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Volume 25 Issue 11 | June 22, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE: The Class of 2016 Earns More Than $7.5 Million in Scholarships..............................2-3
informed
about Medina City Schools
Outstanding Seniors.................. 4 Students of the Month Recognized at Senior Assembly.......................4 Outstanding Senior Award..........5 End of the School Year Dance Party Fun.....................................5 The Order of the Golden Tassel/ Honors Diploma..........................6 Class of 2015 Top 35................... 7 Perfect Attendance Recognition.................................7 “Going the Extra Mile” Award Recipients.............................. 8-12 District Recognizes “Outstanding Volunteers”................................13 “Team Bee” Award Recipients... 13 Recognition of Outstanding Community Partner - Medina County District Library............. 14 Meet the Teacher Night/Open House Information................... 15 Student Schedule Release....... 15 Department of Educational Services 2016 “IT” Award......... 16 Congressional Art Competition............................. 17 Mock Trial Showcase................ 17 “Buckle Up for Burgers”........... 18 2015-2016 PACE Team Award... 18 Final Leadership Breakfast of 2015-2016 School Year............ 19 Board of Education Meeting Calendar................................... 19 Medina City Schools Foundation...........................20-21
www.medinabees.org
On Saturday, May 21, the Medina High School Class of 2016 graduated during the 141st commencement ceremony held at the James A. Rhodes Arena at the University of Akron. All 558 students earned the right to call themselves Medina High School Alumni.
161 96 11 Class of 2016 Ohio Honors Diploma Recipients
Class of 2016 Members of National Honor Society
The Class of 2016 has been awarded more than $7.5 million in scholarships. This is a tribute to their efforts, as well as the commitment and support from their parents, teachers, coaches and advisors. The announcement of these awards was made to graduates attending the Senior Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 17. This annual program is designed to honor the many accomplishments of each year’s graduating class.
Class of 2016 National Technical Honor Society Members
Sonoma Levine
Addie Schneider
Ava Pottschmidt
Andrew Smith
National Merit Finalists/Scholarships: Sonoma (Sunny) Levine, Addie Schneider National Merit Commended Students: Ava Pottschmidt, Andrew Smith
bee informed The Class of 2016 Earns More Than $7.5 Million in Scholarships Military Awards: Veteran Coalition of Medina County/Blue Star Mothers: Paul Sinatra Joe Boles Cody Fisher Gregory Fisher Andrew Hall Jared Holmes Brandon Moorman Mitchell Rude Nicholas Achterhof Keith Alexander Sean Hayes
Murray and Susan Van Epp Scholarship: Scott Wilson, $5000
Army/Army Reserve National Scholar Athletes: Grant Centlivre Margaret Swiecicki Marine Corps: Scholastic Excellence Award: Margaret Swiecicki “Semper Fidelis” Music Award: Mollie VanArsdale Male Distinguished Athlete Award: John Teske Female Distinguished Athlete Award: Sydney Leckie Medina City Schools Foundation Scholarships: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship: Michaela Lyons, $500 Ned & Barbara Place Cross Country Scholarship: Benjamin Loeper, $1000 Hannah Ellis, $1000 Rita K. Luebke Nursing Scholarship: Sydney Lynskey, $2000
Barbara and Steve Komjati Scholarship: Eric Brown, $1000 Addie Schneider, $1000 Grant Centlivre, $1000 Ava Pottschmidt, $1000 Haley LeBlanc, $1000 Sophia Weidner, $1000
Medina Community Scholarship: Steven Stenquist, $500 Ben Ferling, $500
Jennifer Stickney Memorial Scholarship: Gabriella Shepard, $2000
Community Awards
Rollie and Rose Platz Scholarship Spencer Aukerman, $500
Richard Clevidence Memorial Scholarship: Joseph Gamin, $1000
Medina Hospital Medical Staff Scholarship: Cassandra Field, $2000
OAPSE: Anna Francis, $500 Alexa Toth, $500
Whitney Morehead Memorial Scholarship: Cassandra Field, $500 Gabriella Shepard, $500
Medina Hospital Foundation and Medina Hospital Community Scholarship: Cassandra Field, $1000 Gabriella Shepard, $1000
Joan C. Tuchek Memorial Scholarship: Margaret Swiecicki, $3000 Tutoring Center Scholarship: Grant Centlivre, $500 Kelsi Mariner, $500
Kimberly Charlotte Morris, Class of 1980 Scholarship: Caitlin Gordon, $1000 Art 1.11 Scholarship: Ali Al-Ramezi, $600 Haylene Holladay, $250 Janine Keding, $250 Isabella Mercurio, $250 Margaret Willse, $250
Doermann Cross Country Scholarship: Brian Fotheringham, $1000 Emily Hawk, $1000
Logan Boyd’s “The Fault in our Stars” Scholarship: Benjamin Loeper, $1000
Sylvia McQuown Memorial Scholarship: Hayden Fogle, $1000 Alec Uttech, $1000 Hayley Kaylor, $1000 Sonoma (Sunny) Levine, $1000
Dan Sherman Memorial Scholarship: Collin Winters, $500 Jacob Smith, $500
Dennis Gaishauser, D.D.S. Dental/Medical Scholarship: Jacob Smith, $1000
Sam Toocheck Memorial Scholarship: Emily Park, $1000
Letha House Scholarship: Sonoma (Sunny) Levine, $1000
Knights of Pythias Scholarship: Margaret Swiecicki, $1000
Medical Mutual of Ohio Scholarship: Brenda Lebada, $500
Wilder Scholarship: Jayson Blankenship, $1500
The Entrepreneurial Scholarship: Emma Park, $1000
Volume 25 Issue 11 | June 22, 2016
McJak Candy Science & Engineering Scholarship: Eric Brown, $1000
Medina Hospital Scholarships:
Jean Myers Gift Gallery Scholarship: Lauren Patneau, $1000 Ava Pottschmidt, $1000 Rachel St. Clair, $1000 Jessica Lynn Schaffer Memorial Scholarship: Erin Dickson, $2000 Lions Club Scholarship: Breanna Wadel, $1000 Jakob F. Von Der Vellen Foundation Scholarship: Alexandria Villeneuve, $1000 Key Club Scholarship: Julia Reedy, $250 Alyssa Petitti, $250 Megan Towne, $250 Kiwanis/Todd Brumbaugh Scholarship: Rachel Piero, $1300 Continued on page 3
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bee informed The Class of 2016 Earns More Than $7.5 Million in Scholarships Kiwanis Scholarship: Kathryn Smith, $500 Michayla Miller, $500 James A. Shoemaker/ PH Massey Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Leadership Scholarship: Nathan Walker, $500 Medina Show Biz Company: Mollie VanArsdale, $500 Student Council Awards: Student Council President Award: Allison O’Connell Student Council Vice President Award: Ashley Brei Rios Student Leadership Award: Ashley Brei, $1000 Ryan Woods, $1000 Allison O’Connell, $750 Alyssa Kurkul, $750 Ken Dukes Scholarship: Meagan Clardy, $1000 Alyssa Kurkul, $1000 Margaret Swiecicki, $1000 Sarah Vanadia, $1000 Collin Winters, $1000 Dr. Andrew J. Karson Athletic Scholarship: Sydney Lynskey, $1000 Medina Soccer Association Scholarship: Zachary Hlas, $1000 Sydney Leckie, $1000 A.I. Root STePS Scholarship: Ali Al-Ramezi, $250 Alyssa Kurkul, $250 Claggett Scholarship: Cassandra Field, $500
Heritage PTO Scholarship: Gabrielle McNeil, $500 Kyle Balas, $500 Allison O’Connell, $500 Ella Canavan’s Beth Riegelmeyer Scholarship: Megan Towne, $500 Rachel Piero, $500 H.G. Blake PTO Scholarship: Alexa Toth, $500
Charles J. Stangel Vocational Scholarship: Megan Miller, $500 Radhika Pathak, $500 Drama Club Scholarship: Gabriella Husbands, $1500 Barbara Ciupak, $1500 Antonio Albery, $1500 Elaine C. Bushman Memorial Scholarship: Emily Masa, $175
H.G. Blake PTO/Jessica Schaffer Memorial Scholarship: Anna Francis, $500 H.G. Blake PTO/Kathleen Wetta Scholarship: Alyssa Kurkul, $500 Garfield PTO Scholarship: Joseph Gamin, $250 Kathryn Smith, $250 Sidney Fenn PTO Scholarship: Sonoma (Sunny) Levine, $500 Savannah Campbell, $500 Addie Schneider, $500 Sidney M. Fenn Honorable Mention Scholarship: Ava Pottschmidt, $250 Joshua Mone’, $250 Aliah Keller, $250 Megan Hascher, $250 Mrs. Bessick Honorary Scholarship: Mariah Edwards, $250 Maggie Oleksiak, $250 University and College Scholarships The Class of 2016 has been awarded University and College Scholarships totaling over 6.8 million dollars. This is a tribute to
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their efforts, as well as the efforts of their parents and their teachers.
