Last week, the largest educational convention in Ohio was held in Columbus.  The annual convention is sponsored by the Ohio School Boards Association and brings together elected members of Ohio’s 613 boards of educations, superintendents, treasurers, business managers and teachers from across the state.  There are dozens of workshops and conferences during the five days of the convention.

This year three of our administrators presented a workshop on “Highly Qualified Teachers.”  Sharon Jones, Laura Watson and Michele Nolan led the seminar which was very well attended.  Based on the feedback, Parma seems to be in the forefront of developing a “Highly Qualified Teacher” program.

Deputy Superintendent Christina Dinklocker acted as moderator for a workshop, and newly appointed Community Outreach Specialist Kevin Brennan and I had an opportunity to present our Community Business School partnership to attendees.

It was great to see that the Parma City School District was considered by the convention planners and attendees as a district moving forward on many different fronts.  Our success as a school district is directly attributed to each of you.  It is your dedication and hard work that provides a successful education for our children.  I am grateful to all of you, and allow me this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

SUPERINTENDENT PRESENTS "SCHOOL BELL AWARD"

Dan Salloum, the Production Printing Department foreman, was surprised on Thursday, November 17 when Dr. Zatik and most of the building principals arrived unexpectedly at the Print Shop.  Following the Principals’ Meeting in Red Rees the group came downstairs to the Print Shop so Dr. Zatik could award Dan the second “School Bell Award” for the outstanding job the Department has been doing. The first “School Bell” went to Pleasant Valley Principal Sue Rueger for being named Ohio Elementary Principal of the Year.

Later on the Thursday a number of principals and building secretaries returned to the Print Shop for a tour of the facility.  The purpose of the tour was to demonstrate equipment that might help make the operation of the buildings easier.  The tour included the Copy Center equipment consisting of four Xerox 490 machines that have each run 1,250,000 copies since the beginning of the school year for a total of 5,000,000 copies to date.

The tour also included the Graphics Department where banners and signs are made and an envelope feeder that allows you to fold an 81/2 by 11 inch sheet to letter size and inserts the letter into an envelope.  This piece of equipment should save many hours of hand feeding envelopes.

Congratulations to Dan and all of the skilled employees at the Parma Print Shop for the accolades and also for hosting such an eventful day.

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT PARMATOWN MALL

It's time once again to make plans for the district's annual holiday music presentations at Parmatown Mall.

Beginning Thursday, December 8 with the elementary and middle school choirs and continuing the 12th through the 14th with high school vocal and music ensembles, lunchtime at the mall will be alive with the sounds of the Parma City School District. 

Share the holiday spirit with friends and family while you enjoy lunch and the musical stylings of the many talented student groups.

Please contact your child's building for specific times and details. 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS NEEDED

The School District is looking for people that would like to be substitutes in the following positions:  Noon Monitor, Special Education Assistant, Clerks, and Secretaries.  Please call Char Kallach at 440-885-8782 for more information on how to apply.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

The Parma City School District will accept applications for Intradistrict Open Enrollment for the school year 2006-07.  The enrollment period is Nov. 15 until Jan. 16, 2006.

The Senior High Able Learner Program, better known as SHALP in our three high schools, provides our gifted identified students  with advocacy, opportunities, and camaraderie.  SHALP students are invited to meet during their lunch periods to receive information on upcoming events, such as the PSAT, to hear about various activities and contests for the gifted, and to enjoy each other’s company as they discuss topics pertinent to their academic lives.

This fall, the district saw an increase of over seventeen percent in the number of students who took the PSAT in October. Eleventh grade SHALP students were especially encouraged to take this test, which also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for that grade level.  Many tenth grade SHALP students took the test for practice. 

In upcoming lunch gatherings SHALP students will be asked to discuss their opinions on the possibilities for mentoring and other activities.

BLANKETS FOR THE HOMELESS

Did you ever wonder how it feels to be homeless on a cold winter night?

The Parma Adult Basic & Literacy Education Program invites you to help someone keep warm this winter by creating a no-sew fleece blanket for a local shelter.

Please come on Thursday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. to the Valley Forge High School cafeteria to spend a little time making a special blanket for someone in need.  Bring a friend and a dessert and your sewing shears if you have them.

A donation of $12 is requested per blanket and must be pre-paid by December 8.  If you would rather not make a blanket but would still like to help, please contact Sue Sheehan at 440-885-8339 or make a check payable to the Parma City Schools and send it to Sue at:

6726 Ridge Road  Parma, OH 44129

Feel the true holiday spirit by helping those who can truly use it.

