Parent Update – March 20, 2013

March 20, 2013 Todd F. Hoadley Comments off

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

The Healthy Hero Program is designed to teach kids in grades pre-K to 3^rd healthy habits such as eating healthy, exercising every day, power washing your hands, coughing and sneezing in your sleeve, and sleeping well. Students earn a small prize for doing healthy tasks at home. Each month, participants were entered into a drawing to win a $5 gift card from Toys-R-Us.

Congratulations to February’s winner, ECC student, Dominic Umpbleby, pictured with his parents and Mrs. Doyle. A BIG THANK YOU to the Falls-Lenox/ECC PTA for donating the gift cards used for this important program.

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!

SEEKING ENTRIES FOR OFHS ART SHOW IN MAY

The Annual OFHS May Show is Friday May 10, 2013. Again, we are looking for work for the show from Olmsted Falls Alumni, OFCS Faculty and Staff, and Olmsted Falls Community Members. Please complete the entry form and return it to Mariel Krakowiak, at Olmsted Falls High School, by Friday May 3. Contact Mariel Krakowiak with any questions: mkrakowiak@ofcs.net. To download the entry form, 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 – THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27TH!

If you don’t want to cook on Wednesday, March 27th, just order from Applebee’s in North Olmsted between 11 am and 9 pm. Click here for the flyer, print it out, and BRING IT WITH YOU! They will donate 15% to Post Prom. You can eat in or carry out but you must have the flyer when you arrive. Please pass this to anyone and everyone. It’s a great way to help out the Olmsted Falls High School Post Prom committee with their fundraising efforts.

2013 OFHS BASEBALL EARLY BIRD SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL CAMP

When: Saturday, March 23, 2013

Where: Olmsted Falls High School

Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Grades 2-4; 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Grades 5-8

Cost: $15.00 Check/Cash

YES – WE WILL TAKE ALL WALK-UP Registrations! The camp will be supervised by the Olmsted Falls Baseball Staff and the Varsity Baseball Team. Basic pitching skills, hitting drills, catching, and fielding skills will be taught. Come and join us and get a jump-start on your upcoming baseball season. All participants should bring the following items: glove, bat, tennis shoes and catchers gear/cup, if you are a catcher. Also bring a jacket/spikes in the event we can go outside!! GO BULLDOGS! To view and download the registration form, please click here.

** NEW ** BULLDOG YOUTH FOOTBALL PROGRAM – INFORMATION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 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 on April 3rd.

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:

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).

Categories: Uncategorized

Parent Update – March 13, 2013

March 13, 2013 Todd F. Hoadley Comments off

NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH NAMED FOR OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

Former defensive coordinator at Westlake High School, Tom DeLuca, has been hired to take over the Bulldog football program for twenty-five year veteran head coach Jim Ryan. A 1999 graduate of Norwalk High School, DeLuca has been the defensive coordinator at Westlake since 2008. DeLuca attended Baldwin-Wallace College, where he played football for four years and was elected captain his senior year.

“I look forward to the opportunity to continue the great Bulldog football tradition,” state DeLuca in a press release following his official hiring last week. “It is an honor to follow Coach Ryan as the next head football coach at Olmsted Falls High School.”

“We are very pleased to announce Tom DeLuca as our next head football coach,” added Rob Coxon, Director of Athletics. “He brings passion and experience that will serve our student athletes well and, as a local resident, Tom also possesses a strong understanding of the Bulldog culture.”

DeLuca will teach Health/Physical Education at Olmsted Falls High School. He resides in Olmsted Falls with his wife Cassandra, who teaches first grade at Falls-Lenox Primary. The Olmsted Falls Board of Education officially approved the hiring of Tom DeLuca during a meeting last Wednesday night. Pictured above are new OFHS head football coach Tom DeLuca and his wife Cassandra with Board President Jim Weisbarth.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ENJOY LUNCHTIME BOOK CLUB THANKS TO PARTNERSHIP WITH CUYAHOGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

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.

At the end of each month’s book discussion, the title for the next month is selected, enabling students to read the book in advance of the following discussion. Kudos to our young readers and thanks to Cuyahoga County Public Library for facilitating this engaging activity for our students!

JOIN US FOR THE 26th ANNUAL OFHS PTA TALENT SHOW THIS SATURDAY MARCH 16, 2013

The 26th Annual Olmsted Falls High School PTA Talent Show will be held this Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 7 pm in the Olmsted Falls High School Auditorium. Our show will be featuring 21 acts ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th Grade demonstrating their musical, vocal, dance, acrobatic and magical talents. Please come and support these amazing students and bring your family and friends. Admission is $5. Refreshments available. All proceeds will benefit the OFHS scholarship fund for graduating Seniors.

PTA TALENT SHOW REHEARSAL IS TONIGHT – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013 FROM 6 PM TO 8:30 PM

Attention all Talent Show Acts – Mandatory Dress Rehearsal will be Wednesday, March 13 from 6 to 8:30 pm in the High School Auditorium. Be sure to bring your labeled CD’s, music, instruments, props and wear your costumes if appropriate.

OFHS LAUNCHES CHAPTER OF “LA SOCIETE HONORAIRE DE FRANCAIS”

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 High School proudly installed 21 members during last week’s ceremony. The first OFHS inductees into la Société Honoraire de Français include seniors Julia Berger, Megan Doherty, Rachel DuBois, Katelynn Edgehouse, Jaime Fossen, Christopher Fox, Allison Hassett, Morgan Haviland, Bailey Klimchak, Morgan Santoro, and Jacqueline Swinerton; and juniors Emily Burland, Hannah Hammeren, Marie Jacobs, Kacey Kovacs, Madeline Matia, Molly Mills, Thomas Petro, Shelby Sharp, Danielle Vance, and Victoria Wilkins. CONGRATULATIONS!

OFHS PRE-ENGINEERING STUDENT PLACES IN SKILLS USA COMPETITION

OFHS Pre-Engineering student Connor Hughes recently competed in the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. Connor competed in the Technical Drafting competition and came in 3rd place.

Connor will compete in the SkillsUSA State Competition in Columbus on April 23 for a chance to go to Nationals in Kansas City in June.

Congratulations to Connor and good luck in Columbus next month!

MEET MR. HAMILTON!

Mr. Larry Hamilton has been an employee of Olmsted Falls School District since 1993. He currently serves as the Head Custodian and District Locksmith. Mr. Hamilton loves being a Bulldog because of all of the great students and staff members he works with. He enjoys the challenges of fixing, troubleshooting, and repairing our buildings.

In his spare time, Mr. Hamilton enjoys cycling, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his three children, Tori (16), Rachel (14), and Max (13).

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!

SEEKING ENTRIES FOR OFHS ART SHOW IN MAY

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!

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

APPLEBEE’S POST PROM FUNDRAISER

If you don’t want to cook on Wednesday, March 27th, just order from Applebee’s in North Olmsted between 11 am and 9 pm. Click here for the flyer, print it out, and BRING IT WITH YOU. They will donate 15% to Post Prom. You can eat in or carry out but you must have the flyer when you arrive. Please pass this to anyone and everyone. It’s a great way to help out the Olmsted Falls High School Post Prom committee with their fundraising efforts.

2013 OFHS BASEBALL EARLY BIRD SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL CAMP

When: Saturday, March 23, 2013

Where: Olmsted Falls High School

Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Grades 2-4; 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Grades 5-8

Cost: $15.00 Check/Cash

BLOG DEADLINE REMINDER

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!

Categories: Uncategorized

Parent Update – March 6, 2013

March 6, 2013 Todd F. Hoadley 1 comment

DISTRICT ACHIEVES TOP 10 RANKING IN STUDENT GROWTH MEASURE & EXCELLENT WITH DISTINCTION RATING FROM STATE

Olmsted Falls School District is proud to report to our community that the Ohio Department of Education last week officially released both the latest value added scores and the Local Report Cards for all public schools (including charters) in Ohio. 832 school districts are represented.

Olmsted Falls School District’s value added score ranks in the top 10 in the entire state of Ohio! The value added score is a measure of student growth over the course of one academic year. To view the value added rankings for the 832 school districts across the state – including charter schools – please click HERE.

Additionally, Olmsted Falls School District has once again achieved the top rating of Excellence with Distinction on the Local Report Card. To view the latest, just-released Local Report Card for Olmsted Falls School District, please click HERE.

These results are a testament to the hardworking students, dedicated teachers and supportive parents of Olmsted Falls Schools – all working together toward the common goal of providing our students with an excellent educational experience.

These results are made all the more impressive when one considers that these achievements come from a district with the second lowest cost-per-pupil rate in Cuyahoga County! Of all school districts in Cuyahoga County, Olmsted Falls School District continues to maintain the second lowest expenditure level in terms of cost-per-pupil. Kudos to our staff, administrators and Board of Education members for truly exemplifying Excellence, Education and Efficiency – the three prominent words on the Olmsted Falls School District logo.

Thank you again to all for supporting the educational lives of our Olmsted Falls children!

STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS VISIT OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

State Representatives Nan Baker and Mike Dovilla visited with students at Olmsted Falls Intermediate School last Friday, providing an overview of their responsibilities as elected officials in the state of Ohio. Following their conversation with students, Reps. Baker and Dovilla spent time meeting with the District Leadership Team (DLT) – made up of both teachers and administrators – to dialogue about a few of the many new requirements for Ohio school districts, including the new Common Core, the 3^rd Grade Reading Guarantee, and the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES). The opportunity to speak personally and directly on these topics is important. Thanks to all who participated! To see additional photos from this visit, please click HERE.

