The PACT Network on Cox Channel 74

As we all look ahead in the new year, I am pleased to bring you news about the progress of our television programming on Cox Communications.

Beginning January 26, the district will be spearheading the debut of the PACT (Parma Area Community Television) Network on Cox Channel 74.  This cooperative effort involves the cities of Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills, as well as Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus, the Cuyahoga County Public Library system, and Parma Community General Hospital.

Broadcasting 24 hours, seven days per week, Channel 74 will feature video segments from each partner organization as well as music, photos and character-generated information. 

The move from our current location on Cox Channel 45 provides us with an opportunity to bring greater depth and understanding to what takes place within our district.  The creation of the PACT Network also gives the students in our Radio/TV Career and Technical Program the chance to work on projects that will enhance their learning and help shape their futures.

As a fledgling network, our development will take some time and we will have some growing pains, but I trust that they will be few and short-lived.

Thank you to the Community Outreach Department, Dan Rajkovich, producer for the PACT Network, David Droes, the Radio/TV instructor at Normandy, Christy Bykowski at Cox, and the various members of all of the partner organizations for their efforts in bringing the PACT Network on Cox Channel 74 to the air. I look forward to a successful venture that is of benefit to the entire community.

Northeast Ohio Elementary Science Olympiad Competition

Every year, twenty-five of our ALP fifth and sixth graders participate in a regional science competition at Cleveland State University. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, February 17.  Congratulations to the following students who will be representing ALP and the Parma City School District:
    Green Valley – Becky Pasela, Arlene Kostyack, and Andrea Lippucci
    John Glenn – Courtney Kissel, Deanna Krokos, Melaney Cook, Kristen M ontalvo, and Thomas Potoma
    John Muir – Clare Ols and Avishi Shinde
    Parma Park – Eve Likos
    Parkview – Andrea Trompak and Nick Dessoffy
    Pearl Road – Stephen Peterson and Jeffrey Hlutke
    Pleasantview – Juli Holbert, Michael Nock, and Ellias Kahwaji
    Renwood – Meghan Tubbesing and Lindsay Bailey
    Ridge-Brook – Andrea Ellison, Krystina Horvath, and Sarah Carney
    State Road – Taylor Paletta
    Thoreau Park – Alyssa Predota

Advanced Placement/Honors Nights

Just in time for the 2007-2008 school year high school course registration activities, Normandy, Parma Senior and Valley Forge High Schools are hosting AP/Honors Nights to give students and their parents an opportunity to learn more about the courses in the AP/Honors program. 

The dates and times are as follows:

       Normandy High School--------Thursday, January 25, 7:00 PM

       Parma Senior High-------------Wednesday, January 31, 6:30 PM

       Valley Forge High School-----Wednesday, February 7, 6:30 PM 

Students whose parents received invitations to this event should be aware that the event is an informational opportunity and that they must still complete the recommendation process for 2007-2008 AP/Honors courses. 

Invitations were sent home to the parents of ninth, tenth and eleventh grade students who achieved a 2.75 or better (3.00 for Normandy) for the first marking period of this school year---but any students and their parents interested in AP or Honors courses are welcome to attend. 

Invitations were also sent home to the parents of Greenbriar, Hillside and Shiloh Middle School eighth graders who achieved a 2.75 or better for the first marking period. 

All three schools are presenting programs that are different from last year’s events. The program formats vary somewhat for all three high schools, but each school wants to give parents and students the general idea of the importance of selecting honors and AP courses, along with a description of the course offerings.  Some current honors and AP students will be on hand to answer questions about their course experiences.

Read-a-Thon is Coming!

The eighth annual Read-a-Thon will be held on Saturday, February 17 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Parmatown Mall near JC Penney.

Sponsored by the Community/Business/Schools partnership, the Cuyahoga County Public Library,and Parma Hospital, the event will feature celebrity and student readers, a new and used book exchange courtesy of the Parma Council of PTAs, the wizardry of "Magic By Richard", and much more.

Be sure to visit the Parma Hospital Health Fair which is taking place the same day at the Mall.

Join us for a healthy day filled with reading!

