Improving communications with our community

We are continuing to add new communications tools so the district can more effectively provide information to our parents, guardians and community members.  I have already written to you about our added programming on Cox Communications Cable Channel 45 beginning in April.

This week, people from our Community Outreach, Safety and Security, and District Information Systems departments will be looking at installing software that will allow us to telephone every parent or guardian district-wide in the event of an emergency or other urgent situation.  The format we are exploring would enable us to contact individual groups of parents such as those at a single school or the parents of children riding on a particular school bus.

The need for this system is necessary in today's society.  Those who would seek to harm our students are unfortunately present in our neighborhoods and we feel we must take action that will help to protect the safety of our children.

The television programming and the capability to quickly telephone multiple homes are two methods of communication we are adding to our printed material, community meetings, the Images-Online electronic newsletter and our district web page.  All of these vehicles are intended to better inform the parents, guardians and residents within our three communities.

ALP students involved in several competitions

ALP TOO middle school students have been active participating in a variety of competitions this winter. They have competed in the Reader’s Digest Word Power Challenge, The Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl and The Power of the Pen Writing Competition. The next scheduled competition is the Plain Dealer Spelling Bee.

The Reader’s Digest Word Power Challenge is a national reading and vocabulary test. Our schools’ champions have completed a written test for the Ohio competition. Final results will be available in March. Congratulations to our local grade level winners!!

Shiloh Middle School WINNER 7th grade – Alex Predota

WINNER 8th grade – Tim Rogers

Hillside Middle School WINNER 7th grade - Leah Evanovich

WINNER 8th grade - Selena Pigoni

Greenbriar Middle School WINNER 7th grade winner - Jane Adams

WINNER 8th grade winner - Joey Haas

Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl is a competition of general knowledge completed by teams of students on a computer.

Hillside Middle School finished in 6th place and Shiloh Middle School finished 11th out of a field of 19 schools.

Greenbriar Middle School finished in 8th place with a combined team of 7th and 8th graders in a field of 30 schools. Hillside finished in 16th place and Greenbriar in 24th place for this 8th grade division.

Power of the Pen and the Spelling Bee competitions are in process!! Good luck to all our middle school participants.

Kindergarten teachers meet

The kindergarten teachers came together for a half day meeting on February 15th. They worked with our Math Specialists, Sara Good and Lynne Holzworth, on the grade level indicators for kindergarten. They also explored the Ohio Department of Education's websites, for information about assessments OF and FOR learning. Many good ideas were shared between the teachers for best practices for beginning mathematics instruction.

Did you know?

-- The Parma ABLE Program offers FREE basic skills classes for adults. This program is available to the district through state and federal grant money.

-- The Parma ABLE Program offers these FREE classes in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Citizenship Test Preparation, GED Test Preparation, and Adult Basic Skills.

-- The Parma ABLE classes are offered at convenient times for area adults: in the morning, the afternoon,

and the evening.

--- The Parma ABLE classes are offered at convenient locations for area adults: Valley Forge High School,

Parma Regional Library, Parma Snow Library, Parma Hts. Library, Parma Ridge Library, Divinity Lutheran Church, and Parma Lutheran Church.

--- The Parma ABLE Program assists adults in reaching their goals as learners, as employees, as family members, and as community members.

-- The Parma ABLE Program served over 1,000 area adults in 2004-2005.

-- Adults in the ESOL Classes are from 43 different countries.

-- The top eight birthplace countries for the ESOL population of the Parma ABLE Program

are: Ukraine, Poland, Romania, India, Egypt, China, Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro), and the Russian Federation.

Please call 885-8339 for more information.

The 2006 Byers Field Football schedule is now available at http://www.parmacityschools.org/athletics/schedules/index.cfm

Please review it and make plans to join us next season!

Carpentry program available

Carpentry is one of the 17 Career/Technical programs available through the Parma City School District.  Housed at Parma High School, the program offers practical experience in house framing, roofing, siding, dry wall, trim work, cabinet installation, blueprint reading and other basic carpentry skills.

College Tech Prep credits are offered and students who qualify can earn a total of 9 semester hours.

Certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research is offered as well.

Please call the Career/Technical Offices of the Parma City School District at 885-8317 for more information.

