A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT ZATIK

I want to sincerely congratulate all the members of the staff for a wonderful opening to the 2005-2006 school year.  This year we have had very few problems with our transportation system, our building and grounds have looked great, we are currently working on parking lot repairs at a number of buildings, and our teachers and students all seem to be having a great beginning.

I want to congratulate in particular those administrators, teachers and staff members that are either new to the district, or in new positions this year.  Adjusting to change can be difficult, but based on our opening you should all be proud of how well you have adapted to your new surroundings.

I also want everyone to remember that we are the only large city district in Ohio to reach the “Effective” status on the state report card.  It is a fact that sets us apart from other large districts.  It means we do a terrific job providing our children with a quality education, and that our students, parents and community do a great job supporting us.

Let’s make this positive beginning to the school year last all year long.  If you have a concern or question about anything related to the district, please contact my office at 885-8786 or one of the members of the Corps Cabinet: Chief Financial Officer Bruce Basalla, Business Manager Mark Daniels or Deputy Superintendent Tina Dinklocker.  Please give us an opportunity to answer your questions, research your concern and provide you with complete and accurate information.  Once you have the information you need, you can become one of our most valuable community outreach assets because you know the facts.

I trust you will all enjoy the new format for our electronic newsletter.  What was the “Weekly Bulletin” is now “Images Online.” It features individual building and department links as well as photos and is another outstanding component of our district website, which features a wealth of useful information for all members of our community.  Please let us know your thoughts on this new and improved presentation.

I wish all of you a great year.

Our district is proud to offer additional services to many gifted students in grades 3-12.  The elementary program, the Able Learner Program (ALP), consists of three specialist teachers directly serving 190 students and providing all the buildings small group and whole class lessons, as well as support for the classroom teachers in meeting the needs of high ability students.  The middle school program, ALP TOO, consists of one specialist teacher serving all three middle schools.  These students attend meetings that address the social/emotional needs of being gifted, as well as participate in stimulating activities and field trips.  The high school program, Senior High ALP (SHALP), consists of one specialist teacher serving all three high schools to provide assistance with college planning, placement in advanced coursework, and test preparations.  More information is available through the department’s section of the district website, http://www.parmacityschools.org/alp/index.cfm.

RELEASE THE MAGIC OF THE MIND!

Come experience a family event which incorporates learning techniques regarding math, reading, and science.

Learn about activities which can be applied in the home well as in school.

This informative session will be held at Parma Senior High School on October 27 from 5:30-8PM.

We will have prizes and other materials for you and your children to enjoy! 

Registration information has been sent home with each student and is also available at your child's elementary school.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Byers Field has undergone a significant amount of renovation in order to maintain its reputation as one of the premier multi-purpose facilities in Northeast Ohio. Some of the work recently performed includes the following:

Repair and renovation of corroded ironwork, replacement of damaged bleacher seating, sealing of the concrete bleacher floor, and the installation of greatly improved field lighting. 

The district would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone who has contributed time, energy, and dollars to the numerous fund-raising activities which assist in the maintenance and beautification of Byers Field.  Your dedication to the Parma City School District as well as the community is deeply appreciated.

The beginning of the 2005-06 school year has seen the district continue its efforts to strengthen its connection with all aspects of the community including parents, residents, senior citizens, churches, civic organizations, businesses, city governments and our highly-respected group of parochial schools. 

Some of the ways we intend to promote this spirit of cooperation and accomplishment is through improved methods of communication, one being the creation of "Images Online."  Other avenues include publicizing the services the district makes available to several different areas of the community, establishing a deservedly improved identity for our system, and providing useful and factual information about our educational and financial status.

We feel that our entire school system is filled with outstanding students, teachers, and support staff and we want the community to be aware of the level of caring, dedication and expertise these groups bring to the district every day.

We hope you take advantage of the many opportunities we will provide to connect with our district.  Should you have any thoughts or ideas related to our community outreach program, please contact Kevin Brennan, the district's Community Outreach Specialist, at 440-887-4889 or at kevinbren@parma.k12.oh.us.

FREE SENIOR PASSES FOR PCSD SCHOOL EVENTS

The Parma City School District is continuing its tradition of making passes available to residents 55 and older which provide free admission to any athletic, dramatic, or musical event held within the district.