Parma ABLE Program partners with Tri-C

The Parma Adult Basic and Literacy Education Program will soon be expanding its number of program locations! Parma ABLE, in partnership with the Literacy Services Division of Cuyahoga County Community College, will be offering FREE GED Test Preparation classes at the Tri-C Western Campus.  Classes will be held on Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.  The first registration will be at Tri-C West on January 13, 2007, at 10:00 AM in Room WBT (Western Business & Technology) C110.  Registrations will then be offered each month after that. Adult students interested in registering should bring picture identification on which their birthday is written.  Additional information may be obtained by accessing http://www.parmacityschools.org/gedtestingor by calling 440-887-4877.

The Parma ABLE Program is very visible in the community with FREE GED Test Preparation classes also being offered on various days and times at Parma South Library, Valley Forge High School, Divinity Lutheran Church, Kaplan Career Institute, and Remington College. Even GED Distance Learning Classes are available. The classes have helped many adults in preparing to take the GED Exam. Additional information may be obtained by accessing http://www.parmacityschools.org/gedtestingor by calling 440-887-4877.

In addition to the FREE GED Test Preparation classes being offered at the Tri-C Western Campus, the Parma GED Testing Center will begin offering GED Testing and Practice Testing there as well. GED Testing will be offered on Saturdays in March and June.  FREE GED Practice Testing will be offered on Saturdays in March and April. Additional information may be obtained by accessing http://www.parmacityschools.org/gedtestingor by calling 440-887-4877.

Parma’s GED Testing Program has assisted many community adults in reaching their goal of achieving a GED Diploma (High School Equivalency Diploma). Besides the testing and practice testing that will soon take place at Tri-C West, the Parma GED Testing Center also provides many other opportunities in the area for adults to take exams. GED Testing and GED Practice Testing are also held at Bryant and Stratton College, Parma South Library, Divinity Lutheran Church, Valley Forge High School, Remington College, Kaplan Career Institute, and Lakewood High School. Additional information may be obtained by accessing http://www.parmacityschools.org/gedtestingor by calling 440-887-4877.

Consolidation Update

Several departments from Central Office have moved to the new administrative center at Parma High. The Business Office, Children's Services, Human Resources, Special Education, and Student Services all arrived before the end of 2006.  The remaining departments will join them this spring.

We encourage you to visit Pleasant Valley and Valley Forge as well as Parma High to see the many changes that have taken place over the past year. The various projects will benefit our students, staff, and taxpayers now and well into the future.  

  Leaders’ Club

The next Leader’s Club meeting, scheduled for January 29, 2007 at Java Joe ’s, will feature Dave Singleton, School Improvement Coach for Cuyahoga County, and Pat Prunty, Project Coordinator for N.E. Regional School Improvement Team, as our guest speakers.  Attendance will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the role each play in our educational community.

  State Evaluation

The district will be hosting four Ohio Department of Education evaluators on 2/14/07 – 2/16/07.  These 

representatives will be evaluating our grant-funded programs.

Marzano Training

Marzano Training is scheduled for this week on Wednesday and Thursday (1/17 & 1/18). Carol Froelich has arranged for Bea McGarvey to facilitate on both days from 8:30-3:30. 

The PACT Network on Cox Channel 74

We would like to recognize instructor David Droes and the students in the Radio/Television program for their part in helping the district launch the PACT (Parma Area Community Television) Network on Cox Communications Channel 74.

The students have been working with the Community Outreach Department for the past year to produce programming, some of which has appeared on Cox Community Access Channel 45.  As of January 29, the district programming will move to Cox Channel 74 as part of the PACT Network.

Students will continue to work on projects involving the district and will also assist in productions for the cities of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills, Parma Hospital, the Cuyahoga County Public Library, and Tri-C West.  The experience they gain will be valuable to a future career in broadcasting.

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:

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

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

RELAY FOR LIFE

It is “The Party with a Purpose”…part celebration of cancer survivors and part all night street fair. 

July 27-28 from 2PM-9AM 

Relay For Life is the signature fund raising event for the American Cancer Society.  The Parma Relay is the largest event in Cuyahoga County and one of the largest Relay’s in the state.  It has also been honored for two consecutive years as being the fastest growing event in Ohio.  

Our goal is for each of our school buildings to have at least one team. 

What does it take? 

• A team captain.
• A team comprised of 10- 15 people.
• Each team’s goal is to raise $100/person-usually done in advance-but there is much food, drink and entertainment sold that night.  Any amount is appreciated.
• A tent to house the team with chairs or recliners.
• A spirit of caring!

Team captains will need to attend a few 6:00 PM meetings and complete Cancer Society paperwork for participants.   

