Garfield Heights City Schools - Open Line Newsletter - Fall 2010

*$5),(/' +(,*+76 &,7< 6&+22/6 %ULDUFOLII 'ULYH *DUĂ&#x20AC;HOG +HLJKWV 2+

A publication designed to keep an open line of communication with the community.

,VVXH

GH

%HJLQQLQJ 7KH 1HZ 6FKRRO <HDU ZLWK %XOOGRJ 3ULGH

ZZZ JDU ILHOGKHLJKWVFLW\VFKRROV FRP

The Garfield Heights City Schools is proud to announce the recent hiring of and . All three individuals were selected from a competitive pool of candidates and together possess over forty years of experience in school administration. brings to the Garfield Heights City Schools a wealth of administrative experience, having served as assistant superintendent of Chardon Local Schools for the past twenty years.

In addition to serving in this role, Dr. Continenza has also previously held the positions of principal at Chardon Middle School and assistant principal at Willoughby South High School. Dr. Continenza plans to apply his experience as the new coordinator of curriculum and instruction of the Garfield City School District. In addition to serving as an administrator, Dr. Continenza also taught English at Willoughby-Eastlake Schools, as well as serving as the drama coach and play director. will serve as middle school principal, after having served as the principal at Green High School (Summit County) since 2008, as well as assistant and associate principal of North Olmsted High School from 2003 to 2008. In addition to his administrative experience, Mr. Nicklos also served as a guidance counselor and

taught social studies at Brooklyn High School. Along with his role as a teacher and guidance counselor, Mr. Nicklos was also involved involved in the athletics athletics program, serving as the head varsity wrestling coach and the assistant varsity football coach. He is currently in the process of completing the superintendent program at Kent State University, and received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cleveland State University. is no stranger to the Garfield Heights City Schools, as she began her career in education as a teacher at the middle school, before assuming responsibilities as an assistant principal, first at Maple Leaf Intermediate School, and most recently, at Garfield Heights Middle School. Mrs. Abraham is returning to Maple Leaf Intermediate School as the new principal. Superintendent Linda Reid praised the selection of Mrs. Abraham, citing her curriculum and leadership experience, as well as her commitment to the district and the community.

As another relaxing and fun-filled summer winds down, it is with a great sense of excitement and anticipation that I welcome back students, staff and the rest of the Garfield Heights 6&+22/¡6 ,1 6(66,21 community to the 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2011 school year. The Garfield Heights City Schools looks forward to building on the solid foundation of the previous school yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successes and achieving new accomplishments during the upcoming months. As always, the school district will maintain a clear and open line of communication with the residents of Garfield Heights, to share important information and celebrate continued academic success.

%XLOGLQJ 2Q /DVW <HDU¡V $FFRPSOLVKPHQWV The high level of optimism we share for this year is prompted by last school yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments. For the sixth year in a row, the High School received an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Effectiveâ&#x20AC;? rating from the state of Ohio. In addition, the High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academic Team qualified for the 28th Annual Academic Championship in New Orleans. At Maple Leaf Intermediate School, nearly 90% of 4th grade students passed the Ohio Achievement Test in reading. Students at Elmwood Elementary School showed their willingness to help others and raised over $1,000 for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hearts for Haitiâ&#x20AC;? program. Finally, William Foster Elementary School received a $1,000 grant from the Cleveland Cavaliers, after being recognized as a Straight All-Stars School. The Garfield Heights City Schools is proud of these student accomplishments.

5HQRYDWLRQV DW (OPZRRG DQG 0DSOH /HDI 3URJUHVV DW 1R &RVW WR WKH 7D[SD\HUV One of the most exciting, upcoming developments for the Garfield Heights City Schools is the major renovations of two school district buildings: Elmwood Elementary and Maple Leaf Intermediate School. Elmwood will receive a complete classroom transformation, including air conditioning and technology upgrades, while Maple Leaf Intermediate Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overcrowded conditions will be eliminated with the construction of a brand new gymnasium and 12 classrooms on the south side of the school. The school district has developed a comprehensive plan to provide alternative, temporary classroom spaces for student learning during the construction process. The renovations are completely funded at NO COST to the taxpayers of Garfield Heights, and will provide the resources and environment which foster academic success for our students. &RQWLQXHG )RFXV RQ &RPPXQLFDWLQJ ZLWK WKH &RPPXQLW\ In addition to major school renovations, the Garfield Heights City Schools looks forward to continuing new, innovative programs which foster a stronger connection with the community, such as William Foster Elementaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Donuts for Dad, Fall Festival Family Night, and many others. Parents, students and other members of the community can also expect several future public meetings with school district officials, including the State of the Schools and updates on the renovations of Elmwood Elementary and Maple Leaf.

In addition, the school district will continue to provide information and promote achievements through GHTV, the district Web site and Open Line Newsletter. Judging by last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success, I am sure that there will be plenty to celebrate and share about this upcoming school year.

