As this is the first edition of Images Online for the 2006-07 school year, I would like to welcome everyone back and say hello to those outside the district.  We are off to a fast start so far, and the year promises to be an eventful one.

Over the past year, the district has visibly improved the quality of education we are able to provide to our students while carefully spending the hard-earned tax dollars approved by our residents and business owners.

The following items will illustrate ways in which we are progressing instructionally and safeguarding our finances:

- We remain one of two large districts statewide to be ranked as "Effective" on the state report card

- More of our schools are ranked higher than ever before with eight being rated as "Excellent"

- Twice we have received the State Auditor's Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting

- We are actively enforcing our student dress code at all schools and grade levels to help assure that our students are prepared to learn

We are succeeding in our quest for excellence because of these things and also because of the effort put forth by every one of our staff members.  Our successes go beyond the classroom and the treasurer’s office and into the community.  They are visible throughout Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills.

Consider the consolidation plan as well as the significant upgrades that took place in our other buildings, the statewide recognition for our ABLE program, the recent special called “Making the Grade” which aired on WKYC TV-3 and featured our involvement with the 40 Developmental Assets, and many other pieces that highlight our position as a partner and an asset to the community.

The district will have Issue 14, a NO TAX INCREASE renewal levy, on the November 7 ballot. Passage of the levy would allow us to collect the same amount of money, $8,062,500, as first approved by voters in 1994.  Those dollars are essential to our continued advancement toward excellence and to the uninterrupted delivery of the services and programs that we already have in place.

If you live within the district, please remember our students and our schools when you vote on November 7 and remember that Issue 14 will not increase your taxes.

SHALP (Senior High Able Learner Program) students from Normandy, Parma Senior and Valley Forge high schools as well as all their other college bound classmates in Honors and Advanced Placement courses have begun a rigorous school year with a record number of 2340 students enrolled in Honors Classes and 1087 enrolled in Advanced Placement Classes. Many students have elected to take several Honors or AP classes, so these numbers do not represent the total number of Honors or AP students, but rather the class enrollment for these courses.

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Tenth and eleventh grade students will be taking the PSAT on Saturday, October 21. Tenth graders are encouraged to take the test as practice. Eleventh graders are strongly recommended to take the PSAT not only as practice for the SAT, which they can take spring semester, but also as a chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, since the PSAT doubles as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PCSD is providing Princeton Review test prep for the PSAT on Saturday, September 23, 30 and October 7 for a total cost of $70. Registration information for the test prep was sent home to the parents/guardians of all tenth and eleventh grade students.

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Parma Senior High Honors and AP students, representing forty-nine different classes, were honored at the first ever Academic Pep Rally which was held Wednesday, September 6th during third period. Students were treated to the Parma High marching band playing as they entered the auditorium. A spirited cheer (what's a rally without cheerleaders?) opened the festivities that included an introduction of the academic " teams" of each Honors and AP class.

Academic "coaches" (teachers) were cheered by their students and several presented short descriptions of the coursework in each major subject area. It was a great way to kick-off a successful academic season and to remind those in attendance that they are truly respected and admired for their academic endeavors!

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Parma High senior, Kelly Cifranic, was selected as one of seventy Ohio gifted identified high school students to be granted the distinction of 2006 Martin Essex Scholar. Students compete by writing essays that are judged within the school district with the top three entries sent to Columbus for further judging. Kelly was notified in March that she is a Martin Essex Scholar. Her reward was an all expenses paid week at The Ohio State University this past summer, where she joined the other Martin Essex Scholars in very special activities and events arranged for the winners. Kelly said the experience was awesome. She especially liked being on campus and meeting the other participants.

The school year for teachers began well prior to our students reporting to the classroom. Kindergarten, First and Second Grade teachers learned how to implement our new Everyday Math Program. This method of instructing students in Mathematics incorporates hands-on manipulatives and fun ways for students to practice what they learned.

Eighth grade and high school Health teachers are implementing newly purchased Health books. A consultant assisted them in learning about integrating technology (web sites) and "foldable" manipulatives to help students understand Health concepts.

