During my tenure as superintendent, I have been continually impressed by the progress made within our district.  Thanks to the efforts of our teachers, support staff, students, parents, administrators and board members, we have maintained our "Effective" rating on the state report card for two years, seven of our buildings are ranked as "Excellent" and we are closing in on our goal of achieving excellence as a district.

In order to deliver the quality education that we provide to our community, there is a cost involved which must be funded through levy requests.

On March 4, we will present two levies to the public: Issue 8, a new continuing 5.5 mill proposal and Issue 9, a 3.1 mill renewal levy that will not increase taxes.

Issue 8 would allow for upgrades in the areas of safety and security, textbooks, technology and staff development. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $14 per month or $168 per year and is the lowest new money request from the Parma Board of Education over the past 40 years.

Issue 9 is a no tax increase renewal that provides funds for building maintenance, utility costs and the continued delivery of a quality education to our students.

Additional information regarding Issues 8 & 9 is contained in the treasurer's section of this edition of Images Online as well as on the homepage of the district website.

Please take the time to become informed about these two issues and please exercise your right to vote.

The outcome of the March 4 election will certainly play a significant role in the future of our district and our community.

Winners at the Great Lakes Science Center Invention Convention 2007-2008

The very prestigious Chairman’s Choice Award was presented to Jessica Wilson, a student at Hillside Middle School.  This award is presented to an invention judged to be of overall winning caliber, and includes a consultation with patent attorneys.

There were 50 Superior Innovator Awards presented in all, with 30 going to PCSD students.

The 30 Superior Innovator Awards, including a $50.00 Savings Bond were presented to:

Greenbriar Middle School

John Kennick/The Green Shingle

Michale Sterpka/Appliance Cord Buddy

Megan Berardinis/Painless Beauty

Kim Tretiakow/Painless Beauty

Sarah Carney/Deodo-Go

Courtney Monda/Deodo-Go

Alexander Conroy/Boomerang Books

Kelli Kiffer/Boomerang Books

George Gabar/Anti-Booking Bookcover + Pocket

Brandon Sykes/Anti-Booking Bookcover + Pocket

Taylor Caprella/The Economizer

Alex Scott/The Economizer

Daniel Galek/Soapifier

Bryan Schatmeyer/Soapifier

Jena Klefman/Sock Cop

Shelby Stocker/Sock Cop

Kylene Oswald/Perfect Polish

Shannon Basalla/Perfect Polish

Savanna Roldan/Egg Credible Egg Tray

Natalie Eberhardt/Egg Credible Egg Tray

Brittany Salay/The Reflective Breakwall Bouncer

Elizabeth Walker/The Reflective Breakwall Bouncer

Alisha Turner/Kiddy Komfortor

Jamie Fitch/Kiddy Komfortor

Hillside Middle

Olivia Clark/The Glove Dryer

Steven Grzincic/O.C.D Oxygen Cart Dock

Shiloh Middle

Valdimir Mikitin/Built In Lighter Candle

Minela Zulpljanin/Minela Zulpljanin (extendable razor)

Melanie Missig/Pack-It Jacket

Naomi Virnelson/Pack-It Jacket      

The registration guides for high school and middle school are posted on the front page of the PCSD web site. Parents and community may use this link to help prepare their students in planning their courses for 2008-09 school year. Registration begins this month in the high schools and middle schools.

Our district Assessment Council will hold its second meeting for this year on Wednesday, January 30th at the Red Rees Professional Learning Center.

Beginning in February, grade level meetings will be held for grades 3-6 in Science. Teachers will review past Ohio Achievement Testing and prepare for the spring testing. Resources from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Resource Center will be demonstrated and explored.

The Parma ABLE Program is open to adults in need of basic skills. Free classes are offered in the following:

GED Test Preparation, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Citizenship Test Preparation, and Adult Basic Education.

We have even begun to offer Distance Learning classes in GED Test Prep and ESOL.  The classes are offered at various locations within Parma, Parma Hts, and Seven Hills.  Classes are taught in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings to accommodate the schedules of most.

Please go to our website at www.parmacityschools.org/able or call the office at 440-885-8339 if you have any questions.

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Please follow this link to see the entire 2008-09 football schedule for Byers Field:

http://www.parmacityschools.org/athletics/schedules/upload/2008FootballSchedule.pdf

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at Byers Field in 2008! 

Please visit our website to view the variety of programs offered through the Career and Technical Department:

http://www.parmacityschools.org/careertech/index.cfm

COMMUNITY BUSINESS SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP

The Community/Business/Schools (C/B/S) Partnership Program is designed to promote business and community involvement with the students of the Parma City School District.  Supporting our youth is the responsibility of all segments of our three communities, Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills, including schools, businesses, congregations, government, parents, teachers, retirees, service groups, professional organizations, civic associations and all concerned individuals.

You are invited to any of the upcoming monthly  meetings to find out what C/B/S is all about and how you can get involved!  Please check our website at www.parmacityschools.org/cbs and call 440-885-8306 for more information.

CITY OF PARMA OFFERS INCENTIVES

The City of Parma is offering a variety of incentive programs for residents and business owners in 2008.  The following is a partial list.  More information can be obtained by calling the Community Services and Economic Development Department at 216-661-7372 or by visting www.cityofparma-oh.gov.

