HOWLAND LOCAL SCHOOLS
The mission of the Howland Local School District is to ensure a safe learning environment that nurtures self-esteem and challenges each student to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a productive and responsible citizen.
Proud Past, Roaring Future
Look Out For
FISCAL UPDATE
REMOTE LEARNING SPOTLIGHT
BUILDING ACTIVITIES
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A LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT KEVIN SPICHER Dear Howland Schools Families, In this publication, we are excited to share with you some updates and activities that have been occurring in our schools during the first semester. It would be an understatement to say that this has been a challenging semester for our students, families and staff. Few words, however, would be able to accurately describe the incredible ways everyone has come together to work toward the common goals of educating and supporting kids. We've been able to achieve this under the learning models the District was able to offer that work best for each family and individual student’s needs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
SUPERINTENDENT CONT. We have sincerely valued your trust in our direction and support in our decisions as we have worked to diligently implement the action steps assembled over the summer and finalized in the District Restart Plan that was adopted in August. Carrying out the plan to educate and respond to the emotional needs of our students has been challenging, but made possible because of the cooperation and hard work from our students and staff, as well as the continued work and feedback shared from our families - thank you! We have carefully used data and updated-recommendations and guidance from the CDC, ODH, ODE, as well as our local Health Department to ensure decisions are informed at each step along the way. We will continue to operate in this methodical manner as we work together to conduct school in the most effective and safest way possible - amidst a pandemic. I would be remiss if I did not call attention to the bright spots that have prevailed in spite of the obstacles during the past several months. Although nothing is standard or perfect during a pandemic, we feel fortunate that the risk of COVID transmission has been significantly reduced because of the number of mitigation measures instituted and staff adherence to practices in our schools. This, along with the assistance from our families instrumentally maintained education and interscholastic activities to the most effective extent possible at each level. This has resulted in some very noteworthy student accomplishments even though there have been a number of cancelations due to COVID-19 protocols. Among many of these include an increased number of CCP students awarded to Dean’s list, a record number of seniors eligible for Tri-Alpha (⅓ of senior class earned 3.75 weighted GPA or higher), and several TCTC students awarded state certifications in their fields, and a state title earned by our boy varsity soccer team! Additionally, our middle school student senate members delivered 100 lunches provided by Outback to Trumbull Memorial and St. Joseph hospitals. Choir students assisted these students by creating video messages for patients. HMS Serves hosted a food drive and were pen pals to residents at Shepherd of the Valley, and our Science Club completed some really unique science activities! Congratulations to these and many other students! We are proud of our kids, staff, and coaches as they have continued to achieve and accomplish during such challenging times.
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SUPERINTENDENT CONT. Finally, we look forward to working each day to bring more and more normalcy each day to our schools and programs. Although it has been difficult for any of us to accept the limitations and mitigation measures we have had to put in place, we have appreciated the understanding and cooperation from all staff and families as compliance with these very measures has resulted in reduced risk and maintaining our educational programs effectively to the extent that has been possible. We will continue to “think out of the box” and listen to your concerns, ideas, and suggestions as we work forward to make the second semester even more impactful as the light at the end of the tunnel begins to get a little larger each day. A huge thank you to our students, families, staff, and community partners for all you have done to get the job done for kids!
FISCAL UPDATE FROM TREASURER SAMANTHA POCHEDLY The district has received over $400,000 in funds to help with online learning, the sanitization of schools and safe operations within the district. The district is expected to receive an additional $1.5 million in funds to continue supporting online learning, sanitizing schools, safe operations within the district, as well as, combating any gaps in learning for students due to the pandemic.
In other fiscal news, annual tax collections are on par with previous years. The district has received approximately $400,000 of the $600,000 cut in state funding back for FY2021.
REMOTE TEACHER SPOTLIGHT As we are all aware, the pandemic has forced our teachers and students to adapt to new ways of teaching and learning. Our hybrid teachers have had to balance in-person learning with remote learning, and our full-time remote teachers have had to navigate educating their students without ever being in the same room as them. We appreciate the hard work of all of our staff as they strive to make the best of the situation that we are all in. In this edition of our district newsletter, we want to spotlight our remote teachers.