WINTER HEATING BILLS EXPECTED TO RISE

As winter approaches, we are looking for ways to save on each building's heating bills which may increase 20% or more over last year.  The district has already seen short and long-term savings totaling over $1 million as a result of provisions contained within Ohio House Bill 264 and by conducting a review of its maintenance facilities and equipment and replacing select items.

If you have any suggestions as to how we might save, please contact the Business Office at 440-885-8338 or Business Manager Mark Daniels at 440-885-2325.  We encourage your input and welcome your ideas.

The November 19 game between St. Edward's and Glenville was a great one and will be remembered for years to come.  A crisp fall night featuring two powerhouses lived up to the promise.  Congratulations to both teams for their excellent seasons and thanks to everyone who came out to see the game.  Your support is always appreciated.

CULINARY STUDENT WINS NATIONAL ACCLAIM

Kevin Fantis of Parma Senior High represented the district's Culinary Arts Program at the National Gingerbread House competition in Miami, Florida.

Sponsored by Johnson & Wales University, the event was held November 11-14 and Kevin was selected as one of ten national finalists from over 300 entries.

Upon being chosen as a finalist, he was then given 15 hours to re-create his ideal vision of a gingerbread house.  Placing second overall, Kevin received $16,000 in scholarship monies, an all-inclusive three-day trip to any Johnson & Wales campus, a $250 gift card for for Beachwood Place, a trophy and plaque and the opportunity to befriend the other nine nationwide finalists by sharing unforgettable memories.

Congratulations Kevin!!

RELAY FOR LIFE 2006 PLANNING MEETING

The Third Annual Relay For Life in Parma 2006 at Cuyahoga Community College July 14th & 15th, 2006

The Weekend That Could Save A Lifetime

Due to the enormous success in 2005, Relay For Life in Parma is relocating to the Cuyahoga Community College, Western Campus. The 2006 event will include teams from southwest Cuyahoga County, including the cities of Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Brookpark, Middleburg Heights and Berea.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE FIRST INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING MEETING

Where: Valley Forge High School Room 230

9999 Independence Blvd. Parma Heights, OH 44130

WHEN: December 6, 2005 @ 6:00 pm

Come join the steering committee, become a sponsor, register a team or sign up for the Survivor Victory Lap or Luminaria Ceremony of HOPE.

MILESTONES FOR RELAY FOR LIFE IN PARMA 2005:

$150,000+ RAISED FOR CANCER RESEARCH, EDUCATION, ADVOCACY AND SERVICES

400+ CANCER SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS

72 TEAMS

1000+ PARTICIPANTS

3000+ SPECTATORS

107 ELVIS IMPERSONATORS

1 WEDDING

AWARDS:

HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF INCREASE, 400+%

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, OHIO DIVISION 2005

MOST ELVIS IMPERSONATORS SINGING "VIVA LAS VEGAS" SIMULTANEOUSLY, 107

GUINNESS WORLD BOOK OF RECORDS

With special thanks to:

The Parma Hospital Health Care Foundation The Parma City School District PSE Credit Union The Olive Garden - 8383 Day Drive The 1000's of survivors, volunteers, businesses and sponsors that made Relay 2005 such a special event!

For more information contact:

JT Aguila, Income Development Coordinator American Cancer Society

10501 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106

t) (216) 241-1177

f) (216) 241-0334

(888) 227-6446

jt.aguila@cancer.org

The POWER of Relay is YOU!

FUTURE PUBLICATION DATES FOR IMAGES ONLINE FOR THE 2005-06 SCHOOL YEAR ARE:

December 5, January 9, January 23, February 6, February 20, March 6, March 20, April 3, May 1, May 15, and June 5.

ALL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO IMAGES ONLINE MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE THURSDAY PRECEDING PUBLICATION.  DEADLINE TIME IS 12 NOON.

CULINARY STUDENT WINS NATIONAL ACCLAIM

Kevin Fantis of Parma Senior High represented the district's Culinary Arts Program at the National Gingerbread House competition in Miami, Florida.

Sponsored by Johnson & Wales University, the event was held November 11-14 and Kevin was chosen as one of ten national finalists from over 300 entries.

