April/May 2008/Volume 8

A Vision for our Future Anchored to the Values of our Past

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19th Century - 20th Century - 21st Century ______

of over-capacity in our elementary schools, calls for the The Berea City School District has a rich legacy of excellence, consolidation of the current seven elementary buildings stretching back more than 150 years, when the first Board into five. Specifically, the recommendation is to combine the of Education was established in Berea in the 1851-52 school students of Fairwood and Smith into one building, and the year. In those days, the only schools in the area were general students of Parknoll and Riveredge into one building. Both elementary schools, and when Berea High School was buildings would be either newly-constructed or significantly established in 1882, “Berea became the center of advanced renovated, enabling them to accommodate 400-600 students public school education throughout Southwest Cuyahoga each. Since the Fairwood and Parknoll properties are the County and Strongsville, Columbia, North Eaton and Olmsted largest of the four in the City of Berea, these were the Township. Students came by horses and rigs. Some came buildings chosen for the consolidation. Clearly, as part of this on trains… and a few boarded in Berea to attend the only process, the district would have to determine the best plan for high school in this area.” (Men of Grit and Greatness, W.F. the closed buildings. Brookview Elementary School in Brook Holzworth, 1970.) Park, which now has the smallest classroom spaces in the With the report recently completed by the district’s district, would also be either newly-constructed or significantly Facilities Committee and presented to the Board of Education, renovated to provide adequate space. Both Big Creek and we now have the opportunity to add a new and exciting chapter Brookpark Memorial, our largest elementary schools, would to the district’s legacy. While the full report, which provides a also receive a number of upgrades and improvements. long-range view of the district for the next 8-10 years, is on the district’s website (www.berea.k12.oh.us), we know that many Throughout the process of realizing this vision for our future, people either don’t have Internet access or the time to read our overriding goal will be to provide our students with the through a fairly lengthy report. We wanted to share a brief skills, knowledge and values they will need to be successful in overview of this long-range plan with all our residents and the 21st Century. let you know what is happening in the district at this time, in regards to these recommendations. Future phases of the Facility Committee’s vision would It is important to know that the recommendations provide significantly improved educational opportunities for are long-term in nature and intended to be implemented our secondary students, as well as addressing the declining in phases over time. Above all, the recommendations are enrollment as it continues through these buildings. The designed to provide the very best educational opportunities recommendations are to develop an intermediate school for all for our students through the most effective and efficient use district 5th and 6th graders, and bring all district 7th and 8th of our facilities and other resources. The first phase of the graders together into one middle school. This would recommendations, which addresses the immediate problem See Vision continued on page 2 Vision continued from front page. Elks’ Contest Winner at Parknoll allow closer collaboration among staff and create a number of additional educational opportunities for students. Also, this Congratulations to Parknoll fifth-grader would lead to more unification within the district, as these Peter Cary, whose essay, “What Is An schools would then feed into ONE district high school, to be American?,” won First Place out of more built on a new site. As this final phase of the vision would than 360 entries in the 5th and 6th occur, the elementary schools would move to Preschool through Grade Division of the Elks’ contest for the Grade 4 buildings. North-East-North District. This contest, You can certainly expect to hear a great deal more about part of the Elks’ Americanism Program, this vision and the district’s response over the next several has been held for more than fifteen years. months. We