Midwest Talent Search honorees with Olmsted Falls Board of Education members and Middle School Principal Mark Kurz.

Seventeen Middle School students were honored for their achievements in Northwestern University’s Annual Midwest Academic Talent Search competition at last week’s Board of Education meeting.  The Midwest Academic Talent Search enables students to participate in ACT and/or SAT tests that are typically taken by college-bound juniors and seniors in high school. Middle school students who achieve a score of 21 or above on the ACT and/or a score of 980 or above on the SAT are recognized as top performers.

OFMS students recognized in this year’s national competition are:  Isaac Baillis, Joseph Bertrand, Julie Calaway, Ashley Clark, Adrien Curtis, Kyle Erickson, Miranda Gibel, Bennett Graham, Megan Green, Casey Komar, Jacob Krucek, Joseph Linder, Thomas Narvaez-Legeza, Thomas Slater, Natalie Sommer, Elijah Tomasch, and Emily Walchanowicz.

Congratulations to each of these students and to their families!  Additionally, we want to recognize our teachers who worked with these exceptional students along their path up to this point.  It is the great education provided at each level, coupled with support in the home, that prepared these students for this achievement, and that will continue to help them thrive in the future. Congratulations again!

OFHS MATH TEACHER RECEIVES REGIONAL AWARD

OFHS math teacher Ms. Donna Langenderfer was recognized at last week’s Board of Education meeting for winning the Outstanding Mathematics Educator Award from the Greater Cleveland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (GCCTM).

Congratulations to Ms. Langenderfer!  She is very deserving of this regional honor!

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS, BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS MEET WITH RESIDENTS

In addition to the professional phone survey being conducted this week (see below), residents also had an opportunity to meet with District administrators and Board of Education members during a series of more informal focus groups hosted in homes as well as in the meeting room of the new Olmsted Falls Library.  The purpose of these smaller community meetings was to engage in a more in-depth conversation with stakeholders.

Incoming Superintendent Dr. Jim Lloyd led the discussions with participants representing a cross-section of the community.  Topics of discussion included what people value most about Olmsted Falls Schools, things they feel the District could possibly “do without” and still maintain quality, and how to best prepare students for the fast-changing, technology-enabled global society.

Feedback from these small group meetings will be reviewed in conjunction with the larger phone survey to give District officials an updated understanding of the thoughts and opinions of our residents.  Thank you to all of those who hosted and participated in these important discussions! 

If you are interested in hosting a community meeting in your home or in a local meeting room, please contact the Board of Education office at (440) 427-6000.

COMMUNITY SURVEY UNDERWAY; PHONE CALLS BEGAN MONDAY

A random telephone survey of District residents began this past Monday and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the week.  The calls are being made to collect information from residents about their thoughts and opinions regarding the Olmsted Falls School District.  These important phone surveys are being conducted by professionals from Triad Research Group, a local Cuyahoga County company based in Rocky River.  Each phone survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.  As a District resident and a parent, your thoughts and opinions are very important to us.  We hope you will consider participating should your phone be among the random numbers called this week.  ** Please Note:  Caller IDs will show local number (440) 628-7616 for the incoming survey calls. ** Should you have any questions about the upcoming community survey about Olmsted Falls Schools, please contact the Board Office at 427-6000.

MIDDLE SCHOOL POWER OF THE PEN STUDENTS ARE STATE BOUND!

Eight fantastic writers qualified for the Power of the Pen State tournament to be held May 23rd and 24th at the College of Wooster.  They will be competing with over 700 students across the state of Ohio!

Congratulations to these talented students:

Pictured in front row, from left to right, are Alex Enczur, Abby Gaba, and Morgan Finau.  Pictured in back row, from left to right, are Zach Zdanowicz, Nathan Loepp, Molly McCafferty, Maggie Backus, and Erika Ratcliff.

Coaches Miss Scalley and Mrs. Gulden are qualified state judges, and they wish this talented team a special good luck!

Go bulldogs!

OFMS MUSIC PROGRAM DEMONSTRATES OUTSTANDING MUSIC ABILITY AT DISTRICT CONTEST

On Friday, May 10, 2013, the Eighth Period Eighth Grade Band directed by Mr. Gulden and the Fourth Period Seventh Grade Band directed by Mr. Feller, traveled to Firelands HS for the Ohio Music Education Association sponsored Large Group Contest.  This is a very intense situation, where three music educators judge the performers on three pieces.  The students performed very well earning a “superior rating” which is the highest rating possible.  Congratulations Fourth Period Seventh Grade Band and Eighth Period Eighth Grade Band for a job well done!

OFHS ACADEMIC TEAM FINISHING YEAR STRONG; HEADED TO NAQT NATIONALS THIS WEEKEND!

At the beginning of the academic competition season in the State of Ohio, there are almost 800 schools that compete in the Ohio Academic Competition format (OAC) in Ohio.  Congratulations to our OFHS Academic Team and team captain, Marty Mendenhall,  for advancing all the way to the State Competition again this year.  These outstanding bulldogs finished third overall, marking the third consecutive year that Olmsted Falls has placed in the top three teams in the State of Ohio in the OAC format (2011-3rd, 2012-1st, 2013-3rd).

The OFHS Academic Team also competes in the National Academic Quiz Tournament (NAQT) format, and this year finished with a 4th place showing in the State of Ohio.   This is the 4th year in a row that Olmsted Falls has placed in the top four teams in the State of Ohio (2010-2nd, 2011-1st, 2012-3rd, 2013-4th) in NAQT competition. This is the format that the OFHS team will compete in when they head to nationals in Atlanta over Memorial Day Weekend.  

Best of luck to our bulldogs!

OFHS ALUMNUS WINS COLLEGE JEOPARDY!

The entire Olmsted Falls Schools community shared in the excitement last week as OFHS Class of 2011 alumnus Jim Coury emerged as the champion of the college Jeopardy! tournament!  The final episode aired this past Friday night, and Jim made his alma mater and his community proud with his impressive performance and ultimate victory!  Congratulations to Jim Coury and his family (pictured at right)!

To read an article about Jim’s win in the Washington Post, please click here.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Ginny Csider from The Rescue Inn visited with students in the Middle School Media Center last week.  The Rescue Inn is an Ohio non-profit, foster-based rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in need.  The Rescue Inn rescues dogs from shelters and places them in foster care until they can find a “forever family.”

Along with talking to students about work of The Rescue Inn, Ms. Csider also talked to students about being responsible pet owners and ways they can help.

CULTURAL DAY FOR OFIS 5TH GRADE STUDENTS

For the past several weeks, students in Mr. Schafer, Mrs. Atkins, and Mrs. Harb’s Social Studies classes have been studying immigration. They have tied this unit into their own cultures and world geography. As a culminating activity, each student learned about a country from which their ancestors came.

Students asked family members about immigration, and whether or not their family members passed through Ellis Island. Each student then made or brought in food and other cultural objects from that country. Families were invited to OFIS for a Cultural Celebration share day.

Students and their families had a great time trying food from all over the world, and learning about other cultures.

THE 12TH ANNUAL YOUNG AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS BOOK PROJECT!

Fifth Graders at OFIS from Mrs. Atkins, Mr. Schafer, and Mrs. Harb’s Language Arts classes created and wrote their very own Fictional Narratives which were sent to Mariel Krakowiak’s High School Art students to illustrate. These illustrations were based on how detailed the 5th graders wrote!  Once again, the illustrations were amazing! The fifth grade students were so thankful and loved their final copy.

OFIS hosted a special event where the high school students came to OFIS to meet their “5th grade authors”.  Well done authors and illustrators!!!

Please click here to view a few of these amazing illustrations.

OLMSTED FALLS KINDERGARTEN STUDENT WINS PBS WRITERS CONTEST

Congratulations to Danica Marshall, Kindergarten winner of the PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest for the WVIZ viewing area!  Danica is a student in Mrs. Doyle’s AM kindergarten, and daughter of OFMS Life Skills teacher Mrs. Marshall.

As author of the first place book at the kindergarten level, she received a prize pack from WVIZ.  Even more exciting, her story is being sent on to the national competition, which will be judged in the next few weeks!

Her winning book, “Daddy and Danica’s River Adventures,” can be viewed here on the WVIZ website: http://www.ideastream.org/education/writers.

Congratulations and good luck to Danica!

HELPING HANDS ACCOMPANIES STUDENTS TO FESTIVAL

Four Helping Hands Members accompanied students from OFMS & OFIS to The Arts on the Town Festival held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.  The Festival was held as a means of demonstrating the importance of the arts as a total development of all individuals.

The purpose of the Art Festival is to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to participate in meaningful art experiences and increase public awareness of the artistic abilities and importance of art for individuals with disabilities.

FALLS-LENOX APPRECIATES ITS VOLUNTEERS!

Falls-Lenox hosted their  Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Tuesday, May 14!  Volunteers were treated to a delicious breakfast made by staff members.  First graders read two poems about being thankful for volunteers, and flowers from The Cutting Garden were prizes for lucky winners at each table.

The students and staff at Falls-Lenox are so grateful to have such dedicated parents and community members helping out!  For more photos, please click here.

RED CROSS THANKS YOU!

Falls-Lenox Primary School held a blood drive on May 13, 2013. The American Red Cross stated that approximately 141 people will be helped with the total of 47 pints raised and a total of 57 participants.  Thanks to everyone who participated in this event by either donating blood or donating their time to volunteer.  Children who had a parent or guardian donate blood are invited to a pizza party with the principals on Tuesday, May 28^th at 2:00 p.m.

SWIM AND DIVE TEAM SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OPPORTUNITY

We had an amazing season this year.  The 2012-2013 Swim and Dive team broke a total of 13 current school records! Incredibly, we also had 15 athletes advance to District Championships.  Good Luck to our graduating seniors: Joan Dregalla, Jaime Fossen, Shannon John, Sam Aburaad, Aidan Burton, Jon Levin, and Cody Locklear.  We will miss you!  We are preparing for another great season for 2013-2014. Come be a part of the exciting OFHS Swim and Dive team. We offer a summer scholarship to anyone interested in attending a summer program/camp and swimming and/or diving for OFHS next year. Please click here for the application.  If you would like more information on joining the team, please contact Coach Laughlin at mlaughli@ymail.com.

GIRLS BASKETBALL SUMMER OPEN GYMS FOR CURRENT 4TH – 7TH GRADE GIRLS

The Girls High School and Middle School Basketball coaches along with the OFBA will be having 4 open gyms this summer for girls in grades 4-7.  The dates, times, and location are listed below.  We would love for you to come and play!

Wednesday, June 19^th    4:00-5:30 PM       Olmsted Falls High School

Wednesday, June 26^th    4:00-5:30 PM       Olmsted Falls High School

Wednesday, July 3^rd       10:00-11:30 AM    Olmsted Falls High School

Wednesday, July 10^th     10:00-11:30 AM    Olmsted Falls High School

We will run two floors so that we can separate the players by age/ability level.  All players will be supervised by High School and Middle School coaches and parents you are welcome to stay as well.  Please click HERE to download the information in a flyer.

OLMSTED FALLS ALUMNI AND ENDOWMENT ASSOCIATION TO HOLD GOLF OUTING

Who?   Any and all golfers and “want to be” golfers, men and women!!

When?   Saturday, July 13, 2013 – tee times begin at 9:00 a.m.

Where?  Mallard Creek Golf Course, 34500 Royalton Road, Columbia Station

Cost?   $85 per golfer includes 18 holes, riding cart, lunch, a fabulous steak dinner, and favor

Format?   4 Person Scramble, no handicaps

REGISTER EARLY—all teams and individuals with paid registrations submitted by May 31 will receive four (4) complimentary raffle tickets per golfer for the AWESOME door prize drawings.  There will also be games and a 50/50 raffle!  All proceeds benefit the Alumni Association and its Scholarship Programs.  Next Wednesday on Honor Day, the Alumni Association will be giving away 48 scholarships/awards totaling $29,400!   Pictured at left:  The 2012 Winners – Bob Lehman, Heath Krakowiak, Bob Burton, Joe Miles

BULLDOG SUMMER SPORTS CAMP INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE ON DISTRICT WEBSITE

A listing of 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camps put on by the Olmsted Falls Athletic Department has just been added to the District website.  The list includes camp dates, registration deadlines, contact information, and links to individual camp information and registration forms.

Please click HERE for the latest 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camp information. 

SAFETY TOWN 2013 SPONSORED BY THE OLMSTED EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten in the fall?  If so, Safety Town is a child accident prevention program for incoming kindergarteners.  It is a program that introduces safety awareness and preventative procedures to the children.  Children practice real life situations before being confronted with situations on their own.  Safety Town is the foundation of safety education.

Safety Town in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township is organized through the Olmsted Early Childhood PTA, a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers who seek to unite home, school and the Olmsted community in promoting education, health and safety of children, youth and families.  Children who attend will practice safety “out on the town” in a miniaturized city layout designed to teach children safety near roads, railroad crossings, while on their bikes or walking in their neighborhood.  Videos, songs and lessons with visits from local Police, Fire and Bus Departments as well as field trips to Police and Fire Departments, all help your child enjoy and understand what he or she is learning.  Please click here to find out more and to register.

6TH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA CALENDAR RAFFLE – GET YOURS TODAY!

Help support the Middle School PTA by purchasing an entry in our 6^th Annual Calendar Raffle.  For $5.00 you are entered for a chance to win 31 days of great prizes. We will pull a different winner every day and a list of winners will be posted on this blog. You may enter as many times as you like.  Winners will be announced here on the blog – it is not too late to get your calendar!!

Entry forms and cash or a check (made out to MS PTA) can be turned in at any of the school main offices.  Take a chance.  We have Monsters tickets, a birthday bowling party at Fairview Lanes along with many other great prizes.  You can download a copy of the calendar by clicking here.

Entry form must be returned with money to your school office in an envelope marked OFMS PTA Calendar Raffle to be eligible.  Checks should be made payable to OFMS PTA.   Entries can be added to the drawing pool throughout the month, however entries will not be eligible for to be included in the drawings until your official payment / entry form has been received.

CASE WESTERN RESERVE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY OFFERING FREE “GIRLS LINK” PROGRAM FOR LOCAL MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS

“Girls Link” is a five-session series of group meetings being offered locally at the North Olmsted branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library through the Department of Psychology at Case Western Reserve. Girls ages 10-14, enrolled in Middle School, are encouraged to participate.  The “Girls Link” meetings at the North Olmsted Library are scheduled for Tuesday nights, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16 & July 23, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. “Girls Link” is a prevention program that encourages girls to make new friends and feel more connected to others her age through peer support and skill-building strategies. For additional information, please click HERE for a flyer and HERE for a brochure.  Call and enroll today!

CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY FOR MANY FUN SUMMER PROGRAMS

The Olmsted Falls library has many exciting opportunities this summer,  including four Kindergarten readiness programs to get our little ones ready for the new school year and two camps for children and teens.  For a complete listing of all the programs, please click here.

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. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are submitting information about a school or school-connected organization’s fundraising event, you will need to make sure that you have completed and submitted the District’s official Fundraising Form.  Once your event has been approved, we will be happy to post/promote the information on the Weekly Blog Update.  To download a copy of the Fundraising Form, please click here.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• LOCAL RELAY FOR LIFE YOUTH TEAM HOSTING RELAY BENEFIT CONCERT IN PARMA – THIS FRIDAY, MAY 24th @ 8:00 P.M. – The Fighting For A Cure Relay for Life Youth Team (led by Stephanie Kollar) is holding a Relay Benefit Concert fundraiser at the Rock City Tap House in Parma.  Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $8 each for the all-ages show featuring local Cleveland area bands including Burning Down Broadway, C-Level, Nick Wilkinson and the Featured Players, and The Frodis Capers (a Monkeys tribute band).  All are welcome to attend this special fundraiser event benefitting Olmsted Falls Relay for Life!

• BARK FOR LIFE EVENT, THIS SATURDAY MAY 25th, 9:00 A.M., IN FRONT OF OLMSTED FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Olmsted Falls Relay for Life is hosting a Bark for Life event on Saturday, May 25, 2013. The 1 mile walk takes place in front of the Middle School with registration starting at 9:00 AM; the event lasting from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. There is a $10 registration fee per dog; $5 for a 2^nd dog.  Dogs will receive a Bark for Life bandana. The event also includes many booths, games, and activities!  Attention Middle School Students: Also attending this event will be the stars of eighth grader Julia Montgomery’s running Paw Print Newspaper column known as “The Chronicles of Murphy.” Come and meet the dogs, Murphy and Bernie!  Please contact Miss Kristen Rupp at (440) 427-6258, krupp@ofcs.net for more details or to register.  Please click here for flyer and registration form.

• DINE & DONATE TO SUPPORT ROBBY’S VOICE – Friday, May 31st through Saturday, June 1st – LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE IN NORTH OLMSTED – Invite Family, Friends and Neighbors to Lone Star Steakhouse in North Olmsted, Ohio on Friday, May 31st through Saturday, June 1st. Lone Star will donate 15% of full priced items back to Robby’s Voice. Flyer must be presented when you dine. We sincerely appreciate your support!  Please click here for the flyer.

• WESTVIEW SWIM TEAM - Looking for a fun, physical activity to get your child off the couch and computer this summer?  The Westview Swim Team is open to children aged 4 to 18 who are residents of Olmsted Falls/Township  AND can swim. We teach competitive swim strokes and compete in meets from June 1 to July 24. We emphasize  sportsmanship, teamwork  and self-esteem. Many swimmers have gone on to swim competitively in high school and college, earning scholarships and building self-discipline. Kids LOVE our awesome events like Donut Fridays, Swim-a-Thon, secret swimmer and Awards Banquet with pool party!  www.whoaconnect.org or contact Catherine Davis @ 440- 427-0514 for additional information.

• RELAY FOR LIFE – SAVE THE DATE: The 4^th Annual Relay For Life will be held June 8^th- 9^th at Olmsted Falls High School. The event begins at 3 p.m. this year! Please help us to Color Out Cancer With A Rainbow Of Hope! Enjoy 18 hours of fun, games, live entertainment, and fireworks! A great FAMILY EVENT! Join us for the opening lap at 3 p.m. – we will be celebrating the survivors of cancer in our community! The Luminaria (candle remembrance) Ceremony is unexplainable….don’t miss it at 9! Luminaria will be followed by an amazing fireworks display and more fun all night long! Getting hungry?? There will be another famous Kiwanis breakfast in the morning. This year’s event is 18 hours and will be attended by thousands of participants and community members! Come see how you can make a difference and help create a world with more birthdays! Visit www.relayforlife.org/olmstedfalls for more information!

• FALLSSTRONG CO-ED SAND VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT – FRIDAY, JUNE 14^TH @ 9:30 A.M. AT RAZZLES – Registration:  9:30 – 10 a.m.; Tournament Starts: 10 a.m.  Round-robin; min. 6 players per team.  All proceeds benefit Danny Cuellar, Ryan Hoffer, Alex Stipek, and Chase DuPratt.  Click HERE to download the information / registration form.  Questions?  Please contact jenkanaba@yahoo.com.

• BOYS/GIRLS INSTRUCTIONAL SUMMER TENNIS CAMP 2013, JUNE 17 – JUNE 21, 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. MON, WED, FRI, 12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. TUES, THURS, OFHS TENNIS COURTS – For Boys and Girls entering grades 5th -9th.  (Rain Date: Sat, June 22^nd),  Registration Deadline:  Friday June 7th.  Cost:  $60.00 / per child (includes OCC water bottle).   Strong fundamental tennis instruction for boys and girls.  Each child should come prepared with:  Sunscreen, sunglasses/visor, water and tennis racquet.  Register online at www.olmstedcc.com  (or fill out & drop off registration form).  Please click here for registration form.  If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Kuntz @ 440.235.2442 or email:  office@olmstedcc.com.

• OLMSTED FALLS LACROSSE SUMMER CAMP 2013  -  JULY 22 – 24, 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., OFMS FIELDS, 27045 BAGLEY ROAD -  With the program now growing from 20 players to 200 players, OFLA is pleased to offer a 3 day camp to boys and girls entering grades 1-8 for the 2013-2014 school year.  The cost is $40 and is open to players of all skill levels from beginner to advance.  Players will be separated by age and skill level.  The camp will focus on developing the skills of each individual camper.  Each camper will receive an OF Bulldog lacrosse dri-fit shirt.  Please click here for a registration form.

For those parents needing to designate a single, alternate pick-up / drop-off address for their student for the 2013-2014 school year, the deadline for submitting Alternate Transportation Forms is June 15, 2013.  Please click HERE for additional information and to access Alternate Transportation Forms for the 2013-2014 school year.  Please call the Transportation office at 427-6350 with any questions.

OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL LISTED IN NEWSWEEK’S TOP 2000

Congratulations to Olmsted Falls High School for making this year’s Newsweek list of “America’s Best High Schools.” This year’s ranking highlights the best 2,000 public high schools in the nation – according to Newsweek, “those that have proven to be most effective at turning out college-ready grads.”  Olmsted Falls ranks #1620 on this prestigious list and is among just 77 high schools in the state of Ohio to make the list.  Explore Newsweek’s list in its entirety by clicking HERE.  Read local media coverage including Olmsted Falls High School by clicking HERE.

STUDENTS SHOWCASE VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS TALENTS IN POPULAR SPRING EVENTS

Mark your calendar for these annual spring events:

OFIS Spring Band Concert – TONIGHT, Wednesday, May 15^th @ 6:30 p.m.

OFHS Spring Pops Concert – TOMORROW, Thursday, May 16^th @ 7:30 p.m.

OFMS Spring Band Concerts – Wed., May 22^nd @ 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

OFHS ALUMNUS ADVANCED TO SEMI-FINALS ON JEOPARDY!

Congratulations to OFHS Class of 2011 alumnus Jim Coury for his outstanding performance on Jeopardy last week!

Be sure to tune in TONIGHT at 7:30 p.m. (Ch. 19) to watch Jim as he competes in the semi-finals!  Go Jim!!  Go Bulldogs!

