Green Local Schools NON-PROFIT ORG. 1755 Town Park Boulevard US POSTAGE PAID Green Ohio 44232 CANTON, OHIO PERMIT 207 THE BULLDOG BLAST GREEN LOCAL

Spring 2019 • Issue 2 www.greenlocalschools.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE District News...... 2-6 Safety and Security...... 7-8 Transportation & Student Contributors.... 9-10 High School...... 11-12 Middle School...... 13-14 Intermediate School...... 15-16 Green Primary School...... 17-18 Greenwood Early Learning...... 19 Performing Arts...... 20 Athletics...... 21-22 Green Schools Foundation...... 23-24 Congratulations to the Top 25 Green Alumni Association...... 24 of the Class of 2019 Green Schools The Top 25 banquet, held annually in March, honors students with the 25 top grade point averages (GPA’s) Athletics pg. 21-22 along with each student’s chosen educator who has provided unwavering support, inspiration and positive impact. Educators selected are often present and past Green High School teachers, but often include those from another district, from a student’s early school years or a staff member serving in a support role.

Serra Auto Park has proudly and generously sponsored the Top 25 banquet for 22 years, honoring more than 625 students and the significant educators in their lives. Presentation of the scholars included Green High School teachers and administrators: Mr. Eric Allan, Mr. Bill Bridenthal, Mrs. Cindy Brown, Mr. Eric Christopher, Mr. Evan Elliot, Mrs. Angie Garritano, Dr. MaryAnn Stahr, and Mr. Mark Tomecko.

The banquet and recognition was held on March 20th at Chenoweth Golf Club. Congratulations to this year’s Top 25 students listed with their chosen educator. BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS Kevin Lin (Bill Bridenthal), Elizabeth Howerton (Mark Tomecko), Samantha Piazza (Julie Pickering), Central Office Bldg. • 1755 Town Park Blvd. Henry Zwart (Amy Rach), Nathan Dubravetz (Eric Allan), Emily Gage (Kevin Rybarczyk), David Prexta Council Chambers • Regular Mtgs. 6:30 pm (Frank DeVitis), Matthew Amison (Amanda Gamble), Grace Vail (Samantha Ward), Katelyn Kolasa (Jerry Monday, May 20, 2019 • Monday, June 24, 2019 Shortridge), Ayda Qureshi (Vicki Peplin), Nicholas Mallory (Shawn Edwards), Terryn Witherspoon Monday, July 29, 2019 • Monday, August 26, 2019 (Michelle DeVitis), Benjamin Bowman (John Berry), Catherine Lee (Carrie Wagar), Avery Macesich (Kory Organizational Meeting at 6 pm Smith), Katherine Borne (Stan Darrah), Prashanth Ragunanthan (Jake Saylor), Collin Johnson (Adam Regular Meeting to immediately follow Greenwood), Lucas Donahue (Ann Starkey), Luke Bologa (Mike Lazor), Andrew Shetler (Eric Christopher), Amanda Salmons (Patricia Berardi), Edward Damm (Jason Nelson), Zarah Belacic (Angie Garritano).

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to create an environment for Green Local Schools that will provide students the opportunity to succeed in their unique life endeavors while preparing them for an advanced education, all within a safe, firm and family friendly environment. District Highlights

Green Local School District Board of Education District Begins New Strategic Plan Process

Mr. Bob Campbell, President By Alana Niemiec, Assistant Superintendent email: [email protected] It is an exciting time for Green Local Schools. The district is currently in the early stages of developing and executing a Mr. Mark Herdlick, Vice President five-year strategic planning initiative that will serve as a guide email: [email protected] for our district. This important document will outline what we consider to be the benchmarks of a high-quality educational experience for our students, both now and in the future. It is Dr. David Cohen, Member our hope that this initiative will reflect the goals of the entire email: [email protected] Green community, including the students and families we serve, our dedicated staff, local business, civic and municipal Mrs. Katie Stoynoff, Member leaders, and our community stakeholders at large. email: [email protected] Our key components and target areas for planning include: communications, finances, facilities, academic achievement, climate and culture, safety and any other topics that seem to resonate from and with our community.

Mrs. Sally Fanelly, Member As the process continues into the fall, we invite you to participate and contribute in one of the many focus email: [email protected] groups to be offered. Participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences to help shape the strategic plan in its entirety. Specific dates and times will be provided in advance of all meetings Central Administrative Building providing ample time to plan and schedule. 1775 Town Park Blvd., PO Box 218 • Green, OH 44232 330-896-7500 All meetings will be facilitated by an independent third party providing a platform for open dialogue. Focus Mr. Jeffrey L. Miller, II ...... Superintendent group participants will be empowered to speak candidly, openly and honestly, providing thoughts on the future Mrs. Eydie Snowberger ...... Treasurer direction of our schools. Ms. Rhonda Kapper ...... Superintendent Secretary Our administration truly values and appreciates the input of our stakeholders. We encourage everyone to attend Green High School a focus group as the planning process unfolds over the next year. Together, we intend to create a plan that 330-896-7575 • 7:20 am - 2:28 pm propels Green Local Schools forward and sets the district on the path to continued and unprecedented success. Mrs. Cindy Brown...... Principal Mr. Bill Bridenthal & Mr. Evan Elliot...... Asst. Prin. Mrs. Kim Hastings ...... Secretary Financial Dashboard Green Middle School 330-896-7710 • 7:28 am - 2:36 pm Sound Fiscal Responsibility and Stewardship at Green Local Schools Mr. Jeff Wells...... Principal Mrs. Dawn Stitt...... Assistant Principal By Eydie Snowberger, Treasurer Mrs. Sharon Robinson...... Secretary In May 2011, after a long history of levy failures, the Green community passed the first new money levy in Green Intermediate School thirteen years. The passage margin of success was an overwhelming response in school confidence. The Board 330-896-7700 • 8:05 am - 3:05 pm of Education vowed not to return to the tax payers with a “new” money levy until at least 2017. We have far Mr. Mark Booth...... Principal surpassed that goal. Based on the assumption of current and future renewal levy passage, the 2018 five-year Mr. Andrew Snavely...... Assistant Principal forecast extends any need for a new levy request until 2021. Mrs. Diane Deitle...... Secretary Superintendent Jeff Miller is committed to fiscal accountability; not by eliminating positions and services but Green Primary School by streamlining our staffing and getting the most of out every dollar spent. Within his first three months, over 330-899-8700 • 8:45 am - 3:40 pm $900,000 was eliminated from the district’s budget with cost savings measures and reductions. Mrs. Krista Seals ...... Principal Ms. Kelli Fultz...... Assistant Principal The administration continually seeks out innovative, cost saving ideas and new revenue streams. Recent Mrs. Karen Durkey...... Secretary new revenue sources include: Medicare reimbursement program (netting $410,000) and a change in the way Greenwood Early Learning Center our funds are invested (gained over $181,000 in eighteen months.) Our entire district should be proud of ten 330-896-7474 • 8:40 am - 3:35 pm consecutive years of clean audits. Mr. Scott Shank ...... Principal Mrs. Debbie Daniels...... Secretary Taking care of the entrusted resources remains of critical importance. Green’s expenditure per pupil is $9,848 compared to the $10,562 of similar districts and the overall state’s $11,953. The uncertainty of ever changing Notice of Non-Discrimination tax revenue and state funding dictates our administration remain more vigilant than ever with our financial The Green Local School District does not discriminate on the stewardship efforts. basis of disability, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, The 2019 five year forecast will be presented to the Board of Education and community on May 20, 2019. The age, sexual orientation, veteran status or gender identity and district’s current five year forecast along with the Board of Education presentation is located in the Treasurer expression in its programs and activities. Department section on our district website, www.greenlocalschools.org.

Thank you for your support and confidence in the district.

2 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 District Highlights

Teaching Team and Rookie of the Year Honorees Outstanding Educators Ms. Erin Wozniak and Ms. Felica Ross were honored at the Stark County Educational Service Center’s Education Celebration held the evening of April Akron Beacon Journal Amazing Teacher 29th at R. G. Drage Career Center. Mrs. Cindy Sarver, long time first grade teacher at Green Ms. Wozniak was named a Teaching Team Honoree. A Primary School, was selected as an Amazing Teacher by the graduate of Columbus College of Art & Design and Cleveland Akron Beacon Journal as part of the newspaper’s “Making State University, Ms. Wozniak has taught ten years in public the Grade” series in support of outstanding educators in education, being in Green for three years teaching art at Green public education. Intermediate School. Her hobbies include: painting, drawing, sewing, gardening, cheering on her daughters in Taekwondo Mrs. Sarver, is truly a Green Bulldog, graduating from Green and figure skating. Ms. Wozniak says her students inspire High School and now living, working and raising her family her to be the best person, teacher and artist she can be. “I in the Green community. am lucky to be a part of GIS and this community.” Principal Mark Booth, in his nomination stated “She is truly incredible. You only need to With her interview with the ABJ, Mrs. Sarver shared how and why she became a ask a few students. Erin instills not only creativity but reminds her “artists” that teacher. talent lies inside of each of them.” “I became a school teacher because of the impact my first grade teacher Ms. Ross earned the Rookie Educator of the Year honor in her first year as a Green Bulldog. A graduate of the University had on me. I remember coming home from school and telling my of Akron, Ms. Ross loves to read, write, and draw. When not parents how much I loved my teacher. I do not remember a whole lot teaching Language Arts at Green High School, Ms. Ross can about the class, the lessons or activities we did, but I remember having be found sitting outside on a warm day with a sketch pad and a teacher who cared about me. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher a podcast. Principal Cindy Brown stated, “Ms. Ross puts her when I grew up. And, you may be surprised to learn, I’ve worked whole heart, every day into her students. It is a joy to see an individual just starting out in the teaching profession exude alongside this very special person since the start of my career. Thank the level of passion and professionalism that Felica has. She you Barb Pursley for noticing me, caring for me, and guiding me. This is definitely an all-star, and deserves Rookie of the Year designation.” profession is definitely about the connections you make with people!” Teaching Team and Rookie Honorees display a history of going above and beyond Thank you Mrs. Pursley for mentoring Mrs. Sarver. The district and our students to educate their students. These teachers inspire students of all backgrounds are lucky to have you both. Congratulations, Mrs. Sarver! and abilities to learn; earn the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues; and play an active role in the community and their schools. Congratulations!