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Kanehl Music Scholarship: Gabriella Husbands, $250 MCTA Marilyn Cross Memorial Scholarship: Each year, the Medina City Teachers’ Association chooses one outstanding individual who has chosen to pursue a career in education to receive the Marilyn Cross Memorial Scholarship. Savannah Campbell, $1000 MHS PTO Scholarship: Jacob Herold, $250 Gabrielle McNeil, $250 RPM Health Career Scholarship: Caitlin Gordon, $2000 Adrienne Szoly, $2000 The Holsten Scholarship: The Holsten Scholarship is awarded to a minority student who has demonstrated academic promise in high school and who has the desire to continue that education by attending college. This scholarship was established
by a former Medina High School graduate. Jayson Blankenship, $2500 Jaliyah Davis, $2500 Collins Scholarship: This scholarship is made possible through a trust fund provided by the Robert D. Collins family in memory of Richard Hoffman Collins, who was a Medina resident. Austin Alvarez Spencer Aukerman Lane Barlow Jayson Blankenship Emily Costello Frederick Denkewalter Jenna Dombi Bryce Fink Adam Fowler Thomas Fowler Joseph Gamin Megan Hascher Shea Heath Marissa Hill Jessica Holzman Alex Hough Destiny Kirby Taylor Lentz Danielle Metzger Maggie Oleksiak Daniella Parks Julia Reedy Carla Relitz Holly Rundle Kayleigh Sevinsky Olivia Shienkaruk Jacob Smith Rachel St. Clair Valerie Stone Anthony Supan Ashlyn Sydorenko Austin Wayne Logan Yates
A total of $32,750 was awarded. www.medinabees.org
bee informed Outstanding Seniors
Students of the Month Recognized at Senior Assembly
Senior Service Award
The Senior Service Award is a special presentation honoring a senior student who has gone above and beyond what was required of him or her. The senior may have dedicated extra time, given extra effort and/or gone out of his or her way to make Medina High School a better place for all students. This year, we have chosen two amazing seniors to earn the Senior Service Award.
sionate about helping other students and her community and plans to stay just as involved at Liberty University while pursuing a degree in English. The second recipient of this year’s Senior Service Award is Kathryn Smith.
The first Senior Service Award recipient is Ashley Brei.
Kathryn Smith
Ashley Brei She demonstrates each day what it means to give back to the community. At Medina High School, she has unselfishly given her time to work with students and the community at large. Ashley has been involved in several student service organizations, including Student Council, Link Crew and Girls Leadership Club. She has also been a camp counselor and tutor. Outside of school, Ashley volunteers for her church and many other volunteer organizations, and has truly enjoyed her time on mission trips to West Virginia and Jamaica. She is pas-
She has made a lasting impact with her peers and with all of the individuals she has helped with her countless hours of volunteer service. Kathryn is an active leader in many of the elite service organizations at Medina High School including Key Club, HUDDLE/SHUDDLE, National Honor Society and Student Council. A true team player, she is a member of the orchestra and has received the Rollie Platz Sportsmanship Award for cross country. Her community activities include volunteering at Holy Martyrs and mission trips through the Medina Methodist Church. Kathryn also volunteers her time helping out with Garfield Elementary’s running club. She plans to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Bowling Green State University.
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Each month, a junior or senior female and male are selected by a committee of 12 National Honor Society members as the Students of the Month. This year’s Medina High School Students of the Month are: Sonoma (Sunny) Levine, Andrew Newman, Alyssa Kurkul, William Turrittin, Megan Towne, Logan Usher, Julia Reedy, Adam Usher, Margaret Swiecicki, Steven Stenquist, Aliah Keller, Nicholas Schmeller, Mariah Edwards, Shane Cullin, Gabriella Shepard and James Daw III.
Students of the Year At the end of the year, the National Honor Society committee heads and officers select a male and/or female student of the year from the candidates selected throughout the year. The 2015-2016 Students of the Year are Sonoma (Sunny) Levine, Steven Stenquist and Medina County Career Center senior, Gabby McNeil.
www.medinabees.org
bee informed Outstanding Senior Award The Outstanding Senior Award is the highest award presented to a Medina High School senior. Seniors are nominated by faculty with the final determination made by the Medina High School academic department chairs and club advisors. The Outstanding Senior is a role model for underclassmen, an achiever like no other and truly represents the student body of Medina High School as a Battling Bee. This year, two incredible seniors were chosen to earn the Outstanding Senior Award.
Crew, Drama Club and Peer Tutoring. In addition, he is the string orchestra president and National Honor Society president. He has also earned the awards of “Mr. Courage” and “Mr. Success” on the cross country team. This year, you may have seen him as one of the emcees in SPICE or in one of his many community activities. Steven is an Eagle Scout and Senior Patrol Leader and serves as team captain for his indoor soccer team, while also volunteering his time with his church group and Feed Ohio. He will continue his education at Brigham Young University, majoring in Physiology.
Challenge, Link Crew, tutoring and Latin Club are some of the many activities she has participated in at Medina High School. Addie also volunteers her time for Project Learn of Medina County and Junior Leadership. She worked behind the scenes as part of the crew, making sure everything ran smooth-
ly for Encore, “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat” and “Grease.” Addie demonstrated her talents on stage, performing in the production, “Almost Maine”. She is the poster child for Medina High School as an all-around polite and respectful young woman.
