CCSD Bulldog Bulletin Fall 2023

Pg. 9

Dance Class Has A New Space!

THE WAR OF 1894 RETURNS! One of the oldest rivalries in football history is primed for the 133rd meeting!

And a lineup for the upcoming season sure to please!

VOLUME 2 ~ ISSUE 10 -

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CANTON, OH PERMIT NO. 1005

Canton City Schools 305 McKinley Ave. N.W. Canton, Ohio 44702

*** ECRWSS-EDDM *** Postal Customer

October 2023

BULLDOG KEEPING YOU INFORMED

It’s Back To School!

Students enter the 2023-2024 school year with Bulldog spirit!

Family Is at the Heart of AIM Academy!

CCSD is all about family and here is a shining example of how one of our schools is promoting it!

Read the Story On Page 5 u

Students, Cambri Hamlet (left), Harley Ruiz (center) and Kelsie Marks (right) excited for their first day back!

Catch all the smiles on page 12!

Building On Core Values and Traditions Off to a busy start with construction, Beat Massillon Week and core value commitments!

Dear Bulldog Family, I hope this message finds you well and filled with a sense of accomplishment as we reflect on the successful start to the 2023-2024 school year. I want to express my sincerest thanks for your continued support in ensuring a smooth and fruitful beginning for our students.

Stay Informed and Entertained!

See all the great things happening in Bulldog Nation!

Look Us Up At: Facebook CantonCitySchoolDistrict Twitter CCS_District Instagram TheCCSD

Stay in touch! ccsdistrict.org

Jeff Talbert, Superintendent

As we move forward, our primary focus remains on building inclusive school environments that foster high-quality teaching and learning opportunities. It is our collective responsibility to create spaces where

every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

To achieve this, we are doubling down on our core values of excellence, leadership, and community building. By adhering to these principles, we will strengthen our commitment to providing the best educational experience for all students in our district.

In this issue of our newsletter, you will find information regarding our ongoing construction projects. We Continued On Page 15 u

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

BULLDOG NEWS

THANKS TO THE HUNDREDS OF AMAZING EMPLOYEES FOR A QUARTER CENTURY ON THE MOVE!

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© 2023 Stark Area Regional Transit Authority

The CCSD Board of Education A message from our BOE president, Scott Russ: Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! Seems like yesterday we were at Benson honoring our graduates. Did August even exist?

There are so many great things going on in the district. I encourage everyone to be involved in their child’s education and attend the great events going on throughout the year.

Scott Russ,

President, Canton City Schools Board of Education 330-575-8257 russ_s@ccsdistrict.org

We have many construction projects with additions to our buildings that should be concluded in 2024. This will enhance your and your child’s experience in the district. Construction should also begin soon on two new K-6 buildings at Souers and Mason.

Finally, it was good to see everyone at the open houses. Thank you for all the support and positive messages.

Hope to see you at one of our events!

Upcoming Board Meetings October 11: Meeting - 6 pm November 6: Meeting - 6 pm December 20: Meeting - 6 pm Location: Timken Career Campus (unless specified) 521 Tuscarawas St., W. Canton, OH 44702 (Use the Fourth Street NW entrance) Watch meetings live at: http://boelive.ccstv11.com/ *All BOE Meeting Videos are Archived.

David Kaminski Vice President

330-418-4402 kaminski_d@ccsdistrict.org

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The Bulldog Bulletin

Kim Brown

Eric Resnick

John M. Rinaldi,

330-265-7674 brown_k@ccsdistrict.org

330-454-4681 resnick_e@ccsdistrict.org

330-417-6351 rinaldi_j@ccsdistrict.org

October 2023

BULLDOG NEWS

Beat Massillon Week Is Here...Get In the Spirit!

Here’s a little history and a lot of activity throughout the week of October 16th through the 21st!

The McKinley vs. Massillon game is one of the oldest football rivalries in the nation. It is known as “The War of 1894”, since the first game was played in 1894. This year marks the 133rd meeting of the two teams. If you do the math, there is a difference of 129 years between 1894 and 2023 because there have been 3 additional meetings between the teams through playoffs and championship games.

This year’s Beat Massillon Week has got something for everyone to “Get In the Game” so bring your Bulldog Spirit and jump in!

Spirit Week - We will hold a district wide spirit week from

October 16 - 20. Daily themes and activities will be shared with you via social media!

McKinley Marching Band - The band will get you in the

spirit and they will be appearing around the campus throughout the week!

Blood Battle - The epic McKinley/Massillon blood battle returns! It’s a great way to compete, and save lives! See the flyer to the right for details or visit vitalant.org/Q92BloodBattle

Food Fight - Another competition between McKinley and

Massillon is the Akron Canton Food Bank Canned Food Challenge. Please look for boxes throughout the buildings. Feel free to start contributing now!

Community Parade & Pep Rally - Our annual Parade

and Pep Rally will be held Friday, October 20 from 6:00-8:30.

The parade starts at the Civic Center and ends @ Centennial Plaza, rain or shine!

Get You r Tic ket s ...

!

W O N

Hit this with your phone camera...it’ll take you where you need to go!

023/09/13/beatmassillon/ https://mckinleyathletics.org/2

The Bulldog Bulletin is published by Canton City Schools and is distributed free of charge to the district community.

Editor: Lisa Reicosky, Coordinator of Communications and Media Relations Canton City Schools, 305 McKinley Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio 44702 Questions and comments can be emailed to Reicosky_l@ccsdistrict.org.

