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REMEMBER – 4-DAY WEEKEND THIS WEEK: NO SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH / MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
Please be sure to note there will be NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH due to a District Professional Development Day for staff. The District will also be CLOSED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH in honor of Presidents’ Day.
All school buildings will be back in session on Tuesday, February 16th. Enjoy the long holiday weekend!
TV 5 HIGHLIGHTS DISTRICT’S NEW FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
The district’s new Full-Day Kindergarten Program – launching for the upcoming 2016-2017 school year – received coverage on TV Channel 5 this week. News 5 reporter Lauren Wilson spent the morning at the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center earlier this week to learn more about Olmsted Falls School District’s plans to add a full-day program next year. To view the segment, which aired on Monday, 
please click HERE.
REMINDER: Registration for New Students – including all kindergarten students – for the 2016-2017 school year will be available on-line starting at NOON THIS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER INCOMING KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS FOR THE NEW FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM IS THURSDAY, MARCH 4TH.
To view information about the new Full-Day Kindergarten Program, please click HERE.
IT’S DODGEBALL TIME – TOMORROW, THURSDAY, FEB. 11TH @ 7:00 P.M. (*PLEASE NOTE NEW, EARLIER START TIME!)
The OFHS PTA’s 13th annual Battle of the Schools Dodgeball Game is TOMORROW NIGHT – Thursday, February 11th ! Come out and support your school team at the game that now starts at 7 p.m. in the OFHS gym. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW START TIME IS 7 P.M.
There is NO SCHOOL Friday, February 12th, so come on out and support your teachers and building staff as they compete for the coveted BATTLE OF THE SCHOOLS trophy and bragging rights for the next year!
Tickets are $4 for students, $6 for adults. They will be available at the door. Concessions and face painting, provided by the Junior Class, will be available. There will be free throw basketball shots during breaks and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds from this event will benefit the High School Scholarship Program for the Class of 2016. Cheer on your team and support an excellent cause!
REMINDER TO ALL BULLDOG PARENTS: THURSDAY EVENING EVENT WITH RICK WORMELLI CANCELLED
Just a quick reminder that the “Standards-Based Grading: Special Evening Presentation for Parents” with guest speaker Rick Wormelli – which was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tomorrow night, Thursday, February 11th at OFHS – has been cancelled due to a conflict.
MEMBER BRIAN WEISBARTH TO RESIGN FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION; BOARD BEGINS PROCESS TO FILL VACANCY
Olmsted Falls Board of Education Member Brian Weisbarth has submitted his letter of resignation citing a need to spend more time on personal matters. The resignation is effective immediately. The Olmsted Falls Board of Education will officially accept Mr. Weisbarth’s resignation during the February 17, 2016 regularly scheduled meeting.
“Obviously we are saddened by this news,” stated Olmsted Falls Board of Education President Joseph Bertrand. “We were excited to work with Brian as a new member of our board. However, I also understand that family comes first and based upon his letter of resignation that is where his attention needs to be right now. We thank him for his service to our community and wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
The board will follow the process outlined in Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Olmsted Falls Board of Education Policy 0145 to appoint a new member of the community to fill the vacated seat. The Board shall fill the vacancy at its next regular or special meeting, but not earlier than ten (10) days after the vacancy occurs. The process to fill the vacancy commences with the resignation date (February 8, 2016). The Board will:
1. Advertise the position. (This will be posted on the district’s website no later than February 18th.)
2. The Board shall seek qualified and interested candidates from the community through the news media, word of mouth, and contacts with appropriate organizations.
3. Ask qualified residents who are interested in filling the vacancy to submit a letter of interest outlining the candidates qualifications no later than February 22, 2016 to the attention of Mr. Joe Bertrand, President, Olmsted Falls Board of Education, 26937 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138.
4. Appoint the Board Member from the pool of candidates within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs (on or before March 9th).
If the Board is unable to make such an appointment by March 9, 2016, according to Ohio Law, the local probate court will fill the vacancy. Once appointed, the individual will serve as our board member until a special election is held in November of 2017. The winner of that election will take office on January 1, 2018 and serve until January 1, 2020.