Upon being chosen as a finalist, he was then given 15 hours to re-create his ideal vision of a gingerbread house.  Placing second overall, Kevin received $16,000 in scholarship monies, an all-inclusive three-day trip to any Johnson & Wales campus, a $250 gift card for for Beachwood Place, a trophy and plaque and the opportunity to befriend the other nine nationwide finalists by sharing unforgettable memories.

Congratulations Kevin!!

SUPERINTENDENT PRESENTS "SCHOOL BELL AWARD"

Dan Salloum, the Production Printing Department foreman, was surprised on Thursday, November 17 when Dr. Zatik and most of the building principals arrived unexpectedly at the Print Shop.  Following the Principals’ Meeting in Red Rees, the group came downstairs to the Print Shop to see Dr. Zatik award the second “School Bell Award” to Dan for the outstanding job the Department has been doing. The first “School Bell” went to Pleasant Valley Principal Sue Rueger for being named Ohio Elementary Principal of the Year.

Later on that Thursday, a number of principals and building secretaries returned to the Print Shop for a tour of the facility.  The purpose of the tour was to demonstrate equipment that might help make the operation of the buildings easier.  The tour included the Copy Center equipment consisting of four Xerox 490 machines that have each run 1,250,000 copies since the beginning of the school year for a total of 5,000,000 copies to date.

The tour also included the Graphics Department where banners and signs are made and an envelope feeder that allows you to fold an 81/2 by 11 inch sheet to letter size and inserts the letter into an envelope.  This piece of equipment should save many hours of hand feeding envelopes.

Congratulations to Dan and all of the skilled employees at the Parma Print Shop for the accolades and also for hosting such an eventful day.

CURRENT PRINT SHOP STATS

The Copy Center continues to run ahead of projections on "clicks" for this school year.  Currently the Copy Center has run about 1.7 million copies more then anticipated (totaling 4,289,614 clicks) at this point in the school year.  The total annual allocation district-wide for the Copy Center is 9,871,875 copies. At the end of the first quarter the Copy Center should have run between 2,467,968 copies (one fourth of the yearly allocation) and 3,000,000 copies (based on the fact the first quarter historically has more requests than the other three).  Teachers may access FRODO on the intranet for the exact number of clicks they have used on the building copiers and at the Copy Center.

THANK YOU FROM THE PARMA COUNCIL OF PTAs

Thanks to everyone who attended the Parma Council of PTAs' presentation of "Smart Ways to Keep Your Child Safe" on November 16 at Parma Senior High.

We appreciate your interest and hope you took home some valuable information that can help your children and your family live more safely.

The Parma Council of PTAs (PCPTA) announces the “call for entries” for their annual cultural arts contest, Reflections.

The contest is an outlet for Parma City Schools students, kindergarten to twelfth grade, to submit various artistic offerings based on the theme  “I Wonder Why.” 

“This is a great opportunity for a student to demonstrate their skills in one of more of the four categories.  They are Visual Arts, Photography, Musical Composition and Literature.”  Karen Peel,  PCPTA President,  announced. 

The rules for the contest, deadlines and details for each of the categories are available at every ParmaCitySchool.  Deadlines vary in each building, but most are in December.

Julie Wojcik, Cultural Arts Chairperson for Parma Council of PTAs says, “We really hope parents and teachers encourage the students to take an entry packet and participate.  The arts are an important part of our lives’  and students have this opportunity to be creative.” 

The student’s submissions are  first judged at the school , than the Parma Council,  than Ohio PTA, than those who are exceptional in creative expression move on to judging at the National PTA level. 

"WHAT KIDS TAUGHT ME ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL"  will be presented by Bonnie Simonelli, LSW, LICDC from the District's Student Services ASAP Program on December 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Normandy High School Auditorium.

In Cuyahoga County, the average age at which a child typically begins using drugs and/or alcohol is between 9 and 11 years old.

You can help your children stay on the right course by being informed parents.  Invest two hours in your child's future and come to see Bonnie's enlightening presentation.

Please call Student Services at 440-885-8794 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

www.parmacityschools.org/edc

Extended Day Care students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades are participating in the 2005 Plain Dealer Educational Services & Starbucks Holiday Rack Card Contest. The students are using various media to draw holiday pictures or greetings on official rack cards . There will be winners for Best Message, Most Colorful, Honorable Mention, and Best in Show. Starbucks Cards loaded with dollars to warm up on hot chocolate and cookies over the winter will be awarded to the winners. Judging for prize winners will take place on Friday, December 2. The Plain Dealer receives about 5,000 entries, and the top 2,500 rack cards will be displayed in Plain Dealer vending machines throughout Northeast Ohio from December 12, 2005 through January 1, 2006.

