A publication for Alumni, Parents & Friends of the Berea City School District
March 2018
m a g a z i n e
SWC TM
CHAMPIONS
BCSD magazine |
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The Berea City School District is a diverse community dedicated to inspiring lives of
character, learning, leadership, and service.
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contents Ana Chapman President
Vice President
Steve Dockman Jeffrey Duke Neal Postel District Administration Michael Sheppard Superintendent
Ryan Ghizzoni Treasurer/CFO
Jeffrey Grosse
Assistant Superintendent
Cristina Carosielli
Director of Marketing & Community Relations
MHJH WRESTLING Junior High Wrestling Team finishes strong season
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Board of Education
Cori Farris
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GRINDSTONE ROCK GARDEN
COVER STORY: SWC CHAMPIONS
School-wide student project
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17 20 22
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CLEVELAND CLINIC eXpressionsTM
Award winning BCSD students
REUNIONS
Upcoming BHS & MHS reunion information
Karen Frimel
Director of Academic Affairs
Kevin Jaynes
Director of Information Technology
Jason Niedermeyer
Director of Academic Affairs
Sabrina Scott
Director of Pupil Services
Michael Slivochka Director of Personnel
Building Principals Teri Grimm
Grindstone Elementary School
Paul Kish
Middleburg Heights Junior High School
Joseph Kornick Snow School
Mike Kostyack
Brook Park Memorial Elementary School
Mark Mucha
Ford Intermediate School
BE PART OF THE VILLAGE:
A Community for Caring
A PRINCIPAL'S CALLING
Positive Behavior Recognition
1,000 BOOK CHALLENGE
6 week reading challenge
2018 STATE TOURNAMENTS
Wrestling and Gymnastics Qualifiers
Katie Rolland
Big Creek Elementary School
Vincenzo Ruggiero
Berea-Midpark High School
Tracy Schneid
Brookview Elementary School
Berea City School District 390 Fair Street Berea, Ohio 44017 216-898-8300 www.berea.k12.oh.us
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Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, I am pleased to announce the launch of our new digital magazine. This magazine will highlight unique student learning as well as other activities and achievements taking place in district schools. We continue to work through the construction process for our renovations and new construction. I encourage you to visit the district website to see our construction updates and view pictures of our progress. I would like to recognize and thank our staff for being so accommodating in relocating classrooms or office space as we make the necessary infrastructure changes to our renovated buildings. Mr. Michael Sheppard Superintendent
216-898-8300 x 6240 msheppard@berea.k12.oh.us
We also have been meeting with a variety of small groups to talk about the structure of both the student day and teacher day at our new BereaMidpark Middle School this fall. Our goal is to complete this work by the beginning of April and communicate out our plan. The district held its second annual “State of the Schools� address in January at Middleburg Heights Junior High. This event allowed us to provide our staff, parents, and community members a chance to hear what is going on across our district. If you were unable to attend, video of the event is available on our website and our YouTube page. Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and schools.
Mike Sheppard Superintendent
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SCIENCE EXPEDITION
Yellowstone National Park June 10-21, 2019
TO
Camping, nature & the outdoors 12 day scientific research expedition
We will be collecting data working alongside National Park scientists and the National Parks Conservation Association restoring habitat and surveying bison and wolf populations.
Conduct your own research with National Park scientists. Visit and study the Mammoth Hot Springs and hike to an Alpine Lake. Raft the Yellowstone River Cost $2795 (includes airfare, food, stay)
A real world scientific experience for BCSD students Current 8th-11th graders can join our Google Classroom CODE: 1rismbw and fill out the Google Form Mary Draves mdraves@bereaschools.org Steve Blatnica sblatnica@bereaschools.org
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VICTORIOUS
Lady Titans Win 2017-18 Southwestern Conference Championship
SWC
CHAMPIONS The Lady Titans clinched the Southwestern Conference Title with a 77-58 victory over Amherst. They have won back-to-back SWC titles and it is their third conference title in five years. This win also is the 100th victory since the merger and the Titans are now 100-22 during that time (2013-2018). The “Big Two” once again led the way as Jada Marone scored 27 points and Lexie Scarton added 23 points. The Titans went 15-1 in the SWC. Following the victory over Amherst and locking up its third Southwestern Conference title in five years, the Titans earned the number one seed in the Valley Forge district of the OHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament. Head coach Kevin Braaten was recognized as this year’s SWC Coach of the Year for girls basketball. This is the third time coach Braaten has been honored with the award.
