ProgressBook Debuts in Middletown Schools

A new software product that allows educators to record, retrieve and use student information for progress-based education is making its debut in three Middletown schools. ProgressBook will be available in Middletown High School, Vail Middle School, and Verity Middle School.

The program also allows parents and students to review grades, homework assignments, attendance, report card information, student progress, teacher comments and more, opening the door for more communication amongst students, teachers, and parents.

"Communication is the key. Better communication, between home and school, equals a better educational process," said Debbie Houser, the Middletown Schools' Curriculum Coordinator.

Funding for the program came through a federal stimulus grant. According to the Senior Director of Learning, Betsy Carter, the school system was only given enough funding for three schools but hopefully there will be enough for more in the future. "When the grant runs out in two years, the district will have to fund the program through the General Fund. Better communication with our parents is a vital part of our strategic plan, so perhaps in the future we can add the program to the entire district," she said.

Parents at the two middle schools have already been made aware of the program and were sent letters with their username and password information. Middletown High School plans to do the same the week students return from winter vacation.

A training demonstration for parents and students is scheduled for January 12 at 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 PM in the Manchester Building Banquet Room at 4420 Manchester Road. No reservation is required to attend.

ODOT & Walmart Say Stay Safe this Holiday Season

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Wal-mart are teaming up this year to help you have a safe holiday shopping season. Their message to Ohio drivers? "Ice and Snow...Take it Slow." In a campaign that started last week and will last throughout the holiday season, the ODOT's safety message will appear in the 150 Walmarts and Sam's Clubs in the state. This is the second year that a public and private partnership has formed to encourage driver safety.

"Being safe is a team effort. Through this partnership with Walmart, we will be reaching millions of Ohioans with an important message of safety," said Jolene M. Molitoris, the Director of the ODOT.

Walmart Safety Fleet Manager, Jim Murphy said of the partnership, "We want to take care of our employees and our customers, that's why we decided to partner with ODOT. While obvious, the message to all drivers, in 'Ice and Snow... Take it Slow' does not grow old."

Both the ODOT and Walmart are champions of safety. In the state, Walmart's delivery truck drivers have been recognized and awarded numerous times for safety by the Ohio Trucking Association. This year, Walmart even received the "Safest Fleet in America" award.

Last winter, there were 44,725 accidents on Ohio roads. 3,415 people were injured and 80 people were killed. Many of these accidents were the result of speeding or following too close.

The ODOT says that all drivers need to realize that winter road conditions can change from minute to minute within less than a mile. This goes for everyone driving vehicles that have four wheels or eighteen wheels and especially in snowy or icy conditions.

To access up-to-date and 24-hour road conditions, visit the ODOT's map-based website http://www.buckeyetraffic.org/. And remember, in Ice and Snow...Take it Slow!

---

Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

Middletown Among Fastest Recovering Cities

According to Forbes magazine, Middletown is one of the top cities that is recovering quickly from recent economic woes. Ranked at number 55, Middletown was just one of three Ohio cities on the list. The others were Dayton and Columbus. Ironically, Forbes named Middletown one of the fastest dying cities earlier in the year.

Omaha, Nebraska topped the list that included several Texas metro cities, a few other Northeastern manufacturing bases, and a few Southern cities. According to Forbes, "diversified industry and relatively stable housing fundamentals" are what is helping these cities with recovery. Cities where home prices don't fluctuate at extremes and where multiple industries thrived seemed to fair the best.

The list was made by ranking the 100 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas in five categories that included home prices, sales rates, foreclosures, size of a city's economy and unemployment rate.