Olmsted Falls School District May/June 2010www.ofcs.net

CONGRATULATIONS OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2010Congratulations to the 267 members of the Olmsted Falls High School Class of 2010. Valedictorian Steffany Meredyk, Salutatorian Adam Broski, and Class President Mark Mills addressed fellow classmates, Board members, administrators, teachers, family and friends at the Commencement Ceremony held June 3rd at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University. More than 88% of students from the Class of 2010 plan to continue their education in college.

ValedictorianSteffany Meredyk

SalutatorianAdam Broski

Class of 2010 PresidentMark Mills

MORE NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR OLMSTED FALLS MUSIC PROGRAM For the fourth consecutive year, the Olmsted Falls School District has been named among the “Best Communities for Music Education in America.”

The annual national survey is sponsored by the NAMM Foundation, in partnership with leading music and educational organizations, to promote the benefits of active participation in music and music education.

The 2010 roster acknowledges school districts in 30 states across the U.S. for their commitment to and support of music education in schools. As the economy hinders state and local school budgets from adequately supporting music education, the districts named this year have demonstrated a commitment to sustaining music education for their students even in the face of these financial challenges.

“We are very proud to have earned this prestigious honor for a fourth consecutive year, and we thank our staff, parents and community for their continuing commitment to arts education in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley.

STATE-FUNDED MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPANSION ON-TIME AND ON-BUDGET The expansion of Olmsted Falls Middle School - made possible with the awarding of $7.7+ million in State funding to Olmsted Falls School District by the Ohio School Facilities Commission - continues to progress at a steady pace, and is currently on-track for on-time completion in mid-August. The additions to the building include a pod of 17 new classrooms on the east end of the building, as well as a new music room, two new physical education rooms, expanded music storage area and expanded locker room area on the west end. All areas of expansion will be ready in time for the start of the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. With opening of the new Intermediate School last August, and now the newly expanded Middle School facility, the District has resolved all space issues for grades Pre-K to 8. “We are pleased to have been able to maximize our taxpayers’ investment in our facilities by using local tax funds as matching dollars to secure the State-funding that made the additional, much-needed expansion of the Middle School facility possible,” said Board President Frank Pedicini.

Middle School Classroom Expansion - East End

KARIN KIRTNER AND BABY “THE READING DOG” RECEIVE 2010 FRIENDS OF EDUCATION AWARDEvery year OFEA members nominate deserving individuals or organizations to receive the Friends of Education Award. As a school district, we have been extremely fortunate to have so many people who are willing to give so much of their time and talent to enrich the lives of our students.

This year’s Friends of Education Award recipient is Karin Kirtner and her service dog, Baby. They have been volunteering for five years at Falls-Lenox Primary School. Karin and Baby are part of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program.

Over the past five years this team has worked with many students from special education classes. Each student reads for ten to twenty minutes weekly with Baby and Mrs. Kirtner. The students love reading to Baby and look forward to her weekly visits.

Mrs. Kirtner understands the importance of helping children who struggle with reading. We are confident that the impact Baby and Mrs. Kirtner have on our students will stay with them throughout their lives. Karin has a daughter who is an Olmsted Falls graduate and she enjoys giving back to our schools.

OLMSTED FALLS KIWANIS CLUB EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDSOlmsted Falls Kiwanis Club President John Jacobs (far right) congratulates 2010 Kiwanis Employee of the Year winners (pictured L to R): Transportation Manager Alan Cantrell, Central Office Secretary Joyce Thomas, and Middle School Instructional Coach Lisa Williams.

Staff members are nominated annually by fellow colleagues through a written nomination process. Nominations are reviewed and selected by a special committee of Kiwanis members.

Congratulations to the 2010 Employees of the Year, and thank you to the Kiwanis Club for their continued support of the Olmsted educational community.

Olmsted Falls Schools bid farewell to seven dedicated staff members retiring this year. Their combined service to Olmsted Falls Schools totals 180 years! This year’s retirees include:

Monica Annable, Library Information Specialist (17 Bulldog years)Vincetta Capuano, High School English Teacher (23 Bulldog years)Judith Harrigan, Middle School Cleaner (23 Bulldog years)Connie Kostelnik, Secretary to the Superintendent, (34 Bulldog years)Lucia Pretzloff, ECC/Falls-Lenox Speech Pathologist (17 Bulldog years)Sharon Shea, Falls- Lenox 2nd Grade teacher (34 Bulldog years)Ann Sidun, Falls-Lenox 2nd Grade Teacher (32 Bulldog years)

On behalf of the Olmsted Falls Schools and the Olmsted communities, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of this year’s retirees for their commitment to the education and well-being of our children. These valuable individuals, and their impact on the District, will be greatly missed. Congratulations to each of them, and best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement.