INVITATION TO THE OFHS CLASS OF 2013 GRAND MARCH

The Olmsted Falls Post Prom Committee invites the community to attend the Class of 2013 Grand March THIS SATURDAY, May 18th at 4 p.m. in the Olmsted Falls High School auditorium. It’s a chance to see all the students in their prom attire.  They will be announced individually, in couples or groups of friends as they walk across the stage. Parents, family and friends are invited to attend and photograph them at this event.  The event is free of charge.

FALLS-LENOX STUDENT INSPIRED BY AUTHOR MO WILLEMS

During an author study in Miss Sanfilippo’s first grade class, student Loai Eqrai became inspired to write a letter to Mo Willems.

Willems is the famous author of many popular children’s books such as Knufflebunny, Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and the Elephant and Piggie series.

Miss Sanfilippo’s entire first grade class was thrilled to receive a letter in return!

TUNE IN MONDAY TO HEAR OFHS COMPETE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE SCHOLASTIC GAMES OF LORAIN COUNTY

The OFHS Academic Team can be heard competing for the Scholastic Games of Lorain County Championship this Monday, May 20th at 6:05 p.m. on WEOL 930AM.  Be sure to listen and hear our award-winning team in action.

Podcasts will also be available on the WEOL website and can be accessed anytime after it has aired.  To access the podcasts of aired matches, please click here.

DISTRICT TO SURVEY COMMUNITY BY PHONE

Beginning this Monday, May 20th, a random telephone survey will be conducted to collect information from residents about their thoughts and opinions regarding the Olmsted Falls School District.  These important phone surveys will be conducted by professionals from Triad Research Group, a local Cuyahoga County company based in Rocky River.  Each phone survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.  As a District resident and a parent, your thoughts and opinions are very important to us.  We hope you will consider participating should your phone be among the random numbers called.  ** Please Note:  Caller IDs will show local number (440) 628-7616 for the incoming survey calls. ** Should you have any questions about the upcoming community survey about Olmsted Falls Schools, please contact the Board Office at 427-6000.

OFHS STUDENTS SEND THOUGHTS TO FELLOW BULLDOGS

Students and staff at Olmsted Falls High School gathered in the gym last week for a special group photo to send their thoughts and well wishes to five fellow students involved in a serious car accident early last week.  Four students remain hospitalized and one has been released.  OFHS Principal Holly Schafer personally delivered a framed photo, inscribed with the message “Our Bulldogs Are In Our Thoughts,” for students and their families at the hospital last week.  Please continue to keep our students in your thoughts in the days and weeks ahead.  Community members are planning a fundraiser for the families in mid-June.  Please watch the community events section of this blog for details to come.

HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL MAY SHOW!

Olmsted Falls High school held its annual May Art Show last Friday featuring work by students, alumni, staff, and community members.  A large variety of visual arts, photography, and product manufacturing pieces were on display as students and visitors toured the show, held in the gymnasium, throughout the day.  As always, the special booth exhibits created by Olmsted Falls seniors were a real treat to explore!  Kudos to our graduating bulldogs and all of the show participants for their creativity and talent!

A special thank you to Olmsted Falls Kiwanis Club which sponsors the May Show!  To view additional photos from this year’s May Show, please click HERE.

RETIRED STAFF GATHER FOR ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON

Olmsted Falls Schools Endowment and Alumni Association hosted its annual Retired Staff Spring Luncheon last week.  Retired Bulldog staff members attended the annual event, held at Moosehead, and enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with former colleagues.  Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley also attended, expressing heartfelt thanks to the group for their role in creating and maintaining the District’s tradition of excellence.  The group was also introduced to the next Superintendent of Olmsted Falls Schools, Dr. Jim Lloyd, who also made remarks.  To view photos from this year’s Spring Luncheon event for retired staff, please click HERE.

Did You Know?  Olmsted Falls retired staff members contribute to a scholarship fund to benefit graduating OFHS seniors.  Last year, their scholarship fund reached the $10,000 mark and officially became an endowed scholarship.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE 1^st OLMSTED FALLS SPANISH SPIRIT WEEK!

During the week of April 29^th, teachers and students of Spanish celebrated the first Spanish Spirit Week at Olmsted Falls High School.  Each day, the Spanish students participated in an activity to celebrate the Spanish language and culture.  On Monday, students gathered in Mrs. Soto-Kacik’s room to watch the film, “Stand and Deliver.”  The school was filled with red and gold clothing on Tuesday to represent the colors of the Spanish Honor Society who sponsored the week’s activities.  On Wednesday, students and staff gathered in the gymnasium after school to learn Latin dance moves taught by talented instructors from The Latin Soul Dance Studio.  Everyone enjoyed learning to dance the salsa and merengue!  The most popular activity took place after school on Thursday afternoon.  Students played an intense game of soccer.  Several classmates and faculty members came to watch and to cheer their classmates on to a big Spanish fútbol victory!  The week wrapped up with authentic cuisine in Spanish classes and at local Mexican restaurants to celebrate the Cinco de Mayo holiday.

OLE! FOR OFMS ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS

Last week, Mrs. Radigan’s Adapted Physical Education class at OFMS celebrated Cinco de Mayo in style with “Food, Fun, and the Mexican Hat Dance.” Clothing and accessories for the students and ingredients to make authentic Mexican food were purchased through the NEOEA’s “Food for the Soul” grant, which is awarded to teachers that propose a cultural diversity project. The class also read a story about the history of the Mexican Hat Dance, and then performed the dance. Everyone enjoyed this wonderful cross curricular activity!

Mrs. Bernie Lofredo works as the Athletic Department Administrative Assistant/Technology Assistant at Olmsted Falls High School. She loves the athletes she works with as well as the general student population. Mrs. Lofredo does not consider her job “work,” and believes that being around high school students help keep her young!  She loves being a Bulldog because of the Bulldog Spirit shown in various ways (athletic banquets, student camaraderie, etc.) Mrs. Lofredo believes that the new high school administration has re-energized the Bulldog Spirit in the district this year.

BULLDOG SUMMER SPORTS CAMP INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE ON DISTRICT WEBSITE

A listing of 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camps put on by the Olmsted Falls Athletic Department has just been added to the District website.  The list includes camp dates, registration deadlines, contact information, and links to individual camp information and registration forms.

Please click HERE for the latest 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camp information. 

SAFETY TOWN 2013 SPONSORED BY THE OLMSTED EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten in the fall?  If so, Safety Town is a child accident prevention program for incoming kindergarteners.  It is a program that introduces safety awareness and preventative procedures to the children.  Children practice real life situations before being confronted with situations on their own.  Safety Town is the foundation of safety education.

Safety Town in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township is organized through the Olmsted Early Childhood PTA, a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers who seek to unite home, school and the Olmsted community in promoting education, health and safety of children, youth and families.  Children who attend will practice safety “out on the town” in a miniaturized city layout designed to teach children safety near roads, railroad crossings, while on their bikes or walking in their neighborhood.  Videos, songs and lessons with visits from local Police, Fire and Bus Departments as well as field trips to Police and Fire Departments, all help your child enjoy and understand what he or she is learning.  Please click here to find out more and to register.

6TH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA CALENDAR RAFFLE – GET YOURS TODAY!

Help support the Middle School PTA by purchasing an entry in our 6^th Annual Calendar Raffle.  For $5.00 you are entered for a chance to win 31 days of great prizes. We will pull a different winner every day and a list of winners will be posted on this blog. You may enter as many times as you like.  Winners will be announced weekly – it is not too late to get your calendar!!

Entry forms and cash or a check (made out to MS PTA) can be turned in at any of the school main offices.  Take a chance.  We have Monsters tickets, a birthday bowling party at Fairview Lanes along with many other great prizes.  You can download a copy of the calendar by clicking here.

Entry form must be returned with money to your school office in an envelope marked OFMS PTA Calendar Raffle to be eligible.  Checks should be made payable to OFMS PTA.   Entries can be added to the drawing pool throughout the month, however entries will not be eligible for to be included in the drawings until your official payment / entry form has been received.

Congratulations to this week’s winners in the Middle School PTA calendar raffle.  Thanks again to all that participated.

May 8   Michelle Bauer – Bulldog Spiritwear

May 9   Laurie Demchak – Cold Stone Creamery Gift Card

May 10 Mary Goetz – 2 Tickets to the Great Lakes Science Center

May 11  Jillian Scott – Swings N Things Mini golf coupons

May 12  Becky Milligan – Wine tasting gift card and an Entertainment Book

May 13  Rebecca Schuff – 2 tickets to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

May 14  Kristie Marion – Uncle John’s Plant Farm Gift Card

More winners will be posted next week.

CASE WESTERN RESERVE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY OFFERING FREE “GIRLS LINK” PROGRAM FOR LOCAL MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS

“Girls Link” is a five-session series of group meetings being offered locally at the North Olmsted branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library through the Department of Psychology at Case Western Reserve. Girls ages 10-14, enrolled in Middle School, are encouraged to participate.  The “Girls Link” meetings at the North Olmsted Library are scheduled for Tuesday nights, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16 & July 23, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. “Girls Link” is a prevention program that encourages girls to make new friends and feel more connected to others her age through peer support and skill-building strategies.  For additional information, please click HERE for a flyer and HERE for a brochure.  Call and enroll today!

CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY FOR MANY FUN SUMMER PROGRAMS

The Olmsted Falls library has many exciting opportunities this summer,  including four Kindergarten readiness programs to get our little ones ready for the new school year and two camps for children and teens.  For a complete listing of all the programs, please click here.

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. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are submitting information about a school or school-connected organization’s fundraising event, you will need to make sure that you have completed and submitted the District’s official Fundraising Form.  Once your event has been approved, we will be happy to post/promote the information on the Weekly Blog Update.  To download a copy of the Fundraising Form, please click here.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• DOCUMENT SHREDDING, THIS SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:00 A.M. – NOON, FALLS-LENOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 26450 BAGLEY ROAD – Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township will again be joining forces with New Hope Specialized Services to provide no-cost to residents document shredding.  Please click here for more information.

• PANCAKE BREAKFAST, THIS SUNDAY, MAY 19, 8:00 A.M. – NOON, OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 6941 COLUMBIA ROAD, OLMSTED FALLS – Olmsted Performing Arts and the Kiwanis Club of Olmsted Falls are putting on a Pancake Breakfast.  The proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club and the Olmsted Performing Arts Gymnastics program.  Advance tickets are $6, and advance Senior tickets are $5.  Add $1 at the door.  Children under age 3 are free.  To purchase advance tickets, please see a member of the Kiwanis Club, stop by the Olmsted Performing Arts Center, or call 440-235-6722.

• LOCAL RELAY FOR LIFE YOUTH TEAM HOSTING RELAY BENEFIT CONCERT IN PARMA – FRIDAY, MAY 24th @ 8:00 P.M. – The Fighting For A Cure Relay for Life Youth Team (led by Stephanie Kollar) is holding a Relay Benefit Concert fundraiser at the Rock City Tap House in Parma.  Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $8 each for the all-ages show featuring local Cleveland area bands including Burning Down Broadway, C-Level, Nick Wilkinson and the Featured Players, and The Frodis Capers (a Monkeys tribute band).  All are welcome to attend this special fundraiser event benefitting Olmsted Falls Relay for Life!

• DINE & DONATE TO SUPPORT ROBBY’S VOICE – Friday, May 31st through Saturday, June 1st – LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE IN NORTH OLMSTED – Invite Family, Friends and Neighbors to Lone Star Steakhouse in North Olmsted, Ohio on Friday, May 31st through Saturday, June 1st. Lone Star will donate 15% of full priced items back to Robby’s Voice. Flyer must be presented when you dine. We sincerely appreciate your support!  Please click here for the flyer.

• WESTVIEW SWIM TEAM - Looking for a fun, physical activity to get your child off the couch and computer this summer?  The Westview Swim Team is open to children aged 4 to 18 who are residents of Olmsted Falls/Township  AND can swim. We teach competitive swim strokes and compete in meets from June 1 to July 24. We emphasize  sportsmanship, teamwork  and self-esteem. Many swimmers have gone on to swim competitively in high school and college, earning scholarships and building self-discipline. Kids LOVE our awesome events like Donut Fridays, Swim-a-Thon, secret swimmer and Awards Banquet with pool party!  www.whoaconnect.org or contact Catherine Davis @ 440- 427-0514 for additional information.

• RELAY FOR LIFE – SAVE THE DATE: The 4^th Annual Relay For Life will be held June 8^th- June 9^th at Olmsted Falls High School. The event begins at 3 p.m. this year! Please help us to Color Out Cancer With A Rainbow Of Hope! Enjoy 18 hours of fun, games, live entertainment, and fireworks! A great FAMILY EVENT! Join us for the opening lap at 3 p.m. – we will be celebrating the survivors of cancer in our community! The Luminaria (candle remembrance) Ceremony is unexplainable….don’t miss it at 9! Luminaria will be followed by an amazing fireworks display and more fun all night long! Getting hungry?? There will be another famous Kiwanis breakfast in the morning. This year’s event is 18 hours and will be attended by thousands of participants and community members! Come see how you can make a difference and help create a world with more birthdays! Visit www.relayforlife.org/olmstedfalls for more information!

• 40th ANNUAL PHIL BOVA BASEBALL CAMP 2013, JUNE 17 – 21, 8:15 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., WESTLAKE RECREATION OUTDOOR BASEBALL FIELD, 28955 HILLIARD BLVD. - Experience Your Own Spring Training! High School, College and Professional Instructors with over 200 Years of Experience · Camp Ratio 1 to 8.  Every phase of the game will be unveiled:  Our staff will prepare your son for the next level!  Daily Games · Individual Drills $235 per camper includes:  Hot Lunch Daily · Camp T-Shirt & Hat · Written Evaluation · Individual Color Photo · Awards Ceremony. TEAM DISCOUNTS!!!! Sign up 10 or more kids and receive $35 off per camper!  For Registration, Medical Forms and Discounts, visit our Website at:  www.bovacamps.com or call 440-779-1390   Named #1 Baseball Camp of it’s kind in NE Ohio!

• OLMSTED FALLS 2013 LACROSSE SEASON IS HERE!  - The Olmsted Falls Lacrosse Association would like to invite the community to check out a home game between now and the end of the season in early June.  There are both boys and girls teams – the games are non-stop action and a lot of fun to watch!  Home games are played in the field behind OFIS or the field behind OFMS parking lot.  The newest teams are the High School JV Girls and Boys, who are doing a great job representing Olmsted Falls against teams from Rocky River, Westlake,  Avon Lake, Beachwood, Strongsville,  Medina, Brunswick, St. Ignatius, Hudson, and Bay! Check out game schedules by clicking here.  If you’d like to see photos of  the games, click here to access OF LAX’s facebook page.

NEW SECURITY SYSTEM IN PLACE AT FALLS-LENOX

We are pleased to announce that a new security system with voice intercom, video monitoring and door access control features has been installed at Falls-Lenox Primary School.  This new system became fully operational last Friday. From now on, all visitors to Falls-Lenox will use this new intercom/buzzer system to enter at the building’s main entrance. The inner foyer doors will now remain locked at all times. The intercom/buzzer is located on the wall just to the right of double-doors inside the entry foyer. The front door will continue to be monitored by Mr. George Elioff. Once buzzed in, guests will be issued visitor badges at the desk in the front lobby before they will be permitted to proceed further.

Installation of this new security system was one of the recommendations made by PLE Group during the District’s assessment/evaluation, which has been underway since early November.  This upgraded security system for Falls-Lenox was funded through the District’s Permanent Improvement Levy, passed in November 2011.  With these funds, similar intercom/buzzer systems will soon be installed at the Early Childhood Center and the High School as well.

STUDENTS SHOWCASE VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS TALENTS IN POPULAR SPRING EVENTS

Mark your calendar for these annual spring events:

OFMS Spring Choir Concert – TONIGHT, Wednesday, May 8^th – 6:00 p.m. (7^th grade singers) & 8:00 p.m. (8^th grade singers)

OFHS Spring Band Concert- TOMORROW, Thursday, May 9^th @ 7:30 p.m.

OFHS May Art Show – This Friday, May 10^th, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

OFIS Spring Band Concert – Wednesday, May 15^th @ 6:30 p.m.

OFHS Spring Pops Concert – Thursday, May 16^th @ 7:30 p.m.

OFMS Spring Band Concerts – Wednesday, May 22^nd @ 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

OFHS ART STUDENTS EARN IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF AWARDS

“CoCo” by Teresa Wang

Kudos and congratulations to the talented art students at Olmsted Falls High School!  Many of their works have received awards and recognitions in prestigious local, state and national competitions this year. We invite you to explore our collection of on-line galleries (links below) to view the impressive work of our award-winning OFHS students. For each gallery, click on the first image to activate larger images with captions crediting each student.

2012-2013 Regional PTA Reflections

2012-2013 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition

2012-2013 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

2012-2013 National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Sophomore Teresa Wang, recipient of a Gold Key award for her drawing titled, “CoCo” (featured at right), will travel to New York City later this month, where she will be presented with her award during the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony to be webcast live from Carnegie Hall!

SEE THE WORK OF ALL OUR TALENTED ARTISTS THIS FRIDAY AT THE ANNUAL MAY ART SHOW HELD IN THE OFHS GYM FROM 8:00 AM TO 9:00 PM!

OFHS ALUMNUS ADVANCED TO SEMI-FINALS ON JEOPARDY!

Congratulations to OFHS Class of 2011 alumnus Jim Coury for his outstanding performance on Jeopardy last night!

Jim will advance to the semi-finals next week.

His next episode will air on Wednesday, May 15^th at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 19 (WOIO).

Congratulations Jim!!

KINDERGARTEN SCREENING A SUCCESS

More than 200 incoming kindergarten students for next school year were screened over the course of two days last week during the annual kindergarten screening process.  This next generation of Bulldogs was met with colorful chalk drawings and messages on the sidewalks out front, welcoming them to the Early Childhood Center as they arrived for their appointments.  This year, for the first time, vision and hearing screenings were incorporated into the educational screenings thanks to coordination of District Nurse Carol Meszaros and the volunteer support of Dr. Scott Sedlacek, Olmsted Falls Kiwanis and PTA.  In past years, vision and hearing screenings have typically been conducted after the start of school each fall.  Incorporating the vision and hearing screenings earlier will help parents address potential issues before their child starts school.

The information gathered during the annual screening process assists the ECC with class placements and early interventions as well as provides kindergarten teachers with valuable background information on their new students.  Many thanks to the staff, parents, students and volunteers for making this year’s kindergarten screening process a success!  Please click HERE to view additional photos from Kindergarten Screening days.

ALTERNATE  TRANSPORTATION  FORM  DEADLINE IS JUNE 15^TH

For those parents needing to designate a single, alternate pick-up / drop-off address for their student for the 2013-2014 school year, the deadline for submitting Alternate Transportation Forms is June 15, 2013.  Please click HERE for additional information and to access Alternate Transportation Forms for the 2013-2014 school year.  Please call the Transportation office at 427-6350 with any questions.

DISTRICT BUS DRIVERS COMPETE IN REGIONAL SCHOOL BUS ROAD-E-O

Nine members of the District bus driver staff competed in the regional round of the annual School Bus Road-E-O knowledge and skill-based competition held at Western Reserve High School this past Saturday.  Our drivers scored very well individually and as a team.

A special congratulation goes to O.F. Bus Driver Lisa Clelland-Williams (driver of Bus #70) for finishing 5th place in the region and qualifying for the upcoming state competition!

Please join us in wishing her the best of luck!

OLMSTED FALLS STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY

Back row 2nd from right: Kevin Cottingham Back row 6th from right: Ryan Krantz 2nd row 3rd from right: Mike Zeber 2nd row 5th from left: Joab Smith

Polaris Career Center inducted 39 students into the National Technical Honor Society during a special ceremony on April 25th.   Four were Olmsted Falls High School students:  Kevin Cottingham (Aerospace, junior), Ryan Krantz (Criminal Justice, junior), Joab Smith (Electronics, junior), and Mike Zeber (Electronics, junior).

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is America’s highest award for excellence in career and technical education. Fewer than two percent of America’s secondary students are nominated for membership into this prestigious organization. Nominees are evaluated based on scholarship, service, leadership and character.  To be eligible, students must:  earn all A’s in his / her Polaris program; maintain a 95 percent or higher attendance rate; and maintain a 3.0 accumulative grade point average.  Congratulations to these outstanding students!

OFHS NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS HOLD DANCE FOR RENAISSANCE RESIDENTS

On Tuesday April 16th, our NHS members held a dance in the HS cafeteria for residents of the Renaissance on John Road. Our students provided refreshments and our attendees took home flowers donated by Uncle John’s Plant Farm and Schuster’s Greenhouse. Emily Kocjan spearheaded the endeavor and a committee made up of other members helped put everything together. Most of our members attended and spent over an hour dancing to the cha cha slide, the hokey pokey and a number of other typical dance classics. They were also exposed to music from the 30s, 40s and 50s. It really was a great night! Click here for a short article and pictures from the evening. Our students are awesome!  If you know anyone in NHS, please ask them about the evening. I’m sure they would love to share.  Thanks again to Jan for her copy skills (she made our decade-themed placemats) and to our custodial staff. We appreciate all that you do!

OFHS STUDENTS COMPETE AND WIN AT POLARIS/PROJECT LEAD THE WAY CHALLENGE

Teams of students from Olmsted Falls, Berea, Midpark, Brooklyn and Fairview that are enrolled in a Project Lead the Way Pre Engineering or Bio Medical class, competed in the 3rd annual Polaris / PLTW Challenge.  The Competitions were in IED (Introduction to Engineering Design), POE (Principles Of Engineering), DE (Digital Electronics), VEX Robotics, Bio Medical Skills and Bio Medical Art.  Winning students / teams from Olmsted Falls included:

1^st Place VEX Robotics team members Cameron Winkel  and Jacob Olszewski  (pictured at left)

1^st Place Bio Medical Art - Brooke Gabel

2^nd Place IED team members Samantha Buck  and Joshua Aubel

3^rd Place POE team members Brian Kohler and Matthew Helmick

3^rd Place Bio Medical Art team members Ruchi Patel, Celina Hayes, Paige Tymke                       

3^rd place Bio Medical Skills team members Sara Hathcock, Gavin Lucietta, Marisol Lambermont

Congratulations to all!  Please click HERE to view photos from the competition; click on the first photo in the gallery to access larger images and captions.

