As we close in on yet another spring break, the district continues to move forward in a variety of ways.  I would like to briefly share a few thoughts and goals with you as we look ahead.

Honesty and achievement are the two words that characterize the goals which are set and the decisions that are made for the Parma City School District.  I believe in conducting the district’s business in an honest and transparent fashion. We need to make our decisions in public; we need to deal with our employees in an honest and fair manner. We must treat our students and parents as the valued customers and clients they are, and we must continue to demonstrate to our residents and taxpayers we care about them.

We also must strive for achievement in all aspects of the educational program. Our world goes beyond the borders of our district, the county or state. We live in a global economy and we must strive to provide our children with the knowledge base and skills they will need to compete with workers from India, China, Europe and around the world. Modern communications and technology means there are no occupations that can be labeled "safe" for Americans. It seems nearly every job can be outsourced from having our x-rays read in India to a computer support center in the Philippines.

Meeting the goals of honesty and achievement means constantly evaluating what we are doing and how we do it. We are constantly reviewing our business practices, and we meet regularly with our employee groups, parent organizations and student committees. We also meet with our elected officials, community leaders and individual residents who have questions or concerns about our schools. These are practices that have become part of our culture, and we will continue them.

We are in the process of reviewing each of our curriculum offerings to make sure our courses help our students achieve excellence on state and national tests. We are also stretching and refining those courses to make sure our students are gaining the skills they need for the global economy that is no longer in the future, but is here with us now. Soon we will offer Mandarin Chinese in the curriculum along with more math and science courses, and additional computer and technology offerings. These additions will become part of our regular curriculum so our children can become the best educated workers in the world.

Senior High Able Learner Program - SHALP

Gifted identified ninth and tenth grade students at Normandy, Parma Senior and Valley Forge High Schools recently received notices that they are eligible to attend one or more of the Ohio Summer Honors Institutes, held this summer at eighteen Ohio colleges and universities.

These excellent weeklong (a few are two weeks long) summer programs are tuition-free, but students must pay room and board charges to live on campus if they choose to attend a residential program.  Students who choose to attend local colleges as daily commuters do not incur the residential charge, and have no fees.

Students were told to Google “2007 Ohio Summer Honors Institutes” to learn more about the summer programs.  At this site they could find:

·        The list of participating colleges and universities

·        The course offerings and dates

·        Information about the various programs

·        Printable application pages

Examples of some offerings are Biotechnology, Crime Scene Investigation Using Forensic Science, Musical Theatre, Creative Writing, Aquatic Ecology, Exploring Engineering Through Robotics, Behind the Scenes of Broadcast News, Jewelry Making, Entrepreneurship, and many more equally interesting topics.

Baldwin Wallace College and Cleveland State University are offering the summer institutes locally.  Colleges and universities offering the residential programs include Ashland University, Bowling Green State University, Ohio Northern, University of Cincinnati, Lake Erie College, University of Dayton, Xavier University, University of Akron, The Ohio State University and several others.

Mrs. Keller, High School Gifted Resource Teacher, provides verification of gifted identification on the application forms, which are due on April 13, 2007.  She is at Valley Forge on Mondays, Normandy on Tuesdays, Parma Senior High on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and on Fridays she is at Normandy in the morning and Valley Forge in the afternoon.

Parma ABLE  Distance Learning

The Parma Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) Program offers a FREE Distance Learning Program to GED and ESOL adult students who cannot attend on-site classes or who wish to enhance their classroom learning with supplemental enrichment.  This convenience of learning at home or at the library is available to students who meet specified criteria.

During the registration process, the student’s test placement scores will be evaluated.  Those students who qualify will be given the opportunity to enroll in the Distance Learning program.

The GED Distance Learning component requires that a qualified student be registered by the Parma ABLE computer lab instructor.  The student will be registered with the My Skills Tutor web site and receive a password allowing him/her to access the program’s self-directed activities.  The site offers a detailed analysis of the student’s weaknesses and tracks the student’s progress through a series of reports. In addition, videos and printed material are available to supplement the program

The ESOL Distance Learning component requires that the qualified student be registered by the Parma ABLE computer lab instructor.  The student will be registered with the English For All web site and will receive a password that will allow him/her  access to the program’s self-directed activities.  This site offers a detailed analysis of the student’s weaknesses and tracks the student’s progress through a series of reports.  In addition, CD-ROMs and printed material are available to supplement the program.

Students interested in the Distance Learning program should call the Parma City School District Adult Education Services Office at 440-887-4877 or go to www.parmacityschools.org/able.

Moving Central Office

The remaining departments at Central Office are scheduled to move beginning April 2.  Following spring break, all offices, with the exception of DIS, will be together at the new administrative area at Parma High.

We thank everyone for their patience with the moves and look forward to improved efficiency and capacity at the new location. 

The 2007 Byers Field Football schedule is now available at

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

Please review it and make plans to join us!

Pierogi Dinner success

Dr. Zatik thanked everyone for his or her help in making the Pierogi Dinner so successful.  We sold 1254 Pierogi dinners

and 250 pizza dinners.  We sold 250 more dinners this year than last.  The take-out orders were also very impressive! 

Poverty statistics/children

An article in today’s Plain Dealer provides statistics related to poverty.  One in eight Americans lives below the poverty

line including the elderly and children.  One-third are 17 years old or younger.  Those who work 40 hours a week, 52

weeks a year at minimum wage make $9,903.  If they have to miss work for any reason, then they are at an even

more significant rate.  This article coincides with the work Mrs. Sharon Jones and Mrs. Barb Filipow have been

addressing through staff development and the Ruby Payne work.  This is a good article to share with your faculty. 