As the middle school implements Content Literacy, their teachers learned the best practices of assessing students’ reading skills through a newly purchased Reading Plus software program. Once students are assessed, they are instructed in skills and strategies through the newly adopted Reader’s Handbook and Vocabulary Workshop.

Tenth grade teachers learned several ways to implement their newly adopted text Elements of Literature. Students are able to access this textbook from the Internet and cut down on the wear and tear of this reading anthology. Our Ohio version of this textbook aligns with the Ohio Language Arts Academic Content Standards.

Seven and Eighth Grade Science Adoption is the McDougal/Littell Science Modules. This program incorporates the Science Standards into classroom instruction. Lab manuals and note taking manuals are also a part of our adoption package. Teachers were provided professional development on the technology aspects of this Science Program in August.

A new course at the middle school for extra help in Mathematics has begun this year. It is called Math Skills and Strategies for 7th and 8th graders. Teachers are using selective materials to adapt to the needs of these students, Math-on-Call is one of these materials. Hands-on activities and project based learning is also a part of this course.

The Parma Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) Program has been awarded a rating of EXEMPLARY by the Ohio Department of Education. In fact, Parma ABLE has received the highest rating of the 127 ABLE Programs in the state. This annual rating system by ODE evaluates the effectiveness of the ABLE Program based on the following performance measures:

• Student Achievement

o Student completion of the 12 Educational Functioning Levels

o Placement into post secondary education and training

o Obtainment of the GED

o Attainment of employment and retention of employment

o Achievement of family literacy goals

o Other performance measures (retention, enrollment, pre-test and post-test rates)

• Administrative Requirements -compliance with state and federal standards and grant requirements

Parma ABLE is very proud of this top notch rating! Over 1,000 adult students enter the program each year. This includes students who want to earn a GED, pass the US Citizenship Test, improve their English, and/or review basic skills. The many dedicated staff members and volunteer tutors who work in the Parma ABLE Program help these adults reach their goals. Bravo!!!

The Business Department has been working hard throughout the summer to ensure our buildings are structurally prepared for this school year.  You may have seen us working at Parma High on the largest part of the Consolidation Plan.  Be assured that we have also been in every building districtwide to make necessary repairs and upgrades.

In this edition of Images Online, you will see listings of some of the work that has taken place.  Please call the Business Office at 885-2325 for a complete list or with any questions or concerns.

Staff Recognition Night

A Staff Recognition ceremony was held during halftime of the Valley Forge-Normandy football game on September 15.

Ranging in experience from rookies to veterans with more than 40 years, the staff stood on the field grouped by their years of service.

Thank you to everyone who participated and also to those who helped make the event possible.

The 2006 Byers Field Football schedule is now available at

www.parmacityschools.org/athletics/schedules/index.cfm

Please review it and make plans to join us!

Please be sure to visit our new webpage, http://www.parmacityschools.org/careertech/index.cfm, which provides updated information and links to all 17 of our Career/Technical programs.  To find out more, please call 440-885-8317.

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 to 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:

http://www.parmacityschools.org/daycare

http://www.parmacityschools.org/edc

Normandy Class of 1976 Reunion Activities

The Normandy High School Class of 1976 is planning two activities to commemorate its 30-year reunion. The first will be at Byers field on Friday, October 6 at 7 p.m. where an Alumni Tent will be set up as part of Normandy's Homecoming Night festivities.

The following Saturday, October 14, a formal event will be held at Pokrova Hall located at 6812 Broadview Road in Parma. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 7:30 p.m. All tickets will be handled on pre-sale basis only. Call 440-885-8495 extension 1976 or visit parmacityschools.org/alumni/nhs/1976 for more details.

Want to Have Some Freaky Fun?

Stearns Farm is seeking volunteers 15 years of age or older to help with its "Frightfully Fun Freaky Farm" which will be held the last two weekends in October.  We are looking to offer a Halloween program that has just enough of a scare and more than enough farm-style fun.  We need people to dress as ghosts, mummies, vampires, and witches as well as to assist with set up and take down of displays, help in the snack tent and help with small children in the "Bunny Hutch."