Recipients are encouraged to call the school hosting the event of their choice to verify seating arrangements and performance times.

Passes are available at the following schools and senior centers:

Parma Senior Center, 7001 West Ridgewood Drive   440-885-8155

Parma Hts Senior Center, 9233 Independence Blvd  440-888-4416

Seven Hills-Walter Penkal, 470 Panorama Drive       216-524-5045

Greenbriar Middle School, 11810 Huffman Road       440-885-8348

Hillside Middle School, Educational Park Drive          440-885-2376

Shiloh Middle School, 2303 Grantwood Drive           440-885-8481

Normandy High School, 2500 W Pleasant Valley Rd  440-885-2404

Parma Senior High School, 6285 West 54th St        440-885-8606

Valley Forge High School, 9999 Independence Blvd  440-885-8432

Parma Administration Office, 6726 Ridge Road         440-842-5300

LOCAL ART CONTEST WINNERS

We would like to congratulate the following list of winners in The Second Annual Children's Art Contest sponsored by the Parma Area Fine Arts Council.

Awards were given out on Saturday, October 8 at a ceremony at the Schaaf Community Center.

We would also like to thank Kathy Mabin of the Parma Area Fine Arts Council for her efforts in coordinating the event and encouraging participation from our district.

Finally, congratulations to all of the students community-wide who entered the contest.

List of winners who attend Parma City Schools:

Best in Show: Sara Shanfelt

Valley Forge High School

17-18 year old category

First Place: Lindsay Wolan

Valley Forge High School

Second Place: Virginia Schminke

Valley Forge High School

Third Place: Kaitlin Becker

Valley Forge High School

14-16 year old category

First Place: Yekaterina Klimkovich

Hillside Middle School

Second Place : Michael Sender

Valley Forge High School

11-13 year old category

Second Place: Shayna Matousek

Greenbriar Middle School

CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE OF OUR OWN!

Dr. Zatik and all of the administrators and support staff at the central office want to congratulate Tracy Dinard from the Purchasing Department on the accomplishments of her son Michael. A graduate of Dentzler, Hillside and Padua, Michael is a freshman currently attending Northwestern University and playing on the football team.  He is a special teams standout and wears #31.  Please congratulate Tracy when you see her and look for Michael on TV!

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

October 24, November 7, November 21, 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.

The Student Services Department would like to welcome all of the parents, grandparents, guardians, and students who are new to the Parma City School District this year.  We understand the effort involved in becoming familiar with a new school system.  Your willingness to adapt is greatly appreciated and helps in the development of successful students.

Should you have any questions regarding your child's transition to our district, please contact Pam Edmonds, Supervisor of Student Services, at 885-8334.

On Thursday, October 6th Dentzler School participated in KeyBank's "Neighbors Make the Difference" Program. Since 1990 KeyBank employees provide an annual day of community service nationwide to demonstrate they are proud to be at KeyBank by contributing their time and talents to community organizations. Six volunteers came to Dentzler to tutor and read to students, help teachers with classroom projects and work on the school's outdoor landscaping. The volunteers did a great job helping the students and staff at Dentzler.

Opening Day at Green Valley!

Pirates, Slider, and Opening Day!  OH MY!

Custodian, Terry Sweeney, greeted all students back to school wearing a pirate outfit.    Not only did he look the part, he even talked like a pirate!   Green Valley’s theme this year has a pirate logo and their literacy slogan is “Books Are Treasures.”    Mr. Sweeney helped kick off the year in grand style!

Here is the news from Greenbriar:

Greenbriar's Red Cross Hurricane Relief Drive raised $1,181.11. Great job to all!

Our Fall Athletic season with FB and VB are having successful seasons. Our 7th Grade FB team is undefeated.

Our PTA Magazine Drive started Monday, October 10, with Kick-off Assemblies by House.

Our 1st Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences are Thursday, November 3rd from 5:30 - 7:30p.m. A letter will be mailed the week of October 10th iinforming parents the time slot that they should attend.

Our Annex Parking Lot Construction is set to start on Friday, October 21st and run through November 17th.