6XSHULQWHQGHQW /LQGD 1 5HLG

&RQVWUXFWLRQ 8QGHUZD\ DW 6FKRROV DW =(52 &267 WR 7D[SD\HUV

On behalf of the Board of Education, we would like to send all students, teachers, faculty and staff a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Welcome Backâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; message and well-wishes for the start of a new academic year. Our intention as a school district is to build on the academic successes that we experienced together last year, and continue to make The Garfield Heights City Schools the best school district.

As a Board, we are excited with the leadership demonstrated by Superintendent Linda N. Reid, and already, preparation for this school year has been well underway for some time now. Some of the important matters that the Board of Education wishes to share with the community include: Construction is Underway at Elmwood and Maple Leaf and our students will be safe.

Both major upgrades at Elmwood Elementary and Maple Leaf kicked off over the summer, and the progress is visible. Please know that every accommodation has been made to keep our students safe and in an appropriate learning environment. Our construction managers are required to give us regular, public reports. The City has provided the schools with added safety and security forces and a dedicated auxiliary safety team will be on hand at all times. Most notably, despite the temporary construction, these new upgrades are underway to benefit the students, and come to the district at ZERO COST to our citizens.

School Board Meetings Going On the Road From time to time this upcoming school year, the regular meetings of the Board of Education will rotate venues, to accommodate accommodate for greater public participation.

For a few meetings during the past school year, we attempted to rotate the meetings, conduct our business, and invite attendees of the meetings to tour the facility. Keep an eye out for the schedule in forthcoming district communications.

Levy Request for this November Finally, a levy request is accompanying the start of this school year, and is desperately needed for the students of our district. Unanimously adopted by the Board of Education, the levy comes in response to a dire need of the district to help raise revenue. On the cost-cutting side of the equation, the district has been very diligent. Approximately $4 million in cuts have been made over the last 2 years. More than 70 positions have been eliminated, and we stand on the verge of seriously compromising the quality education that our district has been noted for over the years. Since 1992, there have been no new voter approved operating monies appropriated to the district, and we sincerely ask the voters of our community to participate in our â&#x20AC;&#x153;team â&#x20AC;&#x153;team effort,â&#x20AC;? to pass our operating levy this November.

To the students, faculty and staff of The Garfield Heights City Schools, the Board of Education wishes you â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;all the bestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for the upcoming school year.

GO BULLDOGS!

7DONLQJ )LQDQFH

With district financial bulldog, Allen Sluka, Treasurer

'LVWULFW )LQDQFLDO 5HSRUW

$OOHQ 6OXND 7UHDVXUHU &)2

'LVWULFW &XWV DQG &RVW 6DYLQJ 0HDVXUHV

7KH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH VFKRRO \HDU LV DQ DSSURSULDWH WLPH WR VKDUH ZLWK WKH FRPPXQLW\ DOO WKDW WKH

*DUĂ&#x20AC;HOG +HLJKWV &LW\ 6FKRROV &876 $1' &267 6$9,1*6 0($685(6

13 positions eliminated Teachers Salary Freeze

$893,000.00 $350,000.00

Pay-to-Play increase 6 positions eliminated

$58,000.00 $25,600.00

5 positions eliminated Pay Freeze/increase medical contributions

$228,400.00 $58,700.00

7 positions eliminated Pay Freeze Reduce total work days for employees

$190,500.00 $57,000.00 $14,000.00

*5$1' 727$/ &876 &267 6$9,1*6 Current Year=

GLVWULFW KDV GRQH WR ZHDWKHU WKH FKDOOHQJLQJ HFRQRPLF HQYLURQPHQW LQ RXU UHJLRQ FRPSOLDQW ZLWK VWDWH ODZ ZKLFK UHTXLUHV HDFK VFKRRO GLVWULFW WR EDODQFH LWV ERRNV HDFK \HDU 7KH *DUĂ&#x20AC;HOG +HLJKWV &LW\ 6FKRROV KDV WDNHQ GUDVWLF DFWLRQ WR UHFRQFLOH WKH OHYHOLQJ RII DQG LQ VRPH FDVHV HYHQ GHFOLQH LQ LWV UHYHQXH VWUHDP 7KH GLVWULFW KDV PDGH VHYHUH FXWV PLOOLRQ IRU WR EDODQFH LWV ERRNV 7KHVH FXWV KDYH FRPH IURP DFURVV WKH ERDUG SHUVRQQHO VODVKHV LQ WHDFKHUV FODVVLĂ&#x20AC;HG VWDII DQG DGPLQLVWUDWRUV 7KH WDEOH WR WKH OHIW LOOXVWUDWHV WKH UHFHQW FXWV WKH GLVWULFW KDV PDGH 7KH *DUĂ&#x20AC;HOG +HLJKWV &LW\ 6FKRROV DOVR PDGH PLOOLRQ LQ FXWV WR EDODQFH LWV ERRNV IRU