2019 Helping Hands Award Each spring, the Green Council of PTA’s and each PTA unit present a Helping Spirit Store and school dances. One of Hands Award. This award recognizes special volunteers in the PTA who have her great passions is the love of books and gone above and beyond on behalf of the students and often the staff in the district. learning. She has been instrumental in the The recipients are to be active PTA members who are involved and support success of the GIS and GMS book fair, as children in the schools. well as the book fair at the Celebration of Education. Kris volunteered to visit Recognized at the March Board of Education meeting, the 2019 Helping Hands another district to learn additional book Award recipients include: Janet Hill (GPS), Kris Graham (GIS), Ann and Bob fair best practices to incorporate in Green. Alderman, David Diver and Scott Plummer, (GHS). Kris is a genuine, caring individual who Rebecca Anstine presented the award to Janet Hill who was nominated by Angela always puts our kids and staff first. Thomann. Over the years, Janet has given her gifts to the PTA by leading with Traditionally, the GHS Helping Hands commitment, integrity, confidence and a positive attitude. As a Bulldog, Janet has award is given to one person. However, lifted aspirations, created hope and excitement to each child for their future. She this year’s recipients are a package deal gives an opportunity to each child to be able to read a Scholastic book at home and impossible to recognize one without purchased by her at the book fair. She creates excitement serving on the Bulldog the other. Ann and Bob Alderman, David Diver, and Scott Plummer were Dash committee. Janet also helps to unite families and school by putting in the nominated by Cindy Rooney and awards were presented by Deb McNeil. Each are time and effort to the tremendously successful Sweetheart Dance event. parents of GHS graduates (who were active in Musical Theatre while in school) Kris Graham was nominated by district staff members Sarah Sears and Wrenn and yet have remained dedicated to the Musical Theater program for over ten Nicodemo. Mr. Booth and Mr. Wells presented the award to Mrs. Graham who years. This group has volunteered countless long nights painting sets, decorating they referred to as “the go-to person at GIS and GMS.” Kris has handled almost the lobby and doing numerous other odd jobs that nobody else wanted to do to every job in PTA, is one of the most dedicated persons in our district, and is never ensure the best quality shows, even after the graduation of their children. The too busy to smile, even in stressful situations. Kris’s leadership and dedication team continues to give of their time and talent, treating each child as their own. has been displayed with her efforts in the summer reading program, the GIS Congratulations and well-deserved. www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 3 District Highlights Parent Mentors A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability employed by a local education agency to help school districts and families by providing training, support, and information services.

Districts choose to implement the Parent Mentor Program to promote necessary and effective communication by providing information and support to families about special education issues and by providing a mechanism to convey the family perspective back to the system.

Rebecca Anstine and Kevin Groen serve as the district’s Parent Mentors, each having a child in the special Access Pass education program and have experience obtaining services for their own children. Working in the district, it is the goal of our Parent Mentors to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with Did you know a free, lifetime pass to national parks is disabilities and the professionals that serve them. available to US citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined Ohio Parent Mentor projects are funded through grants from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). All to have a permanent disability (does NOT have to be Parent Mentor services are provided to families free of charge. Services can include: guiding families through a 100% disability)? The pass provides admittance the special education process, including rights and responsibilities; listening and providing support to families to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five and educators on an individual basis; providing information and resources to families and school personnel on Federal agencies. The pass itself is free with a ten education laws, district programs and services, and community resources; attending Individualized Education dollar processing fee. Applicants must provide proof Program meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request; organizing and conducting information sessions of residency documentation. Additional information or workshops based on the needs of families and professionals; and building collaborative partnerships among and application may be found online at https://store. families, schools and committees to benefit students with disabilities. usgs.gov/access-pass or via telephone at 1-888-ASK- USGS (1-888-275-8747), ext. 3, Monday through Rebecca and Kevin are outstanding resources for any family with a child on an IEP or 504 plan. Their office is in Friday 8 am – 4 pm. Greenwood ELC and can be reached via phone @ 330-896-7723 or email: anstinerebecca@greenlocalschools. org and [email protected]. Blessings in a Backpack Year End Summary and Summer Food Program Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry. As a leader in the movement to end childhood hunger, Blessings strives to ensure children don’t go hungry on the weekends by empowering individuals and communities to take action. 2018-2019 marks our seventh year anniversary of ensuring the children in the Green Local Schools System have hunger free weekends through Blessings in a Backpack. Over 100,000 healthful food items will have been distributed by the end of the school but the end result, feeding kids during the summer, Warmus Family with Greenview Assisted Living, year to our most needy students. Our program has has been a goal since the inception of our Blessings Allstate Insurance Foundation and Agent Mitch come a long way from the small closet at Green program. Booth, City of Green Fire Department, Harmony Primary School to the full pantry located in the lower Springs Christian Church, Shields Blice and Co level of GIS. Plans have already begun for the eighth Collections of the most needed items for the summer CPA., Queen of Heaven, Mary Galluch, the Willis season as best practices are learned and implemented, program is underway. Pasta sauces, pasta noodles, Family, and Deborah Rankine. Special donations making our program the very best it can be. pancake mix, syrup, Jell-O, beef stews, boxes of from Smith Dairy, Gardner Pies and Acme Fresh oatmeal, large applesauce, cans of mixed fruit, boxes Market aided the Thanksgiving box project. It is with great excitement to announce that our of cereal, crackers and jars of peanut butter can Blessings program has been approved to launch a be taken to any of our five district buildings or the Thank you does not seem adequate to truly express summer food program. This collaborative effort Central Administration Building. All jars must be my unending gratitude to everyone, young and old, among the school system, many area businesses, plastic. who support the Blessings in a Backpack Program. individuals, and the city solidifies our philosophy You are all changing the world one child at a time by that no child be hungry in Green; whether that be on Special thank you to our major donors for their filling their hungry bellies. Thank you! the weekend during the school year or throughout support this year: David and Cheryl Venarge, the summer months. Details are still being finalized, Kovach Castings Charitable Foundation, Jennifer Doerrer – District Blessings Coordinator – [email protected].

4 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 District Highlights District “Mathathletes” Excel at County Competition The Greater Canton Council of Teachers of Mathematics Math Tournament was held Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Massillon Washington High School. A record number 1,154 students from 19 school districts competed including 46 Green Local Schools fifth, sixth and seventh-graders. Our students competed in one or more categories as individuals or small teams. Categories included: Number Sense, Algebra/Data Analysis/Probability, Geometry/Measurement, Mental Computation, Team Problem Solving and Advanced Algebra. The competition lasted for over four hours and the competition was intense and difficult. The purpose of this annual competition is to provide these mathematically talented students with an opportunity to meet and come to know their counterparts in other schools and gain recognition on a much broader basis than is possible within the confines of our individual school districts. Our Bulldog Mathathletes had a tremendous showing with 34 out of our 46 students participating earning an award and taking nine first place finishes, the most of any district! Congratulations to ourINDIVIDUAL FIRST PLACE WINNERS: Isaac Sluss (Mental Computation fifth grade), Anthony Bordonaro (Number Sense sixth grade), Nolan McKendry (Mental Computation sixth grade), William Strait (Geometry/Measurement sixth grade), Zane Renner (Algebra, Data Fifth Grade Math Team Probability sixth grade), Tommy Robson (Number Sense seventh grade) and Ben Casper (Algebra, Data Probility seventh grade). Our FIRST PLACE TEAMS include: Kellan Connelly, Evan Reed and Sofija Mijatovic (Team Problem Solving fifth grade) and Lily Howdyshell, Nick Lofgren and Maddie Owen (Team Problem Solving seventh grade). Additional individual award winners include: Evan Hogan, Sydney Cole and Max Sitko (5th grade); Blake Miller, Anuj Rao, Erik Klingbeil, Joshua Hesse, Rohun Shringarpurey, Zachary Eaton and Samantha Stockdale (6th grade), Sarah Joseph, Noah Burke, Alaina Bradford, Elissa Wood, Edgar San Jose, Tess Peel and Luke Ludrosky (7th grade). Earning an additional award in Team Problem Solving: Eric Dando, Ella Mattes, Laina Swartzwelder (6th grade). Outstanding participation from Avery Carvill, Olivia Muzi, Koehler Spidell, Sage Repp, Penelope Held, Gage Goodson, Jack Embaugh and Alena Kraft (5th grade); Charlie Campbell (6th grade); Joey Buchanan, Addy Padgett, Ian McFedries and Kitirina Byrd (7th grade) helped secure this remarkable effort by the district. Thank you to the many parent volunteers, spectators, Mrs. Steinkirchner (district math coach) and district math teachers for your support of this outstanding event.

Sixth Grade Math Team

Middle School Math Team

www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 5 District Highlights Rapidly Growing Robotics Club During the 2017-18 school year, a third grade robotics club started at Green Primary. The pilot program could accept 33 students in grade three to participate in the before school club. Invitations were extended and the program had 100% acceptance. This third grade club met every Thursday morning for 12 weeks to learn to program a pair of robots. The students were then challenged to compete in teams varying from Olympic Games, Leprechaun Traps, and even a bowling challenge. This initial club provided students with the opportunity to not only learn how to program robots, but to creatively problem solve different situations. Through a partnership with the Louisville Public Library, twelve “Dash and Dot” robots were loaned to use with the students in the club.

Due to the great success with the initial pilot program, a hands-on research and exploratory unit was developed for the Intermediate School. The purpose of this two week lesson (six week building total) was to expose students to various types of robotics and coding opportunities, as well as determine what module of robotics students were most interested in. Class time was utilized to research the five models provided in the assignment. trial and error and the skill of coding. Future plans include expanding the robotics In week two, all Green Intermediate students were provided with a hands-on club in grades seven and eight, as well as participation in Robotics Competitions opportunity to learn with the robotics they had researched; modules once again on with other districts. Our first new Lego Mindstorm EV3 kit has been purchased loan from Louisville Public Library. The purpose of this program was to introduce with a PTA grant and will be used with the new Green Middle School Club. students to the world of robotics and programming, and spark interest in STEM Additional funding is being sought and our program will soon be presented to careers. This project allowed 1,000 students the opportunity to explore four the Green Chamber of Commerce. With additional funding, expansion of the different types of educational robots and two virtual reality experiences. Robotics program is planned to include the high school.

Early in the 2018-19 school year, the Robotics program was expanded to include For additional information about the club or how to donate, contact one of the a third grade Challenge Club with the Wonder League, and two third grade club facilitators: exploratory clubs. Additionally, clubs were also added for students in fourth, fifth, Pam Anderson, [email protected]; Scott Aten, atenscott@ and sixth grade. Funds became available from the annual Bulldog Dash at GPS, greenlocalschools.org; Pam Mattiazzo, [email protected], or and building funds were used at GIS, to allow the acquisition of “Dash and Dot” Stephanie Sommer, [email protected]. robots for use with our third and fourth-grade clubs. Green Intermediate already owned the older, Lego Mindstorm NXT kits so, the fifth and sixth-grade clubs built the “5 Minute Bot” to be the robot they used to develop their programming skills.

