Parent Update – January 9, 2013

WELCOME BACK!

On behalf of Olmsted Falls Schools, we would like to wish all of our students and their families a Happy New Year!  We hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable winter break.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS:  CHANGES TO TRAFFIC PATTERN AT OFHS

Effective January 7th, 2013, there will be changes to the student drop-off and pick-up traffic pattern at OFHS.  The reason for this change stems from concerns that the buses and cars become so intertwined in the half-oval that it is difficult for BOTH groups to safely and efficiently drop-off and pick-up students.  Beginning  Monday, January 7th, the half-oval directly in front of OFHS will be dedicated for buses only from:

6:45 AM – 7:15 AM

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM

Students being dropped off or picked up during those times will need to follow the traffic pattern used during home football games whereby students arrive at the side doors (Athletic Entrance) after the car loops through the student parking lot.  Signs will be posted and personnel will be out to help direct traffic during the first few days of the new pattern.  We appreciate your help in advance as we continue to improve.

SCHOOL SAFETY PARENT SURVEYS AVAILABLE ON-LINE UNTIL NEXT THURSDAY, JAN. 17TH

Links to the on-line school safety surveys, which were e-mailed to Bulldog parents last month, will remain available on-line until midnight NEXT THURSDAY, JANUARY 17^TH.   Your thoughts and feedback are important to us.  The information obtained from these important surveys will be very useful to our District’s overall process of updating building safety plans.

Each building has its own specific and unique survey. All parents/guardians are encouraged to complete a survey for each building in which they have a child enrolled. If you did not receive the building-specific survey links via e-mail, they can also be accessed by clicking on the links below:

Olmsted Falls High School – School Safety Survey

Olmsted Falls Middle School – School Safety Survey

Olmsted Falls Intermediate School – School Safety Survey

Falls-Lenox Primary School – School Safety Survey

Early Childhood Center – School Safety Survey

DETERMINING SNOW DAYS

Each year, with the arrival of winter weather, we receive a number of questions regarding our District’s policy for closing school due to inclement weather conditions. We understand that the decision to close schools has an enormous impact on all of our families. To read more about how Olmsted Falls School District determines snow days, please click here.

FIRST SEMESTER EXAMS: ANNUAL “COCOA & CRAM” EVENT FOR FRESHMAN THIS THURSDAY, JAN. 10TH

Please join the Student Ambassadors and the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honors Society in the OFHS Cafe from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a Midterm Study Session and a hot cup of cocoa TOMORROW – Thursday, January 10th!

Please click here to view the flyer.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS JOIN NATIONAL PTA EFFORT TO SUPPORT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY

The National PTA suggested two ways to help students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT following last month’s tragic shooting.  When school resumed for Sandy Hook students, it was in a new building. Parent volunteers worked to ensure that the students were welcomed to their new building by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible.  

Teacher Susan Chaplin organized participation in this special effort by Olmsted Falls Middle School students staff.  The snowflake donations were collected and mailed to the Connecticut PTSA before Winter break.  As you can see in the photo, the designs were unique and beautiful with thoughtful messages written on each.  Kudos to OFMS for this thoughtful outreach effort.

UNCLE JOHN’S PLANT FARM SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER WITH GENEROUS POINSETTIA DONATIONS

The staff members of Olmsted Falls School District would like to extend sincere thanks to Uncle John’s Plants.  Just prior to the start of the winter break, this local business donated a beautiful poinsettia plant for each and every member of the Olmsted Falls School District staff – delivering more than 400 pots of the traditional holiday blossoms to staff members at buildings across the District just in time for the height of the holiday season.  Staff members were excited and appreciative of this special donation.  For more photos, please click here.

FALLS-LENOX DISPLAYS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

The PTA service committee at Falls-Lenox sponsored a hats and mittens collection this past December.  As you can see, the Christmas tree was covered by the generous donations of Falls-Lenox students, families, and staff.  These items were given to organizations in Cuyahoga County.

In addition, several first grade classrooms at Falls-Lenox took part in a service project that brought in an overwhelmingly large donation of toys and gift items (seen underneath and surrounding the tree).  The classrooms that participated included  Mrs. DeLuca, Mrs. Rivera, Dr. Kolozvary, Mrs. Burk, Mrs. Vasco, Mrs. Patay and Mrs. Kostraba.  These items were donated to the Christians in Action organization who in turn provided holiday assistance for nearly 200 Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township families this year.  The group Christians in Action was extremely grateful for the efforts of our young students and were amazed by the kindness and generosity of Falls-Lenox families!