Please come to Stearns Farm, located at 6975 Ridge Road, on Saturday, September 30 between 2 and 5 p.m. to sign up.  If you can't make it that day but are interested in helping, please send an e-mail with your name and phone number to Msempolski@yahoo.com.

Superintendent's School Bell Award

Congratulations to Rose Adkins from Central Office, the most recent recipient of the Superintendent's School Bell Award.  Rose is the district's EMIS coordinator and plays a vital role in our success on the annual State Report Card.

Dr. Zatik presented the award to Rose at the administrative in-service in August.

Thank you Rose for all of your hard work and best wishes for a great year!

CONSOLIDATION PLAN

Construction crews worked throughout the summer to prepare the second floor of the front vocational wing of Parma High School for classroom use.  Fourteen high tech computer ready classrooms were installed and the media center was relocated to the new area as well.  The second floor welcomed students on August 23. 

Construction will continue through the fall in order to finish the first floor of the vocational wing which will then house the district’s administrative offices.  The transition of employees and equipment from the present location on Ridge Road to Parma High is tentatively scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2007.

The rear vocational wing of Valley Forge High School has also undergone a dramatic change with the creation of high tech computer classrooms and the construction of a new home for the Maintenance Department.  The old Maintenance Department area at Pleasant Valley will be reconfigured to modern classroom space. 

When the consolidation is complete, the district will lease or sell the Arlington Learning Center and the Ridge Road Administration building.  This will reduce the number of buildings the district maintains from 23 to 21.  By closing these two buildings, the district will save an estimated $200,000 per year in utilities and maintenance costs.  In addition, over $3 million worth of necessary repairs to the two buildings will not be made, adding more savings to the consolidation project.

Here are photos from the construction at Parma High School as taken by Career/Technical Director Bill Aubuchon:

From the Copy Center

As of Friday, September 22, the Copy Center has processed 11,487 requests from teachers throughout the district. The requests total 2,418,091 clicks representing just over 25% of the total yearly click allocation for the Copy Center.

The heavy volume means buildings have received large deliveries of Copy Center materials. Teachers are reminded although the Copy Center seeks to return requests in the fastest possible manner (99% are returned within 24 hours), our policy is 72 hour return time.

If you want to determine if your job has been completed by the Copy Center please check on FRODO.  If your request is listed under your name, the Copy Center has received the request and processed it.

Due to the heavy volume, a building may receive a large number of completed requests at one time. Occasionally a teacher picks up their request along with another teacher's request by accident. Usually these jobs are returned to the Copy Center delivery area in your building once the error is discovered. We ask that you please check the Copy Center delivery area carefully, and wait at least one delivery cycle before contacting the Copy Center for a "lost" request.

The Copy Center is a service to the instructional program, and our goal is to deliver materials to teachers correctly copied and in a timely manner. We thank you for your patience and your assistance in making the Copy Center Program a success.

PTA CALENDAR SALE

The Parma Council of PTAs has begun another year of creating and selling calendars. Dates and events are listed for each of the schools as well as those district-wide.

The calendar features artwork from students. Cost is $5.00 each and they are available at each school building and the Board of Education - Superintendent's office. Consider adding this school-year calendar to your supplies to keep you organized.

Listed here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding student transportation.

If you require further assistance, please review the Parent / Guardian / Student Transportation Handbook by clicking on this highlighted link, or call 440-885-2326 to speak with the transportation staff.

Please be assured that we will do what we can to resolve your issue in a timely and effective manner.

Question #1 - Who is eligible for busing?
The Board of Education has approved busing for students in grades K-8 who live 1.5 miles or further from their school.

Question #2 - What do I do if my child is not bused, but I believe he/she is eligible?
Mileage verification is available by calling 440-885-2326.

Question #3 - What if I believe my child should be bused due to a safety concern?
Safety Evaluation Requests can be submitted by following this highlighted link (online form) or by calling 440-885-2326 to receive one through the mail.

Question #4 - What do I do if I have a question or suggestion?
Please call 440-885-2326 Monday-Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to reach a member of our staff.  All e-mails should be directed to kaiserm@parmacityschools.org.

Here are some facts about Issue 14, the five-year NO TAX INCREASE renewal levy that the Parma City School District has placed on the November 7 ballot.  Please call Chief Financial Officer Bruce Basalla at 440-885-2324 with any questions.

