Schools

District To Host Sessions On Student Anxiety

The Lakewood City Schools Student Services Dept. will host sessions for families and caregivers called "Too Much Tension: Strategies to Cope with Anxiety." Presenters will be Cleveland Clinic psychiatrist, Molly Wimbiscus, M.D., and clinical social worker, Ashley Penman, LISW-S, both with a wealth of experience working with Lakewood students and families.

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Volume 20, Issue 5, Posted 3:51 PM, 03.06.2024

LHS Inducts New National Honor Society Members

The Lakewood High National Honor Society welcomed 44 new members to its chapter in an induction ceremony at the Civic Auditorium on Jan. 25, 2024. To be inducted into the National Honor Society, students must possess a GPA of at least 3.5. Students are also evaluated based on their character, which means the nominating committee looks at community involvement, extracurriculars, leadership skills, and other intangibles. 

Prior to the induction of new members, NHS President Arabella Spear offered a President's Message, followed by the four remaining NHS officers each speaking on one of the four tenets of the organization: scholarship, leadership, service and character. Vice President Fiona Gjermeni spoke on the topic of service; Treasurer Evie Abderrazza spoke on leadership; Secretary Gift Anya spoke on character; and Sergeant at Arms Jana Evans spoke on scholarship. The guest speaker of the evening was Lakewood High English social studies teacher Austin Sparks. 

Congratulations to all our our new NHS inductees and thank you to the current members for welcoming the newest members!

Inductees:

Fallon Austin
Caroline Bass

Ronan Barley
Maggie Barmann
Beckett Broadwater

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Volume 20, Issue 3, Posted 12:29 PM, 02.07.2024

District 24-25 PreK & Kindergarten Registration Open

Lakewood City Schools' preschool and kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open! The registration process begins online. Visit the district website and www.lakewoodcityschools.org and click on Enroll at the top of the page. Children must be 5 years old before Sept. 30, 2024 to be eligible for kindergarten. Preschool classes are available for 4- and 5-year-olds at Grant, Harrison, Hayes, Horace Mann and Lincoln elementaries. For more information on our early childhood education program, visit our website and click on Preschool under the Departments tab at the top of the page. Questions? Call 216-529-4267.

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Volume 20, Issue 3, Posted 12:29 PM, 02.07.2024

Employment Opportunities - Lakewood Recreation

The Community Recreation and Education Department has employment opportunities for the Event Staff position. Event Staff are the direct representatives of the Lakewood Board of Education and the Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation & Education Department during non-school hours. The primary duties and responsibilities are, but not limited to, the monitoring and managing of all facility events, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

The ideal candidate for the position of Event Staff will have knowledge of school facilities, the ability to establish priorities and work independently, without direct supervision. This position is part time, approximately 15-20 hours a week, nights and weekends may be required.

Interested candidates should submit an Employment Application, which is available at www.recreation.lakewoodcityschools.org under Find It Fast-Part Time Jobs, to: The Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation and Education Department, c/o Mitchell Robida, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood, OH 44107.

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Volume 20, Issue 2, Posted 1:15 PM, 01.24.2024

Rotary Provides Third Graders With Dictionaries

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River continued its distribution of dictionaries to all third graders in Lakewood and Rocky River this fall, a project that the club began in 2005. A total of 593 dictionaries were distributed to students in 26 different classrooms at 11 different schools.

Harlan Radford, project chair, with assistance from club members, stamped each dictionary with the Rotary logo, the Rotary Four-Way Test, and a place for the student’s name.

Schools receiving dictionaries were: Rocky River – Kensington Intermediate, Ruffing Montessori, and St. Christopher; Lakewood – Emerson, Grant, Harrison, Hayes, Horace Mann, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Lakewood Catholic Academy.

As always, Rotarians looked forward to volunteering and going to the schools and interacting with both students and teachers. Distributing dictionaries were David Baas, John Chandler, Matt Daugherty, Vicki Foster, Thom Geist, Chuck Gustafson, Jim Harris, George Hwang, Leslie Favre Krogman, and Jay Rounds.

Members were rewarded with smiles on the students’ faces as they received their dictionaries and began to explore the contents. Both students and teachers are very appreciative of receiving these dictionaries and using them in the curriculum.

 

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Volume 20, Issue 2, Posted 1:15 PM, 01.24.2024

Happy New Year From Superintendent Niedzwiecki

At Lakewood City Schools, we know how fortunate we are to be part of a community that continually shows up for our students and school communities. We couldn’t provide the rich smorgasbord of opportunities from preschool to graduation without that support. So from all of us at Lakewood City Schools to all of you, we wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful 2024!

Gratefully,

Maggie Niedzwiecki

Superintendent of Schools

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Volume 20, Issue 1, Posted 1:59 PM, 01.10.2024

New LHS Philanthropy Club Pays Off

A new club at Lakewood High School, funded by a grant from the Healthy Lakewood Foundation, recently wrapped up its work this school year and in doing so, left several Lakewood nonprofits richer for it. Lakewood City Schools parent and development professional Jason Weiner proposed the idea and was able to secure $5,000 through Healthy Lakewood Foundation’s Neighborhood Opportunity Grant Program to fund the club. Weiner was aware of private schools having philanthropy-focused clubs and thought Lakewood High students should have the same opportunity.

Weiner teamed with Lakewood High teacher Alison Gliozi to guide a small group of game sophomores and juniors who wanted to learn about philanthropy and all its facets. The students worked with their advisers through a months-long philanthropic decision-making process that resulted in purposeful and mission-aligned grants awarded via the Healthy Lakewood Foundation to Colors+ ($1,200), Gigi’s Playhouse ($1,300) and Lakewood Young Filmmakers Academy ($1,500).

Club member Stevie Williams said they were “happy to be able to support organizations doing work that they thought was important.”

Gigi’s Playhouse site director Lizz Maxwell said she was thrilled with Gigi’s grant: “We are incredibly honored to receive important funding from Lakewood High School’s Philanthropy Club! I was highly impressed by their diligence and professionalism and appreciate their intent to learn more while seeking out the needs of their community," Gigi’s site director Lizz Maxwell said.

 

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Volume 20, Issue 1, Posted 1:59 PM, 01.10.2024

'22 Alum Kellyn Donohoe Shining Example Of Vision Of Lakewood Graduate

At Lakewood City Schools, we love to see our graduates succeeding in their post Lakewood City Schools life. It is especially inspiring to see our most recent grads thriving and exemplifying all the competencies in our Vision of a Lakewood Graduate. Class of 2022 graduate Kellyn Donohoe is a prime example.
 
Kellyn embodies all of the six competencies - critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, empathy, growth mindset and global awareness/citizenship - as she navigates the early stages of adulthood. Kellyn left Lakewood High with a legacy of outstanding academics and engaged membership in clubs from H2O to marching band to student council and assisting with the girls' basketball team. She did not miss a beat in her first year at Kent State University.
 
Kellyn’s can-do approach to life born of her personal mantra of focusing on “what I can vs. what I cannot do” has served her well at KSU, where she is part of the Career and Community Studies program. The program is a transitional program that prepares students with intellectual and developmental disabilities for adult life through academic pursuits, peer socialization, and career discovery and preparation.
 
She continues to be involved in music as part of the KSU basketball pep band, is a member of the honors fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, and is part of the Dress Up for Downs club on campus. And she earned a 4.0 GPA her first year! Kellyn taps into her growth mindset to try out new things in college and has relied on her collaboration and communication skills to be a successful member of the organizations she is part of. Her fraternity offers opportunities to be a globally aware citizen and show empathy through its emphasis on community service.
 