OFMS STUDENTS SHARE FAMOUS PERSON REPORTS WITH OFIS STUDENTS

Mrs. Grodek’s seventh grade English classes came to the Intermediate School last week to share their famous person research reports.

Each seventh grader researched a famous person and made a corresponding activity to go along with the report. At OFIS, the seventh graders read their reports then had the 4th and 5th graders complete the activity. Kudos to this cross-building collaboration which enhanced learning for all!

OFIS 5TH GRADERS COMPETE IN MATH PROBLEM SOLVING TOURNAMENT

The Greater Cleveland Council of Teachers of Mathematics Fifth and Sixth Grade Math Problem Solving Tournament was held at 15 sites throughout northeastern Ohio on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Ten teams of four students participated from our school. Five teams headed to Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville, accompanied by Mrs. Raines, and the five other teams competed at Messiah Lutheran School in Fairview Park led by Mr. Schafer.

In order to prepare for the competition, the ten fifth grade teams met with Mrs. Raines and Mr. Schafer after school once a week to get ready for the contest using problems from past competitions. The lessons learned in the classroom from our math teachers are applied and even extended each week. [READ MORE! Please click HERE to read more about the competition results and view more photos!]

OFHS SCHEDULING FOR NEXT YEAR’S CLASSES ENDS TOMORROW!

Scheduling for next year’s courses for all OFHS students began last Saturday and ends tomorrow night, Thursday, March 7^th at 10:00 p.m. All course scheduling for next year is being done online. OFHS parents were sent an e-mail containing scheduling information last week. Students were also presented with an instructional video about the online scheduling process.

Parents are encouraged to discuss course selections with their OFHS students. The 2013-2014 Program of Studies as well as the instructional video can both be accessed on the Counselors’ Corner page of the High School website. Please feel free to contact the High School at (440) 427-6100 with any questions.

ATTN: HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS – IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT OGT WEEK & LATE START SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK!

The Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) will be administered next week (March 11-15, 2013). All 10th grade students will be required to attend each day of the OGT testing. Students are to report to their assigned homeroom promptly by 7:30 a.m. Students who are retesting will receive a letter from Ms. Meinhardt and will be reporting to the Media Center.

Students must pass all five sections of the test (Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Citizenship, and Science) in order to receive an Olmsted Falls High School diploma. Students have received OGT test preparation since their freshman year as part of their language arts, social studies, science, and math classes. Students may also utilize Study Island (www.studyisland.com) for additional test preparation. Your student’s username is their school identification number. They should have already created a password (if not, please contact Mr. Wolanin).

During OGT week, students in grades 9, 11, and 12 need to report to school no later than 10:10 a.m. when 1st period will begin.

OGT WEEK BUS SCHEDULES:

There will be two morning bus runs for High School students.

The first run is the normal AM HS pick-up, which will transport 10^th graders and any other students needed to arrive OFHS by 7:30 a.m. for OGT. Students involved in OGT testing should plan to be at their regular bus stops at their normal a.m. pick-up time.
The second morning run (9 routes) will begin at 8:45 a.m. to transport all other OFHS students (not taking OGT). OFHS students NOT involved in OGT testing should plan to be at their regular bus stops at 8:45 a.m. Bus pick-up times will vary based on location with most pick-ups occurring between 8:45 and approximately 9:00 a.m.

Please note: Polaris and Non-Public Transfer Buses will depart OFHS at 7:05 a.m. as usual.

DENTAL HEALTH WEEK PROMOTES HEALTHY HABITS AT ECC

Dental Health week was made possible by the Falls-Lenox/ECC PTA liason Mrs. Jen Tedeschi! Mrs. Tedeschi provided activities and materials to study dental health through science experiments and art projects! She also completed a newsworthy bulletin board to promote dental health throughout the school! Students practiced brushing, counted their teeth and participated in a science experiment that showed what would happen if they did not brush our teeth.

Dr. Melissa Kronholz and staff visited our school to talk and demonstrate, with audience participation, about good dental health practices. Every child received a dental health bag complete with a brand new toothbrush to take home, compliments of Dr. Kronholz. Each student also took home a tooth brushing chart to remember and practice good dental health at home. A big thank you to PTA and Dr. Melissa Kronholz and staff!!!!

OFHS STUDENTS TAKE TOP HONORS IN TRI-C CULINARY ARTS COMPETITION

Congratulations to Olmsted Falls High School seniors Yesenia Figueroa and Jordan Cielec on winning top honors in the recent Tri-C Regional Culinary competition. Yesenia (captain) and her senior team at Polaris Career Center won the Gold Medal in the Culinary Arts competition. Jordan and her team won the Gold Medal in the Pastry competition.

Kudos to both students and best of luck as you move on the state level in April!

OFHS STAFF SELECTS ANNUAL PHI BETA KAPPA HONOREE

Congratulations to OFHS senior Megan Doherty on being selected by the OFHS staff as the Phi Beta Kappa honoree for this year.

This annual honor is awarded to a student who has demonstrated the highest standards of academic achievement and scholarship.

Congratulations again to Megan!

JUNIOR COLLEGE VISIT DAY IS MARCH 13^TH— FORM REQUIRED

OFHS students interested in participating in Junior College Visit Day must stop in the Guidance office to pick up the Planned Absence Form. This form must be completed if your son/daughter plans on visiting a college on March 13th.

FALLS-LENOX CELEBRATES DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY AND READ ACROSS AMERICA

Students at Falls-Lenox Primary School took turns “rocking and reading” during last week’s celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and Read Across America. The “Rock and Read” event was broadcast live throughout the school all day long as students representing each classroom took turns coming into the studio to read silently on live TV for ten minutes. Classmates tuned in to watch students and special guests reading. Fun was had by all during this celebration of reading!

FAMILIES ENJOY LITERACY NIGHT AT FALLS-LENOX!

On Thursday, February 21^st, second grade students and their families at Falls-Lenox Primary School celebrated literacy by Cruising through the Islands of Books during Second Grade Literacy Night! This was an exciting evening of learning where parents worked with their children on fiction literary elements, non-fiction text features, and fluency. The students and parents visited three islands throughout the evening and participated in make-it-take-activity stations. Students left each station with an activity that they could take home and practice with their favorite books! Each student also received a book to take home and other helpful resources. To view photos from the event, please click HERE. We are looking forward to Third Grade Literacy Night on Thursday, March 7th!

BULLDOGS SHINE IN OMEA DISTRICT 4 HONORS DAY PERFORMANCES

Music students from Olmsted Falls Middle School represented their community well this past Saturday as they participated in the OMEA District 4 Honors Day event at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. More than 300 students from across the county participated in three performance groups (with approximately 100 students in each group): Honor Choir, Honor Band and Honor Orchestra. Olmsted Falls’ music teachers Mr. Gulden, Mr. Feller and Ms. Kiedrowski assisted with the special performances, which were free and open to the public.

Congratulations again to the following OFMS Choir students, who were selected to participate in the Honor Choir: Soprano members are Melanie Campbell and Faith Topolski; Alto members are Emily Walchanowicz and Katie Yanchak; Tenor members are Frankie Harr, Adam Skutt, and Andrew Turksi; Bass members Kyle Erickson and Shane VonAlt. And, congratulations to the following OFMS Band students who were selected to participate in the Honor Band: The Honors Band is under the direction of Mr. John Vanesky. Olmsted Falls Middle School Band representatives include Kacie Burton playing bassoon, Reilly Ferguson, tuba, Morgan Finau, clarinet, Gwen Gossett, trumpet, Bennett Graham, baritone sax, Megan Green, flute, Jacob Krucek, trombone, Joselyn Rabbitt, oboe, T. J. Slater, baritone, and Collin Werner on French horn.

To view pictures from the event, please click HERE.

APPLEBEE’S POST PROM FUNDRAISER

If you don’t want to cook on Wednesday, March 27th, just order from Applebee’s in North Olmsted between 11 am and 9 pm. Click here for the flyer, print it out, and BRING IT WITH YOU. They will donate 15% to Post Prom. You can eat in or carry out but you must have the flyer when you arrive. Please pass this to anyone and everyone. It’s a great way to help out the Olmsted Falls High School Post Prom committee with their fundraising efforts.

2013 OFHS BASEBALL EARLY BIRD SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL CAMP

When: Saturday, March 23, 2013

Where: Olmsted Falls High School

Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Grades 2-4; 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Grades 5-8

Cost: $15.00 Check/Cash

YES – WE WILL TAKE ALL WALK-UP Registrations! The camp will be supervised by the Olmsted Falls Baseball Staff and the Varsity Baseball Team. Basic pitching skills, hitting drills, catching, and fielding skills will be taught. Come and join us and get a jump-start on your upcoming baseball season. All participants should bring the following items: glove, bat, tennis shoes and catchers gear/cup, if you are a catcher. Also bring a jacket/spikes in the event we can go outside!! GO BULLDOGS! To view and download the registration form, please click here.

ANNUAL OECPTA BARGAIN BONANZA IS THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 9TH!

$5 Early Bird Admission: 8am-9am

$2 General Admission: 9am – 12:30pm

$3 Bag Sale: 2:30pm-3:30pm (large items are 1/2 price)

OFHS PTA TALENT SHOW – NEW DATE CONFIRMED – SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH

The 26th Annual Olmsted Falls High School PTA Talent Show will be held */SATURDAY, March 16, 2013/* at 7 pm in the Olmsted Falls High School Auditorium. Join us for a fun-filled evening featuring 21 acts ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th Grade demonstrating their musical, vocal, dance, acrobatic and magical talents. Admission $5. Refreshments will be available. Please come and support these amazing students. All proceeds will benefit the OFHS scholarship fund. Watch this weekly blog for more details. For further information, contact Claudia Ferrini at 440-427-0894.