COME FLY WITH US

The Normandy Drama Workshop proudly presents "Normandy International Airlines" as the 2008 Senior Show.  Tickets are $5 at the door and showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2.  A 1 p.m. matinee is scheduled for Sunday, February 3.

The Saturday show features an option to enjoy a pasta dinner catered by Stancato's Restaurant and preferred seating for the show along with your ticket.  The total is $15 and reservations for the dinner/ticket package must be made in advance by e-mailing Director Joe Hnat at hnatj@parmacityschools.org.

Thank you for your support of the Normandy Drama Workshop.

PIEROGI DINNER

You're invited to the annual Back the Schools Committee Pierogi Dinner on Friday, February 22 from 3-7 p.m. at Parma High School.  Dinner choices include:

Yellow Perch - perch, pierogies, cole slaw, applesauce, roll, beverage and dessert for $8

Pierogi - pierogi, cole slaw, applesauce, roll, beverage and dessert for $7

Chicken Tenders - chicken, potato chips, applesauce, beverage and dessert for $4

Carry-out service is available for all orders.

Entertainment will be provided by middle and high school music and drama students from throughout the district.

Tickets are only available in advance through February 14 and can be purchased at any school building or at the administrative center on Longwood Avenue.

All proceeds will benefit the students of the Parma City School District.  Thank you for your support.

TOWN HALL MEETINGS

The members of the Board of Education, Superintendent Zatik and Chief Financial Officer Basalla invite you to attend a town hall meeting and get answers to your questions regarding the upcoming school levies on the March 4 ballot.

Tuesday, January 29 - Parma High

Thursday, January 31 - Valley Forge

Tuesday, February 4 - Normandy

Each meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will feature discussion about Issue 8, the new 5.5 mill continuing request, and Issue 9, the 3.1 mill no tax increase renewal levy.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE NEWS

The Wellness Committee IS offering a HI/LO Aerobics class Tuesday evenings from 5:15-6:00 and Thursday afternoons/evenings from 4:30-5:15. Cost for participation in this class will be $5 per class, due at the class time. The class will be meeting at Parma Senior High in Room 207. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating in this activity. The instructor for this class is a teacher in the Parma City School District, who also used to be a Fitworks instructor.

Class Dates                TUESDAYS: February 12 and 26, March 4, 11 and 18

                              THURSDAYS: February 14 and 21, March 6 and 13

Curriculum Tuesday was taken into account for date scheduling, as was Parma Senior High Conference Night. There will be no classes on Tuesday 2/19 or Thursday 2/28.

LUNCH MENU WEBLINK

Please use the following link to access lunch menus for the elementary and secondary schools:

http://www.parmacityschools.org/cafeteria/lunchmenu/index.cfm

We thank our students, staff and parents for their support of the food service program.

PRIDE AWARD WINNER

The staff of the PACT is proud to announce that Cox Communications and the Parma Area Community Television Network were recently presented with a Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Pride Award for bringing an innovative concept to the Chamber service area through the broadcast programming of Channel 74.

Thank you to all of the students, teachers, support staff, administrators and parents who have contributed to our productions.

And thanks to all of you for watching the PACT Network on Cox Channel 74.

PRODUCTION PRINTING ALERT

Due to the volume of printing concerning information pieces dealing with levy Issues 8 and 9 and other green sheet requests currently in the shop, we are forced to delay processing green sheet requests.

From Monday, February 4 to Friday, February 22 we will be in a blackout situation. Green sheets currently in the shop, and those submitted between now and February 22 will be processed as quickly as possible.

However, we are anticipating that green sheet requests will take at least ten working days to process because of the increased volume. We will complete your request as quickly as possible, but cannot guarantee completion during this blackout period.

This "Alert" does NOT impact the Copy Center. Copy Center requests will continue to be processed in 48 hours or less, and returned to the buildings as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience and continued support.

XEROX HONORS PRINT SHOP

The Xerox Corporation selected the Parma City School District’s Production Printing facility at Parma High School as a case study. On Tuesday, December 18, representatives from Xerox’s corporate headquarters in New York and the Cleveland area were on hand to present a “Case Study” award to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sarah Zatik and the Parma Board of Education.

As a result of this honor, Xerox will introduce the operation of the Parma City School District’s Production Printing facility and its use of high-tech equipment as a model for other educational institutions and businesses. Xerox employees will study the case file to help them better assist other customers seeking a low cost, high quality answer to their reproduction and printing needs.

Progressive implementation of innovative improvements has enabled the district to emerge as a leader in educational printing operations. In March of 2007, Parma became one of the first locations in the country to install a Docutech 180, a machine that prints at 180 pages per minute in either black, or black and a spot color such as green blue, red or orange. The Docutech is able to merge up to five different paper stocks into a single brochure, pamphlet or notebook providing the district with a wealth of ways to produce educational and administrative information.

The Docutech is teamed with a Xerox 8000 full color printer that provides color copies for educational use. Biology drawings, art class projects, maps and other classroom materials need to be in full color for students to understand the nuances of the item they are studying. The 8000 allows this to be done in a cost effective and efficient manner.