When your building has a captain designated please e-mail their name, phone number and e-mail address to Steele at:  nowlins@parmacityschools.org.   

The “official” Rally and Kickoff dinner will be March 29.  Organizational meetings for captains will precede this.

Parma Rotary Club Annual Reverse Raffle

You are cordially invited to join the members of the Parma Rotary Club for their annual Reverse Raffle on Saturday, March 31st at St. Michael's Woodside Party Center, located at 5025 East Mill Road in Broadview Heights.

Beginning at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d'houvres followed by dinner at 7:30, the night will feature a Chinese auction, $2, $3, and $5 side boards, special prizes and giveaways, and a grand prize of $2,500!

Cost is $120 for two raffle tickets and two dinners, $90 for 1 raffle ticket and two dinners, and $70 for one raffle ticket and dinner.  Table sponsorships are available for $75.

All proceeds go to local charities as chosen by the Parma Rotary Club.

Order your tickets soon by calling 440-212-3131 or sending an e-mail to loscheldergary@sbcglobal.net.  Main Board raffle tickets are in limited supply.   

Thank you for your support and we hope to see you there!

GRINDSTONE KNITTERS GUILD MEETING NOTICE

Date: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Meeting Location: MAHLER MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 118 E. BRIDGE STREET BEREA, OH

The Holiday Fitness Challenge has officially wrapped up and we are now moving on to other exciting programs.  This year's building awards go to:

Highest Participation: Green Valley with 83.33% of the total staff

Highest Completion: 11 Sites tied with 100% Completion: Arlington, State Road, John Glenn, Parkview, Pearl Road, Valley Forge, Greenbriar, Green Valley, Hanna, Shiloh, and Normandy.

Highest Success Rate: 3 sites had 100% success from those who completed the Holiday Challenge: Dag, John Glenn, and Greenbriar.

Here are the individual winners of the Holiday Challenge Raffle! (Prizes will be coming via interschool mail)

RICK RUTH - DAG, BOB COURTEMANCHE - DAG, MICHELLE KONECSNI - GREEN VALLEY, JILL ZAHNISER - GREEN VALLEY, AMANDA PALINKAS - GREEN VALLEY, JEREMY PETH - GREEN VALLEY, DEBBIE STEFFAS - GREEN VALLEY, SARAH BLUE - GREEN VALLEY, LISA DANELISHEN - HANNA, LAURIE MARSHALL - HANNA, DENNIS STUDIER - JOHN MUIR, JESSICA GRUTTADAURIA - LT. COL. JOHN GLENN, KAREN MALINOSKI - PARMA PARK, AMANDA DACEK - PARMA PARK, JANICE PENNY - RIDGEBROOK, ZOEY SEBASTIAN - STATE ROAD, BARB KOSTYA - HILLSIDE, JOHN ROSE - HILLSIDE, SUEANN SCHNIEDER - HILLSIDE, KAREN BOKOCH - SHILOH, DIANA FROBERG - SHILOH, JUDITH POOLE - SHILOH, RAY ROCKWELL - SHILOH, DONNA KOCHLER - ARLINGTON,  and LAURA DUNRAY - VALLEY FORGE.

Thank you all for your participation and support of your Wellness Programs! Keep Track with the Lose, Gain, or Draw!  Don't forget to ask your Wellness Committee Representative about the upcoming Health Risk Appraisals.

Kristin Cushing, Wellness Facilitator

Parmatown Mall Music Performances

Thank you to everyone who attended the student holiday music performances at Parmatown Mall December 13-15.  Each day was well-attended and families and friends showed great support for our students.

If you would like to capture the musical memories from those three days for yourself, the PACT Network makes it possible.

For a limited time, you can order over 100 minutes of music on two compact discs for only $8.  That's right, only $8!

This collection features dozens of students displaying their musical and vocal talents as they interpret a variety of holiday classics.

The following groups are included:

Dag Hammarskjold Choir, Greenbriar Choir, Hillside Choir and Orchestra, John Glenn Choir, John Muir Choir, Normandy Jazz Band, Parma High Choir, Parma Park/Pleasantview Choir, Pearl Road Choir, Shiloh Jazz Band, and the Thoreau Park Choir.

All proceeds will benefit the students and programs of the Radio and Television Career/Technical Class of the Parma City School District.

Orders forms will be available beginning Thursday, February 1 at the main office of each participating building and at the Central Office on Ridge Road.  Orders and payments must be turned in by February 26.  Discs can be picked up at the payment location after March 19.  There will be no mailing available with this project.

