Parent Update – September 29, 2010

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS DISCUSS FUTURE DIRECTION OF DISTRICT

The Olmsted Falls Board of Education has embarked on a series of discussions, during regular meetings as well as special work sessions, to take a strategic look at where the District is on a number of different levels (i.e., educational programming, financial stability, facilities).  The Board’s strategic planning process ultimately seeks to establish a clearer picture of where the District would like to be in one year, three years, five years and ten years.  With the completion of the new construction, and the passage of the operating levy, it could be tempting to sit back for a year and just recover from the flurry of activity.   We commend our Board of Education for taking a proactive approach to our District’s future.                     

As part of this process, the Board will also be seeking input from staff, parents and community members.  Please watch the blog for announcements regarding an upcoming on-line survey opportunity.                  

 CONGRATULATIONS TO NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS         

In addition to the three National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists announced last week, Olmsted Falls High School is proud to report that six more students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Seniors Natalie Brdar, Ben Brown, Tatiana Faria, Michaela Killik, Ethan Kocjan, and Nick Macek have been named National Merit Commended Students and are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry. 

These National Merit Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).   

Congratulations to these six outstanding students!  (Pictured alphabetically left to right, top to bottom, by last name.)

 

 

 

  

    

      

    

 

 

 

 

 

OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL ADJUSTS BELL SCHEDULE

Based on feedback received from students during a recent principal/student luncheon event, the High School is going to make a 3 minute change to the HS bell schedule.

The new bell schedule will begin on Monday, October 4th as follows: 

• Beginning on Monday, October 4, first period will begin at 7:37 a.m and will run for 46 minutes.  (3 minutes earlier than the current time; students are already in the building at this time.)  
• Second period will begin at 8:27 a.m. and will run for 49 minutes to provide an additional three minutes for announcements at the beginning of second period.
• We originally stated that announcements would take place at the end of second period, but after reading comments and discussing this, the announcements will begin promptly at 8:27 a.m.
• Multiple announcements are being made to HS first and second period classes this week to inform them of the change.  There will also be reminders over the PA and a posting on the web page.
• We will continue to have announcements on the screen in the cafeteria to serve as reminders and to allow information to be passed on to those students that might not have been present in the morning.

 

COACH BILL MCGRAIN REACHES MILESTONE WITH 100TH WIN  

 

Coach McGrain marked his 100th winning game as Middle School Football Coach last week as the Bulldogs took on Roehm Middle School.  Congratulations Coach McGrain! Coach McGrain also coaches the wrestling program at Olmsted Falls High School. 

 

 

Go Bulldogs!

 

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM TAKES FIRST PLACE OVERALL WINNING CHAMPIONSHIP AT VALLEY FORGE INVITATIONAL

Congratulations to the boys’ cross-country team on their championship at the Valley Forge Invitational this past Saturday!  In a very close race, the boys edged out four-time defending champion Normandy by just one point.  This marks the boys’ first title this season, and the first for Olmsted Falls boys’ teams in a few years!

OLMSTED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW OFFICE

The Olmsted Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the grand opening of its new office space this evening.  The Chamber’s new home is located within the Monin Insurance Company building on Bagley Road.  Click here  to read more about how this new Chamber headquarters will serve our local community.

OLMSTED FALLS PTA COUNCIL HOSTS MACY’S SHOP FOR A CAUSE EVENT – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16TH

The Olmsted Falls PTA Council is selling Shopping Passes for $5.00 for the Macy’s Shop For A Cause Event to help raise scholarship funds for graduating seniors.  Since 2006, Macy’s Shop For A Cause Event has partnered with non-profit organizations nationwide to raise more than $34 million for their ongoing charitable efforts. This is your chance to be part of this monumental event on Saturday, October 16, 2010.  Customers purchasing tickets benefit by receiving incredible store-wide shopping savings all day on October 16, 2010.  Macy’s will also host special events, prizes and other in-store excitement.  Plus, you can enter to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Card.  Click here for flyer with additional details.  For more information or to purchase a pass, please contact Kim Cleary (cleary101@sbcglobal.net).  