The Parma City Schools has sponsored tuition-based childcare programs since 1983.  We care for children of working parents before school from 7:00 - 9:00 AM and after school until 6:00 PM in all elementary buildings.  We have three sites offering Kindergarten care from 11:45 AM - 6:00 PM, and provide care for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM in our Day Care Center housed in Normandy High School.

Our programs are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education and staffed by trained childcare providers.  Each program offers a variety of activities to support the healthy development of young children in an out-of-school environment. 

For additional information and tuition rates, please visit our websites:

www.parmacityschools.org/daycare

Early dismissal programs

The Extended Day Care after school programs offer "extended" Extended Day Care on early dismissal days. We make every effort to schedule an enrichment activity in each program and take advantage of the additional two hours available for programming. The following outreach programs or field trips were scheduled for Tuesday, February 21:

Dag: Great Lakes Science Center

Dentzler: Western Reserve Historical Society

John Glenn: Jungle Terry w/animals

John Muir: NASA

Parkview: Bowling at Yorktown Lanes

Parma Park: Art on Wheels

Pleasant Valley: Bowling at Yorktown Lanes

Renwood: Lake Metroparks Winter Adventure

Ridge-Brook: Metroparks Zoo

State Road: Nancy Hughes/Metroparks Zoo/Recycling

Thoreau Park: Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Health Fair at Tri-C

The Western Campus of Cuyahoga Community College will be hosting its annual Health & Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 2.  The goal is to increase health awareness among the community by providing screenings and free information that can enhance everyone's quality of life.  More than 60 vendors are scheduled to be present.

Call 216-987-5683 for more information.

Please join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Western Campus Fieldhouse in Parma.

The Pierogi Dinner is back again!

The Parma Back the Schools Committee is proud to present the 2006 edition of the Pierogi Dinner at Parma High School. Join us Friday, March 3 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at the Parma High cafeteria, located at 6285 West 54th Street, for food and entertainment at affordable prices. Students from the district’s middle and high school bands will be performing as will the cast from the Parma High production of "Footloose."  Carry-out service will also be available.  Five-piece pierogi dinners are $7 and hot dog dinners are $4. Tickets can be purchased at all school locations or in advance by mailing a personal check for the desired number and type of dinners to 5585 Chatham Drive, Seven Hills, 44131. Only pre-sale tickets will be honored. No tickets will be sold at the door. We invite you to enjoy a great meal while supporting the students of the Parma City School District. BE SURE TO GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE AS NONE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!

Pleasant Lake Villa Nursing home seeks volunteers

Pleasant Lake Villa is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks. These may include reading and visiting bedfast residents, helping with field trips, serving refreshments, decorating for holidays and special events, or teaching a special skill to others. It may also include leading a sing-a-long, playing games such as cards or checkers, taking residents for strolls, assisting with craft programs, writing letters, or distributing mail, magazines, or books. If you think any of these duties sound like something you would like to do, please contact Cherie Klimas, Recreation Director at (440) 842-2273.

Hometown Buffet offers fund-raising help

Hometown Buffet, located at 1930 Snow Road inside Midtown Plaza, wants to help your non-profit group raise money.  All your group members have to do is enjoy a great meal at Hometown Buffet on a designated night.  For every full-priced meal purchased by a member of your group aged 12 or older, $1 will be donated to your organization.

Please call Marsha Ryai at 216-661-8992 for more information.  Please support one of our local business partners while helping your group earn money! 

Future publication dates for Images Online:

March 6, March 20, April 3, May 1, May 15 and June 5.

The deadline for all submissions is noon on the Thursday preceding publication.  Please contact Kevin Brennan at 440-887-4889 with any questions.

Superintendent's Showcase

Students from the Graphic Arts class at Valley Forge and the members of the 2005-06 Normandy football team were recognized at the February 6 meeting of the Board of Education.

Several students from Mrs. Weber and Mrs. Wunderle's Graphic Design class were acknowledged for their achievements at the 16th Annual Benny Awards student competition which was sponsored by the Graphic Arts Council of Greater Cleveland.