End of the School Year Dance Party Fun
Steven Stenquist Steven Stenquist is this year’s first Outstanding Senior Award choice, which should be no surprise to anyone who has witnessed the contributions that he has made to Medina High School. He is highly respected by his peers and the Medina High School staff. This young man has truly distinguished himself through his academics. Steven has also demonstrated a commitment to service, having been active in the National Honor Society, HUDDLE/SHUDDLE, Student Council, Debate, Link
Addie Schneider The second recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award is Addie Schneider, a well-deserving young woman who is involved in many areas of interest at Medina High School. She is charismatic, intellectual, insightful, honest, respectful and hard working. Addie distinguishes herself through her academics, finishing her senior year with a 4.468 GPA. Girls Leaders Club, Academic
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bee informed The Order of the Golden Tassel/Honors Diploma To receive a golden tassel, students had to earn the Honors Diploma as per the standard set forth by the Ohio Department of Education. Students accepted their tassels from their associate principals. Joshua Curtis Ailiff
Shea Nicole Heath
Abigail Clare Nagucki
Kathryn Marie Smith
Antonio Ian Albery
Brett Christopher Helsel
Samantha Marie Navicky
Zachary Lee Smith
Ali Mohammad Al-Ramezi
Brittany Deloris Hicks
Andrew Stephen Newman
Mary Elizabeth Spelic
Christy Rae Augustine
Monica Lin Higgins
Allison Grace O’Connell
Rachel Elizabeth St. Clair
Spencer Allan Aukerman
Marissa Rae Hill
Maggie Kay Oleksiak
Morgan Lee Steitz
Lane Anthony Barlow
Elizabeth Hope Hlad
Sarah Grace Osvath
Steven Lambert Stenquist
Ryan Wesley Barco
Zachary Daniel Hlas
Megan Elizabeth Oswald
Anthony Walter Supan
Johnathan Joseph Mark Bonezzi
Haylene Alexandra Holladay
Hannah Marie Parker
Margaret Kathleen Swiecicki
Christian Alexander Bonnell
Madison Marie Hubbard
Daniella Nicole Parks
Ashlyn Nicole Sydorenko
Daniel Jerome Bouska
Seth Michael Hutchman
Alyssa Suzanne Parsons
Adrienne Renee Szoly
Ashley Elizabeth Brei
Lillian Rae Jackson
Lauren Christine Patneau
Joshua Thomas Taylor
Eric Robert Brown
Andrew David Johnson
Cassandra Mae Pearson
Alexa Rae Toth
Brianne Marie Caccavale
Kelly Marie Kaletta
Alyssa Claudia Petitti
Megan Jordan Towne
Alexandra Paige Campbell
Spencer Grant Kaufman
Katherine Claire Phillips
Morganne Christine Turk
Savannah Lynn Campbell
Hailey Ann Kaylor
Rachel Anne Julia Piero
Tara Marie Turscak
Zachary David Carey
Janine Rene Keding
Ava Victoria Pottschmidt
Adam Thomas Usher
Aidan Gordon Carlson
Aliah Christeen Keller
Kaitlyn Marie Prater
Logan Richard Usher
Emily Anne Cassidy
Sean Michael Kerns
Austin Scott Provost
Julia Rose Van Wagnen
Grant Charles Centlivre
Kyle Robert Kofsky
Benjamin Robert Puls
Mollie Noam VanArsdale
Sarah Michelle Colonius
Alyssa Gabriela Kurkul
Julia Francis Rose Reedy
Samuel Michael Vavzincak
Brandon Lawrence Combs
Brenda Lebada
Jacob Robert Reisberg
Alexandria Elizabeth Villeneuve
Emily Rose Costello
Haley Madison LeBlanc
Michael David Resendes
Breanna Maria Wadel
Taylor Ann Marie DeAgazio
Sydney Jane Leckie
Morgan Ashley Rittenhouse
Megan Elizabeth Warren
Frederick Joseph Denkewalter
Taylor Nichole Lentz
Samantha Kate Rohrbaugh
Emma Catherine Wasyluk
Jenna Grace Dombi
Sonoma Michelle Levine
Holly Lynn Rundle
Austin Michael Wayne
Mariah Lee Edwards
Sydney Alexandra Lynskey
Madeline Elizabeth Sabetta
Ryan James Weber
Cassandra Leigh Field
Michaela Lynn Lyons
Karamjot Singh Sarai
Sophia Rose Weidner
Brian Robert Fotheringham
Nicholas Peter Manhoff
Kaylee Mackenzie Scavinski
Jacob Thomas Weidokal
Michael Robert Fox
Kelsi Kromer Mariner
Jacob Louis Schaefer
Matthew Peter Wilkes, Jr.
Anna Iwens Francis
Emily Anne Masa
Mason Lea Schick
Ngozi Adenike Williams
Kimberly Marie Franks
Samantha Marie Masters
Addie Rae Schneider
Mararet Ellen Willse
Ethan Gregory Frisch
Alexander Robert McMullen
Samantha Anne Scott
Nicholas James Wirtz
Joesph Augustus Gamin
Gabrielle Corine McNeil
Olivia Anne Sency
Ryan Michael Woods
Matthew David Gilleland
Madeline Lee Menssen
Kayleigh Nicole Sevinsky
Logan Matthew Yates
Kyle Randall Gottschalk
Kevin Matthew Menyes
Gabriella Nicole Shepard
Jody Alyson Zane
Samantha Elizabeth Gross
Danielle Beatrice Metzger
Quinn Connor Shewbridge
Julianne Marie Zatezalo
Logan Russell Haid
Megan Leigh Miller
Zachary Thomas Skidmore
Natalie Grace Hart
Michayla Jayne Miller
Andrew Thomas Smith
Megan Elizabeth Hascher
Joshua Thomas Mone’
Austin Lee Smith
Emily Elizabeth Hawk
Brooke Ashley Morris
Jacob Anthony Smith
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bee informed Class of 2015 Top 35
Top 11
*
Matthew Wilkes Samuel Vavzincak Julia Van Wagnen Anthony Supan Steven Stenquist Mary Spelic Kathryn Smith
(Top row, l-r) Margaret Willse, Sophia Weidner,
*Haley LeBlanc (early graduate), Emily Masa, Ava Pottschmidt (Bottom row, l-r) Addie Schneider, Sunny Levine, Megan Towne,
Margaret Swiecicki, Grant Centlivre, Eric Brown Samantha Navicky Michayla Miller Kelsi Mariner Michaela Lyons Sydney Lynskey Sydney Leckie Brenda Lebada
Andrew Smith Gabriella Shepard Olivia Sency Holly Rundle Julia Reedy Rachel Piero Lauren Patneau
Alyssa Kurkul Kelly Kaletta Mariah Edwards Savannah Campbell
Perfect Attendance Recognition The following students had perfect attendance all four years at Medina High School. Their commitment to education is truly appreciated.
Brandon Combs
Kevin Menyes
Kathryn Smith
Autumn Hodges (MedinaCounty Career Center)
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bee informed “Going the Extra Mile” Award Recipients The “Going the Extra Mile” awards are proudly sponsored by the Medina City Schools Foundation and are presented to staff who are nominated by their colleagues. Traits being honored are work ethic, service as great role models, demonstrating pride and enthusiasm and the willingness to “go the extra mile” in their schools and their departments.
Debbie Biggs Some people give more than they have, extend themselves beyond what is expected and give of themselves in ways that lift those around them. Every day, unassuming individuals everywhere demonstrate the joy of offering assistance without expecting anything in return. Debbie Biggs, paraprofessional at Waite Elementary, is one such superhero. This year, Debbie primarily worked with two teachers to help meet the needs of 11 students with IEPs. One of her “super powers” must be mind-reading. Never once did anyone have to ask her to do anything. Whether academic or social, Debbie foresees problems before they arise. She gets to the copier to duplicate a lost handout before students even notice that they have lost their papers. Debbie answers students’ questions before they even raise their hands and nurtures hurt feelings before the tears fall. Every year, Debbie begins working with her students to make sure they are success-
ful each and every day. She begins by handing out her own creative cards with tips to open their lockers. Debbie makes time to practice with them until they have mastered it. She is always encouraging and patient, even if she has to repeat “turn right, then left, now right” for the hundredth time. Debbie uses all of her magic and tries all of the tricks to help students stay organized, often cleaning out lockers, color-coding binders and writing in agendas. The incredible, amazing and sensational Debbie Biggs goes the extra mile every chance she gets.