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MHJH WRESTLING
FINISHES STRONG SEASON
The Middleburg Heights Junior High wrestling team finished in 1st place as champions of the SWC tournament. They dominated the competition at the conference tournament with 12 wrestlers placing. Austin Neel and Isaac DiVincenzo were champions with Shareef Williams, Hudson Devins, Luke Devins, and Romel
Kent taking second. Placing third were Khang Nguyen, Ian Taylor, Cameron Thorne and Japhet Gonzalez-Ramos while Ashton Lewis and Kyle Rubel took fourth place. The MHJH wrestlers concluded their season on a high note by dominating three teams at the
Aurora Duals. Along with the SWC tournament championship, the team finished their season with a dual meet record of 20-2. SWC champs Isaac Divincenzo and Austin Neel led the way with 29 and 27 wins, while many others had great seasons. We can expect to see many more highlights in the years to come with these athletes.
BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS Junior High wrestling team wins Southwestern Conference Championship two years in a row
BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNITION
Wrestlers were recognized at the February 10, 2018 board meeting
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TEACHING KINDNESS
Grindstone
Rock Painting Project 6 | March 2018
Grindstone Elementary School kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Amy Murray, learned about a school-wide project idea that went viral on social media. The project was a rock garden that decorated the landscaping of Sharon Elementary School in Newburgh, Indiana. This rock garden was inspired by the book, “Only One You” by Linda Kranz. Mrs. Murray was inspired to submit a grant to the Education Foundation to request funding for a similar rock project at Grindstone.
“Only One You” Linda Kranz
The staff at Grindstone have been supportive in adopting this project. The art teachers are willing to let students paint the rocks during their designated art class. The custodial staff have been flexible with allowing for the storage of rocks in various places, and have offered to assist with creating the rock garden in Grindstone’s courtyard. Grindstone’s principal, Teri Grimm, and school counselor, Kristen Johnston, share the honor of reading the book to all grade levels during lunch periods.
The purpose of creating a community project was to have students leave a “footprint” in their school. Each student will paint their own “fish” rock with their own colors, designs, and unique touch. The positive message in the final pages of the book is “There is only one you in this great, big world...make it a better place.” It is Mrs. Murray’s hope that the rock garden will serve as a daily reminder to students that no matter what, they’re special and they have the power to change and inspire the world.
“There is only one you in this great, big world...
make it a better place.”
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Launched in 2005, eXpressions™ is an award-winning educational initiative that utilizes creative expression to engage high school students in the exploration of science and medicine. Through project-based, peer-to-peer learning, students translate research studies conducted by Cleveland Clinic high school interns, producing artistic, literary, and mathematical interpretations of the science. In addition to providing participants with a deeper
appreciation for science and its connections to other disciplines, eXpressions™ gives students and their teachers the chance to earn awards, and exhibition and publication opportunities. It also provides a fun, creative way to cultivate 21st century skills.
and 5 Math pieces identified for special recognition by a panel of Cleveland Clinic and community content experts.
Roughly 1,700 art, language, and math projects from 61 schools were submitted as a part of eXpressions™. As a result, this year’s competition was incredibly tough. Of those submissions there were 75 Art, 36 Language
Eighth grader Emma Januszewski received the Blue Ribbon Award for her art submission interpreting the affects of teenage depression.
Berea-Midpark High School senior Kayla Simonitis earned a red ribbon for her painting, "Torn Apart."