Graphic Design Category - Second Place - Jim Zimrazek, Valley Forge High School

Book Cover Design - Honorable Mention - Ginger Portman, Valley Forge High School

Book Design Layout - Honorable Mention - Katie Parland, Valley Forge High School 

Book Jacket - Honorable Mention - Katie Parland, Valley Forge High School

Greeting Card - Honorable Mention - April Andie, Valley Forge High School

Illustration - Honorable Mention - Taylor Keserich, Valley Forge High School

Outstanding Student Award - Honorable Mention - Patrick Hickey, Valley Forge High School

Congratulations to these outstanding achievers and their great instructors!

Coach Rich Turner and Assistant Coach Tom Rubbo accepted certificates for all members of the 2005-06 Normandy football team.  The team reached the Ohio High School Athletic Association playoffs for the second consecutive season with an 8-2 record.  Congratulations to District Supervisor of Athletics Bob Boulton, Normandy Athletic Director Harry Carruthers and all of the players, coaches and families for this accomplishment.

Protect your family by learning  about Internet Safety

Do You Know About myspace.com?

A Valley Forge Cluster Internet Safety Informative Parent Program will be presented by Parma Law Director Tim Dobeck, Parma Police Detective Tom Connor, and Director of Safety and Security for the Parma City Schools Ron Durkin to help you learn more about the dangers our children face on the internet.

ALL PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at the Valley Forge Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Blvd. Parma Heights, Ohio 44130.  The program begins at 7 p.m. and will last about one hour.

Due to the nature of this presentation, adults only please!

Please call 885-2330 for more information and to arrange for babysitting services while you attend the event.

Nutrition Notes

The use of fructose as a sweetener has recently received media attention. Fructose is the sugar found in fruit. It has been theorized that fructose causes increased body fat and appetite by altering hormones. This theory is partially based on the observation that the rise in obesity and the increase in consumption of fructose has been simultaneous. At this time the scientific research conducted to test this theory has been inconclusive.

What is conclusive is that fructose contains calories just as sucrose (table sugar) does. Consuming additional calories from fructose or sucrose (or fat, carbohydrate, protein, or alcohol for that matter) will result in weight gain unless there is an increase in physical activity.  Limiting sweet beverage intake is a simple way to reduce calorie intake. If you're thirsty the best fluid to drink is water. Sweet beverages add calories without filling you up.

Recreation Fair

In collaboration with the Center for Mental Retardation and Northeast Ohio Parent Mentors, the Parma City School District Department of Special Education would like to invite you to the 8th Annual Recreation Fair for Children and Youth with Disabilities.

Please join us on Saturday, February 25 at St. Michael's Woodside Party Center, located at 5025 East Mill Road in Broadview Heights, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You can attend workshops, talk to representatives from camps and organizations, view demonstrations and enjoy crafts, activity tables and storytelling.

For more information, call 216-524-2700.

Kindergarten registration to begin soon

Kindergarten registration for the 2006-07 Parma City School District school year will be taking place on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parmatown Mall.  Please plan accordingly as applicants will not be accepted after 6:30 p.m. either day.

The following are requirements for registration:

Must be 5 years of age by September 30, 2006.

A COPY of the child's immunization records.

A COPY of the child's certified birth certificate.

A Social Security Card or number.

In case of parental divorce, the parent with legal residential custody MUST bring a CERTIFIED COPY of court order awarding legal custody of the child.

Confirmation of residency:

If the parent owns the home – a current utility bill

If the parent rents an apartment – a COPY of the lease and a current utility bill

If the parent rents a private home or lives with someone, an owner/tenant form must be obtained from the Student Services Department and be filled out by the owner with proof of ownership.  Parents or guardians must also verify their residency with a utility bill, pay stub, or bank statement in their name.

Further information may be obtained by calling the Student Services Department at 440-885-8794, 8795, or 8796.

Arlington is home to First Step Preschool. The PCSD First Step Preschool provides early intervention for 3-5 year olds with special needs as well as typically developing peers. Children learn actively through hands-on experiences and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Our preschool is a language-based program that promotes early childhood literacy in a variety of ways.

For more information, please visit us at www.parmacityschools.org/edc.

International Fair promotes ethnic diversity

Dentzler School’s ELL (English Language Learners) and Title I programs held their third annual "International Fair" on February 7th.  Many Dentzler families and staff members attended the fair bringing ethnic dishes of food to share with everyone.