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS BRING HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO LITTLEST BULLDOGS

Mr. and Mrs. Kubat visit the Early Childhood Center (ECC) every week to read to the kindergarten students.  All of their visits are special!  Their visit just prior to the winter break has fast become an annual holiday tradition – they played the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus, built a chimney,  and read “Twas The Night Before Christmas.”  The children absolutely loved it!

Thank you to the Kubat’s and all our community volunteers for donating your valuable time to enrich the lives of our students!  Mr. & Mrs. Kubat, residents of neighboring Columbia Park, were recently honored by the Olmsted Falls Board of Education for their volunteer efforts.

OFHS STUDENT COUNCIL FOOD DRIVE A HUGE SUCCESS!

Kudos to the OFHS Student Council on an incredibly successful holiday food drive!  The final grand total was 2,948 items, which is the second highest total in the seven years they have been running this event!

Special thanks go to Holly Curran for allowing the use of the media center to store the food, and the High School custodial staff for allowing the student collectors to utilize the carts to transport the goods.  Pictured to the right and A HUGE pat on the back goes to Erin Hoadley, Caleb Cameron, Morgan Krause, Kevin Clancy, Mariah Halata, and Tyler Martin, and Jake Yeager (not in the photo)  for all their hard work gathering the goods and tabulating them.

The overall winner of the friendly competition among classrooms was Cheryl Crozier and Ed August’s 2nd period class, contributing 37.8 items/student.  Runner-up 2nd period class was Sean Pellerite’s, with an average of 24.5 items/student. Both of these classes will get a breakfast the first couple weeks of January.  The generous donations by students and staff across the building greatly benefitted many needy families in the Olmsted Falls/Township community!

OFHS STUDENTS BRING HOLIDAY MUSIC TO YOUNGER BULLDOGS

In what has become a wonderful holiday tradition in Olmsted Falls Schools, music students from Olmsted Falls High School make special visits to the other school buildings to share their talents and spread holiday cheer.

This special activity is both fun and educational, providing younger students with the opportunity to see both instrumental and vocal music in action.  To view more photos, please click here.

ECC STUDENTS WELCOME “OFFICER PHIL” PROGRAM

Students at the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center participated in the “Officer Phil”  interactive safety assembly the week before winter break.  The educational “Officer Phil” program is brought to students through the Olmsted Township Police Department, with the support of local merchants and business people.  The theme of this year’s program was “Team Up for a Safer Community.”   Students learn about the importance of good safety practices and following rules.

In addition to the formal “Officer Phil” presentation, local officers from Olmsted Township Police Department were also in attendance to provide students with an opportunity to meet and get to know their local police officers.  The “Officer Phil” program is presented annually at the Early Childhood Center.

CONGRATULATIONS BULLDOG BOWLERS! 

During winter break, the varsity OFHS Bowling team defeated Lutheran West 3786-2754, and set a school and league record with that total.  Only one game out of 15 was below 200.  Junior Jake Olszewski led the way with a 712 series, followed by senior captain Devin Carver with 707, sophomores Andy Oltmanns and Chris Kuczynski with 663 and 662 respectively, and junior Chad Kuchenmeister with 598.  Carver currently leads the Greater Cleveland Interscholastic League with an average of 227.  At the same time those records were being set, the J.V. team also had a fantastic day, highlighted by a 300 game from sophomore Nate Paliska.  He also had top series with 684.  Senior Danny Becker had 637, junior Paul Katz 621, sophomore Kyle Alvino 606, and freshman James Jallos 585.  The team easily defeated Brecksville and their match total of 3537 is higher than any team has posted from any other league school, regardless of level (varsity or J.V.).  The top five averages in the league belong to Bulldogs, led by Paliska with 199.

MEET MRS. MEGREY!

Mrs. Karen Megery is currently in her 23rd year in the Olmsted Falls City School District. She began her career as a learning disabilities tutor, taught 3rd grade for 18 years, and now serves as an Intervention Specialist at Falls-Lenox.  Mrs. Megrey is involved in several district committees, and even wrote a grant to create PAL (Parent Activity Library), a learning based lending library housed in the Falls-Lenox media center.

Mrs. Megery has always enjoyed school and spent many days of her childhood teaching her stuffed animals as much as she could!  Additionally, working at a camp for children with disabilities confirmed her desire to choose a career in education.

In her spare time, Mrs. Megery enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and her four children and three step children, working in the yard, cooking, gardening, attending Bulldog football games, and collecting Wizard of Oz memorabilia.

LOCAL PTA UNITS SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL OHIO PTA AWARDS – DEADLINE IS JAN. 22^ND

OFCS Parents and Staff – we need your help!  Take a moment and ask yourselves the following questions:  Do you know a PTA volunteer or school staff member who has been an outstanding part of your child’s school year so far?  Would you like the opportunity to recognize the contributions and special qualities of one of your child’s teachers or a fellow educator?