No surprise that this summer Kellyn is a valued member of not one, but two staffs as she works at GV Art & Design and the Recreation Department’s Safety Town program, where she helps children learn how to be safe in their community. She hopes one day to work with children full time as an educational assistant. We have no doubt that Kellyn will approach fulfilling that goal as she does everything in her life, with determination and a small on her face!

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Volume 19, Issue 24, Posted 3:43 PM, 12.20.2023

Kindergarten Information Night Jan. 25

Parents of preschoolers, mark your calendars for Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 for Lakewood City School's annual Kindergarten Information Night. Come learn all about the Lakewood City Schools' kindergarten experience. You will hear from the Teaching & Learning Department team members from each building. The night will include a question-and-answer session and an opportunity to check out the kindergarten classrooms at Grant. Call 216-529-4203 for more information The event starts at 6:30 pm in the Grant Elementary cafeteria. 

Note: Students must be 5 years old on or before September 30, 2024 in order to be age eligible to enter kindergarten in fall 2024.

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Volume 19, Issue 24, Posted 3:43 PM, 12.20.2023

Rangers Earn Top Conference Honors

Congratulations to the Lakewood High School student athletes who have been recognized by the Great Lakes Conference for their outstanding efforts during the fall 2023 season, including soccer Player of the Year, Isaac Craciun and Goalie of the Year, Louis Van Der Kuil! Below are our hard-working and dedicated athletes who earned recognition for their outstanding effort:

1st Team:
Cross Country: Charlie Payne
Football: Avery Holt, Aidan Maxwell
Soccer: Bukuru Bafukamire, Isaac Craciun, Helen Fraunfelder, Louis Van Der Kuil, Quincy Zvomuya
Volleyball: Delaney Garcia
Cheerleading: Kenla Hamilton, Piper Polen

2nd Team:
Cross Country: Josie Kvac
Football: Ed Horton, Donnie Mikuluk
Golf: Aidan Smith
Soccer: Butoto Bafukamire, Riley Forster, Seth Hammersmith, Touko Penttilae
Volleyball: Sophia Zarbo

 

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Volume 19, Issue 22, Posted 11:05 AM, 11.22.2023

LHS Seniors' Artwork Chosen For College Exhibit

Congratulations to Lakewood High seniors Turner Gilliland and Ryann Stirling on having their artwork selected for Otterbein University's 5th Annual Juried Art Exhibit! Turner and Ryann's pieces were  two of 65 chosen from more than 250 submissions. The exhibit will take place in December. Turner and Ryann are also eligible now for a $3,000 scholarship if they choose to attend Otterbein.

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Volume 19, Issue 21, Posted 9:45 AM, 11.08.2023

District Offering Social Emotional Learning Info Sessions

During the past several years, social emotional learning in schools has been a hot topic, hasn't it? Here in Lakewood City Schools, we've identified SEL, Diversity, Equity and Belonging as the lenses through which we approach our Vision of a Lakewood Ranger. We believe that parents and caregivers are students' first/most important influences for social emotional development, and we look forward to sharing ideas and insights! Lakewood City Schools administrators are hosting a parent/caregiver session to share foundational information about SEL and then open the session for an informal dialogue. There will be light refreshments and free child care by Help to Others (H2O) at the in-person session.

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Volume 19, Issue 21, Posted 9:45 AM, 11.08.2023

Student Athlete Leadership Team Has Big Plans

Lakewood City Schools’ Vision of a Lakewood Ranger does not just apply to the classroom and the work being done by the Student Leadership Athletic Team (S.A.L.T.) is proof positive! Through a series of projects that these student-athletes are spearheading, they are simultaneously displaying our Vision competencies of collaboration, communication, empathy, growth mindset and global citizenship at the highest levels. The aim of the projects is to connect our athletic program across grade levels and to the greater community as well.

At a recent Board of Education meeting, the S.A.L.T. members spoke about the projects each of them is leading. A sampling of projects that S.A.L.T. hopes to accomplish include:

  • Hosting military, youth and senior citizen nights for each sport.

  • Organizing a community-wide Homecoming 5k with an L-shaped route through the city.

  • Reaching out to elementary students with visits to schools to share the Rec Department opportunities available to them.

  • Continuing Ranger Readers program where student-athletes read stories to younger elementary students and share their experiences in youth sports.

S.A.L.T. is comprised of 56 mostly seniors and sophomores, the makeup of which is designed to have the senior leaders mentor the sophomores and help guide them into future leadership roles. Each senior is responsible for heading up an initiative.

Athletic Director Rob Slone, now in his second year with the District, believes S.A.L.T. is key to his mission of creating a culture in Ranger Athletics that embraces the connection between our sports participants across all grade levels. It reinforces the concept that we are all Rangers!

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Volume 19, Issue 21, Posted 9:45 AM, 11.08.2023

Readers Forum - Questions To Board of Education Candidates And Their Answers

We asked for questions to be sent in for Board of Education candidates, here are the top 5 Questions and the Candidates Answers.

1. LENGTH OF SCHOOL DAY:  Lakewood has the shortest elementary school day of any district in Cuyahoga County. Would you be willing to consider lengthening the elementary school day by 30 to 45 minutes? Why or why not?

2. ENROLLMENT:  Declining enrollment could pose a threat to the broad curriculum that is the hallmark of Lakewood City Schools. What ideas do you have for maintaining or increasing enrollment?

3. CURRICULUM:  This year, the amount of time elementary students spend in music and physical education was cut by over 50%. What is your understanding of the role that early music and physical education play in the long term cognitive, social and physical development of a child? Do you favor restoring this time?  

4.) TRANSPARENCY: While the Board of Education/Administration has sent out surveys and put together citizen committees in the past, when difficult decisions have needed to be made like the closing of an active school or curriculum changes, readers felt that those processes had predetermined conclusions and that the opinions of the community were not actually represented or considered. They cited the Phase 3 committee and the recent reduction of music and physical education at the elementary level as examples. How would you bring a more transparent, inclusive process to the way decisions are made and shared with the public?

5.) SAFETY: Lakewood High School was in the news this past year for being chosen for the implementation of safety measures like installing ballistic film on cafeteria windows and upgrading locks on classroom doors. Would you consider adding metal detectors and safety officers at points of entry throughout the District?

THEIR ANSWERS

Colleen Clark-Sutton

EXPERIENCE: I have more than 25 years of teaching experience at the high school and college level.  I hold certifications in school administration and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion). I have 2 children that grew up in and graduated from the Lakewood City Schools: I was an active member of the PTA throughout their school years. As a member of all three phases of the 50-year committee, I have a thorough understanding of what goes into our educational facilities and an ability to determine the cost versus value of different proposals.  I am an effective collaborator and communicator as evidenced by the success of three school levies and three school bond issues for which I was part of the campaign leadership and several local political campaigns that I managed. I work hard and persistently for the Lakewood City Schools, with compassion and open-mindedness, to find solutions for the challenges that face us.  

1) LENGTH OF SCHOOL DAY: Yes, I am willing to have that conversation. I support a thorough review and community conversation about changing the elementary school day for our students. This could include examining resource and staffing allocations for equity across all student ability levels. This could be a multi-month study seeking input from all school district stakeholders. Which subject areas are essential to student development and success? How much time is appropriate for quality teaching and learning? What are the administration’s contractual obligations? What costs are involved? Are there any savings to be realized? Can the community afford any changes to the status quo? Is there a rationale for keeping the elementary schedule as it is? (This requires collection of data via appropriate survey instruments open to multiple stakeholders, focus groups with teachers and other district staff, and community meetings that are widely advertised and offered at different times and days of the week.)