are committed to providing our residents with For his First Place win, Peter received a many opportunities to share their thoughts and help direct savings bond. the decisions that are made. Before any possibilities can be ...... presented for discussion, however, the district is now in the . .. . process of generating a variety of meetings with architects and ...... legal counsel to frame these possibilities and obtain accurate information on potential costs of the variety of options. No What is an American? decisions have been made, or will be made, without asking our By Peter Cary residents for their thoughts and ideas. Americans are loyal citizens and respect the country’s many Throughout the process of realizing this vision for our laws. An American has many rights and responsibilities, future, our overriding goal will be to provide our students with including the right to bear arms. Another right is that there the skills, knowledge and values they will need to be successful should be no brutal or malicious punishments imposed upon a in the 21st Century. We are committed to carrying on the criminal. There are many more rights for an American, such as Berea City School District’s legacy of excellence as “the center freedom of speech, the right to have a fair trial, and the right to of advanced public school education.” live and work where you choose. Americans also have many responsibilities. For example, Sharing Dreams Never Imagined Possible the responsibility to respect the flag and what it stands for. Americans should also stay well-educated and support their Riveredge fourth-graders from family. To be part of America, you must obey the law and fulfill Mrs. Kathy Bartkiewicz’ and your responsibilities. Mrs. Cindy Millen’s classes Many immigrants flock into America searching for attended a special day of the “American Dream.” Consequently, Americans understand activities to celebrate Black and respect diversity. In America, everyone has equal rights, History Month at Baldwin- although not long ago African-Americans were set apart from Wallace College. The Martin white people. It is important to respect other people’s rights, Luther King, Jr. Day of religion, and culture. This is an important American ideal, or Learning was sponsored by belief, that should be shared by all American citizens. the Community Outreach and Many people assume that an American is just someone Service Learning Department at living in the United States, but it is not that simple. Americans Baldwin-Wallace. Nearly 80 students from Riveredge and share the same basic ideals, or beliefs. A central part about from Giddings Elementary School in Cleveland gathered keeping America together is electing leaders instead of tyranny for a full day of learning. The goal of the program was to or dictatorship. All of these things are important to America in teach about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., as well many ways. as celebrate diversity and foster friendships among the children from both schools. Congratulations to Peter Bower Students listened to a story called Martin’s Big (BHS 2004), who recently Words by Doreen Rappaport, discussed love and hate received an appointment to the words, and ended the day by sharing their own dreams United States Naval Academy and illustrating and displaying them in the classroom. from the Secretary of the Navy. They enjoyed a luncheon in the college cafeteria with B-W Peter is the son of Clifford and students. Twenty-five volunteers, including B-W staff Diana Bower of Berea, and he members and students, worked to coordinate this event also worked many summers and spent the day with the students. in the district’s maintenance And what did they learn? According to one Riveredge department and Community student who wrote a thank you letter to the B-W staff after Education’s Learn to Swim the event, “I learned that you should treat people kindly program while going to school. instead of judging their skin. Also, I learned that you can Peter states, “I could not have be friends with anybody, no matter what their skin color accomplished this long-time dream of mine without the loving is.” support of my family, fiance (Cassie Blake, MHS 2004), and many other great people in the Berea City School District and 2 our community.” C-SPAN Bus Visits Berea High School Thinking Globally: Middle Eastern and North African Political Cartoonists Visit Berea High