Another key component of Parma’s operation includes the Copy Center which has been reproducing curriculum materials for classroom teachers for over a decade. Approximately 55,000 requests are annually processed totaling over 11,000,000 individual copies of materials that are used directly by students.

The Parma City School District handles all of its reproduction, graphics and printing in house with the Production Printing Department at Parma High School serving as a cornerstone of the district’s education program.  In addition, the facility prints all of the district’s forms, envelopes, letterhead stationary, business cards, posters, school newspapers and certificates. This totally self-contained production center saves the district hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Please join us on March 18 & 19 at Parmatown Mall to register your child for kindergarten for the 2008-09 school year.  Sessions will be held each day from 7:30 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. directly across from Dick's Sporting Goods indoor mall entrance.

Your child must be five years old by September 30, 2008 to be eligible to register for the 2008-09 school year.

The following documents are required by law for registration:

Certified birth certificate, confirmation of residency, immunization records, Social Security card or number, and if the parents are divorced, the parent with legal residential custody must bring a certified copy of court order awarding legal custody.

Confirmation of residency means a current utility bill for a homeowner, the lease and a current utility bill if the parent rents an apartment, or for those renting a private home or living with someone, an Owner/Tenant Form obtained from the Student Services Department or printed from the Parma Schools website. This form must be filled out by the owner and proof of ownership as listed on the form should be attached. The parent must also verify residency with a utility bill, pay stub or bank statement in his or her name.

Those who are unable to attend these dates can register children at the Parma Board of Education Building, 5311 Longwood Avenue in Parma. For additional information, call 440-885-8794, 95 or 96 or visit our web site at  www.parmacityschools.org and look for Student Services under the Departments tab.

A LOOK AT LEVY IssueS 8 & 9

ISSUE 8

Is it new?

Yes

How much is it for?

5.5 mills

How does it compare?

LOWEST new money request in 40 years  

What type of levy?

New and Continuing

When does it go into effect? 

January 2009

What will it cost?

$168 per year or $14 per month per $100,000 home valuation

How will it be used? 

3/10 mill technology

3/10 mill textbooks

2/10 mill safety and security  

2/10 mill staff development                          

4.5 mill operation of district

How will it help?

Reaching for EXCELLENCEon State Report Card

ISSUE 9

Is it new?

No, it is a RENEWAL

How much is it for?

3.1 mills

How does it compare?

No change in taxes collected since 1986

What type of levy?

RENEWAL for a 5 year period

When does it go into effect? 

January 2009

What will it cost?

WILL NOT INCREASE TAXES

No increase regardless of home value          

How will it be used? 

Building Maintenance & Utility Costs

Tires and Gasoline for Buses

General School and Cleaning Supplies

Student Supplies and Activities

Current Operating Expenses

How will it help?

Maintains vital services and continued quality education

School of Distinction – Congratulations to our students, staff and parents as Dentzler was recently recognized in Columbus as a School of Distinction by State Superintendent Dr. Susan Tave Zelman.  The Schools of Distinction program recognizes schools whose students, including students with disabilities, achieved high academic performance on the 2006-2007 state Ohio Achievement Test and the Ohio Graduation Test.  The Ohio Department of Education is recognizing 96 schools (elementary, middle and high schools) throughout the state and Dentzler is proud to be among this group of schools.

Dentzler’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration – On November 18^th approximately 400 students, parents, staff and community members attended the 50^th Anniversary for Dentzler School.  Clyde Simpson, an astronomer who now works at the Natural History Museum and was in the first kindergarten class at Dentzler, was the keynote speaker.  He related many stories about the early years of Dentzler School.  Other activities included the presentation of a quilt made by the students, the creation of a time capsule, entertainment by the Dentzler band and choir and a tour of the school filled with memorabilia from the last 50 years.

Everyday Math Game Night – Shortly before Winter Break many of our kindergarten through fourth grade students and their families attended a make-it/take-it math game night.  Games were created which could then be played at home to reinforce math skills from our new math series Everyday Math.

Join Us at Our International Fair – On February 12^th Dentzler School will hold its fifth annual International Fair.  Since Dentzler has the highest population of ELL (English Language Learner) students among our 15 elementary schools, we celebrate our students’ cultural diversity.  Ethnic dishes will be shared and students are encouraged to wear their ethnic fashions.  Each student who attends will receive a book to further encourage reading at home.  Everyone is invited to come to this event!

Community Business Schools Partner – Parma Community General Hospital’s Elder Care Center, Dentzler’s CBS Partner, will host a Valentine’s Day event for our Student Council on February 13^th.  The students will visit the center to make Valentine crafts and enjoy Valentine treats with the Elder Care Center’s daytime residents.

Mock City Council Meeting – Our fifth graders have been preparing for a mock city council meeting that will be enacted at the Parma City Council chambers on February 15^th.  Mayor Dean DePiero and Treasurer Anthony Zielinski have initiated this event.  What a great opportunity for our students to experience how their city government works!