“It is a great honor to serve the children and citizens of the Olmsted Falls City School District,” said Bertrand. “I highly encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to submit an application. We have so many wonderful people in our community that I’m sure this will be a difficult decision.”
Superintendent Dr. Jim Lloyd notified all Bulldog parents of the vacancy – and the process that will be getting under way to fill it – in an email sent out this afternoon. To view a copy of Dr. Lloyd’s email to parents, please click HERE.
EIGHT OFHS STUDENTS ADVANCE TO SPEECH STATE TOURNAMENT!
Last weekend, eight students qualified to compete in the Ohio High School Speech league State Tournament at Princeton High School in Cincinnati March 4th and 5th.
Seniors Jake Conder and Matt Fox qualified in duo interpretation as did sophomores Jake Wrege and Bill Wendling. Senior Ashley Campbell and freshman Cole Zehe qualified in humorous interpretation. Senior Zach Boscarello will compete in the student congress. Sophomore Esha Vartak qualified in declamation.
As a school, OFHS received the BroDoc award by the Cleveland district committee. This award is given to a team that is the most improved and has shown to be a group that is growing and moving in a positive direction.
Congratulations to all and best wishes in the tournament!
OFMS STUDENT RECEIVES YOUTH HOCKEY AWARD
Colin Wilson, an OFMS eighth grader, received the Bright Bisson Award from Rocky River Youth Hockey Friday. The award is given to two eighth graders for being in the Rocky River Youth Hockey program for at least five years, giving back and volunteering, being coachable and a good role model and showing leadership. Colin will attend and play hockey for OFHS next year. Congratulations, Colin.
NEXT TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION NIGHT FOR PARENTS IS THIS TUESDAY, FEB. 16TH @ 7:30 P.M.
TOPIC: INTERNET SAFETY & SOCIAL MEDIA
The next Parent Technology Information Night – scheduled for this Tuesday, February 16th – will help parents stay informed about the latest social media and internet safety issues.
Technology Information Nights for Parents are presented by OFCS Technology Integration Specialists Dawn Carlin and Jeff VanArnhem.
Please mark your calendar for the remaining two sessions currently scheduled for this school year:
Tuesday, February 16th – TOPIC: Internet Safety & Social Media
Tuesday, March 1st – TOPIC: Overview of Online Testing
All Technology Information Nights are held in the Middle School Cafetorium from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. These sessions are open to all parents/guardians of all OFCS students regardless of grade level. Devices will be available for use, but parents are also encouraged to bring their own laptop or mobile device, if available.
To download official Technology Information Night flyer with detailed topic information, please click HERE.
To download information presented during the first session, held in October, which covered Google Apps for Education, Compass Learning, PowerSchool and choosing the best device for your student, please click HERE.
The second of four scheduled sessions was held last month and covered the topic of Educational Websites for Students & Accessing Resources Provided by Teachers. To review the information presented during this latest session, please click HERE.
INCOMING GRADE 9 SCHEDULING PROCESS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Parents and current 8th grade students who were unable to attend Monday’s freshman orientation meeting, or need to review information provided at the session, there is online help.
A video of the presentation is available on the district’s website under Olmsted Falls High School and Counselors’ Corner. A short 3-minute video also is available at that webpage that reviews the schedule process on student registration process through PowerSchool for the 2016-2017 classes. Click HERE to access the OFHS Counselors’ Corner.
Students will receive practice scheduling checklists and watch the video in their homerooms either February 25th or 26th. Copies of the scheduling checklists are on the Counselors’ Corner webpage. They are located under 2016-2017 Scheduling Info. The scheduling window will remain open from Tuesday, March 1st through Tuesday, March 8th. Please discuss course selections with your student prior to their scheduling date. Students should bring home a copy of scheduled courses at that time.
If a student needs to make changes after the scheduling window is closed, the student needs to contact their counselor. Counselors will be available from noon to 7 p.m. June 6th. All course adjustments must be made by June 7th.
If you have questions or concerns after receiving your student’s schedule, an individual conference can be scheduled with a high school counselor by calling the OFHS guidance office, 440-427-6116.
HURRY, PARENTS! STILL TIME TO FILE FAFSA AND OBTAIN COLLEGE NOW ADVISING
Attention parents of students who will attend college or technical school next fall. There is still time to file your FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – before the financial aid deadlines. Many colleges have a FEBRUARY 15TH deadline.