This year the contest not only showcases student art, but will benefit the Starbucks Holiday Angels Joy Drive for the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. Participants in the contest were asked to donate a new book or $1 to purchase books for seriously ill children in area hospitals. Last year the artwork of 100 of our EDC children was displayed in the vending machines, and we expect to be well represented this year also!

FIELD TRIP TO TOYS R' US

Dag Hammarskjold students in grades one through six will be taking a field trip to Toys R' Us on November 28 for the purpose of selecting and purchasing indoor recess games for this winter. This trip is funded by money raised in various fundraisers. Students are selected by their teachers in grades 1-3 or by being student council representatives in grades 4-6. Each classroom will be represented by two students who will work with teachers and classmates to generate a shopping list of desired games. Parent volunteers will accompany the principal and secretary on this community trip.

Dentzler has been recognizing and honoring our veterans as well as our troops that are serving our country. Veterans from the Seven Hills VFW Post visited our first grade classes to present a program on the Pledge of Allegiance and the American flag.

Mrs. Wendy O'Malley's third grade students gave the veterans thank you letters which the students had written for them.

Sixth grade teacher Mrs. Teresa Metyk's son-in-law is currently in a Marine Helicopter Squadron stationed at the Horn of Africa. The entire sixth grade created Thanksgiving placemats for this squadron to provide a "touch of home" for these service men and women. The students plan on creating favors for this squadron for other holidays including Christmas, Presidents' Day and Easter.

Pictured are some of our sixth graders as they pack the Thanksgiving favors that were sent to Africa.

Academic Achievement Assembly

We celebrated student success with our Accelerated Reader Recognition and Academic Achievement Assembly on Friday, November 11th. Students were rewarded with laminated tags for each category they achieved and enjoyed sundaes courtesy of Mr. Chicken.

^{Craft Fair}

^{Hanna PTA and Student Council partnered together and held a craft show at Greenbriar on November 12th. Over $1,000 was raised and will be donated for Hurricane Katrina Relief. They would like to extend their thanks to everyone who supported this fundraiser.}

^{Choir/Band/Orchestra Concert}

^{Our Hanna Choir, Band & Orchestra have been busy practicing for the Winter Concert. The concert will be held on Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00 pm at Valley Forge}

HILLSIDE SADD CHAPTER RAISES BIG MONEY!

The Hillside Middle School SADD chapter has once again raised funds through its faculty and students to support the Red Cross.  During spirit week, SADD raised $687.00 from contributions during students’ lunch periods.

As a reward for the students’ participation in this worthwhile project, faculty members danced on the roof of Hillside to the Chicken Dance.  Mrs. Amato, the school secretary, dressed up as the “Chicken” and Mrs. Kowicki, dressed up as the Hillside “Tigger”.  Because the students met their goal, Mr. Minamyer, principal and Mr. Discenza, Assistant Principal danced the final chorus of the Chicken Dance.

Not to be outdone, Mr. Viening and Mr. DiSalvo dressed up as ballerinas to end the day on a high note.  Congratulations on another job well done by Mrs. Yvonne Riddle and Ms. Heather Doll, advisors of Hillside Middle School’s SADD chapter.

John Muir Students Have Viking Pride!

We at John Muir are celebrating our students in the following ways:

* Every Friday classroom teachers recommend one student from each homeroom to receive a Student of the Week award. These students display excellent behavior while focusing on their schoolwork. Their names are called over the PA and they come to the office in anticipation of the medal that they receive from Principal Denver Daniel.

* On a monthly basis, students who have not received any behavior slips for the given month have their picture taken and displayed on our large bulletin board on the first floor. These students are terrific role models for all our students!

* Our quarterly Sundae Bar is sponsored by our business partner, Midtown Towers. Mrs. Rosemary La Mantia, Activities Director at Midtown Towers, provided ice cream with all the trimmings for 320 students. We had 198 students receive Honor Roll ribbons (all A's & B's); 185 students received ribbons for Perfect Attendance; and 68 students received ribbons for being On A Roll (Exemplary Effort). Congratulations to our students!

NHS student Danielle Shumate has become a student ambassador for People to People.  After an interview process, she was one of 40 students selected for a trip to France, Italy and Malta in June 2006.  Congratulations to Danielle and this great honor!