This past fall, the sixth-graders had their first two-week club. During club meetings, the young engineers learned how to program the basic movements of the robot. Students had to use their math skills to determine precise wheel rotations to get the robots to move as desired. Once basic movements and turns were mastered, students began adding various sensors to the bot. The robot become smarter. Students programmed the light and touch sensors to detect colors on the ground to determine and detect obstacles. Course adjustments were made as needed. Programming the robot to navigate its way through a complicated maze became a favorite activity. This spring a second group of sixth-graders, along with our first group of fifth- graders, are experiencing the same activities as the fall group.

Through these experiences, participants encountered real-world scenarios that required collaborative learning, problem solving through

6 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Safety and Security A Thank You to the COPS Office STOP School Green Community Violence Prevention Dear Bulldog Families, Residents, Voters and Tax Payers of Green, Program Grant Green Local Schools working with Summit County Last March, after a frightful and sad few weeks of Sheriff secured a federal COPS grant totaling school violence both in neighboring communities and $363,107 for a comprehensive notification program. distant communities we read about and see only in the news, our district put together a panel of safety The grant opened June 25, 2018, through the US and security experts and hosted a town hall dialog. Department of Justice. More than 230 applications were received totaling nearly $86 million in requests Over 300 of you joined myself and the panel on a for the federal funds. Only 91 grants were awarded very stormy night. nationwide, totaling just under $25 million. Your voices were heard that evening. The resounding, Green Local Schools, working with the Summit overwhelming message to our Board of Education County Sheriff’s Office was one of those 91 grantees, and Administration was to do what had to be done receiving 100% of the amount requested. Captain within some scope of reason to make our schools Doug Smith from the Summit County Sheriff and as safe as possible. As a father of three boys in the Julie McMahan, the Director of Communication district, I couldn’t agree more. and Community Relations for Green Local Schools along with Wendall Jackson were responsible for After several weeks of fact finding, interviewing detailing budgets and writing the grant. companies, looking for best practices, the Board The COPS grant comprehensive notification of Education developed a sound plan of action and program for the district will alert first responders Deputy Hart attached a dollar figure to that plan. The plan resulted and potential victims and witnesses simultaneously. in placing a levy on the August ballot, solely for the The integration includes: school public address purpose of safety and security. system, emergency radio platform, panic alarms, wall mounted audio and visual signal, panic alarms Passage of the “Safer Green Schools” levy has on lanyards, individual portable radios, mobile radios resulted in four additional School Resource Officers on school buses, GPS locators on the school buses, for a total of five, two Family Support Specialists who annunciator and cameras. The entire project will be coordinate and align resources inside and outside of implemented within 2 years and was written and school, and an additional mental health professional ultimately received independently of the Safety and who provides prevention, intervention, diagnosis Security. and treatment at our lower grades. The levy will also provide for safety and security infrastructure.

This levy has become a model for school safety nationwide, with several inquiries being made from media outlets and districts across the state and region as “how did Green do it?” Our answer is simple…our community did it. Deputy Morgan We know that safety and security does not equate to convenience. We know safety and security comes with a price. And while I am forever grateful for your trust, confidence and “yes” vote, I know never to take this community’s support for granted. I hope each tax payer and stakeholder will read our safety and security updates and feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Deputy Buck

Thank you for giving us this gift to our students.

Sincerely,

Jeff Miller Deputy Bumgardner Superintendent (left) Deputy Ryan www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 7 Safety and Security Start Talking! Safety and Security Update to the Community An effort is underway across Ohio to prevent drug CARE Teams and Family Support Specialists Awarded use among Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens – our “2019 Everyday Hero” Award children. Start Talking was developed to give parents, guardians, educators and community leaders the tools On Monday, March 25th, the Stark County Educational Service Center’s CARE Team to start the conversation with Ohio’s youth about the Initiative was honored by Governor DeWine with the “2019 Everyday Hero Ohio” importance of living healthy, drug-free lives. award. Ohio Children’s Trust Fund recognized the CARE Teams and Family Support Specialists, including Green’s Cherie McCortney and Jennifer Robinson, for their A majority of substance-free adolescents credit their efforts in fostering optimal outcomes for children, youth and families. parents for the decision not to use illegal substances. Our CARE Teams meet regularly to develop strategies and align resources to promote Likewise, teachers and other authority figures can physical, social, emotional, and intellectual supports for every student to be successful. have a similar influence on youth and their decision- CARE Teams are able to foster healthy development, intervene early, and provide making. specialized assistance for those with severe, pervasive or chronic barriers to learning. Parents, mentors and peers can make a difference just Cherie and Jennifer, our Family Support Specialists (FSS), serve on the CARE Teams by talking to the young people in their lives about and provide the critically important connection between the families, students and drug use. The KNOW! E-newsletter is a great place school personnel. They connect families to school and community support services and programs and facilitate to start. family involvement in their child’s learning. For many families, the Family Support Specialist is a true lifeline to overcome life challenges. KNOW! is a drug prevention and awareness partnership developed by the Prevention Action A Personal Note of Thanks from Cherie and Jennifer Alliance that targets parents and caregivers of middle We would like to thank the community of Green for voting for our safety levy and allowing the positions school and high school students and empowers them of Family Support Specialists to be implemented into our schools. It is truly an honor for us to have these to raise their children substance-free. Its goal is to positions. While there are situations that we deal with that are certainly unfortunate, it is wonderful to be increase communication between parents and their able to provide support to our students and their families and to help them navigate those situations. THANK children about substance abuse. Know! provides YOU!!! parents, guardians and caregivers with twice-monthly, Through the National Blessings in a Backpack Program we have been granted access to the Akron Canton free Know! Parent Tips by email that contain current Regional Foodbank. Utilizing the foodbank, we are able to order and shop the open market and provide fresh facts about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well and nonperishable foods to families in need. This has been a wonderful opportunity. Often, for a number of as steps they can take to help children resist peer reasons, our families run into a food crisis. Accessible food continues to be a resource and a unique way to pressure to use. Sign up today. establish a trusting relationship. We have participated and witnessed some wonderful moments. A struggling single mom and her children deep in financial hardship. Homeless families unaware of services available. Depression where keeping up with simple chores or keeping children clean and dressed for school became overwhelming. There are so many stories we would love to be able to share with you but must respect our families’ privacy. What we can share are now happy, healthy families and children no longer just surviving but thriving in school and at home. Families who can live in the present, and now plan for a future. Buildings are reporting improvement in behaviors at school, attendance, hygiene, and overall happiness and well-being. Please know that your tax dollars are making a huge difference in so many children’s lives. All. It is an honor to serve these families and serve this district. Leading the Way in Mental Health and Prevention Ms. Sara Cool joined the district in the fall as a Mental Health Consultant, to assist with mental health and prevention needs in grades K-4. This position was created due to the passage of the Safety and Security levy. Ms. Cool is licensed through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervisor endorsement (LPCC-S). While on staff with the district, she is technically employed through Child Guidance and Family Solutions, having been with the agency since 2011. Sara’s specialized areas of training include: Trauma-Focused treatment and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and problem behaviors as key focal components. She has years of experience as an Outpatient Therapist, providing individual, family, and group counseling. Sara provides individual and group counseling and supports children who are referred by the district’s school counselors. She works with families to link to mental health services, consults with staff and teachers about behavioral and emotional concerns, provides support in crisis situations, works with PBIS teams and participates in CARE team meetings.

8 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Transportation & Student Contributors Fun Facts about our Buses The district’s transportation fleet includes 51 buses and two vans. Forty-three of the buses are driven on daily routes. Six buses are allotted for substitute needs and two buses are equipped with lifts for wheelchairs and special needs students.

Our bus fleet travels 3,146 daily miles. The majority of our drivers handle two or three routes per day, three runs per route, due to our three-tier set up. All drive a morning route and afternoon route, and a few also have a mid-day route in their schedule. In total, bus drivers are responsible for 260 runs per day.

Each Green Local School bus driver must recertify every six years. Recertification includes attending a class, Drivers assist at Blessings in a Backpack as well as written and driving tests. Each driver must have a total of four hours continuing education/driver training each year.

Every September, bus evacuations are demonstrated and practiced with students. Our lower elementary grades at Greenwood ELC and Green Primary School, conduct bus safety days each year. Safety and training drills include: how to load/unload properly, danger zones, how to ride safely, emergency exits, designated places of safety, and railroad crossings.

In an effort to support proposed laws addressing school bus safety, the Ohio School Board Association, the Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation and the Ohio Association of School Business Officials asked school districts to participate in a one-day survey documenting motorists who pass buses illegally. On Wednesday, March 20, the district participated in a state-wide survey requesting bus drivers track if they were passed in the morning or afternoon, from the front or from behind, and from the left or right side. Shockingly, drivers District mechanics recorded 28 violations. Ohio state law requires all vehicles to stop in both directions when a school bus has its red lights flashing and the stop sign on its side extended. The one exception is on four-lane roads, where only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop. Congratulations to the 2018-2019 Transportation Team Employees of the Month: Crissy Norris, Lori Walent, Karen Monacelli, Pam Varga, Deb Pompeo, Donna Nicol, Carla Lawson, Sonia Wells, Brenda Wolfe, Roger Chappell, Brian Rohr (Mechanic), Matt Archer (Mechanic), Mark Black (Driver/Mechanic Helper), Karen Dobson and Kathy Chappell.

Thank you drivers, mechanics and bus garage support staff for helping to keep our kids safe every day.

