July/August 2008/Volume 9

Board Seeks, Listens, and Responds to Citizen Feedback on Facilities

In response to feedback from our three cost-effective solution for this problem. Board communities this summer, the Board of Therefore, the Board has chosen to continue President Education has chosen to continue the with the discussions into the fall. Dave Pusti community engagement process through this The Berea City Schools are committed presented fall, rather than placing a bond issue on the to providing the best opportunities and information at nine ballot in November. The Board is committed learning environments for our students. facility Q & A to engaging the community in this process, We have a rich legacy of excellence, which meetings in as is evident by the number of opportunities is even more critical today. Therefore we July. provided over the past year for our citizens believe we must move forward and address to share their thoughts and ideas. Initially, the issue of outdated, inefficient, and education, enrollment, and financial expensive facilities that do not adequately students with 21st-century learning tools, needs were identified in district-wide provide the necessary learning environment keep our communities attractive, and save planning meetings in 2007-2008 attended to equip our students to compete in this over $1.5 million every year in energy and by hundreds of residents. Following the global economy. operations with this proposed plan. Facility Committee’s report in March 2008, As you may know, we are planning We appreciate the fact that many the district asked for additional feedback to close our administration building, community residents took the time to make from the community. Community priorities and considering renovating Big Creek their voices heard on this important issue. were ranked through an in-depth telephone Elementary in Middleburg Heights and As we move forward, we will continue to survey, and nine community meetings were Brookpark Memorial Elementary in Brook work with the community in providing held in July, involving hundreds of residents Park, and consolidating elementary schools the best opportunities and learning across the district. Throughout this process, in Berea. Our dated elementary schools may environments for our students. Please we heard clearly from our residents that look fine, but they have too much space for continue to be part of the process of helping these are tough economic times and that the our enrollment and are educationally and our students achieve dreams they never community would like the most efficient and operationally inefficient. We can provide imagined possible.

State Auditor Recognizes District for Excellent Financial Accountability

Auditor of State Mary Taylor’s office presented Berea City School District officials with the “Making Your Tax Dollars Count” award for their fiscal year 2006 audit.Fewer than five percent of all government agencies are eligible for this award. “The Berea City School District is truly dedicated to fiscal accountability. I commend Berea City School District officials for their hard work and encourage them to continue their commitment to efficient financial record keeping,” said Taylor. Certain criteria must be met to receive the “Making Your Tax Dollars Count” award. Standards include: • The entity must complete and submit a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). (from left, front row) Board Vice President Gale Patten, Board President • There must be no findings or issues present in the audit report. Dave Pusti, Board member Dave • There must be no other financial concerns involving the entity. Thurau; (back row) Board member Fred Szabo, Auditor of State Regional Berea City School District Treasurer Randal Scherf accepted the award on behalf of his Liaison, Michelle Stys, Treasurer Randy Scherf, and Board member Robert staff and the district. Drake. Paul Kish Named Principal

The Berea City School District welcomes Paul Kish as the new principal at Midpark High School. Mr. Kish spent the last seven years as the assistant principal of Westlake High School, and prior to that, he was an assistant principal at both Avon Lake Middle School and Harding Middle School in Lakewood. Mr. Kish began his career in education as a high school English teacher at Tiffin Columbian High School and Gateway High School, Florida, where he also coached high school football, basketball, and baseball. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from The and his Master’s in Educational Administration from Bowling Green State University. Currently, he is enrolled at Kent State University where he is completing his Ph.D. Mr. Kish and his wife, Karen, have two children, Kaylee, age 14, and Luke, age 11.