Kevin Bux Kevin Bux, science teacher at A.I. Root Middle School, is always one of the first to arrive at school. He puts his heart and soul into teaching on a daily basis and carries that enthusiasm onto the football field as assistant coach. This school year, he devoted additional time and energy to take the lead in developing the “Read with a Bee” program. This program en-
couraged Varsity football players to take time out of their day off of practice and share it with the elementary students. This year, the players went into three of the elementary buildings, Blake, Northrop and Waite, to spend time reading to the kids, either in a group setting or one-on-one. He further advanced the program by joining forces with the 2nd and Seven Foundation, which was created by three former Ohio State football players to encourage literacy and the love of reading. With the generosity of the 2nd and Seven Foundation and Kevin’s efforts, the team was able to deliver a new book to all of the district’s second grade students. Kevin has a drive for working with kids and helping them excel in the classroom and on the football field, but, more importantly, he wants to see them become productive members of society. The students and players appreciate his “no nonsense” approach and love the relationships that he builds with both his students and players.
Laura Calaiacovo General Douglas McArthur said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” This quote describes Laura Calaiacovo, Spanish teacher and Student Council Advisor at Medina High School. Going above and beyond her day-to-day duties, she spends countless hours involved with student council, helping students gain leadership skills through orchestrating events such as prom, working at the football games, cafeteria sales, teacher appreciation and countless others. She also works with her council to spearhead a leadership workshop for the middle school students. Laura is very dedicated to her job. Her passion for teaching kids goes way beyond the Spanish classroom. Laura has given her time to take students on trips to Continued on page 9
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bee informed “Going the Extra Mile” Award Recipients different parts of the world, providing life experiences through other cultures. She is organized, devoted, selfless and a true role-model.
Julie Condit Julie always has a smile on her face. As a Title teacher at Sidney Fenn Elementary, she is energetic and enthusiastic, as she works to engage young readers. She helps the Fenn Title Team create fun and exciting reading challenges for all students. Always looking for ways to give back, Julie has been an advocate for Fenn families in need of food, helping to collect and distribute groceries on a weekly basis. As a colleague, she is always willing to help, no matter the task at hand. Julie also shares her knowledge of reading strategies to help the staff improve themselves and ultimately become better reading teachers. She is kind, caring and an important member of the “Fenn Family.”
Megan Csiszar A Spanish teacher at Claggett Middle School, Megan goes above and beyond for her students, spending countless hours designing interesting and meaningful lessons and classroom
activities and often sharing her materials with her colleagues. Megan is a member of the Leadership Breakfast Committee at Claggett, helps judge auditions for the school play and has been a part of Claggett’s mentoring program since its inception. She often receives visits after school from past and present students just to talk and “hang out.” Megan is always willing to lend a helping hand and definitely “goes the extra mile” to contribute to the great environment at Claggett.
Mark DeFoor Mark DeFoor, head custodian at Heritage Elementary, is the building’s “foundation.” He greets the staff and students every morning with a smile and genuine concern for how each of the them are doing. Each day, Mark makes sure the building is in top shape and never tires of the calls regarding a clean up somewhere in the building. No matter the task, he never hesitates to jump in and help where he is needed. Mark has been known to be the building prankster of the staff, but never crosses the line on good, clean fun. His true gift to Heritage is his compassion and love of
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the children who go there. Whether comforting a child who has forgotten his or her homework or cleaning up after a student whose day just did not start out as planned, his goal is to make sure that every student is comfortable. Mark makes connections with the students and has become an active part of their lives. There are three key words to describe Mark: kind, considerate and gentle. Heritage truly has a gem who is very much appreciated each and every day.
Jodi Dobben “Today and every day, deliver more than you are getting paid to do. The victory of success will be half won when you learn the secret of putting out more than is expected in all that you do. Make yourself so valuable in your work that eventually, you will become indispensable. Exercise your privilege to go the extra mile and enjoy all of the rewards you receive. You deserve them.” - Og Mandino This quote perfectly describes Jodi Dobben, fifthgrade teacher at Ella Canavan. Dust never settles on Jodi. She goes above and beyond what is expected daily. When the job becomes
overwhelming, Jodi never shows it, always keeping her attitude positive. Jodi is a great role model for her fellow teachers, serving on several building and district-level committees including the District ELA Committee, District Science Committee, MCTA Elections Chair, the Canavan BLT Committee and is the advisor for K-Kids at Canavan. Jodi is very flexible and is always trying new teaching strategies to make the students feel successful. She has worked with special needs students for many years and differentiates, modifies and adjusts assignments to the specific needs of each student she holds high, but obtainable, expectations for all learners. Jodi is a valuable asset to Ella Canavan and is indispensable to the students and colleagues she works with.
Nick Dominguez If you ask the staff at Garfield Elementary about music teacher Nick Dominguez, they would tell you he is a “Rock Superstar.” He is their own “Piano Man.” When he took his first steps into the building as a newbie two years ago, they whole-heartContinued on page 10
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bee informed “Going the Extra Mile” Award Recipients edly invited him aboard their “Crazy Train.” At first, Nick was just “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Stayin’ Alive,” but now, it’s just “Another Day in Paradise.” Nick always seems to have “Patience” and humor, even though he may be dealing with “99 Problems.” Some of us can only “Imagine” what it must be like to tell the kids to “Walk this Way” and have them “Freak Out,” or have a fifth-grade classroom that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and may make you feel like you are in a “Purple Haze.” He is always willing to “HELP!” other staff members and definitely goes the extra mile. Nick has gained the “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” of both staff members and students. “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” that even some of Garfield’s paraprofessionals and teachers “Wanna Be a Kid Again” because his classroom is so fun. Once in a “Blue Moon,” he might be “Stressed Out” or “Paranoid” that he isn’t making a difference or doing a good job. “One Way or Another,” Nick will continue to “Go the Extra Mile” to provide each student with a great music “Education.” Remember, Nick, you are liked “Just the Way You Are” and “Nothing Compares to U.”
Cheryl Garrison
Cheryl Garrison, cafeteria manager at Blake Elementary, has a contagious laugh she shares every single day. She always puts the students first and takes the time to know their names and create a stress-free atmosphere, so each student can enjoy their time in the lunch line without worry. Cheryl treats her staff with respect, enabling them to do a fantastic job. In return, she has the respect of her staff. At any time of the day, you can hear their laughter. Cheryl is a true believer in having a great time while you work. She has an incredible work ethic and is always willing to help other managers and buildings when needed. Clearly, the Blake cafeteria is a great place to be. This school year, Cheryl has truly gone the “extra mile,” leaving her Blake home to head to a different building for two weeks to take on the role of manager and train a new cook in that building. She was definitely missed at Blake, but she was loved and appreciated at the building she assisted. They were sad to see her contagious laughter leave. Cheryl is always willing to pitch in whenever there is a
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building event, volunteering her time to support various building projects. She is creative and truly believes work should be fun. Cheryl guarantees that Blake students (and staff) will see smiling faces, hear cheerful laughter and have a wonderful lunch experience. She is a great manager, and more importantly, a great person.