Design by Bruce Leone, Ink Inc. Federal Law prohibits this paper from carrying ads containing offers of insurance policies, credit cards, and travel promotions. The Canton City Schools Board of Education reserves the right to reject any press release or advertisement based on content.

The Canton City School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age with respect to employment or educational programs and opportunities for students.

Stay in touch! ccsdistrict.org

Inside This Issue Bulldog News Construction Update................... 4 Family Night at AIM Academy.... 5 Worley’s Mindful Moments........ 6 McGregor Launches Video Announcements........................... 7 Family Fun Day Recap................. 8 Performing Arts Program News... 9 ‘97 & ‘98 State Champs Return.... 10 CTE Students Partner Up............ 10 Building Brains In Preschool....... 11 Compton Dedicates Playground.11 Back-to-School Highlights.......... 12 School Beat Bulldog Virtual Academy............ 14 Attendance Matters.................... 15 Jr. Job Training Helping the Canton Food Bank....................... 16

New Year, New Crenshaw........... 16 Showcasing the “A” in STEAMM.. 17 Arts Academy & Core Values..... 18 Youtz Gives Back.......................... 19 Cedar Kindergarten Teaches New Skills...................................... 19 Fairmount Students Explore STEM Projects............................... 20 We Love Learning at Gibbs ....... 21 Outdoor Classroom Comes To Harter....................................... 21 HBCU Weekend Brings Opportunities............................... 22 Early College HS at Lehman....... 22 Success at Patrick Open House... 23 Belle Stone Digital Learning........ 23 Beat Massillon Poster.................. 24

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

BULLDOG NEWS

Construction Projects Downtown, at The STEAMM Academy, and Crenshaw are Right On Track Our new spaces will offer expanded opportunities to students and the community

By Jason Dixon, Assistant Superintendent

We’re a go for over 13,300 square feet in additional space at Crenshaw Middle School! This new construction includes a new gymnasium with a full-size basketball court and a 2,585-square-foot locker room that can be divided into smaller locker rooms, meeting rooms, restrooms, and storage spaces. In addition, a new lobby area will connect the gymnasium to the school’s new administrative offices. By relocating the offices to this new space we create community spaces for our partners and neighbors. Crenshaw’s original gym will be repurposed and updated to become our performing arts space.

The completion date is expected to be the Fall of 2024!

Besides adding much-needed improvements, by expanding space, we help with social distancing and air quality.

Construction of the Bulldog Performance Center on the Downtown Campus, as well as the multipurpose building at the STEAMM Academy, is in full gear. Both facilities are on pace to open next fall.

These projects are all paid for by ESSER funds.

I’m also pleased to report that our partnership with Aultman Orrville Hospital to offer Telemedicine services is on schedule to begin this month.

We have purchased five secured hospital information kiosks with video assessment capabilities.

These “telehealth” stations will be facilitated by school nurses at McKinley Senior High School, Early College High School and Middle School @ Lehman, Crenshaw Middle School, the STEAMM Academy, and Patrick Elementary.

This new service will allow students and staff to receive clinical assessments during regular school hours including examinations, medical guidance, treatment options, and other recommendations. Medical Professionals can call in prescriptions to the student’s or staff member’s requested pharmacy, if necessary.

In order to be eligible for telehealth visits, parents/guardians must enroll their child in the program through Final Forms. This includes completing a basic medical history form and providing consent. Parents/guardians will be contacted by the school nurse prior to a telehealth visit and will be encouraged to attend, if possible. A written report will be sent home with the student that day. Insurance will be billed for the visit.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Dixon

Watch ParentSquare for information.

“We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us.” ~ Winston Churchill

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The Bulldog Bulletin

October 2023

BULLDOG NEWS

Family Night Offers “Seeds to Success” AIM Academy highlights the importance of family involvement for successful education

By Kara Rankin, Principal

AIM Academy‘s Family Nights are designed to engage and educate families about ways to support and advocate for their children. At Family Night, children can see that their families have an important role to play in their school. Perhaps most importantly, this is a family event — a fun, relaxing evening out for busy families.

At AIM’s Family Night, students and their families, community partners, along with teachers and staff, gathered for conversations, ate, and engaged with the evening’s literacy-themed program “Seeds for Success.”

Families were able to travel to five stations. “Nutrition to Grow ‘’, dinner included hot dogs, chips, and apple slices. “Fertilize the Brain”,

included The Biggest Pumpkin Ever story walk, fluency packets for each grade level, and book giveaways. “Growing in Action”, in which Mrs. Gerber shared information about the AIM’s Greenhouse and Mrs. Woolf shared her earthworm farm. “Don’t Let the Weeds Feed Bad Habits”, information about the importance of attendance and following the PBIS BARK expectations. “Nurture the Plant”, served as a touchpoint for families to find out more about community services, such as The Stark County Library, Stark County Hunger Task, Child and Adolescent, SPARK, and Arrowhead Orchard. The night ended with families taking home a recipe and ingredients to make “Dirt Pudding” dessert.

Congratulations to Annalise Hassig and Adrin Mends for winning the gift baskets. AIM families are imperative to the success of our students. To achieve that success, we rely heavily on the support of informed and engaged parents and the community to help develop our students into lifelong learners.

Students with involved parents can see that education is a priority to the adults in their lives.

The AIM staff is committed to pursuing the following goals in ways that embrace the diversity of our school population and that support the individual needs of our families. Through our ongoing partnership, we will create confident, creative, and open-minded learners. It was such an enjoyable evening and we are excited to start planning our second family night in the Spring.

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2.