(From left) Mr. Amr Mohamed Gamal Abdel Fattah Selim, Mr. Lotfi Ben Sassi, Mr. Khaled Omier Safar Al Ghamdi, Mr. A Aziz Mohd S M Sadiq, and Mr. Hamad Jaaffar Mohamed Ghayeb are the political cartoonists who visited Berea High in April. On April 7, Berea High School students had the unique opportunity of getting to know five political cartoonists from the Arab world. The visitors were invited to the United States under the auspices of the As a result of our district’s collaboration with Time Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, Warner Cable, the Berea City School District was the and their program was arranged by the Institute of International only public school district in Northeast Ohio to have the Education. opportunity to host the C-SPAN Campaign 2008 bus in The visitors were Mr. Hamad Jaaffar Mohamed Ghayeb, April. cartoonist for AlWasat newspaper in Bahrain; Mr. Amr Mohamed In 1993, C-SPAN, which was created by cable and Gamal Abdel Fattah Selim, cartoonist and writer for various offered as a public service, launched its bus program as a publications based in Egypt; Mr. A Aziz Mohd S M Sadiq, cartoonist way to bring the world of public affairs into schools and for Al Raya Newspaper in Qatar and Head of Cultural Programs at communities nationwide. The 45-foot buses are equipped Qatar University; Mr. Khaled Omier Safar Al Ghamdi; Educational with mobile multi-media demonstration centers and TV Supervisor, Directorate of Education Al Baha and announcer and production units that can be used as studios during live programmer, Al-Baha TV in Saudi Arabia; and Mr. Lotfi Ben Sassi, programs, such as C-SPAN’s Washington Journal. This Editor-in-Chief and Professional Cartoonist, French daily newspaper, allows C-SPAN the opportunity to interview students, “La Presse,” in Tunisia. authors, journalists and politicians aboard the buses Through Berea High’s relationship from anywhere in the country. with The Cleveland Council on World During the two hours the bus was at Berea High, 70 Affairs, Berea High School was the ONLY students had the opportunity to go inside the bus and high school the cartoonists scheduled hear about the bus and about the 2008 political coverage to visit on their three-week tour of the from the C-SPAN crew. In addition, twelve Berea High United States. They visited Washington, students had the chance to be interviewed, as part of D.C., Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus, Time Warner’s “Kids Speak Out” initiative, in response Seattle, and New York during their Mr. Hamad Jaaffar Mohamed to the question, “If you had 30 minutes with the next Ghayeb shares his artistic talents tour, which was designed to provide and political insights with Ms. Leigh president of the United States, what issues affecting them with a variety of experiences in Demshar’s art class. The students Ohioans would you want him/her to discuss and why?” the United States. The cartoonists, were fascinated to learn more Jen Windsor, a Berea High junior from Mrs. Fox’s Honors about the journalist’s unique accompanied by two interpreters, Raef abilities to translate his political Government class said, “The C-SPAN bus provided me Habbal and Elie Saliba, visited a number perceptions into this creative with an inspirational experience and challenged me to of classes at Berea High, interacting with artistic form. further my knowledge of the world and of politics.” students and sharing their culture and experiences. They also participated in a panel discussion for students, describing their work and the benefits of their experiences in the United States and responding to students’ questions. The visitors admitted to wondering initially if a high school visit would really be “worthwhile” for them. But after interacting with the students and seeing an American high school, they all expressed their pleasure in the experience. Several mentioned that they had really appreciated the chance to see the wide diversity here and that the experience had helped to open their eyes to the kind of freedoms Americans enjoy. The students were equally enriched. Berea High student Joseph Sadek said, “The experience of meeting and speaking with the Arab journalists helped me to better understand Arab ideologies of North Africa and the Middle East towards the United States. Now, I am more aware of the plight of Arab affairs with regards to freedoms that we as C-SPAN staff members gave Berea High students an overview Americans take for granted. The experience has most definitely helped of their political coverage. me personally for the future when I plan to become involved in Middle Eastern affairs.” 3 Congratulations to Fairwood fifth Congratulations to Berea High student, Joshua Malone, grader, Tom Harrington, who earned a who recently participated in the Northeast Ohio Science perfect score on each of the five rigorous and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF). math meets held this year in the Continental Math League contest. For Joshua Malone, a freshman his outstanding accomplishment, Tom at Berea High School, will receive a special award recognizing participated with over 550 him as one of the top national students from 90 schools in the participants in this program. seven surrounding counties in the 55th Annual Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) on March 10-13th at Cleveland State University. His project, Enter a New Dimension: The complete physics based integration of computer modeled objects with real world objects, demonstrated the interaction of computer-generated environments with real world objects. Bryan Alex Mingo Ciccarello Ciccarello Rolince Joshua received the 1st place NEOSEF Fair Award in the 9/10 grade Engineering category. He also received Congratulations to the three district students who seven special awards – the most at the science fair – from qualified for State Competition in the National History Day Cleveland State University – Fenn College of Engineering, competition at Case Western Reserve University. Midpark Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Intel student Bryan Ciccarello placed second in the Individual Excellence in Computer Science, National Society of Black Performance Category, and won the Gray’s Armory Award Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, for military history in the Senior Division, qualifying United States Army, and Engineering Excellence Award him to compete at the state level at the end of April. from the Vinarcik Family. And Ford students Alex Ciccarello was a finalist in Individual Exhibit, Junior Division, and Mingo Rolince was a finalist in Individual Paper, Junior Division, which qualified them both to complete at the state level 2008 Distinguished Alumni as well.

