Posted by REMINDER: OFHS JR./SR. PARENTS – COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS PRESENTATION & JUNIOR PARENT COLLEGE NIGHT IS TONIGHT, THURSDAY, JANUARY 22ND
All OFHS students and their parents are invited to attend College Credit Plus Night (formerly known as Post-Secondary Options) TONIGHT – Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30 p.m. The State of Ohio has instituted major changes to the program for the 2015-2016 school year. Initial information on College Credit Plus can be found at: https://www.ohiohighered.org/college_credit_plus.
Junior Parent College night will immediately follow the College Credit Plus presentation. All parents and guardians of junior students are invited and encouraged to attend. The presentation will focus on the junior and senior timelines, college preparation and college application process.
Please join us at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium for these important informational sessions.
Please direct any questions to Mrs. Caldrone, College and Career Counselor, 440-427-6152 or acaldrone@ofcs.net.
OLMSTED FALLS BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTS OFFICERS FOR 2015
Last Thursday, the Olmsted Falls Board of Education held its Annual Organizational Meeting at 7 p.m., prior to the start of its regular meeting for the month of January at 7:30 p.m. At the Organizational Meeting, Mr. James Weisbarth was elected to serve as Board President for calendar year 2015; and Mr. Greg Surtman was elected to serve as Board Vice President.
Both were officially sworn in for their 2015 leadership positions by District Treasurer Mark Hullman.
Additionally, Board of education member Mrs. Linda Parkowski was appointed to serve as the Board’s legislative liaison for 2015.
We extend both congratulations and thanks to these individuals for taking on these additional leadership responsibilities in the coming year.
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH
January is School Board Recognition Month in Ohio. Olmsted Falls School District took the opportunity to publicly thank our local Board of Education members during their regular monthly meeting held this past Thursday. Each Board member received a certificate of recognition from the Ohio School Board Association, presented by Superintendent Dr. Jim Lloyd. Please join us in thanking our dedicated Board of Education members for their countless hours of time and dedication to the Olmsted Falls School District community.
2015 Olmsted Falls Board of Education
Front row: Board President Mr. Jim Weisbarth (20th year of service) and Board Vice President Mr. Greg Surtman (4th year of service). Back row: Board Members Mrs. Holly Neumann (2nd year of service), Mr. Joe Bertrand (11th year of service) and Mrs. Linda Parkowski (2nd year of service).
SNEAK PREVIEW – RIGHT TO READ WEEK
Olmsted Falls schools are gearing up for Right to Read Week activities in March. Keep watching this blog for opportunities in which to participate at various district schools.
Changing of the guards at ECC: Shown in this photo are ECC’s new librarian Michelle Romanowski (left) receiving the school’s official Right to Read Week planning folder from library media assistant Lisa Bartsche, who has spearheaded the annual creative celebration of reading in past years.
OFMS WRESTLERS BREAK TOURNAMENT RECORD
The OFMS grade 7/8 wrestling team pinned a new honor. This past weekend the team took first place in the SWC tournament. Their top honor meant the team won the SWC for the fifth year in a row – setting a new record.
Congratulations to Coach Miller, Coach Kessen, Coach Schmidt and all team members. The following is list of OFMS tournament individual placers: first place: Caiden Fetterman, Connor Atkins, Nick Dailey, Jack Spellacy, Justin Jaeckin; second place: Nate Kanaba, Tom Pettry, Trae Henderson; third place: David McEwen, Nick Kuntz, Tariq Salti, Noah Riddick and Michael Howard.
OFMS STUDENTS COMPETE IN ANNUAL GEOGRAPHY BEE
Can you name which African country that National Geographic Explorer Shivani Bhalla works with warriors in the local Samburu community to protect lions south of Lake Turkana? That was the final question in the January 20th annual OFMS Geography Bee.
All students participated in the qualifying round of the National Geographic Bee in November. From that round, 19 final contestants emerged with 14 participating in the final competition, which the social studies department managed.
National Geographic provided questions for the final competition that were given orally to each of the students. The winner of the competition will take a qualifying state exam, which will determine those heading to that competition in April. The state winner gets an all-expense paid trip for four to Washington D.C. to compete at the National level in May.
Taking top honors locally were Jacob Kerkay, 1st place, grade 8; Robbie Waters, 2nd place, grade 7 and Connor White, 3rd place, grade 8.
