Crestwood Middle School

MAY/JUNE 2010

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum

Dr. Andrew Hill Principal

Dear Crestwood Middle School Community,

Another action packed year at CMS has come to an end. As you will see in this newsletter, there was a lot of activity and learning going on the last month of school. I am continually impressed and extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students and of the many exciting ways that our teachers use to reach the students.

The end of this school year brings about many mixed emotions for me personally. As many of you know, I have been offered and accepted the opportunity to be the next Superintendent of Schools in the Waterloo Local School District. This is an opportunity that I am extremely excited about but one that comes at a hefty price, leaving CMS and the Crestwood community that I have come to love. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me the chance to work with your son/daughter(s) and with you. I feel that I have learned so much about education and myself during my time in Crestwood and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity that I have had to work here. I thank Mr. Iacano and the Crestwood Board of Education for having the confidence in me to give me this great opportunity. I will truly miss working with your children and you.

I feel very confident that Mrs. Julie Schmidt, currently an 8th grade social studies teacher at CMS, will do an excellent job as the new principal at CMS. I am certain that she will not only uphold the strong traditions of CMS but that she will take CMS to new, unknown heights. CMS and your children are in good hands.

Finally, thank you for your continued support of CMS throughout this school year. We could not accomplish the things we have without your strong support of our school. May your summer be safe and relaxing.

Andy Hill Miss Janet Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum

My Dear Friends,

Thank you for all of the beautiful memories that you and your families have created for me. I began my teaching career in August, 1973 at St. Michael’s in Independence, It happened to be the same grade school that I had attended for eight years. After deciding to move to this area in 1985, I began teaching at St. Joe’s in Mantua. The fall of 1985 brought me to Crestwood Middle School.

During my twenty-five year tenure at Crestwood, I have worn many hats. It has been a pleas- ure to serve you and your children. I have found the district to be a very caring, compassionate Christian community. I have never wanted to leave because I have felt at “home.” The relationships I have developed will certainly not disappear when I leave my professional Crestwood career. I plan on staying in the area. I am sure our paths will continue to cross.

The blank pages in the next chapter of my life will not remain blank for long. Who would have guessed I would try my hand at rock climbing? Thanks to the opportunity to chaperone the seventh and eighth grade physical education field trip to Kent State Recreation facility, I had the opportunity to see how high I could climb. I didn’t reach the top. But, I am very proud that this fifty- nine year old, first of all tried and second, reached half way not once but twice. Who knows what else I will try? I have always wanted to sky dive or at least ride in a hot air balloon.

Thank you again for everything. I wish you and your families only the very best. May your children continue to reach for the stars. Remember Always: You are Special, You are Needed, You are Loved. Peace-Happiness-Always

Jan Zimmerman RETIREE CLIMBS TO NEW HEIGHTS! Congratulations!

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 2 Lynne Morrison John Vanags School Counselor Athletic Director

Dear Parent/Guardian(s), CMS Sports in Review

Summer is finally upon us and with that the 8th Cheerleading - A great second year! The girls participated graders have said their final goodbyes before moving to the in the Windham Cheer Competition and placed first. high school. We wish them all a fond farewell as they ven- ture off into a world of different and exciting opportunities. Cross Country - The girls took first place in the Metro Divi- The 8th graders had an opportunity to tour the high school sion and the boys took 2nd place. and meet with teachers to help ease their anxiety about this huge transition. 7th Grade Football - Undefeated 7-0 with five shut outs. A great season!

8th Grade Football - A 4-3 record with consistent improve- I want to say a special thank you to the 8th grade students who led the incoming 6th grade class around for a ment. tour of CMS. The feedback from the kids was overwhelm- 7th Grade Volleyball - Undefeated 19-0, a stellar season— ing positive. All of the students did a fantastic job. 1st in the PTC 8th Grade Volleyball - Another great season placing 2nd in As summer approaches, please keep in mind the the PTC. value of continuing to reinforce the skills the students 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball - A hard working group of girls have developed this school year. It is a great time for them to set goals for themselves and a chance to do all those that were always improving. interesting things you just couldn’t find time for during the 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball - Small in numbers, big in school year. There are many opportunities to reinforce aca- heart. Ready for Freshman Basketball. demic and social skills the kids are developing. Consider taking time to have your student read a good book, play 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball - Good fundamental group some educational activities on the computer, or take ad- looking to jell together. vantage of the metro parks, just to name a few. 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball - Enthusiastic group, tall and ready to move to the high school. No matter what you decide to do this summer, 7th/8th Wrestling - Much improved—won many tourna- pick activities that you and your student will enjoy and ments, also improvement in numbers. continue. These kids grow up fast so take time to enjoy the time you have together. 7th/8th Track - 60 plus strong and a very hardworking group of athletes.