Parkview – Congrats!

Sunday’s Plain Dealer had a wonderful picture from Parkview Elementary in the Paper.  Students toured the Cleveland

Metro parks’ Rocky River Reservation and learned “The History of Maple Sugaring.” 

Culinary Arts Program

On Wednesday, February 21, the Culinary Arts teams traveled to Massillon for the FCCLA Regional Team Competition.

The senior team consisting of Paul Ondo, Tom Hemerka, Alissa Neczypor, and Justin Snyder achieved gold and will compete at the state level in April.  The junior team of Brian Ashforth, Chris Bunch, Tani Keene, and Larry Toth also achieved gold and will compete at the state level in April.

On February 24, Megan Flors competed in the Pastry Arts FCCLA regional competition at Akron University where she earned gold and will advance to the state level.  Nate Verba also achieved gold and will move on to the state level.

In the past 10 years of competing, this is the first year in which all competitors achieved gold and moved on to the state level.  Congratulations to all!!

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/

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

GRINDSTONE KNITTERS GUILD MEETING NOTICE

Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2007

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Meeting Location: MAHLER MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

118 E. BRIDGE STREET BEREA, OH

Enjoy Dinner with a Senior Citizen

Legacy Place and Pleasantview Care Center offer you the opportunity to dine with a group of their residents on Thursday, April 19 at 6 p.m.  Come over to 7377 Ridge Road (the corner of Pleasant Valley and Ridge Roads) to enjoy a great spaghetti dinner and the fellowship of some folks who would truly appreciate your company.

Please call Sharon at 440-887-4204 for more details. 

Hillside PTA Fundraiser

Join us on Saturday, March 31 from 6-9 p.m. at Quotes II, located at 6855 Ridge Road, for a night of food and fun to benefit the Hillside PTA!  For a $20 donation, you will receive unlimited wings, pasta, hot dogs, stir fry, and french fries as well as beverages including pop, draft beer, well drinks and white zinfandel.

We will also hold reverse, Chinese, and 50/50 raffles, so bring some extra cash and don't be late!

For more information, please call 216-328-0727.

Pet Adoptathon

Come to the Parma Animal Shelter, located at 6260 State Road, the weekend of May 5 & 6 for a celebration of pets!

Saturday will feature music by Northcoast Mix and YannoRay.  Stop by the dunking booth from 2-5 p.m. and dunk your favorite Parma city official!  Mayor Dean DePiero will host the annual dog walk Sunday at 2 p.m., followed by karaoke for the singers in the crowd.

Other fun includes a cookout, a car wash, a bake sale, raffles, live auctions,and much more!

Call 440-885-8014 for more information.

Friends of the Parma Libraries

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends of the Parma Libraries, please contact the Parma-Ridge branch at 440-888-4300.  Various levels of membership are available.  Your support funds a variety of events and projects throughout the year. 

Mark your calendar for our annual Book and Author luncheon on April 28.

Speech Contest Winner

Arthur Schmidt IV of Normandy High School took first place in the Parma Rotary Club Four-Way Test Speech Contest which took place on February 20.  He will now move on to the regional competition later this spring.

Also competing were Alison Barbo of Holy Name, Rebecca Mamone of Parma High, Joe Hayek of Padua, and Vicky Arguello of Valley Forge, who are pictured here with Dr. Zatik.

State of the Schools address

Dr. Zatik delivered her annual State of the Schools address on February 22 as the featured speaker for the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon.  Over 100 community leaders, business people and district personnel packed the Red Rees Room and enjoyed entertainment courtesy of the Normandy and Parma High string ensembles, the Parkview Elementary choir and the Parma High show choir.  Lunch was prepared by the Culinary Arts students and was served by several PTA volunteers. 

In recognition of the tenth anniversary of the Red Rees Room, Dr. Zatik rededicated the area and presented Red's widow with an honorary diploma from Parma High.

The last day to submit a "green sheet" printing request for items needed prior to the spring recess is Wednesday, March 21, 2007.

Requests submitted by March 21, 2007 will be completed and delivered before Thursday, April 5, 2007.

The Production Printing Department will be performing preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment during the spring recess. Therefore, we will not be able to accommodate ‘green sheet" printing requests during this time.

We will accept and schedule "green sheet" printing requests beginning April 16, 2007.

This schedule does not apply to the Copy Center. The Copy Center will be in continuous operation until Thursday, April 5, and will resume normal operations on Monday, April 16.

PARMA COUNCIL OF PTAs

The Parma Council of PTAs was pleased to present the Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award to State Representative, District 15, Mr. Timothy J. DeGeeter, for his consistent legislative efforts advocating for families and children. Mr. DeGeeter has been a PTA member for over eight years, has regularly volunteered at various functions as well as served as a judge in the scholarship program.  He was honored at the annual PTA Founders Celebration in February.

REGULAR MEETING

Wednesday, March 21st at 7:00 pm at Parma Senior High in the cafeteria. The Election of 2007-08 Council officers will be held as well as recognition of the Council calendar student artists.

SPRING DINNER

Wednesday, April 18th at Pazzo's on Broadview and Sprague Roads. Installation of Council officers, Community Scholarship Fund Basket Raffle and recognition of the Council's Helping Hands, Educator of the Year and Special Education Educator of the Year recipients. Tickets are $25.00 deadline Wednesday, April 4th to Cheryl Kienast c/o Greenbriar Middle School.