MEET MRS. BARGHOLT!

Mrs. Carrie Bargholt has been a Bulldog for the past ten years. Currently, she works as the Olmsted Falls High School Cafeteria Manager. Mrs. Bargholt’s favorite part of her job is interacting with the students. She loves the fact that she isn’t just selling food, but is offering our students good nutrition.

Mrs. Bargholt loves being a Bulldog because she believes it is a district that takes pride in everything they do.

She and her husband, Darren, have two children, Eden (10) and Sal (7) who attend Falls-Lenox. In her spare time, she loves reading, gardening, and spending time with family.

OFHS STUDENTS ACHIEVE PRESTIGIOUS EAGLE SCOUT AWARD

Boy Scout Troop 201 held an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on April 28th to honor three Olmsted Falls High School students with the prestigious Eagle Scout Award.  Junior’s David Graham and Michael Stamper and Sophomore Timothy Fox received the Eagle Scout Award during the ceremony. Many local dignitaries presented the boys with special awards including Olmsted Falls School District  Superintendent Dr. Hoadley and Board of Education Vice President Joe Betrand who presented the boys each with a proclamation. All three young men are active in both Scouting and activities at Olmsted Falls High School. Troop 201 has been an active Troop in Olmsted Falls since 1926 and is Chartered by the Kiwanis. David, Michael and Timothy are the 128th, 129th and 130th Eagle Scouts of Troop 201 since its founding 87 years ago.

OLMSTED FALLS ALUMNUS PLACES FIRST IN PHOTO CONTEST

HEALTH CLINIC NEWS

Preparing for the 2013-14 School Year:  

Health Care Action Plans:  If your child has a medical condition which may require treatment at school such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, or severe allergies, etc. you will receive a Health Care Action Plan form from your child’s clinic staff.  These will be sent home before the end of the school year. These action plans, which are completed by both the parent and the physician, provide staff with detailed care information should your child become ill at school.  These should be completed over the summer and returned to the clinic during the first week of school in August 2013.

If your child will need to take a medication at school a medication order form is available on the district’s website.

Medication Pick Up:  If your child has medications at school please arrange for an adult to pick them up prior to the end of the school year. You will receive a notice from your clinic as to days/times.  Medications not picked up by June 18^th will be disposed of.

7^th grade students: Ohio law requires a Dtap booster vaccine be given prior to entry into the 7^th grade. Please bring in your documentation that this is completed to your health clinic during the first week of school in August 2013.

DISTRICT TO SURVEY COMMUNITY BY PHONE

Beginning in mid-May, a random telephone survey will be conducted to collect information from residents about their thoughts and opinions regarding the Olmsted Falls School District.  These important phone surveys will be conducted by professionals from Triad Research Group, a local Cuyahoga County company based in Rocky River.  Each phone survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.  As a District resident and a parent, your thoughts and opinions are very important to us.  We hope you will consider participating should your phone be among the random numbers called.  ** Please Note:  Caller IDs will show local number (440) 628-7616 for the incoming survey calls. ** Should you have any questions about the upcoming community survey about Olmsted Falls Schools, please contact the Board Office at 427-6000.

LOOKING FOR BILINGUAL PARENT VOLUNTEERS

In an effort to support the Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and parents in our school district, the Student Services Department is looking for parents who are bilingual and willing to volunteer within the school district.  Specifically, we are looking for volunteers to translate important paperwork and act as translators for activities such as parent-teacher conferences.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lisa Williams, the Assistant Principal at Falls-Lenox, at lwilliams@ofcs.net or (440)427-6403 by THIS FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013.   In your e-mail, please include your name, phone number, languages, and the names/grades of children within the Olmsted Falls City Schools.

ROBBY’S VOICE FOUNDERS TO GIVE SPECIAL PRESENTATION ON DRUG PREVENTION

Please join the Middle School PTA on Tuesday, May 14^th at 7:00 p.m., in the Middle School Library.  We will be featuring Middle School Musical talent at 7:00 p.m.  At 7:30 p.m., Rob and Carla Brandt, founders of ROBBY’S VOICE, will be sharing their insights and personal story, highlighting the realities of the growing drug epidemic in our communities.  With the first time drug experience in Ohio being 12 years old and getting younger, this is information we as parents need to know regarding the pressures, opportunities and temptations being aimed at our kids; information that may save a life.  We welcome you to join us to learn more about this growing epidemic.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR POST PROM NOW!

Attention All Seniors!! Post Prom is on Sunday, May 19^th from Midnight-4:30 a.m. at the high school. This year’s theme is “Going Places in 2013!” The event will be jam-packed with entertainment, activities, food, & prizes! Tickets are being sold in the high school cafeteria during all lunch periods through Friday, May 10^th. The cost of tickets is $10.00, payable by cash or check written to “OFHS Post Prom Committee.” Please note that tickets will only be sold in advance; NO ticket sales at the door. For additional information or ticket sales after Friday, May 10^th,  contact Amy Lesiak @ 440-793-6485.

INVITATION TO THE OFHS CLASS OF 2013 GRAND MARCH

The Olmsted Falls Post Prom Committee invites the community to attend the Class of 2013 Grand March on Saturday May 18th at 4 p.m. in the Olmsted Falls High School auditorium. It’s a chance to see all the students in their prom attire.  They will be announced individually, in couples or groups of friends as they walk across the stage. Parents, family and friends are invited to attend and photograph them at this event.  The event is free of charge.

FALLS-LENOX MEDIA CENTER SAYS THANK YOU!

The Falls-Lenox Media Center Staff would like to thank the parents, students and staff for their generous support of our Scholastic Book Fair.  We send a big thank you to PTA chair, Lori Surtman, for her continued dedication and masterful organizational skills and to all the parent volunteers!

Book Fair proceeds financially support our library and make it possible to buy new books for the library, equipment, special programs and enable us to supply books to children throughout the year at events like Literacy Night.  With the “All For Books” donations we were able to award 70 students a chance to choose books from the fair.  Scholastic will match our $674.00 “All For Books” money and provide books for students in need around our country.

Again, thanks so much to all those that supported this event!

BULLDOG SUMMER SPORTS CAMP INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE ON DISTRICT WEBSITE  ** JUST ADDED:  GIRLS SOFTBALL CAMP **

A listing of 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camps put on by the Olmsted Falls Athletic Department has just been added to the District website.  The list includes camp dates, registration deadlines, contact information, and links to individual camp information and registration forms.

Please click HERE for the latest 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camp information. 

SAFETY TOWN 2013 SPONSORED BY THE OLMSTED EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten in the fall?  If so, Safety Town is a child accident prevention program for incoming kindergarteners.  It is a program that introduces safety awareness and preventative procedures to the children.  Children practice real life situations before being confronted with situations on their own.  Safety Town is the foundation of safety education.

Safety Town in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township is organized through the Olmsted Early Childhood PTA, a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers who seek to unite home, school and the Olmsted community in promoting education, health and safety of children, youth and families.  Children who attend will practice safety “out on the town” in a miniaturized city layout designed to teach children safety near roads, railroad crossings, while on their bikes or walking in their neighborhood.  Videos, songs and lessons with visits from local Police, Fire and Bus Departments as well as field trips to Police and Fire Departments, all help your child enjoy and understand what he or she is learning.  Please click here to find out more and to register.

6TH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA CALENDAR RAFFLE – GET YOURS TODAY!

Help support the Middle School PTA by purchasing an entry in our 6^th Annual Calendar Raffle.  For $5.00 you are entered for a chance to win 31 days of great prizes. We will pull a different winner every day and a list of winners will be posted on this blog. You may enter as many times as you like.  Winners will be announced weekly – it is not too late to get your calendar!!

Entry forms and cash or a check (made out to MS PTA) can be turned in at any of the school main offices.  Take a chance.  We have Monsters tickets, a birthday bowling party at Fairview Lanes along with many other great prizes.  You can download a copy of the calendar by clicking here.

Entry form must be returned with money to your school office in an envelope marked OFMS PTA Calendar Raffle to be eligible.  Checks should be made payable to OFMS PTA.   Entries can be added to the drawing pool throughout the month, however entries will not be eligible for to be included in the drawings until your official payment / entry form has been received.  

Congratulations to the 1^st week of winners in the May 2013 Middle School PTA Calendar Raffle:

May 1 – Brian Grove (Lake Erie Monsters tickets)

May 2 – Thomas Candow (Jo Jo’s Pizza gift card)

May 3 – Cathy Samuel (Bulldog jacket and travel mug)

May 4 – Susan Bevel-Dufresne (Subway gift certificates)

May 5 – Evonne Dennis-Zavatchen (RYCO sportswear gift card)

May 6 – Louise McCormick (Lake Erie Crushers tickets)

May 7 – Cheryl Silas (Starbuck gift card)

Thanks for all your support and watch the blog for next week’s winners.

ATTENTION:  SENIOR PARENTS!! THIS FRIDAY – MAY 10TH!

POST PROM COMMITTEE will be having a donation collection at the high school THIS FRIDAY, MAY 10th from 6-9.

HELPING HANDS TO HOST 1ST ANNUAL 5K & 1/4 MILE WALK – REGISTER BY THIS FRIDAY, MAY 10TH

Helping Hands will be hosting their first 5K & 1/4 Mile Walk to promote “Disability Awareness” within the community. We are supporting all “special needs/disabilities” with this event…you can decide what you will run/walk for! There will also be a raffle after the 5K. Proceeds will go towards a scholarship to a graduating Helping Hands senior, a donation to the Helping Hands Relay for Life Team, and some money will be used to fund future Helping Hands events.

People of all ability levels are encouraged to participate. The 1/4 Mile Walk on the track is available for those participants that may not be able to complete and entire 5K (assistive equipment is permitted). The attached registration form has all the specific details for the event. Pre-registration is due back to Mariel Krakowiak by THIS Friday May 10th.

Please click HERE to download and print the registration form, and share it with your students, family, and friends.

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. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are submitting information about a school or school-connected organization’s fundraising event, you will need to make sure that you have completed and submitted the District’s official Fundraising Form.  Once your event has been approved, we will be happy to post/promote the information on the Weekly Blog Update.  To download a copy of the Fundraising Form, please click here.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• OLMSTED FALLS BULLDOG YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – REGISTRATION FOR THIS NEW TACKLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR 5TH & 6TH GRADERS BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 13TH.  For an overview of the program, list of frequently asked questions and registration form, please click HERE.

• DOCUMENT SHREDDING, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:00 A.M. – NOON, FALLS-LENOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 26450 BAGLEY ROAD – Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township will again be joining forces with New Hope Specialized Services to provide no-cost to residents document shredding.  Please click here for more information.

• PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SUNDAY, MAY 19, 8:00 A.M. – NOON, OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 6941 COLUMBIA ROAD, OLMSTED FALLS – Olmsted Performing Arts and the Kiwanis Club of Olmsted Falls are putting on a Pancake Breakfast.  The proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club and the Olmsted Performing Arts Gymnastics program.  Advance tickets are $6, and advance Senior tickets are $5.  Add $1 at the door.  Children under age 3 are free.  To purchase advance tickets, please see a member of the Kiwanis Club, stop by the Olmsted Performing Arts Center, or call 440-235-6722.

• BARK FOR LIFE EVENT, MAY 25th, 9:00 A.M., IN FRONT OF OLMSTED FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Olmsted Falls Relay for Life is hosting a Bark for Life event on Saturday, May 25, 2013. The 1 mile walk takes place in front of the Middle School with registration starting at 9:00 AM; the event lasting from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. There is a $10 registration fee per dog; $5 for a 2^nd dog.  Dogs will receive a Bark for Life bandana. The event also includes many booths, games, and activities!  Attention Middle School Students: Also attending this event will be the stars of eighth grader Julia Montgomery’s running Paw Print Newspaper column known as “The Chronicles of Murphy.” Come and meet the dogs, Murphy and Bernie!  Please contact Miss Kristen Rupp at (440) 427-6258, krupp@ofcs.net for more details or to register.  Please click here for flyer and registration form.

• RELAY FOR LIFE – SAVE THE DATE: The 4^th Annual Relay For Life will be held June 8^th- June 9^th at Olmsted Falls High School. The event begins at 3 p.m. this year! Please help us to Color Out Cancer With A Rainbow Of Hope! Enjoy 18 hours of fun, games, live entertainment, and fireworks! A great FAMILY EVENT! Join us for the opening lap at 3 p.m. – we will be celebrating the survivors of cancer in our community! The Luminaria (candle remembrance) Ceremony is unexplainable….don’t miss it at 9! Luminaria will be followed by an amazing fireworks display and more fun all night long! Getting hungry?? There will be another famous Kiwanis breakfast in the morning. This year’s event is 18 hours and will be attended by thousands of participants and community members! Come see how you can make a difference and help create a world with more birthdays! Visit www.relayforlife.org/olmstedfalls for more information!

• OLMSTED FALLS 2013 LACROSSE SEASON IS HERE!  - The Olmsted Falls Lacrosse Association would like to invite the community to check out a home game between now and the end of the season in early June.  There are both boys and girls teams – the games are non-stop action and a lot of fun to watch!  Home games are played in the field behind OFIS or the field behind OFMS parking lot.  The newest teams are the High School JV Girls and Boys, who are doing a great job representing Olmsted Falls against teams from Rocky River, Westlake,  Avon Lake, Beachwood, Strongsville,  Medina, Brunswick, St. Ignatius, Hudson, and Bay! Check out game schedules by clicking here.  If you’d like to see photos of  the games, click here to access OF LAX’s facebook page.

Olmsted Falls School District held its third safety meeting last week in an ongoing series of meetings regarding the assessment and updating of all current safety plans throughout the District.  The extensive process of reviewing and updating the District’s existing plans is being led by an outside security company, PLE Group.  The District Safety Committee includes District administrators, local safety leaders, elected officials and parent representatives.  PLE representatives remarked during last Thursday’s meeting that they were very impressed by the large number of stakeholders that have been consistently involved in this process since it began in November.

Since the committee’s last meeting in late January, PLE has been working to analyze information gathered through parent, staff and student surveys as well as the information gathered during their professional on-site assessments conducted at all District buildings in late-January and February.  Preliminary drafts of safety / security recommendations have been provided to building principals for input, and were also reviewed during last week’s meeting.  Principals have already been working with staff to implement a number of the recommendations – even though the final updated safety plans are still to be finalized.

The District Safety Committee will meet again to review and discuss the next phase of this important project, which involves finalizing of the updated plans.  We look forward to providing additional information to parents regarding the safety / security recommendations that we have received and addressed during this school year.

Another special thank you is extended to our local safety leaders, elected officials, and parents who are serving on this important committee.  We are truly fortunate to have so many caring and concerned adults in the Olmsted community!

5TH GRADE PARENT MEETING AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TONIGHT – WEDNESDAY, MAY 1ST

All parents of 5th graders are invited to attend an orientation meeting TONIGHT, Wednesday, May 1, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at Olmsted Falls Middle School in the Cafetorium. This program is designed primarily for parents. The agenda for our time together will be as follows:

· 6^th Grade Teaching Teams

· Typical 6th Grade Schedule

· Tour of Building

· Question & Answer Session in Cafetorium

· 6th Grade Parent Night: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 (Parents Only)  7:00-8:00 PM, OFMS Cafetorium

Please feel free to contact Mr. Kurz, 440-427-6201 or mkurz@ofcs.net, in the event you have any questions regarding the middle school.  To view the information flyer, please click here.  Thank you!

LOCAL SENIOR CITIZENS ATTEND ADVANCE SHOWING OF “GREASE”

Olmsted Falls High School PTA invited local senior citizens to attend the final dress rehearsal of the High School Masquers’ production of “Grease” on April 18th at the High School auditorium.  These special guests provided a perfect audience for our talented thespians as they prepared for two nights of performances.  Pastries and coffee were served by the High School PTA volunteers.  Everyone enjoyed the performance and “night – out- on- the- town”!  After the performance, the students gathered with the audience to thank them for attending.  To view more photos, please click here.

TUNE IN MONDAY TO HEAR YOUR OFHS BULLDOGS IN THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE SCHOLASTIC GAMES OF LORAIN COUNTY

The OFHS Academic Team taped their semi-final match against Elyria High School this past weekend.  The Semi-Finals will air on WEOL 930AM this coming Monday, May 6, 2013 at 6:05 p.m.  Listen in and hear our award-winning team in action.

Podcasts will also be available on the WEOL website and can be accessed anytime after it has aired.  To access the podcasts of aired matches, please click here.

OFHS ALUMNUS JIM COURY COMPETES IN COLLEGE JEOPARDY!

Tune in Tuesday to see Bulldog Alumnus Jim Coury, Class of 2011, competing in the Jeopardy College Tournament!  His episode will air this Tuesday, May 7th!  Jim, a former Team Captain of the Olmsted Falls Academic Team, will represent his college Georgetown.  Please click here to read an article about Jim in the Sun News; here for an article in the Hoya;  here for an article in the Chronicle-Telegram.

OFHS PRE-ENGINEERING STUDENTS COMPETE IN OHIO SKILLSUSA COMPETITION

On Tuesday April 23 students from the Pre engineering class went to  Columbus  to compete in the Ohio SkillsUSA Competition.  Connor Hughes competed in the Technical Drafting Competition, Timothy Knaggs, Steven Hocevar and  Brian Jones competed in the Automated Manufacturing Competition, Katarina Karolak and Lillian Perkins competed in the Robotics Automation Technology Competition and Matthew Bender &  Moises  Garcia Ponce competed in the Mobile Robotic competition.  Matt and  Moises, pictured above left, were awarded 1^st place and will be competing in Kansas City June 23-29. Congratulations!  To view more photos, please click here.  To view videos of this event, please click here and here.

DISTRICT TO SURVEY COMMUNITY BY PHONE

Beginning in mid-May, a random telephone survey will be conducted to collect information from residents about their thoughts and opinions regarding the Olmsted Falls School District.  These important phone surveys will be conducted by professionals from Triad Research Group, a local Cuyahoga County company based in Rocky River.  Each phone survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.  As a District resident and a parent, your thoughts and opinions are very important to us.  We hope you will consider participating should your phone be among the random numbers called.  ** Please Note:  Caller IDs will show local number (440) 628-7616 for the incoming survey calls. ** Should you have any questions about the upcoming community survey about Olmsted Falls Schools, please contact the Board Office at 427-6000.

ECC PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY FOR 1^ST ANNUAL VEHICLE DAY

ECC hosted its 1^st ever Vehicle Day last Thursday and it was a wonderful success!  Volunteers and community businesses shared their time and efforts to help provide a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for the Itty Bitty Bulldogs!

Many thanks to Knapp’s Tow Service, Louvonda Lenart, The Olmsted Township Fire Department, The Olmsted Falls Police Department, The Olmsted Falls City Schools Bus Garage, Jeff Marshall from the North Olmsted Recreation Center, Christine Reese and The Olmsted Falls City Service Department for sharing their vehicles with us!

The students dodged some raindrops and learned about the world of work through things that go!  To view more photos please click here.

BULLDOG SUMMER SPORTS CAMP INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE ON DISTRICT WEBSITE

A listing of 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camps put on by the Olmsted Falls Athletic Department has just been added to the District website.  The list includes camp dates, registration deadlines, contact information, and links to individual camp information and registration forms.

Please click HERE for the latest 2013 Bulldog Summer Sports Camp information.  **NOTE:  Registration Deadline for HS & MS Volleyball Camps is TODAY – Wednesday, May 1^st!

OFIS STUDENTS CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN MANY CREATIVE WAYS

Mrs. Atkins’ 5th grade science students spent Monday, April 22nd, participating in some Earth Day fun!! They wrote haiku poems, brainstormed ways to recycle, reduce, and reuse our resources, helped pick-up litter around OFIS and the Middle School properties, and ventured over to the 6th grade courtyard to pull weeds.

The kids had a really good time taking part in helping our environment!

FALLS-LENOX TEACHER AWARDED WITH A SPECIAL VISIT

Third grade teacher, Amanda Marsco was chosen as a winner in the MAC College and Career Awareness Contest.  As a prize, student-athletes Paul Print (a former Bulldog) and Kerri Krawczak made a visit to her classroom along with Laurie Switzer from WVIZ/PBS and the WVIZ Zebra mascot! The classroom visit included motivational remarks and a Q&A session from the college scholar-athletes encouraging students to develop the necessary academic skills essential for college entrance and success.  Additionally, the scholar-athletes stressed participation in activities/sports and the importance of beginning to consider college and career options as early as possible. The students even received mini MAC basketballs and pins from PBS!  For more photos, please click here.

OFMS STUDENTS MUSICAL TALENT ON DISPLAY AT CONTEST

On Saturday, April 20, 2013, Olmsted Falls Middle School had 140 individual entries in 53 events for the Ohio Music Association Solo and Ensemble Contest held at Cuyahoga Community College.  Mrs. Joy Kiedrowski, Mr. Ryan Patterson, Mr. Kevin Gulden, and Mr. Michael Feller, their directors, helped develop the talent of these budding musicians.  Al Demkowicz, Brian Griebel, Michael Feller, Allison Denham, Mark DeMio, and Sherri Kovach provided outstanding coaching of these groups. Student preparation included before school, after school, during lunch, weekends and evening practices.  To view the impressive results achieved by our Middle School students at the Ohio Music Association Solo and Ensemble Contest, please click HERE.

FALLS-LENOX 3RD GRADERS VISIT CITY HALL

The third grade students at Falls-Lenox visited City Hall as part of their third grade social studies curriculum.  Highlights from the visit included, Mayor Blomquist speaking to the students about how city government works.