Why do we have to vote on this levy at this time?

State law requires that operating levies can only be for a limited amount of time and must be renewed. This renewal is for five years and represents $8,062,500. This levy was first approved by voters in 1994.

Doesn't it cost money to place a renewal on the ballot every five years?

Yes. The school district must share the cost of the election with our cities, the county, the state and other public institutions that are on the ballot. However, our voters have overwhelmingly told us they want to vote on these renewals. The “renewals” force the school district to always be accountable to the public.

What will the schools use the renewal money for if the levy passes?

The dollars will continue to be used to operate the district to cover daily costs including personnel, textbooks, transportation, technology, student supplies and activities,athletics, and utility costs. The State of Ohio allows school districts to include “renewal levy” revenue in their five-year budget forecasts. Therefore, the district has been able to submit a balanced budget to the state because it included the $8,062,500 in the budget.

What happens if the NO TAX INCREASE renewal levy fails?

Since the dollars from the NO TAX INCREASE Renewal Levy are already part of the budget, it would mean the district would have to immediately begin making reductions. Without this money, the budget would be in deficit and drastic cuts would have to be made.

“My taxes are going up as a result of the county auditor’s appraisal. Won’t that mean the renewal levy will cost me more money?”

The answer is “No.” A renewal levy guarantees a specific amount of money, not a specific millage.  According to the law, Issue 14 can only collect $8,062,500. This is exactly the same amount as first approved by voters in 1994. Over the past 12 years, voters have twice renewed this levy without any increase in taxes. Under state law, school taxes are frozen at the level at which they were first approved by the voters. In the case of this renewal levy, IT CANNOT and WILL NOT increase a property owner’s taxes.

How are the schools doing in achieving excellence?

The last few years have been really terrific ones for the students of the Parma City School District. The district improved its ranking on the State of Ohio report card from “Continuous Improvement” to “Effective” and now is now striving to become “Excellent.” This year, eight of our schools are ranked as “Excellent,” up from three last year. We will use the skills and knowledge gained in those eight buildings to help each of our schools reach and maintain an “Excellent” ranking.

Peer Model Program

Because all children learn not only from adults, but from watching and interacting with other children, peer models are an important part of First Step Preschool. These children are 3, 4 and 5 year old youngsters without identified disabilities who provide social interaction and motivation for preschoolers with special needs. Peer models experience a positive and supportive learning environment which fosters self-confidence and an appreciation for diversity among people. They participate daily in activities which facilitate cognitive, language, motor and self-help skills as well as social/emotional growth. Peer models are eligible to attend First Step Preschool based on the following guidelines:

* must reside in the Parma City School District

* participate in a screening to determine eligibility

* attend 4 days per week (2.5 hours - AM or PM class)

* pay tuition (under $13 per week)

* parent or guardian provides transportation

We are currently looking for children to serve as typical peer models for the 2006 - 07 school year. Please call the First Step Office at 440-885-8645 for more information and an application

Here is a list of some of the repairs that took place at our building over the summer:

Dag Hammarskjold:

HB264 Building envelope, lighting and roof top unit

Roof repairs

Fire alarm replacement

Dentzler School has been very busy since the opening of school. Kindergarten Orientation was held on August 23 and 24 as kindergartners and their families met individually with Dentzler’s kindergarten teacher to get acquainted and see their new classroom and school. Other events included the ACT (Active Communities Together) Fair where the Dentzler PTA provided tattoos, a PTA Fundraiser Brochure Sale and our K-3rd and 4th-6th grade Open Houses.

On Thursday, September 17th Dentzler School participated in KeyBank’s "Neighbors Make the Difference" Program. Since 1990 KeyBank employees have provided an annual day of community service nationwide to demonstrate that they are proud to contribute their time and talents to community organizations. Three volunteers came to Dentzler to tutor and read to students, help teachers with classroom projects and work on the school’s outdoor landscaping. One of the volunteers went to Dentzler School as a child and another volunteer’s children attended Dentzler School. The volunteers did a great job helping the students and staff. Pictured are KeyBank volunteers as they performed their community service at Dentzler.