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS AVAILABLE THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1ST

The Falls-Lenox/ECC PTA will be selling Entertainment Books this year.  If you would like to buy an Entertainment Book, please contact a Falls-Lenox or ECC student that you know.  Or you can stop in at the Olmsted Falls Board office to purchase one.  The price is $30.00.  Checks can be made out to Falls-Lenox PTA.  Thanks for your support!                       

UPCOMING EVENTS:                           

Olmsted Falls Youth Coaches Clinic – October 23, 2010 – Olmsted Falls Head Basketball Coach Chris DeLisio is offering a “Youth Coaches Clinic” targeted to area basketball coaches.  Please click here to download flyer with further information.

 

Parent Update – September 22, 2010

OFHS STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SEMI-FINALISTS        

Congratulations to Soumyajit Mazumder, Michael Coury and James Coury on being named as Semi-Finalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.  These academically talented Olmsted Falls High School seniors have the opportunity to continue on in this prestigious competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will be offered next spring.                                                              

About 1.5 million juniors in some 22,000 high schools across the country entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.  The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.                                                             

Kudos to Soumyajit, Michael and James on this outstanding achievement, and best of luck as the competition proceeds into the spring!                                                          

DISTRICT PRINCIPALS & ADMINISTRATORS SET-UP FOR PERSONAL RESPONSES TO BLOG COMMENTS                                           

All administrators and building principals in the Olmsted Falls School District have established contributor profiles for use in conjunction with the District’s weekly blog.  This new set-up allows District officials to respond directly to parent questions that may relate specifically to their building or specific area of District operations.  Parents are encouraged to use the Comments feature on the weekly blog to voice questions they may have about educational programs and District operations.  If one parent has a question, the odds are that others probably have the same question.  The official District blog provides access to information straight from the source, which we hope will be of benefit to many parents.                                           

A number of informative exchanges have already taken place.  Please find a collection of topics below that have been discussed in recent weeks on the Ofalls Blog:                                          

To read an exchange about bullying prevention, free/reduced lunch qualifications and breakfast schedules, click here  for Sept. 15th blog comments archive.                                       

To read an exchange about high school busing/student schedules, new teachers for 2010-2011 and federal RttT funds, click here  for Sept. 1st blog comments archive.                                         

To read an exchange about elementary class sizes, click here for Aug. 25th blog comments archive.                                      

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS TOUR NEWLY COMPLETED, STATE-FUNDED EXPANSION OF MIDDLE SCHOOL                                      

Middle School Principal Mark Kurz led members of the Olmsted Falls Board of Education – and others in attendance for the regular monthly Board meeting Tuesday night - on a tour of the newly completed expansion project at Olmsted Falls Middle School. The tour included visits to the music rooms, expanded  locker room facilities, wellness/physical education room, and a sampling of classrooms in the new section of the building which includes 17 new classrooms in total.                              

All expansion to the Middle School facility was made possible by the $7.7 million in State funding secured by the Olmsted Falls School District through the Ohio School Facilities Commission’s Exceptional Needs Program.   All of the new expansion to the Middle School was completed on-time and on-budget – and without the need for additional, local tax dollars.                                  

                                       

                                   

 OLMSTED KIWANIS CLUB HOSTS NEW TEACHERS AT SEPTEMBER MEETING 

New teachers in the Olmsted Falls School District attended the September meeting of the Olmsted Kiwanis Club, in what has become a long-standing tradition of community building.          

Teachers join Kiwanis Club members for dinner, are introduced by their principals and get an opportunity to meet community members who are actively involved in supporting our schools.                  

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley to update Kiwanis members on the latest news and developments in the Olmsted Falls School District.                                

OFHS Principal Dr. Bob Hill introduces new Language Arts teacher Jackie Morrow.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley shares latest District news with Kiwanis Club.