A message from Principal Tom Jones:

The opening of a child’s mind is the greatest of all.  When 337 children walked through the doors of Hanna, I was thrilled to see the excitement, joy and wonder on their faces. As with any school year, I am excited about the new beginning.

Hanna Elementary School will begin instructing students in the area of reading using a new learning strategy called Direct Instruction.  Direct Instruction is a very intensive, teacher-directed method of teaching.  The guiding thought is that every child can learn when taught correctly, regardless of past history.  The Hanna staff received a two-day in-service on Direct Instruction and will receive follow up assistance throughout the year. Mrs. Ava Yeager (former Hanna Principal) gave a presentation of the value of Direct Instruction on Thursday, October 6th at 6:00 pm at Greenbriar.

Hanna Elementary broke from tradition and held Open House on the very first night of school.  Based on surveys, 69% of our parents rated our Open House “Excellent” while 31% rated it “Good”. 

I am pleased to introduce the new staff members joining our dedicated staff: Ms. Melissa Vargo (Title I Teacher), Mrs. Mary Kaman (6th Grade Teacher), Mrs. Shelley Sobey (Music Teacher) and Ms. Deanna Huff (Art Teacher).

Nick Discenza joins the staff at Hillside Middle School this year as the new Assistant Principal. Nick previously taught Social Studies at Shiloh Middle School and at Bedford Middle School. He is married to a Brecksville/Broadview Heights Middle School teacher and they live in Parma. Nick's passion for children is reflected in the fact that he enjoys this age group -- he can build relationships with the students -- something he can expand upon now as an administrator. He states that now as an administrator he enjoys seeing how everyone works together for the benefit of the students. Nick is a graduate of Normandy High School and has returned to Parma to work because of his love and commitment to the community.

·        The students of John Glenn Elementary were awarded a trophy by the Snow Road Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library for their participation in the Library’s Summer Reading Game.  The students surpassed other local schools by a significant margin and owe their success to the families of John Glenn for making reading an important part of their daily lives!

·         John Glenn Elementary was represented on the “Parma Relay For Life” team to raise money for cancer research.  Their team was led by Dr. Dinklocker, Parma’s Deputy Superintendent, and was successful in raising $2,500.00 for the American Cancer Society.  Mrs. Hausmann, Mrs. Stimetz, Mrs. Sboukis, and Mrs. Stover walked laps, along with other team members, for 18 hours at Parma High School.  The teachers found it to be a rewarding experience and are grateful for John Glenn’s support!

·         Students and Staff at John Glenn are busy raising money for Hurricane Katrina victims through candy sales and a bake sale.  The students have raised over $400.00 so far and have set a goal of reaching $1,000.00.

·         John Glenn teachers and PTA board members have set plans in motion to begin work on an Outdoor Learning Classroom to be located out in front of the school.  The plans include a low deck with benches that is being designed and will be constructed by Bob Hanak’s students enrolled in the Construction Trades program at Parma High School.  Landscaping plans include the creation of a butterfly garden and a bird habitat to attract wildlife for study and inspiration.  Many opportunities for community involvement and usage are in the works! 

Kudos to John Muir's PTA for sponsoring a wonderful event on Friday, September 9. The "Take me out to the Ball Game" event had over 250 of our parents and students attend. What a fabulous way to begin our school year

Please remember to support our PTA with your membership and participation. Membership is only $5.00 and goes toward sponsoring other terrific events here at John Muir. Way to go PTA!!

The computer resource lab is one of the essential reasons the students at NHS have seen continued academic success.   Debra Kennedy, the computer resource specialist, has encouraged students, trained teaching staff and inspired senior citizens to make the computer a tool for use in their everyday lives. Mrs. Kennedy has found herself to be extremely busy, organizing classes that utilize the resource lab.  Software available has added to the learning in classes such as: geometry, Spanish and cosmetology.  Students that use the lab learn word processing, desktop publishing and have the opportunity to use web-based tools for research. 

In mid-October, Mrs. Kennedy and the computer club will host classes for senior citizens for a five-week basic computer training course.  If you would like more information about the senior citizen class, please e-mail her at debrakenn@parma.k12.oh.us or call 440-885-2465.