Eighth grade student Ethan Barker received Best in Show for his math
Trapped
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Emma Januszewski
Torn Apart
Kayla Simonitis
In this piece, my main goal is to raise awareness about the idea that every human from all around the world is potentially suspectable to mental illness. Millions grapple with the obstacles that occur in their minds due to illnesses such as depression and/or anxiety on an everyday basis. I portrayed this idea of a unified struggle by painting four different races and combining them together with ripped pieces. The ripped pieces signify the uneasy, agitated thoughts that consume a person when he or she is diagnosed with anxiety. The blank, unhappy expressions found in each face depict what he or she may feel when diagnosed with depression. The rippled uneven edges of each piece of paper also demonstrate how the human mind is so fragile and so easy to break. BCSD magazine |
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Congratulations to the following BCSD students: • 12th grader Kayla Simonitis received a Red Ribbon for her art work, Torn Apart • 10th grader Ashley Martincic received a White Ribbon for her math interpretation, Amputation of Mortality • 8th grader Ethan Barker received Best in Show for his math submission, The Power of Vaccines • 8th grader Emma Januszewski was awarded a Blue Ribbon for her art piece, Trapped
project, "The Power of Vaccines." Ethan's hope is that his project will increase awareness about the true benefits of being vaccinated and immunized, and help decrease the number of unvaccinated people. Berea-Midpark High School sophomore Ashley Martincic earned a white ribbon for her submission, "Amputation Mortality." This year was the first year 8th grade students were allowed to participate. Stacey Jennings, grades 5-8 Gifted Intervention Specialist, said, "This is a significant accomplishment for both Ethan and Emma as this was their first year entering the program and were evaluated alongside with high school students." Student submissions were facilitated by teacher mentors Jessica Boone, Cassandra Dracup, Jane Darrow, and Stacey Jennings. All submissions are displayed in the 2018 eXpressions™ Art, Language, and Math eXhibition at the Global Center for Health Innovation for the general public to view through March 23.
eXpressions AWARD WINNERS TM
Kayla Simonitis, Emma Januszweski, Ashley Martincic, Ethan Barker,
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GRADES
7-12
Do you like to travel? Explore cultures, new foods, sites and more!
Find out about the many exciting opportunities for students in grades 7-12 by visiting: www.berea.k12.oh.us/travel
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Reunions
Berea High School
Midpark High School
All Class Reunion July 20, 2018 • Polish Village Tavern
www.facebook.com/BereaHighSchoolAllClassReunion
Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing July 20, 2018 • Coppertop at Cherokee Hills Call Marianna Peris at 440-223-6444
Class of 1998 | 20th Reunion July 27-29, 2018
www.facebook.com/groups/midpark1987 Contact: Ryanne Haditsch at 216-338-5609
Class of 1987 | Summer Social July 28, 2018 • Irish-American Club Pavilion All Classes Welcome Contact: Angela Battaglia at angbattaglia1@gmail.com
Class of 1968 | 50th Reunion July 21, 2018 Contact Bruce Langner for more information balangner@columbus.rr.com
or Amardeep Chauhan at aschauhando@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/groups/midpark1987
Class of 1958 | 60th Reunion August 17 & 18, 2018 Contact: Vince at 216-287-7172 or Judy 440-476-2473 or jasdq@gmail.com
Stay up to date with all reunion information by visiting: www.berea.k12.oh.us/alumni
Twenty-Sixth Annual
For tickets, visit: www.berea.k12.oh.us
2018 Inductees: Vicki Balzer, Staff Joseph Callow, Midpark High ‘86 Ann Cola Schuh, Berea High ‘79 James Connell, Staff Mickey Sego, Berea High ‘57 Eloise Tressel, Staff (Posthumous) Lisa Zone, Midpark High ‘94 12 | March 2018
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Breche aus! BREAKOUT!
Mrs. Lyon’s German classes participated in a creative lesson entitled, "Breche aus!" or Breakout! Students solved clues to “breakout” and open lock boxes. Students were required to work in cooperative groups to solve various puzzles revealing a series of clues that led to the ultimate clue that unlocked the box!