Cash, check and money orders are the accepted forms of payment.  Please make checks payable to the Parma City School District.

Thank you for your support of our students and programs.

All-City Orchestra

We are most happy to invite you to the 17th annual All-City Orchestra Festival on Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Normandy High School. The combined orchestras of Greenbriar, Hillside and Shiloh Middle Schools will perform selections from Tchaikovsky's " Swan Lake," the American Folk Song "Shenandoah," "Satin Doll" by Duke Ellington, and "Souvenirs of St. Petersburg."

The Normandy, Parma and Valley Forge Orchestras will join forces to play "Jupiter Symphony" by Mozart, Tchaikovsky's "Cappricio Italien," "Two Inventions" by J.S. Bach, and excerpts from "Grease."

Over 300 ambitious and talented Orchestra students will entertain and inspire you with their music making!  We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

Parma City Schools Orchestra Directors

Reverse Raffle & Silent Auction for Student Scholarships

Parma Education Association Foundation Presents a Night at the Movies where everyone's a star!

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the social event of the year and fundraiser for scholarships!

When: Saturday, February 3, 2007

Where: St. Michael's Woodside - Broadview Heights

Time: 6:00 p.m.-midnight

Cost: $65- single dinner and 1 raffle ticket $85- couple dinner and 1 raffle ticket

What's Included: mouth-watering dinner, refreshing beverages (open bar), DJ & dancing, silent auction items, Chinese raffle, side boards, door prizes and much more!

Contact: PEA office 845-2400

Here is a sneak peek at some of the items that will be up for auction, raffled off, or given as door prizes:

* 1-hour sightseeing tour of Cleveland on Lolly the Trolley

* 4 tickets to Casino Windsor on Lakefront Lines

* 1 week stay at a cottage in Marble Head (sleeps 12-13)

* 6 months of high speed internet from Cox Cable

* Admission for 4 to Great Wolf Lodge

* 2- Orchestra Level tickets from Severance Hall for the performance of Tchaikovsky & Falla

* Autographed photo of Cliff Lee #31, Cleveland Indians pitcher

* 4 passes to any Cleveland Metropark Golf Course

* Ball cap autographed by the 2006-2007 Cleveland Cavaliers with certificate of authenticity

School Nutrition Association

The School Nutrition Association is an association of professionals working in the school nutrition field. It has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946. The Association strives to see that all children have access to healthful school meals and nutrition education.

SNA has added a parent information page to its national website. Parents interested in viewing this great resource can go to www.schoolnutrition.org/parent.aspx?id=1981 to learn more about school nutrition programs and childhood nutrition.

PCPTA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

This year, the Parma Council of PTAs is proud to announce the offering of over 120 scholarships from local PTA Units, as well as community groups and organizations, which total over $100,000.

Seniors will attend an assembly on Monday, January 22nd to receive the information and the application process. The applications are due to their counselors by February 9th. Counselors will complete a section and return to the students to finish and submit by Friday, March 2nd.

Students and parents can visit www.parmacityschools.org for the scholarship offering and applications.  The Scholarship dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007.

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.

As part of the Dag Hammarskjold Continuous Improvement Plan, our students and staff have begun a Character Education initiative that will run through the rest of the school year. One of our goals is to develop positive character traits in children through successful character education practices. This goal aligns with our belief that character development is necessary for establishing successful interpersonal relationships.

Our students will be exposed to a wide variety of classroom, school wide, and home connection activities in support of important character traits. Each month through the end of the school year a different character trait will be highlighted. Special motivational surprises will be provided for students each month, and powerful visual messages will be displayed as constant reminders of the importance of this aspect of a child's education.

The monthly themes are:

January's theme is Responsibility.

February's theme is Caring.

March's theme is Respect.

April's theme is Honesty.

May's theme is Sportsmanship.

As the year unfolds, students will learn much about themselves and their roles in the lives of others. This worthwhile endeavor directly supports the district initiative to develop The Asset Approach, which is a research-based program to promote the positive developmental assets that help prevent future problems in children's lives.

While Dag students in general demonstrate many outstanding personal characteristics, research indicates that character education is productive and beneficial for all children, and addresses both academics and student behavior.