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Volume 19, Issue 21, Posted 10:29 AM, 10.18.2023

Callahan Seeks To Retain Seat On Board Of Education

For nearly the past four years I have had the privilege of representing our community on the Lakewood Board of Education. When I ran for office in 2019, I sought to add representation of a parent with children in the district to the Board, and to bring a perspective of a career public sector manager and parks & recreation professional. I am grateful for the opportunity the community has given me. I have been committed to working for our community and school district in a visible, approachable manner.  I have maintained a wide lens as a board member and understand that families in our community have very different needs, interests, experiences, and situations.

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Volume 19, Issue 19, Posted 1:47 PM, 10.04.2023

Join Me & Others For Colleen

I am a retired Lakewood elementary school teacher and I serve as the campaign treasurer for Colleen Clark-Sutton, a candidate for the Lakewood School Board. I, and my husband who is also a retired teacher, have known Colleen and her family for more than 20 years. She is intelligent and hardworking with a calm, reflective, and deliberate nature. This year’s School Board election includes ten candidates for three seats. Colleen is my first choice on November 7th because she is a diligent supporter of Lakewood’s diverse students and staff, while always in pursuit of improvement and excellence.

Colleen is a highly experienced educator who has been involved in the Lakewood City Schools through PTA & The Ranger Marching Band. She served on all four phases of the 50-Year Committee that led the school renovation/construction process. Colleen held a leadership role in several successful local campaigns including three school levies and three bond issues. Following her daughters’ graduations, Colleen has remained engaged in school-related activities with students and teachers. This includes coordinating LHS horticulture students who volunteer at the Beck Center gardens.

 

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Volume 19, Issue 19, Posted 11:59 AM, 10.04.2023

Emerson Earns State PBIS Bronze Award

Congratulations to Emerson Elementary, which has won an Ohio PBIS Bronze Recognition Award for 2023! PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) refers to a set of ideas and tools that schools use to improve student behavior and school culture. Award winners' PBIS efforts were evaluated in the areas of student expectations, behavior and discipline; teacher expectations; faculty, student and family involvement; and evaluation processes. The Emerson team will be honored at the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council's PBIS Showcase in January. The Ohio Leadership Advisory Council is a partnership between the Buckeye Association of School Administrators and the Ohio Department of Education.

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Volume 19, Issue 19, Posted 11:59 AM, 10.04.2023

85 Earn AP Scholar Honors

Each new school year the Lakewood City Schools celebrates its numerous Lakewood High School students who have earned the designation of AP Scholar by virtue of their scores on the college-level Advanced Placement exams taken in May. The District proudly congratulates the 85 current students and recent graduates - the most in years - who have earned AP Scholar honors thanks to their performance on their AP tests.

The College Board, which administers the AP program, also recognized two of our current seniors as part of its National Recognition Programs. Aaliyah Aziz and Aniya Johnson each earned the National African American Recognition Award. The award recognizes students who identify as African American or Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or Native who have taken an AP or PSAT exam and have a 3.5 or better GPA.

AP Scholars with Distinction (earned by averaging at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams): 

Lauren Barber, Charlotte Beno, Kaitlyn Bitter, Ainsley Bronson, Rowan Brown, Leah Campbell, Audrey Carson, Helinor Clark, Katherine Coleman, Rocco Crino, Tyler DiLoreto, Gavin Fulmer, Mateo Guajardo, Grace Hildebrandt, Ava Hitter, James Holland, Jill King, Lydia Kress, Alexis Lindsay, Abigail Marsh, Clare Morrissey, Madeline Oldfield, Alexander Peterson, Jackson Provost, Hutch Reed, Bailey Rohrs, Owen Rumsey, Kegan Weber, Megan Winters, Lila Wright, 

AP Scholars with Honor (earned by averaging at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams):

Meredith Barcelona, Ronan Barley, Layla Black, Ava Bruening, Aiden Clasen, Eliza Dreger, Jazmin Dunay, Carter Eardley, Jonas Evans, Alexandra Hodson, Michael Klasa, Rose Lipka, Amalijah Marich, Griffin Norris, Emily Potoczak, Jaxon Riley, Bode Smith, Scarlett Wankowski

 

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Volume 19, Issue 19, Posted 11:59 AM, 10.04.2023

LHS Lands Regional/State Orchestra Qualifiers

Congratulations to the five Lakewood High musicians chosen to be part of the Ohio Music Educators Association’s Northeast Ohio Regional Orchestra and extra applause to senior bassist Willow Detmar on being selected for the All-State Orchestra! Students must qualify for the Regional Orchestra to be eligible for a spot with the All-State ensemble. 

The five LHS musicians will perform with the Regional ensemble Nov. 5 at 2 pm at the EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall in Akron. The concert is free! The All-State ensemble performs at the OMEA annual conference, which will be held in Columbus in early February. 

In addition to Willow, our Northeast Regional Orchestra qualifiers are:

  • Margot King - violin
  • Abby Kovach - bass
  • Anna Maurer -  viola
  • Bryce Sandoval - cello

Congratulations to these talented and dedicated students!

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Volume 19, Issue 18, Posted 11:03 AM, 09.20.2023

Recycling Posters At Lakewood High School

With recycling codes frequently changing, many Lakewood students (and parents) are unclear about what can and cannot be recycled. Starting for the 2023-24 school year, the LHS halls feature student-created posters that advise students on how to properly recycle in the City of Lakewood. Let's break down some of the slogans that these posters feature. 

"When in doubt, throw it out" -- Even though this may seem counterintuitive, if you are unsure of whether or not an item is recyclable, it's always best to throw it out. If recycling supplies contain too much trash, they become contaminated and are thrown out. 

"Not all plastics are recyclable" -- Most of us know that plastic is recyclable but very few of us know which types of plastics are recyclable. In general, bottle-shaped plastics are recyclable while clamshell-shaped plastics are not. A good rule of thumb is that plastic containers that get narrower at the top are recyclable.

"Empty, clean, and dry" -- Always make sure that items are empty, clean, and dry before putting them in the recycling bin! This helps prevent contamination and makes the recyclables easier for the machines to process at the recycling plant. 

To learn more about proper recycling in the city of Lakewood, visit https://cuyahogarecycles.org. 

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Volume 19, Issue 18, Posted 11:03 AM, 09.20.2023

LHS Boasts 7 National Merit Scholars

Congratulations to Lakewood High School senior Carter Eardley, who has been named a Semifinalist in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Corp. competition! This designation recognizes Carter as among the top students in the nation based on junior year PSAT scores. LHS also boasts six Commended Students, seniors Rowan Brown, Jazmin Dunay, Mateo Guajardo, Hutch Reed, Cameron Wereb and Max Winters.

Carter is part of an elite group of 16,000 Semifinalists across the country whose PSAT scores in the 2022-2023 school year put them in the top tier of the more than 1.3 million students who took the PSAT. Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U. S. high school seniors and are the highest scoring entrants in their state. The number of Semifinalists named in each state is proportional to the state's percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors.

Carter is now eligible to continue on in the competition in hopes of being named a Finalist and receiving one of more than 7,100 scholarships worth nearly $28 million to be awarded in the spring. Finalists will be notified of this designation in February.

National Merit Scholarship Corp. Commended Students are among the top 5% of PSAT scorers. Although Rowan, Jazmin, Mateo, Hutch, Cameron and Max do not move on in the scholarship competition, we recognize them as among the best students in the state.

Congratulations to these seven academic standouts!