Midpark High School Student Panelists Midpark Librarian/Media Specialist Hold Discussion On Korea is Chosen for Trip to China Congratulations to Kathleen Maciuszko, Midpark librarian/media specialist, who through a competitive application process, was chosen to join approximately 400 educators from across the to travel to China from June 23 - July 1 on an educational tour called the 2008 Chinese Bridge Delegation. The purpose of the trip was to deepen American educators’ understanding of China, to discover ways to incorporate Chinese into classrooms, Dr. Kathleen Maciuszko and Mandarin teacher, Mrs. and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas Ching-Ling Huang, worked (from left) Midpark student panelists Gabrielle Matthews, Joy between American and Chinese educators. A together on the grant Viceroy, Greg Cherry, and Bryan Ciccarello, and (back row) number of organizations collaborated to make the application for the Beijing Mr. Cheon Joon-Ho, Economic Counselor, Embassy of the trip. In her preparation Republic of Korea; Ms. Gabrielle Price, Office of Korean Affairs, trip possible, including China’s Office of Chinese for the trip, Dr. Maciuszko U.S. Department of State; and Ambassador Charles L. (Jack) Language Council International, College Board, reviewed some of the Pritchard, Korea Economic Institute. the Asia Society, and the Chinese Embassy in materials provided by Ching- Ling and her students and Washington, D.C. Through the efforts of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs also by district gifted services As our delegate, Dr. Maciuszko is bringing teacher, Mrs. Linda Heath and Dr. Kathleen Maciuszko at Midpark High, on May 14, . back to our district a deeper tie to China and Ambassador Jack Pritchard of the Korea Economic Institute its educators. Dr. Maciuszko worked with Mrs. Ching-Ling Huang, who has and representatives from the State Department and the taught Mandarin Chinese to a group of 7th-graders from Ford and Roehm this Korean Embassy participated in a panel discussion with year, to formulate her proposal. The trip will enable her to assist Mrs. Huang students from Midpark High School about Korea and its by developing collections of Chinese language and culture resources in our economic issues. Student panelists were Gabrielle Matthews, libraries. On the trip, Dr. Maciuszko explored future cooperative ventures with Senior; Joy Viceroy, Junior; Greg Cherry, Sophomore; Bryan China, such as teacher exchanges, student exchanges, and distance learning Ciccarello, Freshman. Midpark’s three exchange students opportunities with classrooms in China. She sees this trip as an educator’s – Jasmin Israel (Germany), Yuki Ishii (Japan), Dejchart “golden opportunity at a time when globalization is accelerating.” Ruengtagdee (Thailand) closed the event by presenting gifts to The trip’s itinerary included arrival in Beijing followed by visits to a number each guest. That same evening, the three speakers presented of primary and secondary schools in and outside Beijing. The group observed an evening program for the public at the Union Club. Several classes, and met with educators and students. Midpark students were in attendance.

Superintendents, Teachers, Students Meet with Educators from Saudi Arabia

Fifteen local superintendents from Northeast Ohio school districts met with 11 ministers of education from Saudi Arabia on the morning of May 20 at the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County. The visitors were interested in learning about U.S. public school education. The educators participated in small group sessions to discuss public education, funding, curriculum, and parental and community involvement in schools. Afterward, the Saudi educators met with local teachers and students to discuss school life, extracurricular activities, and other topics of interest to youth. Both Midpark and Berea High Teacher Jane Darrow, Berea Schools attended. The Midpark High students included Greg Cherry, High student Bryan Bohrer, Katie Fink, Sarah Jervis, Sarah Lambert, and Gabrielle Matthews. and one of the 11 Saudi Berea High was represented by students Philip Bassani, Bryan Bohrer, Ministers of Education visiting Cleveland. Allison Cassidy, Joe Sadek, and Mike Schnurr. Dr. Kathleen Maciuszko Partnering with Berea City Schools in (Midpark) and Ms. Jane Darrow (Berea) accompanied our students. education and the arts. Berea City School District Announces Partnership with Playhouse Square Berea City School District has officially been designated as a “Partner in Performance” by the Arts Education Department at Playhouse Square. This important and creative partnership reflects the district’s commitment to enriching student learning in and through the arts. Matt Deevers, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Berea City School District, offers that this program is one of the cornerstones in the district’s Avenues of Excellence, and provides incredible experiences for our students. The goals of the Partners in Performance program at Playhouse Square are to expose students to live performing arts and to provide support (from left) Gabrielle Matthews and Khoi Vo, and National for teachers to integrate live performing arts into the curriculum for the Achievement Scholarship Finalist Arielle Tucker. improvement of student motivation and performance. “Research has shown that using the arts in the classroom has a positive Gabrielle Matthews and Khoi (Kenny) Vo from Midpark High influence on motivation and building the required skills for the workplace School were named National Merit Finalists in the 2008 Merit of tomorrow, among other benefits,” stated Colleen Porter, Director of Arts Scholarship Competition. They were among 15,000 students in Education at Playhouse Square. “We created Partners in Performance the nation who were officially named as finalists. Less than one as a simple and cost-effective way for districts to support educators in percent of U.S. high school seniors in each state are finalists. integrating the arts into their classroom work. It gives me great pleasure Students who achieve finalist status are eligible for National to welcome Berea City Schools to the distinguished roster of Partners in Merit scholarships, corporate and college-sponsored scholarships. Performance districts.” Arielle Tucker, also from Midpark, was named as Finalist for As a Partner in Performance, Berea City School District is eligible for the National Achievement Scholarship Program. This program, special benefits from the Arts Education Department at Playhouse Square, also operated by National Merit, recognizes outstanding Black including arts integration materials and staff development opportunities, American high school students. There were 700 national winners priority seating for Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Discovery in this program. Theatre Series for Schools performances, partial funding for transportation to Playhouse Square, and representation on the Playhouse Square Education Advisory Committee. “The financial assistance for transportation is greatly appreciated, Students Participate in Midwest especially in these times of increased fuel costs,” said Berea City School Academic Talent Search District Superintendent Derran Wimer. The Partners in Performance program at Playhouse Square is made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors. More information about Partners in Performance is available by calling 216-348-7909 or by visiting www.PlayhouseSquare.org/ArtsEducation