Evacuation drill

Student Athletic Trainers Student by Madison Bowser

Contributors A lot can be done in 600 hours. Over the past by Mrs. Natalie Tannehill, GHS three years, I have devoted over six hundred Journalism Teacher hours to the athletes of Green High School. As an eighth grader looking for a new hobby to ease The Journalism class at GHS my transition to high school, I found the athletic introduces students to the fundamental elements of training program. The high school’s athletic professional journalism, design, trainers, Arietta Paulus and Whitney Chadima, business/advertising and allow students to volunteer to work with them and photography. Our students learn learn many things. the terms and concepts, history and ethics of journalism. I am We attend games and practices to help the athletes excited three of my students are with whatever they need. Football consumes participating in this edition of the most of our time during the summer and fall. Bulldog Blast. This opportunity Many people think football season begins in late placed an emphasis on writing, august when they play their first game, but this is interviewing and provided a not true. In July, the players return to practicing chance to help the students develop and we go along with them. We make sure they responsibility for punctuality in have water throughout all of practice, help them meeting deadlines. Continued on page 10 Madison and Whitney www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 9 Student Contributors

Key Club’s GHS Talent Show place for their choreographed dance to Michael Foodbank. I created a PB&J project, during which Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel, and Kyle members assembled sandwiches to donate to a local by Prashanth Ragunanth, Senior Gowens and Josh Beacom won first place for soup kitchen three times this year. original music written and performed by their band, On March 21, the Green High School Key Club Key Club Advisor Shawn Edwards shared his sense Apollo 3. sponsored a student talent show which included 13 of accomplishment with this year’s progress and performances. Performances ranged from singing, “Mission House,” a charity in Yucatan, Mexico, was improvement. “This year’s Key Club has taken a group musical acts, dancing, art and even a yo- selected to receive the monetary donation. “Winning huge step forward in growing our presence at Green yo performance. As President of Key Club this the show means a lot to me, especially since it’s my High School. We have been blessed to have some year, I served as Master of Ceremonies. Audience senior year,” Gowens said. “Its a great feeling to be tremendous student leaders. The continuation of the members voted on the top three acts of the night. The donating the money to charity. The Mission House Talent Show, as well as many other activities such as first place winner received a trophy and a charity to does wonderful work in Mexico. Selecting them as the PB&J project, have allowed our students to give receive proceeds from the show. our charity was easy.” back and learn the values of volunteerism.” Key Club International is the oldest and largest Green is full of talented students, and hosting an event student-led service program for high school students. to showcase the diverse talents was an impressive Key Club promotes leadership through serving others. event for all involved. “We have a number of very GHS Key Club strengthened their focus on community talented students and I am glad that Key Club can service to school and local community. The club take part in organizing the show,” stated Edwards. worked to clean the GHS courtyards. Members have The Key Club hopes to host a talent show yearly as a participated in several activities including the City way to highlight the school’s talent while continuing of Green Trick-or-Treat Trail, Haunted Hallways at to focus on making a difference through service and Green Intermediate School, Adopt-a-Family during giving. the winter holiday, and the Akron-Canton Regional

The Yo-Yo Act

Elizabeth McElroy’s cover of the Stevie Nicks classic, Edge of Seventeen placed third, Jakeis Chambers and Preston Flynn took home second

Student Athletic Trainers, continued from page 9 if they are bleeding or hurt, and even help them with equipment issues. I never thought I would be an expert in all things helmets, but I have been proven wrong. Throughout the season a few of us also took CPR training and went to the fire station to review Yoga Introduced in GHS Library all of our plans with the paramedics who would be by Gideon Bullis on site. We reviewed the removal of helmets and shoulder pads, spine boarding, and transportation. High school can be a stressful time for everyone. Teen stress levels are at an all-time high and according In late August after we return to school, the games to a recent study, teens ranked school as their number one stressor in life. (LaRue, 2008). The library has start. The trainers must arrive before the team, so we traditionally been a place for solitude, peace and quiet. Many people — students and teachers — use it as a would be at the stadium at 3 or 3:30 p.m. for away space to catch up on homework or catch a breath and a minute of quiet. games and around 4 p.m. to prepare for home games. Many people think we are “just water girls,” but the Our GHS library is no longer just a place for reading. As a library/media resource center, and with a librarian task is so much bigger than that. who is a visionary thinker, our library now has the capacity and ability to cater to the social-emotional needs of the school environment. Recently, the GHS library has added a new stress reliever available to everyone; This program is so beneficial to everyone that it yoga. Students are encouraged to come to the library during their free periods or lunch and participate in a touches. Athletes are kept healthy and hydrated, the free, 30-minute yoga class. Yoga is a structured “recess” that teaches students coping skills. Yoga manages athletic trainers have assistance in their numerous stress through breathing, awareness, meditation and healthy movement. It builds concentration and increases tasks, and student aides gather valuable knowledge confidence and positive self-image. Yoga provides participating in a healthy, non-competitive group. and a new skill set. Personally, this program has given me some of my best friends, and turned the GHS’s Library Media Specialist, Dr. Mary Ann Stahr, enjoys broadening the opportunities the library can boys I have to deal with into people who are like my provide for students. “I love that students can now do something other than study and read in the library,” Stahr brothers, who would do anything for me and will said. “The physical education class seems to like doing yoga every week. Their presence encourages other protect me. I have acquired things through being a students to come seeing that more than one person is in the class.” Participation is up to around 60-75 each student aide that not many people get to, and I am yoga Friday. The yoga instructor is also a licensed social worker who is wonderful with everyone. Students very thankful for the opportunity. participating are very appreciative of this opportunity.

10 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 High School News

GHS National Honor Society National Honor Society (NHS) is a national NHS has an organization that serves to recognize outstanding extensive list high school students for their academic and of projects that community service excellence. Green’s chapter of its members the National Honor Society goes beyond recognition have and are and requires each member to complete two chapter involved in. It service projects, two academic interventions, and six is not unusual volunteer hours each year. The service projects are to find members volunteering at the Green Trick- NHS also is a major benefactor for the schools, the hallmark of this chapter of NHS. or-Treat trail, visiting nursing homes, cleaning up at organizing the recycling bin collection as well city parks and nature preserves or helping to pack or as Academic Intervention for anyone who needs Acceptance into National Honor Society is a rigorous collect with our Blessings in a Backpack food drive. assistance with subjects and homework. selection process. All juniors and seniors who meet During the holidays, members were asked to help at the threshold of a 3.6 GPA (grade point average) a special First Friday event in Canton. The Senior In addition to community service, the GHS chapter are invited to apply. The first step in the process Citizen Social, held each fall, has become a favorite hosts a leadership retreat for its members, and earlier is to submit a lengthy application detailing their community tradition and partners our NHS members this school year, hosted Pro Football Hall of Fame history with leadership positions, volunteerism, and with the senior members of Green. The Salute to member Anthony Munoz for a chalk talk, which was extracurricular activities. All applicants must submit Heroes has also become a not to miss event, honoring open to members of the community. four letters of recommendation from teachers. This the military and First Responders. Collectively, the highly selective approach helps ensure members of The advisors for National Honor Society are Mr. Green NHS members complete nearly 500 hours of Doug Froelich and Mr. Kevin Finucan. It takes a NHS, are fully vested and dedicated to impacting the community service. school and community in a positive way. special commitment to live up to the honor of being an NHS member. GHS Students Lead Way in Diversity The Diversity Center of Northeast 2018-19 NHS Members Ohio’s School and Youth Team provides Kendall Anenson Kevin Lin year-round diversity and inclusion Nathan Applebee Avery Macesich centered workshops, conferences and Nimra Asif Dimitry Melnikov retreats. These programs empower Zarah Belacic Andrew Micale youth and youth-serving professionals Colton Bonk Makena Miller throughout Northeast Ohio with the Tessa Booth Brittney Moore skills and abilities to build communities Madison Bowser Jordan Norris where everyone is connected, respected Alyssia Carmichael Donovan O’Neil and valued. Students who participate Campbell Collinsworth Samantha Piazza in these programs learn how to become Juliah Crepage Rachel Plum leaders and change agents in their Zoe Darrah Christopher Plummer schools. Mason Doerrer Anna Pond Students from Green High School attended the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s spring high school Daniel Dorazio Isabelle Prayner conference. The conference goal was to help our students lead their peers to build schools and communities Anna Elsass David Prexta where all people feel connected, respected and valued. An emphasis and focus was on rethinking beauty and Faith Estes Ayda Qureshi redefining what makes a person “beautiful.” Kayden Fricke Prashanth Ragunanthan Emily Gage Eric Rohweder The students attending the conference included: Serenity Downey, Heloisa Mora dos Santos, Stephanie Cook, Grace Hammer Thomas Rooney Nevaeh Johnson, Gavin Wingfield, Abbie Deger, Eden Deger, La’Shay Jackson, Sondos Abudawwas, Kaitlin Harrelson Taylor Schmitt Kyle Anderson and Brooke Williams. These Bulldogs are committed to rethinking the way people see race, Elizabeth Howerton Samira Smith religion, ethnicity, culture, ability and socioeconomic status. Claudia Isakov Emily Spada Collin Johnson Jessie Spoerndle Gavin, Abbie and Brooke were selected to participate in the panel discussion on Rethinking Beauty and the Macy Jones Julia Tsarnas three had been featured in a video earlier in the fall. The short film is a feature utilized by the Diversity Center Lucien Kallai Celeste Uhl for educational purposes as well as shown annually at the Center’s Humanitarian Dinner. Garrison Keeslar Grace Vail Gavin was one of two students selected and awarded Diversity Champion for his volunteerism over the Vasilios Konstantacos Brett Vincent past three years supporting and participating in the Diversity Center #Rethink short films and his diversity Sarah Leemaster Michael Wells volunteerism at Green High School. Connor Lengel Elizabeth West Jesse Li Mrs. Jessica Kraus, GHS Child Guidance Case Manager, serves as the advisor for the Chain Reaction students along with GHS Biology teacher Mrs. Carrie Wagar. Both advisors are interested in diversity and remain committed and passionate about the work of the kids and the Diversity Center. www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 11 High School News Mock Trial Teams Set School Record in Court Ohio Mock Trial offers a unique opportunity for high school students to learn first-hand about the law, court procedure and the judicial system. Guided by teachers and volunteer legal advisors, students participate in an original, unscripted simulated trial written by attorneys. High school students argue both sides of the case in real courtrooms across the state. The state finals are held in the Ohio Statehouse and the winner advances to the national competition. Green High School has participated in Mock Trial for 15 years with varying degrees of success. On January 18th, GHS set a school record with not only winning the district competition, but qualifying two teams to compete in the Regional Competition on February 15th. Both the District and the Regional Competitions are held at the Summit County Courthouse in actual courtroom and are scored by panels of lawyers and judges. According to Mock Trial advisor, Mr. Shawn Edwards, the program’s objectives include improving critical thinking, reading, writing, public speaking and listening skills. Edwards, now in his fifth year of coaching, stressed the amount of work and dedication on the part of the participants, developing an understanding an GHS Excels at Goodyear appreciation for the law, court procedures and the judicial system. The teams begin at the end of September meet up to three and often four times per week for two to four hours a time. Rube Goldberg Volunteer attorneys work with our students to prepare their case. This year three volunteer attorneys assisted: Mr. Steve Pruneski, Ms. Lisa Dean and Mr. CJ Meager. Meager, a practicing attorney in Akron, is a 2005 Challenge GHS graduate. This year was Pruneski’s 14th year of volunteering and Ms. Dean’s first. Green High School Science Club members earned a first and second place finish at the Goodyear Rube Per the scoring system, both sides – the prosecution and the defense – must “win” to move on to the next round of competition. Both of Green’s teams delivered on the wins with one team taking first place in the District Goldberg Challenge competition. Entries from Competition. numerous school districts were judged by a panel of representatives from Goodyear and winners were First place team members, the “Ladies of Law” included: Kylie selected based on strict scoring details. The final Casenhiser, Elizabeth Howerton, Macy Jones, Jana Maximovich, judging took place at STEM Career Day and winners Ayda Quershi, Amanda Salmons, Malone Shumate and Madison were announced during the closing ceremony on Skinner. Attorney Pruneski and Mr. Edwards served as coach. April 6, 2019. Team members also advancing include: Taylor Haydu, Darby Hurr, Isabelle Khoury, Alex Pond, Nolan Rollyson, Ethan Sir The first place team of Nathan Applebee, Lucien Louis, Julia Tsarnas and Adam Whanger. This team was coached Kallai, Nick Breth, Toby Baker, Dimitry Melnikov by Mr. Meager and Mr. Edwards. The “Ladies of Law” earned the and Connor Lengel received a $2,500 grant for right to compete at the state competition after winning regionals, another first for Green High School. GHS. Runner-up in second place earned the school and club a $2,000 grant. Those team members Additional Mock Trail students earned top accolades in the district included Ben Avila, Vasilios Konstantacos, Sophie competition. Best Attorneys included: Elizabeth Howerton, Amanda Salmons, Alex Pond, Julia Tsarnas Konstantacos, Allison Lovett, David Prexta, and Saad Yousef. Best Witness awards went to Ayda Qureshi, Ethan Sir Louis and Olivia Woods. Prashanth Ragunanthan and Noah Christopher.