1. Cressa Marks and daughters Aubrielle and Mylahni taking home fluency packets.

2. Mrs. Gerber and Miss Howard making sun catchers for the greenhouse.

3. Shayanna Goodwin holding an earthworm.

4. Jace Frenz and his mom, Heather Frenz taking a photo.

3.

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

BULLDOG NEWS

Mindful Music Moments Start the School Day !

Worley participates in a national movement promoting calmness and focus

By Jennifer Stokoe, Principal

self-control. It has been a wonderful start to our mornings as all students and staff begin their day refreshed, focused, and ready to learn. Mindful Music Moments is sponsored through a partnership with the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Students share their thoughts about Mindful Music: “I like hearing the pianos because that’s my favorite instrument!”

- Kay’veair Shipp, 4th grade “It is really peaceful, and I like to listen to it while I begin my work.”

- Chase Massey, 4th grade “It’s peaceful and relaxing. I enjoy the instrumentals and that there are no words in the music” - Aer’Rious Cunningham, 4th grade Worley is one of 300 schools across the United States participating in daily Mindful Music Moments.

Worley’s entire school of students, teachers, staff, and administrators are taking time each morning to listen to a brief mindfulness prompt and world-class music. Mindful Music Moments have become a daily morning ritual of calm and focus to help our students start their school day ready to learn. Through calming practices with our Mindful Music

we are supporting and creating a habit of a positive school culture.

Students are beginning their school day in a relaxed and focused academic environment where they are ready to learn.

Our Mindful Music Moments allow exposure to high-quality music.

Some of the musical composers our students have started the school year off listening to include Vaughan Williams, Antonin Dvorak, Claude

Debussy, Florence Price and Ludwig van Beethoven. Students will continue the school year listening to mindful and creative prompts with 3 minutes of orchestral, jazz, world, and new music. Our daily audio and videos play over the announcements and in classrooms.

We are fortunate to have the Mindful Music Moments at Worley as our students practice being calm, focused, relaxed, and having

“It makes me feel calm and relaxed. It’s the type of music that calms me.”

- Armani Anderson, 4th grade “It calms me down so I’m not too hyper in the morning. I love the sound of it.”

- Allison Morgan, 5th grade “It is relaxing, and I like the style of music to help me focus.”

- Omar Lopez Cruz, 5th grade

SHINE A LIGHT ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH Donate your resources to helping C&A continue to be the premier resource for youth mental health Volunteer at one of our events by contacting Dan Mucci at dmucci@childandadolescent.org

or Using Venmo @ CABehavioralHealth under business

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Uncover your passion for helping youth be the best version of themselves.

Visit childandadolescent.org/ careers C&A is a Cleveland.com Top Workplace Winner for 2022 & 2023

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October 2023

BULLDOG NEWS

Excitement Builds as McGregor Launches New Video Announcements The Video Announcement Club to deliver the morning news and activities with tech-savvy fun!

By Julie Addessi, Principal

Emmanuel Ross and Jimmy Westfall

Jesslynn McMasters

In an exciting development for students and staff alike, McGregor Intermediate is proud to announce the launch of its newest addition to our school communication: The Video Announcement Club.

This innovative club is changing how the school community stays informed while providing students with hands-on experience in video production. With the world becoming increasingly digital, schools are adapting to new communication methods, and McGregor is no exception. Recognizing the power of visual media and the importance of engaging content, the Video Announcement Club is set to become an integral part of life at McGregor.

The Video Announcement Club’s goal is to enhance communication within the school by creating engaging video content that keeps students, parents, and staff informed about school news, upcoming events, and important announce-

ments. By delivering announcements this way, the school hopes to cater to the tech-savvy students and their preferred means of staying informed. One of the club’s standout features is its dedication to handson learning.

Through the guidance of our Technology Resource Teacher, Kristin Paumier, students can develop valuable skills in video production, writing, editing, and presentation. The skills learned can be applied within the club and future academic pursuits and careers in media, communication, and entertainment. Club Advisor Ms. Paumier expressed enthusiasm about the club’s potential impact on students: “We believe the Video Announcement Club is a fun and engaging way for students to feel connected to our school and have a voice. The skills students learn are helping them to be better presenters of information as their digital skills improve, as well

Stay in touch! ccsdistrict.org

Joseph McMasters

as their speaking and writing skills.

These skills will serve them well in all aspects of their lives.”

Students and staff have just started to create content for our daily announcements. They include everything you would expect to see in a daily school announcement, like school lunch menus, birthdays, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The announcements are now beginning to include the BARK behavioral expectations. In time, our students will add segments like interviews, news segments, tutorials, short films, and bloopers. This creative approach aims to captivate the

audience and ensure essential information is heard and remembered.

By embracing our student’s natural interest in video creation and teaching them the skills to create content, we are fostering creativity and creating a more informed and connected community. We are also teaching digital citizenship as we model using technology to connect our students, staff, and families.

As the excitement builds, it’s clear that the Video Announcement Club is poised to become an integral part of McGregor’s identity. With students at the helm, the possibilities are endless, and the future looks bright for McGregor.

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

BULLDOG NEWS

Family Fun Day Kicks Off the School Year Right!

Thurman Munson Stadium provides a perfect setting for families to begin the school year with food and fun activities

By Heather Heater, Director of Technology and Public Information

This year’s 2023 CCS District Family Fun Day, held on August 12th, 2023 at Thurman Munson Stadium, was a huge success. Families were welcomed by our high school steel drum band and participated in activities and games held by each one of our school buildings.