Xavier Payton, Berea High Senior Girls’ Basketball, two-year letter winner, 2007-2008 SWC Second Team, and winner of the Emma Matcham Benjamin Farris BHS Pride Club Award, has received a scholarship Nine students from Ford and Roehm Middle Schools participated award to continue her in the Midwest Talent Search this spring. Midwest Academic basketball career at Notre Talent Search (MATS) is a regional program coordinated through Dame College in South Euclid, OH. Xavier is the Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development daughter of Kimberly involving six Midwestern states. Payton. She is pictured In MATS, talented students in grades 3-9 may participate here with Notre Dame in above-grade-level testing in order to be recognized for Girls’ Head Coach Johnny extraordinary achievement, as well as to help plan for the future. Bollin. Students may take the ACT, SAT or EXPLORE assessments. Students scoring in the top 1% are invited to a recognition Smith Elementary Students Participate in ceremony in Chicago at Northwestern University. This year, Ford 6th-grader Emma Matcham has been invited to the ceremony for Ohio Statistics Poster Competition medalists in Chicago. Students scoring in the top 2% are invited Smith Elementary School’s first grade students in Tracy Stajcar’s to participate in a recognition ceremony at The University of class and second grade students in Natalie Longmuir’s class entered Toledo. Ford 7th-grader Benjamin Farris was invited to Toledo’s the 2008 Ohio Statistics Poster Competition. The group placed third ceremony. in the Grades K-3 division. Their topic was, “What is your favorite Top-scoring Cleveland area students are invited to an type of chocolate?” Participating students were Kaylee Edwards, annual recognition dinner coordinated by the Greater Cleveland Kyle Jelen, Madelyn Masie, Rosie Miller, Logan Rollins, and Cullen Coordinators of the Gifted. In addition to Emma and Benjamin, Zaferopolos. Their advisor was Smith parent Dawn Rollins. The Ford 8th-grader Joshua Orack and Roehm 8th-grader Alyce group won a plaque and $24 cash to be divided among the students. Thompson have been invited to the Cleveland recognition. Second grade students Brendan Fudale, Jacob Sutter, Lawrence Ta, Haylee Tokay, and Aidan Wentzel, also advised by parent Dawn Rollins, won Honorable Mention with the topic “Did the Browns Win?” 3 Berea High School’s “Top 10”

Frances Claire Sayler - Valedictorian - daughter of James & Laura Saylor - will attend Hamilton College majoring in Chemistry National Merit Commended Scholar; Judy Norton Service Award for Swim Team; Ralph Hilty Music Award; Dr. Paul Gallaher Scholarship; Pam Smith Alumni Scholarship; Phi Beta Kappa Award; Activities: Varsity Tennis; Varsity Swimming; Orchestra; Symphonic Winds; Marching Band.

Ashley Faye Smith - Salutatorian - daughter of Cody & Debra Smith - will attend Smith College majoring in Computer Science and Japanese Language & Literature Dora Windex Zollman Scholarship; Leadership Scholarship; Outstanding Senior in Spanish; National Merit Commended Student; Ohio Board of Regents Award; A.P. European History Student of the Quarter; Volunteer of the Month; English Student of the Quarter (two times); Spanish Student of the Quarter (three times); A.P. U.S. History Student of the Quarter; Letter in Volunteering; Activities: National Honor Society; Key Club Treasurer; Student Aide; Academic Challenge; Freshman Mentoring.