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Volume 19, Issue 18, Posted 11:03 AM, 09.20.2023

LHS Event To Showcase School Offerings

Lakewood High School will host its annual LHS Showcase event on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 6-7 pm in the school cafeteria. The event features information tables and hands-on activities from all the academic departments and extracurricular clubs and sports available to Lakewood High students. Coming to the Showcase is a great way to see all the opportunities that make Lakewood High such a rich place to grow and learn! The event is for any family and/or student interested in learning more about Lakewood High, from the advanced course and career-tech offerings to the myriad options for students to explore their passions in the clubs and sports. Come check it out!

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Volume 19, Issue 18, Posted 11:03 AM, 09.20.2023

Martha Woerner For Lakewood School Board

I am Martha Woerner, and I’m running for a seat on the Lakewood Board of Education this fall. As a passionate believer in the power of public education to transform lives, I decided to run for a seat for two reasons.

First, I am the parent of two young children (a 2 1/2 year-old and a newborn) who are future Lakewood students, and I believe that our board needs greater representation from this demographic. Parents of young children are in it for the long-haul with the district - my youngest son will graduate in 2041 - and we have  specific needs and perspectives as we navigate preschool and out-of-school time, enroll our children for the first time in school, and set our children up for long-term academic, professional, and personal success. The decisions that the board makes today are the ones that will affect our children’s education for years to come.

Secondly, I have deep experience in public education that I believe would be an asset to the board and district administration. I’ve dedicated my career to figuring out how to make public education systems work so that each student is positioned for success, which requires educators to be set up to do their best work in classrooms every day. With nearly 15 years of experience working with and within K-12 education systems, I’ve built an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that schools and districts face. I have worked in research, policy, strategic planning, human resources, finance, and stakeholder engagement, many of which are key responsibilities of the board.

 

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Volume 19, Issue 17, Posted 3:28 PM, 09.06.2023

Vote For Commitment And Experience

My name is Linda Beebe. I am running for re-election to the Board of Education because I believe in public education, and I believe that children deserve the best that public education can offer: quality teachers, a safe, open creative, growth-minded, and diverse environment and programming that meets the needs of all individual students.

I have served the Lakewood Board of Education for forty years. I have lived in Lakewood for 50 years with my husband Dr. Bruce Beebe and our children Meg and Aaron, both of whom graduated from Lakewood City Schools. Prior to going to law school, I taught English and history for 15 years, partly in Lakewood and Scotland. I am now a practicing attorney with an office in Lakewood. I love reading, photography, travel, and anything to do with schools and teaching. 

I do not have children currently enrolled in the district. I believe that my role is to look at a broader picture than that that viewed by those candidates with children in the school. While I believe that it is important to have board members with children in the schools, my commitment is to bring my years of experience and a broader focus to help determine the best practices for all children as well as district-wide issues and concerns. 

 

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Volume 19, Issue 17, Posted 3:28 PM, 09.06.2023

Ohio Traffic Safety Office Awards Westshore Enforcement Bureau Funding For Teen Driver Education Scholarships

Westshore Enforcement Bureau (WEB) announces the availability of teen driver education scholarships courtesy of funding from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO).  The grant will help teenager’s in low income and/or families that are struggling financially to get access to free driver training. Attendance at one of the Westshore High Schools in Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake is required. Financially eligible families with students (15 ½ to 17 yr. old) with a valid temporary permit can be referred through their schools guidance office for an application.

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Volume 19, Issue 17, Posted 3:28 PM, 09.06.2023

LREF Awards $18K In Teaching Grants

At the 2023-2024 school year opening Convocation for all Lakewood City Schools staff, the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation (LREF) awarded nearly $18,000 in teaching grants for staff. The grants will be used to fund 20 unique and innovative learning experiences created by the District’s amazing teachers. 

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Volume 19, Issue 17, Posted 3:28 PM, 09.06.2023

Come Work For Lakewood Schools!

Lakewood City Schools is ramping up for the coming school year and is hiring for the following positions:

  • Substitute teachers
  • Classroom aides
  • Lunch monitors
  • Recess monitors 
  • Cafeteria workers

The non-teaching positions are for both permanent employees and substitutes. You can view open staff positions on our Human Resources Department page at www.lakewoodcityschools.org/ departments/human-resourcesemployment. Substitute applicants can apply directly at www.rachelwixey.com.

Come join our K-12 team!

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Volume 19, Issue 15, Posted 2:44 PM, 08.02.2023

LREF Summer Fundraiser Kicks Off

Did you know that the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation (LREF) provided more than $41,000 in scholarships to members of the Lakewood High School Class of 2023? Or that LREF awarded nearly $14,000 in teaching grants for Lakewood City Schools staff members for the 2022-2023 school year? These are just a couple of the myriad areas in which the Foundation is able to help provide support for Lakewood City Schools students and staff. To do so, LREF runs several fundraising campaigns throughout the year. LREF will be kicking off its Summer Fundraising Campaign week on Sunday, July 30, which is National Public Education Day. 

Beyond the teaching grants and scholarships, LREF provides significant supplemental funding to the Lakewood City School District for academics, performing and visual arts, athletics, clubs, scholarships, and more. Some examples include providing support for private student music lessons, new marching band uniforms, specialized athletic equipment and training clinics and transportation for the 4th grade field trip to see the Cleveland Orchestra. Money raised in the Summer Fundraising Campaign will be dedicated to the Foundation’s Teaching Grant Program.

Teaching grants are awarded annually to support innovative classroom and co-curricular projects led by Lakewood Schools faculty, and benefit students at every grade level in all buildings. If our campaign this summer is successful, LREF hopes to award a greater number of grants and dollar figure beyond the $13,700 given out last school year.  Some of the teaching grant projects LREF has funded in past years include elementary Battle of the Books, CREATURES in the Classroom for the Lakewood High MILES unit, Middle School Soccer Club, Lakewood High Model UN and Academic Challenge clubs, elementary reading and STEM projects, CHAMPS Cafe at Horace Mann Elementary, Gardening Club, various field trips, and more. 

 

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Volume 19, Issue 15, Posted 2:44 PM, 08.02.2023

New Harding Assistant Principal Named

The Lakewood Board of Education recently approved Trina Poole, current assistant principal at Findlay High School, as the next assistant principal for Harding Middle School. Poole will replace April Patton, who is taking over as principal at Garfield Middle School for the departing Robin Pettiegrew.

Before serving as an assistant principal for the Findlay City Schools, Poole served as a high school social studies teacher for the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District for 23 years. Poole is a lifelong learner, evidenced by the four higher education degrees she has earned. Poole received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in American politics, both from the University of Akron, a master’s degree in secondary education from Kent State University and a master’s degree in educational administration, also from Kent State. 

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Volume 19, Issue 14, Posted 1:59 PM, 07.19.2023

Rotary Awards Scholarships To Five High School Seniors

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River has awarded college scholarships to five area graduating seniors.

Recipients include Matthew Esdon of Rocky River High School, Maggie McGann of Lakewood High School, Bert Wirtz, Jr. of St. Ignatius High School, and Lindsay Farrall and Kate Seeley of Magnificat High School. Each will receive $3,000 Donald W. Strang, Jr. Scholarship awards from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation. This $15,000 scholarship program is part of nearly $70,000 that the Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club donates to community programs each year.

In addition to demonstrating academic achievement and potential, these five Rotary scholarship winners were chosen for their character, as well as extracurricular and community involvement.

Maggie McGann’s extracurricular activities included Lakewood High School’s Help to Others service club, especially its program offering training for younger students on how to be safe when they have to be “Home Alone” for a while until their parents get home from work. Maggie was also involved in track and field and volleyball. One of her teachers commended Maggie for her “genuine and deep capacity for empathy.” Maggie is excited to go to Xavier University prepare for a career as a teacher.