DNA Detectives
Mrs. Sedlock’s Polaris Gateway class students engaged in a Murder Mystery Unit by observing and sketching a crime scene. Students learned about different types of evidence and DNA structure. They had to determine which person matched the evidence DNA to solve the murder mystery.
Andy Warhol
POP ART
Students in Mrs. Kupchik’s art class engaged in an Andy Warhol pop art portrait activity. Mrs. Kupchik first reviewed the history of Andy Warhol art and what defines pop art. She showed students examples of his famous art work and how regular everyday items where visualized as art. She then showed the class examples of portraits that he had created using several mediums and techniques. Students then had the opportunity to create their own pop art. 14 | March 2018
Cleveland Metroparks
NatureTracksTM Mobile Classroom
BPM students had the opportunity to experience a hands-on, nature-based program that brought the park to school. This interactive exhibit simulated a temperate forest habitat with mounted native animal species.
Reading Together
Mrs. Smearman's 2nd graders teamed up with Preschool to share in read aloud fun and Groundhog Day activities and projects.
Mardi Gras
BMHS French students learning about and celebrating Mardi Gras. BCSD magazine |
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1,000
Ford's
Book Challenge Mr. Mucha challenged Ford Intermediate students to read 1,000 books over the course of 6 weeks. The challenge began on January 11 and kicked off with the theme, "Hats off to Reading." Throughout the challenge, both students and staff participated in different themes and activities to keep the momentum going. Students even dressed like their favorite book character or author. In the end, they exceeded the goal and read nearly 1,300 books! As a result, Mr. Mucha braved the elements and spent the night outdoors in the courtyard sleeping in a tent. He is so proud of the effort made by Ford's 5th and 6th grade students.
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Great job FIS students!
Students read nearly
1,300 books in 6 weeks!
Students dressing as their favorite book character or author
Students left a few friends to keep Mr. Mucha company
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Be Part of the Village:
A Community of Caring
First aid kits dwell in every school building, fully loaded with band-aids, sterile gauze, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, and adhesive tape. Educators use them to heal the outward wounds of students on a daily basis, but what about emotional wounds? The wounds that are powerfully revealed throughout the day, maybe during a lesson, alone in a bathroom stall, or walking through the hall. The emotional battles students encounter have a tremendous impact on success in the classroom and school environment. The district has made a concerted effort to be proactive and address the specific behavioral and mental health needs of our students. The focus areas of Berea City School District’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are Safety, Respect, and Responsibility. The goals of the district’s PBIS teams for this school year were based upon discipline data and survey data collected from K-12 students and staff last year. These goals include: • Decreasing behaviors that lead to discipline referrals • Increasing the use of PBIS practices (e.g., mindfulness, peer mediation)
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• Training all staff in crisis intervention and mental health needs • Utilizing a classroom management tool to assist Pre-K-12 teachers with student behavior • Addressing each building’s needs related to Safety, Respect, and Responsibility through building PBIS teams • Researching curricula and interventions to provide social emotional learning to all students • Providing small group instruction to address stress, anxiety, peer conflict, and improve coping skills • Revising data collection to define student behavior in the classroom and other settings Berea City School District has implemented numerous Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports programs and training. During the 2016-17 school year, Berea City Schools and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation created a Youth Mental Health First Aid program for districts to “train the trainer." The Youth Mental Health First Aid project will provide vital training to adults working with students on how to recognize and respond to the warning signs of mental
health and substance use disorders as well as how to connect students to appropriate service resources. Currently, grades 5-12 staff, transportation staff, nurses, and extendED care staff have all completed training. PreK-4 staff will complete their training by the end of the 2018-19 school year. For several years, the district has provided Non-violent Crisis Intervention training to district staff to help de-escalate student crises and teach problem-solving skills. Safety and Threat Assessment and Intervention Through a partnership with Sandy Hook Promise, the district’s Safety and Security Committee and mental health providers will receive the most current and research-based training to address student and school safety. The district also utilizes Sandy Hook prevention programs: Start With Hello Teaches children, teens and young adults how to be more socially inclusive and connected to one another. Start With Hello asks students, educators, parents and other community leaders who interact with children to take a simple, yet incredibly powerful, action at lunch – making sure that no one eats alone. This simple action, when taught and put into practice, instills the power and reward of social inclusion – that when you see someone alone at lunch (or across any other experience), say hello, introduce yourself, ask them to join you. Questions or comments? Contact Pupil Services Director Sabrina Scott sscott@berea.k12.oh.us
Say Something Training for children and teens on how to recognize signs, especially in social media, of an individual who may be a threat to them self or others and say something to a trusted adult to get them help.