Mark Allen Preston - Third in Class - son of Kevin & Lenor Preston - will attend The Ohio State University majoring in Aerospace Engineering Provost Scholarship (OSU); Ohio Board of Regents Ohio Academic Scholarship; James V. Connell Scholarship; 2007 Michelson-Morley Award; 4-year Academic Achievement Award; SWC Honorable Mention (Soccer 2007); SWC Scholar Athlete Award (Soccer 2007, Baseball 2007); U.S. Marine Corps. Distinguished Scholar Award; Wilbur Swartz Mathematics Award; State Board of Education Award of Merit; Activities: National Honor Society; Soccer (4 years, 2 Varsity Letters, 2nd place in SWC, 2007); Baseball (4 years, 2 Varsity Letters, 2nd place in SWC, 2008, 2008 District Runner-up); Basketball (1 year); Physics Club; French Club.

Jayne Blumenthal - Fourth in Class - daughter of Robin Blumenthal - will attend The George Washington University majoring in Biology and Pre-Med Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award; OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award; Duncan J. Moore Memorial Scholarship; Award of Merit; Gifted Services; Extreme Recycling Club; Activities: National Honor Society; Varsity Soccer; Marching Band; Physics Club; Academic Challenge; Symphonic Winds.

Christopher Reuben Wade - Fifth in Class - son of Raymond & Vicky Wade - will attend Case Western Reserve University majoring in Chemistry Academic Hall of Fame; Fourth Year Academic Achievement Award; Fairwood PTA Scholarship; Award of Merit; Scholar Athlete Award; Case Western Reserve University Grant; CSP Scholarship; Wendy’s High School Heisman Award; Cross Country MVP Award; Swimming’s Lechner Award; Eloise Tressel Award; Cross Country’s “Class of the Peak” Award; Archie Griffin Award; Marching Band’s Ethan Conrad Award; Activities: National Honor Society; Cross Country; Marching Band; Swimming; Track; Jazz Band.

Katelyn Rae Eilbeck - Sixth in Class - daughter of Nevan & Brenda Eilbeck - will attend Ohio Wesleyan University with an undecided major Ohio Wesleyan University Trustee Scholarship; Award of Merit; Scholar Athlete Award; Activities: National Honor Society; Varsity Soccer; Marching Band; Varsity Softball; Symphonic Winds; Physics Club; Jazz Band.

Phillip Michael Eisner - Seventh in Class - son of Gary & Elizabeth Eisner - will attend The Ohio State University majoring in Engineering or Business Provost Scholarship from The Ohio State University; Second Team All Conference in Football; Second Time Scholar Athlete; Berea PTA Scholarship; 110% Award for Football; Activities: Varsity Football; Varsity Baseball; Physics Club; Extreme Recycling Club.

Philip Bassani - Eighth in Class - son of Stelo & Cynthia Bassani - will attend Washington and Lee University majoring in History or Political Science Academic Scholarship; J.B. Crabbs Award; Jack Cola Athletic Scholarship; Jeffrey D. King Scholarship; U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award; Outstanding Social Studies Student; National Honor Society Scholarship; Scholar Athlete Award; Spillman Award; Activities: National Honor Society; Football; Wrestling; Track.

Aaron Obadiah Lawrence Schuschu - Ninth in Class - son of Frank & Katherine Schuschu - will attend Wilmington College majoring in Psychology/Criminal Justice Wilmington College Dean’s Scholarship; Century Award for Cross Country; Coaches Award for Cross Country; Cindy Wyar Award for Marching Band; Captain Award for Wrestling; Golden Headgear Award for Wrestling; Varsity Letter in Cross Country; Marching Band; Wrestling; Track; Activities: National Honor Society; Cross Country; Track; Wrestling; Marching Band; Key Club; Symphonic Winds; German Club.

Christopher John Yutzy - Tenth in Class - son of James & Mary Yutzy - will attend The Ohio State University majoring in Pre-Med Provost Scholarship from The Ohio State University; Kiwanis Club Scholarship; Parknoll Elementary PTA Scholarship; Ohio Board of Regents Ohio Academic Scholarship Program; Award of Merit; Scholar Athlete Award; Activities: National Honor Society; Varsity Soccer; Varsity Wrestling; Physics Club; Extreme Recycling Club; Gifted Services.

4 Midpark High School’s “Top 10”

Mark Edward Syvuk - Valedictorian - son of Max & Mary Ann Syvuk - will attend Case Western Reserve University majoring in Math and Music Challenger Social Studies Department Award; Bob Grewe Math Department Award; Robert Byrd Honors Scholarship; Activities: Marching Band; Concert Band; Jazz Band; Musical Pit; Magic Pit; Orchestra; ARML, OHMIO.