YOUR CHILD COULD BE A “LEGISLATOR FOR THE DAY”

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) has announced a renewed partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library for his “Legislator for a Day” reading program. The contest, which begins on Monday, February 4th, continues Rep. Dovilla’s strong support of public libraries. Children in grades one through six may participate in the program by reading five books and recording the titles on a special bookmark available at the four branches in Rep. Dovilla’s district, including our Olmsted Falls branch. Children should return the completed bookmark to one of the participating branches no later than this Friday, March 8th. The completed bookmark serves as an entry form for each child. Please click here to read the letter from Representative Mike Dovilla.

BLOG DEADLINE REMINDER

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 with events on August 9 and 10. Friday’s event will be a casual “Meet and Greet” at Tony K’s in Berea. Saturday’s event will consist of cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres on the Patio of Panini’s in Westlake. More details will be forthcoming. 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.
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 visitwww.ocoutreach.org or call (440) 782-1626.
CLEVELAND BROWNS MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEED, SKILL, AND STRENGTH CLINIC - Friday, March 22 & Saturday, March 23 (Friday – 6:00-9:00 p.m., Saturday – 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.) – Price: $50 – Location:Cleveland Browns Training Facility. The 2013 Cleveland Browns Middle School Speed, Skill & Strength Clinic gives 13 and 14 year olds the opportunity to prepare for the next level of football by developing proper speed, skill and strength training. The two-day program will feature instruction focused on proper training specifically for middle school football players. For registration, please click here.
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.
OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS (OPS) – Is currently taking applications for fine arts and crafts vendors looking to participate in our Spring Marketplace to benefit the Disney Dance Team. The Spring Marketplace will take place on Saturday April 6, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138, 440-235-6722 and feature many fine arts and crafts vendors, raffle prizes, fun spring ideas, dance team performances and more! See you this spring at OPA! Interested vendors please contact: di.soucie@aol.com or alence@oh.rr.com
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!

Categories: Uncategorized

Parent Update – February 27, 2013

February 27, 2013 Todd F. Hoadley Comments off

CAREER DAY AT FALLS-LENOX

Falls-Lenox third graders participated in Career Day on Friday, February 22, 2013. Over 50 careers were represented by parents, friends, and family who took time from their busy schedules to share, inspire, and motivate students. All speakers inspired the students to work hard and set goals so that they can have a rewarding career one day too.

We appreciate all of the time and energy that the speakers put into their presentation. Positive energy and motivation was beaming from the students as they left that afternoon. For more photos of this event, please click here.

SCHOOL HEALTH AID POSITION AT OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

PSI, the company that provides nursing and clinic services for Olmsted Falls School District, is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of High School Health Aid. Interested candidates must have some medical background. The hours for this position are Monday thru Friday from 7:30 am – 2:30 pm. Please contact PSI directly at (330)425-8474 for additional information; ask for health services.

OFHS LAUNCHES CHAPTER OF “LA SOCIEDAD HONORARIA HISPÁNICA”

On February 26th, the Spanish Department of Olmsted Falls High School inducted its first group of students into the Juan Rulfo Chapter of “La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica.” The ceremony took place at the Mexican Restaurant, Nuevo Acapulco, in North Olmsted. Following the induction ceremony, the Spanish teachers, the inductees and their family enjoyed a delicious meal to celebrate the success of these students.

“La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica” is an honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish and/or Portuguese, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. It was formally organized as the Spanish National Honor Society in 1953. The name was changed to “La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica” in 1959. Presently, there are over 2,000 national and International chapters. The purpose of the society is to recognize high achievement of high school students in the Spanish language and to promote a continuing interest in Hispanic studies.

The founding members of the Olmsted Falls Juan Rulfo Chapter of “La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica” are: Sam Lewarchick, Nick Buchta, Christine Neudeck, Samantha Smitley, Samantha Buck, Jorden Rieke, Jacob Egan, Moises Garcia-Ponce, Holly Taylor, Joe Fudale, Rosalyn Miranda, Laura Higginbotham, Sara Cottrell, Tyler Martin, Salina Salamah, Bradley Stricklen, Seth Shamatta, and Julianna Goers.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LES EXCELLENCE, HONOR & MERIT ROLL STUDENTS AT OFMS

Congratulations to our Middle School students whose academic achievement earned them a place on the Les Excellence, Honor or Merit Roll for the 2nd Quarter. To view the 2nd Quarter Academic Review Lists for Olmsted Falls Middle School, please click HERE.

BLUE CREW HAS SUCCESSFUL SEASON

A big thank you goes out to Mr. Kurz, Mrs. Schafer, Mr. Coxon, Mr. Bowers, and everyone else who helped support the Blue Crew.

We had approximately 175 middle school members this year, and our students enjoyed cheering on our Varsity basketball Bulldogs!

ACT PREPARATION OFFERED AT THE OLMSTED FALLS LIBRARY

When: Sat., Mar. 02, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Knowledge is power! You can’t relearn everything from the past 10 years of school, but you can understand how to play to your strengths to reach your goals! College Now Great Cleveland will help you set your personal ACT score goal based on your talents. Learn which questions you should SKIP, specific strategies for each subject section, and make a plan to reach your ACT score goal! Registration is required. Please click here for more info.

ATTENTION: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS/PARENTS

Please click HERE to download a letter from Assistant Principal Sean Wolanin containing important information about class scheduling for 2013-2014, OGT Week and Junior College Visit day.

KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT – TOMORROW, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH

If you, or someone you know, will be registering a kindergarten student in Olmsted Falls Schools for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year, you’ll want to be sure to attend Kindergarten Information Night scheduled for Thursday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Early Childhood Center.

Learn about the kindergarten registration process and the importance of making sure students are registered early. Get an overview of the kindergarten program from ECC Director Mrs. Melinda Brunner, and hear from the Director of Transportation, the District Nurse and a representative from Safety Town. There will also be an opportunity to walk around the building and talk to some of the kindergarten teachers. Information about community childcare and preschool providers and the Kinderday program will also be provided.

To ensure that all parents are able to attend this important information night, free babysitting will be provided at the ECC during the presentation. For additional information or questions, please contact the ECC office at 440-427-6360.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION ALREADY UNDERWAY

Kindergarten registration is currently underway. If you need to register a student for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year, please stop by the Early Childhood Center to pick up student registration instructions and schedule an in-person registration appointment. Registering a student in Olmsted Falls Schools is a two-step process. The first step includes completing and submitting student information using the District’s new online registration system. The second step is an in-person registration appointment.

**PLEASE NOTE>>>The ECC computer lab will be open and available from 5-7 p.m. on February 28^th (before Kindergarten Information Night – see above) for any parents needing computer access or assistance in completing the online portion of the student registration process. Please call the ECC office at 427-6360 to schedule an appointment time between 5-7 p.m. Then, just plan to come prepared with contact information for your child’s doctor, dentist and preferred hospital (name and phone number); as well as contact information for your emergency contacts (name, address and all phone #’s). We’ll have a computer for you and staff available to help if needed.

OFMS LOCK IN – THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST – OVERNIGHT AT OFMS!

WHO: 8^th GRADE WEB LEADERS and 6^th GRADE STUDENTS

WHAT: WEB LOCK IN

WHEN: Friday, March 1st 8 PM – Saturday, March 2^nd 7AM

WHERE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

Parents can clickHERE to download the permission form. 6^th grade early bird sign up (for door prizes) was due February 21, 2013.

**We are accepting donations for gift cards and gift baskets for door prizes in the Guidance Office.**

8TH GRADE MUSICIANS CHOSEN TO PERFORM IN THE OMEA DISTRICT 4 HONORS DAY THIS WEEKEND

Nine 8^th grade Concert Choir students were chosen to perform in the 2013 OMEA District 4 Honor Choir this Saturday, March 2nd. Guest conductor, Dr. Matthew Garrett, will lead these fine students in a 126 member choir. The concert will be held at Lakewood Civic Auditorium and begin at 4 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public. Soprano members are Melanie Campbell and Faith Topolski; Alto members are Emily Walchanowicz and Katie Yanchak; Tenor members are Frankie Harr, Adam Skutt, and Andrew Turksi; Bass members Kyle Erickson and Shane VonAlt. Mrs. Kiedrowski is excited to send such fine singers to this exciting event.

The Honors Band is under the direction of Mr. John Vanesky. Olmsted Falls Middle School Band representatives include Kacie Burton playing bassoon, Reilly Ferguson, tuba, Morgan Finau, clarinet, Gwen Gossett, trumpet, Bennett Graham, baritone sax, Megan Green, flute, Jacob Krucek, trombone, Joselyn Rabbitt, oboe, T. J. Slater, baritone, and Collin Werner on French horn. Mr. Feller and Mr. Gulden are excited to be part of this challenging day in which top students from the area get together for a limited rehearsal time to make great music and new friends.

Congratulations to all on this honor!

MEET MR. TABAR!

Mr. Mark Tabar has been working in the Olmsted Falls school district for the past 14 years. Currently, he serves as the school counselor at OFIS and previously taught history and government. Additionally, he has been involved in athletics while coaching middle school boys basketball and JV boys golf.

Mr. Tabar loves being a Bulldog because he feels that our community works so well together.

In his spare time, Mr. Tabar enjoys traveling, playing golf, and spending time with his wife Denise, children, and four grandchildren.