Matthew Esdon is a young man with a strong sense of direction and purpose, as evidenced by his attainment of the Order of the Arrow in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a varsity swimmer, recognized for his leadership with the Triple Impact Competitor Award. Matthew was a member of symphonic and marching bands. His peers look to him for inspiration. Matthew will attend Miami University to study business.

 

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Volume 19, Issue 13, Posted 6:16 PM, 07.05.2023

West Shore Student To Compete In Culinary Nationals

Congratulations to West Shore Career-Tech Culinary Arts student Sophia Kowalski, who has qualified for the 2023 FCCLA National Leadership Conference Baking and Pastry competition in Denver in July.

Sophia competed at the regional and state competitions and qualified for the nationals in April. She then scored in the top 30 in the country on the online American Culinary Federation/NOCTI baking exam, a new qualification requirement this year, and will compete against 30 students from around the country in Denver for culinary scholarship opportunities.

All competitors at the event, to be held July 1-6, will prepare the same recipes and will be judged on sanitation, production, presentation, time management, professionalism and, most of all, taste! Good luck to Sophia!

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Volume 19, Issue 12, Posted 4:07 PM, 06.21.2023

Ranger Classic Golf Outing Raises $30K

A fabulous time was had by all at the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation Ranger Classic Golf Outing on June 9 at Valley of the Eagles course in Elyria. The foundation raised more than $30,000, all to benefit programs for Lakewood City School District students at all levels and in all buildings! A capacity 124 golfers experienced a gorgeous day on the course!

The foundation would like to thank everyone who participated, donated and sponsored! The money raised doesn't happen without all of you! Special thank you to our repeat title sponsor, Senney Enterprises. This year we had several new sponsors and we look forward to welcoming more support from our local businesses and organizations next year. Whether you were a sponsor or donated auction items or services, we are so grateful! 

This year's sponsors and donors included:

Admiral Products
Aladdin's Eatery
Around the Corner
Balance Foot & Ankle
Barton Communities
Bartos & Co. LPA
Best Greening Services
Brad Grant & Kate Murray '85
Delong Staffing Specialists
Brindza, McIntyre & Seed LLP
Cleveland Kitchen & Design
Clifton Club
Collision Bend Brewery
Dewey's
Dinerbar on Clifton
Emerson Elementary PTO
Erie Design
Evergreen Podcasts
First Federal Lakewood Banking & Investments
Forage
Friends of Colleen Clark-Sutton
Garfield Middle School PTSA
GDP Group
Geiger's
Getner Chiropractic
Georgetown
Haven
Hayes Elementary PTO
Horace Mann Elementary PTA
Immigrant Son
Jason Shachner
Jason Verderber
Johnson Bentley Wealth Management
Judge Tess Neff
Kevin Butler
Lakewood Board of Education members
Lakewood Council of PTAS
Lakewood Recreation Department
Lakewood Teachers Association
Lakewood Truck Park
Laskey & Costello
Law Offices of John Podgursky

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Volume 19, Issue 12, Posted 4:07 PM, 06.21.2023

Ranger Finishes 4th In State Long Jump

Congratulations to Lakewood High School rising senior Kaydence Doxley on finishing fourth in the long jump at the State Track & Field Championship Meet earlier this month. Kaydence earned All-Ohio status for her top eight finish! Kaydence also competed in the 200 meters at the meet. Kaydence was not the only Ranger who qualified to compete with the best track and field athletes in the state. She was joined at the meet by Aniya Symons, who qualified in the long jump and Charlie Payne, who ran the 3200 meters. Congratulations to these three athletes and their coaches on a fantastic season!

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Volume 19, Issue 12, Posted 4:07 PM, 06.21.2023

Employment Opportunities:Fall High School Sporting Events & Activities

Like Sports? The Community Recreation and Education Department has employment opportunities for the Event Staff position for Fall High School Sporting Events & Activities. Event Staff are the direct representatives of the Lakewood Board of Education and the Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation & Education Department during Fall High School Sporting Events & Activities. The primary duties and responsibilities are, but not limited to, the monitoring and managing of all facility events, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

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Volume 19, Issue 12, Posted 4:07 PM, 06.21.2023

Employment Opportunities: Lakewood Recreation

The Community Recreation and Education Department has employment opportunities for the Event Staff position. Event Staff are the direct representative of the Lakewood Board of Education and the Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation & Education Department during non-school hours. The primary duties and responsibilities are, but not limited to, the monitoring and managing of all facility events, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

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Volume 19, Issue 12, Posted 4:07 PM, 06.21.2023

Learning About Transitional Justice At LHS

Can a society really make its way back from genocide and other mass atrocities? Is it possible for survivors to once again live as neighbors with the perpetrators who killed their friends and family? Is there a clear roadmap to both justice and true healing?

We do not yet know. 

What we do know, however, is what happens when we don’t try to create that roadmap. Enduring trauma. Bitterness. Vengeance. An inevitable cycle of violence. 

And that is why Cleveland State Sociology professor, Michael Skladany, insists we wrestle with the ideas of transitional justice. 

According to Dr. Skladany, Transitional Justice is an “overarching framework that consists of retributive and restorative mechanisms that envisions the traumatized society moving from authoritarianism to democracy.” It includes all the initiatives needed to bring a community true justice and true healing. Dr. Skladany, who is also a committee member of Ohio’s Holocaust and Genocide Education Network, spent two days with Lakewood High students explaining the possibilities --and the complexities-- of transitional justice. 

Lakewood High School’s Human Rights and Conflict class has been studying the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, during which 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates were killed in a span of three months. Dr. Skladany, who teaches Genocide Studies at CSU, knows a lot about how societies become genocidal. 

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Volume 19, Issue 11, Posted 2:20 PM, 06.07.2023

Rangers To Exit Great Lakes Conference

Lakewood City Schools and seven other schools have submitted letters to withdraw from the Great Lakes Conference and form a yet to be named new conference after the 2023-2024 school year. The withdrawals will leave Elyria Catholic as the only school remaining in the Great Lakes Conference, which began play under the Ohio High School Athletic Association with the 2015-16 school year. Lakewood joined the conference in the 2020-2021 school year.

The decision to withdraw from the GLC comes after events impacting the structure of the conference occurred. Parma City Schools closed Parma High School, and Fairview Park City Schools plans to leave the conference to join the Chagrin Valley Conference, leaving the GLC with only nine participating districts.

Lakewood, along with Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, North Olmsted, Buckeye, Normandy and Valley Forge will form an eight-team conference. The eight districts believe this conference configuration will allow for more flexibility in scheduling.

“We enjoyed our time competing in the GLC and look forward to a new alliance with our Northeast Ohio neighbors and continuing our friendly rivalries," said Athletic Director Rob Slone.

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Volume 19, Issue 11, Posted 2:20 PM, 06.07.2023

Scholarship Money Available For Rec Department Summer Programs

The Lakewood City Schools Recreation & Education Department is pleased to announce that we have been approved as a service provider for the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program. The ACE program provides funds to a student’s parent or guardian to use on various enrichment and educational activities. The program is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Ohio Department of Education.

Information on how to apply for up to $1,000 per child (ages 6-18) to spend on camps, music lessons, enrichment and educational activities can be found on the ACE website at www.aceohio.org. Parents must meet eligibility requirements based on residency, income (extended to 400% of federal poverty levels), or government social program participation. Once approved by ACE, parents may register for programs through the Community Recreation & Education Department. 

