The Miamisburg City School District November Student of the Month is Bauer Elementary School second grade student Austin Schultz. He was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Linda Wells. Mrs. Wells said "The three aspects of PBIS: Respectfulness, Responsibleness, and Readiness to learn that are embraced by Miamisburg City Schools are easily found in Bauer’s second grade student, Austin Schultz. His character is a true example of our district and school Viking Values. As educators, we often acknowledge the high academic achieving student, the students that always are doing what they should be doing, those students quietly progressing through the day with no attention being drawn to them. These young students making teachers’ jobs seemingly accomplished with ease. We have all had such students but then there’s that one special student that goes beyond what they are asked to do. That one student that puts a little more effort towards being his/her best and that is Austin Schultz. Austin embraces all three aspects of our Viking Values. He is respectful, responsible, and ready to learn but it’s his insight to teachers, staff, and peers emotional well-being that sets him apart from his peers. He seems to be in tune to others feelings and their needs. His ability to read others makes him always empathetic and positive to those around him. Austin takes responsibility for others emotional comfort which is rare for someone so young. In a time when society seems to be too busy to care for those around them, it is not true of Austin. He quietly helps his friends and peers in class when they seem to be struggling which is a given but it’s when they are sad or upset that his true character shines. He is ready to put his hand on their shoulder or give a hug if they like. He supports them with kind words and encouragement. He is amazingly intuitive to their needs emotionally. Beyond being successful in academics, Austin is triumphant in being a good friend, a quality that will carry him into the future as a positive, compassionate humanitarian. It is because of Austin’s thoughtful nature that I nominate him as Miamisburg’s District Student of the Month."

VIKINGS LAUNCH 6^TH ANNUAL UNITY IN COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN

MIAMISBURG, Ohio – The tradition of rivals Miamisburg and West Carrollton High Schools working together to help others during the season of giving is growing stronger. The sixth annual “Unity in the Community” campaign got underway Nov. 15 with the Miamisburg High Unity Blood Drive. Pictured at right CBC's Donna Teuscher presented the Red Cord Honor School award to Miamisburg Student Government advisor Jenny Brockert & Student Government blood drive volunteers.

“Unity in the Community” is a partnership between Miamisburg and West Carrollton High Schools, Community Blood Center, and Universal 1 Credit Union.  The schools host fall blood drives and jointly present a $1,000 award sponsored by Universal 1 to a charity chosen by the students.

“Unity in Community” originated with Miamisburg and West Carrollton in 2014 and has grown to include eight rival schools.  The 2019-2020 campaign got off to a strong start Friday with the Miamisburg Unity Blood Drive totaling 136 donors, including 82 first-time donors and 103 donations.

“It’s now a tradition,” said Miamisburg Student Government advisor and blood drive coordinator Jenny Brockert. “The older kids talk about it and pass it down to the next group.”

The schools alternate designating the charity to receive the Unity Award.  Last year West Carrollton chose Target Dayton Ministries and representatives from both schools presented the check at halftime of the Miamisburg-West Carrollton basketball game.

This year MHS chooses the Unity Award recipient, and the Vikings’ favored charity has become part of the Unity tradition. The Miamisburg Student Government voted to again give the Unity award to Care House of Dayton, a community advocacy center for victims of abuse and neglect.

“We do a trip to Care House every other year, so by the time they have visited, seen it, and learned about it,” said Jenny. “It’s become our mission to bring awareness to child abuse. It’s a tradition and they pass it down.”

“I think it’s a good idea,” said freshman Student Government senator and blood drive volunteer Amir Hamed. “It’s about showing the younger generation how to help people in need. It’s kind of a win-win because we’re doing the blood drive and the charity. It’s like we’re helping double the people.”

Sophomore Sierra Weeks is happy to support the Unity Campaign because she understood the value of traditions.  Now that she is 16 and eligible to be a blood donor, she was eager to make her first lifetime donation at the Unity blood drive.

“My sister did it and she encouraged me to do it,” said Sierra. “I thought, I want to do it.”

Blood donation requirements:  Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name.  Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card.  Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically.  Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services® is an independent, not-for-profit organization.  Community Blood Center provides blood products to 23 hospitals and health centers within a 15-county service area in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys.  For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services®, visit www.givingblood.org.