 

                           

OLMSTED FALLS PTA COUNCIL AND OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTNER FOR A SECOND OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET EVENT THIS WEEKENDFollowing the success of the August Operation Medicine Cabinet – where more than 90 pounds of liquid and solid medications were collected – this second Operation Medicine Cabinet event has been scheduled for residents of the Olmsted community and surrounding areas.  This Saturday, September 25th, the Operation Medicine Cabinet (Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medication Drop-Off) will take place at the Jenkins Center from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please click here to download informational flyer.                                                     

OFIS LAUNCHES ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WITH CAVALIERS SCREAM TEAM               

Members of the Cleveland Cavaliers “Scream Team” helped 4th and 5th graders at Olmsted Falls Intermediate School kick-off the annual PTA fundraiser with energy and enthusiasm last week with a special appearance in the Intermediate School gymnasium.    Students cheered for the dancers…and their teachers who graciously joined in the fun.  The OFIS PTA is currently selling a variety of cookie dough products.  To purchase, please contact a fourth or fifth grade student you know or e-mail OFIS Fundraising Chair Holly McFadden (hmcfadden@ofcs.net) for an order form.                                    

                             

                              

                      

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS AVAILABLE THROUGH FALLS-LENOX/ECC PTA FUNDRAISER                                                      

 The Falls-Lenox/ECC PTA will be selling Entertainment Books this year.  If you would like to buy an Entertainment Book, please contact a Falls-Lenox or ECC student that you know.  Or you can stop in at the Olmsted Falls Board office to purchase one.  The price is $30.00.  Checks can be made out to Falls-Lenox PTA.  Thanks for your support!                                                          

FALLS-LENOX/ECC FIRST PTA MEETING OF THE YEAR – NEXT TUES., SEPT. 28th             

Falls-Lenox and the Early Childhood Center have combined forces this year and are now one PTA!  Our first meeting of the school year will take place on Tuesday, September 28^th at 7:00pm at the Falls-Lenox cafeteria.  Both principals, Mr. Roseberry and Dr. Lloyd, will be in attendance, as well as the superintendent, Dr. Hoadley.  Even if you are not able to volunteer this year, come and hear what the PTA has in store for the students this school year and all the wonderful things going on at the ECC and Falls-Lenox!                                                            

Don’t miss out!  Each person who attends next week’s meeting will be in a drawing to win one of two $25 gift cards to local stores and establishments.  Two $25 gift cards will be raffled off at each and every Falls-Lenox/ECC PTA meeting this school year!                          

UPCOMING EVENTS:                           

Olmsted Falls Youth Coaches Clinic – October 23, 2010 – Olmsted Falls Head Basketball Coach Chris DeLisio is offering a “Youth Coaches Clinic” targeted to area basketball coaches.  Please click here to download flyer with further information.

Parent Update – September 15, 2010

MINI BULLDOG CHEERLEADERS SHOW SPIRIT                

Approximately 300 young Bulldogs joined the OFHS Cheerleading squad on the High School track last Friday night to cheer on the Bulldog Varsity Football team .  Lines of girls followed the lead of our High School cheerleaders with chants and routines that were learned during the annual Bulldog Mini Cheer Camp program.  For a complete photo gallery from the event, please click here.                 

OPEN HOUSE AT EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER TONIGHT                

Attention Parents of Preschool and Kindergarten Students!   You are encouraged to attend the Open House event at the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center TONIGHT.  Meet new building administrator Dr. Jim Lloyd, visit your child’s classroom and learn more about parent groups such as PTA, OFCS Athletic Boosters and more.                

Tonight!  Wednesday, Sept. 15th                

6:45-7:30 p.m. for A.M. Preschool/Kindergarten                

7:30-8:15 p.m. for P.M. Preschool/Kindergarten                 

Please note that parking can be an issue for this event.  If needed, you may park at the church across the street and walk over.  If you do end up parking across the street, please take care in crossing Fitch Road.                 

IMPORTANT HEALTH CLINIC NEWS                

The Health Clinic staff will begin vision and hearing screenings at the end of September in some schools.  All students in grades PreK, K, 1, 3, 5, 7* and 9 will be screened, as well as any students new to the District this year.  (*Note: 7th grade students screened for vision only.)   These vision and hearing screenings will continue through early spring.  If a child fails the first screening, he or she will be re-screened in approximately 4 weeks.  If a child fails both screenings, his or her parent/guardian will be notified in writing.                