Ways to Register:

1. Online - parents pay at the time of registration and submit their receipt to ACE directly for reimbursement.
2. By phone (216-529-4081) or in person at the Lakewood Recreation Department (located on the LHS campus, corner of Bunts & Franklin, Door 31) and the Rec Department will invoice ACE. Verification of your acceptance from ACE is required for registration.

Programs approved by ACE: 

Summer day camps 

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Volume 19, Issue 11, Posted 2:20 PM, 06.07.2023

Middle School Teams Earn Top Mock Trial Honors

Garfield and Harding middle schools participated in the statewide Middle School Mock Trial Showcase sponsored by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education on April 28. It was the first time since 2019 the showcase was held in the state courthouse in Columbus after three years of conducting the competition by Zoom. Teams from both schools won multiple "Best Attorney" and "Best Witness" awards!

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Volume 19, Issue 10, Posted 3:10 PM, 05.17.2023

Lakewood Kiwanis Awards $145,000 In Scholarships For 2023

Trumpets .....

Lakewood Kiwanis Scholarship Foundation is proud to announce our 2023 recipients for this year’s graduating high school seniors. The following 15 graduates are being awarded fourteen $10,000 and one $5000 for vocational, for their academic, citizenship and leadership abilities. Thank you to all the applicants. This scholarship fund is funded through the efforts of The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood. The Lakewood Kiwanis Swing Dance and legacy donations were just two of our major fundraisers.

The winners of the 2023 Lakewood Kiwanis Scholarships are: Lauren Barber - Lakewood HS, Ethan Brown - St Ignatius HS,  Cassidy Cipollo - Home School & Tri C College Credit Plus Program, Ryanne Eisnaugle - Lakewood HS, Alexandra Horton - Lakewood HS, Samantha Hudak - Lakewood HS, Madeline Kratz - Lakewood HS, Grace Lamparyk - Lakewood HS, Brendan Litten - St Edward HS, Maggie McGann - Lakewood HS, Jaxson Riley - Lakewood HS, Jordan Rossen - Lakewood HS, Madalynne Sorge - Lakewood HS, Lydia Watkins - Lakewood HS,  ($5000) Bert Wirtz  - St Ignatius HS.

The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood is the leading service organization in Lakewood and last year we celebrated 100 years of service. Along with our scholarships, we also support Lakewood High Key Club, Harding Builders Club, K Kids Club’s at Grant, Horace Mann, and Horizon B&A Care at Harrison and Emerson. #KidsNeedKiwanis

Anna Bacho is a member of Lakewood Kiwanis.

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Volume 19, Issue 10, Posted 3:10 PM, 05.17.2023

LHS Quartet To Join ABBA Tribute Act's Show

Four Lakewood High orchestra students will soon be on stage with the touring FABBA Show, an ABBA tribute act that has played to audiences overseas and is now performing in the U.S., including a show in Elyria. Joining the FABBA performers on Sunday, May 7 at 7:00 pm the Stocker Arts Center on the campus of Lorain County Community College will be LHS' string quartet of Jill King (from left in photo), Lilly Metzger, Bode Smith and Lydia Kress. The quartet will join the professional musicians on stage for two songs to lend some local talent to this high energy homage to one of the world's most beloved pop groups of the '70s. 

In addition to receiving superior ratings at regional and state solo and ensemble festivals, members belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO) the OMEA Northeast Regional Orchestra (NERO) and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO).

All four members participate in “The Lakewood Project,” the world’s first high school rock orchestra, where students learn to arrange the music they love and perform it on electric and acoustic instruments.

The producers of The FABBA Show approached Lakewood High School Orchestra Director Dr. Elizabeth Hankins looking for a talented ensemble of high school students which could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show commonly reaches out to local high school orchestras, making donations to their school music programs in exchange for student participation.

Tickets are $30 - $50 and may be purchased by phone at (440) 366-4040, in person at the Stocker Box Office or online at www.stockerartscenter.com. The Stocker Arts Center is located at 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035. The show is appropriate for all ages.

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 12:21 PM, 05.03.2023

Do You Remember? Out Like A Lion, In Like A Lamb…Or April Showers Brings May Flowers

Like many of us who remember these aphorisms from our past educational experiences, so it was last Friday for many third grade children of our public and parochial schools in Lakewood. 

Arbor Day of April 28th gave our children a learning experience of what the Arbor Day "Growing Zones" are, and why it is typically in April, here in Ohio. I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of third graders at Roosevelt Elementary who enthusiastically appreciated the chance to take a sapling and some flower seeds home with them to plant and grow. 

How did it begin? With my curiosity about the origin of Arbor Day activities in America, and especially in Lakewood, "The City Of Trees." I learned last year from the Arbor Foundation of Lincoln, Nebraska that the idea of planting trees in the original Nebraska Territory came to the mind of J. Sterling Morton on April 10, 1872.
On subsequent years, J. Sterling and his friends planted over one million trees in Nebraska and the activity has continued to today, even expanding into South America, including the Rain Forests of Brazil. I have been procuring the little trees from the Arbor Foundation for the past two years now for our Lakewood children to grow.

So, this past Friday, our children learned the importance of Arbor Day and with a smile in my mind, I saw the excitement of the children arriving home with their little Dogwood Tree sapling and a packet of flower seeds yelling, "Hey Mom, (or Dad) where can I plant my tree?" Best wishes and thoughts on your child's experience.

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 12:21 PM, 05.03.2023

Rotary Honors Speech, Music, Visual Arts Student Achievement

Winners of Rotary’s Four-Way Speech Contest, and the music and visual arts competitions, were honored at a gala event at the Beck Center on April 17.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River, the contest annually showcases the incredible talents of students attending one of five high schools – Lakewood, Lutheran West, Magnificat, Rocky River, and St. Edward.

The speech contest first place winner was Edie Barcelona, who represented the club at the Rotary district 6630 competition on April 22. Her speech was entitled, “Dance: The Art of Discrimination.”

Also honored were Ari Frischauf, second place, who used men’s figure skating to present a speech on gender and biology; Zoe Pace, third place, who spoke about The Pink Tax; and Hutch Reed, honorable mention, whose speech highlighted the state of drug laws within the United States. All students are from Lakewood High School. Their teacher is Ms. Amy Garritano.

Speeches must be of original content and be based on “The Four-Way Test of Rotary” which asks, “Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Will it build goodwill and better friendships, and Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood has been a valued partner of Rotary for this event, serving as the liaison to educators at the high schools and providing the venue and judges for various phases of the competitions.

 

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 12:21 PM, 05.03.2023

LHS Junior's Essay "Hearing Colors And Tasting Sounds: What Is Synesthesia?" Earns Spot In NY Times

Congratulations to Lakewood High School junior Erica Frischauf for earning a spot in the top 10 for The New York Times' 4th annual Student STEM Writing Contest! Her essay was selected from more than 3,000 entries worldwide. Of the over 3,000 essays received from around the world, the Times chose 10 winners, 11 runners-up and 23 honorable mentions.

The contest required students to select a STEM-related question, concept or issue they're interested in, and, in 500 words or fewer, explain it to a general audience in a way that not only helps readers understand, but also engages them and makes them see why it’s important.

You can read Erica's essay below or go to https://tinyurl.com/y264k8c9

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 12:21 PM, 05.03.2023

District Named A Best Community For Music Education

Lakewood City Schools has earned the designation of Best Communities for Music Education from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education for the seventh straight year! Lakewood is one of only 47 districts in Ohio and 830 in the country that earned the designation. 