I look forward to seeing everyone in August and to Intramurals - good number of athletes for basketball and a fresh start. I hope everyone has a fantastic summer volleyball. Enjoyed working together, learning the fundamen- break!! tals.

Lynne Morrison Next year CMS will have a first year soccer team!

Have an action packed summer!

John Vanags, A.D.

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 3 CONCERTS AND OMEA LARGE BAND CONTEST

The 7th and 8th Grade CMS Bands and the CMS Jazz Band presented their annual Spring Concert on Thursday, May 20, 2010, in the CMS gym. Parents and friends who attended the concert remarked about the excellent performance. The 8th grade awards were presented at the end of the concert. The Dan Meeker Awards were presented to Jenna Morgenstern, Danielle Mag- yarics, and Jacob Lovick. The Instrumentalist Magazine provides the Directors Award to be given to junior high students who demonstrate the highest degree of musicianship in performance. The recipients of the 2009 Directors Award were: Morgan Engelhart, Michael Fletcher, Amanda Fosnight, and Zachary Strenk. Ten students received an Honorable Mention to the Directors Award. CMS Bands participated in OMEA District 6 Large Group Adjudi- cated Festival on May 14, 2010. Our 7th and 8th Grade Bands performed before a panel of three adjudicators for evaluation of their performance. CMS Bands worked very hard learning and perfecting the elements of superior performance and were well prepared. Both the CMS 7th Grade, participating in class C, and the CMS 8th Grade Bands, participating in class A ,received straight Superior ratings from the panel of adjudicators. Crestwood was the only school that had two bands receive the distinction of superior ratings from every adjudicator. There is a long tradition of excellence in instrumental band at CMS. Mrs. Ju- dith Guegold is the director of the 7th and 8th Grade Bands. Mrs. Debra Wiandt directs the CMS Jazz Band with assistance by Mrs. Guegold. The 5th and 6th Grade Bands presented a Spring Concert in the CMS gym on May 27, 2010. The performance also featured the CMS Jazz Band. Parents and other members of the large audience were amazed at the great progress of all students since the January concert. Mrs. Debbie Wiandt directs these three ensembles and is assisted by Mrs. Guegold and Mrs. Fergu- son. On June 2, 2010, the 7th Grade Band performed two concerts at CPS. The 8th Grade Band performed for the students at CIS on June 1, 2010. These performances at CIS are excellent opportunities to encourage 5th Grade Band members and to recruit those 4th graders who are thinking about joining the band program next year. These concerts also fulfill several academic standards for both the 7th & 8th grade performers and the students in the audience. . The 12th annual CMS Summer Band Camp was held June 7-11, 2010 at CMS, culminating with an outdoor pops concert at 7:00 P.M. on June 11, 2010. The camp had about 100 participants from grades 5-8 with assistance by CHS bands students.

Book Fair

The Parent group Sponsored sponsored this book fair with a buy one By get one free sale. PTO

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 4 The girls’ and boys’ middle school track teams had an outstanding season! Both teams finished the season with 10-2 records. Also, both team placed third in the PTC meet on May 14, 2010.

