Wow! We have had an exciting and dynamic start to the school year. The band is up and running with a fantastic new show – if you have not seen this year's field show, be sure to catch one of the upcoming performances. You can see their schedule here. You don't want to miss this great group! Our fall sports are in full swing, and our teams are looking good! Theatre had its first meeting for the fall play, A Christmas Story, and a record number of students turned out. I'm looking forward to the production. We have welcomed over 90 new students to the school, our teachers are in full gear, and our year is moving fast!
Academically, we are seeing our students rise to new heights. I was just reviewing the ACT scores for our high school students from the past five years, and each year we have seen an increase in every category. While our scores were already above the state and national averages five years ago, the gap between our students and these averages has widened significantly (see 2009 data in table below). The percentage of our graduates who demonstrate college readiness in all four subject areas measured by the ACT now nearly doubles the national average. Our graduates are well positioned for college success!
Comparison of ACT scores
|
|
Mathematics |
English |
Reading |
Science |
Composite |
|
ODCS |
24.4 |
23.6 |
25.4 |
22.6 |
24.0 |
|
Ohio |
21.4 |
21.1 |
22.2 |
21.7 |
21.7 |
|
National |
21.0 |
20.6 |
21.4 |
20.9 |
21.1 |
While the positives surrounding our academic, artistic and athletic programs are notable, I am particularly impressed by the spiritual tone I see on campus. I have spoken with students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators, and at every level I have encountered a strong desire for the school to become what God desires it to be. So many people are praying for growth in the Lord for our students. Our teachers are passionately looking for more effective ways to incorporate a true Biblical perspective into their lessons. I sense that God is ready to move mightily in our school and ultimately in the lives of our students, not only so they will become more like Christ but also so they will have a profound impact on our culture for Christ.
I invite you to celebrate what God is already doing academically, artistically, athletically and spiritually in the lives of our students. I also invite you to join with the many who are praying to see God's will carried out even more in our school.
God bless,
Jonathan Burton, Ed.D.
President