Also, scoliosis screenings for students in grades 5-7 will begin this winter.  Parents will receive more information on scoliosis screenings later in the year.              

Parents are encouraged to contact the health clinic at their child’s school with any questions.  Thank you.              

LATE START REMINDER FOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS              

Today, Wednesday, September 15th, was the first Late Start Day (High School ONLY) of the 2010-2011 school year.   To download a copy of the Late Start Schedule, please click here.               

IMPORTANT MEETING RE: FUTURE OF OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY TOMORROW NIGHT                

As many are already aware, the Olmsted Falls School District and the Olmsted Falls branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library work in partnership to promote literacy and reading among our student population and their families.  For example, this summer more than 3,000 local children, ages 17 and under, participated in the Library’s Annual Summer Reading Game.                 

Some of you may have already heard that the Olmsted Falls branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library will be relocated.  This has generated many questions among residents and community leaders.  Members of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Administration and Board of Trustees will lead a community meeting to present information and address questions and concerns about the planned relocation – all residents are welcome.   I encourage parents to attend to get a full understanding of the plans for the relocation and to have an opportunity to voice your questions and comments at this important, informative meeting.                

The meeting is Tomorrow, Thursday, September 16th at 7 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of the Olmsted Falls Community Church, 7853 Main Street.  The church is located across the street from the library.              

SIXTH GRADE CHOIRS PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL ANTHEM DAY PROJECT              

Sixth grade students at Olmsted Falls Middle School joined students across the country to celebrate National Anthem Day September 14th.                   

On this day, Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner” after witnessing American forces defend Fort McHenry from British troops.                 

The day serves as an excellent opportunity to educate students about the national anthem and to demonstrate to the community the important role music teachers play in passing on our cultural heritage.                

The 6th grade choir classes assembled outside around the flag pole on Tuesday to sing the national anthem.  Students throughout the nation participated in this special event celebrating this important day in American history.                

OFHS WELCOMES TWO FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR                

Olmsted Falls High School is home to two foreign exchange students this school year.            

Both Chanita (Pear) Maneekarn of Thailand and Lisa-Marie Taupe of Germany – have come to our District through the American Field Service (AFS) High School Exchange Program.                

OFHS Science Teacher Lisa Whitney and husband Bill Cumming with daughters Hannah (11th grade) and Emma (8th grade) Whitney and AFS Exchange Student Pear Maneekarn (11th grade).

  

Pear is a junior living with OFHS Science Teacher Lisa Whitney and her family.  Lisa-Marie is a senior living with Joan Roman.                

Both students were profiled in a recent Sun Post-Herald article by local reporter Joanne DuMound.                

A warm Bulldog welcome to both Pear and Lisa Marie!                

CONGRATULATIONS TO BULLDOG CROSS-COUNTRY TEAMS         

Congratulations to both the boys and girls cross-country teams on their outstanding finishes this past Saturday at the Dover Invitational.  The girls dominated, scoring 58 points and finished 1st overall, beating a Kenston team by 48 points, a team that they lost to at Madison last week.  The boys finished 2^nd overall, scoring 85 points in a very competitive field, edging out Carrollton on a tie-breaker!            

Leading the two-time Dover champions for the girls were Rachel Botoulas (5^th), Brittany Carson (7^th), Jaime Fossen (13^th), Katelynn Duplaga (15^th), Caitlin Dahlin (18^th), Meghan Coughlin(30^th), and Lindsey Kaschak (37^th).  All 5 scorers finished in the top 20 and received individual medals, as the team ran well as a pack.  Congrats again girls!               

The boys varsity took 2nd overall, also bringing home a team plaque, beating Carrollton on the 6^th man tie-breaker!  Scoring for the boys were Troy Swiderski (4^th), Edwin Rosa (9^th), Grant Budic (22^nd), Ed Gorski (23^rd), Dominic Duhlin (27^th), Josh Musial (31^st), and Nick Chalfant (32^nd).  They also packed very well placing everyone in the top 40.  Great job guys!               