Driven to Read

Green Valley students are off and racing in their quest to read TWO MILLION minutes this year! Our theme is DRIVEN TO READ. Our year-long program is built around auto racing. In fact, to kick off the program two local race car drivers brought their race cars to school to share with our students!

Frank Oriti (Mars Trucking) and Dale Shymske (Shymske Auto) spoke to our students about the importance of reading and always doing your best in school! Following the assembly the students were able to view their race cars, trophies, and gear. Even Mrs. O'Malley, our clerk, became part of the action as she demonstrated how to get in and out of a race car without working doors!

Mr. Oriti dedicated his win that evening to Green Valley School. He generously donated the first place trophy from the race for our racing display. It even says "Dedicated to Green Valley" on it! In addition, Mr. Oriti donated about a dozen of his older trophies for those who read the most minutes this year. He removed the name plates and had new ones engraved which say "Green Valley - Driven to Read!" In addition he donated racing items for our Pit Stop store! As students read different increments of time they are awarded passes for the Pit Stop store which will be set up in our media center!

Summer Reading Program

Our summer reading program at Green Valley was entitled "Racing into Summer". Students read in increments of 10, 20, or 30 books! The summer reading celebration was held on Wednesday, September 20. Students received prizes and books. Nemet Home Improvement Company donated and served ice cream sundaes to everyone in attendance.

Our school is ranked as "Excellent" by the state

The Green Valley community is very proud of our recent State Department of Education Report Card on which our school was rated in the top category entitled EXCELLENT!

Here is a list of some of the repairs that took place at our building over the summer:

Greenbriar:

HB264 Building envelope and lighting

Wall installed

Electrical run for annex

Install bypass valve for main annex waterline

Roof repairs

Fire alarm replacement

Here is a list of some of the repairs that took place at our building over the summer:

Hanna:

Gas house

HB264 Building envelope and lighting

Roof repairs

SPIRIT Team

The SPIRIT Team met for the first time on Opening Day. Our students were greeted by their first period teachers, then they were whisked away to the Cafeteria for a Meet and Greet activity. Teachers discussed expectations and the exciting year ahead, then shared a fact about themselves that no one knew. Students were then invited to do the same. One by one, we learned about each other. Students were then given an autograph activity in which they were to find classmates with the attributes listed on their forms. In the afternoon, students participated in a hula hoop relay outdoors.

Afterwards, they were put into different groups to complete a Common Ground activity. Students were to dialogue with each other to find out things everyone in the group had in common. Teams were again reconfigured for a Newspaper Structure Activity. Students were given duct tape and stacks of newspapers. The groups were told to build a structure with the newspaper and duct tape that they could all fit into. The last activity we did took place in the Cafeteria. Students were again in different groups and participated in a Dutch Auction.

PAWS

Hillside's PAWS team really tore it up to start off the year! Kids were introduced to the idea of teaming by working collaboratively to solve a challenge. Students were asked to find a way to get the greatest number of people to fit through a piece of paper at the same time. This year's record was fourteen! The students used their problem-solving skills and had the chance to meet new people. Students were also given time meet new friends when they completed the People Search in the afternoon.

CLAWS

The CLAWS students at Hillside Middle School identified themselves as part of a team on the second day of school. Team teachers prepared an assembly to explain what teaming is and why it's important at the middle school level. During this assembly, trivia questions were also asked and prizes were distributed. In the afternoon, the Claws students got together again.

Students decorated a puzzle piece with information about themselves. They then worked together in groups to put their puzzles together the fastest. Following this activity, students played Get Acquainted Bingo to get to know some new students. We then ended the day with limbo. These activities show the value of teamwork and demonstrate how we must all work together to succeed in middle school.

8th Grade PRIDE Team

The 8th grade PRIDE team participated in several open day activities. They first re-acquainted themselves with what it means to be a team and also the team policies so that the students realize the consistency among the teachers. The students did a Get an Autograph activity where the students had to meet other people in the team that qualified for the statement in the box. They concluded the afternoon with two more team builders -- the now famous hula hoop race and a new game called "Do you like being in PRIDE?"