Parma Elks Club Essay Contest

One hundred two Green Valley fifth and sixth grade students entered the Elks Club Essay Contest.  The topic of the essay was "What it means to be an American".  Two Green Valley students, Troy Kozak and  Adam Vallo had their essays sent on to District Elks Club competition.  Mr. Norm Fugitt, Elks Club Member, presented awards to these two young men and he gave American flags to all students who entered the contest and their teachers.  Pictured from left to right are Troy Kozak and Adam Vallo, second row:  Mrs. Kozak (Troy's mom), Mr. Fugitt (Elks Club), Mrs. Knerem, the boys' teacher, and Mrs. Vallo (Adam's mom).     

Normandy Honor Students Tutor Green Valley Students

Once, sometimes twice a week Normandy students spend approximately an hour at Green Valley tutoring students.  This collaborative project helps high school students collect community service hours and helps the elementary students improve their skills!  This program was begun by Green Valley Teachers, Mrs. Olsen and Mrs. Price.  Mrs. Macesich, a Normandy Teacher, enlists the Normandy student volunteers.  Twenty-four Normandy students  help Green Valley students.  When Normandy students arrive they retrieve folders prepared by Mrs. Price and Mrs. Olsen.  The folders contain the learning activities for the Green Valley students.  Below are several pictures of the valuable collaboration.

Invention Convention

Congratulations to the 24 Greenbriar students who received awards/savings bonds at the Second Annual Greater Cleveland Invention Convention.  Details are listed above in the ABLE LEARNER section of this newsletter.

Knowledge Master Open

Twenty-three 7th and 8th grade Greenbriar students matched their wits against other middle school students within the state of Ohio and from across the country and came up shining as Greenbriar took 4th place among Ohio middle schools competing in the Knowledge Master Open - Fall 2007 competition in December.  Nationwide, 711 middle schools participated with Greenbriar coming in at 155 overall.

Knowledge Master Open is a grueling competition comprised of 200 timed, multiple choice questions. Students compete as a team, with one student on the computer registering the group response for each question. Pencils and paper are the only items utilized for the completion of the math portion of the questions (along with brain power!).

DARE Program

Here are photos from a recent DARE program.

Winter Concert

HILLSIDE 7TH GRADE PAWS TEAM

The students on the PAWS team spent time writing over 300 Christmas cards to troops stationed in Iraq. These cards were mailed in time to make it to the front lines in time for the holidays. Christmas cards were donated from the faculty, staff and families of Hillside Middle School to help make this wonderful project possible.

The 7th graders on the CLAWS team spent time getting to know each other as the CLAWS TEAM. Activities for team building included making a paper door frame (where groups of four students had to create a door frame, competing to see who could fit the most students through their frame - the top score was 15). Other activities included a "Getting to Know You" bingo game where students had to meet twenty new people who helped them fill space on their bingo card. We also made CLAWS jigsaw puzzles where each student made his or her own piece that represents who they are.

HILLSIDE VETERANS' VISIT

The Seven Hills VFW Post 7609 came to Hillside on November 7th to share their experiences with our 8th grade classes. Many thanks to Ken Groner who is the Youth Chairman and organizes the veterans for this event. The students listened as veterans spoke of their experiences in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War and had a great opportunity to ask questions. Student Council provided a luncheon for the veterans which gave Student Council members an excellent time to sit down with our American Heroes and share a meal and conversation.

HILLSIDE STUDENT COUNCIL

Student Council participated in the City of Seven Hills Christmas Party on Sunday, December 9th at the Seven Hills Community Recreation Center. Student Council members face painted many, many youngsters throughout the evening. The celebrity of the evening was Santa Claus! It was an event not to be missed!

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

The students of Mrs. Dawson's English classes donated approximately 350 canned goods for the PEA Annual Food Drive, which was nearly half of the entire school's donation. For every can that was donated students were entered into a raffle drawing. The winners of the Yummy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies were Brittany G., Jess W., Kyle P., Nicole S., David G., Sam K., and Eric M. Manzell S., won a $10 gift card to Toys R us, Pat K. won a $15 gift card to Toys R Us. A $10 Chipotle gift card went to Irene L. and Taylor V. received a $15 gift card to Cold Stone Creamery. Thank you to all who donated for such a great cause and thank you to Mrs. Dawson for supplying the incentives.

HILLSIDE YOUTH ALIVE FIRST ANNUAL LEAF RAKING PROJECT

It was a cool crisp autumn morning for our first Hillside Road leaf-raking project with a hand full of volunteers manned with rakes and willingness to be of service. After knocking on numerous doors, we were able to help two different homeowners who were elderly with plenty of leaves needing raked. The first lady kept tryng to give us money and we refused but asked her to remember us over there at Hillside. She lined up our second lawn across the street who happened to be a grandfather of a former Hillside Tiger whose lawnmower had broken and really needed our help as he was walking with a cane. We enjoyed lunch after at Swenson's and all went home feeling like we had made a difference. We are hopeful this will become a Hillside tradition and that our number of volunteers quadruples next year. The following folks helped out: Tyler G. and his father, Sara S. and her stepsister Katie O., Casey H., Mrs. Clugh (advisor and Art Teacher at Hillside) and her son John.

