Girard High does good job, evaluation by teachers finds

The high school is doing well, but still has some challenges, its principal says.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- An evaluation by teachers from other districts has found Girard High School is doing a very good job at educating students.
"We are doing an excellent job here and the kids are getting an excellent education," Principal Ronald Ragozine said the evaluators told the staff during an exit report.
Ragozine also pointed out the evaluation showed where the school district has some "challenges."
During the evaluation this week, nine teachers from northeastern Ohio schools talked with teachers and students and visited classrooms.
Member of program
The evaluation was done because Girard is a member of the state's High Schools that Work program. The written report will be issued in about two weeks.
Under the Work program, students become involved in one of eight paths they can take to better prepare for work or studies after graduation.
Ragozine said the evaluators pointed out that the district is doing a good job in the use of technology, and said that an open environment exists for learning.
"We respect our students and they respect us," Ragozine said.
Nonetheless, there is room for improvement, the principal said. There's a need for better coordination as students make the transition from the middle school to junior high school. They're in different buildings.
Also, more projects should be developed to get students of different subjects involved with one another, Ragozine explained.
An example
For example, the high-school science students are involved in taking water and soil samples of the Mahoning River to test for water clarity and pollution. The evaluators want to see the social studies students get involved by studying the history of the river, including its serving the steel industry.
Ragozine said the evaluators want the district to provide more structured help to students who are falling behind and need help with passing proficiency tests.
"To me, we're already doing that," the principal asserted, noting specific times during and after school are set aside to help students academically.
Next year, Ragozine explained, juniors and seniors can study construction technology through Youngstown State University. Students will be able to earn up to $3,000 in credits to study such topics as plumbing and road construction. There will be a two-year program to help a student become a foreman and a four-year program to help students prepare to start their own construction business.
yovich@vindy.com