Photograph by Jesse Piecuch

(From left) Inductees for The 2008 Class of the Berea City School District’s Distinguished Alumni and Staff Hall of Fame were William Bosl (MHS ‘76), James McMurray (BHS ‘63), Diane Merritt (BHS ‘67), Eileen Herold, Distinguished Staff/Community, Photograph by Barb Draves James Hassel, Distinguished Staff, and Ronald Culp (MHS ‘65). This year’s honorees were inducted on April 24. For the 5th consecutive year, Progressive Field was the site of the Fifth Annual High School Hardball Classic. The tournament, offering high school athletes a “big league experience,” includes six regular season games (12 teams) covering a two-day period. The Berea High baseball team, coached by Mr. Mike Draves, played (and beat!) St. Vincent-St. Mary High School on April 19. 4 Fairwood Students Compete in Destination Imagination Is the myth of the kraken real? Could a giant squid or octopus Mr. Jim Bycznski, really sink a boat? A team of Berea High art teacher, third graders from Fairwood and the students in Elementary School set out to his Visual Effects investigate this legend for their and Design Program, presentation in the challenge are featured in an “Hit or Myth” at the Destination extensive article in Imagination Regional Edutopia Magazine, Tournament held on March 15 a publication that at Lorain County Community highlights “Information College. The team, named and Inspiration for Midnight Myths, included Photograph by Tracy Silvestro Innovative Teaching Michael Davis, Justin Garibotti, Photograph by Jim Bycznski in K-12 Schools” Henry Hinton, Nick Hoessle, and Rhavyn Ijams, along with Student Alex Yuravak with through The George their coaches, teacher Tracy Silvestro and parent Meegan a mask created for Vhooda restaurant on Bagley Road Lucas Educational Hoessle. For months, the boys worked on the challenge in Middleburg Heights. Foundation. The by conducting research on the country of Bermuda, the article, “Monster Mash: legend of the kraken, and on giant squid and octopi. The Learning Real-World team then designed their own experiments to see how the Skills in a Creature-Creating Art Class,” suction cups on the tentacles of the animals would stick to describes the philosophy of the program and a wooden boat created by Henry to determine if the animal showcases several of the students’ creations. could really grip onto a boat. The group used specimens To see the article, please visit http://www. that they purchased at local seafood markets to test their edutopia.org/classroom-special-effects-studio hypothesis. Finally, the group wrote an original play about two boaters who are attacked by a kraken off the coast of Bermuda and wash ashore where they meet a marine biologist, his assistant, and a tourist. The team then sets out to prove that the kraken is real. We are proud to have them represent the Berea City School District.

Berea High junior Karmesha Hicks has just been selected to serve on the Student Editorial Advisory Board for Gem Magazine for 2007-2008, one of only five high school students selected from the Greater Cleveland area. Karmesha is secretary of the Berea High Key Club and volunteers for a variety of community groups, including The Cleveland Foodbank, University Settlement, and Parknoll PTA. She enjoys acting, and has performed in numerous plays at Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland Playhouse, and Karamu House. She is also attending Polaris Career Center in the Dental Hygiene Department and plans to pursue a career in dentistry upon graduation. Gem Magazine showcases the excellence found in classrooms throughout Cuyahoga County, and serves as a networking resource for high school students. Students were chosen for this prestigious honor because of their interest in journalism, academic achievements, and community involvement. Their participation will provide them with “an opportunity to make a difference, create change and be a voice for youth and connect with other students throughout Greater Cleveland.”

5 Our students across the district have been so busy achieving excellence in so many areas that we can barely keep up with them! In addition to the many stories and pictures we have been able to include in this issue of Inspiring Excellence, we wanted you to know about these students and their outstanding accomplishments as well:

Congratulations to Parknoll student Abbi Cavanaugh, Congratulations to Lea Ulintz, 6th grader at Ford Middle who recently qualified to participate in the Dance Educators School, for placing 2nd in the Junior Scenario Writing of America National Dance Competition in New York City Competition at the Ohio Future Problem Solving State Bowl, in July. In order to qualify to compete at this level, Abbi held at Solon High School. Congratulations also to the junior competed at the Regional Competition in Kentucky and team from Roehm Middle School, consisting of 6th graders received marks at the Platinum and/or Gold level, the highest Abbey Verhey and Paul Carias, and Sarah McKissock possible competition rankings. In addition to qualifying for (grade 5 - Parknoll) for advancing to Round 2 of the Presentation National, Abbi also won a full scholarship for classes at the of Action Plan Competition. A total of 13 BCSD students convention, based on her excellent performance. participated in the State Bowl.