Kids of all ages had a ball at the bounce houses as well as the obstacle course from the Canton Fire Department. Many attendees took time to enjoy a hamburger or hotdog grilled by Superintendent Talbert and Assistant Superintendent Dixon.

Thank you to all of our student and staff volunteers and our Family Fun Day committee who helped with this spectacular event. A special thank you to our participating community partners; Canton Fire Department, A Community Christmas, The Stark County Library, and Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness’.

Photos by Lisa Reicosky

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October 2023

BULLDOG NEWS

McKinley Downtown Campus: Since You Last Heard...

Our flexible new facility is helping performing arts students better prepare for the show and a career!

By Kristy McNally, Performance Arts Instructor The Career Tech Performing Arts Program is settling into its downtown space nicely and is happy to now be with the rest of the Career Tech Family.

Students are thrilled with the new spaces for Dance and Theater. They can access rehearsal and performance space daily, work with both instructors on industry content, and they have already started meeting industry professionals in the downtown community to collaborate.

Black Box Theater

We are currently in the process of designing and constructing a black-style theater in our Timken first-floor performance wing. A black box theater is a simple performance space, typically a square room with black walls and a flat floor. The simplicity of the space allows it to be used to create a variety of configurations of stage and audience interaction. This space will allow for a unique performer and audience experience, different from a traditional theater facility, and give another performance space venue to students! Look for sketches and photos in the next edition of the Bulldog Bulletin!

Timken Stage

We haven’t forgotten about the old Timken Proscenium stage, so don’t fret! We are in the process of gathering all information for renovations and time frames for work to be done in the 1930s theater. We hope to produce shows in the space within a year or so!

This Season

Due to construction at the new campus, this will happen in Umstattdt Hall in May. More details to come.

The 2024 Spring Musical

The 2024 Spring Musical will be produced at the downtown campus in April. It will be the most unique and breathtaking performance Career Tech Performing Arts has ever done. STAY TUNED!!!!

The Career Tech Performing Arts Program recognizes that the new move and investment are directly linked to our mission; to inspire confident, creative, and open-minded learners. It has also proven key in building leadership, excellence, and community. You are a MAJOR part of that, so thank you!

Senior Showcase

Seniors are currently workshopping material for their 6th annual Senior Showcase. For SIX YEARS students have been writing and producing their own work!

Due to construction at the new campus, this will happen in Umstattdt Hall Dec 1st-3rd. More details to come.

Spring Dance Concert

Students 7-12 will bring together multiple genres, breathtaking choreography, and multimedia elements to present the perennially favorite show!

Students Nevaeh Paul and Jesi McCullough working on their upcoming student showcase.

Antwon Duncan (back) instructs his dance class in the new space at the downtown campus.

Photos by Lisa Reicosky

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

BULLDOG NEWS

‘97 & ‘98 State Champion Teams Take the Field!

What a great night honoring our 1997 and 1998 Canton McKinley Senior High School State Champions!

The history-making players and coaches took the field before the Pups win over Green.

See the full album here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUXdC or use this QR code.

Aaron Lemmo Class of 98, a defensive lineman on the 97 state and national championship team, with Coach Thom McDaniels.

Dr. Robert Manns (Long Time Team Physician) surrounded by his players.

CTE Students Sign On For Big Opportunity A partnership with Ohio Gratings leads to opportunity for five seniors!

By Lisa Reicosky

We had a signing! Five seniors in our CTE welding program signed their letters of intent to begin working at Ohio Gratings. Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to earn 2 twelve-point credentials in the area of welding.

Students will undergo a full hiring process and begin their employment on B days at the Ohio Gratings plant. Along with the experience and education, they will earn an hourly wage. Congratulations to our first consort, Kevin Iverson, Andrea Mitchell, Austyn Montana, John Noel, and Amani Ross. They will be joined by more of their senior classmates in a few weeks.

As part of the celebration, Tamiko Hatcher, CTE Director, welcomed representatives of Ohio Gratings, CCS administration, teachers, parents, and board members. The group enjoyed a light lunch made by our culinary arts class. It was a ground-breaking day and we are looking forward to partnering with more businesses to give CTE students real-world experience.

Special thanks to CCS staff including Stephanie Pipero-Henderson, Courtney Svonavec, and welding teacher Larry Flinner III and Shaun Eller, Chief Business Officer at Ohio Gratings for the collaboration.

Kevin Iverson, John Noel, Amani Ross, Andrea Mitchell, and Austyn Montana

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October 2023

BULLDOG NEWS

Building Brains in Preschool

Early Learning Center @ Schreiber takes advantage of your child’s formative years

By Linnea Olbon, Director of Early Childhood

Preschool is off and running with a full program to start the year! We are so excited to welcome over 350 new Bulldog Pups to the Canton City Family. Just like our district vision and mission state, we are inspiring preschoolers to be confident in their learning, as well as giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams. These children will be prepared for Kindergarten with a strong educational foundation. As we know, brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives. Our amazing preschool program focuses on building strong brains through high-quality teaching, focusing on social-emotional skills and pre-academics, using PLAY as the foundation. We are looking forward to a great year at the Early Learning Center @ Schreiber!

Izabelle Mardis

Sama Tchalim on the left and Julian Smith

Javier Smith and Robbie Setzenafand

K’Jior Smith

Compton Learning Center Is About Fun Times Too! The district was happy to join our community partner, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio, and the City of Canton at the official dedication of the Southeast Community Playground at Compton Learning Center.

We are so grateful for all the volunteers and donors who made this showplace a reality! We know our students in the nearby neighborhoods are already enjoying the new space!