The students also learned about how police dispatch emergency calls.  Mr. McLaughlin also spoke with students about building codes.  The students learned a lot and had a great time visiting City Hall!   To view more photos, please click here.

FALLS-LENOX TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE

Falls-Lenox will be hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, May 13^th from 3 – 7 PM in the Falls Gym.  The program encourages students to invite adults to give blood on their behalf.  Participants can schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org (search by zip code), or by returning the bottom portion of the flier that went home with students on Monday, April 29th.  Donors will need to bring their donor card or photo identification to the event.  All students who invite an adult will receive a nylon Frisbee and will be invited to a special lunch with the principal.  For answers to additional questions you may have regarding eligibility, please visit the website or call 1-866-236-3276.  Please consider donating blood and help save a life!

MEET MISS REISNER!

Miss Sarah Reisner has been a Bulldog employee for the past ten years. She also serves as a Student Council advisor, academic leader, and a teacher mentor. Currently, Miss Reisner teaches 7th grade math. She went into education because she loves working with kids and enjoys helping middle school students grow in several ways, including educationally, socially, and emotionally.

Miss Reisner loves being a Bulldog because she works in a district that cares about each student and his/her success.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and participating in yoga.

PARENT VOLUNTEER DR. SCOTT SEDLACEK TO BE HONORED FOR HIS WORK WITH OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOLS

Congratulations to Dr. Scott Sedlacek, O.D., who will be honored at the Cleveland Crain’s Health Care Hero Awards Luncheon later this month.  Dr. Sedlacek has been selected as the 2013 Recipient of the Cleveland Crain’s Health Care Hero Community Outreach Award.  Each year Crain’s honors Northeast Ohio’s world-class medical and wellness professionals for their achievements and outstanding level of care.  Dr. Sedlacek partnered with Olmsted Falls Schools and District Nurse Carol Meszaros to volunteer his time earlier this year to help complete vision screenings of more than 1,000 students in grades K-9 with the assistance of the Olmsted Kiwanis Club and PTA.  Dr. Sedlacek also implemented the first annual “Vision Week,” which included presenting the Realeyes program to preschool and kindergarten students with a message about the importance of eye and vision care.  Thank you Dr. Scott, and congratulations on your well-deserved award!

LOOKING FOR BILINGUAL PARENT VOLUNTEERS

In an effort to support the Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and parents in our school district, the Student Services Department is looking for parents who are bilingual and willing to volunteer within the school district.  Specifically, we are looking for volunteers to translate important paperwork and act as translators for activities such as parent-teacher conferences.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lisa Williams, the Assistant Principal at Falls-Lenox, at lwilliams@ofcs.net or (440)427-6403 by Friday, May 10, 2013.   In your e-mail, please include your name, phone number, languages, and the names/grades of children within the Olmsted Falls City Schools.

9TH GRADE ADVANTAGE EVENT GIVES STUDENTS AN EARLY LOOK AT POLARIS – TOMORROW, MAY 2ND

Freshmen interested in attending Polaris as juniors are invited to the 9^th Grade Advantage event along with their parents TOMORROW, Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  During this interactive evening, students and parents are encouraged to explore our career-technical programs through hands-on demonstrations, gain insight into their career interests and talents using 9TH grade career interest survey results, take advantage of exciting door prizes and much more!  For up-to-date information, visit www.polaris.edu or contact our Enrollment Office at (440) 891-7732.

DINE TO DONATE!  OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT MASQUERS AND FORENSICS TONIGHT!

The Masquers and Forensics groups have two remaining “Dining to Donate” fundraising events coming up in the next month:

Chick-Fil-A – TONIGHT! Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – from 5pm to 7pm.  Chick-Fil-A, 4779 Great Northern Blvd. (No Drive-Thru, please)

We hope to see you at one of our fundraisers to support our groups.  Thank you for your support!

POWDERBUFF VOLLEYBALL GAME – TOMORROW NIGHT, MAY 2ND

Support the high school class officers in their prom fundraising by attending the annual Powderbuff Volleyball Game. Coached by the females in their grades, male freshmen and sophomores will face off at 7pm on May 2 with a 7:30 main event between juniors and seniors. Tickets will be sold at the door: $5 students $6 adults.

The Olmsted Falls Athletic Booster Club will hold its 1st Annual Spring Sportswear sale.  Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 4th from 9 am – 12 noon. The sale takes place at the sportswear booth by the concession stand at the football field.  Lots of spring and summer apparel to choose from including shorts, tank tops, muscle t’s, visors and more.  It is free to get in. We look forward to seeing you there!

POST-PROM WING NIGHT AT UPPER DECK THIS SATURDAY, MAY 4TH

Don’t miss the final wing night fundraiser for this year’s Post Prom – Saturday, May 4^th from 6-8 p.m. at Upper Deck in Berea.  The address is 375 W. Bagley Rd. The tickets are $20 each and that includes all you can eat wings, pasta, pizza and beverages.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, sideboards and basket raffles as well.  Please contact Meg Fox at (440) 669-7212 for tickets.

SAFETY TOWN 2013 SPONSORED BY THE OLMSTED EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten in the fall?  If so, Safety Town is a child accident prevention program for incoming kindergarteners.  It is a program that introduces safety awareness and preventative procedures to the children.  Children practice real life situations before being confronted with situations on their own.  Safety Town is the foundation of safety education.

Safety Town in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township is organized through the Olmsted Early Childhood PTA, a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers who seek to unite home, school and the Olmsted community in promoting education, health and safety of children, youth and families.  Children who attend will practice safety “out on the town” in a miniaturized city layout designed to teach children safety near roads, railroad crossings, while on their bikes or walking in their neighborhood.  Videos, songs and lessons with visits from local Police, Fire and Bus Departments as well as field trips to Police and Fire Departments, all help your child enjoy and understand what he or she is learning.  Please click here to find out more and to register.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR SAFETY TOWN

The Olmsted Early Childhood PTA needs current 7^th- 12th grade student Volunteers to help with Safety Town.  Safety Town is located behind Falls-Lenox school and takes place in June.  Safety Town is to teach children entering Kindergarten about neighborhood and vehicle safety.   If you are interested – we need your help!  This is a great way to build your resume for those college applications and gain service hours.  For further details, forms can be picked up in the high school or middle school main offices and need to be returned by May 10, 2013.  Forms can also be downloaded by clicking here.  Completed forms can be submitted to Cara at lillcleveland@sbcglobal.net

6TH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA CALENDAR RAFFLE – GET YOURS TODAY!

Help support the Middle School PTA by purchasing an entry in our 6^th Annual Calendar Raffle.  For $5.00 you are entered for a chance to win 31 days of great prizes. We will pull a different winner every day and a list of winners will be posted on this blog. You may enter as many times as you like.  Winners will be announced weekly – it is not too late to get your calendar!!

Entry forms and cash or a check (made out to MS PTA) can be turned in at any of the school main offices.  Take a chance.  We have Monsters tickets, a birthday bowling party at Fairview Lanes along with many other great prizes.  You can download a copy of the calendar by clicking here.

Entry form must be returned with money to your school office in an envelope marked OFMS PTA Calendar Raffle to be eligible.  Checks should be made payable to OFMS PTA.   Entries can be added to the drawing pool throughout the month, however entries will not be eligible for to be included in the drawings until your official payment / entry form has been received.  Thanks for your support!

ATTENTION:  SENIOR PARENTS!!

PTA COUNCIL LOOKING FOR THE PTA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The PTA Council is looking for nominations of a PTA member who works on behalf of children.  This special person is involved and supports the PTA and has made a positive impact on the lives of children.  Anyone interested in nominating a PTA member for Volunteer of the Year should complete the nomination form and turn it in to his/her PTA unit at the April meeting of his/her unit.  Each unit will then submit one nomination to the PTA Council.

Please click here to download the Olmsted Falls PTA Council Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• WESTVIEW SWIM TEAM MEET-THE-COACHES COOKOUT – THIS SUNDAY, MAY 5TH – 5-6 PM @ WESTVIEW POOL, REDWOOD DRIVE (Rain Date: May 19th) – Looking for a fun, physical activity to get your child off the couch and computer this summer?  Join us for our Meet-The-Coaches Cookout and see what the whole city is buzzing about!!  The Westview Swim Team is open to children aged 4 to 18 who are residents of Olmsted Falls/Township  AND can swim. We teach competitive swim strokes and compete in meets from June 1 to July 24. We emphasize  sportsmanship, teamwork  and self-esteem. Many swimmers have gone on to swim competitively in high school and college, earning scholarships and building self-discipline. Kids LOVE our awesome events like Donut Fridays, Swim-a-Thon, secret swimmer and Awards Banquet with pool party!  www.whoaconnect.org or contact Catherine Davis @ 440- 427-0514 for additional information.

• OLMSTED FALLS GARDEN CLUB PERENNIAL PLANT SALE – THIS SUNDAY, MAY 5TH - 11 AM TO 2 PM @ JENKINS COMMUNITY CENTER - Perennials, ground covers, flowering shrubs, Hostas, herbs, grasses, wildflowers.  A portion of the funds raise will go toward supporting educational programming at Olmsted Falls Intermediate School.  Click HERE to download flyer.

• DARA HOSTA OLMSTED SPIRIT 5K RACE/WALK, THIS, SUNDAY MAY 5TH – Run, walk, or just be part of the fun!  All registered participants receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.  Please click here for more info, the list of prizes, and the registration form.  All proceeds go directly for college scholarships for Olmsted Falls students.

• TENNIS FUN! KIDS TENNIS LESSONS & ADULT CARDIO TENNIS, SUNDAYS – May 5th AND 12th, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M., OFHS TENNIS COURTS, 26939 BAGLEY ROAD -  For ages 7 & up.  Mark your calendars for the Junior’s tennis camp, June 5th -7th.  Questions?  Please call  440-567-6910 or email Championstennis1@aol.com.  To view the flyer, please click here.

• WORLDS OF FANTASY, MAY 3-11 WITH SHOWS ON FRIDAYS AT 7:00 P.M. SATURDAYS AT 2:00 – 7:00 P.M., AND SUNDAY AT 2:00 P.M. -  Join Olmsted Performing Arts and take a magical journey to Fantasyland for Rapunzel’s coronation.  You will enjoy singing and dancing by Cinderella, Jasmine, Tinkerbell, Belle, Ariel, and more, and then meet the princesses with photo and autograph opportunities.  Tickets $12-18.  Worlds of Fantasy Boutique open before each show.  Makeover and a snack.  $25 first child; $20 each additional.  Details and reservation at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.

• WORLD OF FANTASY BOUTIQUE (AGES 2-12), MAY 3-11, SLOTS BEGIN AT 4:30 P.M. ON FRIDAYS, 11:30 A.M. AND 5:00 P.M. ON SATURDAYS, AND 11:30 A.M. ON SUNDAYS – Children will be transformed by their own Fairy Godmother into princesses or knights.  For girls, the experience will include hairstyle shimmering make-up princess sash, face gem, and nail polish.  Boys will enjoy a gel-spiked, confetti-sprinkled hairstyle and a sword and shield.  All children may have sparking juice and light appetizers.  Children must be accompanied by an adult, who may enjoy complimentary coffee or tea.  Advance registration and separate ticket are required for the World of Fantasy Boutique. $25 for the first child, and $20 for each additional child.  Reservations required (www.olmstedperformingarts.com).

• ANNUAL FLOWER SALE, SATURDAY, MAY 11, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., SUNDAY, MAY 12, 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., SATURDAY, MAY 18, 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. – It’s that time of year again.  Boy Scout Troop 201 will hold its annual flower sale on Saturday, May 11th, 9 am-5pm, Sunday, May 12th, 8am-2pm, and Saturday, May 18th, 8am-3pm, at the Jenkins Center at the corner of Columbia Road and Main Street, right next to the old Olmsted Falls library.  The Scouts will have hanging baskets and flats of annual flowers available at good prices.  Stop by and shop locally!  You will support not only Scouting, but also a local business, Schuster’s Greenhouse, which supplies the flowers.  Contact Mike or Sharon Knaggs, 440-463-8106, with questions.

• OLMSTED FALLS BULLDOG YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – REGISTRATION FOR THIS NEW TACKLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR 5TH & 6TH GRADERS BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 13TH.  For an overview of the program, list of frequently asked questions and registration form, please click HERE.

• DOCUMENT SHREDDING, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:00 A.M. – NOON, FALLS-LENOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 26450 BAGLEY ROAD – Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township will again be joining forces with New Hope Specialized Services to provide no-cost to residents document shredding.  Please click here for more information.

• PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SUNDAY, MAY 19, 8:00 A.M. – NOON, OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 6941 COLUMBIA ROAD, OLMSTED FALLS – Olmsted Performing Arts and the Kiwanis Club of Olmsted Falls are putting on a Pancake Breakfast.  The proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club and the Olmsted Performing Arts Gymnastics program.  Advance tickets are $6, and advance Senior tickets are $5.  Add $1 at the door.  Children under age 3 are free.  To purchase advance tickets, please see a member of the Kiwanis Club, stop by the Olmsted Performing Arts Center, or call 440-235-6722.

• OLMSTED FALLS 2013 LACROSSE SEASON IS HERE!  - The Olmsted Falls Lacrosse Association would like to invite the community to check out a home game between now and the end of the season in early June.  There are both boys and girls teams – the games are non-stop action and a lot of fun to watch!  Home games are played in the field behind OFIS or the field behind OFMS parking lot.  The newest teams are the High School JV Girls and Boys, who are doing a great job representing Olmsted Falls against teams from Rocky River, Westlake,  Avon Lake, Beachwood, Strongsville,  Medina, Brunswick, St. Ignatius, Hudson, and Bay! Check out game schedules by clicking here.  If you’d like to see photos of  the games, click here to access OF LAX’s facebook page.

The Olmsted Falls Board of Education officially named the next superintendent of schools during its regular monthly meeting held April 18th at Falls-Lenox Primary School.  The Board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Dr. James Lloyd to serve as the 25th superintendent of Olmsted Falls School District effective August 1, 2013, when he will officially take the District’s helm. Dr. Lloyd is currently assistant superintendent for the Olmsted Falls School District, a position he has held for the past six years.  He will replace current superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley, who will become superintendent of Dublin City School District effective August 1, 2013.

“We have known Dr. Lloyd for many years and he has been an incredible asset to our District,” said Board of Education President Jim Weisbarth.   “We are pleased to have been able to secure him as our next superintendent and are confident he will continue to lead our District on its path of excellence.”

Prior to serving as assistant superintendent for Olmsted Falls Schools, Dr. Lloyd was director of pupil services for neighboring Westlake City School District for 9 years.   Dr. Lloyd actually began his career in education here in Olmsted Falls School District where he served as a school psychologist from 1995 to 1998.

“I am honored to serve as the next superintendent of this outstanding District,” said Dr. Lloyd.  “It will be a pleasure to continue to work with our exceptional staff, hardworking students and supportive parents in this new capacity.”

Dr. Lloyd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Master of Arts degree in School Psychology from the University of Akron and a doctorate from Ashland University in Educational Leadership. Dr. Lloyd has served as an adjunct professor for Ashland University and Bowling Green State University as well. He has his Administrative and Superintendent Certificates from Cleveland State and Ashland respectively.

He and his wife, Rhonda, will be relocating to the Olmsted Falls School District community with their three children – Mason (10th grade), Tommy (7th grade) and Maggie (4th grade) – this summer.  All three children will attend Olmsted Falls Schools.

If you see Dr. Lloyd out in the District in the coming weeks, please join us in congratulating him and welcoming his family to the Olmsted community!  To view additional photos from last week’s Board meeting, please click HERE.

FIRST GRADERS SHARE EARTH DAY SONG WITH BOARD, HELP LEAD PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

A group of first grade students from Mrs. Mary Pat Burk’s class performed a special song that they had learned for Earth Day for the Board of Education and guests in attendance for the April meeting.

The group also helped lead the Pledge of Allegiance for the official start of the meeting.

Thank you very much to these talented students, their parents and Mrs. Burk for making this month’s meeting extra special!

BOARD RECOGNIZES AWARD-WINNING BULLDOGS

The Board of Education also recognized two students and one staff member for their respective recent honors and awards during the April Board meeting.

The Board offered congratulations to OFHS senior Steve Johnson on being named Division I Academic All-Ohio. He is one of only 10 Division I basketball players selected in the State for this honor.

The Board also recognized OFHS sophomore Teresa Wang for winning a Gold Key (top honor) in the National Scholastic Art & Writing competition.  Teresa will be officially honored at a special ceremony at Carnegie hall in New York City next month!  (Watch for additional coverage of Teresa’s national award and a new online art gallery of other award-wining OFHS art students in an upcoming blog post.)

Finally, the Board extended personal congratulations and appreciation to Olmsted Falls school bus mechanic Roger Urbanek for being the first-ever recipient of the David E. Drum School Bus Mechanic of the Year Award. The intent of this state-wide award, to be presented annually by the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT), is to recognize mechanics who exhibit outstanding cost-saving measures, cooperation and working relationships with school bus drivers and fellow employees, sets high shop standards, and has implemented a preventative maintenance program.

Congratulations again to these three outstanding Bulldogs!

8TH GRADERS PARTICIPATE IN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENGE AT WVIZ

A small group of 8th graders participated in a science and engineering competition at the WVIZ Idea Center on Saturday, April 13.  The “Purple Smurfs 3.0″ competed in the Design Squad Challenge against 11 other teams and were judged by professional engineers.  The team took second place!

In photo left to right:  Alex Kho, Stephanie Schroth, Molly McCafferty, Joselyn Rabbitt, and Maggie Backus.  For more information please visit:  http://www.ideastream.org/newsdepth/entry/53171.

Congratulations!

OFMS DRAMA STUDENTS TO PUT ON SPRING ONE ACT PLAYS THIS THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY!

The OFMS Drama Club is presenting its spring one act plays April 25-27 at 7 pm at OFMS.   The plays include “The Plot to Assassinate the Chase Manhattan Bank,” “Out the Window,” “Teen Movie Star,” and “Imperfect Proposal.”  Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Please contact  Joy Kiedrowski at 427-6332 for more information or tickets.

OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET PARTNERS WITH PTA, OFPD, AND DEA THIS SATURDAY

Saturday, April 27th will mark the 6th nationwide drug take-back day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency at locations across the country participating in Operation Medicine Cabinet. The Olmsted Falls Police Department has again partnered with the DEA and PTA to host this event in our community. Between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm on April 27th please drop off potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs at the Olmsted Falls Police Department. All items collected will be turned over to the DEA for destruction at a licensed disposal facility. Please pass this information along to your family, neighbors, friends and colleagues.   Through this collection event, we keep these medications out of the hands of curious youth and we keep these medications out of our drinking water supply. Check out the DEA’s website by clicking here and spread the word about collection points in our area.

ACADEMIC TEAM CONTINUES TO WOW!

Left to right: Zach Buchta, Nathan Seese, Alec Simms, Xavier Rivera, Marty Mendenhall (captain), Andy Nageotte, Cecelia Dahlinger, coaches Rhonna Smith and Joe Galea.

On Saturday, OFHS hosted the North Coast Regional OAC Tournament.  The tournament consisted of 16 schools from the North Coast Region that had won their Conference/Tournament/League this year.  The top two finishers on the day qualify for the State OAC Tournament at Columbus State Community College in Columbus on May 4, 2013.  Olmsted Falls High School finished in the No. 2 spot as regional runner-up, just behind regional winner, Solon High School. This qualifies our Bulldogs for the OAC State Tournament for the 3rd consecutive year!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS HELP STUDENTS APPLY SKILLS AT “PIZZA DAY” EVENT

Second grade students had an opportunity to put their reading and math skills to work with a fun, hands-on project, which has become an annual tradition at Falls-Lenox.  Parent volunteers joined in to help with “Pizza Day” – an interactive lesson combining reading and math skills with pizza making.  Students did a great job at following the instructions and ended up with a delicious reward in the end.

Thanks to the second grade teachers and parent volunteers!!

For more photos, please click here.

YOUNG INVENTORS SHOWCASE IDEAS AT FALLS-LENOX

Second grade students at Falls-Lenox participated in the school’s annual Invention Fair last week, a three-day event showcasing student inventions.  Student creativity and innovation was on display for fellow students, staff and  parents.

To view photos from this event, please click here.

Well done second graders!

ECC/FALLS-LENOX STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AS HEALTHY HEROES

MEET MRS. LOPATA!

Mrs. Mary Lopata has been working for our school district for 12 years in the Personnel Department. She has been involved with the High School Boosters, was the past president of several PTA units, and has volunteered many hours in the district.

Mary enjoys the “customer service” that she offers to our employees, whether it is about their medical benefits, new hire paperwork, or processing the BCI & FBI fingerprinting services.

Mary and her spouse, Rich, have been “Bulldog” parents to two children and have been married for 42 years. They have three granddaughters and they all enjoy spending time boating and fishing at the Lake Erie Islands. Mary also enjoys teaching her granddaughters how to ride and take care of her horse, Cowboy.

Support the high school class officers in their prom fundraising by attending the annual Powderbuff Volleyball Game. Coached by the females in their grades, male freshmen and sophomores will face off at 7pm on May 2 with a 7:30 main event between juniors and seniors. Tickets will be sold at the door: $5 students $6 adults.

THANKS FOR DONATING TO THE RED CROSS

The Olmsted Falls High School held its annual blood drive on April 16, 2013.  The American Red Cross stated in a thank you letter that approximately 135 people will be helped with the total of 45 pints raised. There were a total of 64 participants, of which 25 of those were first time donors. Thanks to everyone who participated in this event by either donating blood or donating their time to volunteer. We look forward to next year’s blood drive which will be scheduled for November and April.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PARENT MEETING – NEXT TUESDAY AT 7:30 PM

All current 8^th thru 11^th grade parents are invited to an informational meeting for the sport of football, to be held on Tuesday, April 30^th at 7:30pm in the high school auditorium.