In February, Ford Middle School held its annual Science Night, coordinated by Mrs. Elaine Congratulations to these 30 Peduzzi, with over 100 student projects presented. From that group, six students Midpark students who were went on to compete in the Northeastern Ohio Science Fair held at Cleveland State: chosen to participate in the Alex Ciccarello, Lauren David, Eric Moss, Kory Petrosky, Kenny Reckart, and Southwestern Conference (SWC) Samantha Thompson. Congratulations to Lauren David and Kory Petrosky, Honors Band/Choir Concert who received Honorable Mention; Alex Ciccarello who received a Bronze medal in held February 25 at Brecksville- Environmental Science; and Eric Moss, who received a Bronze medal in Engineering Broadview Heights School: Gary at the Cleveland State Fair. Allen, Jen Austin, David Beight, Amanda Brown, Brandon Conrad, David Cook, Josh Coyle, Allison Davila, Ben Dieke, Annette Drapac, Jennifer Ference, Congratulations to MHS junior Priya Mehta, who has been Justin Foster, Stephen Frollo, accepted as a member of the 2008 Martin W. Essex School for Rebekah Gibbons, Natalie the Gifted. This program provides a week-long, residential Grospitch, Julie Holecko, gifted/talented experience for rising seniors in Ohio. Only 70 Molly Karl, Alyssa Kearney, students are selected throughout the state to participate in Michelle Kupiec, Amy this most prestigious program. Lockenbauer, Alex Marcum, Jeremy Novak, James Oblak, Mark Syvuk, Tom Trapp, Arielle Tucker, Wayne Tse, Each year the National PTA Reflections Art Program Joy Viceroy, Kenny Vo, and encourages students to submit entries in six categories, Ian Wenz. beginning at the state level. Twenty literature and photograph entries were sent in from Midpark students this year, and three were chosen as winners in the literature category. Congratulations to Aimee Congratulations to Berea High sophomore Nikki Kolis for Klingbeil, who won the Award of Excellence in being named The Plain Dealer’s “Player of the Week” in Literature, which means that her entry will go on to Swimming the week of January 14. In a duel against Avon competition at the National level. Congratulations Lake, she finished first in the 100-yard free, 200 individual also to Courtney Hejduk, who won the Award of medley, 200 medley relay and the 4x400 relay. At the Merit in Literature, and to Kenneth Kall, who won an Barberton Invitational, she set the school record in the 200 IM Honorable Mention in Literature at the state level. (2:17.05) and the 200 free (1:59.08).

Congratulations to the Ford Middle School Wrestling Team, which had a great season this year, going 6-1 in the Southwest Conference and taking third in the conference tournament. This year’s team had three conference Champions: Farris Aziz, 8th grader, finished with an overall record of 30-3;Sam Huston, 8th grader, finished with a 28-5 record; andGreg Henson, 7th grader, finished with a record of 30-3. Farris and Sam are Ford’s first two-time conference champs, and Greg will have a chance to repeat next year. Midpark is looking forward to having all three of these outstanding student athletes 6 competing on the varsity mats in the near future. Ziggy Comes to BCS-TV

Recently, 1975 Berea High graduate Tom Wilson, the cartoonist who draws the Emmy-Award-winning comic strip, ZIGGY, came to the district to do an exclusive interview with BCS-TV. Wilson, who has been drawing ZIGGY since 1987, took over for his father who created the character in 1971. He pursues his ongoing passion for creative development as president of Ziggy and Friends, Inc., where he is in charge of both creating the comic for syndication and the licensed products program. (www.ziggyzone.com) Congratulations to Berea High student, Erika In addition, for more than 12 years, Tom has lent his Klemperer, for winning 2nd place in the Cuyahoga talents as a conceptual creative consultant for Richard Community College Poetry Contest, where she Saunders International. This is a world-renowned creative received a $75 prize. Erika also won the Earth think tank that has been named the nation’s #1 innovation Day Coalition 2008 Art Contest for Grades 7-12, consulting service for development of new brands and which includes students from Cuyahoga, Lorain, products for Fortune 500 companies. Tom has started Medina, Summit, Portage, Lake, Geauga, and a new company called Character Matters, specializing Ashtabula Counties. She won the Hope & Stanley in developing world-class characters for branding and Adelstein Award for Excellence, a $50 cash prize, licensing (www.brandingwithcharacter.com). and a certificate of recognition. Her artwork will be The interview, which was conducted by Tom’s former displayed at Earthfest 2008, on their website, and art teacher (and current Ford Middle School art teacher) throughout the year at numerous venues. In addition, Mrs. Anne Cole, will be shown on BCS-TV this summer. Erika will participate in the Earthfest Welcoming (BCS-TV airs in the district on Time Warner Cable Channel 22 and Ceremonies, with local and national dignitaries. Wide Open West Channel 18.) Don’t miss it!

