Brooklyn City Schools Quality Profile
2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Brooklyn City Schools Community,
At Brooklyn City Schools, our commitment to empowering students to reach their full potential remains at the heart of everything we do. By providing a high-quality education in a supportive and innovative learning environment, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. With approximately 1,150 students, our district offers small class sizes that allow for personalized instruction and meaningful connections between students, teachers, and staff. This close-knit, collaborative approach fosters a strong sense of pride within our schools and throughout the Brooklyn community.
Beyond the classroom, our students have access to a wide variety of athletic and extracurricular opportunities. Our award-winning fine and performing arts programs, along with dozens of co-curricular activities, provide a wellrounded educational experience that nurtures cognitive, physical, and social development. These offerings reflect the rich tradition of excellence that defines Brooklyn City Schools.
To highlight the importance of a comprehensive education, we have created this Annual Quality Profile as a community-oriented companion to the State’s Local District Report Card. This profile provides a detailed overview of the educational programs and initiatives that set our district apart. It also reinforces that the value of public education extends beyond standardized testing, capturing the full scope of learning opportunities available to our students. We hope that parents and community members alike will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the exceptional education we provide.
Looking ahead, we are committed to setting clear goals, developing a strategic plan, and enhancing communication with our school community. This plan will serve as a strong foundation for addressing the evolving educational needs of our students while continuing the tradition, pride, and excellence that define Brooklyn City Schools. The input and support of our district stakeholders are invaluable, and we look forward to working together to shape the future of our schools.
As your proud Superintendent, I want to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to excellence in education. Together, we will continue to provide a top-tier learning experience that prepares all students for success.
Go Hurricanes!
Dr. Theodore Caleris, Superintendent Brooklyn City
Schools
Brooklyn City Schools will be the model of educational excellence and community connectivity through practical, diverse, and innovative approaches to learning.
To educate, inspire and foster pride, unity, and respect.
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS AT-A-GLANCE
Total Student Enrollment
Class of 2024 Graduates 1130 8 90 1 75
Students entering Kindergarten in 2024
24
Advanced Placement Courses offered at Brooklyn High School
Vocational/Trade Programs offered at Polaris Career Center for students in grades 11-12 in Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Dental Assisting, Medical Technician/Fire Training, Welding Technologies, and Precision CNC Machining
• PK-7 Campus
• Brooklyn High School (8-12)
• Hurricane Athletic Complex which includes Stadium, Community Space, Athletic Fields and AllPurpose Track
15
Honors classes offered at Brooklyn High School
2
World Languages Offered
• Spanish
• Mandarin Chinese
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS
POINTS OF PRIDE
95.5%
Graduation
Rate for the 2023/2024 school year
$900,000
Post-Secondary Scholarship Money Earned from 2024 Graduates
$
81%
Graduates from Class of 2024 enrolled in a two or four year college
29%
Graduates attending Technical School, pursuing employment, or enlisting in the military
4-STARS 12%
4 Exceeds State Standards
Overall Rating from Ohio State Report Card
Graduates Awarded Ohio Diploma with Honors
57%
Percentage of students scored 3 and above on Advanced Placement Exams in 2024
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS
CELEBRATING EDUCATIONAL VALUE
343
• College credits earned in 2024 through College Credit Plus Program
• College Credit Plus Program provides students the ability to earn college credit while taking classes on our high school campus. We offer courses in College Algebra, College Composition I and II and Public Speaking, Introduction to Literacy, and Introduction to Fiction
• Courses offered through Cleveland State University, University of Akron, Tri-C, and Lorain County Community College
• Partnership with College Now supports families in the FAFSA and College Application process
• World Languages offered include Spanish and Chinese with AP programs available for both Spanish Language and Chinese Language and Culture
• Gold Rated Early Childhood Program that delivers a high-quality education in an early learning environment specifically designed for our youngest students
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS
CELEBRATING EDUCATIONAL VALUE
STUDENT SUPPORTS
• Brooklyn Early Childhood Center
• Recipient of the Ohio PBIS Bronze Recognition Award
• Recipient of National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) Award
• Gold-star program
• Special Education
• Student-run Cafe and participation in various CommunityBased Projects
• Off-site community vocational experiences
• Student-run community food pantry
• Brooklyn Arts and Innovation Academy
• Newly transformed Media Center which offers an innovation space including Finch Bots, 3D printers, Snap Circuits, and 3D printers for elementary students
• Students experience hands-on learning while promoting critical thinking skills
• Academically talented students engage in enrichment experiences that foster creativity and independent thinking through various pathways
• Social Emotional Learning
• On-site therapists through OhioGuidestone and Winston Counseling LLC that accept both Medicaid and private insurances
• Partnership with Sit-Means-Sit to have a district-wide therapy dog work with students and staff