Renee Kennedy/Laura Whitaker These two teachers have developed a powerful working relationship over the last 17 plus years. They share their time and talent both during the school day and often after, working to improve the creative genius in their students. Renee and Laura have created a synergy where their one plus one does not equal two, but rather three or four devoted teachers. They consistently provide all Claggett students with the opportunity to develop their artistic abilities and capture their creative energy. Renee and Laura have worked with the Claggett staff and students to energize the “Leader in Me” program. Over the summer months, each of them contributed, in some capacity, to the beautification of the school’s lobby utilizing the
seven habits. As a team, they worked diligently to paint the bee statue sitting outside of the school office. They devote their extra time together to display their students’ artwork in various art exhibits, displays and events outside of the school day. Renee and Laura have also participated in the Art 1.11 Scholarship event that supports graduating seniors from Medina High School. Whether working together or apart, these two teachers have made a big impact. They are wonderful educators, role models, mentors and friends.
Drew Leonard Drew Leonard, repairman, was the only one on third shift in the Maintenance Department for the past three years. He has a great understanding of all the district buildings and usually knows how to mend, repair or replace what is needed to complete a work order. Drew is a team player, making sure that buildings are in good working order and safe. He is always willing to take on new tasks and increase his knowledge in a very positive manner. He was the first responder whenever there was a snow or ice storm on the horizon. He does a great job Continued on page 11
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bee informed “Going the Extra Mile” Award Recipients managing the many areas around all the buildings, always “Going the Extra Mile” with his swift response times to whatever job comes up. Drew was recently promoted to Repairman Specialist and is now on first shift. He will continue to be a tremendous asset to the Maintenance Department and the district.
Courtney London Courtney London, physical education teacher at Blake Elementary, epitomizes what it means to be a promoter of good health and fitness. John F. Kennedy once said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” Courtney exudes enthusiasm for physical fitness in almost everything she does. She has applied the last two years for the “Fuel Up to Play 60” funds, successfully earning over $2,000 in her first attempt. She leads Blake’s Health and Wellness student leadership team, which was responsible for producing a video about the importance of getting enough exercise, winning an award through “Fuel Up to Play 60.” She has promoted healthy
eating habits by organizing a nutritionist to come in during lunch periods and provide students with the opportunity to sample healthy snack choices. Students worked with Courtney to quickly develop exercise routines for classrooms to get the blood flowing and get students ready for the day. In her “spare time,” Courtney also organizes “Jump Rope for Heart” and plans out field day, organizing not only activities, but parent volunteers as well. When not in her physical education role, she is always willing to jump in to help wherever needed. Courtney is a true leader at H.G. Blake.
Dean Marshall Dean Marshall, custodian at Medina High School, is always in a great mood, smiling from ear-to-ear each and every day. He walks faster than any human should be capable of. Dean is the first to jump in to help with any task that needs attention. Always dependable, Dean works hard to keep the high school in order by making sure that the head custodian is always in the loop and that everyone stays on task.
Kristen Moore
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Continued from page 10
Have you ever known someone who always has a smile on their face, is willing to help and takes on any new project at a moment’s notice? Then you must know Kristen Moore, kindergarten teacher at Waite Elementary. Kristen has been with the Medina City Schools for many years, surviving various long-term substitute positions and teacher lay-offs only to be brought back time and time again, because she is that good. Each time she took a new position, she did so with a positive outlook, diving in and making it the best year ever for all of the students in her class. Kristen works hard with special education students, aides, teachers, parents and everyone in the building who she comes in contact with. She puts in long hours working to find the best fit for each child in her a.m. and p.m. classes. Kristen has volunteered and been on multiple, too numerous to name, building and district committees since she started as a longterm substitute. When you think about “Going the Extra Mile,” many would think of Kristen. She is a great example to all Medina City Schools’ teachers and staff.
Sharon Oltersdorf Sharon Oltersdorf, EMIS Coordinator, Department of Educational Services, always “goes the extra mile.” She assists all of the secretaries in the district with DASL questions and problems. Sharon is the “go to” person for registration issues and documentation. Over the course of the last four years, there have been four new secretaries in the Department of Educational Services. Sharon has been a wealth of knowledge and patience during that transitional time. She is always willing to lend a hand and share her vast knowledge of student services. From answering registration and custody questions to pitching in with the registration process for new kindergarten students, Sharon is always willing to help with a smile on her face. She definitely “goes the extra mile“ each and every day.
Terri Searle It is difficult to begin to describe the level of enthusiasm that Terri Searle, physical education teacher at Medina High School, has for her job. She is always going above and beyond, Continued on page 12
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bee informed “Going the Extra Mile” Award Recipients looking for ways to add value to Medina High School and the community. You will find Terri at nearly every athletic event, helping out, organizing Special Olympics and constantly encouraging her department. Her contagious, positive attitude consistently shines. Terri’s greatest strength is always thinking about others. She does a great job putting herself in her colleagues’ shoes before making a decision. She truly cares about the perspectives of other people, which is one of the reasons why she is so successful in her position. She is someone to look up to, a mentor and, for so many, a friend.
Tammy Taylor You can always depend on Tammy Taylor, custodian at Medina High School, to not only get her job done, but assist anyone who might need help with a project or assignment they are working on. She is always aware of any activity going on in the building and is always one step ahead. Tammy is a great co-worker and leader at the high school. On her days off, her shoes are hard to fill. She is a role model and works hard each and every day to “go
Continued from page 11
the extra mile” to help keep the high school running smoothly.
Team and being a respected member of Northrop’s Building Leadership Team.
Roy Tuebl
In addition to her work on those committees, she has worked this year to strengthen the Culture Committee at Northrop by organizing regular meetings, communicating with other committee members and helping the committee focus their efforts to continually improve the school. On a daily basis, Alison can be found supporting building initiatives, helping colleagues, giving suggestions, acting as a sounding board and providing words of encouragement.
Roy Tuebl, bus driver, is a tremendous asset to the Transportation Department. He approaches challenges with the calmest of demeanors, from inclement weather, to a sick child, to working an extra route to ensure that students get home safely. He is appreciated for his professionalism, attention to detail, flexibility and constant willingness to go ‘above and beyond’ to make sure that both parents’ and children’s needs are met on a daily basis. Roy’s kindness and caring demeanor is welcomed with open arms by those he encounters each and every day. He has been with the Transportation Department since 2013, and in that short time has become a valued member of the Medina City Schools’ team.
Alison Yates Alison Yates, first grade teacher at Northrop Elementary, is a true model of what it means to “go the extra mile.” Alison is an active leader in the school as well as the district, representing Northrop on the District Leadership
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Most recently, Alison has focused her efforts on building wellness. She led several Northrop teachers in a “couch to 5K” program, which included group running times, workouts with a trainer and healthy eating tips in an effort to help staff achieve their fitness goals and ultimately participate in the Medina City School Foundation’s Run.4.Fun. Alison’s years of experience, calm demeanor and caring approach with both staff and students make her an essential teacher and leader at Northrop.
Recognition of the 2016 Retirees Don Bican, repairman, Operations, 14 years of service Gerry Fry, laborer, Operations, 30 years of service Tharen Houck, media specialist, Claggett Middle School, nine years of service Holly Kemp, paraprofessional, Canavan Elementary, 24 years of service Edith Shaw, custodian, Northrop Elementary, 26 years of service Gloria Stephens, paraprofessional, Medina High School, 23 years of service Jerry Thompson, custodian, Operations, seven years of service Thank you for your years of service, a total of 133 years, and commitment to the Medina City Schools.
Medina
PRIDE MEDINA CITY SCHOOLS
Continued on page 13
www.medinabees.org
bee informed District Recognizes “Outstanding Volunteers” During the recent closing day ceremony on Friday, May 27, Superintendent Dave Knight, honored Jim Ludwig, as the district’s Outstanding Volunteer. It is through the thousands of volunteer service hours donated by parents and community members that help to provide many services and opportunities to our students.