Head Coach Tom DeLuca and his staff will discuss the off season goals and training, the summer expectations, and the start of the fall season.  If you cannot attend, please email Coach DeLuca to receive the necessary information at Tom_deluca25@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

The Olmsted Falls Athletic Booster Club will hold its 1st Annual Spring Sportswear sale.  Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 4th from 9 am – 12 noon. The sale takes place at the sportswear booth by the concession stand at the football field.  Lots of spring and summer apparel to choose from including shorts, tank tops, muscle t’s, visors and more.  It is free to get in. We look forward to seeing you there!

OLMSTED FALLS POST PROM COMMITTEE FUNDRAISER THIS FRIDAY

Dodge Ball Tournament: Friday, April 26^th  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Olmsted Falls High School Gymnasium. Tournament is open to anyone who would like to participate. Teams will be made up of five members and there’s a $25 entry fee per team. Various prizes will be awarded. There will also be half time activities for prizes. Tickets to the event are $3.00 and will be on sale at the door.

For more information or interested in signing up a team please contact Wendy Yako at  440-227-1796.  All proceeds will benefit 2013 Post Prom.

DINE TO DONATE!  OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT MASQUERS AND FORENSICS

The Masquers and Forensics groups have two remaining “Dining to Donate” fundraising events coming up in the next month:

Ruby Tuesday’s – This Friday, April 26, 2013 – from 11am to 9pm.  Click here to see flyer.

Chick-Fil-A – Next Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – from 5pm to 7pm.  Chick-Fil-A, 4779 Great Northern Blvd. (No Drive-Thru, please)

We hope to see you at one of our fundraisers to support our groups.  Thank you for your support!

POST-PROM WING NIGHT AT UPPER DECK

Don’t miss the final wing night fundraiser for this year’s Post Prom – Saturday, May 4^th from 6-8 p.m. at Upper Deck in Berea.  The address is 375 W. Bagley Rd. The tickets are $20 each and that includes all you can eat wings, pasta, pizza and beverages.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, sideboards and basket raffles as well.  Please contact Meg Fox at (440) 669-7212 for tickets.

DISTRICT SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES - RFP DEADLINE: April 29, 2013

The Olmsted Falls City School District is seeking proposals for three different types of photographic services for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 school years.  Any and all photographic firms are invited to submit proposals.  Please click HERE to view/download the RFP’s for photography services.  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Holly Schafer, High School Principal, Mr. Rob Coxon, Athletic Director, or Mr. Mark Hullman, Treasurer, at 440.427.6000, if you have questions.

SAFETY TOWN 2013 SPONSORED BY THE OLMSTED EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten in the fall?  If so, Safety Town is a child accident prevention program for incoming kindergarteners.  It is a program that introduces safety awareness and preventative procedures to the children.  Children practice real life situations before being confronted with situations on their own.  Safety Town is the foundation of safety education.

Safety Town in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township is organized through the Olmsted Early Childhood PTA, a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers who seek to unite home, school and the Olmsted community in promoting education, health and safety of children, youth and families.  Children who attend will practice safety “out on the town” in a miniaturized city layout designed to teach children safety near roads, railroad crossings, while on their bikes or walking in their neighborhood.  Videos, songs and lessons with visits from local Police, Fire and Bus Departments as well as field trips to Police and Fire Departments, all help your child enjoy and understand what he or she is learning.  Please click here to find out more and to register.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR SAFETY TOWN

The Olmsted Early Childhood PTA needs current 7^th- 12th grade student Volunteers to help with Safety Town.  Safety Town is located behind Falls-Lenox school and takes place in June.  Safety Town is to teach children entering Kindergarten about neighborhood and vehicle safety.   If you are interested – we need your help!  This is a great way to build your resume for those college applications and gain service hours.  For further details, forms can be picked up in the high school or middle school main offices and need to be returned by May 10, 2013.  Forms can also be downloaded by clicking here.  Completed forms can be submitted to Cara at lillcleveland@sbcglobal.net

6TH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA CALENDAR RAFFLE – GET YOURS TODAY!

 Help support the Middle School PTA by purchasing     an entry in our 6^th Annual Calendar Raffle.  For $5.00 you are entered for a chance to win 31 days of great prizes. We will pull a different winner every day and a list of winners will be posted on this blog. You may enter as many times as you like.

Entry forms and cash or a check (made out to MS PTA) can be turned in at any of the school main offices.  Take a chance.  We have Monsters tickets, a birthday bowling party at Fairview Lanes along with many other great prizes.   The calendars came home with the K-8^th grade students last week.   You can also download a copy of the calendar by clicking here.

Entry form must be returned with money to your school office by April 30th in an envelope marked OFMS PTA Calendar Raffle to be eligible.  Checks should be made payable to OFMS PTA.  Thanks for your support!

OFMS MEDIA CENTER THANKS YOU!

The Olmsted Falls Middle School Media Center would like to thank our students, parents and staff for their continued support with our book fairs. Our spring fair was very successful and the profit from hosting these fairs allows us to continue purchasing new and exciting titles for our Media Center.  Also, a huge thank you to the following PTA volunteers who gave their time to help make our fair such a success:  Rich Bowman, Katie Fidler, Jessica Grimm, Laraine McCafferty, Cindy Purdy, Rinda Vas.

9TH GRADE ADVANTAGE EVENT GIVES STUDENTS AN EARLY LOOK AT POLARIS

Freshmen interested in attending Polaris as juniors are invited to the 9^th Grade Advantage event along with their parents on Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  During this interactive evening, students and parents are encouraged to explore our career-technical programs through hands-on demonstrations, gain insight into their career interests and talents using 9^th grade career interest survey results, take advantage of exciting door prizes and much more!  For up-to-date information, visit www.polaris.edu or contact our Enrollment Office at (440) 891-7732.

ATTENTION:  SENIOR PARENTS!!

Post Prom is approaching quickly and the committee has been very busy with details of the event. We know the evening will be memorable for all those who attend.  Please get the donations into us quickly through the school office, so we can make the last arrangements for May 18^th. Gift cards or monetary gifts are appreciated, just please note student name on outside of envelope. For questions: Gayle Boesken 235-5151

PTA COUNCIL LOOKING FOR THE PTA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The PTA Council is looking for nominations of a PTA member who works on behalf of children.  This special person is involved and supports the PTA and has made a positive impact on the lives of children.  Anyone interested in nominating a PTA member for Volunteer of the Year should complete the nomination form and turn it in to his/her PTA unit at the April meeting of his/her unit.  Each unit will then submit one nomination to the PTA Council.

Please click here to download the Olmsted Falls PTA Council Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• A NIGHT OF MAGIC, ILLUSIONS, AND HYPNOSIS AT THE OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 26 -  FAMILY & KIDS SHOW 6-7 pm, Advanced Tickets: $8    Door: $10, Friday, April 26th – TRICK-A-NOSIS SHOW 8:30-10:30 p.m.,  Advanced Tickets: $10    Door: $12, Before & After Shows: Interactive Photobooth By InFocus, Games, Face Painting, Concessions & More…Order tickets ONLINE at WWW.OLMSTEDCC.COM  Please click here to view the flyer.

• OLMSTED COMMUNITY SUMMER LEAGUE, 2013 OPEN REGISTRATION – Summer Community Baseball & Softball for all ages, Kindergarten – Adult.  NEW!  OCSL is partnering with Olmsted Community Center to provide information and online registrations at www.olmstedcc.com.  Register in person at OCC or mail your registration form and payment to: OCSL ℅ OCC, 8170 Mapleway Drive, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138.  There is ONE MORE WEEK left to register. Registration period ends Tuesday, April 30.  Any registrations subsequent to April 22 will be assessed a $20/player late fee & only accepted as needed.  Please consider sharing your time and talents with OCSL.  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Coaches, League Reps & more. UMPIRES NEEDED – Great summer job (ages 11+).  SPONSORS NEEDED – Inexpensive local advertising.

• WORLDS OF FANTASY, MAY 3-11 WITH SHOWS ON FRIDAYS AT 7:00 P.M. SATURDAYS AT 2:00 – 7:00 P.M., AND SUNDAY AT 2:00 P.M. -  Join Olmsted Performing Arts and take a magical journey to Fantasyland for Rapunzel’s coronation.  You will enjoy singing and dancing by Cinderella, Jasmine, Tinkerbell, Belle, Ariel, and more, and then meet the princesses with photo and autograph opportunities.  Tickets $12-18.  Worlds of Fantasy Boutique open before each show.  Makeover and a snack.  $25 first child; $20 each additional.  Details and reservation at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.

• OLMSTED FALLS GARDEN CLUB PERENNIAL PLANT SALE – SUNDAY, MAY 5TH - 11 AM TO 2 PM @ JENKINS COMMUNITY CENTER - Perennials, ground covers, flowering shrubs, Hostas, herbs, grasses, wildflowers.  A portion of the funds raise will go toward supporting educational programming at Olmsted Falls Intermediate School.  Click HERE to download flyer.

• DARA HOSTA OLMSTED SPIRIT 5K RACE/WALK, SUNDAY MAY 5 – Run, walk, or just be part of the fun!  All registered participants receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.  Please click here for more info, the list of prizes, and the registration form.  All proceeds go directly for college scholarships for Olmsted Falls students.

• ANNUAL FLOWER SALE, SATURDAY, MAY 11, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., SUNDAY, MAY 12, 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., SATURDAY, MAY 18, 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. – It’s that time of year again.  Boy Scout Troop 201 will hold its annual flower sale on Saturday, May 11th, 9 am-5pm, Sunday, May 12th, 8am-2pm, and Saturday, May 18th, 8am-3pm, at the Jenkins Center at the corner of Columbia Road and Main Street, right next to the old Olmsted Falls library.  The Scouts will have hanging baskets and flats of annual flowers available at good prices.  Stop by and shop locally!  You will support not only Scouting, but also a local business, Schuster’s Greenhouse, which supplies the flowers.  Contact Mike or Sharon Knaggs, 440-463-8106, with questions.

• OLMSTED FALLS BULLDOG YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – REGISTRATION FOR THIS NEW TACKLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR 5TH & 6TH GRADERS BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 13TH.  For an overview of the program, list of frequently asked questions and registration form, please click HERE.

• DOCUMENT SHREDDING, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:00 A.M. – NOON, FALLS-LENOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 26450 BAGLEY ROAD – Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township will again be joining forces with New Hope Specialized Services to provide no-cost to residents document shredding.  Please click here for more information.

• PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SUNDAY, MAY 19, 8:00 A.M. – NOON, OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 6941 COLUMBIA ROAD, OLMSTED FALLS – Olmsted Performing Arts and the Kiwanis Club of Olmsted Falls are putting on a Pancake Breakfast.  The proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club and the Olmsted Performing Arts Gymnastics program.  Advance tickets are $6, and advance Senior tickets are $5.  Add $1 at the door.  Children under age 3 are free.  To purchase advance tickets, please see a member of the Kiwanis Club, stop by the Olmsted Performing Arts Center, or call 440-235-6722.

• BARK FOR LIFE EVENT, MAY 25th, 9:00 A.M., IN FRONT OF OLMSTED FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Olmsted Falls Relay for Life is hosting a Bark for Life event on Saturday, May 25, 2013. The 1 mile walk takes place in front of the Middle School with registration starting at 9:00 AM; the event lasting from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. There is a $10 registration fee per dog; $5 for a 2^nd dog.  Dogs will receive a Bark for Life bandana. The event also includes many booths, games, and activities!  Attention Middle School Students: Also attending this event will be the stars of eighth grader Julia Montgomery’s running Paw Print Newspaper column known as “The Chronicles of Murphy.” Come and meet the dogs, Murphy and Bernie!  Please contact Miss Kristen Rupp at (440) 427-6258, krupp@ofcs.net for more details or to register.

• 40th ANNUAL PHIL BOVA BASEBALL CAMP 2013, JUNE 17 – 21, 8:15 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., WESTLAKE RECREATION OUTDOOR BASEBALL FIELD, 28955 HILLIARD BLVD. - Experience Your Own Spring Training! High School, College and Professional Instructors with over 200 Years of Experience · Camp Ratio 1 to 8.  Every phase of the game will be unveiled:  Our staff will prepare your son for the next level!  Daily Games · Individual Drills $235 per camper includes:  Hot Lunch Daily · Camp T-Shirt & Hat · Written Evaluation · Individual Color Photo · Awards Ceremony. TEAM DISCOUNTS!!!! Sign up 10 or more kids and receive $35 off per camper!  For Registration, Medical Forms and Discounts, visit our Website at:  www.bovacamps.com or call 440-779-1390   Named #1 Baseball Camp of it’s kind in NE Ohio!

• OLMSTED FALLS 2013 LACROSSE SEASON IS HERE!  - The Olmsted Falls Lacrosse Association would like to invite the community to check out a home game between now and the end of the season in early June.  There are both boys and girls teams – the games are non-stop action and a lot of fun to watch!  Home games are played in the field behind OFIS or the field behind OFMS parking lot.  The newest teams are the High School JV Girls and Boys, who are doing a great job representing Olmsted Falls against teams from Rocky River, Westlake,  Avon Lake, Beachwood, Strongsville,  Medina, Brunswick, St. Ignatius, Hudson, and Bay! Check out game schedules by clicking here.  If you’d like to see photos of  the games, click here to access OF LAX’s facebook page.

Olmsted Falls School District’s Weekly Blog Update was recently recognized with an Achievement Award from the Ohio School Public Relations Association during the organization’s annual Spring Conference.  Olmsted Falls School District received a “Mark of Distinction” award for its Weekly Blog Update, which the District publishes each Wednesday that school is in session using its free blog account with Word Press.

Mark of Distinction awards are presented to entries that receive a score of 90% or higher in each category.  The District’s Weekly Blog Update was judged in the Social Media category.

A special thank you to our principals, teachers and parent leaders who help provide a wide variety of information on school news and events.  As a District, we enjoy using this weekly communication tool to share the many exciting things happening throughout our District.

ACADEMIC TEAM DEFEATS VERMILION IN SCHOLASTIC GAMES RADIO QUIZ SERIES

Andy Nageotte, Marty Mendenhall, and Zach Buchta

Marty Mendenhall, left, is congratulated by program producer Jim Mehrling.

The radio quiz program featuring academic teams from Lorain County high schools completed its first quarterfinal contest as defending champion Olmsted Falls defeated Vermilion  710 to 130 points.   The High School Scholastic Games of Lorain County is heard weekly on WEOL (AM 930)  sponsored by the Educational Service Center of Lorain County with foundation support.

Olmsted Falls was represented by Zach Buchta, Andy Nageotte, and team captain Marty Mendenhall, who was named to receive for the sixth time the program’s weekly “Standout Scholar” award.  That  honor, which includes a $50 cash prize, is presented to the student judged to have contributed the most to his or her team.  It is Marty’s second such award this year, in addition to his having received the honor four times last year.

Congratulations to the OFHS Academic team and good luck in the upcoming semifinals!

 OFHS BASKETBALL TEAM AMONG TOP 20 TEAM GPA’S IN STATE; SENIOR STEVE JOHNSON NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-OHIO

Congratulations to our varsity boys basketball team on being recognized by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association for finishing with the 16th highest Team GPA in the State of Ohio!

Congratulations also to OFHS senior Steve Johnson (left) on being named Division I Academic All-Ohio. He is one of only 10 Division I players selected in the State for this honor.

Congratulations again to Steve and the entire Bulldog varsity basketball team!  Kudos also to our basketball coaches for making success both on the court and in the classroom a top priority!

ECC PRESCHOOL CLASSES VISIT OLMSTED TOWNSHIP FIRE STATION

The Preschool Classes from the ECC visited the Olmsted Township Fire Station on Thursday, April 11th!  They had a tour of the fire station and explored the various vehicles used to rescue citizens throughout the area.  The fire fighters demonstrated the use of various tools to assist people in car accidents, fire rescues and water rescues.  A firefighter looks very different when he/she is fully dressed for a fire!  The children learned about safety rules such as “Stop Drop and Roll” if their clothes are on fire and how to call 911!!

A special thank you to the parents and firefighters for making this trip possible for our preschoolers.  For more photos of this event, please click here.

ATHLETIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS –TOMORROW, APRIL 18TH

All parents of current 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade student athletes are invited to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, April 18, from 7:00-8:00 PM at the Olmsted Falls Middle School Cafetorium. This program is designed for potential middle school and high school student athletes and their parents.

Items to be covered will include: Program Overview (Mark Kurz, OFMS Principal); Athletic Booster Organization (Steve Schweke, OFHS Athletic Booster Representative); Introductions (Rob Coxon, OFHS Athletic Director); Sportsmanship/Participation (Dawn Moses, OFHS Head Varsity Volleyball Coach); Multi-Sport Athlete Participation (Bryce Burkhard, OFHS Head Wrestling Coach); Proper Weight Training & Conditioning (Tom DeLuca, OFHS Head Varsity Football Coach); Eligibility Guidelines (Matt Fulton, OFHS Head Girls Basketball Coach); Realistic Goals (Chris DeLisio, OFHS Head Boys Basketball Coach); The Bulldog Culture/Bulldog Pride (Jeff Kho, OFHS Head Cross Country Coach).

Additionally, information tables will be set up around the cafeteria with information on the following:  Athletic Boosters;   Summer Camps & Opportunities; Fall Season Sport Information; Winter Season Information; Spring Season Information.  Other varsity coaches and several current high school student athletes will be in attendance and available for questions and to provide sport-specific information.  Please feel free to contact Mr. Kurz at either 440-427-6201 or by email at mkurz@ofcs.net, in the event you have any questions regarding this informational meeting.  Thank you!

DON’T MISS OFHS MASQUERS’ SPRING MUSICAL - ”GREASE, THE MUSICAL!” — THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

Olmsted Falls High School Masquers presents GREASE: School Version

Olmsted Falls High School

April 19 @ 7:30pm

April 20 @ 3:00pm & 7:30pm

Call 440-427-6070 for tickets – $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors

Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.  Click here to see the flyer.

FALLS-LENOX BOOK FAIR THIS WEEK!!!

Mark your calendars for the annual Falls-Lenox book fair being held the week of April 15^th – 19^th.  The fair is currently taking place in the library during the times listed below:

April  15-19 from 11-12:45 pm (during lunch periods)

April 15 and 17 from 3-4 pm  (Monday and Wednesday)

April 16 and 18 from 6-8 pm  (Tuesday and Thursday)

OLMSTED FALLS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS’ ANNUAL NIGHT AT THE RACES EVENT – THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH!

A fun-filled night is in the works….OFAB’s annual Night at the Races. This year’s event will be held at the German American Club on Saturday, April 20. Food, drink, prizes and horse racing are the evening’s highlights. All the fun begins at 6 p.m. Tickets to attend are $30/person (sold in tables of 8).  To inquire about tickets, contact Dave Kurz at dktribe@cox.net or call 440-263-0051.  Act fast, this event traditionally sells out!

A successful Night at the Races is contingent upon the support of our families, community and surrounding businesses.  Here’s how you can help make one of OFAB’s biggest fundraisers a huge success:  Donate Merchandise, Purchase an Advertisement for our Program,  and/or Purchase a Horse.  For additional information on how you or your company can get involved in supporting this event, please visit www.ofathleticboosters.org.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT! SEE YOU APRIL 20TH!

MEET MRS. LEHMANN!

Mrs. Casey Lehmann has been an employee of the district for the past 11 years. Currently, she teaches 6th grade social studies and language arts. Mrs. Lehmann went into teaching because of the influence of the great teachers she had herself while attending Olmsted Falls schools. She loves being a Bulldog because of the community, which she feels is supportive and full of pride.

Mrs. Lehmann lives in Olmsted Township with her husband, Tom, and children Connor (5) and Brenna (3). Her hobbies include watching, coaching, and playing sports, and reading.

OLMSTED FALLS POST PROM COMMITTEE FUNDRAISER

Dodge Ball Tournament: Friday April 26^th  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Olmsted Falls High School Gymnasium. Tournament is open to anyone who would like to participate. Teams will be made up of five members and there’s a $25 entry fee per team.  Various prizes will be awarded. There will also be half time activities for prizes. Tickets to the event are $3.00 and will be on sale at the door. For more information or interested in signing up a team please contact Wendy Yako at  440-227-1796.  All proceeds will benefit 2013 Post Prom.

DISTRICT SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES - RFP DEADLINE: April 29, 2013

The Olmsted Falls City School District is seeking proposals for three different types of photographic services for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 school years.  Any and all photographic firms are invited to submit proposals.  Please click HERE to view/download the RFP’s for photography services.  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Holly Schafer, High School Principal, Mr. Rob Coxon, Athletic Director, or Mr. Mark Hullman, Treasurer, at 440.427.6000, if you have questions.

SAFETY TOWN 2013 SPONSORED BY THE OLMSTED EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten in the fall?  If so, Safety Town is a child accident prevention program for incoming kindergarteners.  It is a program that introduces safety awareness and preventative procedures to the children.  Children practice real life situations before being confronted with situations on their own.  Safety Town is the foundation of safety education.

Safety Town in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township is organized through the Olmsted Early Childhood PTA, a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers who seek to unite home, school and the Olmsted community in promoting education, health and safety of children, youth and families.  Children who attend will practice safety “out on the town” in a miniaturized city layout designed to teach children safety near roads, railroad crossings, while on their bikes or walking in their neighborhood.  Videos, songs and lessons with visits from local Police, Fire and Bus Departments as well as field trips to Police and Fire Departments, all help your child enjoy and understand what he or she is learning.  Please click here to find out more and to register.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR SAFETY TOWN

The Olmsted Early Childhood PTA needs current 7^th- 12th grade student Volunteers to help with Safety Town.  Safety Town is located behind Falls-Lenox school and takes place in June.  Safety Town is to teach children entering Kindergarten about neighborhood and vehicle safety.   If you are interested – we need your help!  This is a great way to build your resume for those college applications and gain service hours.  For further details, forms can be picked up in the high school or middle school main offices and need to be returned by May 10, 2013.  Forms can also be downloaded by clicking here.  Completed forms can be submitted to Cara at lillcleveland@sbcglobal.net

6TH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA CALENDAR RAFFLE – GET YOURS TODAY!