GRADES K-4 KINDERGARTEN
1ST GRADE
Molly Salem
Krista Heinzer
2ND GRADE
3RD GRADE
Lisa Dotson
Cindy Baer
1ST GRADE
2ND GRADE
3RD & 4TH GRADES
4TH GRADE
Cecilia Velazquez Amanda Campbell
Allison Bell
Shiela Magura
REMOTE TEACHER SPOTLIGHT GRADES 5-8 ELA
ELA
ELA
ELA
Megan Samora
Lori Sanders
Sarah Williams
Jennifer Scharba
MATH
MATH
SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Andrea Jones
Rex Rager
INTERVENTION
Allison Shipman
INTERVENTION
Samuel Bellino
SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL STUDIES Megan Sullivan
Tina Craigo
Derik Lantz
Nicholas Roberts
INTERVENTION
Charisse Mayhew
SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES & SOCIAL STUDIES INTERVENTION Angela Stolecki
Susan Pappas
REMOTE TEACHER SPOTLIGHT GRADES 9-12
C0UNSELOR
COUNSELOR
ALGEBRA
SOCIAL STUDIES
GEOMETRY
SCIENCE
INTERVENTION
INTERVENTION
Michael D'Altorio
Jonathan Mosora
Billie Bugos
Logan Sheptock
INTERVENTION
9TH GRADE ACADEMIC COACH
Eric Ungaro
Kim Clark
12TH GRADE ACADEMIC COACH Julie Capan
Brian Earich
Jeffrey D'Altorio
Robert Thompson
Amy Blair
10TH GRADE 11TH GRADE ACADEMIC COACH ACADEMIC COACH Steve Boyle
Amy Mark
12TH GRADE ACADEMIC COACH Alexis Phillips
HOWLAND HIGH SCHOOL PEP CLUB ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHERS This February, Howland High School's Pep Club is reminding students to take care of themselves and others with their "Feed the Heart" event. All of the events have been planned and organized by senior members of Pep Club. The seniors have worked during study halls and after school to pull off these activities. The Pep Club has planned at least one "Feed the Heart" event each week. Students who participate may receive a gift card as a reward. Senior Pep Club members kicked off February with a senior breakfast. Members of the class of 2021 enjoyed donuts and hot chocolate that were provided by the cafeteria while other grades scheduled for next school year. Pep Club sold over 200 Candy Grams that were passed out on Thursday, February 11, 2021. They also hosted a Heart Hunt, where they hid hearts all over the building and students were encouraged to scan the QR code on the hearts to enter a drawing or receive a clue to find another heart. Later this month, Pep Club is hosting a door decorating contest and spirit week.
HOWLAND HIGH SCHOOL'S STUDENT SENATE - 1ST SEMESTER AND BEYOND! In the first semester, Howland High School's Student Senate worked with HHS Serves to make over 400 holiday cards that were distributed to Hillside Rehabilitation Center, Children's Rehab Center and Shepard of the Valley. Student Senate held an Amazon gift card raffle and raised over $300 to help kick start fundraising for the new electronic sign, and they've continued to hold their monthly meetings virtually in conjunction with Chick-fil-a Leader Academy. Under the direction of advisor Mary Lynn Dieter, Student Senate is planning a huge second semester with "Feel-Good Fridays," where a member of senate reads an inspiring quote. Their Diversity Dialogue Series will showcase minority student populations, and they will host special programs after school on Tuesdays, where students can talk with a licensed counselor to reflect on how the pandemic is impacting their lives.
HOWLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL'S STUDENT SENATE - 1ST SEMESTER In an effort to spread holiday cheer and demonstrate their appreciation, members of Howland Middle School’s Student Senate and Choir recorded video messages for local healthcare workers who were supporting the community during the pandemic. Student Senate also partnered with Outback Steakhouse to deliver 100 individual meals to employees at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Trumbull Memorial. Under the direction of teachers Marie Fryda and Jeff Kamovitch, Student Senate has remained active during hybrid and remote learning.
HOWLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB CONTINUES TO ENGAGE STUDENTS The Howland Middle School Science Club, which prides itself on allowing students to come together to work through challenges, make observations, dig deeper and apply the scientific method, has been able to safely continue its efforts this school year in spite of the pandemic. So far this year, the club has explored separating mixtures by using physical properties. To demonstrate that, students separated the iron found in breakfast cereal. They also tested density by sinking and floating different materials, created lava lamps, and a new club favorite -- explored sublimation with dry ice. "In the past, we’ve focused on cooperative group efforts and working in a team setting. This year, I split the students into cohorts to keep the groups small. Thankfully, we’ve been able to maintain the hands-on aspect of this club, which is absolutely what science should be about." said Craigo.
In some of the pictures from this meeting, students are making observations about their dry ice in a beaker of water, and then in a beaker of soapy water. At the end of the meeting, the club challenged each other in an online game testing their knowledge on changes in the states of matter.
Science teacher and club advisor Tina Craigo demonstrates how to capture the carbon dioxide in a big bubble that students call the “crystal ball”.
Valentine's Day at H.C. Mines Elementary School In keeping with tradition, students at H.C. Mines Elementary School were encouraged to create a Valentine's box for their class Valentine's Day parties that took place February 11, 2021. Check out some of the designs!
WRITING at Glen Primary
GLEN ARTISTS
1ST SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS AT SPRINGS PRIMARY SCHOOL Addison Rybicki celebrates "Salute to Social Studies." The kindergarten students studied symbols of America, including the Bald Eagle, the American flag, and others.
Andrew Dejanovic and Leah Musser play in the Sensory Hallway.
Nikolina Dejanovic, Isabella Zachetti, and Edward Yuko show off their projects during Savvy Science Day.
Kindergarten students at Howland Springs explore nature during our annual Savvy Science Day.
BOYS SOCCER TEAM CLENCHED STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE The Boys Soccer team capped off an undefeated season with a 5-0 win over Tipp City Tippecanoe to win the first OHSAA team state championship in school history. The team finished with a 22-0-1 record. Team members include: Gabriel Altawil, Lucas Brill, Pasquale Carannante, Christian Darrin, Dylan DiPiero, Nick Durig, Myles Gamichia, Vasili Gentis, Panayiotis Glaros, Jet Hua, Jak Kenney, Zach Lewis, Gabe Lisi, Kylan Mowatt-Larssen, Max Parise, Fernando Ramos, Jr., Nathan Rollison, Caleb Rose, Spencer Rose, Tristen Rose, Jordan Sperling, & Austin Stassinis; Coach Stiles, Coach Lubich, Coach Rohan, & Coach Sheely.
The Howland High school boys soccer team was honored Wednesday, January 27 2021, by the Eastwood Mall and Cafaro Foundation for winning the state championship During the celebration ceremony, the district also received a $10,000 donation from the Cafaro Foundation.
GIVING BACK AT HOWLAND SCHOOLS Since the beginning of the first semester, our food service and transportation departments have prepared approximately 100,000 meals, and at times, have delivered them to students. In December, the food service department teamed up with Paw Pantry to host a holiday meal drive. Thanks to the generosity of community donors, the district was able to give away 35 meal boxes complete with a ham or turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, pies and breakfast items such as pancakes, syrup, bacon, eggs, and milk. The drive also helped to purchase clothing and toys for one family from each school building. This effort wouldn't be possible if it weren't for community donors, our cafeteria workers, our bus drivers, our educational aids, our courier and our Paw Pantry.
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GIVING BACK CONT. Last semester, Paw Pantry received a very large school supply donation from Wal-Mart. Since then, Paw Pantry has established a school supply request form specifically for teachers who need supplies for their classrooms. This winter, Paw Pantry has been providing winter coats, hat and gloves to students in the district. The Paw Pantry is located at Howland High School, but services all district students. Please contact Gina Camelli for more information or to make a monetary donation: gina.camelli@howlandschools.org 330-856-8220 ext. 68232 Elementary Referral Form Howland Middle School Referral Form High School Referral Form