On Thursday November 17, he Newly formed Captions and Presidents Club of Normandy High School served breakfast to over 100 senior citizens.  The students got to know many of these community members while serving and eating with them.  After the breakfast, this energetic group of seniors were treated to the highlights of the school by Principal, Chris Jayjack; Asst. Principal, Phillip King; and students sandy Vojta and Mike Pappas.  At the conclusion of the breakfast, the seniors were treated to the dress rehearsal showing of the fall play, “Facing Up”.  A great time was had by everyone that attended!

Calling All Birds! Calling All Bird Watchers!

As part of Parkview Elementary’s Exterior Beautification, we now have a small bird “sanctuary” located on the south side of the building, outside of Room 12. What started out as a simple idea for a birdbath has grown to include two birdbaths, one donated by Janet and Mark Kreis of My Garden Sculpted Birdbaths of Dublin, Ohio, a large boulder “resting area”, and two bird feeders. At this time, the 5th and 6th grade students enjoy watching Sparrows, Morning Doves, and of course the occasional squirrel (which has been affectionately named Merle the Squirrel). We are all looking forward to identifying other kinds of birds when they return in the spring.

REGISTER AT GFS, GIANT EAGLE AND TARGET

These stores provide the schools with much needed equipment and cash for educational activities. You may go to the customer service counters and ask that your purchases be credited to Pleasant Valley Elementary. Thank you for your cooperation

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Nov. 22 – Picture Retake Day

                Rm. 13 to Coffee Clubhouse

Nov. 23 – Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 30 – Holiday Shop Begins

Dec. 1 – 9 – Collecting items for Giving Tree

Dec. 5 – 10:00 Student Concert

7:00 pm Combined Concert at Valley Forge

Dec. 12, 13, 15 – K, 1, 3, 5 Vision and Hearing Checks

Dec. 16 - Gr. 4, 5, 6 & Rms. 8, 13, 15, 20 

Jan. 3 – Classes Resume

                Yearbook Sale Begins

Jan. 16 – SCHOOL CLOSED – Martin Luther King Day

Jan. 20 – End of 2^nd Marking Period –

                 NO SCHOOL STUDENTS

                Teacher  Inservice/Conferences

Jan. 23 – Yearbook Sale Ends

Pleasantview families and staff enjoyed an evening of math and literacy fun. Challenging games in literacy and math were played by students, parents and staff! 10 families won gift certificates to Educational Avenue. It was a great night of fun and learning together.

Ridge-Brook's Veteran's Day Celebration

On November 11th, the students of Ridge-Brook participated in an outstanding musical tribute to our veterans. This performance was made possible through the efforts and talents of our vocal teacher, Mrs. Judy Churavy. The students practiced for several weeks a variety of patriotic songs. Their excitement and pride was as evident as their beautiful voices.

Mrs. Churavy took this performance to an even higher level with her glorious decorations and distinguished guests. Mrs. Austin, our fourth grade teacher and a veteran of the Vietnam War, addressed students and parents. Also speaking with Staff Sargeant Matthew Eck, a former Ridge-Brook student. Staff Sargeant Eck recently returned from a tour in the Middle East. Commander Bill Gross from the American Legion Post 703, together with two Ridge-Brook students, posted the colors. The performance will live long in our memories and enhance our sense of patriotism and pride in our country and those who serve it.

On Veteran’s Day, Shiloh students participated in a flag ceremony, wrote letters to servicemen, and made ribbons to hang on the windows of the school in honor of all U.S. servicemen.

October featured Disability Awareness & Red Ribbon Weeks at Thoreau Park

     Disability Awareness Week began October 17^th. Students participated in discussions and activities aimed at teaching them the “abilities” that individuals with disabilities have.

     Red Ribbon “Team Up Against Drugs” Week began October 23. Here are some of the fun activities in which students participated each day:

·        Monday, 10/24 – Cap Day (put a cap on drugs)

·        Tuesday, 10/25 – Wear Red (say no to drugs)

·        Wednesday, 10/26 – Wear 2 Different Socks (to sock it to drugs)

·         Thursday, 10/27 – Wear 2 Different Shoes (to stomp out drugs)

We had a great time and taught students several valuable lessons about the dangers of drugs and alcohol as well as the need to recognize the differences in people and understand that we are really all the same.

Congratulations to our students for making these events successful!