This combined effort marks one of the best combined finishes for the cross-country team in quite some time, and both teams only have one senior!  Good luck to both the boys and girls cross-country teams this week at Cleveland Heights, and keep up the great running!               

MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA SPIRIT WEAR FUNDRAISER                

The Olmsted Falls Middle School PTA Spirit has kicked-off its annual Spirit Wear Fundraiser.  Order forms are available on the Middle School PTA News Page or by clicking here.  2010-2011 Middle School PTA Spirit Wear items can be viewed by visiting the product photo gallery on the Middle School website.

Parent Update – September 8, 2010

ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASE RECOMMENDED FOR BULLDOG FOOTBALL

To avoid long lines at the ticket booth, we are encouraging all Bulldog football fans to purchase their tickets to this Friday night’s game against Mayfield during the day on Friday.  Adult pre-sale tickets are $6, senior citizen (over 60 years of age) pre-sale tickets are $3 and student (grades 1-12) pre-sale tickets are $3 and all will be available for purchase at Olmsted Falls High School from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

In addition, on Friday, all students in grades 1-12 may purchase their pre-sale student tickets, at their individual school, for $3.  All tickets, for adults and students, sold at the gate Friday night are $6.  Senior tickets are also sold at the gate on Friday night for $3.  The ticket booth opens at 6:00 p.m. on game nights.  Buy your tickets early, by-pass the ticket booth and head straight to the gate. Go Bulldogs!

TWO OPEN HOUSE EVENTS REMAIN FOR FALL 2010

Tomorrow Night! Thursday, Sept. 9th:  OFHS (Grades 9-12) – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 15th:  Early Childhood Center – A.M. Preschool/Kindergarten 6:45-7:30 p.m.; P.M. Preschool/Kindergarten 7:30-8:15 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW?

Olmsted Falls High School posts both Daily Announcements and Weekly Bulletins on its website homepage.  This is a great resource for keeping both parents and students up to date on important High School activities and events.   For example:  2009-2010 Yearbooks are on sale for $60 during lunches this week and at all HOME football games.

MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEWORK LAB BEGINS THIS WEEK

Olmsted Falls Middle School offers a daily Homework Lab for students in the morning (7:30 – 8:20 a.m.) and in the afternoon (3:40 – 4:30 p.m.).  The Homework Lab takes place in the Media Center with teachers available to provide assistance to students.  For the 2010-2011 Homework Lab schedule, please click here.

INTERESTING RESEARCH ON HOMEWORK

As we start back to school, and our children begin to come home with homework, our inclination, as parents, is to set up a routine for our children with a time and location where homework is to be completed.  Recently, I received an email from Olmsted community resident Pete Naegele, who shared an article with me on this topic that appeared in the NY Times.  Click here to read.

HIGH SCHOOL ONLY LATE START NEXT  WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15TH

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS: The first Late Start Day (High School ONLY) of the 2010-2011 school year is NEXT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th.  To download a copy of the Late Start Schedule, please click here.

OFHS SOPHOMORE’S COMPOSITION SHOWCASED BY CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF MUSIC

Sophomore Kevin Thompson

Congratulations to Olmsted Falls High School sophomore, Kevin Thompson, who was chosen to be one of only seventeen young composers to have their works performed by an ensemble of professional musicians this summer as part of the 2010 Young Composers Competition, hosted by the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).   After submitting samples of his compositional work, Kevin was selected to have his work performed at CIM across two days this summer, June 25 and June 26.  Kevin’s work, Triple Pinochle, is an exciting and playful romp that draws inspiration from several genres of American music including jazz, blues, and ragtime and is composed for clarinet, cello, and piano trio. Kevin works hard at his passion and is a member of Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Chorale at Olmsted Falls High School.

Congratulations again to Kevin on this outstanding achievement and honor!

