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* Wood County Schools' prevent efforts appear to be making a difference for our kids, as Cathy Grewe, coordinator of student services and assessment, told the board of education last week the results of a Drug Prevention Survey were encouraging. "We're going in the right direction," Grewe said. "The arrow is going down on nicotine, drug and alcohol use." Among the resources helping students are therapists equipped to help students get a handle on their social emotional health. "The programs going on in the elementary and the middle, is going to help lower the high school in years to come. Especially if we can prevent kids from becoming addicted," Grewe said. What a wonderful prospect. Those who are working so hard toward that goal are to be commended.
* Kudos to Marietta City Schools administrators who are turning the results of the Ohio School Report Card assessment into an action plan. The district received 2.5 stars out of 5 based on last year's assessment. "Last year, they projected what rating we might get but this year we got an actual rating," said Superintendent Brad Silvus. "Obviously 2.5 is not where we want to be. That is the purpose of our strategic plan is, to help move that along. We have some work yet to do." MCS appears to have a solid plan, and in fact is already making progress, as Silvus reported excessive absences have decreased 10% from the previous school year. May there be even greater successes to come.
* It was music to the ears of many Mid-Ohio Valley residents to learn not only that the region would be hosting three marching band festivals this past weekend, but that the St. Marys Community Concert Band has again started up rehearsals for its fall/winter concert series. We are fortunate to have the kinds of musicians -- of all ages -- capable of putting together shows that always draw crowds. If you have not had an opportunity to be in the audience for one of these bands' performances, you are missing out.