HILLSIDE SADD CHAPTER ANNUAL CHICKEN DANCE

Hillside's SADD Chapter once again held its annual Chicken Dance to raise money for the American Cancer Society. With the help of the faculty, staff and especially the students, Hillside was able to raise $445.50 to see 34 faculty, staff and administration dance the Chicken Dance on the school roof. Money was collected during the four lunch periods to reach each step to help get more dancers on the roof. Mr. Maxson was the Fabulous "Chicken" and Mrs. Maphis was a Tigerrific Tiger for the entire dance. Mr. Viening, Mr. DiSalvo and Mr. Ziemanski put on ballerina costumes (thanks to Mrs. Kowicki) for a great finale.

HILLSIDE SADD CHAPTER GIVING TREE

The Hillside SADD Chapter decorated a "Giving Tree" that provided 125 holiday gifts that were delivered to the Parma Family to Family Collaboration Center on Monday, December 10, 2007. Gifts were purchased and wrapped by the faculty, staff and members of the Hillside SADD Chapter. Santa (Mr. Kokesh) and Mrs. Claus (Mrs. Maphis) made a special appearance at the SADD Christmas celebration bringing smiles to everyone in attendance and especially the "littlest" of tigers -- children of the faculty and staff. A wonderful time was held by all in Hillside's Media Center (the gathering place) at the HOME OF THE TIGERS.

HILLSIDE ART STUDENT WINS MARTIN LUTHER KING CONTEST

A Hillside 7th grader, Melaney C. has been chosen as the grade level winner in the Happy Birthday to Dr. King Contest. Students from across the county were asked to design a birthday card and submit it for judging. There were a total of 1008 entrants and one winner was chosen for each grade level. In addition to the honor, Melaney will receive money toward the college of her choice. Melaney is the art student of Mrs. Laurie Clugh at Hillside Middle School.

HILLSIDE JAZZ BAND

The Hillside Jazz band has 20 hardworking members in the 7th and 8th grades who meet twice per week all year. The students are some of the top musicians in the school and they work hard to play challenging music. In December they performed at the Parmatown Mall, where they represented our wonderful music programs in Parma Schools and helped get the shoppers in the holiday spirit! They also performed their winter concert on Monday, Dec. 18. Don't miss our next performance at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25 at Strongsville High School for the Middle School Jazz Festival! Hope to see you there!

WINTER WONDERLAND DANCE

Student Council sponsored the Second Annual Winter Wonderland Dance on Friday, January 11th. The gym was transformed into a Winter Wonderland with hundreds of little white lights around the gym, trees decorated in white lights, snowmen, and snowflakes. Ohio School pictures set-up an area for formal pictures. Refreshments were provided. It was a fun-filled, magical evening for all.

GREEK OLYMPICS

Both seventh grade teams, Paws and Claws, participated in a Greek Olympics Day in December. It was the culminating activity to a unit study on Greece. Throughout the weeks prior to Olympic Day, students learned and implemented the Pythagorean Theorem, read and discussed classic Greek myths, and explored the legacy of ancient Greece and its impact on world history.

The Olympic Games were conducted throughout the day and students were assigned to teams with names reflecting the Greek states they had studied, i.e. Sparta, Thebes etc. Teams competed with one another in events such as Jeopardy, where students were asked to answer questions based on previous lessons, solving math and logic puzzles and riddles, creating a Greek inspired art project, and participating in Olympic themed events in the gym. Both students and teachers enjoyed the day and it was a great success.

PAWS/CLAWS 7TH GRADE BASKETBALL GAME

The Claws-Paws basketball game was once again a great success under the direction of Mrs. Butterfield. The hallways were alive with school spirit, and the game did not disappoint as the PAWS won a close victory over the CLAWS. The students were on the edge of their seats during the game, pie eating, and tug of war competition. School spirit was displayed throughout the gym by the outstanding posters made by art students.

Spuds in Space

Congratulations to John Glenn's Young Astronaut's Day participants! On Nov. 3, 2007, the following students took a Second Place Award in the Space Spud Adventure at the Glenn Lewis Research Center:

Thomas Potoma - 6th Grade
Tyler Renicker - 6th Grade
R.J. Wagner - 6th Grade
Brandon Kaiser - 6th Grade
Nick Blagojevic - 5th Grade
Olivia Stefanik - 5thGrade
Nell Brigoli - 4th Grade
Taylor Malone - 4th Grade
Ebanie Fischer - 4th Grade
Nykka Brigoli - 4th Grade
Justin Glepko - 3rd Grade
Stefan Blagojevic - 3rd Grade

Thanks to these students and chaperones: Mrs. Zsaludko, Mrs. Potoma, Ms. Gennaro, and Mrs. Dargay for accepting the challenge of a day filled with Space and Science learning and fun!

Helping Soldiers Overseas

John Glenn Elementary has started a project called OPERATION: WE CARE. We have adopted 20 soldiers from the 838th MP Co who are working in Afghanistan. We are also gathering names of other soldiers who could use some cheer and care. Students have already created more than 200 cards for this unit as well as other soldiers. Our school is planning on having a care package drive in January, and we will welcome assistance in collecting package items as well as donations for postage.

Reading Rocks

Reading really does rock at John Muir!  Reading Rocks is the name of our yearlong reading program.  Students log their nightly reading minutes.  At the end of the month they turn in their total.  Can you believe that our little Vikings have read a total of 317,700 minutes?  We are well on our way to meeting our goal of one million minutes.