GERANIUM SALE

The 55th annual sale runs from March 26th to April 18th. Flyers and order form envelopes have been distributed to all the buildings. You can also refer to the PCSD web site for ordering details. New Assorted Flowering Patio Pots have been added. Delivery to the schools is the week of May 14th. Questions? Contact Paula at 216-241-3333 ext. 222 Monday through Friday.

OHIO PTA CONVENTION

The annual event is held Friday April 20th to Sunday April 22nd at Sawmill Creek Lodge in Huron Ohio. Please refer to www.ohiopta.org for convention details. ALL PTA members are eligible to attend.

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The "Loose Change for Scholarships" campaign continues. Consider accepting a container for your next community meeting, business or family gathering. Your loose change adds up to help with this scholarship program for PCSD seniors. Questions? Please call Cyndee Bratz at 440-888-8889.

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER

Wednesday, May 16th at St. Paul Hellenic Center, Wallings Road in North Royalton. 6pm registration 7:15 dinner and program.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration will take place at Parmatown Mall on March 21 and 22.  A site will be located across from Dick's Sporting Goods near Wal-Mart.  Open times are 7:30 a.m. - noon and 2-7 p.m. each day.

Children who are five years or older by September 30, 2007 are eligible to register for kindergarten for the 2007-08 school year.

Parents or guardians registering a child are required to provide the following documents:

- Child’s certified birth certificate, immunization record, and Social Security Card or number.

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

- Proof of residency to mean:

- If the parent owns a home - a current utility bill

- If the parent rents in a large apartment complex, the lease and a current utility bill

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

For more information, please call 440-842-5300.

Congratulations to Dag Hammarskjold fourth grader Jenna Sakacsi for winning the VSA Arts of Ohio Cleveland Area "The Arts for All Seasons" 2007 Festival Logo Contest. Her artwork will be featured on the 2007 festival t-shirts and other publications. Her artistic creativity and efforts will be recognized at the 2007 Festival in May. Great job, Jenna!

Additional art congratulations are in order for Emma Ciha and Ava Willoughby, grade two; Deanna Ochrin, grade 4; and Sarah Masar, Melina Petkovic, and Sara Schacchi, grade 6, for their winning entries in the Parma Council of PTAs 2007 Reflections Contest. Their artwork now goes to the next level of competition in Columbus. Good luck to these talented art students.

Thank you to Mr. Jerry Devis for his guidance and encouragement of the student artists recognized this month.

Dag Hammarskjold students took part in "The Stick Dance Math Cooperative" on March 14 and 15. This is an interactive program for students in all grades that integrates rhythm, music, and math in a manner that is not only fun but reinforces a variety of math concepts. Mr. Hal Walker, representing Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland, presented this fine arts' curricular connection to our students during two full days of performances.

On April 5, Dag Hammarskjold students will once again experience its annual Arts' Day. Performers in the areas of Visual Art, Music, and Dance will present informative and entertaining sessions for all of our students throughout the day. These artists are provided through Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland.

International Fair – Dentzler School’s English Language Learners and Title I Programs held their fourth annual International Fair on February 28^th.  The Dentzler students’ cultural diversity was celebrated as students danced in their country’s ethnic attire and shared delicious ethnic dishes of food with Dentzler families and staff members who attended the fair.  All of the students who came to this event received books to further encourage their reading at home.  Dentzler School has the highest population of students with English as a second language among our 15 elementary schools.

Councilman Napoli’s Visit – Parma Councilman Larry Napoli, one of the councilmen in the Dentzler School area, came to Dentzler on March 2^nd to discuss city government with Mrs. Wendy O’Malley’s and Miss Ann Marie Niziolek’s third graders.  The children presented him with the booklet “Our Laws” which listed laws the students would like to have incorporated into our city government.

Science Fair – Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 presented their science projects at Dentzler’s annual Science Fair which was held on March 14^th.  Mrs. Pam Paltani, fifth grader teacher, did an outstanding job organizing this event.  Normandy’s advanced science students judged over 70 projects and the following students received awards for their projects:

             Best of Show:   Irene Penkalsky and Elyse Petek (fifth graders) – “Energy in a Jar”

            Grade 6:  First Place –      Kevin Gerda and Randy Timas - “I See Vitamin C”

                            Second Place – Kelsey Kmiecik and Elizabeth Orzech – “Heating It Up”

                            Third Place –    Brett Pelz and Robert Pollack – “Foamy”

            Grade 5:  First Place –      Joey Arena and Jacob Lee – “Water, Water, Water”

                            Second Place – Allie LeCastre and Miya Tomkiv – “The Ripening Hormone”

                            Third Place –    Jaret Colovas and Zachary Tancak – “Where’s My Mummy?”

            Grade 4:  First Place –      Dino Amato and Garrett Sanzo – “Easy Glider Lifts”

                            Second Place – Garey Fesz and Brett Shamblin –

                                                       “Is a Homemade Compass as Accurate as a Real One?”

                            Third Place -     Kimmy Lessick and Tabby McCloskey –

                                                       “Will the Egg Sink or Float?”

Honorable Mention:  Charley Grassi and Gunar Olsen – “Which Foods are Loaded with Carbs?”