NHS students, Katie Zbydniewski, Vince Colwell, A.J. Vanosky and Jena Jasany (pictured below) have been published!  These four students each appeared in the magazine, Teen Ink, a publication that features teen writers talking about teen issues.  We congratulate them on this distinguished accomplishment! 

Our Normandy Invader Marching Band will have the future band members attend our next home football game on October 14, vs. Brunswick. This is a great opportunity for our future invaders to experience the excitement of becoming an invader!

Our Invader football team continues to put the rest of the field behind them with their latest win over Medina.  Their 7and 0 record gives them the best start for an NHS football team… ever! Congratulations to our players and head coach Rich Turner!

The Parkview Children’s Garden is up and running thanks to Mayor Dean DePiero, The City of Parma’s Parks and Recreation Department, and Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi.  Their generous donation and installation of the garden includes the benches, cement pathways, teaching area, and topsoil. Also, Petitti’s Garden Center was instrumental in the beginning stages of our garden with the discounts they offered on the mums, watering cans, and garden shovels.

Parkview’s outdoor classroom is divided into eight sections around a central octagonal teaching area.  Each of the eight sections is designated for a specific grade, kindergarten through sixth, with the eighth section for the staff.  Currently, the garden contains ten mums per grade level with additional bulbs to be planted in mid-October for a spring bloom.  Each grade level is responsible for their plot of land.  Responsibilities include planting, weeding, and watering the plants.  Plans are already in the works for next year when each grade level will determine how they want to use their specific plot to incorporate the state science standards.  Current ideas include an herb garden, butterfly garden, and an ABC garden.  A dedication ceremony is planned for late October with details to follow.  Please stop by and visit the Parkview Children’s garden on the corner of West 54th and Loya Parkway.

The following Parma Senior High students were members of the All Ohio State Fair Band this year:

Kate Dobrowolski, flute

Angela Wetula, flute

Juliane Wetula, flute

Becca Mamone, flute

Jeff Klemm, tenor saxophone

Scott Mamone, trumpet

Andy Draut, trumpet

Shawn Brandt, tuba

Parma High alumni that were members this year included:

Carol Dieball, percussion

Alex Draut, trombone

Mike Taras, trumpet

FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT MUSIC CLUBS

The Parma Senior High Music Club will have a table set up at the back gate of Byers Field for all home football games.  They are selling tickets for a Wing Fundraiser to be held at Quotes II on Ridge Road on Sunday, October 23 from 1-4 PM. This event will benefit the school's band, orchestra and choir.

Please contact Jim Sentz at Parma Senior High or Joyce Piasecki at 440-842-0416 to obtain tickets.  Admission to the fundraiser is $20 and covers all you can eat wings, pasta, hot dogs, french fries and vegetable stir-fry as well as draft beer, drinks, and wine.

Mark Your Calendars-Fall Fun Fair is Back!

This much-loved evening of games, food, and FUN FOR ALL sponsored by the PTA is set for Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m. (pictures and follow-up story to come later)

Calling All Crafters…Pearl Road PTA will be hosting our annual Holiday Shop on Friday, Dec. 9, during regular school hours. We are in need of crafters who are able to make crafts or other unique items which sell for $5 or less. These crafters must also be able to staff their table at the event (8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.). The price of the table is $10 (which pays for the refreshments for the crafters and the staff working the event). Crafters may keep all the profits from their sales as this is NOT a PTA fund-raiser. The event is offered for the enjoyment of our students --enabling them to purchase holiday gifts (at reasonable prices) for the special people in their lives. If you or someone you know is a crafter who might be interested in learning more about this event, please contact Laura Paul (440-885-5673) or Joanna Bonacci (440-886-7125)

2005 GREAT LAKES SCHOLARS

The following students join over 9000 3rd-8th graders from across the Great Lakes Region of the Midwest that received such acclaim. Over 2000 schools participated in the project to select and honor students who not only excell academically but show that they are well-rounded individuals. Teachers were to nominate students with a B average or higher and those involved in extra-curricular activities, church groups, or community service. Congratulations to:

Jamie Fitch, Laura Hang, Kelli Kiffer, Mina Markovic, Alisha Turner, and Taylor Walczak     

We also want send along a big CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Rueger!  