There are still FREE College Now Advising appointments available at the high school. College Now is available to help file the FAFSA, locate scholarships and interpret SAR – Student Aid Reports. Make your appointment today by calling the OFHS guidance department, 440-427-6116. Appointments are only available through mid-March, so call today!
TIS THE SEASON FOR COLDS, FLU; HELPFUL HINTS
Staying healthy can be a challenge in this weather.
Here are a few tips to prevent illnesses. Get a flu shot. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your nose and eyes. Do not share utensils or towels at home. Stay home when you are ill. Symptoms of a cold last 5-10 days. They include runny nose, sneezing, nasal and sinus blockage, headache, sore throat or cough.
Flu symptoms are usually worse and include fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, chills sweating, muscle and body aches, nausea and/or vomiting and high fever (greater than 102F). If your child has any of the these symptoms, please keep them home to prevent other children from becoming ill. When your child does need to go home from school, please try to pick them up as soon as possible to avoid the spread of further infection.
The district offers general guidelines for keeping your child home from school due to illness. An example is the flu, stay home until he/she has been fever-free for a full 24 hours. To view the guidelines for fever, pinkeye, strep throat, vomiting and other illness, click HERE.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THIS FRIDAY’S POST PROM’S VALENTINE’S FUNDRAISER
Post Prom’s largest event – Wing Night – is THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH. It is from 6-8:30 p.m. February 13th at Molly McGhee’s Sports Pub, 13169 Prospect Road, Strongsville. The night includes wings, pizza, rigatoni, salad and refreshments of all types. Raffle prizes include hotel stays, baskets galore and corn hole boards.
Teachers, coaches, Olmsted community – come out and support the kids. Call Lisa Ciechanoski, 440-781-2511, for tickets, which cost $25. Don’t miss out on this fundraiser that supports the Class of 2016.
BALLROOM BLITZ NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR ITS FEB. 19TH EVENT
The OFHS cafeteria will be transformed into a café ballroom at its annual Ballroom Blitz February 19th. The OFHS Jazz Band and Golden Expressions will perform for this fundraiser that benefits the district’s entire music experience. Enjoy dancing, finger foods, appetizers, desserts, raffles, door prizes and more. The cost is $10 for adults and $7 for students and ages 65 and older.
The event does need your help, though. Raffle basket items and bakery/dessert goodies are needed and would be appreciated. Bakery should be brought to the school February 19th.
To see a flyer of the event, click HERE. and sign up to donate any item, click HERE.
BET YOU’LL HAVE A GREAT TIME AT LAS VEGAS NIGHT – INCLUDING A CHANCE TO WIN CAVS FLOOR SEATS!
Want to test your luck while raising money for scholarships? Attend the February 20th Olmsted Falls Alumni 
Association’s Las Vegas Night from 7 p.m. to midnight at the West Side Irish-American Club on Jennings Road in Olmsted Township. The night includes a big wheel, dice, black Jack, let it ride, poker, Texas hold ’em and others as well as a 50/50 raffle, side boards and others. There is a cash bar and refreshments by Angelina’s Pizza.
Get in the Action!! Win CAVS FLOOR SEATS!! We will be raffling 2 sets of CAVS FLOOR SEATS!! Buy a playing card for $10. One in 52 chance of winning a pair of floor seats to 4/13 Cavs v Pistons game.
Las Vegas Night event 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 age 21 and older. For more information, click HERE to see the event’s flyer.
BUY A HORSE, ATTEND MARCH 12TH NIGHT AT THE RACES
The Olmsted Falls Athletic Boosters’ Night at the Races is March 12th at St. Demetrios Cultural Center, 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Tickets are $35 each or $280 for a table of eight. It includes a buffet dinner and soft drinks/wash. Bring your own appetizers, goodies and refreshments to share. There will be door prizes, Chinese raffle and more. This fundraiser benefits students throughout the district.
Want to buy a horse? There are 90 of them. The cost is $30 a piece. Does your group want to buy all nine horses in a given race? Contact the group ASAP. Winning horse owners receive a race trophy and $50 in prize money. To buy a horse, contact Terry Atkins, Terenceatkins22@gmail.com. For tickets to the event, contact Brian Fritz, 216-337-4422 or b4421fritz@yahoo.com. Deadline to purchase a horse is February 26th.