JIM LUDWIG Jim Ludwig, a part-time employee of Giant Eagle, approached the district about two years ago to see what opportunities might be available to tutor or mentor students. “Mr. Jim,” as he is endearingly called, found a home at Garfield Elementary. Over the last two years, “Mr. Jim” has come to Garfield to mentor a few students.
“three D’s” would relentlessly inquire with Mrs. McGinty about when “Mr. Jim” would be coming. After a few weeks of coordinating schedules, “Mr. Jim” arrived back to Garfield to spend time with his “lunch bunch.” Mid-year, one of the boys moved from Garfield to Fenn. The boys, as well as Jim, were concerned they would lose contact. Jim promised to go over to Fenn and check on
JIM IS A SPECIAL PERSON WHO GIVES HIS OWN PERSONAL TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THESE VERY SPECIAL YOUNG MEN. He arrives each Wednesday, without fail, before heading to work, to have lunch and hang out in one of the open rooms in the office with three students, DeShawn, Deandre’ and the newest addition to the group, Dominic. “Mr. Jim” affectionately calls them the three “D’s.” They eat lunch, tell jokes and even head outdoors to play basketball together. What is different about Jim is that he truly wants to spend time and talk to the kids. The boys enjoy and appreciate the time they get to spend with him. At the start of the new school year, the
“Team Bee” Award Recipients
their friend. The check-in quickly turned into a weekly lunch stop there as well. Before making his weekly visit to Garfield, he makes a pitstop at Fenn. Jim is a special person who gives his own personal time to make a difference in the lives of these very special young men. The boys have a special place in Jim’s heart as he has grandsons that live out of state. Spending time with these students takes his mind off of how much he misses them. He is a true hero to these boys and to our staff.
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District employees were once again recognized with this year’s “Team Bee” award. This award recognizes a team of staff members who have quietly worked behind the scenes to do something special or begin a new initiative for the benefit of our students. Two teams were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the district this year. The first “Team Bee” award went to a group of hard working and committed Fenn Elementary staff members: Stevie Beshire, Paula Chase, Julie Condit, Pam Downey, Terrie Getz, Debbie Hicks, Tracey Kelly, Lauren Lape, Debbie Quaider, Terry Springer and Kristin Ulm. After discovering there were several Fenn families in need of help each week, this group worked effortlessly to orga-
nize a building-wide effort to assist in supporting their nutritional needs. This effort started as an idea from Fenn student Alexandra Condit, and the project began with the Medina County Police Activities League who provided a box of non-perishable food items each week to selected Fenn families. After seeing what a great program this was, the Fenn staff members took the idea one step further. First, they volunteered to deliver the boxes of food directly to the families’ homes. They then decided to supplement what was being sent home creating a weekly signup to bring milk, bread and snacks to the families. Kristin Ulm worked to recruit her church, Prince of Peace Continued on page 14
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bee informed “Team Bee” Award Recipients-cont. Lutheran Church, to help with fresh fruits and vegetables. Feeding Medina County added weekender bags and Medina County Police Activities League (MCPAL) joined forces with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank to provide families with access to fresh meat. With a steady stream of volunteers, this effort not only provided all of the extra food each week, but also made sure that it was delivered directly to the student’s front door every Friday after school. This has become an outreach program that not only provides much needed assistance to the students, but also allows more contact between the parents and the Fenn staff in a non-school setting. The next “Team Bee” award went to a group of educators: Anna Cass, Paul Kidd, Sue Klingshirn, Deb Laneville, Dan O’Brien, Terri Searle, Susan Toth and Carolyn Wendle, who recently helped plan and coordinate for a group of Medina High School, Claggett and Root Middle School students to participate in the recent Spe-
cial Olympics event held at Cloverleaf Schools. Through a multitude of emails, they worked together as a team to arrange busing to transport students on the day of the event. They also teamed up with the physical education teachers to get qualifying times and distances for the various events so that students were placed in suitable “heats.” Paraprofessionals participated to provide additional coverage and assistance, raising money for t-shirts for the students and arranging to have boxed lunches provided for the coaches, athletes and volunteers. In addition, they worked with a local physician to come to the high school to provide physicals to those students who were unable to afford one, allowing those students the opportunity to participate. Their hard work and tenacity provided a memory those students will keep with them for a lifetime. Their commitment to the students and Medina City Schools is commendable.
Recognition of Outstanding Community Partner - Medina County District Library Our community partners are invaluable to our school district. Their generosity to individual school buildings and classrooms is endless. Throughout the school year, members of the community generously donate resources, give freely of their time, participate in and work with the district to enhance the educational experiences of our students and staff. This year’s Outstanding Community Partner is the Medina County District Library. The Medina County District Library has a century long history of serving Medina and is considered one of the pillars in our community. Our students, families and staff benefit from the services and programs provided by the library on a daily basis. The library has provided opportunities to our children and consistently reinforces a love of reading and the importance of literacy. Over the years, the library has worked to build a partnership with Medina City Schools and continues to do amazing things for our students and staff. Throughout this school year, Gail Ebey, through the children’s department at the library, worked with
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Karen McGinty, Garfield Elementary principal, and Garfield students to get all of the grade levels into the library for a tour and to sign up for their very own “3 For Me” library cards, which allows them to check out three books each time they visit the library. This program has afforded these students a great resource in the library. If there is a school event, the bookmobile is there with books galore for visitors of all ages to look through and check out and apply for a library card of their own. The librarians are always available to help and provide information about the latest programs offered to students, like the summer reading program. Your endless, generous gift of time and energy to help create engaged readers and enhance the education of our students has been an asset to our district. Thank you for your continued commitment to Medina City Schools.
www.medinabees.org
bee informed Meet the Teacher Night/Open House Information Heritage Elementary Monday, August 15 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Northrop Elementary
Monday, August 15 Kindergarten through Grade 5 ONLY A-L: 6-6:45 p.m. M-Z: 6:45-7:30 p.m.
Waite Elementary Monday, August 15 A-L: 5-5:45 p.m. M-Z: 5:45-6:30 p.m.
Fenn Elementary
Monday, August 15 Kindergarten and new students: 6-6:30 p.m. First through fifth: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Blake Elementary
Claggett Middle School
Monday, August 15 A-L: 6:30-7:15 p.m. M-Z: 7:15-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16 Sixth Grade: 5-6:30 p.m.
Seventh and Eighth Grade: 7-8:30 p.m.
Garfield Elementary
Medina High School Parent Orientation Night: Ella Canavan Elementary Parent 101 Monday, August 15 Monday, August 15 6:30-8:30 p.m.
6-7:30 p.m.
A.I. Root Middle School Monday, August 15 Sixth Grade Orientation: 6-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16 Seventh and Eighth Grade Open House: 5-6 p.m.
Medina High School will be offering a Parent Orientation 101 Night on Thursday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school’s Middle Stage Auditorium. The main meeting will address student involvement and high school policies. The orientation night will involve break-out sessions relating to the following topics:
• Freshmen Orientation (Link Crew) • Guidance/Academics • Social Media Warnings • Bullying/Dating Violence • Blackboard/Progress Book • Athletics Parents will have the opportunity to identify and attend any break-out session that is relevant to their student. Each session will be fifteen minutes in length and will be offered multiple times throughout the evening. This information will be valuable to parents as their students transition to Medina High School. We hope that you are able to attend.