Every year, Ohio PTA presents awards to educators and volunteers/staff who show outstanding and remarkable support of youth. The Outstanding District Educator Award is presented to a certified educator who is a PTA member and is nominated by a fellow staff or parent in the school district. The Helping Hands Award is given to an outstanding volunteer or school district staff member (non-certified educator) who is a PTA member nominated by fellow staff or parents.  The local deadline for this year’s nomination is January 22nd!  Please click HERE to download nomination forms and learn more.

OFHS SWIM AND DIVE DINNER

Theme: Video Games

Date:  February 19,2013 (snow date February 26th)

Time:  6:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

Place:  High school cafeteria

Dinner will be provided by Applebee’s-Salad, Chicken, Broccoli Alfredo, Rolls and Dessert.  Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for kids 10 and under.  Raffle baskets, 50/50.  For tickets, call Deanna Kress 216-513-6513 or Ellen Dregalla 440-235-1364.  To view and download the invitation and order form, please click here.

MINI BULLDOG CHEERLEADERS NIGHT

The Olmsted Falls High School Cheerleaders will present a Mini Cheer Clinic and Cheer Night for Olmsted Falls students in 3rd through 5th grades – January 24th -25th.  Registration Deadline:  By 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17th.  For detailed information and registration form, please click here.

2013 YEARBOOK ON SALE NOW!

Oh memories, Oh memories, how will we keep you? By buying a 2013 yearbook of course! The new 2012-2013 yearbooks are on sale now for $45 a limited time only. They can be purchased online by clicking here.  Last year’s yearbook can still be purchased as well for $60. Please contact Mr. Gaba or Mrs. Pickenheim at Olmsted Falls High School if you have any questions.

BLOG DEADLINE REMINDER

Items for the District’s Weekly Blog Update must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. each Friday for the following week’s post.  The Weekly Blog Update will be published every Wednesday that school is in session.  Items should be no more than 125 words and should be sent in paragraph form.  To view the new Content Submission Guidelines information sheet, please click here. 

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• SILLY STRING NEW YEAR’S PARTY, SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. AT THE OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, 8170 MAPLEWAY DRIVE – Saturday Activity Nights are back in session for youth ages 8-13. Come be a part of our New Year’s Countdown with silly string, toilet paper war, balloon rockets and more…kids can also enjoy Basketball, Ultimate Football, Dodgeball in our full gym, and play free air hockey, pool, ping pong and fooseball. Get your friends together and get out of the cold to enjoy physical activities indoors on Saturdays this winter. Enjoy the additional parking in 2013 as we say GoodBye to the fall construction and hello to more parking for youth and parents. As of January all 2nd graders are invited to attend! Visit: www.olmstedcc.com or click here for the flyer.
• OLMSTED FALLS LACROSSE INFORMATION MEETING  THURSDAY, JANUARY 17th, from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. AT THE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA – The Olmsted Falls Lacrosse Association will be holding its Information and Registration Night at the High School Cafeteria to kick off its 4th season.  In the first three seasons the program has grown from 20 boys to 160 boys and girls learning and participating in the fastest growing sport in the United States.  New this year are high school boys and girls teams, and a Middle School girls team!   We are again offering a 10 week developmental program for 1st and 2nd grade boys and girls.   Join us for one hour and learn about the “Fastest Game On Two Feet” — Find out more online at olmstedfallslax.com.  To download the informational flyer and registration form, click here.
• RELAY FOR LIFE KICK-OFF EVENT – FRIDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 7 P.M. AT THE OFHS VARSITY BASKETBALL GAME — SAVE THE DATE!!   The Olmsted Falls Relay For Life is having a Kick-Off Event on Friday, January 18th at the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs Varsity Basketball game! The game starts at 7:00 and will be against Avon Lake.  At the game, we will be advertising Relay, handing out “Save The Dates” and selling cupcakes and luminaria. The Olmsted Falls Athletic Boosters have also generously allowed us to take over the 50/50 for the evening!  Please consider coming out, supporting Relay, and wearing your PURPLE! It will be a great night and we hope to see you there!
• OPTIONS FOR ACTION PRESENTATION ON SCHOOL SHOOTING DEFENSE PROCEDURES – SUNDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2:00 P.M. AT FIGHT FIT (17820 Engelwood Drive., Suite 5, Middleberurg Heights, OH) — Special presentation from concerned parents regarding nationally recommended guidelines regarding school shooting safety procedures and lockdown training.  To download event flyer with additional information, please click HERE.