                                   Raven Gardin and Regina Montonaro – “Crystal Stalagtites”

                                   Sarah Bouchahine and Evita Sola – “Chocolate Meltdown”

                                   Tanner Lansky and Kevin Tekancic – “DNA Extraction”

                                   Mrs. Trende’s Class – Tyler Alexander, Justin Black, Jacob Eddy,

                                   Nazariy Korchevskiy, Bobby Perezchica, Rachel Reese, Kyle Schenosky

                                   and Toni Schilero - “The Effects of Friction on Speed”

Green Valley Celebrates In Style

The Dr. Seuss book, THE CAT IN THE HAT, had a birthday recently. The Green Valley community celebrated in style. Hats were allowed to be worn in the building on this day. The best hat was chosen from each classroom. Later in the day an assembly was held and the best hats in the building were selected. Prior to the assembly students and teachers read a variety of Dr. Seuss books. During the assembly a game show format had the "KIDS" vs. "Teachers" answering trivia questions about the Dr. Seuss books. Teacher, Mrs. Brooks, was the game show host and asked questions of the teams. The "kids" won the challenge! The birthday celebration ended with cupcakes for everyone donated by PTA and made by one of our parents, Mrs. Septaric of Cappas Cakes. This was a great day planned by a teacher team to motivate students to excel within our literacy initiative.

The Green Valley PTA, under the leadership of Mrs. Pelc, President, provides many opportunities for our students. The most recent gift was arranging for COSI from Columbus to spend two days at Green Valley. This gave the students opportunities for a variety of hands-on experiential learning activities.

One of our fifth graders, Holly Cooper, is the Elk's Club's Student of the Year! Holly is the first President of our newly formed K-Kids (sponsored by the Parma Area Morning Kiwanis Club). The adult advisors of our K-Kids nominated her for this prestigious award. She was honored at a dinner on March 14th.

Thank you to Cox Communications and Seven Hills Mayor Bentkowski for bringing Scooby Doo to Green Valley. The Mayor read books to our students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. The students enjoyed interacting with the Mayor.

CAREER DAY

On April 5, Greenbriar will once again host its 7^th annual Career Day in the gymnasium.  All vocational departments from all three of Parma’s high schools will have displays and information about their respective career.  Current vocational education students and staff members will be on hand to discuss various career options offered. Career Day is an excellent way for 8^th graders to become informed about various career options offered, whether it be carpentry, automotive repair, culinary arts, dental and health care or cosmetology, to name just a few. This is a great opportunity for current 8^th graders to start to think about a vocational education career. 

DRAMA CLUB

Greenbriar’s new Drama Club is presenting its first production, “Heart Throbs,” on March 28 at 6:00 PM in the annex auditorium.  The drama club has put in a lot of hard work and effort over the last several months, making sure that opening night is enjoyable for all.  Come and support our young actors and actresses and enjoy a night of “theatre!” 

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Seventh grade boys’ basketball team recently completed  a perfect season!  The boys had a season record of 16 wins and 0 losses.  This is the first time in Greenbriar history that a boys’ basketball team has gone undefeated.  The Yeomen defeated Medina Claggett 35-30 in the conference championship game.  The boys and Coach Knapp worked very hard all season to accomplish this goal.  Congratulations!!!

Congratulations Mr. Beuther!

Ken Beuther, 7th grade Science Teacher and Science Department Chairperson, will be honored as Parma PTA Council Educator of the Year and educator of the Year for District 12 at the Ohio PTA Convention Dinner on Friday, April 20th.  Great job Mr. Beuther!!

Author Visit

Thanks to Our Ohio Read Grant and the efforts of Mrs. Ruth Mueller, author Sandra Phillipson and her illustrator visited Hanna for the day. Ms. Phillipson is the author of the "Max and Annie" books. Our children had the opportunity to attend sessions and meet the dogs and Ms. Phillipson during the day. While parents and children had the opportunity to view a special power point presentation on her dogs and she was available for a book signing. It was a wonderful evening for everyone.

Media Center News

We are happy to announce that we now have 6 digital audio players available in the Media Center. Students will be able to download and play audio books. We are very excited to offer this opportunity for our students. The replacement value of the digital player is $50.00. If a student happens to lose or damage library materials, the student must pay for the lost or damaged item before additional materials can be checked out. Please help us reinforce responsible use of our school resources. For your information, audio books and digital players are also available for checkout through the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Bullying Prevention

Last week representatives from Conflict Resolution spoke with our First, Second, and Third graders in their classrooms on the topic of Bullying. Strategies were discussed as to how to avoid being bullying and what to do in the event that a student feels that they are.

NASA geologist visit

On February 23, the 8th grade students at Hillside Middle School had the lucky opportunity to hear from a geologist that works at NASA. Mike Blair presented his knowledge about rocks and minerals in an interesting power point. Mr. Blair discussed how minerals are everywhere in our daily lives and how they can come together to create rocks. Mr. Blair also talked about the rock cycle and how each rock can change into another. At the end of the presentation, students were able to work at their table groups to observe the three different kinds of rocks and try to determine which one Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary.

A "wild" time was had by all who watched Mrs. Gruttadauria’s 2nd graders perform their Reader’s Theater version of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are at the annual Read-a-thon at Parmatown Mall. The young "monsters" rolled their terrible eyes, gnashed their terrible teeth, and showed their terrible claws to scare and delight the audience during their reading of the well-loved children’s classic.

If homework brings out the monster in you, you’ll be glad to hear that there is help on the way at John Glenn’s new Homework Club. Mrs. Stewart has partnered middle and high school students with 4th-6th graders needing academic assistance in a before and after school tutoring program. It’s inspiring to see students of all ages focused on improving themselves and helping others. Many John Glenn staff members have volunteered to supervise this Club, and if anyone is interested in helping out, please call Mrs. Stewart at (440) 885-2420.