The girls’ team finished a strong second in the Red Devil Re- The boys finished with a strong 3rd in the PTC Meet. lays. The Shuttle Hurdle team of Abigail Soltisz, Marissa Evan Svab and Marcus Howells did a fantastic job Midgely, Hailey Zigman and Kayla Ondash placed 1st in both in the 110m hurdles with Evan landing in 7th overall in the the Red Devil Relays and the Woodridge Relays. PTC. In the 100m dash Mackenzie Snodgrass took a strong In the PTC Meet, the girls were led by Kayla Ondash with a 2nd for the Devils with Kenn Jackson right behind him fin- PTC meet discus record breaking throw of 94 feet. Marissa ishing 4th. Midgley broke the school record in the 200 meter hurdles with a The Devils’ distance runners Matt Gerdes, time of 32.04 and was the PTC champion. Marissa also placed Jeremiah Fitzgerald, Austin Usher, Austin Harris and Na- 1st in the long jump and 2nd in the 400 meters at the PTC Meet. than Green did a great job. Jeremiah Fitzgerald finished the In the high jump, Taylor Rector placed 3rd while Mor- season with an overall 3rd in the PTC Meet in the 1600M gan Strenk finished 5th. In the 4 x 100 meter relay, team Abi- Run.. gail Soltisz, Carrigan Benoit, Carlie Cofojohn, Kayla Ondash The relay team for the Red Devils 4x100 Meters came in second. While the 4 x 200 meter team of Taylor Rector, consisted of Mackenzie Snodgrass, Chad Randall, Josh Stacy Larch, Carrigan Benoit, and Karlie Cofojohn also placed a Hampton and Kenn Jackson. These hard working athletes strong second. took 3rd in the PTC with a time of 50.6! The 4x200 Meters Rounding out the PTC Meet Haley Zigman tied for 4th Relay team took 7th in the PTC with Ryan Ambler, Evan in the 100 meter hurdles, Abigail Soltisz was 4th in the long Svab, Marcus Howells and Charlie Shahan. The 4x400 Me- jump, Carrigan Benoit 5th in the 200 meters, while Carlie Cofo- ter relay team of Matt Gerdes, Josh Hampton, Jeremiah john finished 7th. Julia Pfaff took a 5th in the 1600 and 8th in Fitzgerald and Chad Randall gave a terrific effort finishing the 800. Taylor Michael placed 8th in the 1600. The 4 x 400 me- 5th. Mark Ozimec, Marcus Howells, Travis Tyler all had a ter team of Haley Zigman, Abigail Solstisz, Julia Pfaff and Tay- great season in the Shot and Discus. Mackenzie Snodgrass lor Rector finished 4th. broke the PTC record in the long jump, jumping 18 feet, 5 inches. Congratulations to coaches: Overall it was a terrific season. All track participants worked very hard and were excellent representatives Grover Vaught, Jodi Lohr, and Josh Ozimec of Crestwood Middle School.

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Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum 6th Grade Field Trip— Cuyahoga Valley Railroad

On May 12, 2010, the 6th graders went on a field trip to the Cuya- hoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The program they attended featured stories of the Underground Railroad. During the train ride, costumed volunteers told stories of abolitionism and slavery. Before students went on their trip, they participated in lessons on the Underground Railroad Quilt Codes during their Academic Enrich- ment periods. Secret messages in the form of quilt patterns aided slaves escaping the South before and during the Civil War. Students from Ms. Ragle’s and Mrs. Kulesza’s language arts classes created quilts that were hanging in the 6th grade hallway.

7th Grade Field Trip—Great Lakes Science Center / Omni Max Movie

On Thursday, May 27th, the 7th Grade students had a fun-filled, brain- building day at the Great Lakes Science Center. As soon as we arrived, we kicked back and enjoyed the movie “Sea Monsters” on the OMNIMAX Theatre’s giant screen. With over 400 hands-on exhib- its, students were able to explore the science of light, optics, sound, resonance, motion, mechanics, electricity, magnet- ism, and weather. Since GLCS is the new official sight of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, the students were able to learn about aeronautics and space explo- ration. In the Biomedical Gallery, students were able to learn about advances in modern medicine from stem cells to MRI’s to robotic arms. A relaxing lunch was spent viewing Lake Erie’s Inner Harbor, the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and the U.S.S. Mather.

Thanks to our P.T.O for providing funds towards this field

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 6 Physical Education Field Trip

The top 30 seventh and eighth grade boys and girls who received the highest score on the physical fitness test, enjoyed a day at the Kent State Recreation Center on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. The students were Mr. Vanags and Mrs. Thigpen tested in physical education class on their and all the students would muscular strength, muscular endurance, like to thank the Middle agility, speed, and motor skills. School PTO for providing this opportunity for Activities the students enjoyed at the our students. KSU Recreation Center were: walking/ running on the indoor track, basketball, rac- quetball, soccer, badminton, swimming, volleyball and rock climbing. Rock climbing was a big thrill for 15 of the students along with Miss Zimmerman. The students also took a short walk to the KSU student center to enjoy their lunch and fellowship with friends. A good time was had by all.