Movie Night

John Muir hosted its first movie night of the year.  Students were invited to stay after school and watch The Polar Express.  More than half of the students attended this wonderful after school event.  We raised over $640.00.  All proceeds will go towards the renovation of our courtyard.  Planning for our next Movie Night is in the works.

2^ndAnnual Dinner Theater

Auditions for our 2^nd Annual Dinner Theatre were held on January 10.  This year, students will be putting on a play entitled Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!. We have over 40 student participants. This play is written especially for our students.  The performance is set to take place on Thursday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m.

We will host our 4th Annual AP/Honors Night on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 in the auditorium.  The purpose of this program is to talk to parents about the AP/Honors Program, the advantages and the kinds of testing that can earn their children thousands of dollars in scholarships and waived tuition fees.

February 4 through February 8 is Spirit Week at NHS.  Saturday, February 9th is our Winter Formal at St. Paul Hellenic Center from 6-10:30 p.m.  Cost is $25.00 per person which includes dinner and semi-formal attire is required (no tennis shoes and boys must wear ties). Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Report cards will be mailed home on February 1, 2008.  Parent Conferences will be held on Thursday, February 14th from 5 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.  Letters regarding the scheduling of conferences will arrive in homes beginning February 4, 2008.

OGT Testing has been changed to March 3-7, 2008.  PCSD got a variance from the Ohio Department of Education due to the early spring vacation.  The delayed start will affect students in grades 9, 11 and 12.

Congratulations to Gina Stravarace whose artwork was chosen to be used by Superintendent Zatik as her Holiday Greeting card.

Garden Club

The Parkview Garden Club, grades 1 – 4, created edible garland and pinecones for the birds this winter and used a recycled Christmas tree to display these ornaments. The ingredients for the pinecones were sumac, birdseed, and peanut butter. The garland was strung with peanuts and popcorn. They met on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 for a Winter Celebration. Students helped decorate the tree, sang holiday songs, and enjoyed some hot chocolate. Several staff members worked together to help make this event a success. Thank you to Mrs. Indovina for providing the winter music. Mr. Bill also helped with the set up, decorating, and the take down. Finally to Mrs. Daiuto, Ms. Glaser, Ms. Pollarine, and Mrs. Van Jura who are the leaders of these individual Garden Club groups.

Healthy Futures

Parma Park Elementary School is participating in a program called, Healthy Futures sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and led by Dr. Gubanich.  Fifth graders are assessed on their present levels of fitness and will receive instruction on how to increase physical activity, nutrition, confidence and self-esteem.  This is an exciting opportunity for our fifth grade students to make healthy choices.

Bullying

Parma Park welcomes Ms. Sue Tucker, an expert presenter on the topic of bullying.  She will teach students and staff how to say no to bullying. Students will be learning how to implement safe strategies to address situations where a student may feel bullied.  Hands-on activities and scenarios will help children learn to make better choices and to seek help.

Four-Square Writing

Parma Park students are learning how to implement Four-Square writing method to write topic sentences and add important details to their writing. This method is organized to assist students in composing a well-written paragraph or essay.

Sundae Bar

Our first Sundae Bar will take place on Friday, February 1st.  Our community partner, Morning Kiwanis and Mayor Zanotti have donated time and monies to provide a recognition program for children who achieved in academics, the arts, citizenship and homework.  Look for pictures in the next Images Online issue!

Mathematics

PSH OCTM (Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Mathematics team will travel to Olmsted Falls High School on Saturday, February 23 for the annual one-hour, state-wide test. Team members include seniors James Basar, Karissa David, Justin Golubski, Chris Renner, Kyle Rush and Stephen Vajskop; juniors Merissa Downey, Brian Hannen, Scott Jenkins, Samantha On and Lauren Reese; and sophomore James Sadey. Mrs. Salzgeber, PSH Mathematics Chairperson, and Chuck Presloid are the OCTM coaches.

On Tuesday, February 12, five students from each grade level will be taking the AMC (the American Mathematics Competition) exam, this year without calculators! Mathematics teachers soon will recommend contestants.

Athletics

The hockey team is 7-1 in the division and in first place

The Parma wrestling team has beaten both Valley Forge (41-26) and Normandy (42-19) and won its first tournament of the season, the Midpark Tournament.

Family and consumer science

The Shiloh 8th graders came to Parma Senior and Normandy to visit the Career and Technical programs last Thursday and Friday. They spent the morning at Parma visiting Business programs, Carpentry, Auto body, and Construction Trades. They had lunch at the Sword and Shield then visited all the Career and Technical programs at Normandy. A second group did the same tour on Friday. Tours were hosted by the Family and Consumer Science students in Mrs. Svigel’s and Miss Smith's classes.

Guidance

Registration Night for the SAFE program is February 6 from 4-8 PM.

Music

The following students participated in the Bowling Green State University Sight Reading Clinic the weekend of January 24:
Angela Wetula, flute
Julianne Wetula, flute
Alex Mamone, flute
Chuck Bentler, clarinet
Paulette Mackey, bass clarinet
Scott Mamone, trumpet
Cory Wolanin, trumpet
Ethan Sommerfeld, trombone

Mohican Trip
The week before our holiday break, Pearl Road fifth graders ventured to Mohican School In the Out-of-Doors for three days of outdoor fun and learning. There were many classes like Ecology, Nocturnal Awareness, Geology, Survival Skills and activities to be enjoyed, including snow tubing!