Helping to scare away those "math monsters" is the second session of our first grade Math Talk Nights. Led by Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Stimetz, and Miss Gennaro, parents are invited to experience the district’s powerful, new Everyday Math program with hands-on activities and discussions that will help them to "talk math" everyday with their children. So don’t worry parents, our dynamic first grade team won’t let the math monsters win!

It was obvious that Kristen Montalvo and Thomas Potoma were not a bit scared by the competition at the Science Olympiad held at Cleveland State University on Feb. 17th. Kristen took first place in the "Pentathlon" event, and Thomas earned first place in the "Periodic Tables" event. The district’s Able Learners Program teachers were proud of their team that included these two John Glenn winners. It just goes to show that academic excellence is nothing to be afraid of!

On February 17th, John Muir joined in the Parma Read-a-Thon by performing the reader's theater production. Mrs. Stadalsky directed her fifth grade students in a wonderful presentation of "Mop Top". The characters came alive with props and costume, but mostly through dynamic reading and performance. Great job fifth grade!

Join us on March 22nd at 6:00 for our annual BINGO night. Come and test your luck at winning a game of bingo and winning a great prize. Pizza and beverages will be provided for all who attend.

John Muir book fair is the week of March 26th. All books are "buy one, get one free."

John Muir's first ever dinner theatre takes place on April 5th at 6:30 p.m. John Muir students, under the direction of Mr. Denny Chamberlin will perform "Camp Caring." Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $7.50 per adult and $5 per child. Seating will be assigned and payment is required with your reservation. What a wonderful opportunity to share a meal together while enjoying a theatrical production!

288 Students achieved Renaissance for the 2nd Quarter at NHS

Rebecca Hanes was named a National Merit Finalist

Arthur Schmidt IV won this year's Rotary Club 4-Way Test Speaking Competition

Cleveland Touchdown Club Charities Event Scholarship recipients: Caitlin Figaro & Mark Price - first time two students from the same high school received this award

Lou Petrucci received Honorable Mention for the National Shakespeare Competition

Generation Next Creative Writing Contest

Selena Pigoni, Brianna Van Diest, and Katie Kruszewski will have a original song lyric published

Short Fiction- Selena Pigoni will have a original Fictional short story published

Sarah Daly will have an original poem published

Athletics

Josh Robertson (Junior) is the 189 lbs. PC Champ and Sectional Champion, Phil Symons (Senior) swimming state qualifier, and Natalija Simovic (Freshman) set the single season record with 64 blocked shots.

On February 22, at Dr. Zatik’s “State of the Schools” address, the Parma High choir, led by Sharon Risko, performed with the Parkview choir, led by Cindy Indovina.  The choirs sang at the community leaders’ luncheon that was sponsored by the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce. The elementary children were excited to sing with the older students. They performed “Building Bridges” which was perfect for a gathering that brought school and community members together.

On Thursday, March 8th, Parkview's first graders had the chance to hike along Rocky River Reservation's Sugarbush to learn about the history of Maple Sugaring. Everyone bundled up and headed out to view sap collecting methods used by Native Americans, pioneers, and present day syrup lovers. At the sugarhouse, it was fun to watch the sap boil and taste the delicious sweet maple syrup!

January Students of the Month

Congratulations to Parma Park’s January Students of the Month.  Students are chosen by their noon monitors for demonstrating the ability to make wise choices and good decisions during the lunch and recess.

Back row l to r:  Erika Detrick, Jeff Clark, Randy Groleau

Front row l to r:  Tyler Seman, Caitlyn Crisler, Hannah Walsh

Readathon

Parma Park participated in the Parmatown Readathon on February 17, 2007.  This year the school selected the poem “America is…” to perform as a readers’ theatre.  The poem highlights the many distinct characteristics of our nation and its people that combine to create the unique country known as The United States of America.  Thank you to Mackenzie Saunders, Shelby Lattimore, Emma Horvath, Lee Trunk and their families for participating in this worthwhile event.

ParmaPark Mini Museum

As a part of our Continuous Improvement Plan, Parma Park Elementary presented a Mini Museum on February 23 and March 2.  The purpose of the museum was two fold:  1) To build student background knowledge for concepts and topics to be taught during fourth quarter and 2) to allow parents and guests to preview what their students might be learning in the upcoming weeks.  The museum was enjoyed by students in grades one through six as well as 100 plus guests.

The museum consisted of three wings:  Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.  The wings were created by Sara Good (mathematics), Cindy Giulivo (science) and Kim Gannon (reading/social studies).  Good, Giulivo, and Gannon, “The G Team” are all specialists within the Parma City School District.  They are available to help teachers become better teachers.

Mathematics:

Fifth grade students create cube nets to simulate Picasso’s Cubist Period, and third grade students explore mirror writing as DaVinci did.

Science

Fifth grade students have an opportunity to explore skeletons from animals in the northeastern United States

Cindi White, Principal and Dr. Sarah Zatik, Superintendent discuss the raccoon in its natural habitat

Third grade students attempt to assemble the skeleton of a coyote

Social Studies

Fourth graders play landform bingo, and first graders work to create pictures of famous women in history who made significant contributions, to math, science, history and the arts.

Ice Cream Sundae Reward

All through the year Parma Park students have been reading for pleasure in at attempt to amass 1,000,000 minutes worth of reading.  Students who had completed 1,400 minutes by January 31 were treated to an ice cream sundae.  Several members of the Parma Rotary were on hand to scoop, top, cherry, and converse with our students.  Our thanks to Kevin Brennan, Rex Nash, Ron Bryski, Jan Thomas, Peggy Koch, Tim Graydon, and Andy Zatik for their helping hands.  We would also like to thank Bill Aubuchon who serves as our liaison between Parma Rotary and our school.