Wayne Tse - Salutatorian - son of Kwock & Su Tse - will attend Case Western Reserve University majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry Distinguished Participation Award; Scholarship Achievement Award; Award of Merit; President’s Award for Educational Excellence; Academic Letter; Scholastic Letterman; Science Department Award; Michael J. Shugar Memorial Scholarship; Berea Board of Education Scholarship; Midpark High School Alumni Association Scholarship; Midpark PTA Scholarship; Midpark National Honor Society Scholarship; Student of the Month; Student of the Quarter; Subject Area Class Award; Principal’s Honor Roll; A.P. Scholar; Service Letter; Top 20 Volunteer; Academic Hall of Fame; Activities: National Honor Society; Band; Orchestra; Choir; Show Choir; Swimming; Cross Country; Track; Class Executive Board; Student Council; Camp Mi-Bro-Be Counselor; Hand In Hand; Bloodmobile; Mock Trial; Model United Nations.; Key Club; Cleveland Clinic Intern.

Kevin David Stack - Tied for Third in Class - son of David & Diana Stack - will attend Ohio Northern University majoring in Pharmacy Randolph C. Leach Memorial Key Club Scholarship; Brook Park Lions Club Scholarship; Midpark Alumni Association Scholarship; Midpark High School Activities Scholarship; Strongsville VFW Scholarship; Midpark Babe Ruth Award; Activities: National Honor Society; Cross Country; Track; Key Club.

Eric Stephen Stack - Tied for Third in Class - son of David & Diana Stack - will attend Ohio Northern University majoring in Pharmacy Midpark Alumni Scholarship; Dr. J.R. Andrisek Scholarship; Midpark PTA Book Scholarship; OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award; Activities: National Honor Society; Cross Country; Track; Key Club.

Jeffrey Alan Miranda - Fifth in Class - son of Tim & Carol Miranda - will attend University of Dayton majoring in Civil Engineering University of Dayton Presidential Scholarship; Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce Scholarship; Richard and Joanna Conway Honorary Engineering Scholarhsip; Ohio Academic Scholarship; Robert Byrd Scholarship; National Merit Commended Student; Activities: National Honor Society; Hand In Hand; Freshman Baseball Team; Key Club.

Rachel Ann Gardner - Sixth in Class - daughter of Rick & Bonnie Gardner - will attend Case Western Reserve University majoring in Biology 2008 GM Chev-Vets Salaried Retiree Association Scholarship; Award of Merit; President’s Outstanding Academic Excellence Award; Scholastic Awards; Activities: Midpark Rep for District’s Performance Review Team; Fastpitch Softball (Freshman & Sophomore); Freshman Basketball.

Leah Catherine Driscoll - Seventh in Class - daughter of Brian & Ann Driscoll - will attend Otterbein College majoring in Journalism English Department Award; National School Orchestra Award; National Merit Commended Student; Music Boosters Scholarship; Otterbein Presidential Award; Dean’s Award; Music Participation Scholarship; Department of Communications Scholarship; Who’s Who Among America’s High School Students; Drama Club Best Supporting Actress; Activities: National Honor Society; Orchestra; Baldwin-Wallace Senior Youth Orchestra; Drama Club; Choir; St. Paul United Church of Christ Youth Group; OMEA Solo & Ensemble Contest; Midpark Monitor Assistant Editor; Ohio Reads Volunteer; National Shakespeare Competition.

Mark Thomas Matthews - Eighth in Class - son of Tom & Liz Matthews- will attend Grove City College majoring in Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Participant (Math) 11th & 12th Grade; 800 on Math SATj; Second in Ohio Math League (11th Grade); Student of the Quarter; Activities: Youth Group (Leadership Team); Assistant Rec Coach; Gift Services; Model United Nations. (1 year); Math Contests.

Gabrielle Elizabeth Matthews - Ninth in Class - daughter of Joe & Kathleen Olexa - will attend Case Western Reserve University majoring in International and Asian Studies Case Western Trustees’ Scholarship; National Merit Finalist; Berea PTA Council Scholarship; Academic Letter and Two Pins; Volunteer Letter Pin; Activities: Key Club International; AFS Club; Drama Tech Crew.

Brian Russell Kaiser - Tenth in Class - daughter of Steven & Debra Kaiser - will attend Ohio Wesleyan University majoring in Chemistry OWU Faculty Scholarship; Presidential Award; Award of Merit; Distinguished Participant Award for OML; Scholastic Achievement 4th year; Academic Letter and Two Pins; A.P. Calculus Class Award; Letter for Cross Country and Track; Activities: Cross Country; Track and Field; Swimming; Model United Nations.; Mock Trial (Regional Qualifier).