OLMSTED FALLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXTENDS BIG THANK YOU!

The Alumni Association would like to thank you for your support in helping make last Saturday’s Las Vegas Night such a success! Thank you to all the volunteer dealers, wheel spinners, card shufflers, ticket takers and sellers that also contributed to the success of the night. A very special thank you to our sponsors who made special donations: John Barnard’s Vitamix, Ann Reichle’s Angelina’s Pizza, and the Westside Irish American Club. All proceeds from Las Vegas Night go toward scholarships for 2013 Seniors. For more photos, please click here.

OFHS TRACK AND FIELD PARENT MEETING INFO NIGHT

DATE: Tuesday, March 5th

TIME: 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

PLACE: High School Media Center (Library)

Parents or guardians of any athlete who plans on participating in high school track and field this year should attend. Contact Coach Novotny (jnovotny@ofcs.net for more information)

ANNUAL OECPTA BARGAIN BONANZA IS MARCH 9TH!

$5 Early Bird Admission: 8am-9am

$2 General Admission: 9am – 12:30pm

$3 Bag Sale: 2:30pm-3:30pm (large items are 1/2 price)

OFHS PTA TALENT SHOW – NEW DATE CONFIRMED – SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH

The 26th Annual Olmsted Falls High School PTA Talent Show will be held */SATURDAY, March 16, 2013/* at 7 pm in the Olmsted Falls High School Auditorium. Join us for a fun filled evening featuring 21 acts ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th Grade demonstrating their musical, vocal, dance, acrobatic and magical talents. Admission $5. Refreshments will be available. Please come and support these amazing students. All proceeds will benefit the OFHS scholarship fund. Watch this weekly blog for more details. For further information, conact Claudia Ferrini at 440-427-0894.

YOUR CHILD COULD BE A “LEGISLATOR FOR THE DAY”

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) has announced a renewed partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library for his “Legislator for a Day” reading program. The contest, which begins on Monday, February 4th, continues Rep. Dovilla’s strong support of public libraries. Children in grades one through six may participate in the program by reading five books and recording the titles on a special bookmark available at the four branches in Rep. Dovilla’s district, including our Olmsted Falls branch. Children should return the completed bookmark to one of the participating branches no later than Friday, March 8th. The completed bookmark serves as an entry form for each child. Please click here to read the letter from Representative Mike Dovilla.

LOCAL TRAVEL TEAMS UNDEFEATED

The 6^th Grade Boys Blue Team recently completed an undefeated regular season (10-0) in the Lake Erie Basketball League (LEBL) and then made history this past weekend as the first Olmsted Falls boys team in LEBL history to compete in three straight end-of-the-year LEBL tournament championships and the first to win two titles! They won their second title (winning the first one as fourth graders) with a 42-26 win over Bay Village on Sunday. Team members include: Gavin Dietrich, Michael Fritz, Braden Galaska, Teddy Grendzynski, Eric Hanna, Noah Le, Christian Morris, Dylan Reins, Jack Spellacy and Austin Stefan.

The 4th Grade Lady Bulldogs also recently completed an undefeated regular season (10-0) in the Lake Erie Basketball League (LEBL) and made history this past weekend as the first Olmsted Falls girls team in LEBL history to win the end of the year LEBL tournament championship defeating Avon 22-12 in the final. Team members include: Brenna Frimel, Lauren Galaska, Allison Milligan, Brooklyn Montalvo, Emma O’Brien, Keeley Patton, Ally Spellacy, Grace Simon, Sara Zawadski, and Emma Barnard.

YOUNG BULLDOGS EARN TOP RANKING AT STATE TOURNAMENT

Jack and Nick are 6th graders at Olmsted Falls Intermediate School. Jack took 4th place and Nick took 6th place in the recent Ohio Youth State wrestling tournament.

Congratulations to all of these young athletes!

BLOG DEADLINE REMINDER

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

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.
CLEVELAND BROWNS MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEED, SKILL, AND STRENGTH CLINIC - Friday, March 22 & Saturday, March 23 (Friday – 6:00-9:00 p.m., Saturday – 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.) – Price: $50 – Location: Cleveland Browns Training Facility. The 2013 Cleveland Browns Middle School Speed, Skill & Strength Clinic gives 13 and 14 year olds the opportunity to prepare for the next level of football by developing proper speed, skill and strength training. The two-day program will feature instruction focused on proper training specifically for middle school football players. For registration, please click here.
SATURDAY ACTIVITY NIGHTS… SOMETHING FUN FOR EVERYONE, 7:00 P.M – 10:00 P.M. AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, 8170 MAPLEWAY DRIVE, 440-427-1599 - For ages 8-13, Cost is $8. Save the Date: March 16th, Magician & Illusionist, Magic Mike, magic show, walk-about magic tricks all night. Every Saturday Night includes: Basketball, Ultimate Football, Dodgeball, Wacky Kickball in our full gym, Crafts, Games w/ Prizes, and free Air Hockey, Pool, Ping Pong and Fooseball. Get your friends together and enjoy physical fitness and fun indoors on Saturday Nights! Visit: www.olmstedcc.com to view this months featured activities and fun! We are Handicapped Accessible!
OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS (OPS) – Is currently taking applications for fine arts and crafts vendors looking to participate in our Spring Marketplace to benefit the Disney Dance Team. The Spring Marketplace will take place on Saturday April 6, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138, 440-235-6722 and feature many fine arts and crafts vendors, raffle prizes, fun spring ideas, dance team performances and more! See you this spring at OPA! Interested vendors please contact: di.soucie@aol.com or alence@oh.rr.com
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 that 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!

Categories: Uncategorized

Parent Update – February 20, 2013

February 20, 2013 Todd F. Hoadley Comments off

LATEST BUILDING SAFETY SURVEYS SEEK INPUT FROM MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Last Friday, Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley e-mailed parents of Middle and High School students with a link to an online building safety survey specifically geared toward students. The survey was sent via the District’s parent e-mail distribution lists in order to give parents the opportunity to review the survey in advance before providing the link to their student(s) to complete. These student safety surveys are the third set of surveys to be conducted in conjunction with the District’s comprehensive of its safety plans. We believe that our older students can add unique and valuable insight on the safety and security of their school buildings, and hope that many parents will encourage their students to participate.

As many of you are likely already aware, one of the District goals for the 2012-2013 school year is to assess and update all 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, which specializes in school safety. The District Safety Committee, working closely with PLE, includes District administrators, local safety leaders, elected officials and parent representatives. The comprehensive process got underway in early November. Since the committee’s first meeting, on-line safety surveys have been completed by both parents and staff members – with good response rates from both groups.

If you are interested in having your Middle and/or High School student participate in the online student safety survey and did not already receive the e-mail link, please contact Kim Petrina at kpetrina@ofcs.net and include which building your student is in (Middle or High School). You will then be sent the link to the appropriate survey for your student.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM WINS BATTLE OF THE SCHOOLS!

Victory was sweet for the staff members who brought victory home for Olmsted Falls Middle School after winning the annual PTA Battle of the Schools event held last Thursday, February 14th! Many thanks to all of the administrators and staff who participated in this annual fundraising event which features a dodgeball tournament of teams made up of staff members from each building! Proceeds go to the HS PTA scholarship award for graduating seniors. For more photos of this event, please click here.

HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN ORIENTATION — TOMORROW AT 7:00 P.M.

Orientation for next year’s incoming freshmen (current 8th grade stduents) and their parents will be held tomorrow night, Thursday, February 21st in the Olmsted Falls High School Auditorium. The orientation event begins at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you to Olmsted Falls High School.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TO OFFER WORLD LANGUAGE COURSE FOR 8^TH GRADERS

Olmsted Falls Middle School has announced that it will offer a level one World Language Spanish class for eighth graders beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. Parents of current seventh grade students will be receiving the detailed information on the new program. To download a copy of the letter now, please click HERE. Parents will need to complete and return a response form for interested students to the OFMS Guidance Office by next Thursday, February 28th.

COACH RYAN HONORED

Retiring Bulldog Head Football Coach Jim Ryan was joined by his family for a special recognition during half-time at Saturday night’s Boys Varsity Basketball game vs. St. Francis de Sales. Coach Ryan received a Bulldog plaque presented by Board of Education President Jim Weisbarth along with a standing ovation from the crowd. Many thanks again to Coach Ryan and his family!

To read more about Saturday’s event in the Sun Post Herald, please click HERE.

POWER OF THE PEN TEAMS PLACE FIRST!

7th Grade Team: Back Row (L to R) – Alex Enczur, Zach Zdanowicz, Lizzie Vukovic, Maggie Harris, Mrs. Gulden; Front Row(L to R)- Lindsay Rowe, Joseph Calabrase, Abby Gaba, Kayla Falcone

The Middle School Power of the Pen teams recently traveled to North Royalton Middle School to compete against 26 schools with over 300 writers in attendance.

8th Grade Team: Back Row- (L-R) – Miss Scalley, Emily Walchanowicz, Maggie Backus, Kaylee Gomez, Megan Green; Front Row (L-R) – Morgan Finau, Madison Zaccardelli, Erika Ratcliff, Nathan Loepp (Not pictured- Molly McCafferty)

Congratulations to both our Seventh Grade Team (coached by Mrs. Gulden) and our Eighth Grade Team (coached by Miss Scalley) who both won 1st Place for their grade levels! Additionally, several 7th grade students were recognized with individual awards (out of 156 writers): Zach Zdanowicz – 18th place; Alex Enczur – 9th place; and Joseph Calabrase – 6th place. 8th grade students achieving individual awards included (out of 156 writer): Morgan Finau – 6th place; Erika Ratcliff – 3rd place; and Molly McCafferty – 2nd place.Erika Ratcliff and Molly McCafferty also received the prestigious “Best of Round” Award. Coaches Scalley and Gulden are looking forward to competing at the Regional Tournament next on March 16th. Good luck, Power of the Pen teams! Congratulations to all!