To view an event flyer, click HERE. For a flyer detailing a horse purchase, click HERE.
HELPING HANDS BOWLING BENEFIT IS RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY – February 27th
A February 27th bowling fundraiser will benefit the district’s Helping Hands and OFCS Special Olympics. It is from 9:30 a.m. to noon February 27th at Fairview Lanes in Fairview Park.
The cost is $10 for bowlers, which includes two hours of bowling, shoes and ball rentals, pizza and drink. Non-bowlers’ cost is $5, which includes pizza and drink. There will be raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle and bake sale.
The event is open to all ages and ability levels, whether in the district or not. Lane bumpers and ball ramps are available upon request.
Complete the form by clicking HERE and return it, along with payment, to Mariel Krakowiak at OFHS by Friday, February 19th. Only 20 lanes are available. Lanes will only be reserved once forms and payment are received.
Donations for the event will be accepted by clicking HERE. It’s a great time of year to get out of the house and have some fun with friends and family.
ORDER YOUR EASTER HAM/TURKEY NOW VIA SWIM/DIVE TEAM
The OFHS Bulldogs Swim & Dive Team again is offering its popular HoneyBaked Ham fundraiser. From now through March 11th, you may order HoneyBaked ham or glazed turkey breasts and gift certificates. Pick up is at OFHS March 24th.
To view the flyer with an order form and more details about placing your HoneyBaked order, click HERE. For more details or late orders, call Anita Greller, 440-793-6405.
OF PTA COUNCIL SELLING SPORTS/TOUGH STAIN DETERGENT PRODUCTS
Sweat X Sport Detergent is an industry leading active wear laundry detergent that removes the toughest stains and odors. It is great for sports and band uniforms and the odor spray is perfect for shoes, equipment, bags and more.
The OF PTA Council is selling these detergent products. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to program activities and scholarships for graduating seniors. The sale begins this Monday, February 8th and ends February 24th with all order forms and money due that day. Product pick up is from 5-7 p.m. March 16th at the F-L cafeteria. For an order form, click HERE.
COMMUNITY
SENIOR RESIDENTS: DINE AT POLARIS’ RESTAURANT MARCH 4TH
Senior citizens are invited to a Senior Luncheon at Polaris Career Center’s Mise En Place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 4th. But hurry – seating is limited to 30 people.
The cost is $12, which includes an entrée selection, beverage and dessert. Reservation deadline, with luncheon payment, is due February 29th at Olmsted Community Center, 8170 Mapleway Drive. Polaris is located at 7285 Old Oak Blvd., Middleburg Heights. Polaris provides real work career technical education in a high-tech learning environment. Chef training, baking and pastry arts and deli and food production are just some of the school’s programs. Olmsted Falls is one of Polaris’ six associate school districts. To learn more about the restaurant and its weekly menu, click HERE.
FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES @ OCC AND OF LIBRARY
The 2016 Olmsted Recreation Senior Activities Calendar include two new programs. Senior Craft Day is at 10:30 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at Olmsted Community Center while Mall Walking is at 8 a.m. the last Wednesday of every month by meeting at 8 a.m. at the Great Northern Mall Food Court. Both are listed on the calendar that may be seen by clicking HERE. A Meditation for Healthy Aging session is set for 11:30 a.m. February 9th. To see a flyer of this event, click HERE and to see all activities at the Olmsted Falls branch library, click HERE.
SIGN UPS FOR SUMMER BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
The Olmsted Community Summer League is now accepting for boys and girls baseball/softball leagues for ages 4-18. There are several ways to register, including online through Olmsted Community Center at www.olmstedcc.com. You also may print the form from its website or that of OCSL – www.ocslinfo.org. And returning it, along with payment, to the Center, 8170 Mapleway Drive, Olmsted Falls 44138. Those registering after March 31 will be charged a late fee. Games begin June 1.
The co-ed league returns this year. Register a team or individually by contacting Jim Masie, jimmasie@gmail.com or OCC, 440-427-1599.
OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOLS Bulldog Blog 