Since Valentine’s Day was a week away, the theme of the event was love.We learned in many languages to say "I love you" and were read two story books about a Mother’s love

The families were treated to a delicious buffet which included Armenian green beans, two variations of Ukrainian potato pierogies, two variations of Ukrainian sauerkraut and kielbasi, Filipino egg rolls and noodles, Italian eggplant parmesan, lemon chicken and rice and chicken wings. The desserts were plentiful and included Ukrainian and German strudels, Slovenian nut rolls, Ukrainian strawberry amaretto torte and Ukrainian cheese pryrozki. Every child who attended this event received a book to take home.

Literacy Night

Green Valley continually strives to promote literacy and the love of reading. Our theme "Books Are Treasures", have captured the attention of all students. Green Valley's Literacy Initiative Team recently hosted "Literacy Night" which was open to staff, students, parents and the community. The evening began with the opportunity to browse the Scholastic Book Fair. From there, students and parents had a chance to visit various stations throughout the building. These stations included:

Picture Books - Students had an opportunity to listen to a guestreader and browse through a variety of picture books currently available in our Green Valley Media Center

Poetry Reading - Students participated in the reading of fun poems.

Science Fiction - Students' attention was captured through the reading and promotion of various science fiction books

Reader's Theater - Students had the opportunity to become involved in reading scripted books which provided many interesting characters.

Book Club Books - This station included a promotion of our Book Club through book talks of various books.

Pirate Math - Students experienced a fun math activity involving literacy.

Book Marks - Students had an opportunity to create a bookmark using various art materials.

Breakfast with Mom

On Wednesday, February 15th, about 180 Hanna Moms joined their student(s) for donuts and bagels. Everyone enjoyed their special time with Mom!

PTA Bingo for Books

Over 100 Hanna students & their families attended the PTA sponsored Bingo for Books. Most of the students won a brand new book and everyone enjoyed the pizza treat. Special "Thanks" to our outstanding PTA & volunteers for such a wonderful event!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Mr. Jones will be serving Green Eggs & Ham in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday on Friday, March 3rd for students in Grades K-3.

March Testing for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders is fast approaching.

We will follow this testing schedule:

Monday, March 6th: 4th Grade Reading, 6th Grade Reading

Tuesday, March 7th: 3rd Grade Reading, 5th Grade Reading

Wednesday, March 8th: 4th Grade Math, 6th Grade Math

Thursday, March 9th: 3rd Grade Math, 5th Grade Math

Friday, March 10th: 4th Grade Writing

All students need to be present and arrive to school on time. Students arriving tardy to school after testing has begun cannot be allowed to enter the classroom. Illness, of course, will necessitate absence, however medical and dental appointments should be scheduled for after school or Saturdays. All testing will begin in the morning.

Hillside Music News!

The following students were recommended to and are performing with the Ohio Music Educator's Association's District Four Honors Band. They are:

Chelsea Liptak, Katie Wagner, Ann Marie Chaya, Erica Michalske, Lauren Smolenski, Anthony Foderaro, Chris Kullik and Kyle Gainer.

The students will be giving their concert on March 4th at 4:00p.m. The concert is free and will take place at Roehm Middle School in Berea. Congratulations to all the students.

Achievement tests are coming

All third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students throughout the State of Ohio will be taking the Ohio Achievement Tests during the week of March 6-10.  The tests are designed to measure individual student performance in the areas of Reading and Math as well as Writing for fourth graders.  The results will help to identify student who are proficient and those who require additional intervention.  An informational letter will be sent home soon summarizing the details.

Keeping up with John Muir

* John Muir's PTA President, Mrs. Gayle Hakki, and first grade teacher, Mr. Dale Pawul, have each received a PTA State Life Achievement Award. They were presented with the awards at  the Parma Senior Cluster Founders Night Dinner held February 15,2006. They have both gone above and beyond in serving our students through numerous volunteer activities. A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to both Mr. Pawul and Mrs. Hakki.

* Our school has been selected to participate in a pilot dress code  study. The study will be introduced by way of presentations and written correspondence. More details will follow in the near future.

* The Student Council at John Muir is sponsoring Pennies for Patients to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The classroom that raises to most money will earn lunch from Olive Garden. The fund raiser will last through March 15, 2006.