Say Something provides tools and practices to: • Recognize the signs & signals of a potential threat – especially in social media • Teach and instill in participants how to take action • Drive awareness and reinforce the need to Say Something Transition Bridge Program The Day to Liv: Transition Bridge Program (TBP) is a collaboration between Berea City School District and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to bridge communication and support between clinical providers and school teams for the social-emotional and academic success of students at school. Community Connectors Provides students with social-emotional instruction and connecting them to mentors in the community for the purposes of college, career, and life readiness. These are just some examples of the PBIS work taking place in the Berea City School District. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. We are all in this together as caring community.
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A Principal's Calling Seeing the number for your child's school pop up on your phone can cause panic or expectations of a problem. Big Creek Elementary is changing the phone call home dynamic.
Mr. Carnabuci joined Berea City Schools this school year ready to make a big impact. As Assistant Principal of Big Creek Elementary, he made it his goal to call each student's family with a positive phone call. Students are nominated by their teachers to receive a positive phone call for displaying Respectful, Responsible, and Safe behavior. Mr. Pete Carnabuci
Big Creek Assistant Principal
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Mr. Carnabuci broke away from the norm of calls parents expect to receive. He recognizes the importance of building the bridge between home and school and working together for student success. Through his calls, he's experienced how a simple phone call can unexpectedly change a parent's day. That initial worry or panic turns into a smile deep inside. He's able to hear a parent's tone of voice become full of pride once he shares the reason for his call. Mr. Carnabuci's positive phone calls are a refreshing reminder that positive behavior and hard work are to be recognized, appreciated, and celebrated both at school and at home. Big Creek is fortunate to have so many amazing students!
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TITANS QUALIFY FOR STATE TOURNAMENTS For the first time in Titans history, two wrestlers qualified to the state tournament. Pino Dipierro and Shane Heil will compete on the ultimate OHSAA stage thanks to their performance in the district round of the OHSAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament. Heil came into the district round following a secondplace showing at sectionals. Heil controlled Case George from Ashland in the consolation semifinals throughout, earning Shane Heil a 8-4 decision, a ticket to the State Tournament and setting up a showdown with St. Edward’s Richard Delsanter. Heil fell to Delsanter in the third period by technical fall, finishing fourth in the Perrysburg district.
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Dipierro, who also finished second at the Brecksville sectional, went 4-2 at the Perrysburg district tournament. Dipierro looked dominant, recording second period pins against WhitehallYearling’s Jace Peck and North Olmsted’s Pino Dipierro Alexander Reagon to set up his consolation semifinal match with Scott Richter from St. Edward. Dipierro dismantled the sophomore from Ed’s, winning by major decision 10-0, securing his spot in the State Tournament and advancing to the third place match with Andrew Perelka from Brecksville-Broadview Heights. Dipierro would fall to Perelka by way of a second period pin, finishing fourth at the district tournament.
Junior Sarah Carpenter represented BereaMidpark High School at the 2018 OHSAA Gymnastics State Tournament at Hilliard Bradley High School March 2-3. Sarah started out the competition on Sarah Carpenter vault placing 10th in the state with a 9.35. She placed 5th on beam scoring her season best 9.3. Sarah finished 12th in the all around with a 36.075.
Sarah Carpenter places 5th on beam at the 2018 OHSAA Gymnastics State Tournament
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