5 Brookview and Fairwood Singers Selected Smith Teacher Wins First Place in the for All-State Honor Choir Botanical Division of the Focus 2008

Brookview and Fairwood Elementary Schools will be well represented at Photographic Competition this year’s Ohio Choral Directors Association All-State Honor Choir. This Congratulations to Mrs. Jan Sipl, Smith Elementary outstanding group rehearsed and performed June 23-25 at Otterbein teacher, who won first place in the Botanical Division College in Westerville, Ohio, under the direction of renowned Children’s of the Focus 2008 Photographic Competition of Solon Choir director Sharon Rodkey Smith of Spokane, Washington. Thirteen and North West Ohio with her photo of a “White Brookview Style and Fairwood Bulldog Singers chorus members were Orchid.” Her other entry, “Through the Door,” in selected and represented our school district in the choir. There were over the Architecture Division, was selected as Judges 150 students participating from throughout the state. Congratulations Choice. Mrs. Sipl also won second place in the Nature to the following vocalists: Fairwood: Katie Avallone, Talia Flanick, and Division of Cleveland Photographic Society’s Year Olivia Reyes; Brookview: Fred Assmus, Ashley Cammerata, Taylor End Photo Competition with her photo “Ice Storm.” Clawson, Malyssa Huba, Elena Joyce, Damien Passalacqua, Dylan “White Orchid” Check out her Flickr site to see other photos at Reagan, Brianna Rodriguez, Brandy Russo, and Maddie Sopkovich. photograph by www.flickr.com/photos/23291684@N02/ Jan Sipl Mrs. Sipl has extended her photographic talent and interest into her classroom. Using a C.D., water drops, and white light, students have created and photographed 2007 Berea City School District Re-Roofing reflection and refraction of light and posted their photos to the class Flickr site www.flickr.com/photos/25385206@N08/ Projects Win Contractor Award The 2007 Berea City School District Re-Roofing Projects, completed by Midpark Senior Wins West Roofing Systems, Inc. in Berea, recently won a national award Hermes Creative Awards from the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance at their 2008 conference. Congratulations to Midpark senior, Annette The 2008 Contractor Awards Program highlights the best practices Drapac, who was just notified that the work she demonstrating the exceptional benefits of Spray Polyurethane Foam. In did last summer as a Creative Learning intern addition to all the project benefits cited in the award, such as the use with the Cleveland Clinic has won a number of environmentally responsible products and materials throughout, a of Hermes Creative Awards. Hermes Creative portion of the roofing materials purchased is being allocated by West Awards is an international competition for creative Roofing to a scholarship fund at Ferrum College for new students professionals involved in the concept, writing and majoring in environmental sciences. The Environmental Sciences design of traditional and emerging media. Judges program at Ferrum is a national leader in environmental education. are industry professionals who look for companies As noted on the Alliance’s website: “The School District’s 2007 Re-roof and individuals whose talent exceeds a high Project did a lot more than insulate and waterproof 11 buildings. The standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the district has provided an example to the students, community, other school industry. There were approximately 4,000 entries from across the districts and businesses of social and environmental responsibility.” United States and several other countries in the 2008 competition, For more information, please visit http://www.sprayfoam.org/index. and Annette won a Gold Award for her Health eXpressions Postcard; php/page_id=374 an Honorable Mention for the Learning Connections Newsletter; a Platinum Award for mRi: myRESEARCH Illuminated Streaming Video; and a Gold Award for mRi:myRESEARCH Illuminated DVD.