AR update
Pearl Road students continue to work toward our school-wide goal of reading 100 million words.  We are currently at 38,508,158 words for the year and 18,761,677 words for the second quarter. Pearl Road students have read 5,923 books for the year and 3,320 books for the second quarter. Keep up the great work!


Akron Zoo Assembly
Employees from the Akron Zoo came to Pearl Road to talk about many kinds of animals. Pearl Road adopted a penguin at the zoo this year.  Thanks to the PTA for bringing this great assembly to us and helping us adopt a penguin!

PTA Skate Party
Thank you PTA for putting on a great evening for students and their families! Also, thank you for your continued support for our staff and students!

PV Planters

The garden club at Pleasant Valley has been very busy this year. We have planted 30 new shrubs, hundreds of spring flower bulbs, raked leaves, pruned and pulled numerous plants, and are now harvesting our school-grown sunflower seeds. We have plucked literally thousands of seeds from our sunflowers, have tested their growing potential, and are packaging them for our spring flower sale. If you enjoyed seeing our GIANT SUNFLOWERS in the land lab, you too can grow them in your very own yard. Seeds will be available in the spring from our garden club. We are also feeding the birds with peanut butter covered pinecones rolled in our sunflower seeds. The fourth, fifth, and sixth graders who make up the garden club enjoyed their very own herb butter on pita toast, made from our garden herbs. While reaping the benefits of their crops, they also enjoyed learning more about herbs from a Cleveland MetroParks naturalist. In March, the students will be making their very own concrete stepping stones with the help of the Ridgewood Garden Club.

Ceramic Tiles Still For Sale

Commemorate your years at P.V. by purchasing a tile. Commemorative tiles are still for sale!! We have one more tower in the land lab to complete. We are sure you have noticed how beautiful the tiles are: hand-painted, signed, and dated. The order forms are in the school lobby and the additional tiles will be painted in the spring. This fundraiser is on-going and benefits ALL children at P.V., for the outdoor land lab.

PV Talent on Stage

It’s that time of year again at Pleasant Valley! The annual P.V. talent show will be on March 7th at Pleasant Valley. Students are busy planning and practicing their acts for auditions on 1-31 and 2-1. Last year we had a U.S.O theme and our stage looked much like one Bob Hope might have performed on for the troops many years ago. We had a contest between classes to collect items for the U.S.O. to send to our troops in Iraq, and collected over a thousand items. This year we plan to collect items again for the U.S.O to continue showing our support for the troops and all they do. These items are greatly appreciated by the U.S.O. who rely solely on donations for support. The soldiers are very grateful for the many simple things they receive that remind them of home. We are looking forward to another wonderful show with our students showing off their many talents.

Family Night

Pleasant Valley's Annual Family Activity Night is Thursday, February 27th. Since it is so close to Election Day on March 4th, we have decided to create activities that relate to the Elections and our country. The staff is planning a variety of activities encompassing all of the content areas: Reading, Math, Social Studies and Science. Age appropriate activities are being created and our intent is to truly make it inclusive for al of our families. Special activities are being designed that our multi-handicapped special education students can participate in as well. Look for pictures of this exciting night in a future issue.

School of Distinction

Pleasantview was selected as a "School of Distinction" by the Ohio Department of Education and State Superintendent Dr. Susan Tave Zellman.  Pleasantview Elementary School was recognized for its student with disabilities achievement by the state.  We are proud of this recognition for our students, parents and staff's hard work and dedication.

Donuts at Dawn

Over two hundred Pleasantview Pythons and their families gathered to start the morning with a sweet treat!  Donuts, muffins and more were provided by the school's fabulous PTA while steaming coffee was donated by the local Starbucks. It was a wonderful time for students, parents and staff to enjoy each other's company.  Dr. Dinklocker, Deputy Superintendent even took time out of her busy day to visit and have a snack!


Spanish Club

Hola!  Our school Spanish Club has started for the fifth and sixth graders.  Sra. Elizabeth Polinizer is the instructor for this fun after school club.  Students are learning how to converse in Spanish and its culture.  

School Scrabble

The School Scrabble comes to Pleasantview.  Starting on January 24th, students in Grades 2-5 were invited to join the School Scrabble Program.  Volunteers from Tri-C and Cox Communications visit Pleasantview during the noon hour to assist with the fun.  The program is held in our school media center.  We are very thankful to Cox Communications for their generous donation in assisting with getting the program to our school.

Remembering MLK

On January 17 we had 2 assemblies in dedication to Martin Luther King.  Mr. J.J. Johnson from Mobile Productions was here and the students really enjoyed his presentation.

  
COSI returns

On January 18 COSI returned to Renwood.  This wonderful full day of Science has been an annual event here for the  last 12 years.  The topic this year was "Launch Into Space".  We started the day out with a whole school assembly and then grade levels came down throughout the day to the multi-purpose room.  Activities were set up and the students explored at each table.  An especially big thank you goes out to all the parents, relatives, and friends that came out that day to help us out by volunteering.  We could not have done it without you.
Enjoy the pictures.