• Partnership with Crossroads Health to provide drug-cessation programming
• Social media & cyberbullying presentation for Grades 5-8
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
• All students K-12 are provided a Chromebook through the district technology 1:1 initiative
• Brooklyn Digital Learning Academy is designed to assist students in credit recovery or enrichment situations
• Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programs are offered in Project Lead the Way (grades 4-8), Medical Detectives, Robotics, Design and Modeling, Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics and Computer Science and Engineering
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS
CELEBRATING EDUCATIONAL VALUE
BROOKLYN CAREER CONNECTIONS ACADEMY
• Offers diverse pathways that equip students for success beyond high school
• Students earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal through a K-12 portfolio
• Internships and job shadowing with local business provide hands on learning
• Students connect with professionals through participation in college and career fairs
BROOKLYN SCHOOL
BROOKLYN HIGH SCHOOL
continued
• College Now-Gear Up: college and career readiness for students in the classes of 2030 & 2031
• Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Bronze recognition
• KG-7th Graders participated in off campus learning opportunities that included Playhouse Square, Cleveland Metroparks, Great Lakes Science Center, Brooklyn Pointe, Cleveland Aquarium and more
• The Stay in the Game Network collaboration with the Cleveland Browns continues to have a positive impact on attendance
• More Family Engagement opportunities have been added including Eggstravaganza
• Seniors from the class of 2024 earned their twelve points credentialing in retail industry fundamentals and completed the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal through Brooklyn Career Connections Academy
• Our partnership with Stay in the Game has increased overall attendance at Brooklyn High School and allowed students to take part in various activities, including attending Browns games with their families
• In the fall of 2022, our very own Hurricane Marching Band performed in the 2022 Buckeye Invitational held at Ohio Stadium
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS STRATEGIC PLAN
Cultural Acceptance & Citizenship
• Practices respect and contributes to a positive school and community climate
• Demonstrates cultural empathy and compassion
• “Gives back” to the Brooklyn School Community
• Respects diverse viewpoints
• Promotes a global perspective that fosters the sharing of ideas and greater understanding of other cultures
Connection to Community
• Shows a sense of pride in one’s self and the Brooklyn School Community
• Participates in activities that promote service to the Brooklyn School Community
• Develops a sense of personal connection to the Brooklyn School Community
• Understands the importance of the long-standing tradition and pride in the Brooklyn School Community
• Makes connections with current residents and alumni of the Brooklyn School Community
Communication
• Reads, writes, speaks, listens effectively on a personal level
• Effectively and responsibly gives and receives information across mediums while considering the needs of different audiences
• Communicates effectively in a public setting
• Advocates for him or herself in a respectful manner
• Adapts formally and informally to diverse audiences and settings
• Demonstrates maturity and responsibility when communicating in a digital environment
Care & Self-Awareness
• Shows self-compassion and acceptance
• Recognizes that physical and mental health are part of being successful
• Identifies personal barriers and understands how to overcome them
• Demonstrates self-discipline
• Develops organization skills
• Expresses oneself in an expected and healthy way
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Obtains experience in problem-based learning
• Asks complex real-world questions that lead to new learning
• Identifies a problem and discovers multiple paths to a solution
• Applies evidence to make decisions to real-world problems
Creativity/Innovation
• Demonstrates intrinsic motivation
• Accepts challenges and takes risks
• Takes ownership of learning and progress
• Develops a mindset of high expectations
• Develops a growth mindset
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS
STRATEGIC PLAN
FIVE PILLARS
Academic Achievement and Growth
The Brooklyn City Schools will improve student academic achievement and growth over the next five years through the delivery of data-driven instruction and maintaining an open line of communication with students, parents, and staff.
Social and Emotional Wellness
The Brooklyn City Schools will effectively promote awareness regarding mental health and wellness through proactive instructional and clinical programming.
Community Engagement and Communication
The Brooklyn City Schools will increase two-way communication and develop school and community-based activities so that stakeholders, including the community-at-large, can engage and collaborate throughout the school year.
Career and College Readiness
The Brooklyn City Schools will develop college and career readiness skills focused on preparing all students for post secondary success through purposeful instructional programming.
Finance and District Operations
The Brooklyn City Schools will continue to enhance school district infrastructure and operations through an ongoing evaluation of district finances, and also engage the community (internal and external stakeholders) to increase awareness of district finances.
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS MASTER FACILITY PLAN
As part of the district’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, the Board of Education adopted an updated Master Facility Plan in August 2023. This plan outlines a roadmap for updating the infrastructure of the district’s campus, including proposed renovations at Brooklyn High School, Board of Education Office, and the Hurricane Alley Stadium Athletic Complex.
