September Newsletter

IMPACT - A Newsletter for Parents & Friends of DCHS
September, 2009
 
Concerns Over Flu Viruses Increases with Start of School
 
As concern over the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak and the start of school rises, Dohn Community High School has purchased six hand sanitizers that will kill germs that cause the common cold, and various strains of the flu, including H1N1. Sanitizers have been placed in each classroom and in the cafeteria.
 
Students are encouraged to use these sanitizers when they enter the classroom and before eating lunch. In addition, students in English class were given information concerning swine flu and what they should do to stay healthy.
 
Unlike the seasonal flu which has a greater effect on older populations, the average age of reported cases of H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, is 12-17.
 
School officials urge parents to check with their health provider concerning the need for vaccinations. Vaccinations for H1N1 are expected to be available by mid-October. Information regarding who should receive flu shots, and other information concerning the flu, is available at the web site www.flu.gov.
 
Dohn Community High School will follow the recommendations of the Cincinnati Health Department concerning the advisability of closing school if H1N1 becomes common in Cincinnati. Current thinking among health-care professions is that unless an emergency exists, schools should remain open. Parents (and students) are reminded that we have to make up every day we are closed. (The day we were closed due to the water line break will be made up on Monday, March 29.)
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Mid-Quarter Reports to be Mailed the week of September 21
 
Interim reports covering the first five weeks of school will be mailed during the week of September 21. The report will include a letter grade for each class plus up to two comments from your child’s teachers. The report also includes the number of days absent and/or tardy this year.
 
Parents are urged to review these reports carefully. Students have plenty of time to pull up grades (with some extra effort), or have their grade lowered if they stop working. Please call the teacher of the classes your child is getting below average grades to find out what the school and parents working together can do to improve the low grades.
 
Students who receive a grade of  “D” or “F” are required to stay  after school and pull up their low grades to at least a C average. “We hope parents will support this program,” commented Superintendent Kenneth J. Furrier. He added that every student can earn at least a C if they work hard and attend school every day.
 
Parents who do not want their child to participate in this program must write a note excusing their child from this program.
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DCHS welcomes two new staff members
 
Students saw two new faces when they started school in August. Ramone Davenport is our full-time assistant principal. He previously was an assistant at Horizon Science Academy and an Assistant and Athletic Director at Harmony Charter School. Prior to his administrative positions, he taught English at Harmony. Mr. Davenport is a graduate of Muskingum College where he was a communications major. His non-school experience includes playing arena football and Class AA baseball.
 
Lisa Hemphill, our Language Arts teacher, has extensive experience in education and the world of business. She taught Reading and English at both charter and public schools (Sycamore, Princeton, Cincinnati Public, VLT Academy and TCP World Academy). Her business experience includes stints with Cincinnati Bell and Convergys. Her Bachelor of Arts degree is from the University of Cincinnati. Two master degrees from U.C. (Communication Arts and Education Leadership), and a Juris Doctorate in Law from Salmon P. Chase College of Law round out her education.
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Accurate Parent Contact Information Important
 
The school is having difficulty in contacting parents when students are absent, or when a teacher needs to call a parent concerning a class issue. If you have an alternate number where you can be reached during the day, please either e-mail or call Andrea Allen at 281-6100 ext 1003; her e-mail address is aallen@dohnschool.org.
 
If you plan on moving in the near future, please let the school know of your new address, so you won’t miss important school mailings.
 
Teacher Directory
Engel, Steve  . . . . . . . . . . .  Ext. 1011
E-mail: sengel@dohnschool.org
 
Hemphill, Lisa  . . . . . . . . . . . Ext 1012
E-mail: lhemphill@dohnschool.org
 
Lamping, Jim  . . . . . . . . . . .Ext. 1004
E-mail: jlamping@dohnschool.org
 
Mack,Thomas. . . . . . . . . . .  Ext 1007
E-mail: tmack@dohnschool.org
 
Theurer, Dave. . . . . . . . . . .  Ext 1009
E-mail: dtheurer@dohnschool.org