Help support the Middle School PTA by purchasing an entry in our 6^th Annual Calendar Raffle.  For $5.00 you are entered for a chance to win 31 days of great prizes. We will pull a different winner every day and a list of winners will be posted on this blog. You may enter as many times as you like.

Entry forms and cash or a check (made out to MS PTA) can be turned in at any of the school main offices.  Take a chance.  We have Monsters tickets, a birthday bowling party at Fairview Lanes along with many other great prizes.   The calendars came home with the K-8^th grade students last week.   You can also download a copy of the calendar by clicking here.

Entry form must be returned with money to your school office by April 30th in an envelope marked OFMS PTA Calendar Raffle to be eligible.  Checks should be made payable to OFMS PTA.  Thanks for your support!

OFMS MEDIA CENTER THANKS YOU!

The Olmsted Falls Middle School Media Center would like to thank our students, parents and staff for their continued support with our book fairs. Our spring fair was very successful and the profit from hosting these fairs allows us to continue purchasing new and exciting titles for our Media Center.  Also, a huge thank you to the following PTA volunteers who gave their time to help make our fair such a success:  Rich Bowman, Katie Fidler, Jessica Grimm, Laraine McCafferty, Cindy Purdy, Rinda Vas.

OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET PARTNERS WITH PTA, OFPD, AND DEA

Saturday, April 27th will mark the 6th nationwide drug take-back day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency at locations across the country participating in Operation Medicine Cabinet. The Olmsted Falls Police Department has again partnered with the DEA and PTA to host this event in our community. Between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm on April 27th please drop off potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs at the Olmsted Falls Police Department. All items collected will be turned over to the DEA for destruction at a licensed disposal facility. Please pass this information along to your family, neighbors, friends and colleagues.   Through this collection event, we keep these medications out of the hands of curious youth and we keep these medications out of our drinking water supply. Check out the DEA’s website by clicking here and spread the word about collection points in our area.

9TH GRADE ADVANTAGE EVENT GIVES STUDENTS AN EARLY LOOK AT POLARIS

Freshmen interested in attending Polaris as juniors are invited to the 9^th Grade Advantage event along with their parents on Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  During this interactive evening, students and parents are encouraged to explore our career-technical programs through hands-on demonstrations, gain insight into their career interests and talents using 9^th grade career interest survey results, take advantage of exciting door prizes and much more!  For up-to-date information, visit www.polaris.edu or contact our Enrollment Office at (440) 891-7732.

DINE TO DONATE!  OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT MASQUERS AND FORENSICS… 

The Masquers and Forensics groups have three “Dining to Donate” fundraising events coming up in the next month:

1.  Applebee’s, Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 11am to 9pm.  Click here to see flyer.

2.  Ruby Tuesday’s, Friday, April 26, 2013, from 11am to 9pm.  Click here to see flyer.

3.  Chick-Fil-A, Wednesday, May 1, 2013, from 5pm to 7pm, Chick-Fil-A, 4779 Great Northern Blvd. (no Drive-Thru, please)

We hope to see you at one of our fundraisers to support our groups.  Thank you for your support!

ATTENTION:  SENIOR PARENTS!!

Post Prom is approaching quickly and the committee has been very busy with details of the event. We know the evening will be memorable for all those who attend.  Please get the donations into us quickly through the school office, so we can make the last arrangements for May 18^th. Gift cards or monetary gifts are appreciated, just please note student name on outside of envelope. For questions: Gayle Boesken 235-5151

PTA COUNCIL LOOKING FOR THE PTA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The PTA Council is looking for nominations of a PTA member who works on behalf of children.  This special person is involved and supports the PTA and has made a positive impact on the lives of children.  Anyone interested in nominating a PTA member for Volunteer of the Year should complete the nomination form and turn it in to his/her PTA unit at the April meeting of his/her unit.  Each unit will then submit one nomination to the PTA Council.

Please click here to download the Olmsted Falls PTA Council Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• GREASE THE MUSICAL! THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 19 7:30 P.M., AND SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 3:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. – Call 440-427-6070 for tickets – $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors.  Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.  Click here to see the flyer.

• CUB SCOUT/BOY SCOUT OPEN HOUSE, TOMORROW NIGHT, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., FALLS-LENOX PRIMARY SCHOOL, FALLS GYM (KIDS FIRST SIDE OF THE BUILDING) - Scouting capitalizes on the interests of boys in 1^st through 12^th grades. Camping and other outdoor activities are just part of the fun! Scouting builds self-esteem, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. You and your son are invited to find out what all the fun is about at our Spring Open House. Representatives from Olmsted Falls Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews will be available to answer questions and sign up your son.

• AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS (ASMC) SHAMROCK RUN, 5 KILOMETER RACE/1 MILE WALK, THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH, 9:00 A.M. – All proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Augustine Hunger Center.  To view the flyer, please click here or click here for the web site.

• SATURDAY ACTIVITY NIGHTS… THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, 8170 MAPLEWAY DRIVE, 440-427-1599  – Jump high and stick to the 18ft Inflatable Velcro Wall by TNT Inflatables at the Olmsted Community Center’s Saturday Activity Night. Also enjoy Crafts, Games, DJ, Basketball and Fun for All. 7-10 p.m. Ages 8-13. Cost $8.00. For more Info: www.olmstedcc.com

• CLEVELAND NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 21 – The Cleveland National College Fair will take place on April 21 at the Wolstein Center from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Admissions representatives from over 170 colleges and universities will be available to speak with perspective students. Informational sessions include NCAA Athletic Eligibility, Financial Aid, Scholarships, and ACT vs. SAT.  Admission is free!  Students can pre-register online at www.gotomyncf.com For additional information, please contact Gracy Olmeda at golmeda@nacacnet.org or 703-299-6825.  To view the 3 page flyer, please click here.

• TENNIS FUN! KIDS TENNIS LESSONS & ADULT CARDIO TENNIS, STARTING THIS SUNDAY – APRIL 21, 28, & May 5, 12, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M., OFHS TENNIS COURTS, 26939 BAGLEY ROAD -  For ages 7 & up.  Questions?  Please call  440-567-6910 or email Championstennis1@aol.com.  To view the flyer, please click here.

• STAND UP AMPUTEE BASKETBALL, AMP1 vs BALDWIN WALLACE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 7:00 P.M., BALDWIN WALLACE URSPRUNG GYMNASIUM – The game benefits Youth Challenge and raises awareness about the physical capabilities of amputees when equipped with high performance prosthetics.  To view the flyer, please click here.  For more information, please contact Leimkuehler, Inc. at 216-651-7788

• A NIGHT OF MAGIC, ILLUSIONS, AND HYPNOSIS AT THE OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, FRIDAY, APRIL 26 -  FAMILY & KIDS SHOW 6-7pm, Advanced Tickets: $8    Door: $10, Friday, April 26th – TRICK-A-NOSIS SHOW 8:30-10:30 p.m.,  Advanced Tickets: $10    Door: $12, Before & After Shows: Interactive Photobooth By InFocus, Games, Face Painting, Concessions & More…Order tickets ONLINE at WWW.OLMSTEDCC.COM  Please click here to view the flyer.

• WEST SHORE FAMILY YMCA ACTIVITIES, SPRING SESSIONS APRIL 29 – JUNE 6, 1575 COLUMBIA ROAD, WESTLAKE – Check out the West Shore YMCA for Spring Aquatics and Youth Sports.  Click here for more info.

• WORLD OF FANTASY BOUTIQUE (AGES 2-12), APRIL 12-21 AND MAY 3-11, SLOTS BEGIN AT 4:30 P.M. ON FRIDAYS, 11:30 A.M. AND 5:00 P.M. ON SATURDAYS, AND 11:30 A.M. ON SUNDAYS – Children will be transformed by their own Fairy Godmother into princesses or knights.  For girls, the experience will include hairstyle shimmering make-up princess sash, face gem, and nail polish.  Boys will enjoy a gel-spiked, confetti-sprinkled hairstyle and a sword and shield.  All children may have sparking juice and light appetizers.  Children must be accompanied by an adult, who may enjoy complimentary coffee or tea.  Advance registration and separate ticket are required for the World of Fantasy Boutique. $25 for the first child, and $20 for each additional child.  Reservations required (www.olmstedperformingarts.com).

• DARA HOSTA OLMSTED SPIRIT 5K RACE/WALK, SUNDAY MAY 5 – Run, walk, or just be part of the fun!  All registered participants receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.  Please click here for more info, the list of prizes, and the registration form.  All proceeds go directly for college scholarships for Olmsted Falls students.

• ANNUAL FLOWER SALE, SATURDAY, MAY 11, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., SUNDAY, MAY 12, 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., SATURDAY, MAY 18, 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. – It’s that time of year again.  Boy Scout Troop 201 will hold its annual flower sale on Saturday, May 11th, 9 am-5pm, Sunday, May 12th, 8am-2pm, and Saturday, May 18th, 8am-3pm, at the Jenkins Center at the corner of Columbia Road and Main Street, right next to the old Olmsted Falls library.  The Scouts will have hanging baskets and flats of annual flowers available at good prices.  Stop by and shop locally!  You will support not only Scouting, but also a local business, Schuster’s Greenhouse, which supplies the flowers.  Contact Mike or Sharon Knaggs, 440-463-8106, with questions.

• 40th ANNUAL PHIL BOVA BASEBALL CAMP 2013, JUNE 17 – 21, 8:15 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., WESTLAKE RECREATION OUTDOOR BASEBALL FIELD, 28955 HILLIARD BLVD. - Experience Your Own Spring Training! High School, College and Professional Instructors with over 200 Years of Experience · Camp Ratio 1 to 8.  Every phase of the game will be unveiled:  Our staff will prepare your son for the next level!  Daily Games · Individual Drills $235 per camper includes:  Hot Lunch Daily · Camp T-Shirt & Hat · Written Evaluation · Individual Color Photo · Awards Ceremony. TEAM DISCOUNTS!!!! Sign up 10 or more kids and receive $35 off per camper!  For Registration, Medical Forms and Discounts, visit our Website at:  www.bovacamps.com or call 440-779-1390   Named #1 Baseball Camp of it’s kind in NE Ohio!

8th grade students, staff members and volunteer parent chaperones departed early last Wednesday morning for the annual 8th grade Washington D.C. trip.  From Wednesday through Friday (April 3^rd – 5^th), the students whizzed around the Washington D.C. area getting to see as many sights as possible including: Arlington National Cemetery, the WWII Memorial, the Marine Corps Museum, Mount Vernon, Ford’s Theatre and Peterson House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the White House, the Capitol building, the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, the Korean Memorial, Gettysburg National Battlefield and Shanksville Memorial – just to name a few!

Pictured at right: Arlington National Cemetery wreath presentation ceremony.  OFMS students earned the privilege to lay the wreath at The Tomb of the Unknowns by winning an essay contest.  The presenters were Ray Benisek (front left) Olivia Safady (front right), Alex Kho (back left) and Caleb Prante (back right).

Many thanks to the staff members and volunteer chaperones, who accompanied students on this exciting and educational journey.  To view additional photos and details from the trip, please click HERE.

REMINDER:  OFHS SPRING PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES – TOMORROW, THURSDAY. APRIL 11TH!

OFHS Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for TOMORROW, Thursday, April 11th from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.  The High School will be utilizing an open format for this year’s spring conferences. This means that all teachers will host conference sessions in their classrooms continuously from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. (Please note that the 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. time has been updated and differs from the time frame printed in the District’s annual PTA Activities Calendar.) Parents will not need to call in advance to schedule specific appointment times. Rather, parents can come anytime between 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. and proceed directly to the classroom(s) of the teacher(s) with whom you would like to conference. A listing of your student’s teachers can be found in your PowerSchool Parent Access account. Parents can expect to spend approximately 10 minutes with each teacher to discuss student progress and performance.  Please contact the High School office at 427-6100 with any questions.

OFMS STUDENTS REPRESENTS DISTRICT WELL AT STATE GEOGRAPHY BEE

Congratulations to OFMS student Jake Dahlinger, who competed last Friday, April 5th at the state Geography Bee in Columbus. 

Jake represented Olmsted Falls proudly and did extraordinary well!

OFHS SOPHOMORE COMPLETES EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT AT MIDDLE SCHOOL 

Tim Fox, a sophomore at Olmsted Falls High School recently completed his Eagle Scout Project.  Along with other members of his troop, Tim built, stained, and installed 3 wooden benches at Olmsted Falls Middle School.  These benches were placed in each of the three courtyards at the Middle School.   Thanks to Tim and his Boy Scout Troop members for creating beautiful seating to enjoy the gardens at the Middle School! 

To view the other two benches, please click here.

OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH SURROUNDING DISTRICTS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE – SPECIAL EVENT THIS MONDAY, APRIL 15TH AT WESTLAKE PERFORMING ART CENTER 

Olmsted Falls City Schools has joined forces with Berea City School District, Avon Lake School District and Westlake City School District to co-sponsor a play, title “Legally Addicted,” that raises awareness of prescription drug abuse.  This powerful event is presented by Your Teen for Parents, and also sponsored by Recovery Resources, Community Challenge and the Westshore Enforcement Bureau Narcotics Task Force.

The play performance will be held at Westlake Performing Arts Center, 27830 Hilliard Blvd, Westlake, Ohio on Monday, April 15th from 7:00 p.m. – 7:40 p.m.  Following the play, there will be a panel discussion.  To view the event flyer, please click here.  To register, please click here.

All Olmsted Falls High School and Middle School students and their parents are invited and encouraged to attend.

OLMSTED FALLS ALUMNUS CONTINUES GREAT POLE VAULT FEATS

2009 OFHS graduate Katie Nageotte won the indoor Division II National Championship in the Pole Vault on March 8th.  The event was held in Birmingham, Alabama. This was Katie’s first national championship of her career in the pole vault. Her winning mark was 13 feet, 11.25 inches. 

In her Bulldog career, she won the State Title in the Pole Vault in 2009, finishing 2nd in 2008, and 6th in 2007. 

Congratulations Katie!

OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET PARTNERS WITH PTA, OFPD, AND DEA

Saturday, April 27th will mark the 6th nationwide drug take-back day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency at locations across the country participating in Operation Medicine Cabinet. The Olmsted Falls Police Department has again partnered with the DEA and PTA to host this event in our community. Between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm on April 27th please drop off potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs at the Olmsted Falls Police Department. All items collected will be turned over to the DEA for destruction at a licensed disposal facility. Please pass this information along to your family, neighbors, friends and colleagues.
Through this collection event, we keep these medications out of the hands of curious youth and we keep these medications out of our drinking water supply. Check out the DEA’s website by clicking here and spread the word about collection points in our area.

MEET MR. ACERRA!

Mr. Zack Acerra has been a Bulldog employee for the past seven years and currently serves as a third grade teacher. As a high school student, he was able to volunteer in an elementary classroom and discovered that he enjoys working with younger children.

Mr. Acerra loves being a Bulldog because he feels that he works in an open, comfortable environment where the staff and parents work together to showcase our strengths, as well as help each other through difficult times.

Mr. Acerra and his wife, Allison, were married in 2012. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music, running marathons, and riding his bicycle.

9TH GRADE ADVANTAGE EVENT GIVES STUDENTS AN EARLY LOOK AT POLARIS

Freshmen interested in attending Polaris as juniors are invited to the 9^th Grade Advantage event along with their parents on Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  During this interactive evening, students and parents are encouraged to explore our career-technical programs through hands-on demonstrations, gain insight into their career interests and talents using 9^th grade career interest survey results, take advantage of exciting door prizes and much more!  For up-to-date information, visit www.polaris.edu or contact our Enrollment Office at (440) 891-7732.

MASQUERS AND FORENSICS OFFER OPPORTUNITIES TO SHOW SUPPORT

The Masquers and Forensics groups have three “Dining to Donate” fundraising events coming up in the next month:

1.  Applebee’s, Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 11am to 9pm.  Click here to see flyer.

2.  Ruby Tuesday’s, Friday, April 26, 2013, from 11am to 9pm.  Click here to see flyer.

3.  Chick-Fil-A, Wednesday, May 1, 2013, from 5pm to 7pm, Chick-Fil-A, 4779 Great Northern Blvd. (no Drive-Thru, please)

We hope to see you at one of our fundraisers to support our groups.  Thank you for your support!

ATTENTION:  SENIOR PARENTS!!

Post Prom is approaching quickly and the committee has been very busy with details of the event. We know the evening will be memorable for all those who attend.  Please get the donations into us quickly through the school office, so we can make the last arrangements for May 18^th. Gift cards or monetary gifts are appreciated, just please note student name on outside of envelope. For questions: Gayle Boesken 235-5151

PTA COUNCIL LOOKING FOR THE PTA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The PTA Council is looking for nominations of a PTA member who works on behalf of children.  This special person is involved and supports the PTA and has made a positive impact on the lives of children.  Anyone interested in nominating a PTA member for Volunteer of the Year should complete the nomination form and turn it in to his/her PTA unit at the April meeting of his/her unit.  Each unit will then submit one nomination to the PTA Council. 

Please click here to download the Olmsted Falls PTA Council Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form.

OFHS BOYS SOCCER PLAYER / PARENT MEETING – TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH @ 7:30 P.M.

There will be a Player / Parent Meeting Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 7:30 – 9:00 in the Olmsted Falls High School Library for all boys interested in playing high school soccer in the fall of 2013.  All players who are planning on playing soccer for Olmsted Falls High School need to attend with a parent.

If for some reason (club training, soccer game) you cannot attend, please have a parent attend.

Information concerning the summer and up coming season will be discussed.

See soccer website for more information (http://ofhssoccer.wordpress.com/) or Contact coach Walchanowicz (ofhssoccer@sbcglobal.net)

DON’T MISS OFHS MASQUERS’ SPRING MUSICAL - ”GREASE, THE MUSICAL!”

Olmsted Falls High School Masquers presents GREASE: School Version

Olmsted Falls High School

April 19 @ 7:30pm

April 20 @ 3:00pm & 7:30pm

Call 440-427-6070 for tickets – $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors

Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.  Click here to see the flyer.

SAVE THE DATE – FALLS-LENOX BOOK FAIR NEXT WEEK!!!

Mark your calendars for the annual Falls-Lenox book fair being held the week of April 15^th – 19^th.  The fair will take place in the library during the times listed below:

April  15-19 from 11-12:45 pm (during lunch periods)

April 15 and 17 from 3-4 pm  (Monday and Wednesday)

April 16 and 18 from 6-8 pm  (Tuesday and Thursday)

April 16^th will be the family night event including an ice cream social!  Stop by and purchase a bowl of ice cream before you shop!!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lori Surtman at loris4@att.net.  Thank you!

OLMSTED FALLS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS’ ANNUAL NIGHT AT THE RACES EVENT – SAT., APRIL 20TH!

A fun-filled night is in the works….OFAB’s annual Night at the Races. This year’s event will be held at the German American Club on Saturday, April 20. Food, drink, prizes and horse racing are the evening’s highlights. All the fun begins at 6 p.m. Tickets to attend are $30/person (sold in tables of 8).  To inquire about tickets, contact Dave Kurz at dktribe@cox.net or call 440-263-0051.  Act fast, this event traditionally sells out!

A successful Night at the Races is contingent upon the support of our families, community and surrounding businesses.  Here’s how you can help make one of OFAB’s biggest fundraisers a huge success:  Donate Merchandise, Purchase an Advertisement for our Program,  and/or Purchase a Horse.  For additional information on how you or your company can get involved in supporting this event, please visit www.ofathleticboosters.org.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT! SEE YOU APRIL 20TH!

RAILROAD TRACKS BY GRAND PACIFIC JUNCTION CLOSED THIS WEEK!

Please be aware that Norfolk Southern will be closing the rail crossing on Columbia Road from April 8 - 12.

Detour signs will be posted.

• UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:OLMSTED FALLS CLASS OF ’83 TO HOLD ITS 30 YEAR REUNION THIS SUMMER! - The Olmsted Falls Class of ’83  will be hosting its 30th Reunion this summer  on August  10 at 7:00 p.m.   Saturday’s event  will  consist of cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres on the Patio of Panini’s in Westlake.  Please click here for the invite.  If you have any questions or would like to attend our next planning meeting, please contact Kathy (Walsh) Payne at  kathypayne08@gmail.com or Deb (Lloyd) Henton at j.d.henton@sbcglobal.net.

• ARTIST DETECTIVES – MINIATURE PAINTING WORKSHOP, THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M., OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY – Little is known about miniature art…no pun intended! Explore and uncover interesting facts about the life and art of miniature artist, Oliver Frazer, then create your own mini painting in this Artist Detectives Painting Workshop conducted by professional artist and author JoAnn DePolo.  Grades 6-12.  Registration is required.  Please click here for more info and to register.

• OLMSTED COMMUNITY SUMMER LEAGUE 2013 OPEN REGISTRATION – Summer Community Baseball & Softball for all ages, Kindergarten – Adult.  NEW!  OCSL is partnering with Olmsted Community Center to provide information and online registrations at www.olmstedcc.com.  Register in person at OCC or mail your registration form and payment to: OCSL ℅ OCC, 8170 Mapleway Drive, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138.  Last day to register is April 15, 2013.  All Late registrations will add $20/player late fee & only accepted as needed.  NEW! Men’s Adult Softball (ages 18+) – All games played locally on Sunday mornings.  Please consider sharing your time and talents with OCSL. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Coaches, League Reps & more.  UMPIRES NEEDED – Great summer job (ages 11+)  SPONSORS NEEDED – Inexpensive local advertising.

• AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS (ASMC) SHAMROCK RUN, 5 KILOMETER RACE/1 MILE WALK, SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH, 9:00 A.M. – All proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Augustine Hunger Center.  To view the flyer, please click here or click here for the web site.