Medina High School Student Schedule Release Freshmen and New Students Orientation Friday, August 12 Medina High School Gymnasium 8:00 a.m.-2 p.m. • Receive your schedule (PLEASE NOTE: if a freshman does not attend orientation, he/she will not be able to receive his/her schedule until the first day of school on Wednesday, August 17) • Meet your Link Leader • Walk through the building finding your classrooms
• Find your locker and work the combination
which the student had not selected
may do so following the schedule below:
• Eat lunch with your classmates
• Too many courses are scheduled in one semester
• Activity, Club Fair and information distribution
• Lunch is not scheduled
• Seniors: Wednesday, August 10 from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Media Center
• Hold your first class meeting with the principals and counselors Grades 10-11-12 Schedules will be mailed to your home address the first week of August. Request for a schedule change will be considered for the following reasons: • A course is omitted which the student had selected • A course is scheduled
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• A course taken in summer school is scheduled • A course not completed in summer school needs scheduled • A conflict with CCP schedule has occurred • Senior students will be accommodated for their requested one period of early release or late arrival If you find you need to speak with your counselor for one of the above reasons, you
• Juniors: Wednesday, August 10 from 1-3 p.m. in the Media Center • Sophomores: Thursday, August 11 from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Media Center • Freshmen: Monday, August 15 from 1-2 p.m. in the Media Center • All Students: Tuesday, August 16 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Media Center Open House-Thursday, August 25, 7 p.m. www.medinabees.org
bee informed Medina High School Science Teacher Honored with Department of Educational Services 2016 “IT” Award willing to collaborate with other staff members in order to make each student’s learning experience the best it can be. Dave values and seeks out input from other science teachers, as well as the special education staff. Countless hours are spent in co-planning and developing materials with his co-teacher to make sure that the needs of all students are met. Dave then goes home and spends endless hours searching for the perfect activity or video to reinforce his instruction.
On Monday, May 23, the Department of Educational Services presented the 2016 Inclusion Teacher (IT) Award. The award is given to teachers who provide exemplary service to students with special needs in their classroom. The motto for this award is, “You know IT when you see IT.” This year’s recipient is Dave Johnson, science teacher at Medina High School. Kind, compassionate, approachable and fair are all words that come to mind when students describe their Biology teacher. Flexible, caring, hardworking and team player are all words that come to mind when fellow co-workers characterize Dave. For the past several years, he has opened his classroom to a multitude of special educa-
tion students, staff and paraprofessionals. Dave’s desire to help every student succeed will often lead him to rack his brain and come up
in the knowledge of Biology, but in learning experiences that will help them be successful in the many avenues that life may lead them.
DAVE’S APPROACH TO LEARNING HELPS FOSTER A CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT THAT MAKES EVERY STUDENT FEEL THAT THEIR QUESTIONS OR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE IMPORTANT. with a different lesson plan to reach all of the various levels of students within his classroom. He approaches each student from the level that they are starting and helps them to grow, not just
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Dave’s approach to learning helps foster a classroom environment that makes every student feel that their questions or contributions are important. He is always
Outside of the classroom, Dave attends a multitude of IEP meetings in order to establish a working relationship with his students and their parents. His approach to learning helps every student feel that they can be successful in his classroom. Dave takes the time to make personal connections with his students, often talking with them about their personal interests or activities that they are involved in outside of his classroom. Making these connections helps every student in Dave’s class feel they are an important part of the classroom. Most importantly, students know that he truly cares about their learning and will go out of his way to make sure that he does everything possible to help them reach the next level.
www.medinabees.org
bee informed Renacci Announces Medina Student as Winner of Congressional Art Competition U.S. Representative Jim Renacci (OH-16) announced on Wednesday, May 4, that Katie Semus, a junior at Medina High School, has been selected as the overall winner for Ohio’s Sixteenth Congressional District in the 2016 Congressional Art Competition. Katie’s artwork, entitled “Emerging Sister,” will be displayed in
the U.S. Capitol for one year. “Congratulations to Katie on this accomplishment,” said Renacci. “I look forward to seeing her artwork featured in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.” It will be displayed among some of the best artistic talent across the country.
“It makes me proud to know such promising talent resides in the 16th District of Ohio,” said Renacci. This year, over 45 students from nine different high schools around the district participated in the OH-16 Congressional Art Competition.
Middle School Students Participate in Mock Trial Showcase Both A.I. Root and Claggett Middle Schools participated in the Middle School Mock Trial Showcase on Thursday, May 19. Twelve Root students and nine Claggett students faced others from Black River and Wadsworth to try the case of The State of Oklahoma vs. Cade, based on “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. Each team got to try the case twice, competing against a different team each time. While no ruling was made by the presiding magistrate, a great deal of feedback was provided to our students. In each of the four rooms, a best attorney and best wit-
ness was chosen for each round. Round One:
Emileo Fernandez, eighth grader, Claggett Middle School, received best witness as Pony for providing a visual of the drowning and being consistent; Trevor Jones, eighth grader, Claggett Middle School, received best attorney for impeaching a witness when testimony didn’t match the
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written statement; Sveta Post, eighth grader, A.I. Root Middle School, received best witness as Pony for never wavering on her testimony; and Krystin Kasper, Claggett Middle School eighth-grader received best witness for keeping eye contact and knowing her facts. Round Two:
cler, A.I. Root Middle School eighth grader, received best witness as Randy for knowing his facts; Andrew Altiere, A.I. Root sixth grader, received best attorney for taking small bites from his witness and eating the whole fish; Melanie Cora, A.I. Root Middle School eighth grader, received best witness as Pony for being so believable in her role. Also acknowledged was El Hadji Diop, A.I. Root Middle School sixth grade student, who was presented with a best bailiff award.
Sophie Alber, seventh grader, Claggett Middle School, received best attorney for her knowledge of hearsay and other reasons for objections; Claggett Middle School eighth grader, Emileo Fernandez, received best witness for Pony; Andy Kan-
The judges and magistrates were impressed with everyone’s level of preparedness. It was a great learning experience for everyone involved in the process.
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bee informed Medina High School Teens “Buckle Up for Burgers”
Students entering Medina High School student parking lot as School Resource Officer Al Rowland and State Trooper Robison greet them as they entered, giving them a coupon for a free McDonald’s cheeseburger if they were wearing their seatbelts. Photo courtesy of the Medina County Gazette.
Students driving to the high school on Wednesday, May 18, were greeted by special guests in the student parking lots B, C and E as part of the “Buckle Up for Burgers” seatbelt awareness event, held in conjunction with the Nation-
al Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt safety campaign. This event was made possible by the Medina County Safe Communities Coalition, the Medina Post of the Ohio State
Patrol, Law Enforcement and Medina City Schools in an effort to remind students about seat belt safety. Each student “caught” wearing a seat belt during the unannounced inspection was rewarded with a coupon for a free cheeseburger from the McDonald’s restaurant at 1069 N. Court Street. “This is a proactive approach to do in conjunction with the health department and the high school,” said Mike Wesner, Medina High School Resource Officer. “This is great for the kids, especially
with the increased traffic accidents in the spring months with prom and graduation. Students are receptive to these programs.” Jeff Harrison, principal of Medina High School, commended the effort behind “Buckle Up for Burgers,” calling it a success. “It’s another example of the community partnerships we have and the resources that Medina County provides for our schools,” he said. “It’s a great event that lets the kids know the importance of wearing their seatbelt.”