She was recently honored by her district colleagues and prominent community leaders at a special party labeled as the "Salute to Sue," and also by the board of education for being selected Ohio Elementary Principal of the Year for 2005!

Miss Rueger  just returned from Washington D.C. where she and other award-winning principals were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.  She may have even met President Bush!  Be sure to congratulate Miss Rueger and ask about her trip when you next see her.

Below is a picture from the "Salute to Sue" featuring Business Manager Mark Daniels, Miss Rueger, Superintendent Dr. Sarah Zatik, and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Christina Dinklocker.

Congratulations again to Miss Rueger for her tireless efforts and dedication to the students of Pleasant Valley Elementary and the Parma City School District!

Our students showed their strong character by helping out at home and then donating their allowances for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.  The following students organized a lemonade stand that raised $124.29:

Jessica Beam, Kaylee Klefman-Baroni, Jena Klefman-Dienes, Monica Reagle, Ashley Spilker, Kimberly Tretiakow, and Danielle Van Gieson.

Jacob Hujer raised $35 on his own as well.

Our school is sending a total of $1,366.24 to the American Red Cross 2005 Hurricane Season Relief Fund.  Thank you to all for supporting this project.  Way to go Pythons!

The end of the first grading period is Friday, October 28 and school fees are due; $40 for kindergarteners and $45 for grades one through six.  Please make your check payable to Pleasantview Elementary School.

If your child is receving Disability Assistance (DA) or Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF), please request from the school office an application for waiver of student instructional material fees.

We will be selling Malley candy bars from October 7-24.  Information and order sheets will be sent home next week

Renwood Elementary

Student Council is Back!

We are extremely pleased that with the passage of the levy, we are able to reinstate our Student Council.  This civic-minded organization teaches government processes and instills in our students the importance of school pride and community service. It also promotes leadership qualities at an early age and fosters a team approach.  Our first agenda item this year was raising $487.50 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. 

Our Student Council's advisors are Ms. Shirak and Mrs. Prosinski.  Our 2005-06 officers elected by the student body are:

President                   Sydney Gardner

Vice President           Brandon Schueneman

Treasurer                   Stephanie Iwaszkiw

Secretary                   Robert Schmidt

At Shiloh, students in Mr. Layhew’s science class are learning about weight and balance. The students built aluminum foil boats and had to keep their boat afloat while adding as many pennies as possible. The students kept a chart of their data and analyzed this data to help them build better boats.

Fifth graders at State Road Elementary will be taking part in a service learning project that will benefit our nation’s hurricane relief efforts.  The students will reinforce ideas taught by their social studies teacher, Michelle Rebenock, by taking part in a school candy sale.  The three 5th grade classes will compete against each other using “Apprentice” style economics in competition to see which class will sell the most candy.  All proceeds will go to a hurricane relief program.  Regardless of which class wins the event, their learning experience will undoubtedly benefit their grades as well as help out our nation’s needy in the end.

Thoreau Park is Running on Atomic Time!

Part of last year’s fundraising money at Thoreau Park Elementary School was used to purchase “Atomic” clocks. These special clocks were placed in classrooms and throughout the school to keep everyone on the same time. They update themselves daily by receiving radio signals from the official atomic clock in Colorado. It’s made quite a difference already with students, classes, and meetings starting on time!

VALLEY FORGE STUDENTS MAKE A STRONG SHOWING AT LOCAL ART CONTEST

We would like to congratulate the following list of winners from The Second Annual Children's Art Contest sponsored by the Parma Area Fine Arts Council. 

The awards were given out on Saturday, October 8 at a ceremony at the Schaaf Community Center.

We would also like to thank Kathy Mabin of the Parma Area Fine Arts Council for her efforts in coordinating the event and encouraging participation from our district.

List of winners from Valley Forge:

Best in Show: Sara Shanfelt

Valley Forge High School

17-18 year old category

First Place: Lindsay Wolan

Valley Forge High School

Second Place: Virginia Schminke

Valley Forge High School

Third Place: Kaitlin Becker

Valley Forge High School

14-16 year old category

Second Place : Michael Sender

Valley Forge High School