Winter Concert Success - Our Ridge-Brook Elementary School Band, Choir and Orchestra were outstanding. It was certainly obvious that our young musicians and the directors worked very hard to put on a wonderful performance.  A special thanks to our Music Directors - Mr. Joe Stretch (Band), Mrs. Nancy Hoss (Orchestra) and Mrs. Judy Churavy (Choir). The band looked fabulous in their new band shirts!

Hoop Shoot Contest - Our Ridge-Brook Dolphins were well represented at Pleasant Valley during the Hoop Shoot Contest. William Brown,  Megan Carney, Brooke Hagerty, Alexandria Kugler, Stephanie Iwaszkiw, James Nemet, Jaret Smith, Kylie Smith, Nicholas Wieland,  and Brandon Wright.

Stephanie Iwaszkiw was a first place winner!  She is the first girl at Ridge-Brook to win a first place title!  Stephanie will now travel to the City Wide Meet.  Good luck Stephanie!!

Hauser reaches No. 500 in his hockey career! - Mr. Hauser, a sixth grade teacher at Ridge-Brook, also coaches hockey at Padua.  Mr. Hauser who has coached for 24 years reached a milestone in his career.  He has reached 500 victories. We at Ridge-Brook wanted to recognize this accomplishment.  The entire school gathered in the lobby to give him a card and a huge round of applause.  Way to go!!

Parma Elks Essay Contest

Shiloh students participated in Parma Elks Lodge # 1938’s “Proud to Be an American” essay contest.

The winners are: Mandy Chen #1, Brianna Phillips #2 and Hannah Coney #3. The state competition will be in March.

Geography Bee

All of the students in the entire school took the qualifying test for the Geography Bee contest in their Social Studies classes. Next, the TOP TEN students from each house competed against each other in an oral competition at their grade level.

From this contest, we took the TOP FIVE from each grade. They entered the FINAL ROUND of competition, which was conducted on January 8th in the Media Center during first period. Many parents and grandparents attended.

The RUNNER UP WAS 8TH GRADER DREW SZAFARSKI FROM HOUSE X

THE SCHOOL CHAMPION WAS NAOMI VIRNELSON FROM HOUSE X.

Naomi then took a written exam, which was sent to the next level of competition. If she scores high enough, she will advance to the next level.

The combined Orchestras of State Road Elementary, Thoreau Park, and percussion players from Shiloh performed an evening concert at Shiloh Middle School on January 10th and entertained the students at State Road School on January 11th.  Sixth grader Shelby Stapleton wowed the audience with an outstanding solo performance.

Fifth graders Pawel Malkowski, Sarah Shamburger, and Chelsea McLaughlin were honored by a representative from the Parma Elks for taking part in their "What it means to be an American" essay writing contest.

WGAR Names Teacher of the Week

Congratulations to Mrs. Nejman.  She was chosen as WGAR’s Teacher of the Week on January 15, 2008.  Mrs. Nejman was nominated by Mrs. McDaniels.  She will receive a $100.00 gift card to Holcomb’s and Panera Bread.  We are quite proud of Mrs. Nejman.

Holiday Concerts

Once again, Thoreau Park Choir and Band put on a magnificent performance.  Just look at all those talented children!  The Orchestra will perform on Thursday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Shiloh Middle School.

National Contest Winners

Congratulations to the F.A.S.T. Partners at Thoreau Park.  The parents, students, Mrs. Downing and Mr. Keating submitted the winning entry which became the front cover of the national F.A.S.T. 2007 Holiday card.  Great things happen when people work together. 

576 students qualified for Renaissance based on 1st quarter performance.  Renaissance is a program that rewards students for good attendance, good grades, and good behavior.  We increased one hundred students from last year's December assembly.  The Renaissance assembly was held on 12/18.

VF music Department sponsored a Christmas Concert for our Senior Citizens in the community on 12/19.  Approximately 50-60 seniors attended.  They enjoyed great music and then were treated to refreshments and conversations with students provided by our Key Club.

Valley Forge Project Santa raised enough money to give 60 VF cluster families each a $50 gift card to Walmart with a letter for an additional 10% off.  Thank you to everyone who donated during the holiday season!

The VF boys swim team is tearing up the record board.  They are setting new team and new individual records every meet.  Come see them in action.

The Show Up and Win Attendance contest winners for November and December were: 

Jacqueline Kish (12th Grader) /Zero absences for the Month of November!

Kevin Hanna (9th Grader) zero absences for the month of December!

There will be a quarterly drawing at the end of the marking period.

Congratulations to Ramume Bartuskaite, honors chemistry student, for winning Cleveland’s American Chemical Society’s National Chemistry Week for high school students contest.  She will receive a cash prize and be honored at the ACS dinner in April.

Mark you calendar.  Our spring musical dates have been changed from April 11, 12, 13 to April 18, 19, 20.

2008-2009 course registration will begin second semester.  Parents, please be sure to discuss and choose courses with your students.  Contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions.

We will be holding an orientation for all incoming 8^th grade students and parents on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.  Come to receive information regarding curriculum and registration and begin the senior high experience.  Students new to the district will be able to enroll that evening.

We will be having an AP/Honors night on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in the auditorium.  Come learn more about our Advanced Placement and Honors courses and expectations.