Ella Canavan Music Teacher Receives 2015-2016 PACE Team Award The Medina PACE Team award seeks to recognize classroom teachers for their outstanding contribution in providing academic enrichment opportunities for our students during and outside of the school day. David Brinker, music teacher at Ella Canavan, gets to know each student and pushes each one to excel to the best of their ability. Brinker also takes the initiative to grow and develop programs that challenge and inspire our students. When students were asked about this year’s nominee, they said... • I like that he is really funny, and I think that makes his class more enjoyable. • He was always nice. He played a lot of fun games. • He is funny and will make a joke about anything. He
is nice to the kids and the staff and does good things. • He uses funny stories to teach. • Many students commented on his sense of humor. • He does fun projects. • He works hard to put on amazing productions with the kids. This year’s recipient has been an inspiration to so many students over the years. His commitment and the amount of time he has put into his classrooms, choirs, drama performances and glee clubs is insurmountable. He successfully teaches students the curriculum, while integrating life lessons that will benefit students throughout their lives. Creative and witty students are drawn to him and they enjoy his sense of humor.
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He is keen to students who are not behaving or working at their maturity and ability level, and he raises his expectations based on that. David can truly relate to these kids, because he is gifted himself. David goes above and beyond in providing any interested fourth and fifth-grader the opportunity to audition and participate in high-quality musical performances. He provides the opportunity for our gifted singers and performers to shine. Countless hours are spent outside of the school day on rehearsals, choreography, blocking, gathering materials and fitting costumes, down to the shoes. The evening performances are always packed. Many of the very talented musicians at the middle and high school level fell in love with music and
drama while in music classes taught here at Canavan. During his years at Ella Canavan, Brinker has met students’ needs as a classroom and a music teacher. We have watched many of his students come back to visit him because he fostered a relationship that truly made a difference in their lives. David Brinker is a caring, genuine teacher who models for students what it means to do the right thing and to be supportive and helpful to others. Thank you for your service to the students in need of a challenge. www.medinabees.org
bee informed Student Leaders at Claggett Middle School Honored During Final Leadership Breakfast of 2015-2016 School Year As a district, Medina City Schools has adopted The Leader in Me: The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. On Wednesday, May 11, 2016, forty-one Claggett Middle School students were honored from each grade level as leaders in each of the seven habits during the school’s final quarterly Leadership Breakfast of the 20152016 school year.
Superintendent Dave Knight was the guest speaker and encouraged the students to always do unto others as you would have them do unto you and, in parting, the importance of being kind and becoming better listeners by first understanding. Awards were presented by Mike Weyand, sixth grade social studies teacher at Claggett. Certificates were presented to each student by Paul Worsencroft, principal of Claggett Middle School, by habit. Habit 1: Be Proactive Logan Brubaker Katelyn Holcomb Lavelle Hull Nicole Johnson Juliette Keller Lillian Maxwell Alexis Metz Kennedy Norwood Demitra Sejka Tyler Wodrich
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind Jacob AlAssaf Hayley Becker Emma Bene Owen Dinie Alec Farone Noah Mowery Shannon Robbins Olivia Rudd
Habit 3: Put First Things First Sarah Bacho Dan Daubner Jacquelyn Farnsworth A’Maryon Hurt
Emma Kriak Emilie Matias Aiden Ridgway
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Chloe Wright
Habit 4: Think Win-Win Courtney O’Connor Leah Schreiber Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Board of Education Meeting Calendar All meeting held at Medina High School Distance Learning Lab
Ethan Davis Abigale Dzwik Kayla Hensley Erik Newell Jimmy Steffen
Monday, July 11 6:30 p.m. Board of Education Work Session
Joy Tang
Habit 6: Synergize Hannah Petrosky Samantha Maine
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Monday, July 18 6:30 p.m. Board of Education Regular Meeting
Cora Donovan Gabrielle Ilg Reese Lloyd Ricky Pinkava Cayla Sevastis
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Monday, August 1 6:30 p.m. Board of Education Work Session
Monday, August 15 6:30 p.m. Board of Education Regular Meeting
www.medinabees.org
bee informed
Foundation Provides Financial Assistance Through the MCSF College Access Program (MCSFcap) The MCSF College Access program (MCSFcap) began in the early 2000’s. The Foundation was looking to broaden its impact on the typical Medina student. The Foundation was providing financial support via scholarships and academic support through the Tutoring Center, however, the vast majority of students were getting
for the Medina City Schools Foundation, especially since it brought funding (about $90k) to establish our program and, more importantly, could benefit a majority of students. The MCSFcap’s main focus is the GAP grant program, which offers need-based scholarships and is
THE MCSFCAP’S MAIN FOCUS IS THE GAP GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH OFFERS NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIPS through 12+ years of MCS untouched by the Foundation. So the Foundation began to look for a new mission to do exactly that, and came across the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN). This was a State of Ohio-funded initiative created by Governor Taft and continued by Governor Kasich to increase the proportion of college graduates in Ohio. Currently, about 20% of Ohioans have a four year college degree or greater; the national average is closer to 25%. The thought was if Ohio could close that gap, then Ohio’s budget issues would resolve through higher wages and becoming a more attractive location for employers to locate.
funded through an endowment fund established via a $25,000 matching grant from KnowledgeWorks. The GAP grant program provides up to $1,500 per year for up to five years, for a total of $7,500 to those applicants demonstrating unmet financial need.
Mission The Medina City Schools Foundation advocates excellence in education by raising and investing funds in innovative classroom and scholarship programs in partnership with the Medina City Schools community. Bee All-In For Kids and help us fulfill our mission by becoming a member of the Foundation. Please visit
Currently, we have three graduates in the GAP program receiving a total of $3,375. www.MedinaCitySchoolsFoundation.org/donate Two of the GAP grant recipients are provided the full or send a check to MCSF, PO Box amount of unmet need. Over the last 12 years, MCSFcap has 1035, Medina, Ohio 44258. Your tax made a significant impact in the lives of students. In some cases, deductible gift will impact lives of MCSFcap made it possible to students today and tomorrow! attend college; in all cases, we made it more affordable.
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www.medinabees.org
bee informed Busy Year at the Joyce B. Ebner Tutoring Center Kelsi Mariner, who will be attending the University of South Carolina. If you would enjoy helping a young person meet their goals next school
The Joyce B. Ebner Volunteer Tutoring Center had a very successful 2015-2016 school year. Services were provided to 580 high school and middle school students who received tutoring in all math, science, history, language arts and foreign language courses. Students attended the Tutoring Center during their designated study halls. In addition to peer-to-peer tutoring, math assistance was provided by math teachers in the math lab. The student tutors received service hours that they were able to use toward school clubs and outside service organizations. These students provide
academic assistance and are also great role models. Many students who receive tutoring during their freshman and sophomore years become tutors themselves during their junior and senior years. The tutoring center strives to create an environment where students feel safe and comfortable. Based on student feedback, this goal has been achieved. This year, an exceptional group of seniors provided a positive experience to the students they tutored. Senior recipients of the Tutoring Scholarship this year are Grant Centlivre, who will be attending the Ohio State University, and
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year, please contact Carolyn Grenfell at the Volunteer Tutoring Center at 330-636-3258 or
[email protected].
Foundation Holds Annual Meeting
On Thursday, June 2, the Foundation held its annual meeting in the Senior Commons at Medina High School. During the meeting, the Foundation was pleased to welcome in its executive committee for the 2016-2017 school year: President Craig Welsh, Vice President Scott Tuchek, Co-Treasurer Mark Dolan, and Co-Treasurer Debbie Bontempo.
They also welcomed new board members Nancy Valentine and Tim Turritin, as well as returning director Matt Richardson. As is customary, Past President Fritz Hoffmann and directors Larry Johns, Guy Jardine and Kate O’Cull were thanked for their many years of devoted service to our students and staff through their work with the Foundation. www.medinabees.org
