Test, Top 10
Sarah Morgan: Principles of Business Test, Top 10
Nick Payiatis: Principles of Business Test, Top 10
John Peck: Emerging Leader Award
Katie Robinson: Emerging Leader Award

During the school year, approximately 120,000 of DECA’s 200,000 student members take part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete for local and regional titles. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development. The top state and provincial winners put their talents to the test during the program’s final round of competition in Atlanta. The DECA International Career Development Conference was the pinnacle of competition where nearly 10,000 students vied for international honors. Nearly $500,000 in scholarships and awards were presented to students and teachers for their achievements.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. Mariemont High School is a satellite of the Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development.

Congratulations to our DECA Warriors!

 From left to right: Nick Payiatis, Andrew Grissom, Madeline Faulknor, Sarah Morgan, Mike Barrett and McKinnon Pennell.

From left to right: Nick Payiatis, Andrew Grissom, Madeline Faulknor, Sarah Morgan, Mike Barrett and McKinnon Pennell.

 

Press Releases and Information from Mariemont City Schools

The Mariemont High School Anatomy & Physiology class visited the Summit Woods campus of Beacon Orthopaedics for a unique learning experience.

Beacon #3Dr. Glen McClung II and the medical staff from Beacon Orthopaedics allowed the students to participate in dissections in their cadaver lab. The students practiced arthroscopic knee surgery and witnessed dissections of the anterior and posterior leg. The class also watched in a surgical viewing room as another physician repaired a patient’s rotator cuff.

The facility has hosted about 15 schools this academic year, mostly university students. The program Beacon Orthopaedics provides for area high school students is unique in the nation. It was wonderful opportunity for all students, especially those entering the health and medical fields to gain experience as they enter college.

Student feedback:
“It was really beneficial to see anatomical structures first-hand rather than in a textbook.”
“The surgeon worked amazingly fast while still being precise in his work.”
“It was helpful to learn about all the health and medical careers that are available.”

Student participants in the lab were: Ally Croll, Cate Donahue, Emma Griffith, Leah Grant, Ariel Harvat, Audrey Helmrich, Emma Lindsey, Stefanie Osborn, Jim Perry, Lindsey Siegfried, Daniel Stalzer and Samantha Telgkamp.

Beacon #1

 

 

Terrace Park Elementary Principal to Receive Educator Award

 Linda Lee(April 25, 2014) – The Hamilton County Education Foundation will honor Linda Lee, principal of Terrace Park Elementary, with the 2014 “Celebrate Excellence” Educator Award.

The “Celebrate Excellence” Committee of the Hamilton County Education Foundation recognizes and honors excellent educators within the public schools of Hamilton County on an annual basis.

“As the principal of Terrace Park Elementary in the Mariemont City School District, Linda is a leader and role model for students, staff, administrative colleagues and parents alike,” said Steven Estepp, superintendent of Mariemont City Schools. “She has a strong understanding of teaching and learning and holds high expectations for her staff and students to continually improve. Ms. Lee builds strong relationships; her staff likes and respects her; her students look to her for guidance and support; and her colleagues listen carefully when she speaks. It is impressive to see the trust and reverence the parents and residents in the school community have for Linda Lee.”

Linda Lee became a member of the Mariemont City School District administrative team in 2004 as principal of Terrace Park Elementary. Her prior administrative experience includes serving as a principal at Shawnee Elementary, an assistant principal at Glen Este Middle School and a special education supervisor for West Clermont Local Schools. In addition to her responsibilities as principal at Terrace Park Elementary, Mrs. Lee’s district duties include serving as a member of the district Technology Advisory Team, coordinator of DIBELS reading evaluations and special education case manager. She also oversees the district’s elementary visiting author committee.

Ms. Lee and the other award recipients will be honored at a breakfast ceremony on May 16, 2014 at the Sharonville Convention Center.

Ken White and Superintendent Steven Estepp surprise Linda Lee

 

Mariemont City Schools to Appoint New Mariemont Junior High School Principal

Molly_Connaughton(April 24, 2014) – Molly Connaughton will be recommended to the Mariemont Board of Education as the new principal of Mariemont Junior High School. Ms. Connaughton has nine years of experience in various roles at the middle school level, serving as dean of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Princeton Middle School; English teacher at Hopewell Junior High School; and English teacher at Horizon Science Academy. She is currently assistant principal at Loveland High School, where she has served for two years.

“Ms. Connaughton’s knowledge of instruction and passion for middle-level education were immediately apparent, and I believe she will be a exceptional addition to the leadership team,” said Steven Estepp, superintendent of Mariemont City Schools. “She possesses a strength, grace and forward-thinking approach that I believe will resonant with our students, staff and parents at Mariemont Junior High School. She also has a proven track of high expectations for both students and staff, as well as a strong belief in accountability at all levels.”

During Ms. Connaughton’s 11 years in public education, Ms. Connaughton has created and co-taught classes, coordinated and led leadership teams, evaluated teachers with an emphasis on reflection and collaboration, and organized professional development focusing on data, differentiation, technology, collaboration and special education.

Ms. Connaughton graduated with a Bachelor in Middle School Childhood Education and a Master of Education Administration from John Carroll University. She also received her Principal Licensure and Superintendent Licensure from Xavier University. Ms. Connaughton possesses teaching endorsements in the following areas: Reading, Middle Childhood Generalist and Teaching English as a Second or Other Language.

“I hold a strong commitment to family, school and community and believe that the success of each individual student relies on a resilient relationship between all of these,” said Ms. Connaughton.  “I am thrilled to join a community and school system that embodies such proven excellence, and I look forward to collaborating with staff, parents, students and district leadership to continue the proud tradition of Mariemont City Schools through a forward-thinking, student-centered educational experience.”

All district parents, students and staff members are welcome to meet and greet Ms. Molly Connaughton at the May 22 Mariemont Board of Education meeting, which will start at 7pm in the Mariemont Elementary School cafeteria. Ms. Connaughton will officially begin working for the district effective August 1, 2014.