Photos by Lisa Reicosky

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

BULLDOG NEWS

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October 2023

BULLDOG NEWS

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

SCHOOL BEAT

Bulldog Virtual Academy- A Place of Endless Possibilities New location, new grade levels, and new curriculums take the experience for virtual students to new heights!

By Nikki Cebula

The new school years bring new opportunities! Everything feels new at Bulldog Virtual Academy this year.

We have our new location, the Timken Career Center at McKinley Downtown Campus. We have our new grade levels, merging all our virtual classrooms into one school, serving grades 3- 12. We have been implementing new curriculums, all while we have been making new connections within our community!

what their family would like to take.

Ms. Williams keeps it stocked with yummy food and snacks that everyone wants and makes sure there are healthy options for all diets.

BVA loves our partnership with Feed Kids First, which makes this service possible!

Bulldog Virtual Academy loves to bring our school community together, and we do that well! Stu-

dents have been enjoying a myriad of activities on our “Level Up” days.

During this time, we “Level Up” our social interactions in a safe and positive way.

Some activities we have done so far include volleyball, walking club, coloring and meditation, virtual escape rooms, scavenger hunts, crystal club, and Lego club. Most activities change weekly, but we do have a core group of students who

are participating in the “Lego Build The Change” science activities.

We are also excited to offer Art with Mrs. Bryan this year! This year, BVA took on a bigger role in the International Day of Peace, where our students helped others make peace pinwheels, and Kail Harris offered Origami lessons! All are welcome to come to BVA for an alternative way to learn, where the sky is the virtual limit!

Some things stay the same, though.

We are still providing our students with a quality education brought to them through quality and highly qualified teachers. We are still building first-rate positive relationships with our students. And, we are still ensuring that students are able to make the social connections that are so important for everyone.

At Bulldog Virtual Academy, we believe that we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves, take care of each other, and take care of the place we are in. One way we do this is through our state-of-the-art food pantry! This judgment-free zone is open to our school community, and families can come in at any time to choose

Students create pinwheels for the International Day of Peace celebration.

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October 2023

SCHOOL BEAT

Attendance Matters at the Alternative High School The quote “Staying In The Game” applies to perseverance in life as well as sports

By Bobbie Grimm, Principal

This year, several seniors and non-graduates of 2023 are getting a renewed chance of graduation in 2024.

While looking at student data and exploring the reasons that some students are falling short of the graduation marker, it was discovered that a lack of attendance is one reason that students aren’t graduating on time. In response, we are focusing on getting students to school to give them a better chance to meet the requirements for graduation. And, while the reward of meeting graduation requirements will be more likely to be earned by those students who attend and complete coursework, students will have opportunities to celebrate just their attendance throughout the year.

One of those opportunities for students came in the form of tickets to the Browns versus Bengals season opener game. Students with great attendance were given the opportunity to attend the game and bring a family member for free.

Teacher, Joy Buxton, and Principal, Bobbie Grimm, joined them for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating their attendance. During pregame festivities on Alfred Lerner Way outside the stadium, students had the chance to win a headband by demonstrating their Giant Jenga skills, toss a football through designated holes, and enjoy a zip line ride. Students and staff had a great time and want to thank the “Stay in the Game! Network” and the Ohio Department of Education for this awesome opportunity.

More will be earned as long as students are present on the day chosen for the surprise attendance celebration. Students will never know what day the celebration will be on, so they will have to come to school to find out. The first such surprise attendance celebration event happened at the end of the day during the second week of September.

Students were given cups of water to Soak the Staff in celebration of their attendance on that day. Since Coach Buxton and Coach Grimm were able to enjoy the Browns game, they also volunteered to allow students to throw cups of water on them as the students boarded their buses one afternoon.

They enjoyed the silliness of the situation and left school that day with smiles on their faces. Since students who are present and working with their coaches have a much higher likelihood of completing coursework to satisfy graduation requirements, the staff at the Alternative High School are committed to keeping attendance a focus of this school year.

Students at the Browns Game

Soak the Staff Attendance Fun

WE’RE HIRING!

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Building on Core Values and Traditions!

are creating more conducive learning environments for our students.

Additionally, I am thrilled to share details about our Beat Massillon activities. Our district takes great pride in organizing events and engaging our community members in fun-filled events. These activities not only bring us closer as a community but also provide valuable opportunities for our community to support our student-athletes, musicians, and clubs.

Lastly, I encourage you to browse through the other exciting things happening in our district. Our dedicated teachers and staff

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members are constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of education to provide an exceptional learning experience for our students.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our schools. Together, we will continue to foster a nurturing environment that empowers our students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

Warm regards, Jeffery S. Talbert

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

SCHOOL BEAT

Junior Job Training Crew Giving With a Smile!

The Junior Job Training crew will be volunteering at the Akron Canton Foodbank every Wednesday.

Each week they package approximately 2,500 meals for those in need in Stark County! Special thanks to our staff Erin Oliver, Rachael Knisely, Kristen Culp, and Dan Farley for their work with the students.

New Year, New Crenshaw

Crenshaw Middle School opens the register for Bulldog Bucks!

By Crystal Carter, Tech teacher

We are off to an exciting start to the 2023-2024 school year! With a new year comes changes and there have been quite a few positive ones here at Crenshaw. We have new administrators, new staff, and most importantly to the students, a new school store! This year we are ecstatic about our school store, which has been up and running since the second week of school. The students have the opportunity to purchase many cool items using their Bulldog Bucks earned on Kickboard.