COLLABORATION RESULTS IN NEW WEIGHT ROOM AT HIGH SCHOOL

Olmsted Falls High School is home to a new, expanded weight room thanks to a collaborative effort between the Olmsted Falls Athletic Booster Club and the Olmsted Falls School District. Visitors got the opportunity to tour the new facility during a special Open House event hosted by the Olmsted Falls Athletic Booster Club this past Saturday night.

The new weight room features an expanded space, newly painted walls and artwork, brand new flooring PLUS new equipment including 14 half racks, 10 benches, 15 muscle specific pieces, racks for equipment organization, plates, a stereo and more. The expansion and renovation was made possible by a generous donation of funds from the Olmsted Falls Athletic Booster Club coupled with a contribution of funds made possible by the District’s Permanent Improvement Levy. Some equipment from the existing High School weight room was relocated to the OFMS weight room to expand and enhance their fitness facility.

Olmsted Falls Athletic Boosters wishes to extend sincere thanks to the many volunteers who spent hours and hours on the weight room renovations – and years on the fundraising efforts that made the project possible! Go Bulldogs!

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL LAS VEGAS NIGHT- THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

The Annual Olmsted Falls Alumni Association Las Vegas Night, featuring gambling, food and fun, will be held at the Irish-American Club, 8559 Jennings Rd. (south off Bagley, west of Stearns), in Olmsted Township on Saturday, February 23, from 7 p.m. to midnight. There will be a cash bar, refreshments by Angelina’s, door prizes, big wheel, dice, black jack, let it ride, poker, Texas hold ‘em, 50/50 raffle and VitaMix raffle. All profits go towards scholarships for the OFHS class of 2013. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Call the Alumni Office at 440-427-6030 for tickets or more information. 21 and over please. Hope to see you there!!

4^THANNUAL BALLROOM BLITZ – THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

Olmsted Falls Music Association presents The 4^th Annual Ballroom Blitz this Saturday, February 23^rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Springvale Ballroom (5871 Canterbury Road, North Olmsted, 44070). Event features an evening of desserts and dancing as the Olmsted Falls High School BlueDog Jazz Band and Golden Expressions Vocal Jazz Ensemble present their fourth annual compilation of classic and contemporary hits. The event includes desserts, dancing, soft drinks, door prizes, basket raffles, and a Grand Raffle for a new IPAD Mini! $10 per person, limited tickets. To download event flyer for more information, please click HERE.

KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT – NEXT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION ALREADY UNDERWAY

OFIS STUDENTS ENJOY VALENTINE’S DAY PARTIES WITH ICE CREAM TREATS

Students at OFIS celebrated Valentine’s Day with a fun and tasty ice cream party thanks to the support of the OFIS PTA.

Fun was had by all and many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped make the celebrations for our 4th and 5th graders extra sweet!

For more photos, please click here.

SECOND GRADERS AT FALLS GIVE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

Tuesday, February 12 the second graders at Falls-Lenox wowed the audience as they performed their annual concert in the newly remodeled high school auditorium. The songs were focused on a patriotic theme and the students sounded great! Many thanks to our wonderful music teachers: Mrs. Eileen Wallace, Mrs. Kelly McClellan and student teacher Miss Allison Shumaker. It was evident the students and staff worked very hard preparing for their special evening! For just a few more photos, please click here.

STUDENTS AT ECC LEARN ABOUT HEALTHY EYES

Dr. Scott Sedlacek, a local eye doctor (and Kiwanis & PTA member), presented the Realeyes program to the entire Olmsted Falls ECC as part of their 1st annual Vision Week. Students were introduced to “Sammy Safe-Eyes.” He is a lovable character who helped explain how important our eyes are, how they work, and how to take care of our eyes. The program was fun and interactive. It was an age-appropriate curriculum which includes stories, games and songs, as well as take-home materials for parents. Dr. Scott Sedlacek has presented to over 3,500 students in all grades over the past 10 years in schools all over the Cleveland area. More information regarding the program may be found at the Ohio Optometric Association’s website by clicking here. To view pictures of this event, please click here.

CENTRALIZED RECYCLING AT MIDDLE SCHOOL!

To make recycling more convenient, we have relocated the green recycling bin from the OFIS parking lot to the OFMS parking lot. In addition to recycling paper in the ABITIBI bins, residents can now recycle corrugated cardboard, paperboard (cereal boxes, etc.), and plastics #1 – #7! (Currently, our community curbside recycling only accepts the #1 and #2 plastics.)

Our middle school students are hoping everyone takes this opportunity to help reduce waste and to reuse resources! We also want to thank all of the community members who use our recycling bins!!!

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIRS TO PRESENT MID-WINTER CONCERTS

On February 26th, the 6th grade choirs will present their second concerts of the year. Due to the large number of students for these performing ensembles, 2nd period choir will perform at 6:30 p. m. and 1st period choir will perform at 8:00 p. m. 1st period choir students/parents are asked to park in the Intermediate school parking lot to help with traffic flow.

On February 27^th, the 7^th grade choirs will present their concerts at 6:30 p.m.

The 8th grade concert will also take place on February 27th and will begin at 8 p.m. The 8th grade concert will feature special guest, HS Chorale and Golden Expressions. Concert Choir and HS students are asked to park in the intermediate school parking lot as well.

BULLDOGS EARN SPOT ON STATE OF OHIO ALL STAR ACADEMIC TEAM

Ohio All Stars

Congratulations to OFHS seniors Marty Mendenhall and Nathan Seese on earning spots on the six-person All Star Team that will represent the State of Ohio at the National All Star Academic Tournament. Both students performed well at the annual NASAT Tryouts held at OSU in late January. Bulldog Marty Mendenhall was also selected as the team captain! OFHS Academic Team Advisor Mrs. Rhonna Smith was also named as coach of the elite All Ohio Team. Congratulations to them all!Congratulations are also in order for our OFHS Academic Team for their outstanding performance on the High School Scholastic Games of Lorain County radio quiz show, which aired this past Monday. For those who may have missed it, the Bulldogs (current defending champions of this annual competition) brought home a solid victory as the OFHS team outscored a strong team from Lagrange Keystone 530 to 130. The Olmsted Falls team consisted of Andy Nageotte, Zach Buchta, and team captain Marty Mendenhall.

MEET MRS. DIGGES!

Mrs. Lori Digges is in her 6th year of teaching in Olmsted Falls and currently serves as a 7th grade Intervention Specialist tutor. She went into education because she wanted to touch the lives of young students the way that so many of her own teachers did when she was a teenager.

Mrs. Digges believes that being a Bulldog means never giving up, especially on the students, no matter how much they don’t seem to want your help. She also believes in being a fighter when you have to be because every student is worth the extra attention and care you give them.

Mrs. Digges and her husband Randy have two boys, Eddie (16) and Tyler (15). In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing words with friends, and hiking in our national parks around the United States.

OFHS TRACK AND FIELD PARENT MEETING INFO NIGHT

DATE: Tuesday, March 5th

TIME: 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

PLACE: High School Media Center (Library)

Parents or guardians of any athlete who plans on participating in high school track and field this year should attend. Contact Coach Novotny (jnovotny@ofcs.net for more information)

OFMS LOCK IN – SAVE THE DATE!

WHO: 8^th GRADE WEB LEADERS and 6^th GRADE STUDENTS

WHAT: WEB LOCK IN

WHEN: Friday, March 1st 8 PM – Saturday, March 2^nd 7AM

WHERE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

6^th grade early bird sign up (for door prizes) is due February 21, 2013. Parents can clickHERE to download the permission form.

**We are accepting donations for gift cards and gift baskets for door prizes in the Guidance Office.**

YOUR CHILD COULD BE A “LEGISLATOR FOR THE DAY”

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) has announced a renewed partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library for his “Legislator for a Day” reading program. The contest, which begins on Monday, February 4th, continues Rep. Dovilla’s strong support of public libraries. Children in grades one through six may participate in the program by reading five books and recording the titles on a special bookmark available at the four branches in Rep. Dovilla’s district, including our Olmsted Falls branch. Children should return the completed bookmark to one of the participating branches no later than Friday, March 8th. The completed bookmark serves as an entry form for each child. Please click here to read the letter from Representative Mike Dovilla.

CLEVELAND BROWNS MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEED, SKILL, AND STRENGTH CLINIC

Dates: Friday, March 22 & Saturday, March 23

Times: Friday – 6:00-9:00 p.m., Saturday – 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Price: $50

Location: Cleveland Browns Training Facility

The 2013 Cleveland Browns Middle School Speed, Skill & Strength Clinic gives 13 and 14 year olds the opportunity to prepare for the next level of football by developing proper speed, skill and strength training. The two-day program will feature instruction focused on proper training specifically for middle school football players. For registration, please click here.

OLMSTED FALLS PTA COUNCIL FUNDRAISER

Olmsted Falls PTA Council is selling Butter Braid Pastries (each pastry sells for $12.) If you have never tasted Butter Braid Pastries, samples will be available at the Battle of the Schools Dodge Ball Game, Thursday, February 14^th. The sale runs until February 26^thwith product pick up on March 19^th at the Early Childhood Center (ECC) from 5-7 p.m. To view and download information and order form, please click here.