Rube Goldberg was an engineer by training who was known for his cartoon depicting outrageous Ohio Seal of Biliteracy engineering efforts to complete a simple task. The The Ohio Seal of Biliteracy is an award conferred on graduating high school seniors who can high school challenge encouraged teams to be as “zany demonstrate a very high level of proficiency in English and at least one world (foreign) language. and outrageous” while applying STEM principals to Adopted by the state in 2017, it was introduced to districts by the State Department of Education early last create the themed Rube Goldberg Machine. Turning year. A school or district gives this award by following state-established guidelines. The distinction appears on on a light that illuminates a blimp was the final and students’ final transcripts. In its first year of being recognized by the state, fourteen Green High School seniors ultimate task for this year’s machines. from the class of 2018 earned the distinction. Thus far in the 2018-2019 school year, ten seniors from the class Our GHS teams had to apply to compete by of 2019 have already earned the distinction with several weeks still remaining to test for the seal. creating machines according to the challenge rules Students may begin preparing for the Biliteracy exams in Spanish, French and German as early as fourth grade. and completing an application and video of their The district offers introductory foreign language classes in fourth through seventh grades. Selected students machines. A panel of scientists and engineers selected may begin to take a level I language for high school credit in eighth grade. those teams to be showcased at April’s STEM day. Selected teams were required to showcase their Rube Five levels of a language are required to achieve the proficiency for earning the Seal of Biliteracy distinction. Goldberg Machine at Goodyear’s STEM day event. Once completed, students take a state-approved assessment to determine knowledge at or above the Intermediate- High level of proficiency in reading, listening, speaking and writing. Until this school year, Spanish was the Last year, a Green High School team placed second only language with a course at this level (Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture). French V was in the event. It is very unusual for one school to offered for the first time this year. The assessment will be given to those students in just a few weeks. There take the top two prizes. Thank you to Science Club is a great deal of excitement that German V will be offered in the fall and students will have the opportunity to advisor Mr. Mike Owen. Congratulations to all test for the Seal of Biliteracy in German. these outstanding STEM Science Club students. Continued on page 13

12 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Middle School News GMS Academic Challenge Green Middle School members of the Academic Challenge team, an academic extra-curricular activity, had a very successful year gaining knowledge and experience with each meet.

Middle school competitions are structured a bit different than the traditional high school set up, using a buzzer system. Teams earn points by answering a variety of questions successfully. Questions are selected from topics including Literature and Grammar, History and Government, Science, Math, Music, Art, and Geography. The winning team must earn the most points in three of the five rounds of questions, with each round consisting of 25 questions.

In October, 18 team members were selected after two rounds of intensive try-outs. The GMS season concluded in March and competed against seven teams in their league. The team finished with a 5 – 3 win/loss record. A couple of the matches were lost in tiebreakers in the fifth rounds. This year’s team was coached by Mrs. Lisa Aglioti. (l to r) Row one: Caden Bahry, Juliana Garza, Lainee Mikes, Sophia Futo, Nemanja Jovicic; Row Congratulations members, and good luck to the eighth graders as they continue their academic two: Coach Mrs. Lisa Aglioti, Alex Berlyoung, challenge activities at the high school. Addy Padgett, Julia Foringer, Jon Roth; Row three: Elissa Wood, Nicolas Lofgren, Edgar San Jose, Jordan Reinhardt, Jacob Olinger; Row four: The Wild West Carnival Thomas Schweikert, Aaryan Qureshi, Djordje The annual Green Middle School carnival sponsored by the GMS PTSA was held Saturday, Jovicic, and Jack Nahas. March 16, at the school. Who could have predicted the long-awaited day would fall on the same day that the varsity boys basketball team would make school history and play in the Regional Final that same afternoon? With many bulldog fans opting to cheer the team in Cleveland, the crowd at the carnival was a bit less than in years past. However, the excitement of the team carried over to the carnival participants. Ohio Seal of Biliteracy, continued from page 12 For the first time, if a student is deemed proficient in Hetti Hine and Cindy Cobb served as this year’s co-fundraising chairs and English as well as a heritage language (in reading, were the driving force behind the carnival’s success. Other key volunteers with listening, speaking and writing), he or she may earn various duties included: Stacy Kitchen, Lisa McFedries, Angie Thomann, a Seal of Biliteracy. The criteria for earning this Kris Graham, Michelle Barker, Tracie and Rayff Seffern, Kathleen Geckler, distinction in the heritage language is determined Julie McMahan, Robin Porter, and Cristy Ludrosky. in much the same way as students learning a Games, face painting, great carnival food, winning goldfish and the infamous world language: on a state-approved assessment, pie face game highlighted the day. Special thank you to the teachers and staff demonstrating heritage language skills are at the members who volunteered for the whipped cream pie face game and the students Intermediate-High proficiency level or higher in who gave up their Saturday to help. reading, listening, speaking and writing. All students must show proficiency in English in order to bea The event raised over $1,700 and will be used for a variety of purposes at the school. The GMS PTSA would candidate for the Seal of Biliteracy. like to thank the students, families and friends who attended and supported the cause. The district’s goal of offering the Seal of Biliteracy is to have more students recognize the value of biliteracy and continue with their second language National Geography Bee beyond satisfying the foreign language minimum The National Geographic “GeoBee” is an annual competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity requirement for earning an honors diploma upon about the world. Students from nearly 10,000 schools across the United States competed in the 2019 National graduation. An increase of students taking advantage Geographic GeoBee for a chance to win college scholarships. of the opportunity to further pursue their language studies is anticipated. Under the leadership of GMS teacher Kelli Hunka, a total of 18 seventh and eighth graders competed in the school test on January 17, 2019. Participants included: Noah Burke, Julia Foringer, Language and intercultural competence are crucial Kaleb Gaines, Parker Green, Ryan Hogan, Nemanja Jovicic, Grant Kuwatch, skills for the 21st century learner. Employers, Seth McClain, Ben Pine, Ryan Price, Aaryan Qureshi, Jordan Reinhardt, Dominic colleges, graduate schools and military institutions Rutherford, Edgar San Jose, Thomas Schweikert, Kade Taliaferro, Brenton all seek candidates who possess the ability to work Ujhazy and Eric Wolford. with and relate to diverse individuals who bring an array of experiences, languages and cultures to the Grant Kuwatch placed first in the school competition and went on to qualify as one table. Biliteracy is a marketable and necessary feature of only 100 students to participate in the Ohio GeoBee, held March 29, 2019. Grant in an ever-globalized economy. Please contact World finished the competition just one answer away from the final tie breaker andhada Language Department Chair, Angie Garritano at wonderful experience. Congratulations, Grant, for a fantastic effort! [email protected], with any Grant Kuwatch questions about this program. www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 13 Middle School News

Building the Buoys

Seventh-grade Buddies “STEM” has become a familiar acronym at the high The eighth-grade objectives are examining forces school and college level. Recent staff interest and in relation to magnitude and direction. Utilizing Bulldog Buddies additional professional development has brought the classroom 3D printer, students are improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics the popular air hockey game. Teams determine Bulldog Buddies is a unique program under the to the middle and elementary school level. Green how the game could be improved with such items leadership and guidance of GMS special education teacher Amanda Gostlin, and was created for Middle School students are fortunate to have a as obstacles, bigger puck, smaller puck, better students with special needs to help develop dedicated staff member teaching STEM all year. sides – the preference is based on personal playing meaningful relationships, gain self-confidence, and experience. The end objective is understanding when experience entertaining activities with their typical Ms. Paula Warner, STEM instructor at GMS, the net force is zero, the object remains at rest or peers. explains STEM education as an interdisciplinary continues to remain at a constant speed in a straight approach to learning where rigorous academic line. Once the improvement objects are created, the An application is required to become a Bulldog concepts are coupled with real-world lessons. In teams run trials to prove their hypothesis of how to Buddy. Students that are compassionate, responsible, Ohio, middle school STEM evolved as a hybrid improve the game. and mature make great Bulldog Buddy candidates; from math, science and technology state standards. a potential Buddy’s character is of the utmost Students apply those subject contexts to make Ms. Warner has been very successful in obtaining importance. connections between school, community, work, grants to meet classroom needs including: PPG The typical peer Buddies demonstrate responsibility, global enterprise and world issues. ($4,000), UTC ($2,500 initial, $1,000 annually), serve as role models and develop leadership skills. Martha Holden Jennings ($2,500), GMS PTSA Mrs. Gostlin stresses, that above all, the Bulldog This semester, current seventh-grade STEM ($1,200) and Colllins Aerospace ($1,000). These Buddies promote acceptance and awareness that we objectives include learning how scientists use buoys grants have paid for 3D printers, filament, air hockey are more alike than we are different. The Buddies to collect temperature data. The scientific project and tables, drones and miscellaneous items such as sticky truly develop well-established friendships while experiment introduces the concept of how thermal- felt, index cards, K’NEX, string, fishing line, rulers, teaching appropriate social skills. Those being energy transfers in the ocean and the atmosphere scissors, thermometers etc. mentored, in return, teach humility and empathy and contributes to the formation of currents, which for students with disabilities. All participants foster influence global climate patterns. respect, dignity, and advocacy for each other and all The STEM class is always looking for students at GMS. Teams of four students built buoys from a swimming donations. Items needed include: used pool noodle, rope, twine or fishing line and a thermometer. noodles any size or shape, building materials This year, Bulldog Buddies includes both seventh and eighth-grade students who meet once a week Utilizing new knowledge of ocean data including such as Legos and K’NEX, matchbox and during their one hour lunch and advisory period. temperature, currents, waves and wind velocity, model cars, plastic cups of all sizes, soufflé Seventh-grade Buddies include: Matthew Sopher, the teams used the buoys in the wetland to try to cups with lids, thermometers, car tracks, Michael L’Amoreaux, Nicholas Argyriou, Kayla determine which weather phase currently exists and fishing line, golf balls, ping pong balls, Spellman, Jamie Welker, Gwendalyn Edwards, if the phase could predict future snow days. marbles, toothpicks, bouncy balls, straws and Skylar Johnson, Landry Torres, Lydia Smith, tape. Items may be taken to GMS. Devyn Loveland, Caleb Youngman, Ava Aller, Elena Hughes, and Celina Halter. Eighth graders participating include: Ethan Schubert, Alex Plummer, Alex McClellan, Marissa Perrine, Olivia Rutledge, and Naudia Haddox. The Bulldog Buddies live up to Green Middle School’s mission to create a compassionate and friendly environment for all students.