This year’s Right to Read Week took place during the week of May 3 to May 7. The theme was “Master the Art of Reading.” The main focus of this week’s activities was the fine arts. We had dress- up days including “be a master of your destiny”, where students dressed up in career clothing. Our wonderful parent organization provided us with cookies and milk during our advisory silent reading period. The “Who’s Who” contest featured baby pictures of staff members. Students were asked to guess whose pictures were displayed. We had an art contest in which students designed a book cover for their favorite book. All winners received “book bucks” to be used at the Spring Scholastic Book Fair.

Milk and cookies during silent reading were sponsored by the PTO

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 7 SPRING DRAMA PRESENTATION—Up The Down Stair Case On May 7th and 8th, the Crestwood Middle Drama Club, under the direction of Ed Judd and Tracy Nedelka, presented Bel Kaufmann’s play Up the Down Staircase. The show was a great success! Forty-five students worked together to recreate the New York City Schools for a packed house. The play was also presented to the students on May 11th. The play follows the adventures of first year English teacher Sylvia Barrett (Rachel Quesenberry) and her experience in the first semester of her career at Calvin Coolidge High School. Sylvia must deal with delinquent—Joe Ferrone (Craig Turner) while keeping track of all the red-tape issued by Assistant Principal JJ McHabe (Jacob Agle). She and her female students fall for the suave “Glamour Boy of the English Department”—Paul Barringer (Grant Bates). One student, Alice Blake (Nicole Derthick), falls a little too hard for Mr. Barringer. All the while, Bea “Mom” Schacter (Olivia Cobb) tries to keep Sylvia from getting overwhelmed. Sylvia is encouraged to leave public education and head for the esteemed halls of Willowdale Academy by her friend and confidant Ellen (Alyssa Jaehn). Even with all the waste, stupidity, ineptitude, whatever the problems and frustrations, Jay Dumas (David Bowles) finds his voice, Linda Rosen (Nicole Perkins) tones down her fashion, Helen Arbuzzi (Hanna Spencer) decides to give school a second chance all because of Sylvia’s actions. In each of the classrooms, all at the same time, education is going on—young people exposed to education. That is what it is all about.

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 7 CMS Choirs

The Crestwood Middle School Choirs performed their spring concert on May 26, 2010 to a packed audience. The sixth grade choir performed a medley from Mary Poppins that included songs such as Feed the Birds, Chim-Chim- Re, and Supercalifragilisticexbealidosious. They also sang I'll Never Grow Up. The 7th grade choir sang the popular song, Don't Stop Believin' and their contest song, Single Voice, Solitary Flame. The 8th grade choir performed songs that they sang at contest in which they received a Superior Rating (I). Their songs included Dansi Na Kuimba and All Through the Night. They concluded their portion of the Program with Lean On Me. The 7th and 8th Grade Choirs combine to end their program with the popular Nice'est Kids in Town from the Broadway musical Hairspray. The Girls Choir also danced into the hearts of the audience with their performance of Do You Believe in Magic and a medley from ABBA, Girls Gone ABBA.

BUILD –A BIRD

Students enjoyed this project in Mrs. Corr’s 6th grade science class that asked them to design birds that had adaptations suited to the challenges of specific biomes. They were very creative with adaptations that ranged from spe- cialized beaks or feet to unique nest building and mating calls.

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 9 POWER OF THE PEN STATE TOURNAMENT

Power of the Pen State qualifiers traveled to the College of Wooster Friday, May 21, 2010. We are so proud of our state qualifiers. In 20 years of Crestwood involvement in Power of the Pen, this is only the second time we have had this many qualifiers for this level of competition! Congratulations to 8th graders Amanda Fosnight and Sam Kulish, and 7th graders Lena Baldwin and Hannah Bennett. They have reached the top 20% of Power of the Pen writers in the state of Ohio and already have seven awards among them for placing in previous competitions, plus they have three Director’s Awards and four Best of the Best Awards for their winning stories. They have won ribbons, medals, trophies, savings bonds, and the chance to be pub- lished. They have definitely won our respect as talented writers and wonderful representatives of CMS. The season starts with 7000 writers in 7th and 8th grade from all over Ohio, and then ends with 700 state qualifiers at the College of Wooster. After three rounds of writing, the top 15% are chosen to write in the Final Power Round. This is only the third year we have ever had a student qualify for the Power Round. Eighth grader Amanda Fosnight earned this opportunity with her concise, simplistic, yet powerful prose. Although there were no more ribbons, medals, or trophies won at Wooster, Amanda, Sam, Lena, and Han- nah have won so much more from their experiences with critical thinking, developing creative, original approaches to the prompts, crafting their figurative language, and polishing their personal voices. Guest au- thor Margret Peterson Haddix seems to agree with this, “I still love words; love my plots and characters even when they go awry. And I feel incredibly blessed to get to tap into the power of the pen every day.”