Recruiting for War by Erika Klemperer

I walked into the lunchroom, into the audience of my high school Midpark Student Receives Scouting Award A table with a red cloth. Brian Ciccarello, Midpark A man with a uniform freshman, recently received A magician his Eagle Scout Award, a rank With his illusions. achieved by only 4% of all Illusions so strong, he’s fooled himself. registered scouts. It includes Unloads his bags of tricks the planning, execution, and Shows glorious wonders. completion of an Eagle Scout Things impossible without pain. Leadership Project and being Sawing in half. evaluated by an Eagle Scout Hiding trap doors with dead bodies. Board of Review. Brian’s project Convincing others to join the war. Photograph by Pam Ciccarello involved rebuilding the Safety Of glorious illusions Town buildings for the City And grim death. of Middleburg Heights, and he planned each of the designated sites to resemble actual city landmarks to foster community spirit and recognition. He also added books on safety-specific topics, and built a helicopter for the helipad at Southwest General Health Center.

7 District Orchestra Festival

Guest conductor Kathleen DeBerry Brungard, an active conductor, clinician and adjudicator, led the combined middle and high school orchestras this year for the District Orchestra Festival. Ms. DeBerry Brungard has taught orchestra and strings, grades 1-12, in public schools and All-State Orchestras in several states.

Looking for goodies for Grandma, Little Red pays a visit to the Baker and his Wife. (from left) Big Creek students Brooke Repasy as “Little Red,” Hannah Mallory as “The Baker’s Wife,” and Gavin Snyder as “The Baker,” performed in Big Creek’s inspiring presentation of the Broadway Jr.’s version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” at the end of February. The musical brings together many different Fairy Tale characters on a journey to lift a spell cast by a witch who has been robbed of her youth, while reminding all that team work is always the key to any success.

Emily Poirer, concertmaster of Ford 8th grade cellist Chris the Roehm 7th and 8th Grade Lane participated in the Orchestra, was one of more than Combined Ford & Roehm 400 district orchestra students Middle School Orchestra as who participated in this year’s part of the District Orchestra Orchestra Festival in April. The Festival. The Festival Orchestra Festival is a long- featured four performing standing tradition in the district, groups this year: the Fifth going back more than 40 years. Grade All-City Orchestra, The Festival is a three-day the Sixth Grade All-City event that concludes with an Orchestra, the Combined evening performance led by a Ford & Roehm Orchestra, professional guest conductor. and the Combined Berea Jack’s Mother reminds Jack that there are more important things in life (like & Midpark Symphonic food!) than keeping a washed up old cow as a friend…Off to Market! (from left) Orchestra. Guest conductor Big Creek students Lauren Gedeon as “Jack’s Mom,” Kristen Slovick and Erica Ms. Kathleen DeBerry Liebold (under the white cloth) as “The Cow,” and Eddie Verba as “Jack” were Brungard led the middle part of the amazing production of “Into the Woods” at Big Creek. Presented by school and high school the Big Creek Drama Club, the musical’s Director/Set Designer was Mrs. Meg orchestras. Verba; Director/Choreographer was Mrs. Marta Zelaski; Costume Designer was Ms. Deb Summers; Music Director was Mr. Kevin Eppich; Assistant Director was Ms. Tracee Brandt; and Music Consultant was Ms. Erin Jones.

Congratulations to students Michael Schnurr (Berea High) and Mark Syvuk (Midpark), who participated in the Ohio High School Mathematics Invitational Olympiad (OHMIO) held at Capital University in April. More than 2,000 students statewide participated in the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics tournament in January, where both Michael and Mark qualified though their performance. OHMIO brings together approximately 100 of the top Ohio students for a day of competition. The competition challenges students individually, in teams, and in a ciphering format. Only Michael Schnurr students who achieve excellence on the OCTM test qualify for participation Mark Syvuk in the state invitational. Based on school enrollment, Midpark finished 5th in the state and Berea High placed 7th among schools of similar size. Teachers coordinating our district’s students were Carrie James (Berea High) and Andrea Kopco (Midpark).