John Glenn Earns Library Reading Award for 2nd Year in a Row!

During our Summer Reading Celebration on Sept. 14th, students were surprised with a visit from Snow Road librarian, Amy Chatlos, who came to present them with the Library's Super Reader Award for participation in their Summer Reading Program. Ms. Chatlos shared that John Glenn students far exceeded any other neighboring schools with 38% of the students participating. The time and effort put forth by the students and families of John Glenn really shined forth during the Summer Reading Celebration when select students shared their Summer Reading Projects. It is no surprise that John Glenn ranks "Excellent" with the State when academics are celebrated and supported to this level in the community!

Safety Patrol Installed

Also, during the Summer Reading Celebration, Mr. Ron Durkin and Mr. Rick Vanek read some sixth graders their "rights" and responsibilities while handing out their safety patrol badges. John Glenn is fortunate to have so many students willing to come in early and stay late to keep their fellow classmates safe. Thanks also to Safety Patrol advisors, Mrs. Jessica Gruttadauria and Mrs. Jennifer Williams for their time and effort with this important school group.

Getting Ready for an Outdoor Learning Classroom

Many thanks go out to former John Glenn student, Michael Pigoni, and his family and friends for their efforts at re-designing and landscaping the school's front courtyard to attract nesting birds and butterflies as a part of Michael's Eagle Scout Project. Along with some help from John Glenn's "ever-ready" PTA, the front courtyard is looking marvelous and ready for bird and butterfly "move-in".

Also moving into the courtyard this fall is John Glenn's long-awaited Outdoor Learning Classroom thanks to a sizeable donation by the PTA and several school grant and fundraising activities. The Outdoor center is truly a community effort, as it is being designed and put together by Mr. Bob Hanak's Construction Trades class from Parma High School.

Look to future IMAGES online newsletters for pictures and reports on our progress!

The Viking Review

John Muir welcomed students and families to our Open House on August 21st. This year’s theme is "Cultivating a Community of Excellence." Staff worked diligently to prepare their rooms and make our school shine for our John Muir Vikings. Students met their teachers, visited classrooms and brought their supplies to school. Parents received important information, and PTA promoted yearly events. It was an exciting evening for all.

Come and join our PTA sponsored John Muir softball game on Thursday, Sept. 21st. Parents, children and staff come together to play softball, eat delicious hotdogs, and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. Let’s play ball!

Adult guests and children are invited to our first Lunch Bunch book discussion on Wed. Sept. 26th. Third and fourth graders will discuss "Sarah, Plain and Tall" by Patricia MacLachlan. The group enjoys their lunch in the classroom, while discussing the novel. Then, everyone makes a keepsake memento of their time together. Each month a different grade level will be invited to attend Lunch Bunch. Look for more details…

Over 50 John Muir students participated in the Starbucks "Read for the Record"! They listened to "The Little Engine that Could" to help break the world's record for the most children read to by adults reading the same story. At the most recent count, more than 140,000 children participated in this event to break the record... you can find out more by visiting www.readfortherecord.com.

National Merit Semi-Finalist

Rebecca Hanes has been named as a National Merit Semi-Finalist. She is one of 16,000 students across the country that earned the status.

NHS is award-winning

Our school was awarded the Governor’s Buckeye Best Healthy School Silver Award for promoting a healthy school environment for students and staff. We were rated for our improvement in the areas of tobacco education, nutrition/school food service and physical activity.

Grandparents Day

Our Medical Assisting students sponsored Grandparents Day on Monday, September 11th. The students enjoyed a continental breakfast with their grandparents, created a get to know you bingo game and did blood pressure screening on their grandparents.

You may have noticed some new additions to the Parkview area landscape. Over the summer Parkview's Garden Club in partnership with Mayor Dean DePiero, Mickey Vittardi and the Parma Parks and Recreation Department was busy working to enhance our science program.

When school let out, a small group of teachers met with a representative from the Cleveland Botanical Gardens for guidance in planting. After a visit to the Botanical Garden and the Learning Garden in downtown Cleveland ideas were blooming and a blueprint for the garden's plants was created. Now that the plans were made it was time to prepare the garden.