Amanda Samantha Lena Hannah Fosnight Kulish Baldwin Bennett

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 10 Award Presentations

This year all families were invited to attend our Honors Assem- bly for each grade level at CMS. The schedule was June 1st for the 8th Grade, June 2nd for the 6th grade, and June 3rd for the 7th Grade. Over a thousand awards were given out to our students for excellence in Academics, Music, Art, Foreign Language, Drama, and a variety of other extra curricular activities such as Leadership and Power of the Pen. In addition, students were recognized for their efforts to display strong, positive personality characteristics. Ribbons were given to students who worked to display the personality characteristics of having a positive attitude, being caring, being disciplined, and being responsible. Thank you to all those who organized these successful programs.

Amanda Fosnight received the Ray A. Kroc Award

Carrigan Benoit and Nathan Green received the Archie Griffth Award Alyssa Jaehn received the Mike Herr Spelling Award

Five Middle School Summer Camp Scholarships Awarded

For the first time ever, Crestwood Education Association had a booth at the Potato Festival last September. CEA executive board decided that it was important to be more involved with the community. Teachers worked the booth all weekend. Coloring books were created for the occasion and passed out. A CEA banner was created and decorated the table. Teachers donated baskets that were raffled off. Profits from the basket raffle went to the creation of a Middle School Summer Camp Scholarship. The Mantua Rotary was contacted and they indicated a willingness to also contrib- ute to the scholarship. Through the combined efforts of the CEA and the Mantua Rotary, five Summer Camp Scholarships have been awarded. 8th grader Grant Bates will attend Mount Union Football camp in June. And another, 8th grader, Sierra Hobbs will attend Aurora Conservatory Dance Camp. 7th grader, Noah Gula will find it a bit easier to go to Boy Scout Camp Manatoc this summer and Natalie Cline will be attending Wooster Music Camp. 6th Grader Courtney Capel is planning to attend a Girl Scout camp at Kelly’s Island with our assistance. A very important component of the middle school philosophy is to encourage students to try new things and develop existing skills. Attending summer camps often allows students to do that! Scholarships are a wonderful way to give students rich experiences. Thank you to all who had a part of this project.

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 11 8th Grade Dance Las Vegas

The annual Eighth Grade Dance was held May 28, 2010, from 7:00-10:00 P.M. The dance has been a long-standing tradition held at the middle school. This year’s dance did not disap- point. The students voted on the Las Vegas theme. Their decorations were so fantastic you really thought you were on the strip in Las Vegas. The cafeteria was transformed into a giant tiki bar. Tropical flowers, leis, wild animals, a beach, palm trees, coconuts, and pineapples could be found everywhere. This year’s dance committees were superb in their creativity and vi- sion. As always our students voted on which students fit each of our superlatives and fun prizes were awarded to all. Picture taking for memory books, great food, and a good DJ helped our evening be a huge success. Thank you to the Parent Advisory Committee for providing the funds for our DJ service. A huge thank you goes out to all the staff members who volunteered their time to help chaperone the dance and put up with their rooms being taken over for the making and storing of our decorations. We really appreci- ated all the support and encouragement from our administra- tors, Dr. Hill and Miss Zimmerman. Finally, thank you to this year’s advisors, Miss Shipman and Mrs. Mattmuller for coordi- nating another memorable evening for our eighth graders.

Crestwood Middle School students on the 7th grade gray team and the 8th grade teams experienced “JA in a Day” May 19th. Junior Achievement helps students understand the economics of life through hands-on classroom experiences. The JA program provides students opportunities to evaluate their personal skills, interests, and values, understand the economic benefits of education, explore career options, learn job-seeking skills, and practice personal and family financial management. Since its founding in 1919, JA Worldwide, a not-for-profit organization financed by businesses, foundations, government, and indi- viduals, has fulfilled its purpose to “educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives.”

United States Navy volunteers led students through games and activities, such as “Choose Your Success” and “Keeping Your Balance,” to teach the important principles of financial literacy and the relationship between what they learn in school and their successful participation in a world economy. Students were actively engaged throughout the various morning sessions involving real-life scenarios. Seventh grader John Reid enjoyed working in groups, while Hayley Zigman thought the activities were fun. Scott Durham realized that “Insurance is important.” Tucker Urban summarized his experience with one of the main objectives of the program, “Stay in school if you want to do well in life.”