PROPOSED AREAS FOR RENOVATION
• Improved Security and Visual Enhancements at Exterior Entrances
• Brooklyn Athletic Complex Enhanced Recreational and Competition Areas at Hurricane Alley
• Community Walking Path at Hurricane Alley
• Band and Choir Wing Renovation at Brooklyn HS Campus
• Energy Efficient Initiatives - Window Replacement at Brooklyn HS Campus & Board Office
Proposed Community Walking Path
Proposed Renovated High School Entrance
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS MASTER FACILITY PLAN
BROOKLYN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
• January 2025 - Start of renovations at former location of Brooklyn Library
• August 2025 - Scheduled to open at the start of the 2025-2026 school year
• Will provide our PreK students new and expanded learning spaces
• Modernized meeting space will host future Board of Education meetings
• Special thank you to the City of Brooklyn for their support with waiving permit fees and assisting with the building transition
Classroom A-115
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS IN EXTRA CURRICULARS
• Number of Students Participating in Brooklyn Athletics and Activities
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS STUDENT LEADERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES & ACTIVITIES
• Hurricane Cafe (grades 3-7) after school program funded by the YMCA, which assists students with school work, provides technology time, offers cooking, art and physical education opportunities
• Student Council
• First Ring Student Leadership
• CVC Leadership
• Marching Band for grades 9-12
• Drama Club for grades 9-12
• National Honor Society
• National Spanish Honor Society
• National Art Honor Society
• Key Club Sponsored by Brooklyn Kiwanis
• National Junior Honor Society
• BHS Hurricane Cafe
• College Now-Gear Up: college and career readiness for students in the classes of 2030 & 2031
• High School Sports: bowling, football, cheerleading, volleyball, girls and boys soccer, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, coed hockey, baseball, softball, coed track
• Middle School Sports: football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, track and field
• K.A.T.S. is a student-centered program dedicated for students that may need additional supervision before or after school
• Power of the Pen
• Math Olympiad
• CVC Leadership
• Girls Flag Football
• Brooklyn Intramurals for grades 3-6
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Partnership with Senior Center with student volunteering and music performances
• Safe Routes for Schools grants that provide infrastructure and educational opportunities for the school district
• Students participate in the Bike Rodeo to promote student safety and education
• Brooklyn Cares Community Support Program to assist families throughout the school year
• Community Service Days
• College and Career Resource Fair with universities, trades, military, and community businesses
• Hurricane Cafe - after-school program in partnership with YMCA for grades 3-7
• Student-run community food pantry
• Events to support literacy including One Author, One School; Guest Reader Day; Family Literacy Night; Spring EGGstravaganza; Read at the Stadium
BROOKLYN CITY SCHOOLS FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
From time to time, the Treasurer’s Office from the Brooklyn City Schools desires to share important top-level updates of nuances taking place in our department, as a manner of open communications and transparency. For this edition of the Hurricane Highlights newsletter, a few important topics will be discussed. As always, citizens in our community are encouraged to contact the Treasurer’s Office at any time with questions or concerns about district finances. Remaining sound fiscal stewards of tax dollars is our top priority.
First, all of us experienced the county’s sexennial reappraisals this past summer and have likely received updated property values. While those values have also likely fluctuated for most residents, some upward and some downward, please keep in mind that the Brooklyn City Schools will experience a very minor impact on its finances.
5-Year Forecasts Required by State Law, Positive Cash Reserves
Twice each year, school districts in Ohio are required to submit 5-Year forecasts to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as a tool to assess the financial health of our operations. For the most recent 5-Year forecast submission, the Brooklyn City Schools has put itself in a strong position through 2029, provided that all expected renewals of current funding remain intact. In fact, our district will anticipate a positive five-year forecast due to strict financial planning and wise decision-making.
Pursuing Alternative Funding Sources Through Grants
The district has also pursued purposeful cost-savings measures, including wise staffing decisions. We have also been awarded significant alternative sources of funding to pay for large dollar expenses, such as the recent $250,000 NFL grant to help upgrade and enhance our football stadium, track and field, and adjoining co-curricular activities. In an equally significant grant award, the Brooklyn City Schools earned a $266,000 CTE grant from the State of Ohio, which has also helped the Brooklyn City Schools to offset costs as well. These two grants represent more than half a million dollars in funding offsets, and the pursuit of grant dollars will continue to be a priority for the district.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Krall President Karam Hasrouni Vice President
Neale Member
Rocky
Jason Hubbell Member
Alison Rafter Member
Contact Information
9200 Biddulph Road
Brooklyn, OH 44144 216-485-8100
www.bcshurricanes.org
@brooklyncityschools Stay connected with us!
@BrooklynSchools
Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer: Dr. Theodore Caleris
Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer: Robert T. Schirhart
Assistant Superintendent: Lisa Deliz
Assistant Treasurer: Matthew Tolar
Director of Operations: Sandra Neale
Director of Pupil Services: Paula Jones
Director of Innovation and Career Development: Supriya Culliton
Director of Systems and Instructional Technology: Dave Wallis
Brooklyn City Schools Directory
Brooklyn High School
9200 Biddulph Road
Brooklyn, OH 44144 216-485-8162
Principal: Matthew Larson
Assistant Principal: Katie Harkelroad
Assistant Principal & Athletic Director: Mark Zofka
Brooklyn School (PK-7) 9200 Biddulph Road
Brooklyn, OH 44144 216-485-8176
Principal: Johnny Bollin
Assistant Principal: Marcello DeAngelis