2010 RETIREES DEDICATED TOTAL OF 180 BULLDOG YEARS TO DISTRICT

Retirees in attendance at the annual Records Day Breakfast included Ann Sidun (32 Bulldog years); Lucia Pretzloff (17 Bulldog years); and Monica Annable (17 Bulldog years).

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPSAlumni and Friends of Falls Wrestling ............................................................................Chaz McGrain...................................Mark MillsAmerican Legion Post 403 .......................................................................................................................................................John FahrnerAthletic Booster Club ............................................................Adam Broski .....................Brett Emerine.............................Patrick Hassett Jessica Jurcak Cory Maddocks Corinne Manley Chaz McGrain Ryan Petitti Ian Sparks Cameron TrefnyBoard of Education ........................................................... Katherine Borns .....................Naomi Disrud...........................Patrick Laycock William Major Leigh McCormick Steffany Meredyk Kelly Miller Gus O’Neill Joseph Pedicini Gina Rini-Reese David Venezuela Tabitha WregeChamber of Commerce .................................................................................................................................................... Thomas MichaelsDaniel F. Coyle Cross Country ............................................................................................................................................Joseph PediciniDonauschwaben’s German American Cultural Center ............................................................................................................Erik MaurerEndowment and Alumni Association ................................Lauren Mesaros .................. Alexander New..................................Ryan Petitti Ian Sparks Evan Zaruba Endowed Scholarships: Banks Family .............................................................................................................................................................. Cameron Trefny Gordon Boddy ................................................................................................................................................................... Emily Mills George Butcher Wrestling ..............................................Adam Broski ....................Chaz McGrain...................................Mark Mills Dallas Family .....................................................................................................................................................................John Oravec Davidson Family ......................................................................................................................................................... Cameron Trefny Amelia Harding ........................................................................................................................................................Steffany Meredyk Clara Harding ................................................................................................................................................................. Kurtis Carlisle Capt. Charles Harding ..................................................................................................................................................... Adam Broski McKinney Family .................................................................................................................................................... Samantha Nicolay Virginia Reed Railsback .................................................................................................................................................. Alyssa Bacik Retired Staff .......................................................................................................................................................................David Levin John Sanders ..................................................................................................................................................................Kevin O’Brien Schady Family ................................................................................................................................................................. Kara Bradish Aurora & Norman Spiro Memorial .....................................................................................................................................Eric Tchen Stumpf Family ............................................................................................................................................................. Sarah Underhill Ann Taylor ....................................................................................................................................................................... Kara Bradish Robert Venefra .............................................................................................................................................................Autumn KalikinFirst Federal of Lakewood ...................................................................................................................................................... Alex DittrickGirl Scout Service Unit of Olmsted Falls ................................................................Christianna Holmes................................. Emily MillsDr. William Hayes ..............................................................................................................................................................Corinne ManleyDara Hosta Memorial for Music & Performing Arts .......................................................... John Oravec.................................. Sean VargaDara Hosta Spirit 5K Race/Walk ..........................................Scott Ashmun ...................... Alyssa Bacik............................. Brennan Bates Micayla Beuley Ryan Boone Kara Bradish Collin Brady Adam Broski Kurtis Carlisle Anthony Castro Bryan Corrigan Nicole d’Aliberti Amber Delfosse Cory Ehrenschneider Robert Evans John Fahrner Julie Haumschild Spencer Hawkins Brittany Hogan Christianna Holmes Ashley Jirousek Hayden Jones Jessica Jurcak Joseph LaGruth

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS OLMSTED FALLS LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMWITH MORE THAN $112,000 AWARDED TO THE CLASS OF 2010

Thanks to the generous support of local individuals, families, businesses and organizations who contributed to the Olmsted Falls Local Scholarship Program this year, $112,786 in scholarship funds were awarded to students from the Class of 2010. Sixty-two local sponsors awarded a total of 211 scholarships to graduating seniors this year. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients, and sincere thanks to this year’s Local Scholarship sponsors. Olmsted Falls School District truly appreciates these valuable contributions to our students’ futures. 2010 Olmsted Falls Endowment & Alumni Association Scholarship Winners