Some of the students’ favorites have been chips, jibbitz for Crocs, fidget spinners, and stylus’, just to name a few. In previous years, the “store” was on a cart that traveled from classroom to classroom with limited items available for purchase.

The normal items were candy bars, chips, and suckers. This undertaking often did not leave time for

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The Bulldog Bulletin

every classroom to be visited, therefore students missed out on opportunities to purchase items. It also required at least four adults in order to make the store effective. Fast forward to the current school year and there is now a physical location for the store, which is located outside of the Crenshaw cafeteria.

Each homeroom has a specific day to shop.

During every lunch period, there are teachers who have volunteered to run the store. “Only at the Shaw” will you find an amazing school store filled with items students actually want to purchase!

Music teacher Joslin Shaffer works the register at the new school store.

October 2023

SCHOOL BEAT

Showcasing the “A” in STEAMM

Budding artists from the STEAMM Academy @ Hartford gain professional experience at First Friday

By Dr. Bernetta Harrell-Snell

Artists Sharia William, Aleya Kerr, Jaylinah Johnson and Taijah Haysmer learn about the business of art.

On September 8, 2023, several STEAMM Academy @ Hartford students participated in the First Friday event, Artists Unhoused.

Kathy Pugh’s STEAMM Academy art students set up outside of Creative Dreams to gain real-world

sales experience by selling their original artwork. This event gave Pugh’s art students an opportunity to hone their public speaking skills while also showcasing their unique creativity and talent. The students also gained experience in self-pro-

motion and finances. All proceeds collected from the sales went directly to these professional artists-in-training. Art pieces from last year’s STEAMM Academy students are also available for purchase in the Juilliard 3rd Space Gallery

located in the upper level of the building. Creative Dreams also sells jewelry made with fused glass that has been designed and created by STEAMM Academy’s art students.

OPEN TO EVERYONE IN STARK COUNTY. OPEN TO EVERYONE IN STARK COUNTY. OPEN TO EVERYONE IN STARK COUNTY.

6583 FRANK AVE. NW., N. CANTON

●

530 McKINLEY AVE. NW, CANTON

McKINLEY AVE. NW, CANTON 330-305-3050●● 530 c1cu.com 530 McKINLEY AVE. NW, CANTON 330-305-3050 c1cu.com 330-305-3050 c1cu.com

6583 FRANK AVE. NW., N. CANTON 6583 FRANK AVE. NW., N. CANTON Stay in touch! ccsdistrict.org

The Bulldog Bulletin

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

SCHOOL BEAT

Arts Academy 3rd Grade Embodies District’s Core Values Third grade classes prove that Core Values are good guiding principles as well as a lot of fun!

By Courtney Schrader and Lynn Wilson

Mrs. Schrader and Mrs. Wilson’s third-grade classes have been working together to incorporate the Canton City School District’s Core Values.

We started the year by bringing both homerooms together to engage in community-building activities. Our students participated in “getting to know you” and “mix and mingle” activities to help identify common interests and build relationships. They also participated in teamwork activities, where they used communication skills and collaborated to accomplish a common goal.

In language arts class, the students have used their speaking and listening skills to collaborate and share their understanding in a variety of partner and small group activities. During these group learning experiences, students are able to demonstrate their knowledge, cooperation, and leadership skills. The teachers have brought both classes together to model community and excellence through team teaching.

Through all of our lesson designs, learning experiences, and community-building opportunities, we are helping to encourage each student to strive for excellence by giving their best effort. We are looking forward to an exciting year of learning and friendship as we focus on the Core Values of Community, Leadership, and Excellence.

Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Schrader are a team and are teaching team-building skills to their students.

presents

STEPHANIE LAND Oct 17 | 6:30 pm | Canton Palace Theatre

With support from

StarkLibrary.org/MeetAuthors 18

The Bulldog Bulletin

October 2023

SCHOOL BEAT

Youtz Yak Gives Back

After her start as a student at Youtz, Heather Craig’s Nonprofit exercises it’s purpose at Youtz

By Brennen Endres, Principal

Heather (Conley) Craig was a Youtz Yak for her Kindergarten through 5th grade years. She loved the school, her teachers and the community. She loved it so much that when she went to college at Malone University, she started a non-profit organization called Love the Children Ministries (LCM).

She started LCM to give back to the community and help families celebrate Christmas. This has grown to help our entire community and more. In 2004, LCM became a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and that fall started its mission to help our community. They originally did a Christmas outreach to support families who did not qualify for other assistance programs but still could use a bit of help.

From there, it has grown to be a beacon of support for more families and a valued partner with Youtz Elementary.

Every year for the past seven years, LCM has supplied 100% of the school supplies for all the students of Youtz.

They continue to do their Christmas outreach, where they support many Youtz families as well as families from all over the Bulldog community. Included with the school supplies and Christmas support, LCM sponsors the open house for Youtz.

Local barbers volunteer their time to give haircuts to Youtz kids.

For the open house, they provide pizza dinners for all the families and staff that attend as well as organizing events for all the students. This includes organizing the Canton Fire Dept. to bring their trucks and play soccer and basketball with our students. The fire department has also sent up tactical obstacle courses for the kids. This year they also had face painting for our students, as well as bringing in local barbers to offer free haircuts to our students.

LCM also started a support grant in the 2022-23 school year. They have greatly established funding of $50 to $250 to help with classroom supplies for creating engaging lessons and activities. These grants have helped our staff to purchase supplies to offer our students more opportunities. With all they do, it’s clear why they have the mission statement “Compassion over pity and love above all.”