Seeds from Space at Midpark By Len Muni, Midpark science teacher

Seeds that have flown in space have arrived The seeds were planted on April 4, 2008. By April 7, 14 of 25 of the at Midpark High School. The seeds were space-based seeds had sprouted, while only 3 of 25 Earth-based seeds had carried aboard Space Shuttle Endeavor on sprouted. By April 8, 23 of 25 of the space-based seeds had sprouted. The Flight STS-118. The mission was launched tallest had reached 13 mm in height. On the same date, only 4 of 25 of on August 8, 2007, and returned to Earth on the Earth-based seeds had sprouted; the tallest being 12 mm. August 21, 2007. Astronaut Barbara Morgan, By the end of the experiment, 24 of 25 space-based seeds had who was Christa McAuliffe’s back-up in the sprouted, compared to 4 of 25 Earth-based seeds. The tallest space-based Teacher in Space Challenger flight, finally seeds reached a height of 110 mm, compared to 75 mm for the Earth- achieved her dream with this shuttle mission. based seeds. It is not known why the space-based seeds did so much Photograph by Len Muni After serving as Christa McAuliffe’s back-up, better than the Earth-based seeds. It remains for NASA to determine how these seeds from space will help to determine the best way to grow Student David Cook Barbara Morgan returned to the classroom adds a measured for a number of years. In 1998, she returned food for future astronauts. amount of water to to NASA to become a Mission Specialist NASA’s interest in seeds in space is based on the needs of future long- the spaced-based, Astronaut, so her August flight took place 22 term space exploration. Long-range plans include sending astronauts as well as the Earth- years after being selected as the back-up in the to Mars. The trip to Mars alone takes from eight to nine months. The bound seedlings. Teacher in Space program. crew would probably explore Mars for a number of months and then face The space seeds that arrived at Midpark another eight- to nine-month trip back to Earth. The entire mission could were requested as part of a program to involve students in the shuttle potentially take over two years. Being able to grow their own food would program. The cinnamon basil seeds that flew in space were accompanied eliminate the need to transport a huge amount of food from Earth to by another nearly identical packet of seeds that had not flown in space. Mars and back. The Earth-based seeds and the space-exposed seeds were grown under And who knows? Perhaps some of the students who participated in near-identical conditions and results were compared. After the data was this “seeds in space” activity will one day achieve dreams they never reported to NASA, students in Midpark’s Astronomy class were issued imagined possible and be part of the crew of NASA’s first mission to certificates of participation. Mars. 6 2008 Midpark High School Boys Track Team Berea/Polaris Senior Achieves Gold Wins the Southwestern Conference Medal Honors at the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America State The 2008 Midpark High School Culinary Competition Boys Track Team won four Invitationals and were the Congratulations to Berea High Southwest Conference Champions, senior and Polaris student Lindsay which brought Midpark its first Otterbacher who achieved Gold Medal track championship in forty years. Congratulations to teammates: honors at the Family, Career, and Tony Aftim, Devin Auber, Zach Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state culinary competition Babal, John Barber, Jacob Bartlett, at Hocking College. Lindsay received the award for constructing her Photograph by Ohio School Pictures Zach Bartlett, Randy Beckish, “Retro Redesigned” food tray in the Garde Manger category (cold Mason Bednash, Steven Beight, food display). Her award-winning display consisted of a watermelon Nick Biada, Will Bruce, Adrian Burke, TJ Card, Casey Castenir, Greg salad, Southwestern couscous salad, and shrimp shooters. Lindsay Cherry, Tim Chippy, Bryan Ciccarello, Jordan Cieslik, Ryan D’Achilles, is the first student in Ohio to ever repeat as champion in the Joey Dinardo, Andrew Emley, Eric Fegan, Gianni Gagliardi, Cosmin same event. As a first place winner, Lindsay was awarded several Gherghel, Mark Gorrow, Bobby Grace, Cody Halko, Tyler Herold, Maurice college scholarships, including a free ride to Hocking College, Hill, Mike Horner, Chris Huba, Ryan Jones, Brian Kaiser, John Kostyo, $6,000 to Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky, $5,000 to the Spencer Krumheuer, Anthony Lucas, Shawn Lunney, John Maykut, Ryan McCarthey, Craig McCarthy, Shawn McClusky, Jason McCombs, Anthony Connecticut Culinary Institute, and $1,000 to Johnson and Wales Meriwether, Eddy Mogilnicki, Paul Montanari, Chris Myers, Yacek University. Nazarczuk, Conner Neu, Sam Noureddine, Ethan O’Connor, Greg Peck, Adam Saintz, DJ Sarinana, Luke Sarko, Rob Shymske, Josh Sours, Eric Stack, Kevin Stack, George Teetzel, Wayne Trotter, Tom Turoczi, and Josh Berea High Senior Named 2007-2008 Wiemels. Statesman of the Year Ford Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Congratulations to Berea High senior Joseph Sadek who was recently named Track and Field Team wins First Ever the 2007-08 Junior Statesmen of America Southwest Conference Championship (JSA) Statesman of the Year. Joseph is the Congratulations to: Canon Abbenhaus, only regional (Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Jacob Abbenhaus, Farris Aziz, Josh West Virginia, and Indiana) recipient of Boros, Bryan Cagle, Brenon Crofford, this distinguished recognition. Joe Dimitrov, Jackson Gagliardi, Kyle Heineke, Evan Krumheuer, Brennan Lance, Nick Lopez, Nate Meadows, Markus Mirandilla, Kevin Moehring, Nick Murray, Aaron Owens, Daniel Rivera, Leland Rummery, Trevon Sawyer, Berea High Senior Awarded First Place in Andrew Law, Lou Styles, Max Smith, Photography at the Governor’s Art Awards John Descenzo, Christian Schill, Simon Boutros, Sean Burns, Austin Duong, Anthony Elkady, Tyler Bruening, Tyler Higgins, Matt Hoang, Jerry Congratulations to Berea High senior Hopkins, Robbie Huey, Taylor Hunt, Kyle Johnson, Alex Kalnasy, AJ Kotris, Mike LaGruth who was awarded first Nathaniel Lattimer, Scott McKee, Eric Minica, Cooper Muldoon, Brendon place in photography for his photo “Want” Myers, James Nascembeni, Kevin Onderco, Kory Petrosky, Joe Phillip, Greg (which also made regional judging at the Pishek, Daniel Proffitt, Alec prokay, Kenny Reckart, Branson Repasy, Ian Governor’s Art Awards) and third place Russo, Carl Scheu, Mo Wahdan, Andrew Weber, and Brian Wargo. for his photo “Flower” at the 43rd Annual Student Art Exhibit at Tri-C. Mike is currently blazing new trails as a Photo Ford Students Win Fourth Place Award 6 student at BHS while expanding his horizons in the program at Tri-C. at 18th Annual Lego Olympiad The 18th annual Lego Olympiad was held on April 11 at Lorain County Community College. It was hosted by LCCC’s student chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and was Students in Jan Della Penna’s first grade sponsored by the Nordson Corporation. Over 500 students classroom at Riveredge participated from all over the area. Congratulations to Ford Elementary released their Middle School students Sam Apathy, Brandon Baciak, and Jeremy butterflies back to nature Gaspar, who were fourth-place award winners in the Theme as a culminating activity to their science unit. While Division for their design of a farm of the future. In this division, studying how animals students were given a theme and had to work together to design, grow and change, the first document, and construct a project based upon that theme. There graders observed and were two other divisions. The Open Division students created and monitored the butterflies built their own Lego design. This year in the Computer Controlled during each stage of their growth and development Division, each team had to build and program a robot to go around Photograph by Nancy Paris from larva to pupa to the a NASCAR-type track independently. adult stage. 7 2008-2009 School Calendar