ParmaParkCelebrates Right to Read

Parma Park Celebrated Right to Read March 2 – 9.  We hosted Books, Bakery and Buddies at the Beach by inviting families to Parma Park “Beach” to enjoy a time of breakfast and reading.  Over 80 families participated in this worthwhile event.  We would like to extend a special thank you to the PTA for providing breakfast each morning.

Loretta Bacon and her son, Brandon, enjoy breakfast and reading together

Many of our families not only enjoyed reading but also time to converse with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere

You’re never too young…or too old to enjoy reading

The Bentkowski family enjoy reading together

Parma Senior High School March Report

Art Department

The Very Special Arts Festival is sponsored by the county board of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, Cuyahoga Special Education Service Center and Very Special Arts of Ohio.

A sidenote: This organization is an offshoot of Special Olympics which was started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Our special ed. students have been participating in this contest for many years and attending the festival is an anticipated event every spring. Student artwork is printed on the official t shirts and sweatshirts; more artwork is used on the posters and flyers used to publicize the event.

Music Department

* The following Parma Senior High instrumental music students received a superior rating on their solos at contest on Saturday, February 17th at Lakewood High School: Kristina Baric (violin), William Bentler (trumpet), John Hannen (tenor sax), Ryan Hurd (alto sax), Jessica Keider (flute), Alex Mamone (flute), Becca Mamone (flute), Heather Skebo (violin), Ethan Sommerfeld (trombone), Angela Wetula (flute), Sammie Wilds (violin)

* The following students received an excellent rating on their solos: Rachel Addis (violin), Ashley Adkins (flute), Chuck Bentler (clarinet), Shawn Brandt (tuba), Becca Cutrona (flute), Kim Downie (violin), Matt Ferdig (trumpet), Scott Mamone (cello and trumpet), Morgan Masley (violin), Allison Smith (flute), Julianne Wetula (flute), Cory Wolanin (trumpet)

* The following ensembles received a superior rating: Kristina Baric & Leanne Kienast (violin duet), Angela & Julianne Wetula (flute duet), Ashley Adkins & Allison Smith (flute duet), Jessica Keider and Jenna Perry (flute duet)

* The following ensembles received an excellent rating: Chuck Bentler and Alex Mamone (woodwind duet), Lauren Nickols & Rosalyn Riha (flute duet),

Becca & Scott Mamone (miscellaneous duet), Shawn Brandt, Kaitlyn Dessoffy & Ethan Sommerfeld (brass trio), Chuck Bentler, Brian Hannen, John Hannen (sax trio)

Guidance

Elks Recognition Rebecca Mamone Volunteer of the Year

Math Department - James Sadey, 9th grade, was student winner of the 9-10th grade American Mathematics Competition (AMC) taken February 21. Highest AMC 12 student team members included senior T.J. Constantino (high score), and juniors Kevin Boddy and Justin Golubski (second, third place respectively). They will be recognized at the Underclassmen and Senior Recognition Assemblies in May.

ATHLETICS

Wrestling- 2nd place team at Pioneer Conference Tournament

More than half of the varsity team (8 wrestlers) earned All-PC honors

7 district Tournament qualifiers

Devin Marrone, 8th in State Tournament

Kevin Brochetti, state tournament qualifier

Kevin Shadrach State Tournament alternate-5th at District

Kevin Brochetti PD wrestler of the week

3 wrestlers named to Greater Cleveland East-West All-Star Team (Rodney Jones,Kevin Shadrach,Devin Marrone)

Hockey-

Anthony Pallini won $600 book scholarship from Greater Cleveland High School Hockey Association

Hockey had 2 PD players of the week this season-Anthony Pallini and Justin Kelley

DRAMA CLUB

Our pasta dinner was very successful and we had a turnout of around 240 people supporting PSH Drama. The cast of Aida performed three songs and sounded amazing; I am truly lucky to have such a talented cast. Ticket sales have started for Aida, and we are encouraging everyone (including staff members) to reserve or purchase tickets ahead of time since we are expecting to come close to selling out at least two of our performances.

Business Department

Mary Ellen Swinger and I are taking 11 Parma district business students to Columbus BPA competition Thursday, 3/8 and Friday 3/9. We have our awards ceremony Friday at 1:30. Until Friday afternoon, that's our status. I hope by Monday we'll have REALLY exciting news for you.

Kate Minor is taking her CMM students down for competition this weekend as well. Their DECA awards ceremony is Saturday evening.

Also, Karen Neuman presented business best practices at the statewide Business and Marketing Conclave conference in Columbus the last weekend in February. I am two-thirds of the way done with requirements for being a "highly qualified" business teacher.

Computer Department

Several of Jacob Cornish's computer students cleared over 125 driveways for free in the Parma area based on only a suggestion that assisting the elderly might save lives. Five people died in our area during that period. Their ages ranged from 41-75. Maybe they spared one family the greatest loss. They didn't "pay it forward." They just "paid it!"

AR Update

We are continuing our quest to reach 100 million words this school year. Currently, there have been 62,990,647 words read for the school year, 18,174,418 words for the quarter. 7,500 books have been read this year, 2,295 books so far this quarter. Way to go Pearl Road. Keep rockin’ and rollin’ toward the goal!

COSI

We were extremely lucky to have a visit from COSI on February 22, 2007. Our presenter, Matt, talked about “Super Structures” with lots of hands on activities geared to all grade levels.