• TENNIS FUN! KIDS TENNIS LESSONS & ADULT CARDIO TENNIS, SUNDAYS – APRIL 21, 28, & May 5, 12, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M., OFHS TENNIS COURTS, 26939 BAGLEY ROAD -  For ages 7 & up.  Questions?  Please call  440-567-6910 or email Championstennis1@aol.com.  To view the flyer, please click here.

• STAND UP AMPUTEE BASKETBALL, AMP1 vs BALDWIN WALLACE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 7:00 P.M., BALDWIN WALLACE URSPRUNG GYMNASIUM – The game benefits Youth Challenge and raises awareness about the physical capabilities of amputees when equipped with high performance prosthetics.  To view the flyer, please click here.  For more information, please contact Leimkuehler, Inc. at 216-651-7788
• WEST SHORE FAMILY YMCA ACTIVITIES, SPRING SESSIONS APRIL 29 – JUNE 6, 1575 COLUMBIA ROAD, WESTLAKE – Check out the West Shore YMCA for Spring Aquatics and Youth Sports.  Click here for more info.

• AMAZING MAGIC SHOW BY MAGIC MIKE PRODUCTIONS AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER  - FRIDAY, APRIL 26th –  6:00 p.m. – Family and Kids Magic & Illusion Show;  8:30 p.m.:  Trick-a-Nosis - Adult Magic, Illusion, Hypnosis & Comedy Show; Doors Open at 5:15 p.m. with kids activities, Interactive Photobooth by inFocus, concessions and more. Get your tickets now! Get more information and order online at www.olmstedcc.com.  To view the flyer, please click here.

• DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR., OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH THEATER, APRIL 12th – 21st, WITH SHOWS ON FRIDAYS AT 7:00 P.M., SATURDAY’S AT 2:00 P.M. & SUNDAYS AT 2:00 P.M. -   Advance tickets are $11-15 at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.   Worlds of Fantasy boutique is open before each show.  Makeover and a snack.  $25 first child; $20 each additional child.  Get details and make a reservation (required) at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.

• WORLDS OF FANTASY, MAY 3-11 WITH SHOWS ON FRIDAYS AT 7:00 P.M. SATURDAYS AT 2:00 – 7:00 P.M., AND SUNDAY AT 2:00 P.M. -  Join Olmsted Performing Arts and take a magical journey to Fantasyland for Rapunzel’s coronation.  You will enjoy singing and dancing by Cinderella, Jasmine, Tinkerbell, Belle, Ariel, and more, and then meet the princesses with photo and autograph opportunities.  Tickets $12-18.  Worlds of Fantasy Boutique open before each show.  Makeover and a snack.  $25 first child; $20 each additional.  Details and reservation at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.
• DARA HOSTA OLMSTED SPIRIT 5K RACE/WALK, SUNDAY MAY 5 – Run, walk, or just be part of the fun!  All registered participants receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.  Please click here for more info, the list of prizes, and the registration form.  All proceeds go directly for college scholarships for Olmsted Falls students.
• BARK FOR LIFE EVENT, MAY 25th, 9:00 A.M., IN FRONT OF OLMSTED FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Olmsted Falls Relay for Life is hosting a Bark for Life event on Saturday, May 25, 2013. The 1 mile walk takes place in front of the Middle School with registration starting at 9:00 AM; the event lasting from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. There is a $10 registration fee per dog; $5 for a 2^nd dog.  Dogs will receive a Bark for Life bandana. The event also includes many booths, games, and activities!  Attention Middle School Students: Also attending this event will be the stars of eighth grader Julia Montgomery’s running Paw Print Newspaper column known as “The Chronicles of Murphy.” Come and meet the dogs, Murphy and Bernie!  Please contact Miss Kristen Rupp at (440) 427-6258, krupp@ofcs.net for more details or to register.

DISTRICT RECEIVES OHIO AUDITOR OF STATE AWARD

Olmsted Falls School District has been presented with the Ohio Auditor of State Award from the Office of State Auditor Dave Yost. This award was presented for the District’s exemplary financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for the year 2012. This is the second consecutive year Olmsted Falls School District has received this prestigious award.

Congratulations to both the team in the Treasurer’s Office and the staff of Olmsted Falls School District! It takes an ongoing cooperative and collective effort to ensure effective and accountable financial practices are in place for an organization. Olmsted Falls School District is very proud of this award.

OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH SURROUNDING DISTRICTS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE – SPECIAL EVENT MONDAY, APRIL 15TH AT WESTLAKE PERFORMING ART CENTER

Olmsted Falls City Schools has joined forces with Berea City School District, Avon Lake School District and Westlake City School District to co-sponsor a play, title “Legally Addicted,” that raises awareness of prescription drug abuse.  This powerful event is presented by Your Teen for Parents, and also sponsored by Recovery Resources, Community Challenge and the Westshore Enforcement Bureau Narcotics Task Force.

The play performance will be held at Westlake Performing Arts Center, 27830 Hilliard Blvd, Westlake, Ohio on Monday, April 15th from 7:00 p.m. – 7:40 p.m.  Following the play, there will be a panel discussion.  To view the event flyer, please click here.  To register, please click here.

All Olmsted Falls High School and Middle School students and their parents are invited and encouraged to attend.

OFIS 4th GRADERS TAKE FIELD TRIP TO SCIENCE CENTER

The 4th graders recently took a field trip to The Great Lakes Science Center where they enjoyed all the hands-on exhibits and seeing the special Egyptian exhibit. The students were also able to attend the Omnimax theater and saw the 3D movie ”Sea Rex,” a journey to a prehistoric world.

The picture to the left is in front of an exhibit designed by Olmsted Falls Alumni John Gonzalez, the father of Stephen Gonzalez, one of the 4th grade students on the field trip.

AUTISM AWARENESS EVENT – THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH, 7-8 P.M. AT OFHS

In support of ”Autism Awareness Month”, Helping Hands is happy to be hosting an “Autism Awareness Event”  this Friday April 5, from 7-8pm in the Media Center at OFHS. Local author, Nick Shamhart will be selling his novel, “The Fog Within” and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to an autism charity. Helping Hands will also have additional support information available for families including area after school programs and area summer programs. Please mark your calendar and plan on stopping by to learn more about this disorder and support the research to find effective methods for earlier diagnosis. If you have any questions please contact Mariel Krakowiak  at mkrakowiak@ofcs.net.

ECC CELEBRATES RIGHT TO READ WEEK

Preschool and Kindergarten students at the Early Childhood Center celebrated Right To Read Week with a variety of special activities and events during the week leading up to spring break.  This year’s theme was “Buggy for Books” and the children enjoyed a variety of special events and activities!

The fun included:  a guest appearance by the children’s librarian from our new Olmsted Falls branch for the Cuyahoga County library; an online draw-along presentation by Mark Harpster; “crickets” on a stick snacks from our Food Service Department; math and science learning stations in the gym and special classroom book deliveries by Mrs. B (in her beautiful bee wings)!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF who made this year’s Right To Read Week a success at the ECC!

BULLDOG YOUTH FOOTBALL PROGRAM INFORMATION MEETING – TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3RD

The Bulldog Youth Football League is a new program preparing to start a 5th and 6th grade football program for the students of the Olmsted Falls School District. Olmsted Falls has been accepted to join the Little Southwest Conference for this fall 2013.  Other communities involved in the Conference include: North Olmsted, Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Lutheran West, Fairview Park, and Sheffield.  This opportunity is a great way to help Olmsted Falls Youth learn and play the game of tackle football right here in our community.

There will be an informational meeting for parents and players on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Olmsted Falls High School Cafeteria.   This will give parents the opportunity to have any questions/concerns answered as well as help the organization learn the interest level in the community.  If you have a current 4th or 5th grade child that would be interested in playing in the newly formed 5th and 6th football program this fall, 2013 please try to attend this meeting.  If you cannot attend but would like more information, or if you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please email your name and contact information to OFBYFootball@gmail.com  or visit our website for more information.  You can also able to check us out on Facebook.  We look forward to seeing you tonight.

MEET MRS. FENDERBOSCH!

OFHS DRILL TEAM TRYOUTS NEXT WEEK

There will be an informational meeting next Tuesday night, April 9th regarding drill team tryouts for the 2013-2014 season. We will meet in room W-3 at the high school from 7-8pm. Please bring a parent and any questions you have. We will run clinics Monday – Thursday, April 15th – 18th from 6:30 – 8:30pm, and tryouts will be Friday, April 19th starting at 5:00pm. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lisa Topolski at ltopolski@ofcs.net.

PTA COUNCIL LOOKING FOR THE PTA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The PTA Council is looking for nominations of a PTA member who works on behalf of children.  This special person is involved and supports the PTA and has made a positive impact on the lives of children.  Anyone interested in nominating a PTA member for Volunteer of the Year should complete the nomination form and turn it in to his/her PTA unit at the April meeting of his/her unit.  Each unit will then submit one nomination to the PTA Council.  Please click here to download the Olmsted Falls PTA Council Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form.

OFHS BOYS SOCCER PLAYER / PARENT MEETING – TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH @ 7:30 P.M.

There will be a Player / Parent Meeting Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 7:30 – 9:00 in the Olmsted Falls High School Library for all boys interested in playing high school soccer in the fall of 2013.  All players who are planning on playing soccer for Olmsted Falls High School need to attend with a parent.

If for some reason (club training, soccer game) you cannot attend, please have a parent attend.

Information concerning the summer and up coming season will be discussed.

See soccer website for more information (http://ofhssoccer.wordpress.com/) or Contact coach Walchanowicz (ofhssoccer@sbcglobal.net)

OFHS MASQUERS PRESENTS GREASE, THE MUSICAL!

Olmsted Falls High School Masquers presents GREASE: School Version

Olmsted Falls High School

April 19 @ 7:30pm

April 20 @ 3:00pm & 7:30pm

Call 440-427-6070 for tickets – $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors

Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.  Click here to see the flyer.

SAVE THE DATE – FALLS-LENOX BOOK FAIR!

Mark your calendars for the annual Falls-Lenox book fair being held the week of April 15^th – 19^th.  The fair will take place in the library during the times listed below:

April  15-19 from 11-12:45 pm (during lunch periods)

April 15 and 17 from 3-4 pm  (Monday and Wednesday)

April 16 and 18 from 6-8 pm  (Tuesday and Thursday)

April 16^th will be the family night event including an ice cream social!  Stop by and purchase a bowl of ice cream before you shop!!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lori Surtman at loris4@att.net.  Thank you!

OLMSTED FALLS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS’ ANNUAL NIGHT AT THE RACES EVENT – SAT., APRIL 20TH!

A fun-filled night is in the works….OFAB’s annual Night at the Races. This year’s event will be held at the German American Club on Saturday, April 20. Food, drink, prizes and horse racing are the evening’s highlights. All the fun begins at 6 p.m. Tickets to attend are $30/person (sold in tables of 8).  To inquire about tickets, contact Dave Kurz at dktribe@cox.net or call 440-263-0051.  Act fast, this event traditionally sells out!

A successful Night at the Races is contingent upon the support of our families, community and surrounding businesses.  Here’s how you can help make one of OFAB’s biggest fundraisers a huge success:  Donate Merchandise, Purchase an Advertisement for our Program,  and/or Purchase a Horse.  For additional information on how you or your company can get involved in supporting this event, please visit www.ofathleticboosters.org.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT! SEE YOU APRIL 20TH!

RAILROAD TRACKS BY GRAND PACIFIC JUNCTION CLOSED NEXT WEEK

Please be aware that Norfolk Southern will be closing the rail crossing on Columbia Road from April 8 - 12.

Detour signs will be posted.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• ARTIST DETECTIVES – MINIATURE PAINTING WORKSHOP, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M., OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY – Little is known about miniature art…no pun intended! Explore and uncover interesting facts about the life and art of miniature artist, Oliver Frazer, then create your own mini painting in this Artist Detectives Painting Workshop conducted by professional artist and author JoAnn DePolo.  Grades 6-12.  Registration is required.  Please click here for more info and to register.

• AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS (ASMC) SHAMROCK RUN, 5 KILOMETER RACE/1 MILE WALK, SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH, 9:00 A.M. – All proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Augustine Hunger Center.  To view the flyer, please click here or click here for the web site.

• WEST SHORE FAMILY YMCA ACTIVITIES, SPRING SESSIONS APRIL 29 – JUNE 6, 1575 COLUMBIA ROAD, WESTLAKE – Check out the West Shore YMCA for Spring Aquatics and Youth Sports.  Click here for more info.

• AMAZING MAGIC SHOW BY MAGIC MIKE PRODUCTIONS AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER  - FRIDAY, APRIL 26th –  6:00 p.m. – Family and Kids Magic & Illusion Show;  8:30 p.m.:  Trick-a-Nosis - Adult Magic, Illusion, Hypnosis & Comedy Show; Doors Open at 5:15 p.m. with kids activities, Interactive Photobooth by inFocus, concessions and more. Get your tickets now! Get more information and order online at www.olmstedcc.com.  To view the flyer, please click here.

• DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR., OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH THEATER, APRIL 12th – 21st, WITH SHOWS ON FRIDAYS AT 7:00 P.M., SATURDAY’S AT 2:00 P.M. & SUNDAYS AT 2:00 P.M. -   Advance tickets are $11-15 at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.   Worlds of Fantasy boutique is open before each show.  Makeover and a snack.  $25 first child; $20 each additional child.  Get details and make a reservation (required) at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.

• WORLD OF FANTASY BOUTIQUE (AGES 2-12), APRIL 12-21 AND MAY 3-11, SLOTS BEGIN AT 4:30 P.M. ON FRIDAYS, 11:30 A.M. AND 5:00 P.M. ON SATURDAYS, AND 11:30 A.M. ON SUNDAYS – Children will be transformed by their own Fairy Godmother into princesses or knights.  For girls, the experience will include hairstyle shimmering make-up princess sash, face gem, and nail polish.  Boys will enjoy a gel-spiked, confetti-sprinkled hairstyle and a sword and shield.  All children may have sparking juice and light appetizers.  Children must be accompanied by an adult, who may enjoy complimentary coffee or tea.  Advance registration and separate ticket are required for the World of Fantasy Boutique. $25 for the first child, and $20 for each additional child.  Reservations required (www.olmstedperformingarts.com).

OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOLS AMONG “BEST COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA” FOR 7TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

For the seventh year in a row, Olmsted Falls School District has been named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education in America” through a national survey sponsored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.  The school districts named by the NAMM Foundation demonstrate an unwavering commitment to providing music education for their students – even during these challenging economic times.  To read the full press release and view the list of all recognized schools, please click HERE.

Congratulations to the staff, students, parents and community members who help make our music program a nationally recognized success!

DISTRICT BUS MECHANIC ROGER URBANEK RECEIVES FIRST-EVER DAVID E. DRUM SCHOOL BUS MECHANIC OF THE YEAR AWARD

Congratulations to Olmsted Falls school bus mechanic Roger Urbanek (pictured in center) for being the first-ever recipient of the David E. Drum School Bus Mechanic of the Year Award.  The intent of this state-wide award, to be presented annually by the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT), is to recognize mechanics who exhibit outstanding cost-saving measures, cooperation and working relationships with school bus drivers and fellow employees, sets high shop standards, and has implemented a preventative maintenance program.  The award also recognizes mechanics who have contributed to the advancement of pupil transportation as a profession.  Roger received his award this past Monday evening during a special ceremony in Columbus.

According to District Transportation Supervisor Heath Krakowiak, who nominated Roger for this award, “experienced and knowledgeable is an understatement when speaking of Roger Urbanek, the head mechanic for Olmsted Falls City Schools.”  Roger has been an automotive mechanic for over 40 years.  In that time, he has amassed 36 different ASE certifications and the title of “World Class technician” by ASIA/ASE, a title held by only 750 mechanics out of 350,000 who have been certified to receive such a distinction.  This is an honor that places his name in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Midland, Michigan.

Olmsted Falls School District is truly fortunate to have Roger Urbanek on our transportation team!  Congratulations again to Roger!

SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE

Spring break is next week!  Spring break week begins this Monday, March 25th and runs through the following Monday, April 1st.   School will resume on Tuesday, April 2nd.

Please note that there will not be a District blog post next week. (As you will see, today’s blog is overflowing with plenty of exciting Bulldog news to last you for two weeks!  There are great things happening all around us at Olmsted Falls Schools!) 

Regular weekly blog posts will resume on Wednesday, April 3rd.  Have a safe and enjoyable break!

OFHS SCIENCE TEACHERS TRAIN AT NASA

Five teachers from Olmsted Falls High School attended a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Workshop titled, “Spacefaring: The Radiation Challenge,” at N.A.S.A. Glenn Research Center last Friday.  Science teachers (pictured from L to R) Carla Wible, Janet Gregg, Lynette Bock, James Yandell and Andrew Hoslar had the opportunity to explore N.A.S.A.’s educational resources and receive training on how to access them online for use in their classrooms.  The workshop also provided hands-on and inquiry-based learning activities related to Radiation, Planetology, Remote Sensing and Spacefaring.

The activities and N.A.S.A. educational websites introduced our teachers with new curriculum ideas to assist in reaching project-based learning goals for the critical STEM areas.  Kudos to the OFHS science department for reaching out to N.A.S.A. to coordinate this important professional development opportunity!  To view additional photos of our teachers at NASA Glenn, please click HERE.

OFHS JUNIOR ADVANCES TO BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

OFHS junior Tim Gajzer competed in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference through the Computer Networking Technology (CNT) program at Polaris.

Tim took first place in the PC Service & Support contest and has qualified to advance to BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL this May.

Congratulations and best of luck to Tim!  Outstanding work!

MORE THAN 190 OFHS STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT 33^ND ANNUAL ACADEMIC HONORS BANQUET

More than 400 people were in attendance to recognize OFHS students for their academic achievements last Thursday evening at the 33rd Annual Academic Honors Banquet. A record number of students were honored at this year’s event! Students were joined by their families and other special guests for a dinner and awards ceremony held at Baldwin Wallace College. To be recognized at this special event, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 4.0 for freshmen, 3.9 for sophomores, 3.8 for juniors, and 3.7 for seniors.

To view the event program, including the list of students honored, please click HERE. (Note: the number of asterisks (*) following a student’s name indicated how many years they’ve been invited to attend the event.)  To view photos taken at the event, please click HERE.

Congratulations to all of these outstanding students and their families!

OFHS MUSIC PROGRAM DEMONSTRATES OUTSTANDING MUSIC ABILITY AT DISTRICT CONTEST

The OFHS Chorale, Wind Ensemble, Treble Choir, and Symphonic Band all competed at the Ohio Music Education Association District Large Group Competition this past weekend. It is a difficult task at best to have that many groups from one school earn the top rating. What makes it all the more unique is that all four groups earned “straight superior ratings” also known as “Straight Ones” which is the highest rating possible, earning each group the opportunity to compete now at the State level held on May 3 and 4.

Congratulations to all of our talented High School musicians, and their outstanding teachers!

THE OFHS ACADEMIC TEAM BEATS THE COMPETITION…AGAIN!

The Academic Team has done it again!  For the 6th year in a row, the Bulldog Academic Team has swept the SWC in both the Dual Matches and the SWC Tournament.  The team was awarded the traveling trophy at the SWC Tournament.  Those participating at the SWC Tournament were:  David Graham, Zach Buchta, Xavier Riviera, Andy Nageotte, Marty Mendenhall, Nathan Seese, and Emily Burland.

The Academic Team also swept the NEOAL this year for the 6th year in a row as well.

OHIO BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES BULLDOG ATHLETES

The OFHS boys and girls basketball teams had the 2nd most combined student athletes in the state of Ohio to be awarded Gold and Silver Certificates by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association. The criteria for the award is any junior or senior who has a GPA over a 3.2 and who has exemplified the highest ideals of citizenship and sportsmanship. Seniors receive Gold certificates and juniors receive Silver certificates.  The OFHS girls Gold recipients were Alison Gerycz and Jessica Koch.  Silver recipients were Samantha Buck, Erica Corley, Hannah Hammeren, Melissa Holcomb, Marie Jacobs, Heather Mueller, and Salina Salamah.  OFHS boys recipients of the Gold certificate were Kenny Hanna, Brandon Friedrich, and Steve Johnson.  Silver recipients were Joe Atkinson, Evan Burnell, Brian Kurz, James Sabatka, Patrick Hynes, and Adam Asadorian.  Congratulations to all of you!  Go Bulldogs!

MEET MRS. SPARKS!

Mrs. Hannah Sparks, a Bulldog alum, teaches Language Arts I and III at OFHS. She also serves as a class officer and the Forensics coach. She decided on a career in education because of the countless teachers she had who inspired and pushed her to achieve.

Mrs. Sparks loves being a Bulldog because no matter what the request, there is some group, parent, or faculty member willing to give whatever it takes to contribute to the success of our students in the district.

In her spare time, Mrs. Sparks enjoys playing and exercising with her dog, reading, and learning about and carrying out home improvement projects with her husband Tyler.

OFMS POWER OF THE PEN STUDENTS RECEIVE MANY AWARDS INCLUDING PRESTIGIOUS SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY!

Once again, Olmsted Falls did extremely well in the regional Power of the Pen tournament at St. Joseph Academy on Saturday, May 16th.  The combined 7th and 8th grade teams came in first place out of 46 schools to receive the large prestigious Raymond Dix Sweepstakes Trophy!  Furthermore, the 8th grade team took home the 2nd place trophy!  Four 8th graders and two 7th graders received individual awards as follows:  Maggie Backus (8) - 1st place; Erika Ratcliff (8) - 8th place; Nathan Loepp (8) – 9th place and  a “Best of Round” award; Zach Zdanowicz (7) – 11th place; Abby Gaba (7) - 16th place; Molly McCafferty(8) – “Best of the Best” Award for her piece written at Districts. She will be published in The Book of Winners.

Furthermore, students Alex Enczur, Joseph Calabrase, and Morgan Finau also wrote very well in the tournament and competed against 150 other students.  Coaches Scalley and Gulden are very proud of these Power of the Pen students!