%\ ODZ WKH GLVWULFW PXVW EDODQFH LWV ERRNV DQG PDNH UHJXODU UHSRUWV WR WKH VWDWH E\ ZD\ RI D EL DQQXDO <HDU )RUHFDVW SURGXFHG LQ 2FWREHU DQG 0D\ DQG VXEPLWWHG WR WKH 2KLR 'HSDUWPHQW RI (GXFDWLRQ 7KH *DUĂ&#x20AC;HOG +HLJKWV &LW\ 6FKRROV KDV UHPDLQHG FRPSOLDQW ZLWK LWV OHJDO UHTXLUHPHQWV RI EDODQFLQJ LWV ERRNV E\ FXWWLQJ EXW WKH WLPH ZKHQ FRPSURPLVLQJ WKH TXDOLW\ RI HGXFDWLRQ DW WKH H[SHQVH RI WKHVH FXWV KDV DUULYHG 7KLV LV SUHFLVHO\ ZK\ WKH GLVWULFW KDV GHFLGHG WR FRPH WR WKH YRWHUV RI *DUĂ&#x20AC;HOG +HLJKWV RQFH DJDLQ IRU D UHTXHVW IRU QHZ PRQH\ :LWKRXW WKLV QHZ PRQH\ DORQJ ZLWK PRUH WKDQ RI WKH GLVWULFW¡V EXGJHW FXW RXW LQ WKH ODVW WZR \HDUV DORQHÂŤWKH FXWV ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR FRPH Allen Sluka Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Garfield Heights City Schools

Work on two district facilities, Elmwood Elementary and Maple Leaf Intermediate Schools, courtesy of nearly $18 million from the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission is currently underway, and for this edition of Open Line, the district wanted to write and report on 0RGXODU XQLWV DUH UHDG\ IRU VWXGHQWV EHKLQG the progress. The construction (OPZRRG (OHPHQWDU\ work that is currently taking place comes at ZERO COST to the taxpayer, as the OSFC is reimbursing the district for these building upgrades.

ELMWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Currently, work to remove the old boiler stack brickby-brick is completed, and it rises no higher than 3 feet above the top of the building. The photo on the right hand side shows the progress being made on Elmwood. Second floor demolition work is nearing :RUNHUV KHOS WR PDNH XSJUDGHV DW (OPZRRG (OHPHQWDU\ completion as well, where all classrooms and hallways have been gutted, to make way for brand new ceilings, technology and walls.

MAPLE LEAF INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

External progress is now visible at Maple Leaf Intermediate School, where excavators have already cleared the old parking lots. In their place, 7KH IRXQGDWLRQ IRU WKH QHZ J\PQDVLXP LV ODLG DW 0DSOH /HDI the foundation has been dug for the two additions that will complement the new features of the building. On the south side of the building, brand new 1st and 2nd

floor classrooms will be added. On the north side of the building, a new, state-of-the-art gymnasium will be constructed. All in all, these projects are moving forward and the district eagerly anticipates their completion.

THE COMMUNITY PAYS NOTHING FOR THIS PROJECT. REPEAT, NOTHING.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for the community to know that these projects will be paid-in-full by the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission as part of its Master Plan for the district.

THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE TAXPAYER FOR THESE UPGRADESâ&#x20AC;Ś the district is committed to keeping the &ODVVURRPV DUH UHDG\ WR JR DW WKH WHPSRUDU\ VSDFH QH[W WR (OPZRRG community posted of the construction progress. You can also learn more about the project by visiting the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Web site at www.garfieldheightscityschools.com or by calling 216-475-8100.

-867 )25 3$5(176 -2,1 <285 37$ PTA is an important way that you, as a parent, can be involved in the daily life and the activities at your studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building. Each building has its own PTA organization, and any parent is encouraged to become a member and get involved. Below you will find an UPCOMING MEETING MEETING day and time for each building and the president for the respective group. We encourage you to get involved with your PTA! Upcoming Meeting Days and Times Listed Below:

High School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cathy Rawlins (216) 662-2800 *September 16, 2010- 6:30 p.m.

Middle School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jody Shy (216) 496-0104 *September 16, 2010- 6:30 p.m.

Maple Leaf â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Annette Deka (216) 662-3800 *October 7, 2010- 6:30 p.m.

Elmwood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Michelle Stys (216) 475-8110 *October 20, 2010- 2:30 p.m.

William Foster â&#x20AC;&#x201C; James Fruits (216) 475-8123 *October 11, 2010- 6:30 p.m.

On August 25, 2010, Garfield Heights students began the new school year. With the excitement of building on the academic and extracurricular successes from last year, we ask you, members of the community to remain engaged and involved in the schools during the upcoming year. You can learn more about the schools by visiting us online at www.garfieldheightscityschools.com www.garfieldheightscityschools.com,, or by tuning into GHTV for regular updates.