8 Air Force Academy Band Elementary Science Invitational

Hatguneet Singh, Max Reardon, Kristin Slovik, Gabby Shirk, Liz Skok and Mikella Hoon (From left) Berea High students Lynnsey Perruchon and Leah Vandersluis, Midpark student Ian Wenz, Berea High student Craig McClelland, Lieutenant Ninety-eight elementary students participated in the Science Colonel Larry Lang, United States Air Force Academy Band Commander, and Invitational held at Berea High School on March 1. Seven Midpark students David Cook, Katie Stupka, and Greg Koch. teams of students from Big Creek, Brookpark Memorial, Fairwood, Riveredge, and Smith Elementary Schools participated in the science competition which involves events such as aerodynamics, bridge building, egg drop, and mystery Eight Berea City School District students were selected powders. First-place team honors went to Big Creek C Team, to perform with the United States Air Force Academy while there was a tie between Brookpark Memorial E Team Band in their April 2, 2008 concert in Playhouse Square and Fairwood D Team for second place. Third-place honors in Cleveland at the Allen Theater. Berea High: Tommy went to Brookpark Memorial F Team. Miller (Bassoon), Craig McClelland (Percussion), Leah Members on the Big Creek C Team were: Kevin Vandersluis (Bass Clarinet), and Lynnsey Perruchon (Bb Albrecht, Hailee Carlin, Peter Christofferson, Hailey Delphia, Clarinet); Midpark High: Ian Wenz (Flute), David Cook Lauren Gedeon, Mikella Hoon, Carlee Kimes, Erica Liebold, (Trombone), Katie Stupka (Euphonium), and Greg Koch Jaret Petersen, Max Reardon, Jasmine Sequine, Gabby Shirk, (Trumpet). The concert featured highlights from the Harguneet Singh, Liz Skok, Kristin Slovick, Gavin Snyder, musical “Oklahoma!,” concert band classics, and patriotic and Tommy Thompson. favorites, and the students were invited to join the band in Parents James and Laura Sayler coordinate the performing “Semper Fidelis.” Elementary Science Invitational. The Berea Rotary contributes the awards for the students.

Ford Student Qualifies for Ohio Geographic Bee

Ford 7th grader, Evan Sylvester, won the Ford Geographic Bee in March and took a qualifying test that was submitted to the National Geographic Society. His score was among the top 100 scores from across the United States, which qualified him to compete in the 2008 Ohio Geographic Bee in April. Sponsored by Plum Creek, the Bee was held at The Ohio State University Mansfield Branch. At the Bee, Evan represented his school and the district extremely well by finishing 8th out of 100 contenders, which is an inspiration to us all!

Mr. Robbie Robinson, long-time volunteer at Berea High School (and many other places as well!) was honored at a recent Board of Education meeting.

9 (From left, front row) Berea High baseball or softball team members Katelyn Eilbeck, Kelsey Farmer, Jenny Thompson, Jeff Light, (back row) Robbie Pavelka and Justin Carros visited several of the district’s elementary schools to read (From left) Amandeep Singh, Patricia Valdez, Stephen Frollo, baseball or softball stories to the students in celebration of the Cleveland Jason Lindsey, Jillian Prusa, Brian Kaiser, Sarah Lambert, Gary Indian’s Opening Day. The students, coached by Mr. Mike Draves and Mr. Tim Allen, Molly Karl, Haraman Singh, and Rebekah Gibbons. Masie respectively, used this community service opportunity to reach out to the younger students in a creative and memorable way.

Midpark High School’s Mock Trial Team, under the tutelage of Social Studies Curriculum Leader Matt McGregor, competed very well at the local competition held at the Cleveland Justice Center on February 1. Two separate teams competed and the A Team had two great court battles, and junior Katie Fink won “best witness.” The B Team had outstanding trials as well, and produced a “best lawyer” in senior Stephen Frollo, and “best witness” in senior Rebekah Gibbons. In addition, for the first time in Midpark history, the entire team also advanced to the next Regional Round of competition.

Mr. Les Roberts, local author, was one of the presenters for the district’s 2008 Cutting Edge Conference this year held at Midpark High School in March. Speaking with the author following his session were Midpark student Kristin Tripi and Berea High student Steven Roy.