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 12 Skittles Activity instructed by Mr. Judd and Mr. Wesley

Students used candy to investigate exponen- tial functions. After starting with a certain number of candy skittles, students shook up the candy and removed all pieces that had the letters facing upward. The remaining candies were counted and the process was repeated until only one candy piece remained. The trial number and number of candy pieces were graphed as input and output. The experiment modeled real world events in growth and de- cay such as half life of radioactive material. The graphing calculators allowed the students to explore this concept in relation to other types of graphs. Of course, everyone had fun eating the materials in this experiment!

Straw Project

It is time for our students to demonstrate their math and engineering skills. Students worked in groups to build a free standing straw structure using only straws, tape and paper clips. Students had to design the tower, plan their budget and construct their tower in class. The evaluation included the tallest, sturdiest, least expensive structure that came in on budget, on time and looked great. Each class consisted of five groups that competed against one another. All the students had a great time building and evaluating their projects!

Compass Activity

Students were introduced to reading a measurement device called a compass. They also had to know how many paces equaled one hundred feet. Using this information, the students went outside to navigate through an orienteering course. While many groups were successful in this endeavor, we saw some that could benefit from modern GPS technology!

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 13 Assignment with a Prize

Eighth-grade computer students learn how to properly type a business letter during their computer class. Mrs. Moore had her students compose a letter, and send it to any person or organization of their choice. Students requested some type of memorabilia in the composition of the letter. Jacob Agle was quite excited to receive a personally autographed picture of Coach Jim Tressel, as well as a team picture, trading card of Coach Tressel, and team poster. Ironically, Jacob was dressed in support of his favorite team for Right to Read week on the day he received the items from Ohio State.

CMS Heroes

The 8th grade Red Team piloted a new program this year called CMS Hero. Mrs. Marfy worked with her social studies classes this year to identify how volunteers can really make a difference. One of the 8th grade social studies standards requires that students should be able to see the importance community involvement. In January, the Red team kicked off the Hero Program with a big team gathering in the choir room. Mrs. Welch, Mr. Wesley, Miss Shipman and Mrs. Marfy explained how their lives were made better because of someone else’s volunteerism. After much enthusiastic discussion, Mrs. Marfy shared many opportunities for volun- teering in our community. The challenge was issued to all the students: Volunteer for 12 hours between January and May 15 and become a CMS Hero. 14 students rose to the challenge and became CMS Heroes, each taking home a CMS Hero shirt designed by Danielle Magyarics. Taylor Jenkins volunteered with the Leo’s club, Grant Bates volunteered at an animal hospital, Rebecca Pochedly volunteered at the APL, Blake Kepple volunteered in many different capacities in his neighborhood. Amanda Fosnight volunteered with the Mantua Rotary, Kelli Janus volunteered at her church, Amber Harrison volunteered with a pet program that 4H coordinates, Brittany Campbell, John Kilbourne, Hanna Spencer, Danielle Magyarics, Julie Pfaff, Conner Nemec, Kyle Cox all volunteered with the Kindness Project. After students completed the service hours, they were asked to submit an application to be a CMS Hero. Out of all applicants, one Hero was to be chosen as the #1 CMS Hero of the Year, and would win $100 for the charity they worked for. All of the applicants worked very hard and showed much dedication to their charity of choice. In the end, it was impossible to pick just one Hero. Two winners were selected. Amber Harrison earned $100 for the 4H Pet Pals Program and Rebecca Pochedly earned $100 for the Portage County Animal Protective League. Mrs. Marfy would like to thank the CMS PTO for their support of this program. It would not have been possible without them.

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 14 In their 6th grade reading class, Mrs. Corr’s students investigated the history and uses of yeast. Using our microscope skills, students examined first-hand how yeast grows by budding, and had a chance to closely watch the bubbly foam created by the fungus as it gave off carbon dioxide gas. Students learned how yeast is used to make bread rise by making their own pretzels. The following day, we took our tasty treats along as we traveled out into the schoolyard to begin another reading activity.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