ANNUAL OECPTA BARGAIN BONANZA IS MARCH 9TH!

Olmsted Early Childhood PTA’s Annual Bargain Bonanza is set for Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Olmsted Falls Middle School. The sale features gently used children’s clothes, toys, gear and maternity wear. All items are organized by size, gender and category. Seller registration is open NOW. If you are interested in selling your items, please visit www.oecpta.org to obtain more information and a seller registration form. Deadline for sellers is February 15, 2013.

$5 Early Bird Admission: 8am-9am

$2 General Admission: 9am – 12:30pm

$3 Bag Sale: 2:30pm-3:30pm

DATE CHANGE FOR 26TH ANNUAL PTA TALENT SHOW!!

The 26th Annual Olmsted Falls High School PTA Talent Show – originally scheduled for Friday, March 15th – is in the process of being rescheduled most likely for Saturday, March 16th!! The event time will still be 7 p.m. and the location will still be the Olmsted Falls High School Auditorium. Please watch future blog posts for event date confirmation.

Join us for a fun-filled evening featuring 21 acts ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th Grade demonstrating their musical, vocal, dance, acrobatic and magical talents. Please come and support these amazing students. All proceeds will benefit the OFHS scholarship fund. Watch this weekly blog for more details. For further information, contact Claudia Ferrini at 440-427-0894.

HELP FALLS-LENOX RECEIVE A VISIT FROM AUTHOR JAN BRETT!

A favorite author of many of our primary students, Jan Brett, is offering an opportunity for our school to win prizes. The top prize is a school visit by Jan Brett herself! We are in 18th Place right now with 90 votes. The school that is in first place right now has 738 votes. All you need to do is like her Facebook page and click on the “Contest” button at the top of the page. The “Contest” button states “Free school or library visit.” From there, just fill out the entry which only requires basic information (name, email, school name, city, state and zip code)! Each person can post one time. If you are a Facebook user, please consider visiting Jan Brett’s Facebook page today to enter the contest. Encouraging family and friends with Facebook pages to do the same will help even more! What excitement for our students to be the winning school for this special author’s visit!

2013 YEARBOOK ON SALE NOW!

Oh memories, Oh memories, how will we keep you? By buying a 2013 yearbook of course! The new 2012-2013 yearbooks can now be preordered; the year book costs $50. This price is good until March 28. The yearbooks can be purchased online by clicking here. Last year’s yearbook can still be purchased as well for $60. Please contact Mr. Gaba or Mrs. Pickenheim at Olmsted Falls High School if you have any questions.

BLOG DEADLINE REMINDER

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

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW OLMSTED FALLS BRANCH OF THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY – THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD @ 2:00 P.M. — Grand Opening Celebration that will include dog sled demonstrations, ice sculptures, a donut lab and, of course, a tour of the new facility!
SATURDAY ACTIVITY NIGHTS… SOMETHING FUN FOR EVERYONE, 7:00 P.M – 10:00 P.M. AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, 8170 MAPLEWAY DRIVE, 440-427-1599 - For ages 8-13, Cost is $8. This Saturday… Feb. 23rd, Angry Bird Night: Angry Bird Cookie Walk, Dodgeball, Make & Take your favorite Angry Bird Crafts…& giveaways. Save the Date: March 16th, Magician & Illusionist, Magic Mike, magic show, walk-about magic tricks all night. Every Saturday Night includes: Basketball, Ultimate Football, Dodgeball, Wacky Kickball in our full gym, Crafts, Games w/ Prizes, and free Air Hockey, Pool, Ping Pong and Fooseball. Get your friends together and enjoy physical fitness and fun indoors on Saturday Nights! Visit: www.olmstedcc.com to view this months featured activities and fun! We are Handicapped Accessible!
OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS (OPS) – Is currently taking applications for fine arts and crafts vendors looking to participate in our Spring Marketplace to benefit the Disney Dance Team. The Spring Marketplace will take place on Saturday April 6, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138, 440-235-6722 and feature many fine arts and crafts vendors, raffle prizes, fun spring ideas, dance team performances and more! See you this spring at OPA! Interested vendors please contact: di.soucie@aol.com or alence@oh.rr.com

Categories: Uncategorized

Parent Update – February 13, 2013

February 13, 2013 Todd F. Hoadley Comments off

LISTEN TO YOUR BULLDOG ACADEMIC TEAM THIS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18^TH ON WEOL RADIO

Andy Nageotte, Marty Mendenhall, and Zach Buchta with Scholastic Games moderator Jim Mehrling and OFHS Academic Team advisor Rhonna Smith.

Don’t miss the chance to hear the OFHS Academic Team in action this Monday night, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. on WEOL Radio (930 AM) as they compete in the Scholastic Games of Lorain County radio competition. Tune in and listen as our Bulldogs take on the Keystone High School Wildcats – you’ll be proud of the results! Representing the Olmsted Falls team in this exciting competition are senior captain Marty Mendenhall, junior, Andy Nageotte, and freshman, Zach Buchta.

Also, congratulations to the Olmsted Falls Academic Team for recently winning the “already qualified teams” bracket of the annual invitational OAC Tournament held at Cloverleaf High School. The victorious Bulldog “A Team” (pictured at right) consisted of senior captain, Marty Mendenhall, junior, Andy Nageotte, sophomore, Xavier Riviera, and freshman, Zach Buchta. Go Bulldogs!

BATTLE OF THE SCHOOLS IS ON…. TOMORROW NIGHT!

This year we are playing DODGEBALL! Come out and support your school!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

7:00 PM @ Olmsted Falls High School

Tickets are $3.00 for Students & $6.00 for Adults and on sale at the door!

All money raised for this event goes to PTA scholarship fund.

OFHS MUSIC STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST

On Saturday, February 2nd, members of the Olmsted Falls Music Department – both instrumentalists and vocalists – participated in the District IV Solo and Ensemble Contest at Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus. Starting at 8:00 a.m., students performed solos and small group pieces for judges who rated them on a I-V scale with I being a Superior rating. Each student also received a full written comment sheet that outlined positive and negative aspects of their performance.

Congratulations to the following students who earned Superior ratings: Trombonist Seth Bennett (pictured above); Clarinetists Joe Fudale, Kate Edgehouse and Christine Neudeck; Bassoonist Claire Barratt; Trumpeter Emily Laycock; Flutist Megan Doherty; Pianist/Bass Kevin Thompson; Trombonist/Pianist Kyle Thompson; Flutists Allison Paton, Megan Doherty, Emily Pfisterer and Elizabeth Neudeck; Alto Saxophonist/Pianiast Lindsay Rader; Percussionist Nick Mier; Alto Saxophonist, Paul Katz; Harpist, Adelin Leung; Oboist Melissa d’Aliberti; Bass Soloist Kevin Thompson; Saprano Soloist Sherilyn Rogers; Mezzo Soprano Soloist Christina Pinter; and Baritone Soloist Ed Gorski.

This is an amazing effort by our students here at Olmsted Falls. To view more pictures of the participants, please click here.

OLMSTED FALLS MASQUERS & FORENSICS AND SOMETHING DADA IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY CO. PRESENT COMEDY NIGHT – THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!

Featuring sketch comedy by members of OFHS Masquers & Forensics

Friday, February 15, 7:30 p.m. at Olmsted Falls High School

Tickets $10 at the door

To view the poster for this event, please click here.

OFHS SENIOR ALLISON DUBER RECEIVES TRACK AND FIELD SCHOLARSHIP FROM HILLSDALE COLLEGE

Olmsted Falls senior Allison Duber will further her athletic career at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Allison’s family, friends, and coaches were on hand to congratulate her as she signed a national letter of intent to run track and field for the Hillsdale Chargers on Wednesday, February 6th, which is National Signing Day.

Allison who is a member of the National Honor Society has participated in soccer, basketball, and track during her high school career. She has earned six varsity letters and has twice been named Olmsted Falls Female Undergraduate Athlete of the year. Allison is a three-time state qualifier in track and field and currently holds five school records including the 400 meter dash.

Allison is busy preparing for the upcoming track season. Her goal is to qualify for the State Track Meet for her fourth straight year and earn All Ohio honors. Congratulations Allison on your academic and athletic accomplishments at Olmsted Falls and good luck at Hillsdale!

CELEBRATE COACH JIM RYAN AND VISIT THE NEW TRAINING FACILITY - THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

Olmsted Falls High School is holding a special event THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH to honor and thank Coach Jim Ryan for his superb service as head football coach and to showcase the new OFHS weight room.

All students, parents, staff, alumni and residents are invited to come to the basketball game (vs. St. Francis de Sales @ 7:30 p.m.), walk through the new training facility, and stay to see Mr. Ryan honored at half-time. After the game, everyone is invited to an open house in Mr. Ryan’s honor at Tony K’s.

BOWLING TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS!

The high school bowling team continues to enjoy a fantastic season, and the individual efforts of two bowlers over the past two weeks are illustrative. On January 26, junior Paul Katz (pictured at left) bowled a 742 series in the morning in a junior varsity match against St. Edward. Then just a few hours later, he bowled 725 as a member of the Olmsted Falls Blue team in the Roseland Lanes Invitational Tournament. He missed high series in the tournament, which was won by the Olmsted Falls Gold team, by just one pin. He was named bowler of the week on January 31 by the Plain Dealer. Not to be outdone, the following week in his final regular season varsity match on February 2, senior Danny Becker (pictured at right) rolled a 791 series, breaking the school record and tying for the 8th best series in the history of the Greater Cleveland Interscholastic League, which dates to 1940. At one point Danny rolled 20 consecutive strikes. He was also named Plain Dealer Bowler of the Week on February 7.