August 26 First Day of School for Students September 1 Labor Day October 17 Professional Development Day November 4 Staff Inservice Day November 26 Parent/Teacher Conferences November 27 & 28 Thanksgiving Vacation Dec. 22 - Jan. 2, 2009 Winter Vacation January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 23 Staff Inservice Day February 13 Parent/Teacher Conferences February 16 Presidents’ Day March 30 - April 3 Spring Vacation April 10 & 13 Holiday May 25 Memorial Day June 11 Last Day of School for Students

The above information has been taken from the newly-revised 2008-2009 school calendar that was adopted last spring. Please visit www.berea.k12.oh.us to view the entire calendar.

“Mark” your calendars for Mark Wood and This newsletter is printed using a process that is water- Electrify Your Strings III on October 1 at the Allen based and, therefore, emits nothing into the air. The Theater in Playhouse Square. More than 500 ink has a high percentage of soy bean, and the paper is of our students will participate in this program high-percentage recycled. The printing company recycles which is funded by grants from Cuyahoga all waste, paper, ink, and plates, and is in the process of Arts and Culture Project Support, Nordson Corporation, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, getting a Forest Stewardship Council certification. and Educational Community Foundation. You REALLY don’t want to miss this!

Our Vision: To Inspire Excellence

Our Mission: To help students achieve dreams they never imagined possible

Our Goals: Accelerate Student Achievement Fund the Future Promote Excellence with One Voice

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE... is the official publication of the Berea City School District serving the communities of Berea, Brook Park, and Middleburg Heights. Non-Profit Org. Board Office U.S. Postage 390 Fair Street Berea, Ohio 44017 P A I D 440-243-6000 Permit No. 156 Berea, Ohio Ohio Relay 1-800-750-0750 Derran K. Wimer www.berea.k12.oh.us Superintendent ECR-WSS Board of Education Dave Pusti, President Gale Patten, Vice President Robert Drake Fred Szabo Dave Thurau ______Nancy Braford, Editor Dave Cornelius, Photographer Gayle Rocco, Desktop Publisher

The Berea City School Think Globally, Educate Locally District is a member of the Berea, Brook Park, and Middleburg Heights An Equal Educational Opportunity and Equal Employment Opportunity Institution Chambers of Commerce.