Author Visit

In celebration of Right-to-Read week, author Mrs. Sandra Philipson came to Pearl Road on March 9^th with her three dogs Max, Tak, and Trini. Mrs. Philipson shared some of her books that are written about her dogs. Ms. Campbell, illustrator of Max’s Rules showed us how she draws the dogs and even let us participate. It was a “dog”gone good time!!

Skate Party

PTA is hosting a skate party at Skateland on March 19^th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Family Bingo Night

On March 22^nd is a Bingo Night put on by PTA. This is the same night as the general meeting.

General Info

Third quarter is quickly coming to an end on March 23^rd. There will be no school for students this day. A reminder that Kindergarten Registration is at Parmatown Mall on March 21^st and 22^nd.

Pleasant Valley students and staff have been busy serving the community over the past few weeks.  The students collected over 1,000 items for our troops and sent them to the USO.  We guaranteed special seating at our Talent Show for the class that had the highest percentage of items collected.  Our Talent Show on March 2^nd featured some "soon to be" American Idol contestants and several acts from Dance, Dance, Dance Studio.

On March 6^th the Parma Rotary honored our sixth grade Service Club members for their continued work as peer models in our special education classrooms.  These students offer a helping hand, a reading model, a game buddy or just a friendly smile to the special education students in our community.  What a great way to learn the importance of service.

This year our Family Activity Night featured a CandyLand theme.  Families with students of all ages and academic abilities participated in nine different learning stations like Queen Frostine's Math Lab, Jolly's Gumdrop Mountains (Social Studies), Lord Licorice's Literacy Castle and Mr. Minty's Science Forest.  All of the activities were interactive and allowed our families to experience fun ways to learn.  The activities were created by staff members and based on the Academic Standards.  The students received a sticker at each station when they successfully completed the task.  At the end of the evening they turned their complete game boards and received a crown, a lollipop and a free homework pass.  A good time was had by all.

Pleasantview Python of the Month - Each month 1 student form each class is chosen as "Python of the Month" These are students that live our school motto "Demonstrating Excellence" each day. February recipients are: Hannah Foestek, Jeffery Morgan, Donna Honacker, Wiola Rogowski, Cameron hager, Robert Gallagher, Jacob Yannerella, Nicole Kotowski, Claudia Tellman, Emily Corum, Ashley Moga, Gabrielle DeLaat, Alexus Duncan, Chris Panico, and Andreas Tellman.

Pleasantview Pythons participate in PTA Reflections Contest- The following students' posters were chosen to represent Pleasantview Elementary School in the PTA Reflections Poster Contest: Summer Whelan, Maria Bobrowski, Connor Noonan, Dashia Agosto, Micheal Alpert, Mason Kehoe, Amber Zimmerman, Garielle DeLaat, Dylan Page, Brianna Grim, Amanda Heijl, Benjamin Gruse. Miranda Peck, Juli Holbert, and Matthew Kmiecek. Special Thank you to PTA Mom, Mrs. DeLaat for organizing our contestants.

Pennies for Patients- Pleasantview students expressed their generosity through their donations to the "Pennies for Patient' campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Students raised a grand total of $1, 052.04! Classrooms competed for a pizza party. Sixth grade class Room 14 won first place and third grade class Room 1 won second place.

Right-To-Read Week

Renwood had a great Right-To-Read week during the week of Feb. 26. Our theme was Dr. Seuss, especially since The Cat In The Hat was celebrating its 50th birthday. All the classroom doors including the office were decorated showcasing a Dr. Seuss book. We had daily trivia questions, with winners picking out a book from the book fair which was held all week long. Primary classrooms with the most books read earned a pizza party and the upper classroom with the most minutes read also earned a pizza prize. Students were also assigned a time to read in the rocking chairs outside of the Media Center all week long. We culminated the week with an all school assembly on Friday, March 2. Each classroom entertained us with a choral reading of a part of the Dr. Seuss book they selected to decorate their door.

Science Fair

Hats off to Miss Siekaniec for spearheading our Science Fair which was held on Thursday, March 8. Many thanks to all of our judges which were comprised of high school students, board members, Central office personnel, families, friends, and tutors. Miss Siekaniec did an outstanding job orchestrating everything and her efforts are most appreciated. It is certainly a huge undertaking and it was fabulous from start to finish. These were some of the best Science projects I have seen in a long time. It is always fun learning something new........do you think chewing gum helps your memory? Do you think a fish will rise to the top of the tank if you tap a spoon without food? How are crystals formed? These questions and more were answered for the judges. Thanks to all the students that entered projects and their families for encouraging and helping out.

Service Club

Our service club raised $232. 24 for St. Jude's Hospital during the Valentine drive. What great efforts for a wonderful and worthwhile cause. Thanks to Mrs. Richmond and Mrs. Jarvis, our Service Club Chairs.

Malley's Chocolate School Fund-Raiser

Our school fund raiser came to a close today, however there is still time if you want to place an order online. Purchases online can be placed up to April 2. Thank you to all our families and relatives for supporting us.

G.R.E.A.T Program

Our sixth graders have completed their GREAT Program. They received shirts on their last day. Mr. Darnell did a fine job in instructing both classrooms with this very valuable information.

Parmatown Read-A-Thon was held on Saturday, Feb. 17th. Several of Mrs. Pesta's students performed reading "The Day It Rained Bunuelos", The students did a wonderful job! They were Trent Fletcher, Cory Hawk, Adam Golubovic, Collin Hogan, Ellery Roberts, Joey Talpas and Jade Werner. A special thank you to Mrs. Pesta for working with our students and a thank you to Mrs. Penny and Mrs. Verhosek for their assistance too!