REMINDER FOR OFHS SENIORS: LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE THIS FRIDAY, FEB. 15TH

For seniors interested in applying for the Local Scholarship Program, applications are due to the HS Counseling Office by no later than 3:30 p.m. THIS Friday, February 15. Last year, thanks to the generosity of 71 local community donors, the OFHS Local Scholarship Program awarded more than $121,500 through 241 scholarships for members of the Class of 2012. Local Scholarship Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office or downloaded by clicking HERE. Please contact Ms. Tommye Laut at 427-6116 with any questions.

ECC PRESCHOOLERS VISITS THE POST OFFICE

The ECC Preschool visited the Olmsted Falls Post Office on Wednesday Febraury 6th. They were able to go behind the scenes to see how the mail is sorted, scan packages, and sit in a mail truck. They finished their trip by buying a stamp to mail a valentine home.

For more photos of the AM field trip, please click here. For the PM trip, please click here.

ECC/FALLS-LENOX STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AS HEALTHY HEROES

Students earn a small prize for doing healthy tasks at home. Each month, participants were entered into a drawing to win a $5 gift card from Toys-R-Us.

A BIG THANK YOU to the Falls-Lenox/ECC PTA for donating the gift cards used for this important program.

Congratulations to January’s winners, Collin Singleton (Falls, pictured above left) and Tegan Linn (ECC, pictured with her parents above right)!

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES DAY AT THE ECC

Last week, the ECC held “Celebrating Differences Day” in which students learned about showing kindness toward persons with disabilities, and celebrated ways in which we are all alike yet different. High School students performed a puppet show to reiterate these concepts.

Pictured L to R: Robin Scott, Megan Doherty, Madeline Matia, Emily Pfisterer and Maria Halata.

MEET MRS. HUNT!

Mrs. Nancy Hunt has been working in the Olmsted Falls City School District since the 1991-1992 school year. Currently, she serves as a school bus driver and an OBI On Bus Instructor, and also trains and recertifies our bus and van drivers. Additionally, she is a member of the safety committee and is involved with the “School Bus Roadeo.” Mrs. Hunt loves being a Bulldog because she thinks that we have a wonderful school district and really enjoys the students that she transports.

Mrs. Hunt has three daughters, Angela (31), Jessica (27), and Rebecca (25), two sons-in-law, and six beautiful grandchildren, ranging in age from 14 years old to 5 months. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, photography, reading, crafts, scrapbooking, and gardening.

OFHS SWIM AND DIVE DINNER – THIS TUESDAY!

Theme: Video Games

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Place: High school cafeteria

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

OFMS LOCK IN – SAVE THE DATE!

WHO: 8^th GRADE WEB LEADERS and 6^th GRADE STUDENTS

WHAT: WEB LOCK IN

WHEN: Friday, March 1st 8 PM – Saturday, March 2^nd 7AM

WHERE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

6^th grade early bird sign up (for door prizes) is due February 21, 2013. Parents can click HERE to download the permission form.

**We are accepting donations for gift cards and gift baskets for door prizes in the Guidance Office.**

YOUR CHILD COULD BE A “LEGISLATOR FOR THE DAY”

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) has announced a renewed partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library for his “Legislator for a Day” reading program. The contest, which begins on Monday, February 4th, continues Rep. Dovilla’s strong support of public libraries. Children in grades one through six may participate in the program by reading five books and recording the titles on a special bookmark available at the four branches in Rep. Dovilla’s district, including our Olmsted Falls branch. Children should return the completed bookmark to one of the participating branches no later than Friday, March 8th. The completed bookmark serves as an entry form for each child. Please click here to read the letter from Representative Mike Dovilla.

CLEVELAND BROWNS MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEED, SKILL AND STRENGTH CLINIC

Dates: Friday, March 22 & Saturday, March 23

Times: Friday – 6:00-9:00 p.m., Saturday – 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Price: $50

Location: Cleveland Browns Training Facility

OLMSTED FALLS PTA COUNCIL FUNDRAISER

Olmsted Falls PTA Council is selling Butter Braid Pastries (each pastry sells for $12.) If you have never tasted Butter Braid Pastries, samples will be available at the Battle of the Schools Dodge Ball Game, Thursday, February 14^th. The sale runs until February 26^th with product pick up on March 19^th at the Early Childhood Center (ECC) from 5-7 p.m. To view and download information and order form, please click here.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL LAS VEGAS NIGHT

ANNUAL OECPTA BARGAIN BONANZA IS MARCH 9TH!

$5 Early Bird Admission: 8am-9am

$2 General Admission: 9am – 12:30pm

$3 Bag Sale: 2:30pm-3:30pm

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 26TH ANNUAL PTA TALENT SHOW – MARCH 15TH!

The 26th Annual Olmsted Falls High School PTA Talent Show will be held Friday, March 15, 2013 at 7 pm in the Olmsted Falls High School Auditorium. Join us for a fun-filled evening featuring 21 acts ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th Grade demonstrating their musical, vocal, dance, acrobatic and magical talents. Please come and support these amazing students. All proceeds will benefit the OFHS scholarship fund. Watch this weekly blog for more details. For further information, contact Claudia Ferrini at 440-427-0894.

HELP FALLS-LENOX RECEIVE A VISIT FROM AUTHOR JAN BRETT!

A favorite author of many of our primary students, Jan Brett, is offering an opportunity for our school to win prizes. The top prize is a school visit by Jan Brett herself! We are in 17th Place right now with 87 votes. The school that is in first place right now has 554 votes. All you need to do is like her Facebook page and click on the “Contest” button at the top of the page. The “Contest” button states “Free school or library visit.” From there, just fill out the entry which only requires basic information (name, email, school name, city, state and zip code)! Each person can post one time. If you are a Facebook user, please consider visiting Jan Brett’s Facebook page today to enter the contest. Encouraging family and friends with Facebook pages to do the same will help even more! What excitement for our students to be the winning school for this special author’s visit!

2013 YEARBOOK ON SALE NOW!

BLOG DEADLINE REMINDER

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

SATURDAY ACTIVITY NIGHTS… ARE All NEW in 2013, 7:00 P.M – 10:00 P.M. AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, 8170 MAPLEWAY DRIVE, 440-427-1599 - For ages 8-13, Cost is $8.00. Mark Your Calendars: February 16th, InFocus Interactive Photo Booth. Kids get silly pics w/ your friends. March 16th, Magician and Illusionist, Magic Mike. Every Saturday Night includes: Basketball, Ultimate Football, Dodgeball, Obstacle Courses, in our full gym, Crafts, Games w/ Prizes, and free Air Hockey, Pool, Ping Pong and Fooseball. Get your friends together and get out of the cold to enjoy physical fitness and fun indoors on Saturdays this winter. Parent Volunteers currently being accepted. Contact: Amy Hanratty: a.hanratty@sbcglobal.net . Notice: Background checks mandatory for Volunteers & Staff over 18 yrs. Visit: www.olmstedcc.com to view this months featured flyer & fun!
OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS (OPS) – Is currently taking applications for fine arts and crafts vendors looking to participate in our Spring Marketplace to benefit the Disney Dance Team. The Spring Marketplace will take place on Saturday April 6, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138, 440-235-6722 and feature many fine arts and crafts vendors, raffle prizes, fun spring ideas, dance team performances and more! See you this spring at OPA! Interested vendors please contact: di.soucie@aol.com or alence@oh.rr.com

Categories: Uncategorized

Parent Update – February 6, 2013

February 6, 2013 Todd F. Hoadley Comments off

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ON SCHOOL FUNDING FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. HOADLEY

On March 24, 1997 the Ohio Supreme Court declared in the DeRolph decision that the funding system, in place for Ohio public schools, “failed to provide for a thorough and efficient system of common schools” as required by our state constitution. Since that time, a series of fixes and patches have been proposed in an attempt to ease our state’s school funding challenges. To date, this difficult problem has not been solved.

Last Thursday, Governor Kasich unveiled his proposal for a new system of funding Ohio public schools. I am encouraged by Governor Kasich’s school funding proposal, not because of the specifics of this plan (which I feel merit close study) but rather because this proposal has reinvigorated a state-wide conversation about this most important topic. [Read more…]

FALLS-LENOX STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 6TH ANNUAL DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK

As part of the 6^th annual Disability Awareness Week at Falls-Lenox last month, over 50 students participated in a poster/essay contest designed to give student’s a chance to create a poster or essay to show how we can all foster a sense of respect and acceptance toward others. Congratulations to our winners! Thank you to each and every student who participated!

Thank you also to Mrs. Scott, School Psychologist, and members of PTA for organizing this important tradition.

OFMS FRIENDS OF RACHEL CLUB CREATES MEMORY WALL – BY FAITH TOPOLSKI, 8TH GRADE

To honor our lost loved ones, the middle school Friends of Rachel Club created a memory wall. Students of all grades wrote a name of someone they have loved and lost on a heart. On the back of the heart, students described what they would do given the chance to spend one more day with their loved one. The Friends of Rachel Club has also put up this wall to honor those lost in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Losing someone we love is difficult, but remembering them with friends and family can help heal the hurt.

8TH GRADE WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP INFORMATION MEETING – TONIGHT!