Love the Children Ministries has shown nothing but love and support for our families and community.

Also special thanks to the following barbers that graciously helped our students: Nate Chester (Mopshop. books7.com) Joseph King, James Bethany and Ra’Shod Norwood (Shodthebarber.books4.com, Diamond Tip Barbershop)

Cedar Kindergarten Team Teaches Skills To New Learners

By Ronda Tomovcik, Cedar Principal

feelings of others. Our teachers model and teach students on a daily basis how to recognize and express their emotions, work cooperatively with others, make friends, take turns, and resolve disagreements through our social-emotional curriculum called P.A.T.H.S. Mathematical and critical thinking skills develop as children learn how to solve problems, ask questions, and problem-solve. Our teachers explicitly teach mathematical and critical thinking skills through our Go Math! curriculum, teaching students how to solve real-life math problems.

With the advancements in technology over the years have come the advancements in what a Kindergartener can learn and accomplish in one academic year. A year in kindergarten incorporates the development of a wide range of skills that include physical, social, emotional, language and literacy, mathematical, and critical thinking skills. All of this is accomplished in as little as six hours a day.

Physical development is the way your child uses their large motor

(arms and legs) and small motor (fingers and hands) skills. Large motor skills are developed through our Physical Education class, as well as playing on the playground. Small motor skills are developed through our Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, Art Education, as well as strategically integrated drawing, cutting, coloring, playdough, and puzzle activities throughout the day.

Social development is how your child gets along with others. Emotional development lets our child understand their feelings and the

Stay in touch! ccsdistrict.org

Language and literacy development includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Language and literacy are the biggest focus in our kindergarten classrooms, setting the foundation for skills students will use throughout their lives. Daily our students learn how to manipulate the sounds in words through our Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum. They also learn how to decode (sound out) and encode (spell) words through our 95% Phonics curriculum. Reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening are further developed through our new core knowledge curriculum known as Wit and Wisdom and Geodes.

Why is all of this important? Well, last year, less than 25% of our incoming kindergarten students were on grade level according to our Acadience Reading Diagnostic.

Through focused planning and instruction, the Cedar Kindergarten team helped more than 78% of our students exit kindergarten on or above grade level!

Our data also has shown a correlation between excessive absences and the 22% of students who did not meet the benchmark standard.

According to House Bill 410, frequent absences from school can be devastating to a child’s future.

Chronically absent students miss as few as two days of school a month.

The effects start early and spiral dramatically over time. Children who are chronically absent in kindergarten are much less likely to read on grade level by third grade.

Additionally, students who cannot read at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Having your child present and at school on time every day makes for a successful school year.

Kindergarten and attendance matter!

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

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Fairmount Students Explore STEM Projects Hands-on projects are fun and engaging

By Meghan Schauer, Principal

Students are having hands-on experience using teamwork and exploring STEM concepts through the use of hydroponic growing systems. This project will bring key science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts into the classroom. Hydroponics exposes students to STEM in multiple ways, from understanding how a sustainable system works to grow plants and calculating correct nutrients and water levels to using teamwork and problem-solving skills to discover issues with plants and make changes to help determine what could have gone wrong. This all-year project will offer a hands-on way to teach a wide variety of topics. The opportunities for learning are endless.

Students will also practice important soft skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and accountability as they work together to

Mrs. Davala’s Class of 9th and 10th graders exploring STEM projects.

Mrs. Unkefer’s students are celebrating International Kite Festival by flying kites on Fun Friday!

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October 2023

SCHOOL BEAT

We Love Learning at Gibbs!

Wit and Wisdom offers new concepts in reading

By Erika Irwin, Principall

Wit and Wisdom is our new reading curriculum for Canton City Schools. Each grade has exciting topics that they are able to explore such as plants, farm animals, space and oceans!

Gibbs students have been very excited to have book tastings where they explore the new books that they will be reading this semester.

Several teachers are very excited about Wit and Wisdom. Second-grade teacher Taylor Robbins stated, “We are off to a great start with Wit and Wisdom! Through module 0, we have learned the routines and procedures used throughout each Wit and Wisdom module.

Students have been engaged in numerous book discussions and routines. One of their favorite routines is writing in their journal and creating illustrations to match their writing.

They are very excited to become young authors! Another favorite routine is Think-Pair-Share. Students have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with a partner of their choice. They also get to share their thoughts and ideas with the whole class as well. I personally love how engaging the lessons are and how many fun activities there are.

Students have been directed to act out their favorite scene of a story by

creating a Tableux and by playing charades. We are looking forward to beginning module 1 - A Season of Change. Students will explore the changes from season to season and be able to participate in many crafts and activities that capture the beauty of each season.”

Ms. McCloud, third grade teacher at Gibbs, loves that her students are engaged with not only the texts and paintings but also with the new routines, especially notice/ wonder and jigsaw. Our art and music teachers are also excited about ways that their lessons can tie into the language arts block and the exciting books that students are reading. Our next family engagement event at Gibbs will feature the projects and writing pieces from our new curriculum.

Please come join us for our Family Learning Showcase on October 20 at 2 p.m.

All of our classrooms will be showcasing the amazing new information that Gibbs students are learning through Wit and Wisdom.

Camila Ixcoy Lastor and Demo Isles

Tyson Suggs

Outdoor Classroom Comes To Harter Collaboration with TWC offers fresh opportunities

By Kathy Kisha-Wise, Principal

Harter Elementary staff and students began the process of creating an outdoor classroom for students during the 2022-2023 school year in collaboration with The Wilderness Center. Planning, preparation, and collaboration continued all year and through the summer with the final stage of installation occurring in August of 2023. The outdoor classroom will be able to be used in many different ways with students.

