District adopts new mission statement
Pride, passion and preparing are focus
By Callie Kitchen
As Fairbanks begins the new year with students fully participating in in-person learning, the district is pleased to implement their new mission statement: Pride in our Past; Passion in the Present; Preparing for the Future.
So, how was this mission statement developed?
In June of 2019, the Fairbanks Board of Education, Treasurer Aaron Johnson and Superintendent, Adham Schirg met. Mr. Schirg, being new to the district, took time to listen, learn, and begin a process to develop a strategic mission statement.
At this meeting, the board set priorities for the Fairbanks district, with the first being to develop a unifying vision plan for Fairbanks Local Schools.
In January of 2020, a task force of forty-two individuals began taking steps towards accomplishing this. The task force surveyed school community members, held community meetings, and listened to student voices.
Though the final product was to be completed by May 2020, Covid-19 disrupted the progress. However, the task force persisted and completed the work and presented the statement to the board of education in December of 2020.
New principal, Mrs. Janel Chapman is working daily to implement this vision.
Around 8:05 every morning, Mrs. Chapman reads the statement in the morning announcements to remind students of its importance.
Additionally, professionally made banners with photos of staff and students have been hung on the hallway walls with the mission statement.
In the same way, Mrs. Noland had her classes construct posters with the words “Pride,” “Passion” or “Preparing” incorporated with a drawing of a connection to Fairbanks.
Subsequently, Mrs. Chapman implements the statement in conversations of discipline with students asking the questions, “how does this show pride in our past, show passion in the present, and support and prepare for the future?”
This latest mission statement provides a significant yet positive way for Fairbanks peers to succeed in not only the present but their future.
Words can be beneficial and carry a long way into the future and the new Fairbanks mission statement affirms such.
Senior of the month
September’s senior of the month is Katelyn Vollrath. Katelyn is the daughter of Mark and Christen Vollrath of Marysville. She has been involved in Basketball, Track & Field, Concert Band, FCCLA, Science Club, and Drama Club. She is the Field Commander of the Fairbanks Marching Band and is the Vice President of National Honor Society. She is a member of the Senior Advisory Council to the Principal and the Student Advisory Council to the Principal and Superintendent. Katelyn is also the President of Wings & Things 4-H Club and attends St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marysville. She hopes to attend Xavier University and major in Political Science. When asked what advice she has for the underclassmen, she replied, “Keep true to yourself and what you want, while building friendships along the way. (Photo submitted)
New principal joins FHS staff
By Ally Gerty
As Fairbanks comes back into session this year, we welcome many new staff members!
One of the most notable new additions for the Fairbanks Administration, is Principal Janel Chapman. Fairbanks students care a great deal about those who lead them and teach them, so when Mrs. Chapman described how she had heard many positive things about Fairbanks and felt like she was meant to be here, students knew they could trust her with their education and safety. She herself has the experience needed to be a fantastic leader and advisor. She has a bachelor’s degree, two Master’s degrees, and is finishing the process of earning a superintendent license!
She has been previously employed as a gifted intervention specialist, vocal music teacher, guidance counselor, and principal; making us the lucky school to have her on our staff.
The word ‘principal’ has an intimidating tone to it, but Mrs. Chapman has many hobbies that make her relatable to the student body. She enjoys spending time with her family, bike riding, kayaking, and getting caught up in captivating books!
When asked if she had anything to say to the community, she emphasized how truly special Fairbanks is, how well the student body encourages each other, and that she is proud to be a Panther!
NHS kicks off year of service
By Kate White
The Fairbanks National Honor Society had its first meeting of the school year on September 7. It was decided at this meeting that each member would complete 30 hours of service over the course of the year by working individually or with the organization. Members proposed new service ideas and discussed the continuation of past projects. As of now, no group events have been scheduled. Meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month. This year, there are five senior officers leading the NHS chapter. The officers include Lilli Doll, president; Katelyn Vollrath, vice president; Elizabeth White, secretary; Cade Feller, treasurer; and Kate Ruff, reporter. Mrs. Diane Smeenk is the group’s new advisor this year. She has taken over the role after Mrs. Lisa Keller-Cook stepped down last year.
Golfers participate in HOJGA Summer Program
By Pierce Powell
Over the summer, Fairbanks golfers participated in the Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association (HOJGA) summer program. The purpose of HOJGA is for skilled golfers to show off their skills in a competitive manner. Players are also encouraged and expected to follow M.E.R.I.T standards (Manners, etiquette, responsibility, integrity, trust). The competition lasted about 2 months. The Panthers competed at multiple courses including their home course at Darby Creek. The Panthers had six participants. The six participants were Andrew Crowe, Chase Brackenridge, Tyler Ufferman, Devin Emans, Grady Wisecup and Hayden Buchholz. Alex Crowe earned Player of the Year, which included a $2,000 scholarship. Alex’s interest in the program came from his brother who played for the high school team.
Science show hits the road
During the summer, FHS science teacher, Mrs. Crystal Tebbe took her science show on the road! A class of preschoolers were completing a two week unit on science and invited her as a special science guest. The students were already learning how to make observations and predict what might happen. For Mrs. Tebbe’s classroom visit, the students got to participate in a few different experiments. The first one was an experiment titled Walking Colors! The little scientists had preschool-friendly data sheets where they colored what they saw and then they announced what might happen. While waiting for the colors to walk around, the students witnessed how baking soda and vinegar produces gas. For their second experiment, the students added some baking soda to pre-made boats to make them zoom around a pool. Of course, the little scientists had to wear neon goggles! After the boats finished zooming, the gaggle of neon goggles revisited the walking colors. To the students’ amazement, there were new colors that had not been there before! The students then colored the results onto their data sheets. The little scientists had a hard time parting with their neon goggles but overall had fun!
FFA begins with bonfire
By Brynne Stanley
The FFA chapter at Fairbanks High School has had a great start to the school year! The classes have been learning about the history of FFA and the influence business has on the agricultural community. They started the year off right with an in-person meeting on Sunday, their annual bonfire kickoff. Chapter members were glad to be back in person. The FFA will begin their CDE’s at the end of September with the District Soil judging contest. The fruit sale will begin on Oct. 7. They can’t wait to raise money for the chapter. Remember your local FFA chapter when buying a flat of strawberries. Follow along this year at their Facebook and Instagram pages,@fairbanksffa