Step One- WEED! Parkview's #1 weeders are Matt and Mrs. Toplack, Kiley and Mrs. Bohatka, Nick Haber and Mrs. Mayer.

The next step was to obtain the plants. What luck we had. Through generous donations from Grace Brothers, Royal Victorian Gardens, Petitti Garden Centers, and Del Corpo's we found almost everything we were looking for.

Now it was time to plant! What a group gathered that day: Matt and Mrs. Toplack, Nick and Katelyn Dessoffy, Dan, Katie and Mrs. Kendall, Lauren and Logan Pudlinski, Mrs. Lindblom, Ms. Glaser, Ms. Pollarine, Mrs. Van Jura, and Mrs. Daiuto. Digging, Planting, Watering, Digging, Planting, Watering.

Water? Yes, all the water was hauled over by the bucketful on wagons from Parkview. What a job! But the Parma Parks and Recreation Department along with Parma Fire Station # 2 came to the rescue. The firemen from Station #2 kindly provided weekly watering. In addition, the Parks Department generously purchased and installed two 55 gallon rain barrels and hung gutters with downspouts on the pavilion.

MULCH, MULCH, MULCH! Again the Parma Parks Recreation Department provided enough mulch for the whole garden. Thanks to everyone who helped to shovel and spread it.

Now that the garden has been planted we need to prepare for the future. Along the east end of our parking lot we have set up an outdoor turning unit composting site. With donated pallets from Lowe's Home Improvement three bins were built. These bins will allow our students to compost food scraps and landscape trimmings. In addition to providing an end product of good, rich soil for our garden, the compost will provide a mini classroom for students to witness a diverse range of organisms and food webs.

After research we have found that there are certain things that work best in the compost pile. For this reason we are asking the community to refrain from adding materials to the bins. If you would like to help us, we will be collecting the following items: cardboard rolls and cardboard (not Styrofoam) egg cartons. The students in school will collect everything else. The Garden Club will manage the layering of the compost bins throughout the year.

As everyone can see, this has truly been a community effort. Therefore our Children's Garden is for all to enjoy. Please feel free to stop by anytime.

Parma Park is off to a great start!

Students in grade Kindergarten through second are quickly getting used to our new math program, Everyday Math. Students have up to 90 minutes of math per day. Everyday math inspires both teachers and students to break through traditional math barriers. Our math program is also integrated into other subject areas. Home Links consist of active projects and ongoing review problems that show parents what children can do in mathematics.

Students in grades 4 - 6 have been given the opportunity to become actively involved in the day to day responsibilities at our school. We have a group of students who work as student announcers. We have another group of students who man our security buzz in system in the morning. A third group of students is responsible for keeping our outdoor sign up to date.

Here is a list of some of the improvements which took place at our building over the summer:

ParmaSenior High:

Restroom renovation

Little Theatre rigging, lights and AC

Locker room renovation

Bleachers

Biology area relocation

Pool renovation

Administration relocation

Classroom relocation

Boiler replacement

Gym ceiling renovation

HB 264 lighting (HB264 refers to Energy Conservation)

Topcoat of bullpen

Catch basin repair

New concrete auto body area

New parking area - rear

New lights practice rooms

Pads and new ceiling with lights for wrestling room

Roof repairs

Rockin and Rollin into Reading

We are rockin’ and rollin’ into accelerated reader! We hope to set a new "words read" record in the 2006-2007 school year. A big thanks goes out to all the teachers and parents that encourage students to continue to read. "There’s a whole lot of readin’ going on!"

Parent-Teacher Conferences

We had a successful open house/ curriculum night on September 7, 2006. Parent-teacher conferences are coming up on October 12, 2006.

Thank you PTA

PTA kicked off the first fundraiser of the year. They sold Entertainment Books for $25 and orders were due by 9/12/06. Thanks to the PTA for generously providing staff members with a book to enjoy!

Fun Fair

Pearl Road Elementary is having their annual "fun fair" on October 13, 2006. Join us for food and fun!