Parma Council of PTA Reflections - We received good news. The following students' Reflections projects are going to the State level! Good luck!

Kayla Nicole Weber - Grade 2

Kyleigh Ann Horvath - Grade 4

Chasity Elizabeth Stiver - Grade 5

ALP Science Olympiad - As mentioned in my last newsletter several weeks ago, some of our ALP students participated in this event at Cleveland State University. We are happy to announce that Sarah Carney earned first place in her event "Reflection Relay" and Andrea Ellison earned third place in "Circuit Wizardry." Good job!!

Sundae Bar was held on Friday, February 2 for students with great effort during the past marking period. We are happy to report that we served ice cream to 150 students. This is again sponsored by our CBS partner, Freeway Bowling Lanes. We would like to thank Mr. Splete who represents Freeway Bowling Lanes and our volunteer dads for serving: Mr. Savanick, Mr. Royak, Mr. Lynch and Mr. Salisbury.

Congratulations are in order to Shiloh Middle School social studies teacher Nancy Rundell who was named Teacher of the Year - Northeast Region, by the Ohio Middle School Association. Ms. Rundell as a house leader,led her house in a pilot project calling for student led conferences. She regularly publishes her on-line website called the Rundell Report, ---everyday in every way she works hard to support her students and colleagues alike.

Shiloh had three staff members present at the Ohio Middle School Conference held in Cleveland this past month. Reading teacher Laura Corwon's presentation outlined a service learning project that finds students highly engaged as they identify and define a problem the students choose to study. The end products of the unit have the student conduct an information campaign and fund raiser to try to eradicate the problem studied. Her past students to date have studied; animal cruelty, energy shortage, cancer, smoking, green space, to name a few.

Paul Gigliotti and Nancy Rundell, both social studies teachers who have advanced technology skills presented the following: 1. The Top Ten in Technology; and 2. Teaching the Civil War with Technology and Cognition. Both sessions were very well attended as Mr. Gigliotti and Ms. Rundell are becoming the technology gurus, the go-to-people for tips on technology use in the classroom.

On Saturday, February 17, 115 of Cleveland Area’s best student inventors showcased their creations at The First Annual Cleveland Regional Invention Convention held at The Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Students from Cuyahoga, Lorain and Medina counties participated in this competition.  The 2007 Cleveland Teacher of Excellence Award was awarded to Polly Bowman, the gifted and talented Intervention Specialist at Shiloh.  Congratulations to all winners and participants!

The following students won $50.00 Savings Bonds:
Joe B - The Tangler Eliminator/Torie M - The Spike Kepper/Amanda K. - Klemm Tool Tether/Selena V. - Pill Buddy
Sean D. - E.Z. Band/Becca B. - E.Z. Band/April M - E.Z. Haul Tarp System

Congratulations to Mrs. Choe, National Board Certified Teacher!

Students paid $1 for a piece of Duct tape to support the Leukemia Foundation.  Mr. Hartland, our Principal, is the gracious subject that is being attached to the wall.

On February 20th, our staff inservice included a workshop on classroom use of the Smartboard.  State Road currently has two Smartboards.  Gayle Schreiber, Paul Bodner, Sun Choe and Laura Whitehead helped orchestrate the workshop.

A group of Mrs. Choe's and Mrs. Rebenock's 5th grade students are participating in a virtual (Internet based) reading group.  Students, parents and teachers are discussing the book Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

Right to Read Week is being celebrated at State Road March 9 - 15.  Brian & Joe from the Mix 106.5 FM helped our students understand why tuning in to reading is important for every job,  including radio hosts. State Road students read over 22,000 minutes!!

For the month of February, the following students were recognized for Good Character & Responsibility:
Congratulations to Joyce Wagner, Mallory Witt, Daniel Mills, Malori Sadowski, Lidiya Seniv, Carrie Malak, Brittany Divincenzo & James Baughman.

General Motors and Thoreau Park students are working together on  " A World in Motion" module.  The GM volunteers help the 3rd grade students design, develop and modify skimmer boats.

First grade students in Mrs. Kaczmarek's and Mrs. Patton's room read and performed the "Kapok Tree."  They also wrote rain forest animal reports.

PTA Council Report March 2007

Team Tran, placed 3rd out of 50 teams in the Northeast Ohio Robotics competition.  Great job, Han Lin Wan, Dave Ramos, Tyson Lam, and Norman Deunas,

Congratulations to Kevin Lancki --- the Patriot's first-ever swimming state meet qualifier!

Winners to be published in the Cuyahoga County Library Generation Next Creative Writing Magazine; Jim Prentiss-short fiction, Heba Zayed-poetry and Anatasia Porvasnik-song lyric.

Congratulations to Valley Forge District Wrestling Qualifiers:

Nick Pereces  3rd @103

Jon Sevastos 2nd @ 189

Mike Rasnake 3rd @ 215

James Meder 2nd @ 285

Greenbriar Wrestling PC Champs

Undefeated 7-0 Dual Meet Record

Good Job Wrestlers

Duck Races…March 23, Holy Spirit brought to you by VF Music Boosters.  Call Tony at 886-7123 for tickets.

Congratulations Dr. Rand Laycock, Cleveland Young Audiences Arts Educator of the year award winner.  Dr. Laycock will be honored in May as he receives this prestigious honor. 

Case Western Reserve-DC CAR Contest

Semi-Finalists: Dave Mimic, Nick Lorenzoni

Most Creative Winners: Adam Golubski and Joe Zemek!

Congratulations to Dina Schafer and Vicki Arguello-1st and 2nd place winners in Medical Assisting’s Idol contest.