Community partners for Dentzler School for the Parma City School District’s CBS (Community Business Schools) Program are the Broadview Multi-Care Center and Parma Community General Hospital’s Elder Care Center.  These facilities sponsor many events at Dentzler including an Ice Cream Sundae Bar Award Program and a Penpal Program.  Dentzler students visit their senior partners as the Dentzler Choir performs winter and spring concerts,  Student Council penpals meet their senior penpals and Valentine crafts are made and cookies are decorated at the centers.  In May, the seniors will attend a special student performance at Dentzler for Grandpals’/Special Friends’ Day.  Throughout the year Dentzler students provide community service projects as they create placemats, doorhangers and artwork for the seniors.  This intergenerational relationship benefits both the students and the seniors!

Dentzler School has now updated its website.  You can access our website by going to www.parmacityschools.org, go to “buildings,” go to “elementary” and click on “Dentzler.”

Many of our February activities including our Ice Cream Sundae Bar Awards Program, Accelerated Reader Assembly “The Dazzling Mills Family,” Math Town, Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter Visitation and our International Fair are listed on the web.  Please check them out!

Award Programs

Green Valley Elementary School recognizes students for outstanding achievement and effort.  The criteria for our awards program allows many students the opportunity for success.  An awards assembly is held quarterly to recognize students.  During the assembly the following awards (badges) are presented to students from kindergarten through grade six:

All Homework Assignment Completed During Quarter

Principal’s Stars – extraordinary effort as determined by the classroom teacher

Art Students of the Quarter

Physical Education Students of the Quarter     

Music Students of the Quarter

Outstanding Service to Others, School, or Community

Outstanding Safety Patrol Member

Students reaching certain benchmarks in recreational reading minutes

Classroom awards:  Golden Paint Brush, Golden Note, and Golden Shoe

      (Selected by the art, music and physical education teachers)

Citizenship awards are given in the form of bracelets which indicates which character trait the student has exhibited.

Students receive stickers on their report cards based on the following criteria:

Grades K-3:  Little Sprout Award    

                  Kindergarten * Outstanding effort and citizenship (Jan. & June)

Grade One * Grades of A or B (no grades of G or N)

                  Grade Two * Grades of A or B (no grades of N)

                  Grade Three * Grades of A or B (no grades of N)

Grades 4-6:  Honor Roll

                  All Grades of A (no grades of N or U)

                  Merit Roll

                  All Grades of A or B  (no grades of N or U)

INVENTION CONVENTION COMES TO GREENBRIAR!!

Greenbriar had the pleasure to host this year’s Invention Convention. In it, all 8^th grade honors science classes from all three Parma middle schools were given a project to design and create a new invention. Teams have been working for the past few months and showcased their final inventions on December 15 at Greenbriar. Greenbriar is proud to announce that 39 students will now be advancing to the next level of competition at the First Annual Invention Convention at the Great Lakes Science Center on February 17. Greenbriar also had the distinction of having the most number of young scientists advancing to the next round! Congratulations and good luck to all of the students. The following Yeomen will be advancing to the next round of competition:

Brittany Hertelendy, Justin Bacon, Amy Butterfield, Gloria Bazilevich, Jessica Fitch, Giogiana Lascu,Radu Spinant, Paul Krause, Derek Kress, Alaina Redlin, Alex Haffnev, Jessica Liptay, Megan Stang, Brittani Dougherty, Frank Hendershot, Christina Sparks, Pavandeep Singh, Inna Tirah,Amanda Greer, Sarah Nock, Adam Wirkus, Erik Mild, Shane Page, Nina Kunish, Crystal Hrabek, Tara Ironwing, Taylor Lajko, Shazeb Khan, Andrew Steingass, Brian Klosek, Mark Torres, Neil Kyser, Kevin Hanna, Amira Julien, Lesya Kononets, Vito Colombo, Ryan Kniola, Katelyn Petronick, and Chris Ross.

MASTER/APPRENTICE PRESENTATIONS

Mrs. Kostal’s 8^th grade English classes have been busy working the last several months on their master/apprentice projects. Students have learned a craft or trade from a parent, relative or friend, and the student is the apprentice. The project is designed to teach the student a new skill, as well as letter writing, composition writing and how to display their project in a neat and organized manner. Some of this year’s projects include sewing, crocheting, knitting, quilting, wood working, auto work and many, many other skills and trades.

Students will proudly display their newly learned skill by showcasing their final products at the Master/Apprentice Presentations on January 24, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the main gym. Over 250 students, parents, relatives and friends are expected to attend.