2006 - 07 STUDENT COUNCIL

Congratulations to the following 4th -6th graders students for being Student Council Representatives this year:

4th Grade

Paige Arkangel, Cassie Avondet, Levi Browing, Megan Mementowski, Alyson Olszewski, and Vince Silvaggio

5th Grade

Shari Fitch, Danielle Mack, Kayla Malisiak, Gina Manzetti, Adina Motoc, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Aniceto Torres

6th Grade

Deborah Awalludin, Katelyn Casciano, Chris Lako, Kara Lorincz, Lauren Pace, Haley Tarase, and David Turner

One of the service projects done by the Student Council is the collection of pop can tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

Congratulations!

Pleasantview Elementary School is proud to announce that it has achieved the state designation of "Excellent" for the fourth year in a row! Pleasantview Elementary School is also the recipient of the Governor's Buckeye Best Healthy School Award.

We are proud of the achievements of our students and staff!

Welcome Back!

A new school year has begun and it is always exciting to have everyone back!! It was wonderful seeing many of you at our Open House/Curriculum Night on Aug. 31.

If you were not there, please join me again in welcoming our new staff members this year:

Molly Schreiber- 6th grade teacher

Olivia Weisman- Intervention Specialist

Nancy Huffman- Speech Teacher

Shirley Pashall- Occupational Therapist

Joe Stretch-General Music

Becky Seredick- General Music

Lydia Kammersgard- Choir Director

Rebecca Wunderle- Art

Victoria Becka- ELL

Jamie Lewis & Ashley Mazzola both Title I teachers,

Carole Moore- Media Specialist

Lorie Everett- Noon Monitor

Jeannie Kesterson- EDC

Donna Seelbach- Cleaner

Staff changes this year:

Lisa Votruba was our Title I teacher last year and now she is our 5/6 Math teacher. We also wish her the best as she got married this summer and is now Lisa Allen.

Evie Boulas used to teach first grade with Patty Martonchik and now teaches 5th grade.

We also welcome 3 student teachers to our building this year:

Jennifer Maroun - Kindergarten with Mrs. Fiorilli

Melissa Clark - in first grade with Patty Martonchik

Erin Gilbride - in second grade with Karen Brucken.

They are in good hands and will certainly learn a lot from their mentors.

Please don't forget to check our web site for any events, school supply lists, etc. Go to parmacityschools.org and scroll down when you see "buildings" to find Renwood.

Welcome Back! - We had a good beginning to this school year thanks to our wonderful staff and great PTA volunteers. A warm welcome to our new students and their families. We have approximately 39 new families. We also have some new faces on our staff. They are:

Mrs. Esser - Hearing Impaired Teacher

Mrs. Cooper - Hearing Impaired Interpreter

Ms. Lewis - Title I

Mrs. Schweitzer - Intervention Specialist

Ms. Gannon - Literacy Specialist

Ms. Thome - Long term substitute for Mrs. Verhosek

Ms. Cazan - Student Teaching with Mrs. King

Our best wishes to Mr. Plasterer, Mrs. Nelan and Mrs. Bohuslawsky as they have been assigned to new buildings.

Ms. Trainer reports - that the sixth grade students were involved in the clean-up of Ridge-Brook's Land Lab (Manhattan Project). The students did a fantastic job of cleaning up all the weeds that had overtaken the garden this summer. I am very proud of the job they did and the fact that they worked so well together. Look for continued improvements to the garden and grounds thanks to the efforts of this terrific group of students.

Here is a list of some of the repairs which took place at our building over the summer:

Shiloh:

Loading dock renovation

Step repair (west)

HB264 Building envelope and lighting

Removal of stair front

Replace heating line

Fire alarm replacement

Here is a list of some of the repairs that took place at our building over the summer:

State Road:

Interior renovation

HB264 Building envelope, lighting and boilers

Here is a list of some of the repairs that took place at our building over the summer:

ThoreauPark:

HB 264 Boiler and lighting

Fire alarm replacement

Here is a list of some of the repairs that took place in our building over the summer:

Valley Forge:

Masonry repairs

Painting of pool

Maintenance Dept. relocation

Student area relocation

Gym floor renovation

HB264 Building envelope and lighting

Increase size of dark room

Removal of cabinets in main office

Rerouting of electrical in main office

Installation of smoke detectors

Bleacher replacement