The outdoor classroom will connect learning across Science, Math, English, and Art using a pollinator garden. Through this integrated and experiential approach, the space will help engage students and facilitate the development of crucial 21st-century skills along with their traditional classroom learning. The on-site, learning space will bring many benefits to the students as it provides a place to conduct experiments, love, and learn about nature.

We are so very excited about the opportunity for our students to take learning outside to interact with nature in their own backyard! Many

thanks to the partnership with the Wilderness Center for encouraging Harter Bulldog to embrace Mother Earth!

Stay in touch! ccsdistrict.org

Harter Staff learning about our Outdoor Classroom as it is installed!

Our Wilderness Center Core Team.

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Volume 2 ~ Issue 10

SCHOOL BEAT

HBCU Weekend Brings Opportunities Off the Field

During the HBCU Weekend, the Canton McKinley Class of 2024 had the opportunity to attend the 3rd Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic College Fair. The event, held at the Center for Performance at Hall of Fame Village featured over 100 universities from around the country. Way to go Bulldogs!!

Elementary students were visited by guest readers to commemorate the important weekend.

Early College High School @ Lehman: Welcome Class of 2027!

By Ken Brunner, Principal

We are excited to begin the 20232024 school year with our new additions to the Early College family. We thank the parents and guardians of our new 9th graders for entrusting us to educate your students at the Early College High School Program.

These students have successfully completed the Summer Bridge Program and we are looking forward to a great year with the Class of 2027.

These students endured completing the application and interview process as well as committing to learning in an academically challenging summer program. They are aware that they are properly preparing to learn in a college environment and

desire to continue the college pathway. These young students sacrificed their summer to attend for four weeks. Those weeks were spent preparing them for Algebra Readiness, College Knowledge and Leadership, English Language Arts Prep, College Accuplacer Tests and Leadership Development/Team-Building.

Through engaging lessons and classroom activities, our students were given tools to focus on Excellence, Leadership, and Community.

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure..” ~ Confucius

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The Bulldog Bulletin

October 2023

SCHOOL BEAT

Community Partner Makes Patrick Open House a Success!

By Nikki Bush, Principal

Patrick Elementary School Open House was a success. Thanks to Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church for adopting our school for Open House. They brought in a DJ, hair braiders, a balloon guy, and dinner!

We are so grateful for the many volunteers who gave up their time and resources to make our scholars’ open house a success. Thank you Pastor Beach and First Lady Beach for partnering with us! We look forward to our continued partnership.

Belle Stone’s Digital Learning Center Is A Great Place To Be! Books paired with technology mean lots of learning options

By Amy Konigsberger, Principal

One of the hidden gems in this old building is our beautiful library. The walls are lined with built-in wooden shelves that are filled with thousands of books. Library books are just one part of the valuable offerings, so we refer to our library as the DLC - Digital Learning Commons.

Students visit the DLC twice every six days of school. During one visit, they check out books, read, and listen to stories. During the second visit in the rotation, students have lessons in technology or participate in STEM activities.

Whether interacting with books, iPads, or hands-on activities, the DLC is one of the kids’ favorite places to be! Children get to make choices about the characters they enjoy and the types of books they want to read independently.

Asani Clark, a Kindergarten student says, “I like to get Spiderman books and Ninja Turtle books.”

From third grade, Landen Emmick shared that he enjoys reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

troducing them to new authors, new characters, and new books.

Beyond books, students have technology time in the DLC and learn about Digital Citizenship. Students discuss the importance of balancing screen time with other social and learning activities. Throughout the year, other technology lessons will include typing skills, research, and internet safety.

Some useful sites include InfoOhio, Typing Club, Brain Pop Jr., and Common Sense Library. Another component of DLC is exploration through STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.) Students can construct with legos, gears, tangrams, and blocks. They work in small groups to draw, color, design, and create.

Mrs. Geraghty says this is the goal of the DLC - to provide resources that keep school fun and interesting. “The kids are learning so much without even realizing it!”

Each year, our DLC partners with Scholastic Books to host a Book Fair. Families are invited to purchase books to add to their home libraries. We schedule this in the spring so that students can spend the school year borrowing books, becoming stronger readers, and deter-

mining what type of books they like to read. Then, at the book fair, families can purchase books that they can read over the summer. Reading through the summer and reading as a family not only strengthens skills, it promotes great reading habits and instills a love of learning.

Britten Avent chooses a book. Friends Amira Dalton, Khailani Stires, and Grayson Ray enjoy reading together.

Kindergarten students love listening to stories.

Third grader, Madison Jones, describes DLC as “lots of fun and we even get to play with blocks!”

Kindergarten students love listening to stories.

Jaylen Tallhammer, first grader, says “I checked out a snake book and a Lego Comic Book.

They’re fun to read and have cool pictures in them too!”

Our DLC Specialist, Mrs. Geraghty, reports that some of the favorites are “Pete the Cat,” “Big Mean Mike,” “The Creepy Carrot Series,” and Mo Willams books with Pigeon, Piggy, and Elephant. She enjoys her time reading aloud to students, in-

Britten Avent chooses a book.

Stay in touch! ccsdistrict.org

Friends Amira Dalton, Khailani Stires, and Grayson Ray enjoy reading together.

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o Gps! u P T A BE LON L I S S A M The Bulldog Bulletin October 2023