Eighth-grade Buddies Air Hockey STEM Students Testing the Buoys

14 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Intermediate School News The Buddy Bench Team Adyson Desonne became a Bulldog this past fall as a fifth grader. She was brand new to the district and did not know one single person. Within the first couple months of school, Adyson made three very good friends – Ellie, Maddie and Natalie. These girls shared many conversations about food, fun, Building the Buoys school…and how difficult it can be to reach outside your core center of “who you know.” Buddy Bench Team Founders

The girls noticed a bench on the GIS playground which never seemed to be in use. Adyson thought the bench would be an ideal spot for kids to sit and meet each other, sit and talk or just take a break from the often COSI on busyness of playground activities. But Adyson realized changing the social climate of fifth grade, even if for the better, could not be done as efficiently alone. She proposed a plan to her gal pals. A characteristic of being Wheels “BulldogStrong,” in her mind, was to include everyone. The bench on the playground was a great place to COSI is a nationally esteemed science center that has start. Excitement grew and the foursome became known as the Buddy Bench Team. delighted Ohio with all things science for 55 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, The team worked on logistics of their plan during the winter, soliciting additional volunteers to serve. A day in and math (STEM) topics and delivering our February was set up where students had the new Buddy Bench Team logo heat transferred onto tee shirts. The experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. As girls felt it important that each member of the team be easily identifiable on the playground, not only to other a trusted educational resource for families, schools, kids, but to the School Resource Officer if he needed to contact a team member to help be a buddy. The girls and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our community, engaging more than one also recruited Deputy Bumgardner to million people annually through onsite, offsite, and help them move the bench to a more online experiences. ideal location once the weather became nice. COSI on Wheels introduces dynamic science topics to individual schools, taking their programs on the The Buddy Bench Team has nearly road with high-energy assemblies and interactive, 40 members, working daily to hands-on activities. COSI on Wheels programs reduce social isolation and promote enhance inquiry skills, encourage curiosity, and spark inclusion…even for a student brand interest in science, while fitting into Ohio’s science new to the district. GIS is very proud standards. of the young ladies, and thankful COSI on Wheels rolled into GIS for three sessions GIS Buddy Bench Team Adyson came to Green. where each grade level was able to participate in a science lesson developed specifically for current Museum of Towers lessons. Fourth grade enjoyed the Energy! program. Mrs. Hanchey’s and Mrs. Crossman’s Block 3 students researched towers and skyscrapers from around the Energy! supports the academic contents of electricity, world. The ultimate goal required each student to create and construct a tower for classroom display. The heat and matter. Students learned about and then experimented with electricity, magnetism and student work included reading the non-fiction book Skyscraper to learn about the various aspects of towers and motion. Hands-on opportunities included circuit select individual critical thinking activities and complete non-fiction reading responses using the understand, building, chain reactions, and moving objects without apply, create, analyze and evaluate process. touching, using forces and energy. Once the non-fiction response component was completed, building the towers began at home using the new Exploring Ecology explores the outdoors as the found knowledge taking into consideration the formation, creation, mistakes and durability of the towers. science of prairies, forests, rivers and wetlands Towers could be from anywhere in the world with very few limitations on the build. Once completed, the was brought into the gym for fifth grade. Students towers were displayed in the investigated animal adaptions, life cycles, and learned two classrooms, creating a how parts of an ecosystem are connected. This museum of towers. Students program connected with the fifth grade interactions shared information and with ecosystems state standards. details about the towers with Sixth grade explored chemistry with the scientific classmates. Response cards method, acids and bases, and chemical and physical were available for comments, changes. The goal was to complete challenges to praises and critique during the become Certified COSI Chemists. Students got walk through the museum. messy (and loved it) with non-Newtonian substances, endothermic and exothermic reactions (also known Both Mrs. Hanchey and Mrs. as slime), and other chemistry hands-on activities! Crossman were pleased with COSI experiences come with a cost. Thank you to the the amount of thought, detail GIS PTA for providing 100% of the funds necessary and originality built for the for COSI on Wheels. It was a great few days of tower museum. outstanding science where learning was truly fun.

www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 15 Intermediate School News

Derby Dogs GIS Soap Box Derby Program Expands Good luck to the Green Intermediate School will continue the recent tradition of competing in the Soap Box Derby’s Gravity Racing Challenge© (GRC) STEM Team Competition on May 18th. A record number five cars will be entered Derby Dogs on into the competition in the Super Stock division thanks to a Summit County Community Development Grant program for placement of the Soap Box Derby STEM Mini Car program in area schools.

May 18!

Car 1 The Soap Box Derby, dating back to 1934, is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration and Joshua Spoonhower, Logan Nanna, Casey fair and honest competition. The core values of the organization include: youth education, leadership Shaulis, Billy Strait, Connor Keefer, Jared development, innovation, teamwork, mentoring, volunteerism and commitment to community. One of Genovese. the Derby’s youth initiatives is the STEM-based Education Program, providing educational and racing opportunities for youth K-12. Car 2 Brianna Kostantinovich, Bella Silvey, Christian Burner, Maybree Garrott, Autumn The GIS students earning the opportunity to build the cars and participate in the STEM racing Challenge Team Schrock. Competition were selected from the top mini car racers at the Celebration of Education. Mrs. Pam Anderson and Mr. Sean Mostov worked closely with students to tweak their cars for maximum speed. Students competed Car 3 against each other in the preliminary rounds. Winners then moved on to race against students from Lake. Drew Anson, Selena Sabbagh, Haley New this year for Green’s Derby car program was a logo contest. Mrs. Wendy Shocklee and Miss Jill Somerville, Dominic Stewart, Charlie Reimer. Terranova organized the contest in their ELA classes. The winning entries of Autumn Schrock, Charlie Car 4 Reimer and Ginger Goshe will appear on three of the five cars. Izzy Menefee, Carmina Ciccarelli-Aloisi, Supporting the GIS Soap Box Derby car build this year include community volunteers Dennis Sklack, Lynn Kloe Williams, Gurleen Dhillon. Sklack, Lexi and Ashley Sklack, Sarah Kolesar, (high school student) and Denny Loudermilk (grandfather of a past racer). Mr. Steve Lockstedt, GIS band director, is also on the car build. Ms. Linda Hubbell, a Car 5 representative from the education department of the International Soap Box Derby has been a long time mentor Emily Graham, Keely Bahry, Kelsey Loudin, and supporter. Ms. Hubbell is excited how quickly the GIS program has expanded and the connection it serves Rachel Robinette, Ginger Goshe. in STEM education, encouraging problem solving, project management, how to work with tools, testing and refining engineering skills, and communications.

16 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Green Primary News

Reading Across America Celebrating Dr. Seuss Every year since March 2, 1998, during the last week of February or beginning of March, children across the country kick-off National Reading Month by celebrating the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss and the many characters that have been immortalized in his children’s books. “Read Across America Day” has become an annual reading program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading.

Read Across America promotes reading, particularly for children and young adults. Many schools and libraries across the United States participate in the day and week by bringing people together to read. From a child’s first time hearing a story on their parent’s lap to an adult’s escape into the pages of an intriguing novel, reading plays a major role in our lives. A Chance to Play Motivating children to read is an important factor in student Green Primary School third grader Zayne Atallah achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Green was selected to share his special story and Primary School recognizes the outstanding opportunity Read successes at A Chance to Play Gala, held on April Across America and Dr. Suess provides for their students and 6th at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The event families and incorporates a week’s worth of various reading was a fundraiser for the Adaptive Sports Program activities and events. Read Across America has become a of Ohio (ASPO). Zayne is a member of the ASPO week where the love for reading and love for Dr. Seuss is truly club ice hockey team. WKYC reporter and Green celebrated. High School alumnae Amani Abraham served as the emcee for the evening and introduced Zayne GPS’s Read Across America Week was to kick off on Monday, to the stage. February 25 with Mystery Reader Monday. Various “mystery readers” were to show up on the morning announcements and The Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO) is read stories. Mother Nature did not cooperate; the district had a nonprofit organization established to promote a snow day. The week’s events kicked off with Trade a book the health and wellness of individuals with Tuesday. The concept was bring a book, take a book, and share physical disabilities and provide competitive the books in the classrooms, promoting a book really never wears and recreational adaptive sport opportunities out. Just swap it! throughout Ohio. “Stop, Drop and Read” was the phrase on Where’s your book? Zayne was born with Bilateral Proximal Femoral Wednesday. Principal Seals and Assistant Principal Fultz announced it multiple times throughout the day. Focal Deficiency. This means he has shortened Every child and adult in the building had to “stop, drop and read” for a few minutes. A bit crazy, but it worked! femur bones and a missing fibula in both legs. His first major surgery was at the age of two and then Throwback Thursday was quite special and provided peer mentorship. Students had the opportunity to read a another at age four where he was in an external story and complete an activity with a “younger” class at GPS or Greenwood. fixator and non-weight bearing for four months. Finally, although a day early (Dr. Seuss’s birthday fell on a Saturday this Zayne has participated in ice hockey for four years. year), it was time to have fun being a book character. Students dressed, He is a fierce competitor and has traveled all over made a prop or wore a shirt representing their favorite character from a the United States with his team. Zayne exudes book, especially a Dr. Seuss book. happiness and does not believe he has a disability, During the week, to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Fox in Socks, students collected but a gift. He is a gift to everyone at Green Primary 1,048 pairs of socks that were then donated to the Summit County School! Children’s Services. It was the perfect way to wrap up a great week of Congratulations Zayne and thank you for being an learning, reading and giving. outstanding example of your school.