OFHS ACADEMIC TEAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR FALL TOURNAMENT

The High School Academic Team is gearing up for another great year!  On Saturday, October 2nd, Olmsted Falls High School will host an academic tournament here at the High School.  Teams from across Cuyahoga, Lorain and Summit counties will be participating.  It is called the Fall Kick-Off Tournament and the Bulldog Academic Team is in need of staff and parent volunteers to serve as readers for the tournament.  There will be a training session for volunteer readers on Thursday, Sept. 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the HS Media Center for those who want to see exactly how each match is run and learn some of the rules ahead of the day of the tournament.  It is not required, but if you have never done it before, it is definitely helpful.  Any volunteer help for this exciting event would be greatly appreciated.  Please e-mail Academic Team Advisor Rhonna Smith directly if you can help: rsmith@ofcs.net.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER HONORED FOR 35 YEARS OF SERVICE

Middle School Science Teacher Mrs. Roberta Thompson

Please join us in congratulating Middle School Science Teacher Roberta Thompson for her 35 Bulldog years of service to the Olmsted Falls School District.

Mrs. Thompson was recognized for her contributions to the District’s success during the annual General Staff Meeting held Monday, August 23^rd.

SAVE THE DATES:

Thursday, September 16th – Community Meeting Re: Future of Olmsted Falls Library Branch @ 7 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of the Olmsted Falls Community Church, 7853 Main Street.  The church is located across the street from the library.

Saturday, September 25th – Operation Medicine Cabinet (Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medication Drop-Off) – 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Jenkins Center.  Following the success of the August Operation Medicine Cabinet – where more than 90 pounds of liquid and solid medications were collected – this second Operation Medicine Cabinet event has been scheduled.  Please click here to download informational flyer.

Parent Update – September 1, 2010

OLMSTED FALLS EARNS “EXCELLENT WITH DISTINCTION” DESIGNATION ON LOCAL REPORT CARD

We are pleased to report that, for the 11th consecutive year, the Olmsted Falls School District has earned the highest ranking on the Local Report Card issued annually by the Ohio Department of Education.  Olmsted Falls School District was rated “Excellent with Distinction” and was one of just seven districts in Cuyahoga County to receive this top rating.  It is with great pride that we invite you to view the latest Local Report Card for Olmsted Falls School District.

HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS AWARDED $3,000 GRANT FOR TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE THEIR CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

Congratulations to Olmsted Falls High School science teachers Mrs. Lisa Whitney and Mr. Andrew Hoslar (pictured below) on being awarded a $3,000 grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.

These two teachers identified and applied for these grant funds, on their own, to enhance their classroom instruction through a more extensive integration of technology.  These funds will allow for the purchase of additional laptop computers to be dedicated to mastery learning and formative assessment strategies within the classroom.  The more integrated use of technology within select science courses will allow for a high level of feedback for students as well as exposure to the use of technology across a variety of activities within each unit.   Kudos to Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Hoslar for their initiative and success in bringing new funds into the District to support student learning.

FALL 2010 OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

Tonight! Wed., Sept. 1st:  5th Grade 7 pm

Thurs., Sept. 2nd:  Falls-Lenox South Learning Community 7 pm

Thurs., Sept. 2nd:  7th Grade 7-8 pm

Thurs., Sept. 9th:  OFHS (Grades 9-12) 7 pm

Wed., Sept. 15th: Early Childhood Center – A.M. Preschool/Kindergarten 6:45-7:30 p.m.; P.M. Preschool/Kindergarten 7:30-8:15 p.m.

PARENTS AND ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO A COMMUNITY MEETING RE: FUTURE OF OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY

Some of you may have already heard that the Olmsted Falls branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library will be relocated.  This has generated many questions among residents and community leaders.  Members of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Administration and Board of Trustees will lead a community meeting to present information and address questions and concerns about the planned relocation.

The meeting will be on Thursday, September 16th at 7 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of the Olmsted Falls Community Church, 7853 Main Street.  The church is located across the street from the library.

As many are already aware, the Olmsted Falls School District and the Olmsted Falls branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library work in partnership to promote literacy and reading among our student population and their families.  For example, this summer more than 3,000 local children, ages 17 and under, participated in the Library’s Annual Summer Reading Game.  I encourage parents to attend to get a full understanding of the plans for the relocation and have an opportunity to voice your questions and comments at this important, informative meeting.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER WELCOMES NEWEST BULLDOGS

Building administrators and faculty all pitched in this week to show our young Bulldogs the ropes as kindergarten got underway at the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center.  There was no shortage of friendly faces and helping hands along the way as students learned how to get from the buses to their classrooms.  This year marks the start of the second year of operation for the District’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) dedicated exclusively to the education of our preschool and kindergarten students.