Three of the five district teams competing for the Ohio Future Problem Solving Program earned a spot at the State Bowl to be held in Solon in April. The Intermediate Team at Ford Middle School: Juan Hofmann, Nathanial Lattimer, and Kyle Hegedus (5th grader from Brookview Elementary), will compete, along with the Intermediate Team from Roehm Middle School: John Cary, Chanse Gvist, and Jacob Lowell. The Junior Team at Roehm: Paul Carias, Abby Verhey, and Sarah McKissock (5th grader at Parknoll Elementary) will also be competing. In addition, Lea Ulintz, Ford, had her scenario selected in the top three, so it will go on to the International Competition to be held in Lansing, Michigan in June. Lea will be invited to participate as an individual packet writer at the State Bowl. Congratulations to all these students, (coached by Ms. Linda A. Heath, Gifted Services, Ford and Midpark) and good luck at the State Bowl! Ford student Lea Ulintz displays the trophy she won at the State Bowl.

10 upcoming dates to remember

5/26/08...... Memorial Day - No School Unless 6/3/08...... Midpark Commencement at CSU Wolstein Center, 7:30 pm otherwise 6/4/08...... Berea High Commencement at CSU Wolstein Center, 7:30 pm noted, all 6/6/08...... Last Day of School for Students & Staff - Early Release pictures in this 7/4/08...... Independence Day - No Summer School 8/26/08...... First Day of School for Students publication 9/1/08...... Labor Day - No School were taken 10/17/08...... Professional Development Day - No School by Dave 11/4/08...... Staff In-service Day - No School Cornelius. 11/26/08...... Parent/Teacher Conferences - No School 11/27-28/08...... Thanksgiving Vacation - No School 12/22/08-1/2/09..... Winter Vacation - No School

National Merit Commended Scholars

F. Claire Sayler Jeffrey Miranda Berea High Midpark High

Auctioneer Bob Hale directs the bidding at this year’s Arts and Entertainment auction sponsored by the Educational Community Foundation. A portion of the auction’s profits will fund educational activities for our students.

Jillian Prusa Mark Syvuk Midpark High Midpark High

Not pictured: Ashley Smith, Berea High and Leah Driscoll, Midpark High

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has recognized Berea High seniors F. Claire Sayler and Ashley Smith, and Midpark seniors Leah Driscoll, Jeffrey Miranda, Jillian Prusa, and Mark Syvuk as Commended Students in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. The six Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.4 million students who entered the 2008 competition by taking the 2006 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Partnering with Berea City Schools in education and the arts. 11 Berea Schools Ranked in “Best Communities for Music District Music Groups are “Superior” at State Education in America” for Eighth Year

The results are in for this year, and once again, the Berea City Schools have been ranked among the Best Best Communities for Music Education Communities for in America! Hundreds of teachers, Music Education school and district administrators, in America school board members, parents, and community leaders representing communities in all 50 states participated in the Web-based survey. Districts were measured across a variety of criteria and the results were measured proportionately, so differently-sized communities were compared equally. Some of the members of the State Award-Winning Berea High “We commend these school districts for their commitment to Symphonic Band are (from left) Ana Reynolds, Tommy Siloy, Celia assuring that music is part of a complete education for children,” Torres, Jacob Patrick, Travis Dwyer, Justin Pulling, Bailey Zelek, said Mary Luehrsen, executive director, NAMM Foundation. Chris Regoth and Allison Cassidy. “Children engaged in music will be the innovation leaders of The 2008 Ohio Music Education Association State Band tomorrow, and there is no better way to build life-long participation and Choir Contest was held at the end of April, and our in music than with a solid base of music education.” district’s participants were superior indeed! Research reveals strong correlations between quality music The Berea High Symphonic Band, directed by Mr. Dan education in school and academic achievement. Students actively Barth, competed in Class “B” division and received superior involved with music programs develop skills needed by the 21st ratings (the highest rating). The Berea High Symphonic century workforce, including critical thinking, creative problem Winds, directed by Mr. Jeffrey Fudale, also received solving, effective communication, and team work. superior ratings, competing in the Class “AA” division. The In conducting the annual survey, the NAMM Foundation ensemble, organized in 1981, has been in the State Finals is joined by advisory organizations in the fields of music and for twenty-six consecutive years. education: Americans for the Arts, League of American Orchestras, The Midpark Wind Ensemble Band, directed by The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, The Metropolitan Opera Ms. Hilary Holtshouse, also earned superior ratings at Guild, Music Teachers National Association, National PTA, State Competition, as did the Midpark Symphonic Choir, Yamaha Corporation of America, and VH1 Save The Music directed by Mrs. Catherine Robison. Foundation. For more information, please visit www.namm.org

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

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