www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 17 Green Primary News

Sweetheart Dance The Green Primary PTA proudly hosted the second annual “Sweetheart Dance” on Saturday, January 26th. The theme was “Sweetheart, you melt my heart” and GPS was transformed with sweets and snow. All students from Greenwood and Green Primary were welcome to attend with their chosen “sweetheart.” Children selected mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and special care givers. Two sessions were offered with 1,200 people in attendance, nearly 200 more than last year. The dance was full of fun, family friendly activities Mrs. Sarver’s winning classroom raised $1,250. designed for interaction with the child and sweetheart guest. Activities included: DJ with dancing, photo booths, selfie station, games, crafts and Kids Heart Challenge - Jump Rope for Heart foods. Greenwood students created the hearts and Over 610,000 people die of heart disease every year in the United States. Keeping hearts healthy and strong snowflakes decorations. The project was incorporated is vital to our well-being. The two most important ways to achieve this health are activity and healthy eating. into a writing assignment. The kids and dates really That was the message brought to Green Primary School with the Kids Heart Challenge Jump Rope for Heart. enjoyed looking for and finding their papers hung up at the dance. The Kids Heart Challenge was a fun and exciting event where students learned about their heart while helping Dance participants and dates had the opportunity to others and raising money for the American Heart Association. The Kids Heart Challenge is not only a fundraiser, order red, pink or white corsages and boutonnières. but also an important program for all students to learn the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. The For the first time, a beauty service was offered by the students participated in the Kids Heart Challenge lesson during Physical Education class. Bourn Academy of Dance competition team. The service offered simple and cute hair styling and nail Mrs. Nicci West, PE teacher, guided the students through three lessons: maintaining a healthy heart, learning polishing. how the heart works, and how important it is to have a kind heart. Maintaining a healthy heart meant being active 60 minutes a day, adding “color” to plates of food with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, drinking A very special lots of water, staying away from foods with lots of sodium and no smoking. The challenge concluded with fun activity included jump rope and hula hoop stations with lights turned low and disco music. Every class had an optional jump making rope and hula hoop competition. The winners were the Valentines cards for residents ones who could do it the longest without stopping. at GreenView Students, families and friends raised a total of $11,794 for Assisted Living The American Heart Association! GPS’s top fundraiser, and the Gables of Green. Additional Alex B. raised $515 and earned the opportunity to be the valentines were PE teacher for a day! In second place was Landon V. made specifically for the patients at Akron Children’s with $485, and third place was Dominik W. with $375. Hospital and donated at the “Have a Heart Radiothon” Mrs. C. Sarver’s first grade class was the top class with a for the 98.1 radio station. donation amount of $1,250 and earned an extra PE class. Mrs. De Dominicis’s class was second with $695 and The dance netted approximately $2,000 for the Mr. Seifert’s was third at $683. PTA. Special thanks to the following committee of volunteers: Janet Hill (Chair), Holly Toukonen, Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported Kara Geig, Megan Salvatore, Cristina Foster, this heart healthy event. The takeaway for the students Mark Smith, Allyson Glass and Nikki Conley. was that it is never too early to begin including healthy Sponsors included: Time to Party, Patriot Title Agency, Fairway Mortgage Corporation, Smith- habits into everyday routine. The bonus – the money Reiss Agency, Inc, High Point Real Esatate Group raised will help so many. and 8 Count Performing Arts Academy. (l to r): Jump for Heart top winners Landon V., Alex B., Dominik W. Mark your calendars for next year’s dance on January 25, 2020, with possibly three sessions.

18 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Greenwood Early Learning News

Stone Soup Welcome to the Class of Students in Mrs. Schon’s class read the classic tale 2032! All the Information For Stone Soup by Marcia Brown, which has a deep theme of community and the power of everyone Kindergarten Registration working together. Step 1: It’s time to register for Kindergarten Hungry travelers arrive to a village bringing an empty If you have a child that will be five years old by pot but quickly learn the villagers are not willing August 1st you may be considering Kindergarten. to share their food with strangers. The villagers, The staff at Greenwood ELC want to help you make however, become curious when the travelers fill the the best informed decision for your child. Parent or pot of water and begin cooking up a stone and making guardians concerned or hesitant about a child starting stone soup. The travelers tell the villagers the soup Keys to Reading Kindergarten may wait until the year they turn six. If is wonderful and they will share, but it really needs you have questions or concerns, please call Greenwood some additions, garnish and flavoring. The villagers Keys to Reading is a 10-week home-centered family Early Learning Center at 330-896-7474. We are happy are sold! Soon, the villagers begin to add more literacy program, facilitated by Greenwood’s Keys to help. and more wonderful ingredients to the pot and the to Reading champion, Ms. Richelle Stephens. This Once the decision to attend has been made, the first step travelers taste and declare it is not quite finished. As early learning, literacy program is sponsored by our in registering for the fall is an online process. Go to more ingredients are added, a delicious and nutritious partnership with the Summit Education Initiative www.greenlocalschools.org to start the process. You pot of soup is enjoyed by all – after the inedible stone (SEI). will see the link below on the homepage. is removed. The travelers tricked the villagers, but were successful in creating a tasty, shareable meal. The SEI and the Center for Literacy wanted to develop Enroll A New Student in Green Local Schools a program to help families assist their children with Students decided to “cook up early literacy skills. Kindergarten was determined to Once the online registration is complete, an email will some community” for a special be the best time to approach families. SEI helped be sent to schedule an appointment to come in and parent and family event held in the develop the 10-week program and was piloted in complete your child’s registration. We will collect Greenwood Café and performed a the necessary paperwork and conduct your child’s spring 2016 with 30 kindergarten students/families. Reader’s Theatre version of the Kindergarten screening at that time. story followed by a “Family Meal” The initial pilot study showed that students whose of Stone Soup (made in class the families engaged in the project gained an additional Step 2: Greenwood Registration - What Do I Need? morning of the event). Students 27 percent on their spring Measures of Academic Once the online component has been completed: made all of the props, decorations, and invitations. Progress® (MAP) test scores. Book your appointment - You will need to schedule Mrs. Schon led the kindergartners in a shared an appointment to come in with your child. Sign- persuasive writing assignment to request donations The program is designed to help our Greenwood up genius link to schedule, www.signupgenius. from Starbucks and Giant Eagle to help make the families work with their children on a variety of com/go/30e0e44a8aa2ea31-greenwood. At your feast extra special. Both generously responded, important literacy skills within the context of certain appointment, paperwork will be completed and your helping to solidify the theme of a community coming books. At the beginning, parents read to their child’s Kindergarten screening will be conducted. This together while reinforcing the persuasive writing children; by the end of the program, kids can read appointment will take about 45 minutes. A few teachers skills learned in Writer’s Workshop. to their parents. By the end of the program, students will work with your child in a small group to complete After the show, students interacted with the invited have 14 books that remain at home. the screening. There is nothing you need to do to guests, sharing the moral of the Stone Soup story. prepare for the screening. Questions will be welcomed. Sharing benefits everyone who contributes. Congratulations to all of our kindergarten students that participated in our first year of Keys to Reading! Prepare you paperwork - You will need to bring all required paperwork to complete your child’s Here is the recipe! Thank you to all of the families of the students. registration. If you do not have the necessary paperwork Stone Soup Parents and families are a big part of our program’s ready by your scheduled appointment day, please call Ingredients success. the main office to reschedule your appointment. 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth 4 medium red potatoes, cut into eighths Required paperwork includes: 1 yellow summer squash, chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped Legal guardian’s photo ID 1 medium onion, chopped Original birth certificate (no copies please) 2 celery ribs, chopped 2 proofs of residency in the legal guardian’s name- 1 teaspoon dried thyme see below for more details 1/2 teaspoon pepper 4 cups cubed cooked chicken Shot records - please bring your most current copy. If 1 cup frozen cut green beans your child’s shots are not yet complete, please bring a 1/2 cup quick-cooking barley copy of what they have. 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 4 cups salad croûtons Custody papers (if applicable) - copies will be made 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Directions if necessary. 1. In a Dutch oven, combine the first eight ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until Come on in - Your registration appointment will be vegetables are crisp-tender. at Greenwood Early Learning Center, 2250 Graybill 2. Stir in the chicken, beans and barley. Bring to a boil. Reduce Road. Please have your photo id ready. You will meet heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables with Mrs. Bauer, our school counselor. Please bring and barley are tender. Add tomatoes; heat through. Serve with your child with you to complete their Kindergarten croûtons and cheese. Stone Soup Villagers and Travelers screening. We look forward to meeting you! www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 19 Performing Arts