OFIS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2013 SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

Seventy fourth and fifth graders from Olmsted Falls Intermediate School signed up to become Bulldog Scientists on the Science Olympiad Team this year.  They practiced, studied and competed in nine different events from Anatomy to Weather.  The most popular events were the hands-on building/problem solving events; Bridge Building, Catapult, Egg Drop and Aerodynamics.  Students practiced on Monday and Friday mornings for six weeks to prepare for the competition which was held at OFIS on March 4th and 8th.  Team members formed new friendships, collaborated to solve problems and stretched their creative thinking to come up with different ways to face a challenge.

Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Rodgers and Mr. Morris coached students during the morning practice sessions.  Former Science Olympiad team members Noah Le, Eric Sobera, Claudia Schuh, Mallory Witt, Natalie Partin and Anthony Thompson came over from the Middle School to lend a hand as coaches and judges.  OFIS staff members Mrs. Pilko, Mr. Moore, Mr. Englehart, Mr. Vormelker and Mrs. Venecek helped to judge events on the competition days.  Special thanks go out to Mr. Workman for his help to set up the gym and cafeteria and to Mr. Svec for his support of the team.

Congratulations to all the Bulldog Scientists!  Final event results and photos are posted on Mrs. Morris’ Moodle site @ http://www.moodledog.com/course/view.php?id=286.  For pictures of this event, you can also click here.

OFIS STUDENTS VISIT CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

The Intermediate School Resource Room students were very fortunate to take part in a pilot project for student learning at the Cleveland Museum of Art.  The 20 4th and 5th graders traveled to the Cleveland Museum of Art on Thursday, March 14th.  The newly renovated, interactive educational space, Gallery One, was their classroom that morning.  The “Ratio and Scale,” lesson challenged students to estimate, measure and think on a deeper level about the scale used in paintings, sculpture and textile art.  Interactive touch screens and the new ArtLens app for the iPad told the background story for each piece of art they considered in the lesson.  What a great connection to the math classroom study of fractions and ratios!  For more photos, please click here.

AUTHOR SHELLEY PEARSALL VISITS 5^TH GRADE

Ohio native and award-winning children’s book author Shelley Pearsall visited with 5^th grade students at OFIS earlier this month.  In addition to large group presentations led by Ms. Pearsall in the cafeteria, the author also hosted two special writing sessions and enjoyed lunch with a group of students.  Thank you to OFIS PTA for making this exciting visit possible. To view additional photos from Shelley Pearsall’s visit to OFIS, please click here. To learn more about author Shelley Pearsall, please click here.

FALLS-LENOX CELEBRATES RIGHT TO READ WEEK

Falls-Lenox was transformed into the S.S. Falls-Lenox last week as the children celebrated Right to Read week by “Cruising through the Islands of Books”!  The week kicked off with an assembly by authors, the JJ Brothers where the students learned how to create and write stories.  A special thank you to PTA for sponsoring this event!  In addition to the assembly, we had many guest readers visit including, central office personnel, principals from OFCS, Township Trustees Jeanene Kress, Scott Ross and Sherri Lippus, Police Chief Minek, and Mayor Blomquist!  Throughout the week, the students were challenged to read as many minutes as possible and broke the record by reading a total of 67,522 minutes!  A very special thank you to the library staff at Falls-Lenox for planning this tropical week of reading!  For more photos, please click here.

INVENTION FAIR AT FALLS-LENOX DISPLAYS 2ND GRADERS’ CREATIVITY

The West Community at Falls-Lenox recently held an invention fair.  In class, the students studied inventions and the role they play in our daily lives.  The students then worked with their parents to “invent” a device that will make our lives easier, solve a problem or make something work better.   During the invention fair, the students explained to their classmates and parents how their invention would be helpful and how the invention was made.  The parents and students both had a lot of fun creating and viewing all of the awesome inventions!

For more photos of the second graders’ cool inventions, please click here.

FALLS-LENOX HOSTS FINAL 3RD GRADE LITERACY NIGHT

The final fun Literacy Night was held on Thursday, March 7^th when third grade students and their parents Sailed Through the Islands of Books!  The students had a great time practicing reading skills and strategies while making and playing fun activities, such as Beach Blanket Bingo, and Fin-tastic Fiction.  The theme for the evening connected with the theme for Right-to-Read-Week.  This wraps up our cruises through the islands, however students are encouraged to continue reading at home each night!  For more photos, please click here.

CONCERT REVEALS MUSICAL TALENT OF OUR FALLS-LENOX FIRST GRADERS

Falls-Lenox students proudly present “Children’s Songtales” at the First Grade Concert on Thursday, March 14th.  The students have been working very hard on learning the songs and movements for the concert.  They sang classic songtales, such as “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain” and “The Farmer in the Dell”.  A special thank you to Mrs. McClellan, Mrs. Wallace, and student teacher Miss Schumaker for all of their hard work preparing the students for this enjoyable evening of singing and performing!  For more photos, please click here.

THE ECC RECEIVES A SPECIAL VISIT AND SPECIAL MUSIC

On Thursday March 14, the ECC welcomed 2 members of the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.  Pat Logan (piper) and Bob Stack (drummer) played several songs including traditional Irish, Scottish and American music.

The music was very much enjoyed by students and staff alike.  For more photos, please click here.

ECC REGISTERS KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS FOR NEXT YEAR

The Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center registered more than 200 incoming kindergarten students during the three-day, in-house registration event held last week.  For the first-time ever, parents were able to complete a portion of their child’s registration process on-line.  Kudos to the ECC staff and PTA volunteers who worked hard to ensure that the in-house registration appointments went smoothly!  And welcome to our newest Bulldogs who will join us in the 2013-2014 school year.

If you have an incoming kindergarten student who still needs to be enrolled for the 2013-2014 school year, please contact Loretta McClelland at the ECC at 427-6360 as soon as possible to get the enrollment process started.  

ECC/FALLS-LENOX STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AS HEALTHY HEROES

PTA TALENT SHOW HIGHLIGHTS OUR TALENTED STUDENTS

On Saturday March 16th, the 26th Annual High School PTA Talent Show was held at Olmsted Falls High School. Proceeds from the event will benefit the class of 2013 OFHS graduating seniors.  Thank you to the Olmsted Falls community for supporting the show.  OFHS PTA would also like to recognize and thank our judges for the evening: Mr. Kevin Gulden, Mr. Mark Hannah, Miss Isabela Moner and Ms. Renee Musat.  A special shout out and thank you to our local business partners Angelina’s and Ameriprint for their support as well.

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding performances:

In the K-5 Grade Category:
ECC, Heidi McCullar- Third Place for “Heidi’s Dance”
Falls-Lenox, Grace Wright and Madison Podojil – Third Place for “Ghouls Rule” performing “Take a Hint”
Adrianna Lakota – Second Place for “The Happy Hula Hooper”
OFIS, Neil Spooner – First Place for his Hip Hop dance performance of “Cruizin’”
In the 6th – 8th Grade Category
OFMS, Rachel Hoadley – Third Place for a Piano instrumental “Canon in D”
Amanda Holt – Second Place for a Vocal & Guitar performance of “I Won’t Give Up”
Melanie Campbell – First Place for her contemporary dance performance of “Defying Gravity”
Melanie was also our Overall Winner of the Talent Show having received the highest score among all performers.
In the 9th – 12th Grade Category
OFHS, Kyle Thompson – Tie for 3rd Place for his Vocal & Piano performance of “Let it Be”
Kailey and Kelsey Dewar also known as “Guaranteed Wednesday” – Tie for Third Place with their Vocal & Guitar performance of “Locked Out of Heaven”
Jason Frank Jr. – Second Place for a self composed piano instrumental “An Original Song”
Tricia Kushen – First Place for her vocal performance of “Glitter in the Air”
Tricia was also the recipient of the Dara Hosta Vocal Memorial Award presented by the Hosta Family.

Congratulations to all of the Talent Show Winners and to all the students who shared their talents in the show.  Many thanks to our Sound, Lighting and Stage Crew who made the show happen:  Ashley Belohlavic, Becci Boesken Kat Karolak, Debbie Oberc and Colton Wargo.   And a huge round of applause for Ed Gorski who was our outstanding and thoroughly entertaining Master of Ceremonies…..superb job Ed!!  A Standing Ovation for All of You.  With Many Thanks, Mrs. Ferrini

OFHS MASQUERS PRESENTS GREASE, THE MUSICAL!

Olmsted Falls High School Masquers presents GREASE: School Version

Olmsted Falls High School

April 19 @ 7:30pm

April 20 @ 3:00pm & 7:30pm

Call 440-427-6070 for tickets – $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors

Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.  Click here to see the flyer.

SAVE THE DATE – FALLS-LENOX BOOK FAIR!

Mark your calendars for the annual Falls-Lenox book fair being held the week of April 15^th – 19^th.  The fair will take place in the library during the times listed below:

April  15-19 from 11-12:45 pm (during lunch periods)

April 15 and 17 from 3-4 pm  (Monday and Wednesday)

April 16 and 18 from 6-8 pm  (Tuesday and Thursday)

April 16^th will be the family night event including an ice cream social!  Stop by and purchase a bowl of ice cream before you shop!!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lori Surtman at lorisurtman@att.net.  Thank you!

OLMSTED FALLS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS’ ANNUAL NIGHT AT THE RACES EVENT – SAT., APRIL 20TH!

A fun-filled night is in the works….OFAB’s annual Night at the Races. This year’s event will be held at the German American Club on Saturday, April 20. Food, drink, prizes and horse racing are the evening’s highlights. All the fun begins at 6 p.m. Tickets to attend are $30/person (sold in tables of 8).  To inquire about tickets, contact Dave Kurz at dktribe@cox.net or call 440-263-0051.  Act fast, this event traditionally sells out!

A successful Night at the Races is contingent upon the support of our families, community and surrounding businesses.  Here’s how you can help make one of OFAB’s biggest fundraisers a huge success:  Donate Merchandise, Purchase an Advertisement for our Program,  and/or Purchase a Horse.  For additional information on how you or your company can get involved in supporting this event, please visit www.ofathleticboosters.org.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT! SEE YOU APRIL 20TH!

APPLEBEE’S POST PROM FUNDRAISER – THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27TH!

2013 OFHS BASEBALL EARLY BIRD SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL CAMP

When: Saturday, March 23, 2013

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY – THIS SUNDAY, PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 24th – 8:00 AM TO 1:30 PM – OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA – Pancake breakfast PLUS  a chance to win a 42” LED HDTV, face painting, free pictures with the Easter Bunny, and a Chinese Auction.  Tickets are only $5 each (kids under 3 eat free).  Ticket includes breakfast and each ticket is entered into the drawing for the 42” LED HDTV.  (No need to be present to win, so buy a ticket even if you can’t make it to the event!)  100% of proceeds benefit our local communities.  Tickets will be available at the door and at the First Federal of Lakewood in Olmsted Township (26908 Cook Road) – ask for DeeDee.
• OLMSTED FALLS ACADEMIC TEAM (OFAT) FUNDRAISER, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M., RAZZLES, A fundraiser to support the Olmsted Falls Acadmic Team (OFAT) will be held at Razzles on Saturday, April 13, 8-10 p.m. Raffles with great items from OF merchants, sideboards, and more! Families welcome! Kids under 6 FREE. $20 tickets available from OFAT members, coaches, or at door. Or contact Anne Mendenhall at mendykin@aol.com; 440-234-7964.  Thanks for supporting OF academics! Did you know our academic team has already qualified 2 teams to compete at the National Tournament in Atlanta! They need our help to offset travel expenses. To learn how you or your company can get involved in supporting this event, contact Anne Mendenhall at mendykin@aol.com; 440-234-7964.  Like us! on the Olmsted Falls Academic Boosters Club Facebook page. Post congrats to your student for his/her academic accomplishments.
• AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS (ASMC) SHAMROCK RUN, 5 KILOMETER RACE/1 MILE WALK, SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH, 9:00 A.M. – All proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Augustine Hunger Center.  To view the flyer, please click here or click here for the web site.
• NEW OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY SCHEDULE OF SPRING ACTIVITIES – Check out all the offerings for this spring at our new library branch in Olmsted Falls!  There are activities for children, teens, and adults.  Please click here for more information.
• OLMSTED COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM REGISTRATION FOR 2013-2014 – Beginning Friday, March 1st – Registration for OCO Summer 2013 Enrichment Camp, and 2013-2014 Kinderday and After School Care programs begins Friday, March 1st.  Olmsted Community Outreach is a 501c3 non-profit organization located within the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center.  OCO contracts to utilize currently vacant space within the ECC building to provide quality school aged childcare services for the community.  OCO operates at NO COST to the school district nor to the taxpayers.  For more information and to access registration forms, please visit www.ocoutreach.org or call (440) 782-1626.
• AMAZING MAGIC SHOW BY MAGIC MIKE PRODUCTIONS AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER  - FRIDAY, APRIL 26th –  6:00 p.m. – Family and Kids Magic & Illusion Show;  8:30 p.m.:  Trick-a-Nosis - Adult Magic, Illusion, Hypnosis & Comedy Show; Doors Open at 5:15 p.m. with kids activities, Interactive Photobooth by inFocus, concessions and more. Get your tickets now! Get more information and order online at www.olmstedcc.com.  To view the flyer, please click here.
• 3RD ANNUAL CARNIVAL FOR A CURE, FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH, 6-8:30 P.M. – Save the Date!!  Mark your calendars!! The date for the 3rd annual Carnival For a Cure has been set!!!  It will take place at Falls-Lenox on Friday, April 19th from 6-8:30 p.m.!  All Olmsted Fall’s families and friends are welcome to attend!  Join the hundreds of people who come every year for some old-fashioned fun of carnival games, cake walks, face painting, 50/50 raffle, and Relay style lap walking! More information to follow!  We hope to see you there!
• DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR., OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH THEATER, APRIL 12th – 21st, WITH SHOWS ON FRIDAYS AT 7:00 P.M., SATURDAY’S AT 2:00 P.M. & SUNDAYS AT 2:00 P.M. -   Advance tickets are $11-15 at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.   Worlds of Fantasy boutique is open before each show.  Makeover and a snack.  $25 first child; $20 each additional child.  Get details and make a reservation (required) at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.

• WORLDS OF FANTASY, MAY 3-11 WITH SHOWS ON FRIDAYS AT 7:00 P.M. SATURDAYS AT 2:00 – 7:00 P.M., AND SUNDAY AT 2:00 P.M. -  Join Olmsted Performing Arts and take a magical journey to Fantasyland for Rapunzel’s coronation.  You will enjoy singing and dancing by Cinderella, Jasmine, Tinkerbell, Belle, Ariel, and more, and then meet the princesses with photo and autograph opportunities.  Tickets $12-18.  Worlds of Fantasy Boutique open before each show.  Makeover and a snack.  $25 first child; $20 each additional.  Details and reservation at www.olmstedperformingarts.com.

• WORLD OF FANTASY BOUTIQUE (AGES 2-12), APRIL 12-21 AND MAY 3-11, SLOTS BEGIN AT 4:30 P.M. ON FRIDAYS, 11:30 A.M. AND 5:00 P.M. ON SATURDAYS, AND 11:30 A.M. ON SUNDAYS – Children will be transformed by their own Fairy Godmother into princesses or knights.  For girls, the experience will include hairstyle shimmering make-up princess sash, face gem, and nail polish.  Boys will enjoy a gel-spiked, confetti-sprinkled hairstyle and a sword and shield.  All children may have sparking juice and light appetizers.  Children must be accompanied by an adult, who may enjoy complimentary coffee or tea.  Advance registration and separate ticket are required for the World of Fantasy Boutique. $25 for the first child, and $20 for each additional child.  Reservations required (www.olmstedperformingarts.com).

Throughout the school year, students at Olmsted Falls Middle School have been participating in a monthly Book Club led, during lunch periods, by Mr. Lee Ikimis, Young Adult Librarian from Cuyahoga County Public Library.  Interested students join Mr. Ikimis in the Media Center and discuss selected books over lunch.

Olmsted Falls High School installed its first ever class of the French National Honor Society, la Société Honoraire de Français, during a special ceremony held last Wednesday night in the OFHS Library Media Center.  Founded in 1949, la Société Honoraire de Français recognizes those students who embrace and excel in the studies of the French language and culture while maintaining good grades in other areas.

OLMSTED FALLS PTA’S CELEBRATE NATIONAL PTA FOUNDERS DAY

PTA Units in Olmsted Falls celebrated National PTA Founders’ Day this year by creating a special video presentation showcasingthe far-reaching impact of our local PTA units throughout Olmsted Falls School District.

To view the new Founders’ Day video, please click HERE and then click the play button on the video screen at the bottom of the page.

OFHS MASQUERS PRESENTS GREASE, THE MUSICAL!

Olmsted Falls High School Masquers presents GREASE: School Version

Olmsted Falls High School

April 19 @ 7:30pm

April 20 @ 3:00pm & 7:30pm

Call 440-427-6070 for tickets – $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors

Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.  Click here to see the flyer.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOK FAIR

The Middle School Media Center will be hosting a spring Scholastic Book Fair that will run Wed. March 13-Wed. March 20. The fair will be open during the school day from 8:30-3:30.  It will have many new and exciting titles of all genres. Thanks in advance to our wonderful PTA volunteers who provide their valuable time working these fairs. Also, a huge “thank you” to our staff, students, and parents who support the book fairs which allows us to purchase the latest popular titles using profits.

FALLS-LENOX BOOK FAIR

Mark your calendars for the annual Falls-Lenox book fair being held the week of April 15^th – 19^th.  The fair will take place in the library during the times listed below:

April  15-19 from 11-12:45 pm (during lunch periods)

April 15 and 17 from 3-4 pm  (Monday and Wednesday)

April 16 and 18 from 6-8 pm  (Tuesday and Thursday)

April 16^th will be the family night event including an ice cream social!  Stop by and purchase a bowl of ice cream before you shop!!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lori Surtman at lorisurtman@att.net.  Thank you!

OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY OFFERS PRACTICE SAT TEST

Practice SAT Test

Saturday, Mar. 16, 2013

10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

College bound?? Get ready today by taking a practice SAT exam! Huntington’s SAT Prep Test Workshop was developed for college-bound high school students and is designed to guide them through the college entrance exam process. High school students need to be as prepared as possible. Students will take an actual practice exam. Participants must attend the follow-up on Tuesday, April 2nd at 6 pm to learn test results, discuss strategies to improve their score and tips on preparing for the real exam. Registration is required.  For the Practice test, please click here.  For the Follow up test result session, please click here.

OLMSTED FALLS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS’ ANNUAL NIGHT AT THE RACES EVENT – SAT., APRIL 20TH!

A fun-filled night is in the works….OFAB’s annual Night at the Races. This year’s event will be held at the German American Club on Saturday, April 20. Food, drink, prizes and horse racing are the evening’s highlights. All the fun begins at 6 p.m. Tickets to attend are $30/person (sold in tables of 8).  To inquire about tickets, contact Dave Kurz at dktribe@cox.net or call 440-263-0051.  Act fast, this event traditionally sells out!

A successful Night at the Races is contingent upon the support of our families, community and surrounding businesses.  Here’s how you can help make one of OFAB’s biggest fundraisers a huge success:  Donate Merchandise, Purchase an Advertisement for our Program,  and/or Purchase a Horse.  For additional information on how you or your company can get involved in supporting this event, please visit www.ofathleticboosters.org.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT! SEE YOU APRIL 20TH!

APPLEBEE’S POST PROM FUNDRAISER

2013 OFHS BASEBALL EARLY BIRD SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL CAMP

When: Saturday, March 23, 2013

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

• AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS (ASMC) SHAMROCK RUN, 5 KILOMETER RACE/1 MILE WALK, SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH, 9:00 A.M. – All proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Augustine Hunger Center.  To view the flyer, please click here or click here for the web site.
• NEW OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY SCHEDULE OF SPRING ACTIVITIES – Check out all the offerings for this spring at our new library branch in Olmsted Falls!  There are activities for children, teens, and adults.  Please click here for more information.
• OLMSTED COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM REGISTRATION FOR 2013-2014 – Beginning Friday, March 1st – Registration for OCO Summer 2013 Enrichment Camp, and 2013-2014 Kinderday and After School Care programs begins Friday, March 1st.  Olmsted Community Outreach is a 501c3 non-profit organization located within the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center.  OCO contracts to utilize currently vacant space within the ECC building to provide quality school aged childcare services for the community.  OCO operates at NO COST to the school district nor to the taxpayers.  For more information and to access registration forms, please visit www.ocoutreach.org or call (440) 782-1626.
• MAGIC AT SATURDAY ACTIVITY NIGHT – SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH -  7:00 P.M – 10:00 P.M. AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, 8170 MAPLEWAY DRIVE, 440-427-1599 -  Cost is $8.  Kids ages 7-13 get a sneak peek at magic & meet the Magician and Illusionist Magic Mike! He will put on a short show & do walk about magic all night for the kids. To view the flyer, please click here.
• AMAZING MAGIC SHOW BY MAGIC MIKE PRODUCTIONS AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER  - FRIDAY, APRIL 26th –  6:00 p.m. – Family and Kids Magic & Illusion Show;  8:30 p.m.:  Trick-a-Nosis - Adult Magic, Illusion, Hypnosis & Comedy Show; Doors Open at 5:15 p.m. with kids activities, Interactive Photobooth by inFocus, concessions and more. Get your tickets now! Get more information and order online at www.olmstedcc.com.  To view the flyer, please click here.
• 3RD ANNUAL CARNIVAL FOR A CURE, FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH, 6-8:30 P.M. – Save the Date!!  Mark your calendars!! The date for the 3rd annual Carnival For a Cure has been set!!!  It will take place at Falls-Lenox on Friday, April 19th from 6-8:30 p.m.!  All Olmsted Fall’s families and friends are welcome to attend!  Join the hundreds of people who come every year for some old-fashioned fun of carnival games, cake walks, face painting, 50/50 raffle, and Relay style lap walking! More information to follow!  We hope to see you there!