Dara Hosta Spirit 5K Race/Walk continued David Levin Ryan Matz James Metzger Emily Mills Mark Mills Justin Morgan James Mulgrew Anan Mustafa Kevin Paradis Joseph Pedicini Gregory Reimer Holly Ritchie Leah Schiely Matthew Stenger Breanne Vedda Nicole Willis Tabitha Wrege Evan ZarubaBetty Jones Memorial .................................................................................................. Shannon DeLeur........................... Joseph LaGruthKey Club ........................................................................................................................ Micayla Beuley.............................. Jessica Jurcak Erin MacIvor Ryan Petitti Evan ZarubaKiwanis Club .....................................................................Micayla Beuley .................. Anthony Castro............................Bryan Corrigan Spencer Hawkins Erin MacIvor Jessica Jurcak Timothy Ochmann Joseph PediciniKiwanis Lyn Barbee Memorial ............................................................................................................................................. Sean DonovanKovar Memorial ........................................................................................................................................................................Adam SokolDrs. Tom and Melissa Kronholz ............................................... Mark Mills ........................ Erin Rogers........................... Sarah UnderhillLayburn Award ........................................................................................................................................................... Alexandra CharavellJack E. and Judy McDonald ...................................................................................................................................................Lauren FisselMedical Mutual of Ohio ..................................................................................................................................................Brandan BookmanMonin & Associates, Inc. ...................................................................................................................................................... Sean DonovanMusic Association .......................................................... Ashley McMahon ............. Timothy Ochmann................................Leah SchielyNational Honor Society ................................................................................................Danielle Stamper.................................. Sean VargaNETSCO, Inc. .............................................................................................................................................................Cristofer OttenwellerOAPSE ....................................................................................Collin Brady ...................... Alex Browne............................Eric Dingfelder Keith Ely Lauren Fissel Patrick Hassett Patrick Laycock Cory Maddocks Chaz McGrain Courtney O’Connor Gregory ReimerOFEA ................................................................................................................................. Alyssa Bacik........................ Melissa ConquestOlmsted Community Center Committed to Excellence .................................................................................................................................................John Oravec Committed to Community Service ........................................................................Breanne Vedda...............................Holly RitchieOlmsted Falls High School Office ......................................................................................................................................... Brett EmerineOlmsted Falls Soccer Association ...................................................................................... David Levin........................... Sarah UnderhillParker Wealth Management ..............................................................................................................................................Spencer HawkinsPTA Units Early Childhood ............................................................................................................ Alyssa Bacik........................... Micayla Beuley James Mulgrew Megan Pennington Falls Lenox ............................................................ Alexandra Charavell ............... Spencer Hawkins...........................Corinne Manley Neil McGrew Holly Ritchie Breanne Vedda Intermediate .......................................................................Kurt Carlisle ..................Ashley Jirousek.................................Joe LaGruth Ashley McMahon Justin Morgan Nicole Willis Middle School .........................................................Christianna Holmes ..................... Jessica Jurcak..........................Kimberly Moyer High School .......................................................................Collin Brady .................. Anthony Castro...........................Bryan Corrigan Brett Emerine Hayden Jones Chaz McGrain Steffany Meredyk James Metzger Thomas Michaels Timothy Ochmann Gregory Reimer Nicholas Riolo Leah Schiely Ian Sparks Cameron Trefny Council ..............................................................................Adam Broski ....................... David Levin...................................Mark Mills Alexander New Ryan PetittiRenaissance Retirement Community ......................................................................................................................................... Sara LiptakEllen Reeves Art ................................................................................................................................................................ Katherine BornsRotary Club of Berea ................................................................................................................................................................ Emily MillsSADD ..............................................................................................................................Brittany Hogan...........................Lauren Mesaros Saluja Hamilton Memorial ................................................................................................................................................ Nicole d’AlibertiDr. Gino Saponari Hockey .......................................................................................................................................................Collin BradySchuster’s Greenhouse ........................................................................................................................................................ Anthony CastroSearch Circus ......................................................................................................... Alexandra Charavell...................Amanda WachowiakBob Shaker Memorial ...................................................................................................................................................... Evan CampanalieStudent Council .....................................................................Scott Ashmun .................... Brennan Bates.................................Erin Coulter Derek Dissell Brooke Ellis Alexandria Frygier Adam Sokol Danielle Stamper Sean VargaTown Planner ................................................................................................................................................................... Melissa ConquestVitamix Corporation ...........................................................................................................................................................Kendall Travers

Reflections Winner Elizabeth Gonzalezdinner held in May.Outstanding job Elizabeth!

PTA Educator of the Year Michelle LaGruth with Council President Mercedez Hathcock.

Linda Parkowski was named PTA Volunteer of the Year at the Annual PTA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held on May 26th at Olmsted Falls Middle School. Mrs. Parkowski was an active member of Early Childhood and Falls-Lenox PTAs, as well as PTA Council. She also helped chair the Pride In Olmsted Schools levy committee,

dedicating countless hours for the students and families of the Olmsted Falls School system. Mrs. Parkowski will serve as President of the Falls-Lenox PTA for the upcoming school year. Heartfelt thanks are extended to Mrs. Parkowski for her hard work and dedication on behalf of the students and staff of Olmsted Falls Schools! Mrs. Parkowski was also the recipient of the this year’s PTA Helping Hands award.