Dr. Jim Lloyd helping kindergarten students off the bus.

Mrs. Merritt Waters leading a group of students from the bus to the building entrance.

Preschool teacher Mrs. Elaine Atkinson greeting students at the door.

TRANSPORTATION REMINDERS

Please remember that bus routes can run slower during the first 2-3 weeks of each school year as runs are adjusted and fine-tuned.  We would like to thank all parents for your continued patience during these first few weeks.

Please remember:

* Scheduled pick-up times provided on bus postcards are approximate based on the student roster as of the time the routes were made.

* Pick-up/Drop-off times may vary during the first 2-3 weeks of school due to additional or withdrawn students (and therefore more or fewer stops).

* Weather conditions, road construction, traffic and train delays can also impact pick-up times.

* Routes can run slower for the first week or so of school.

* High School busing services have been reinstated.  Beginning with the first day of school, August 24^th, there will be 11 high school buses running for the morning pick-up/drop-off, and 8 high school buses running for the afternoon pick-up/drop-off.  The morning drop-off time for students will be approximately 7:05 a.m.; the afternoon pick-up time will be approximately 3:00 p.m.  Students with late arrival or early release schedules who chose to utilize school transportation will be assigned to a school study hall.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND STATE OF OHIO PROMOTE RESOURCE FOR CHILDREN WITHOUT HEALTH COVERAGE

The U.S. Department of Health and the State of Ohio are urging parents of children who do not have health care coverage to visit www.InsureKidsNow.gov or call (800) 324-8680 for information on free or low-cost health insurance for kids.  Even if they have been turned down in the past, they may be able to get coverage now.

QUESTIONS ABOUT CLASS SIZES

First, allow me to say that the comments submitted on this blog are very much appreciated.  These comments serve to further extend and enhance our communication efforts by letting us know about what questions exist that may need to be communicated.  For example, we have had a number of recent questions (both on the blog and by phone) on the topic of class sizes which I cover in the paragraphs that follow.  In the coming weeks, we will be working to set up each building principal, as well as other lead District administrators, with personal profiles on the District blog which will allow them to respond directly on any issues that relate to their buildings or departments.

Class sizes have been an issue for the entire time that I have been superintendent of the Olmsted Falls School District. It is not uncommon for many of our classes in grades 1 – 8 to be in the high 20′s. Unfortunately, the District occasionally has classes exceed 30 students.

In the past, the constraint that kept us from adding additional sections (in order to lower class sizes) was the lack of classrooms. As you know, we had multiple classes housed in modular classrooms (trailers) at all of our school facilities. Now that the bond issue has passed (May 2007) and the new OFIS and middle school construction projects have been completed, adequate classroom space is only lacking at our High School.

Unfortunately, the current constraint is the operating budget for the District. As a result of the 3 failed levies, 10.5 teaching positions were eliminated throughout the District. It was a pledge that if the levy passed, 4 additional classroom teachers would be rehired (2 in 2010/11, 1 in 2011/12, and 1 in 2012/13).

With the passage of the levy in February 2010, the District hired two additional teachers. Additionally, with the retirement of a librarian, the District chose not to replace the librarian, but rather add a 3rd new teacher.

While this helped with class sizes, unfortunately, it is not enough and there are still grade levels where class sizes are larger than what we would like.

With the present financial uncertainty (and please remember that while the levy passed in February, no additional revenue will flow to the District until January 2011) at the state level, and further funding cuts predicted next year, the District is being extremely cautious with adding any new expenditure that is not planned in its current budget.

EMPLOYEES HONORED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

Please join us in congratulating High School Choral Music Teacher Judy Crandall and Director of Business Affairs Tim Atkinson for their 30 Bulldog years of service to the Olmsted Falls School District.  These individuals were recognized for their contributions to the District’s success during the annual General Staff Meeting held Monday, August 23^rd.