In addition, the International Food Bazaar will be held on this night, offering refreshments, appetizers and desserts from all around the world! The International Food Bazaar starts at 6:00, immediately preceding the Master/Apprentice Presentations. Admission is free and the public is most welcome!! See you there!! You will be most definitely impressed with our apprentices work!

EVERYDAY MATH NIGHT

On Thursday, January 11th the Valley Forge Cluster sponsored an Everyday Math Night at Greenbriar Middle School. 165 parents and children had the opportunity to learn through various games the concepts of our new math program entitled Everyday Math.

Parents had the opportunity to view a video on Everyday Math, ask questions from Mrs. Sara Good, our Math Intervention Specialist and teachers from James E. Hanna, Pearl Road, RidgeBrook, Pleasant Valley, Parma Park, and Pleasantview Elementary Schools. In addition, parents and children played such games as: Coin Exchange, Digit Game, Base - 10 Exchange, and Time Match. Each game assisted parent and child to develop an understanding of various math concepts.

HOLIDAY AUCTION

We are happy to announce the James E. Hanna Holiday Auction raised $838.00. This money will go to Hanna families in need at Easter time. The auction, organized by Mrs. Stacy Dunning and supported by the Hanna staff set a new money total.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent Teacher Conferences will be on Thursday, February 1st from 5:00 - 7:45 PM.

Since this is the second round of conferences you probably have an excellent understanding of your child's classroom procedures and teacher expectations. However, here are some topics and suggestions to think about to insure a productive conference for you and your child:

Special school programs

Attendance/absence procedures

your child's progress

your child's relationships

Homework/study tips

Summer school options (If necessary)

Achievement Testing

PARENT TIPS ON BUILDING A CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM

The following practical tips can go a long way in boosting any child's self-concept:

Communicate one on one with your child everyday.

Act as if your children are important in your life.

Celebrate each child's unique personality.

Hold high expectations, but remain flexible.

Don't try to be perfect, and don't expect your kids to be either.

Encourage your children's dreams.

Downplay competition and encourage self-growth

Insist that no one is worthless.

Show pride in your children, yourself, and your family.

Reinforce positive behavior.

Do lots of little things that show you care.

Angel Tree is an organization that brings love year-round to prisoners' children across America and right here in our area. When your parent is in prison, so are you. Angel Tree reaches out to these lonely kids. Hillside's Youth Alive collected donations for these children - the most at risk group in our country - during lunch periods before Christmas. With the help of students, staff and faculty, Hillside Middle School was able to make dreams come true this year.

Hillside Middle School's SADD program once again sponsored a "Giving Tree" where 100 Christmas gifts were donated by students, faculty and staff and were delivered to the Cleveland City Missions on Monday, December 11, 2006. The December SADD meeting was highlighted by the appearance of Santa Claus (Bill - Assistant Custodian) and Mrs. Claus (Linda Radefeld - Media Assistant) -- pictures were taken and smiles were had by all. This annual tradition by SADD always brings out the best in Hillside Middle School.

Hillside Middle School's SADD chapter sponsored its Red Ribbon Week this year with its ever popular Chicken Dance to raise money for St. Jude Hospital. With collections being taken at each of the lunch periods over $600 was raised for this worthy cause with the students being able to see teachers and staff dance on the school's roof to the "Chicken Dance" on Friday, November 17, 2006. This year's dance was highlighted by our ballerinas -- Dan DiSalvo, Bill Viening, Dave Walder and Jerry Manganella. Dr. Dinklocker (PCSD Assistant Superintendent) was also able to join in the fun flapping wings with Mr. Cook and Mrs. Zimmerman. A wonderful time was had by all -- spectators and participants as well.

In appreciation of our cultural heritage, and with great pride, Hillside's Life Skills students shared their ethnic pride through food! A long time Hillside tradition continued as each student prepared at home an ethnic dish to share with not only their classmates, but with staff as well. A typical classroom buffet would have included such ethnic specialties as chicken paprikash, cabbage and noodles, sauerkraut and kielbasi, spaetzles, pasta and sausage, spanish rice, pasta fagiole, beef stroganoff, kolackys, cannolis, baklava, pizzelles, German chocolate cake -- just to name a few -- needless to say, the smells on the first floor of Hillside were to die for! Of the 105 Life Skills students this semester, students shared their heritage from 38 different countries. What a life lesson to realize and appreciate the