Participants in grade 8 were Jacob Kerkay, Dylan Reins, Conner White, Dawei Lu, Elyse Walker, Riley Miranda, Ruthie Ortego, Connor Spencer; grade 7, John Gaba, Robbie Watters, Jasper Markarion, Summer Stevens, Max Vanscoy and grade 6, Brian Berg.
Oh, the country is Kenya. Did you get it right? Congratulations to these fine students.
CLEVELAND STATE INSTANT DECISION DAY – TOMORROW, FRI., JAN. 23RD
Cleveland State University will have an Instant Decision Day at OFHS this FRIDAY, JANUARY 23RD. A representative will meet with students during all lunch periods who plan to attend CSU.
Appointments must be made with Mrs. Laut. Students, however, should complete either the CSU online or paper application prior to their appointment and have their transcript and ACT scores available as well. Students who qualify will receive a conditional college admission decision on the spot. CSU will waive the $30 application fee for all students who participate in this event. Direct any questions to Mrs. Caldrone, College and Career Counselor, 440-427-6152 or acaldrone@ofcs.net.
OFMS PTA SPONSORS FIRST DODGE BALL TOURNAMENT – THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH
Families are invited to attend the OFMS PTA’s first Dodge Ball Tournament from 1-3 p.m. this SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH. The double elimination tournament will offer concessions during the play.
Come and cheer your team to victory!
OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL PTA TALENT SHOW – THIS SATURDAY, JAN.24TH
The OFHS PTA’s annual talent show is at 7 p.m. this Saturday, January 24th in the school’s auditorium. This scholarship fundraiser features local students in grades K-12 performing a myriad of talents – singing, dancing, gymnastics, playing an instrument and feats of magic.
Enjoy an evening watching and supporting our talented students. Admission is $5 for adults; $3, students and free for those under age 3.
POST PROM EXTENDS THANKS FOR SUPPORT OF RECENT FUNDRAISER
Olmsted Falls Post Prom was able to raise $938.76 on Monday, January 19th through the Chipotle Fundraiser!
This truly showed BULLDOG spirit and participation. Pictured at right is Falls-Lenox student Andrew, one of many who enjoyed a delicious Chipotle dinner while supporting OFHS!
Support of this fundraiser helps ensure this year’s post prom event will be successful and enjoyable for all! Thank you!
OFHS CHEERLEADERS PRESENT MINI CHEER CLINIC & CHEER NIGHT – REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TOMORROW – FRIDAY, JAN. 23RD
OF students in grades 2-5 again are invited to a mini cheer clinic. Those attending the clinic then will cheer during halftime at a Friday night varsity Bulldog basketball game.
The OFHS cheerleaders will conduct the clinic from 6:30-8:30 p.m. February 5th at the school’s cafeteria and gym. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, free admission to the 7:30 p.m. February 6th varsity game and a snack. The cost is $20 for the first child and $15 for each addition one in your immediate family. Registration and fee deadline is at 3 p.m. January 23rd.
To view a flyer and registration form, click HERE. Questions? Email OFHScheerleading@gmail.com for more details.
LIFE IS A CABARET AT OFHS – NEXT WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28TH
OFHS drama and music students will present a Cabaret Night at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28th. The night features students performing various songs and skits. Enjoy desserts, coffee and talented youth performances!
Tickets are $10 and are available through John Mercer, jmercer@ofcs.net or buy them at the door.
OFHS SENIORS: LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Several area businesses and service organizations each year generously award scholarships to deserving seniors based on both financial need and merit. All seniors planning to attend college or technical school are encouraged to apply. Applications are available in the guidance office. The deadline is 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12th. Late applications will not be accepted.
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES AND EVENTS
It is financial aid season for those planning to attend college and technical school next year. Here are a number of resources parents/guardians and their students that will help navigate the financial aid process.
College Now of Greater Cleveland: This organization provides resources and access to education funding. An advisor is available to OF families for individual appointments to complete the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Call Mrs. Laut in the OFHS guidance office to make an appointment – 440-427-6116. Available times are Saturdays and evenings.
There is a copy of the January 13th financial aid presentation and handouts available for those who missed the event. They are on the counselor’s corner website under “College and Scholarship Information.” Just go to www.tinyurl.com/bulldogcounselors.
College Goal Sunday is a FREE event where families may meet with financial aid professionals and get FAFSA assistance. It is at 2 p.m. February 8th at Cuyahoga Community College – Corporate College West; Cuyahoga Community College –Western Campus and the Warrensville Heights Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. To register or for more information, click HERE.