Summer Band Congratulations to the Casts and Crews of this Year’s Summer band is a wonderful opportunity for students Five Musicals and One Drama Production in grades 5 – 8 to stay “in tune” after school ends. The program provides a fun, free, musical experience Polar Express – Kindergarten; Aladdin, Jr. – Theatre 7, 8, 9; Addams Family – GHS Musical Theatre; It’s for parents, friends and the community with a free Saturday! GPS – Third grade; Magic Tree House Pirates Past Noon – GIS; James and the Giant Peach – concert at the conclusion of the session. GHS– Drama 2. Summer band, under the direction of GIS Band Director Steve Lockstedt, is crafted to be a fun way to learn new techniques and skills, win prizes and perform a concert. Peer-to-peer teaching is a critical component of summer band with our seventh and eighth graders mentoring the younger participants and assisting in new techniques. Approximately twenty high school band members volunteer their time assisting and playing alongside the younger band members. Professional guest musicians and directors work side by side our Green staff. Special guest conductors joining the Green Summer Band Camp include: Mr. Addams Family Cast Joe Carlson (Jackson Local) and Ms. Beth Lewis Several of the district’s vocal and instrumental groups performed to various organizations within the city of (Coventry Local). Mrs. Lori Ciola, retired Copley- Green and surrounding areas throughout the year including Men’s Choir, Ensemble, Green Middle School Jazz Fairlawn conductor and Mr. Lockstedt’s high school Band and Fermatta Nowhere, the GHS Acapella choir. band teacher/director, is excited to join her former student and was thrilled at the invitation. Summer Band runs 8:30-11:30 am Monday, June 10th – Thursday, June 13th. The community is invited to attend the session-ending concert on Thursday, June 13th at 7:00 pm in the Green Middle School Gym. The Green Summer Band will play the National Anthem at the Akron Rubber Ducks baseball game on Friday, June 14th. Mr. Lockstedt’s excellent reputation secured the invitation, as younger, larger Men’s Choir Fermata Nowhere groups are not often asked or approved for the honor. Green Middle School vocal and instrumentalist Come support the summer band students at the participated in the middle schools OMEA solo community concert and Rubber Ducks. Let’s Go and small group adjudicated event. Band students Band! earned three Excellent (2) rating and 36 Superior (1) rating. Choir recorded two (2) Excellent and 16 Superior (1)! All performing arts events posted on the district’s calendar found on the website at www. greenlocalschools.org. Just scroll down on left side to calendar. Don’t forget to LIKE our Green Local Schools Performing Arts Facebook page! Summer Band Clarinets 2018 Honors Band Performance Thirteen GMS and eleven GHS band members were selected to participate in the American School Band Directors Association State Honor Band held February 22nd and 23rd at the Medina Performing Arts Center. Students were selected from the district’s bands to participate based on their own individual level of performance and teacher recommendation. The event provided an excellent opportunity for Green’s top musicians to interact work with other top musicians in large group rehearsals and small group classes taught by ASBDA directors. Baldwin Wallace Conservatory Professor Brendan Caldwell served as the high school guest conductor. A concert utilizing music learned and perfected during the two-day experience culminated the event. HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BAND members selected were: Zarah Belacic, Amanda Salmons, David Prexta, Ethan SirLouis, Natalie Johnson, Eric Rohweder, Dylan Westmeyer, Ben Avila, Danny Dorazio, Dimitry Melnikov, and Henry Zwart. MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR BAND musicians were: Olivia Cooper, Maranatha Baum, Jordyn Beal, Emma Schwartz, Alex Berlyoung, Jon Roth, Isaac Avila, Abby Wozniak, Selena Santiago, Jessica Mundy, Zack Akers, and Thomas Schweikert.

20 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Athletic News Boys Varsity Basketball Sets School Records Welcome The Bulldog Boys Varsity Basketball team provided season long excitement, leading up to the Regional Final against a very tough St. Edward’s team at the CSU Wolstein Center. Coach Geis After losing the Federal League title to Jackson, the Bulldogs took revenge on the Polar Bears, winning by Mr. Mark Geis 20, to secure the District Title, a first in school history. Mentor, one of the largest high schools in Ohio, fell to will return to the Green in the same manner, sending Green to the “Elite 8” of the State tournament, and playing in the Regional Federal League final. as the new Varsity football The community spirit and support for the team was district wide. coach for the Kindergartners wrote letters and cards to the team. The excitement, Green Bulldogs. school spirit and sportsmanlike conduct of our outstanding student Geis, a graduate section will long be remembered. of North Canton During the season, Senior Kaleb Martin set a new school scoring record. Hoover High Kaleb received numerous recognitions: All District 1st team and District School and Kent Player of the Year, Federal League 1st team 2019 Basketball Athlete of State University, the Year, 1st team All Ohio. is credited with building a championship football team at Rootstown High School. He was named 2017 Akron Touchdown Club Portage County Coach Kaleb Martin of the Year, and an honorable mention for 2017 Plain Sectional, State and County Recognitions Dealer Coach of the Year. STATE QUALIFIERS TRI-COUNTY HONORS Geis impressed the interview panel with evidence • Competition Cheer: 7th place Division II • Girls Basketball: Kelsie Glass named to 1st Team of successful program building, community • Dance Team: 8th place Jazz; 5th place Pom and Tri County All Star Team involvement, player development, academic and • Wrestler Caleb Graber: 8th place Division I & ALL COUNTY HONORS athletic excellence. The search for the head coach Federal League Wrestler of the Year • Boys and Girls Bowling: Lucas Donahue and began shortly after former head coach, Jon Wallace • Zoe Dellaserra: Indoor Track, long jump, 60m Veda Hughes informed the administration of his intent not to seek a dash JULIA RAE NORRIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP renewed supplemental contract for the position. SECTIONAL CHAMPIONS • Kelsie Glass • Wrestling: Caleb Graber and Nate Booth Geis is excited about his new role and acknowledged • Girls Basketball the challenges along with a commitment to the struggling program. “I am are eager to develop relationships with our community, students, staff and all levels of Bulldog football as we build a program that will make this city proud.” Geis concluded, “We will build a tough and disciplined program.”

Competitive Cheer Dance Team www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 21 Athletic News

2018-2019 Varsity Girls Basketball Sectional Winner

Caleb Graber Sectional Champ & State Qualifier

Kelsie Glass receiving the Zoe Dellaserra Julia Rae Norris Memorial Scholarship State Qualifier

Nate Booth Sectional Champ

Boys Varsity Basketball

22 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019 Green Schools Foundation

Photo credit: Michelle Herdlick Laws of Life Essay Contest The Laws of Life essay contest was created in 1987 by Sir John Templeton to encourage young people to reflect and write about their “laws of life” or core values and ideals by which they strive to live their life. The contest is held throughout the United States and worldwide. The Laws of Life essay contests are sponsored by individuals or organizations involved in character development of young people. The Green Schools Foundation is proud to sponsor the program for students in grades eight and eleven.

Language Arts teachers are instrumental in overseeing the creation of the essays and work closely with the students. District judges score each essay using a rubric matrix designed specifically for the contest. This year, past winners at the high school level assisted with the judging. Winning essays are then forwarded to the Akron regional competition, sponsored by the Akron Regional Better Business Bureau. Results are announced in late April.

The district’s finalists were recognized at a reception in their honor at the Green Schools Foundation Celebration of Education. Cash awards from the Foundation were presented to the top students.

HIGH SCHOOL honorees: Skylar Schaefer (1st place), Claudia Isakov (2nd place), Lauren McElrath (3rd place), Brynne Mosteller (4th place), Alexander Casper (5th place), Devin McElroy, Andrew Micale, Gwen Miller and Nathan Nguyen (Honorable Mention).

EIGHTH GRADE honorees: Logan Dyer (1st place), Julia Jodon (2nd place), Airyonna Bartholomew (3rd place), Carter Daly (4th place), Djordje Jovicic (5th place), Hayden Cowan, Amy Lin, Sophia Matos, Mallory Oddo, and Emma Weideman (Honorable Mention).

Ms. Kristi Ovak serves as the district’s Laws of Life program coordinator. English Language Arts teachers participating this year included Katrina Honkala, Kristin Canary, Raelyn Gougler and Jody Riedl. Wrenn Nicodemo, Julie McMahan and Dawn Stephanoff served as judges with student Information about membership or establishing a judges Katie Borne, Emily Robinson, Luke Bologa and Natalie Johnson. grant or scholarship can be found at www.greenschoolsfoundation.org. Grants Green Schools Foundation grants provide an opportunity for staff to fund projects that will enhance student Rockin Out with ROX learning opportunities. Grant applications are open to all district staff with preference given to those who The Green Middle School ROX (Ruling Our are GSF members. Grants are of three categories: standard (funding between $300-$500), Spoonhower eXperiences) facilitators received a grant to host a Orthodontics Health and Wellness Grant (projects with a student-centered focus on health and wellness special Rockin’it Out with Rox event for girls who instruction) or group grants. Grant requests are evaluated on a number of different components which include: have not had the benefit of participating in the ROX emphasize student engagement; creative and innovative, Green community- oriented; beyond routine budgeted program. Close to 40 young ladies attended the items and promote academic excellence for all students. Congratulations to the Fall 2018 grant recipients: program which featured three breakout sessions: Coryne Bentley, Patricia Berardi, Katie Bowman, Sara Cool, Stacy Custer, Katie DeSmith, Kathy Lieb, ways to communicate in a healthy way, the impact Jessica Logozzo, Tess Maione, Kerri Manns, Cherie McCortney, Wrenn Nicodemo, Lisa Pafford, Cory of social media on girls and verbal/physical self- Potter, Jane Pramik, Felica Ross, Kim Sabo, Brooke Schon, Wendy Shocklee, MaryAnn Stahr, Beth defense techniques. Textor and Katrina Tripp. www.greenlocalschools.org @GreenLocalSchools THE BULLDOG BLAST 23 Green Schools Foundation/Green Alumni

Spoonhower Orthodontics Health and Wellness Grant Lisa Pafford (GHS) received the Spoonhower Orthodontics Health and Wellness Grant. The grant was used to purchase equipment needed to teach First Aid/CPR/AED training for adults and infants which included four AED Trainers with Multi-language USB Port and Metronome, adult and infant manikins with CPR monitors and first aid supplies. Upon completion of the Red Cross program in health class, students will receive a two-year certification in CPR/FirstAid/AED.

Run For Education Join runners and walkers for the 1st Annual GSF Run for Education, a “glow” run, on Saturday, May 4th at Green Memorial Stadium. Light up the night with this fun, new event designed for people of all ages and abilities. Runners and walkers are welcome to join in for an evening filled with glow sticks, black lights, great music and atmosphere. Proceeds will benefit the numerous programs and projects sponsored by the Foundation, as well as scholarships to graduating seniors and grants to district staff. Register online or the evening of the event. Be sure to wear your glow in the dark attire!

Green Alumni Association Annual Dinner The Green Alumni and Friends Association is dedicated to promoting the bulldog spirit and annually honor graduating classes celebrating their 50th class year reunion. This year, the Class of 1969 with be recognized at the annual dinner on Saturday, June 1, 2019.

The alumni weekend will begin with a golf outing on Friday, May 31, 2019, at Mayfair County Club. Saturday’s dinner will be catered by Leach’s Meats and Sweets. Social time begins at 4:00 pm with light appetizers; buffet dinner begins at 5:00 pm. For those needing assistance, wheelchairs will be available curbside.

Reservations are due before May 20, 2019. For dinner reservations, contact Eileen Hastings Cowgar (330- 606-2069) or Alethea Steward Rantanes (330-860-0864) or email [email protected]. Golf outing questions and reservations can be directed to Bob Beal (864-420-7728/[email protected]), Dick Fausnight (330-687-4540/[email protected]) or Dale Subick (404-281-9096/[email protected]).

(l to r): Eileen Cowgar (‘63) and Geri Alderman (‘63).

24 THE BULLDOG BLAST @Green_Bulldogs Spring 2019