Olmsted Falls Middle School Principal Mark Kurz was awarded the 2009 William M. Jones Excellence in School Management Award by the Harvard Business Club of Northeast Ohio.

Representatives from the Harvard Business Club - Dan Carney (left), president of AT Carney Executive Searches, and Rex Mason (right), CEO of Root Candles, presented the prestigious award to Mr. Kurz (center) at the May 20th Board of Education meeting.

Along with the well-deserved recognition, Mr. Kurz also received a check in the amount of $3,000 for Olmsted Falls Middle School.

HARVARD BUSINESS CLUB HONORS OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

MIDWEST TALENT SEARCH RECOGNIZES MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS Congratulations to the twenty Olmsted Falls Middle School students recognized by the Midwest Talent Search for their exceptional scores on the ACT and/or SAT test!This year’s honorees included (in alpha order): Yahia Ali, Connor Arendec, Michelle Bertrand, Zachary Buchta, Michael Doherty, Katharine Ferster, David Graham, Evan Hudson, Kaylin Hynes, Adelin Leung, Daniel McFadden, Julia McFadden, Rosalyn Mirands, Ethan Novilla, Jorden Rieke, Seth Nauman-Shamatta, Austin Strelau, Holly Taylor, Lauren Walchanowicz and Leah Walchanowicz.Congratulations again to these students on this outstanding accomplishment!

2009-2010 EDUCATOR OF THE YEARCongratulations to Falls-Lenox third grade teacher Michelle LaGruth on being named Educator of the Year by the Olmsted Falls PTA Units.Mrs. LaGruth was nominated by PTA members at Falls-Lenox for her active involvement and for her steadfast commitment to what’s best for students. Mrs. LaGruth was honored at the annual PTA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in May. Her ongoing, positive partnership with the school’s Parent Teacher Association has contributed to success of the Falls-Lenox PTA, and made a difference in the lives of countless students. Mrs.

2009-2010 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

FALLS-LENOX 2ND GRADER WINS OHIO PTA REFLECTIONS CONTESTCongratulations to 2nd grader Elizabeth Gonzalez for her award-winning entry in the annual Ohio PTA Reflections contest. Elizabeth’s entry in the literature category earned top honors as she received the “Award of Excellence” in her category. Writing with the theme “Beauty is…”, Elizabeth’s essay was the top winner in its category for the entire State of Ohio, earning her and her family a trip to the Columbus Zoo for a special presentation ceremony. Elizabeth and her parents were also recognized at the annual Olmsted Falls PTA Volunteer

2010 Midwest Talent Search students were honored at the May Board of Education meeting.

LaGruth has been a longtime member of the PTA, both as a parent and as a teacher. Congratulations to Mrs. LaGruth!

DID YOU KNOW?Olmsted Falls School District

posts job openings and accepts applications on-line.

To view open positions and to apply on-line, please visit www.ofcs.net.

Click on the link to “Employment Opportunities.”

The Olmsted Falls City School District hereby gives notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in the educational programs and activities operated by the district.

Olmsted Falls Board of Education26937 Bagley Rd.P.O. Box 38010Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

Non-Profit Organ.U.S. Postage

PaidCleveland, OhioPermit No. 3288

IS PUBLISHED AS A LINE OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE RESIDENTS OF THE OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY

ECRWSSPOSTAL PATRON

BOARD OF EDUCATIONFrank J. Pedicini, PresidentJoseph T. Bertrand, Vice PresidentRhonda McCroneMichelle M. Theriot James A. Weisbarth

Dr. Todd F. Hoadley, SuperintendentDavid L. Lewis, Chief Operating OfficerDr. James L. Lloyd, Assistant SuperintendentMark Hullman, Treasurer/CFOTimothy J. Atkinson, Director of Business Affairs

Kim Petrina, Editor (440) 427-6020

DISTRICT NEWS UPDATESAll residents are invited to visit

Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley’s Blog for Latest District News & Discussions

http://ofalls.wordpress.com

“BOOKS AHOY!”

DON’T FORGET TO SET SAIL FOR SUMMER READING FUN!

ATTN: BULLDOG PARENTS & STUDENTS

Remember to take advantage of the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s

annual reading game.

This summer’s “Books Ahoy!” game runs through August 7th.

All Bulldog students in grades K to 8 have been pre-registered. Participate at any

Cuyahoga County Library Branch.