Now in its 24th year, the award program recognizes districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the District answered detailed questions about funding, fine arts graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music programs. 

The Lakewood City School District offers music education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Instrumental instruction begins in 5th grade. Middle school offerings include classroom band, orchestra, and choir with extracurricular opportunities in all three.

The high school fields five orchestras, four choirs, three bands, and classes in music theory, music history, pop music and keyboard. In addition, our high school extracurricular ensembles provide numerous opportunities for our students to enhance their musical experience through groups such as the Lakewood Ranger Marching Band, The Lakewood Project, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, just to name a few.

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 12:21 PM, 05.03.2023

Rotary Honors Outstanding West Shore Career-Tech Students

On April 3, the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River hosted the 25th annual West Shore Career-Technical District Outstanding Student Awards at its weekly luncheon, at which 14 recipients were honored for their dedication, leadership, and accomplishments in their career-technical programs. 

West Shore Career-Technical District Education Coordinator William DiMascio spoke highly of this year’s nominees, saying, “Career-technical education students are the driving force of innovation and progress in our society. Being recognized as an outstanding student by Rotary is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We are so proud of these students and their accomplishments.” 

Each award recipient is automatically nominated for the “Career-Technical Student of the Year” award, which will be announced later in the school year at the annual Career Passport Assembly.

The 2022-23 Outstanding Student Award recipients are: Avery Darroch, automotive technology; Eric Barber, business management; Jayden Thompson, community-based program, Gordon Food Service; Hunter Tate, community-based program, Wyndham; Grant Ospelt, construction trades; Christian Reyes, culinary arts; Rebecca Frolo, early childhood education; Tyler DiLoreto, electronic engineering technology; Say K-Pyu Moo, health careers; Muriel Bourn, media art and design; Sophie Wilmot, medical office management; Victor Cottrell, networking and cybersecurity; Alexa Colburn, engineering technology, Project Lead the Way; Eli LaDue, sports and exercise science; and Grace Lamparyk, theatre arts.

 

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 1:06 PM, 04.19.2023

House Principal Named New West Shore Director

The Lakewood Board of Education at its April 3 meeting approved Yakoob Badat as the next coordinator of career-technical education beginning Aug. 1, 2023. Badat will replace Bill DiMascio as the next leader of the West Shore Career-Technical District, a Lakewood High-based consortium of the Lakewood, Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake school districts.

Badat has served as a house principal at Lakewood High School since he joined the District for the 2010-2011 school year. Before coming to Lakewood, Badat served as 9th grade principal at Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s John Marshall High School, where he also served as an intervention specialist.  

In addition to his work in secondary education, Badat brings a wealth of global experience to any position he holds. In addition to serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa in his younger days, Badat also founded in 2013 the Nanze Children’s Services in Malawi, Africa. Nanze’s mission is to provide initiatives in education, water, and poverty reduction for Malawians. 

Said Human Resources Director Jeff Schlade in his introduction of Badat to the Board: “In over 13 years working on behalf of Lakewood’s High school students, Yakoob has continued the goal of not only achieving the highest educational standards for secondary students but he also encourages open communication with both parents and our Lakewood community.“

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Volume 19, Issue 8, Posted 1:06 PM, 04.19.2023

LHS Artists' Work Chosen For Governor's Exhibit

Congratulations to the five Lakewood High and West Shore Career-Tech students whose artwork was selected to be part of the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition in Columbus. The work of Sophie Boyer (two pieces), Corey Johnson, Clare Morrissey, Mia Szymczyk and Lila Wright will hang in the exhibition at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus during April and May.

Sophia, Clare and Lila are students of Dayna Hansen, and Corey and Mia are in Anne McQuay’s Media Art & Design class in the West Shore Career-Tech District.

From the 8,069 regional entries, 1,300 were selected to enter the state judging.

Judges received more than 8,000 entries from high school students across the state and from those the judges selected 348 pieces to be part of the exhibition.

In addition to the six pieces selected to be shown in Columbus, 26 other pieces of art by LHS and West Shore Career-Tech students were honored at the regional competition and moved on to state judging. The students who earned regional recognition are:  

 

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Volume 19, Issue 7, Posted 4:16 PM, 04.05.2023

LHS Students Earn Top State Reflections Honors

Congratulations to four Lakewood High students whose artwork was honored at the state level in the PTA Reflections art recognition program! Junior Edie Barcelona leads the list as the recipient in the high school dance choreography category of an Award of Excellence, Ohio PTA's highest honor. Her piece will move on to national judging.

Also earning recognition from the Ohio PTA, all in the literature category, were juniors Ashley Van Gunten, Olivia Diemert and Reagan Bratko. Ashley earned a second-place Award of Outstanding Achievement, Olivia earned an third-place Award of Merit and Reagan earned a 2nd Honorable Mention.

The Reflections program offers students from schools with active PTAs the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to submit works in seven arts areas: literature, dance choreography, film/video production, musical composition, photography, visual arts and special artist. All entries must follow a chosen theme, which this year was “Show Your Voice!”

 

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Volume 19, Issue 7, Posted 4:16 PM, 04.05.2023

LHS Students Sweep Rotary Speech Contest

Lakewood High School juniors swept the top four spots of the Speech category in the 78th Annual Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River Speech, Music, and Visual Arts Contest sponsored by Beck Center. Contest participants are students from the five Lakewood and Rocky River high schools including Lakewood High School, Lutheran High School West, Magnificat High School, Rocky River High School, and St. Edward High School. Awards are given for first through fourth place. 

Leading the way was Edie Barcelona, who won $750 and the right to move on to the district finals on April 22. Rounding out the top four were Ari Frischauf ($500), Zoe Pace ($300) and Hutch Reed ($250). This is the second straight year for an LHS speech sweep!

The speech contestants were asked apply the principles of Rotary international’s Four Way Test to a current ethical issue. Students are challenged to identify a topic they feel passionate about and to adopt a point of view from which they will seek to persuade others. The Four Way Test includes the questions:

Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Congratulations to all our Lakewood High School winners!

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Volume 19, Issue 7, Posted 4:16 PM, 04.05.2023

Some FAQs About District Specials Change

In February, the Lakewood City Schools administration announced that it would accept the recommendation put forth by a co-facilitated committee tasked at evaluating our elementary specials rotation. The recommendation was to revise the schedule so that students will experience the current specials of art, music and physical education each week throughout the school year and to introduce two new specials - STEM and Library - Information and Digital Literacy - to the rotation.  We hope that this list of FAQs will clarify some of the questions and/or concerns that have been raised in the community and with our administration and Board of Education members:

What prompted this change?

Our classroom teachers and specials teachers advocated for our team to take a look at our specials schedule to see if we could provide students access to offerings throughout the entire school year and to see if there were ways to preserve classroom time (currently library visits and lessons from our STEM teachers are taking time from them).

A presentation given to the Board of Education by the two co-facilitators of the specials schedule committee, Director of Teaching and Learning Steven Ast and teacher Jessie Holland, goes into detail about the reasoning behind the change (presentation is available at lakewoodcityschools.org).  The committee that developed the new schedule included classroom teachers, specials teachers, a student wellness specialist, principals, and district administrators.  

 

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Volume 19, Issue 7, Posted 4:16 PM, 04.05.2023

Superintendent Listen & Learn April 18

Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki's last Listen & Learn of the school year will be on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 pm at Taft Center for Innovation, 13701 Lake Ave. Listen & Learns are a chance for parents and community members to speak directly with the superintendent about any concerns or thoughts about the District. As a bonus with this final session, a tour of Taft will be provided afterward for those who may want to see our Board of Education offices, which in 2019 underwent a complete renovation from a former elementary school. The session will conclude by 7 pm. Feel free to drop in any time!