The 8th grade trip to Washington, DC is scheduled from Wednesday, April 3 through Friday, April 5, 2013. There is a meeting for parents and students on Wednesday, February 6, from 7:00-8:15 PM, in the OFMS Cafetorium. All students and at least one parent from each family must attend this meeting. At this time, a representative from Jerry Nowak Tours and Mr. Kurz will provide an overview of the trip, discuss the itinerary, review behavioral expectations, identify clothing and other items that are appropriate to bring, and other important nuts and bolts information. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Important forms were sent home with all students on Monday, February 4. Please bring these completed forms with you to the meeting on February 6. Extra forms are available in the office and on the middle school web site @ http://www.ofcs.net. Please contact Mr. Kurz at 440-427-6201, or at mkurz@ofcs.net, if you have any questions or need additional clarification. Click here for the invitation to the meeting. Click here for the parent letter and forms.

FALLS-LENOX PRESENTS FIRST GRADE FAMILY LITERACY NIGHT TOMORROW, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7!

This is an exciting evening of learning where parents can work with their first grader on fun reading activities! The evening will begin with an introduction in the cafeteria at 6:00 P.M. The students will then participate in make-it-take-it activity stations on three islands from 6:15-7:40 P.M. Each island activity station will include a reading game or activity for your first grader to take home! Your child will also receive a book and folder with other helpful resources. During the activity stations, High School Key Club will be providing babysitting services for young siblings. To view the invitation, please click here.

SIDE BY SIDE PROJECT BRINGS HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICIANS TOGETHER

High School Band students finished their mid-terms and then joined the Middle School Band on Friday, January 18th. As part of the second annual Side by Side project started by high School Band Director Mr. Strelau, the Middle School students enjoyed hearing the High School students play next to them in their band class. This program allows Middle School students the opportunity to hear High School quality playing as well as the ability to ask questions regarding the High School Band program. Later this year, the High School BlueDog Jazz Band will also visit the Middle School Jazz Band.

To view a photo gallery from the 2nd Annual Side by Side event, please click HERE.

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS….POST PROM NEEDS YOUR HELP!

The Post Prom committee will be having a bake sale at this Friday’s Boys Basketball game and we are in need of baked goods. Senior Parents if you could help us out with a few dozen cookies, brownies, etc. it would be appreciated. We would like them packaged in sellable quantities and dropped off at the high school by 4:30 p.m. on Friday February 8^th. Baked items can also be dropped off on Thursday Evening. Please contact Marie Fahrner ohfahrner@sbcglobal.net for drop off location. The Olmsted Falls Athletic Boosters have also allowed us to take over the 50/50 for the evening. Thank You Boosters! We are looking for a few high school seniors to help run the bake sale and/or sell the 50/50 tickets at the Boys Varsity Basketball game. We need your help to make Post Prom a memorable event for your Sons & Daughters.

OFMS LOCK IN

Save the Date:

WHO: 8^th GRADE WEB LEADERS and 6^th GRADE STUDENTS

WHAT: WEB LOCK IN

WHEN: Friday, March 1st 8 PM – Saturday, March 2^nd 7AM

WHERE: MIDDLE SCHOOL

We are accepting donations for gift cards and gift baskets for door prizes in the Guidance Office.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL LAS VEGAS NIGHT

BATTLE OF THE SCHOOLS IS ON: FALLS-LENOX/ECC TEAM SHIRTS ON SALE NOW!

This year we are playing DODGEBALL! Come out and support your school!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

7:00 PM @ Olmsted Falls High School

Tickets are $3.00 for Students & $6.00 for Adults and on sale at the door!

T-SHIRTS FOR FALLS-LENOX/ECC TEAM ON SALE NOW!! (Design pictured at left.) $6.00 a shirt! Please click here for the order form. Deadline to order is tomorrow, Thursday, 2/7.

All money raised for this event goes to PTA scholarship fund.

OLMSTED FALLS MASQUERS & FORENSICS AND SOMETHING DADA IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY CO. PRESENT COMEDY NIGHT!

Featuring sketch comedy by members of OFHS Masquers & Forensics

Friday, February 15, 7:30 p.m. at Olmsted Falls High School

Tickets $10 at the door

To view the poster for this event, please click here.

ANNUAL OECPTA BARGAIN BONANZA IS MARCH 9TH!

$5 Early Bird Admission: 8am-9am

$2 General Admission: 9am – 12:30pm

$3 Bag Sale: 2:30pm-3:30pm

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 26TH ANNUAL PTA TALENT SHOW – MARCH 15TH!

HELP FALLS-LENOX RECEIVE A VISIT FROM AUTHOR JAN BRETT!

A favorite author of many of our primary students, Jan Brett, is offering an opportunity for our school to win prizes. The top prize is a school visit by Jan Brett herself! We are in 12th Place right now with 66 votes. The school that is in first place right now has 354 votes. All you need to do is like her Facebook page and click on the “Contest” button at the top of the page. The “Contest” button states “Free school or library visit.” From there, just fill out the entry which only requires basic information (name, email, school name, city, state and zip code)! Each person can post one time. If you are a Facebook user, please consider visiting Jan Brett’s Facebook page today to enter the contest. Encouraging family and friends with Facebook pages to do the same will help even more! What excitement for our students to be the winning school for this special author’s visit!

SOS: SIGNS OF SUICIDE PROGRAM GETS UNDERWAY AT OFMS

As a proactive way to address the important topic of teen depression and related issues, Olmsted Falls Middle School annually offers depression awareness and suicide prevention training through the Signs of Suicide (SOS) Middle School Program. The SOS Program at OFMS will include a classroom presentation which will be conducted by our own school counselors and school psychologists. All seventh graders will participate in this program on the following days: Phoenix Team on Wednesday, January 30^th; and Griffin Team on Monday, February 11^th.

Detailed information on the scheduled SOS Program is being provided to parents this week:

To read the letter sent to Middle School parents, please click here.

To download the SOS: Signs of Suicide Parent Newsletter, please click here.

Please contact Middle School Principal Mark Kurz with any questions at 427-6200.

REMINDER FOR OFHS SENIORS: LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH

For seniors interested in applying for the Local Scholarship Program, applications are due to the HS Counseling Office by no later than 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 15^th. Last year, thanks to the generosity of 71 local community donors, the OFHS Local Scholarship Program awarded more than $121,500 through 241 scholarships for members of the Class of 2012. Local Scholarship Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office or downloaded by clicking HERE. Please contact Ms. Tommye Laut at 427-6116 with any questions.

OFHS SWIM AND DIVE DINNER

Theme: Video Games

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Place: High school cafeteria

2013 YEARBOOK ON SALE NOW!

BLOG DEADLINE REMINDER

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

OLMSTED TRAVEL BASEBALL ASSOCIATION (OTBA) WALK-UP REGISTRATION TONIGHT, 2/6, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. AND ON 2/9, 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. - All money and registrations are due by 2/9/2013. Olmsted Travel Baseball Association (OTBA) is currently holding open registration for teams that will compete in the Lorain County Hot Stove (LCHS) travel baseball league. Parents of children ages 6-18 who are interested in playing travel baseball should download and complete the registration form on www.olmstedtravelbaseball.com. Questions regarding OTBA and LCHS can be directed to Bob Kelley at bob@kelleyjr.com.
OLMSTED FALLS TRAVEL BASEBALL FUNDRAISER, THIS SATURDAY, 2/9/13, 6:00 P.M., RACES START AT 7:00 P.M., BEREA FAIRGROUNDS - Olmsted Falls U10, U11, U12, and U13 Travel Baseball teams present “A Night at the Races.” Food, beer and wash provided when you buy a ticket for $25 to support our young bulldog baseball players. Limited tickets still available, if interested call Bob Wikle at 440-241-6086 or Denise Lemin at 440-427-9797.
SATURDAY ACTIVITY NIGHTS… ARE All NEW in 2013, 7:00 P.M – 10:00 P.M. AT OLMSTED COMMUNITY CENTER, 8170 MAPLEWAY DRIVE, 440-427-1599 - For ages 8-13, Cost is $8.00. Mark Your Calendars: February 16th, InFocus Interactive Photo Booth. Kids get silly pics w/ your friends. March 16th, Magician and Illusionist, Magic Mike. Every Saturday Night includes: Basketball, Ultimate Football, Dodgeball, Obstacle Courses, in our full gym, Crafts, Games w/ Prizes, and free Air Hockey, Pool, Ping Pong and Fooseball. Get your friends together and get out of the cold to enjoy physical fitness and fun indoors on Saturdays this winter. Parent Volunteers currently being accepted. Contact: Amy Hanratty: a.hanratty@sbcglobal.net . Notice: Background checks mandatory for Volunteers & Staff over 18 yrs. Visit: www.olmstedcc.com to view this months featured flyer & fun!
OLMSTED PERFORMING ARTS (OPS) – Is currently taking applications for fine arts and crafts vendors looking to participate in our Spring Marketplace to benefit the Disney Dance Team. The Spring Marketplace will take place on Saturday April 6, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138, 440-235-6722 and feature many fine arts and crafts vendors, raffle prizes, fun spring ideas, dance team performances and more! See you this spring at OPA! Interested vendors please contact: di.soucie@aol.com or alence@oh.rr.com

Categories: Uncategorized

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Olmsted Falls Schools – Weekly Blog Update

Parent Update – March 20, 2013

Parent Update – March 13, 2013

Parent Update – March 6, 2013

Parent Update – February 27, 2013

Parent Update – February 20, 2013

OLMSTED FALLS PTA COUNCIL FUNDRAISER

Parent Update – February 13, 2013

CLEVELAND BROWNS MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEED, SKILL AND STRENGTH CLINIC

OLMSTED FALLS PTA COUNCIL FUNDRAISER

Parent Update – February 6, 2013

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