CWRU INVITES FAMILIES TO ENGINEERING FUN
Explore the fun of engineering a better world at Case Western Reserve University’s Engineering Challenges Carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 14th. The event is free and open to the public, with hands-on activities for Pre-K to grade 8 students and their families.
The event is at Thwing Excellior Ballroom in the Thwing Center, 11111 Euclid Avenue. For more details, click HERE.
CAMP INVENTION IS COMING!
Camp Invention is coming to Falls-Lenox Primary School this summer! This innovative, week-long summer camp provides students in grades 1st to 6th with a hands-on, interactive program inspired by the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Camp Invention will run from June 8-12th from 9 a.m. to 3;30 p.m. daily. Information is being sent home with students this week! To view the flyer online, please click HERE. Registration is online at www.campinvention.org. Students registering BY MARCH 20TH will receive a $25 discount.
Please contact Camp Invention Director Michelle LaGruth (mlagruth@ofcs.net) with any questions.
WEB LOCK-IN SET FOR FEBRUARY WEEKEND
The grade 8 WEB leaders and grade 6 students are invited to attend the February 20th-21st WEB Lock In at the OFMS. Drop off time is 8 p.m. with pick up at 7 a.m. the next day.
Activities planned for the event are basketball, dodgeball, cooking, dancing, nail painting with food and more.
Parents may drop off donations for door prizes, such as gift cards, gift baskets and games, from January 20th through February 20th in the Guidance Office. More details to come!
ENJOY A MARDI GRAS DINNER AT THE OFHS SWIM/DIVE FUNDRAISER
The OFHS swim and dive team’s annual Dinner and Raffle is February 17th – Fat Tuesday – from 6-9 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. Famous Dave’s is catering the event.
The raffle includes more than 50 prizes for children and adults, which local merchants and swim families donated. Raffles tickets are available at the dinner.
The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children age 10 and under. To obtain a reservation flyer and order details, click HERE. Order and money deadline is February 12th. For more information or to donate a prize, call Tessa, 440-228-8160.
OF ALUMNI WAGES ALL ARE WINNERS @ LAS VEGAS NIGHT
Want to test your luck while raising money for scholarships? Attend the February 7th OF Alumni Association’s Las Vegas Night from 7 p.m. to midnight at the West Side Irish-American Club. All profits go toward scholarships for the OFHS Class of 2015. The night includes such games as big wheel, dice, black Jack, let it ride, poker, Texas hold ‘em and a 50/50 raffle, side boards and more with a cash bar and refreshments by Angelina’s Pizza.
Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Call the Alumni office, 440-427-6030 for tickets or more details. The event is for those 21 and older.
OFMS PTA FROZEN FOOD FUNDRAISER CONTINUES THROUGH 2015
The OFMS PTA Schwan’s campaign will run the rest of this year. Schwan’s markets and distributes more than 350 top quality frozen foods through home delivery and mail order services. The PTA receives a portion of the proceeds.
For more details and to place orders, click HERE.
SELL/BUY GENTLY-USED KIDS CLOTHES AT BARGAIN BONANZA
It’s time to clean your basements, closets and toy rooms to make some extra room and cash at OECPTA’s Bargain Bonanza! The sale is Saturday, March 7th, at the OFMS.
Admission is $5 for those during the 8-9 a.m. Early Bird hour; $2 from 9 a.m. to noon and $3 per bag from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sellers now may register prior to the February 14th deadline. For more details about the sale, click HERE. To download a seller registration form, click HERE. The PTA’s website is oecpta.org.
This children’s resale is a tag sale. If you are unfamiliar with this type of event, go to the information sheet or contact Jen Gebbie, sjgebbie@sbcglobal.net.
COMMUNITY
REGISTER FOR YOUTH TRAVEL BASEBALL LEAGUE
Sign-ups are open for those ages 6-14 to play in the Olmsted Travel Baseball Association’s Lorain County Hot Stove League. The registration deadline is February 7th. The form is available at its website by clicking HERE.
Play is typically a higher degree of talent than players participating in a community recreational league and so is the commitment. A typical season consists of 12-20 regular season games followed by a year-end league tournament. The season begins around May 1 and ends mid-July.
OLMSTED COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL HAS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
It’s Open House Registration Night February 11th at Olmsted Community Preschool. The preschool, 7853 Main Street, welcomes families from 6:30-8 p.m. that day. Classes are offered at the 3s, Pre K and Pre K Extended levels. For more information, call 440-235-3869 or email ocprschl@aol.com. The school’s website is olmstedcommunitychurch.org.
OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOLS Bulldog Blog 