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Volume 19, Issue 7, Posted 4:16 PM, 04.05.2023

District Begins Facilities Usage Study

The Lakewood City Schools has secured the services of the architectural firm GPD Group to conduct a facility study to assist in the assessment of the current use of District facilities and explore opportunities to maximize the use of those facilities and resources. The study will include an assessment of existing conditions and use, a review of educational programming needs, a review of enrollment projections, and the facilitation of a Facility Study Task Force to provide feedback and develop recommendations for facility improvements. The task force is comprised of staff, parents and community members.

“As educational leaders, we have a responsibility to care for, protect, and maintain our facilities and buildings,” said Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki. “Additionally, we have the responsibility to periodically review the use of our facilities and the role each facility plays in helping us achieve our mission in ways that are financially responsible, sustainable, and provide the greatest opportunities for our students’ growth.”

Over the coming months, updates on the progress of this process will be posted regularly on the District website. The District will also be hosting a series of community engagement events and opportunities for feedback later this spring. 

“The Lakewood City Schools is fortunate to have a long history of support and partnership with the community,” said Board of Education President Michael J. Callahan. “The community has supported the district’s mission of developing responsible citizens who are critical and creative thinkers, committed to lifelong learning, invested in a diverse society, and prepared for technological and global opportunities through many ways, including the building of excellent educational and athletic facilities for our students and community members.”

 

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Volume 19, Issue 6, Posted 12:10 PM, 03.15.2023

Lakewood Kiwanis Is Calling All Graduating Hgh School Seniors…

--who live in Lakewood. We have scholarships to award.

The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood is proud to be offering its 2023 scholarship program to graduating high school seniors. The club’s foundation increased the awards to FOURTEEN $10,000 scholarships, $2500 per year for 4 years each.

Edward Hadaway, Kiwanis scholarship committee chairman said, “Eligible applicants can be students at any accredited high school, but must be a resident of Lakewood and a citizen of the United States. They must demonstrate academic success in high school and must have applied to one or more specific college or university. Winners will be chosen based on need for financial assistance; community involvement and service; with qualities of leadership, honesty, loyalty, diligence and participation in extracurricular activities.”

Applications and contact information is online at www.kiwanisfoundation.com. Please submit by April 1, 2023.

Lakewood Kiwanis serves Lakewood youth. We celebrated our Centennial year in 2021. 
#KidsNeedKiwanis

Anna Bacho is a member of Lakewood Kiwanis.

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Volume 19, Issue 5, Posted 8:21 PM, 03.01.2023

LHS Spring Musical Set For March 10-12

The Lakewood High School Barnstormers Drama Club and the George P. Read Performing Arts Department proudly present "Anastasia: The Musical!" Inspired by the beloved film, Anastasia transports the audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of 1920s Paris, as a young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Tickets for the musical are available at a presale discount price online of $8. Tickets are $10 at the door. The Barnstormer spring musicals are always a bargain for such great entertainment! Performances are March 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 pm in the Civic Auditorium. Go to www.payschoolsevents.com to buy your presale tickets.

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Volume 19, Issue 5, Posted 8:21 PM, 03.01.2023

District Boasts 47 Scholastic Art Award Honors

Congratulations to the 30 Lakewood High School and the West Shore Career-Tech Media Art & Design students whose artwork has been honored in the Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition competition. The artists earned 47 awards collectively, including six Gold Keys, the highest honor given. Gold Key winners move on to be judged at the national level of the 98-year-old competition. 

Lakewood and West Shore students were well-represented at the Silver Key and Honorable Mention levels as well. Our students won 22 Silver Keys and 19 Honorable Mentions.  

The Cleveland Institute of Art hosts the regional competition that recognizes creative achievement in 7-12 grade students in Northeast Ohio. The young artists and writers compete for cash prizes, medals, and scholarship awards. A panel of local professional artists, art educators, writers, and writing educators jury the exhibit and select the awarded pieces from nearly 3,000 entries.

All gold and silver award-winning pieces will be on display at the Cleveland Institute of Art Jan.14-Feb. 3.

Congratulations to all the winners and their teachers, Gray Cooper, Dayna Hansen, Anne McQuay and Arline Olear. 

Gold Key: (approximately 7-10% of entries)

Sophia Boyer  – Photography 
Elma Coralic – Photography 
Carolina DeJesus – Photography (West Shore)
Sadie Gregg - Photography 
Grace Hildebrandt - Printmaking 
Hadeal Mohesen - Photography (West Shore) 

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Volume 19, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.18.2023

Ranger Alumni Happy Hour Jan. 26

Once a Ranger, always a Ranger!

Come join your fellow Lakewood High graduates for a fun happy hour event that will brighten these gray January days! All class years are invited to Immigrant Son Brewery, owned by Class of '90 graduate Andrew Revy, on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 6-8 pm. Snacks and a drink ticket will be provided.

Bring a friend and come re-connect with old friends and share your stories of your Ranger days!

The event is sponsored by the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation.

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Volume 19, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.18.2023

LHS Pair Runners Up In NY Times Contest

Congratulations to Lakewood High senior Helinor Clark and junior Grace Bratko on being selected as runners up in The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest in which students were asked to write about a meaningful life moment in 100 words or less. Thirteen winners and 23 runners up were chosen out of 12,448 entries. Quite an accomplishment for Grace and Helinor! You can read their tiny memoirs below:

"Our Records"
by Grace Bratko

I pull out a dusty vinyl and place it on my record player. You sit in admiration while I tap my fingers on the table. You sing in a falsetto. I flip records and chat about the song. We sip tea, burning our tongues, and our knees touch together. It’s getting dark out, you think of going home early. “Just wait until the end of this side,” I say.  We both know that you weren’t going to leave, that you just wanted to hear me ask you to stay. I’m glad I said it, and the record keeps spinning.

"Going, Going, Gone"
by Helinor (Ellie) Clark 

Filled with prepubescent angst, I attempt to ignore your baseball game antics. Stretching the seventh inning’s lyrics longer than the rest of the crowd. Scarfing down a sixth “dollar dog.” Betting on Mustard to win the Hot Dog Derby (I preferred Ketchup). Still, I sulk into your shoulder in the nosebleeds, wondering why you’d waste our bonus night on baseball. And then the unbelievable happens – the deafening strike of wood on cork and cowhide! I stand, but I can’t see, even from the thirty-second row, until you put me on your shoulders as Tom Hamilton announces, “It’s going, going, gone!”

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Volume 19, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.18.2023

Superintendent Listen & Learn Jan. 24 @ Cove

Lakewood City Schools Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki will hold a Listen & Learn session on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2022 at 9:15 a.m. The session will be held at Cove Community Center, located at 12525 Lake Ave. There is a public parking lot off Clifton Boulevard. This is a great chance to check out the CIty of Lakewood’s wonderful new community space. The session is a one-hour informal discussion. Superintendent Niedzwiecki welcomes your thoughts, ideas and concerns about the District. Hope to see you there!

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Volume 19, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.18.2023

Kindergarten Info Night Set For Jan. 19

Lakewood City Schools' Kindergarten Parent Information Night will be held Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at 6:30 pm at Grant Elementary School. Students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2023 in order to be eligible to enter kindergarten in Fall 2023.The program will include a presentation by Director of Teaching & Learning Steven Ast, who will share details about the curriculum and the registration process. Registration for next school year begins on Monday, Jan. 23. Preschool registration begins Jan. 17. Call 216-529-4203 for more information.

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Volume 19, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.18.2023