On May 20, 2010, nine 7th and 8th grade Crestwood students attended the annual Middle School Leadership Seminar held at Maplewood Career Center. The event was coordinated by Rachel Smethers-Winters, Gifted Coordinator for the Portage County ESC. Students were nominated by their teachers for their participation in the program. The day was complete with activities focused on what de- fines leadership, citizenship, and service to others. Activities were facilitated by the camp’s counselors, which were previous leadership attendees. Crestwood freshman, Andrew Showers represented Crestwood Local Schools in this capacity. CMS was one of ten participating schools at this year’s event. Students were provided mul- tiple opportunities to reflect on their own leadership qualities and how to enhance and improve them. Mrs. Morrison, Crestwood Middle School Counselor, chaper- oned the students and was very pleased with the student’s participation. The students had a great day and learned a lot about them- Students attending the Leadership Seminar along with selves and the positive impact they can have on their surroundings. Advisor Lynne Morrison were: Leannah Frances, Alyssa Lamb, Madeleine Sorrick, David Hill, Jeremiah Fitzgerald, Grant Bates, Nathan Green, Samantha Kulish, Olivia Cobb

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 15 Love to Learn: Literacy, Libraries and Lunch

As part of the 7th grade Advisory 3rd nine weeks citizenship curriculum, Mrs. Anfang’s advisory class contributed to their school community by helping Mrs. Stine in the library with various dusting, cleaning, and shelving tasks. They also participated in a read-a-thon for a week to raise money for a field trip and to donate money to our school library for Mrs. Stine to purchase new books. Mrs. Ester Cross, the Children’s Librarian at Reed Memorial Li- brary in Ravenna, enticed the students with “Exciting Summer Reads” in her book talk presentation as part of the field trip on Friday, May 28th. After a tour of the new additions to the library that opened in 2006, the students, Mrs. Anfang, and Miss Zimmerman headed to Susie K’s Café & Tea Room for a light lunch of wonderful salads and sandwiches where they were greeted with a personalized welcome sign on Main Street. Then it was off to the Deluxe Bakery to pick up a few treats, gifts, and on to Dairy Queen for “Something Different” as they say. McKenzie Bollinger, Savannah Burkett, Leannah Frances, Alyssa Lamb, Kaylee Mays, Heather McIntyre, Taylor Mendiola, Kelsey Mertes, Haley Rohland, Sami Spencer, and Carol Zack were able to check out books after the book talk with their new library cards. They will be all set for a summer full of “Exciting” reading.

Nature’s Composters

Students in Mrs. Corr’s sixth grade science classes have been talkin’ trash... and recycling. Students were able to share what they knew, and add to their understanding of the issues involving trash disposal in Portage County. We discussed the incredible amount of time it takes some materials to decompose, how our resources can be jeop- ardized by pollution, and how we can help the problem by reducing what we use. A discussion of recycling is not complete without an in- vestigation of one of nature’s recyclers; the earthworm. After understanding the role of the earthworm as a decomposer, students were then invited to create a worm jar, where they could add small bits of grass clippings, paper, and vegetable peelings to soil. Add a worm, and watch, how over time, the worms can turn it all into nutrient- rich soil.

DNA Day

Sixth grade students enjoyed a visit from Mrs. Marquez, who shared information about the type of work she does involving DNA and the packaging of test kits for genetic research. Her son, John, was happy to act as an assistant as he and Brandon Caldwell demonstrated the safety glasses and lab coat that are worn as part of the operating procedure for entering the “clean room” when working with genetic and other chemical materials. Thank you, Mrs. Marquez.

Dr. Andrew J. Hill, Principal Miss Janet M. Zimmerman, Principal of Curriculum Page 16

Crestwood Middle School 10880 John Edward Drive Mantua, Ohio 44255

Phone: 330-274-2249 Fax: 330-274-3705

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Check out the photo gallery for pictures of events that took place this year. APRIL 6th Grade Shannon Martin, Noah Stuczynski, Kaitlyn Goldinger, Collin Engelhart, Shannon Happel, Aaron Czerny

7th Grade Taylor-Paige Happel, Harley Lanham, Holly Hoffman, Brandon Johnson, Jessica Sanicky, George Monroe

8th Grade Skylar Scala, John Kilbourne, Samantha Kulish, A safe and happy summer is wished for all! Jacob Agle, Kayla Diroll, Cody Imars

MAY 6th Grade Morgan Faldowski, Anthony Foulkes, Brittany Pich, Aaron Czerny, Hannah Kent, Jacob Lieberth

7th Grade Emma Jane Carson, Jeremy Hand, Kira Judd, Bry- anna Herbold, Megan McDivitt, Brendan Fannin

8th Grade Samantha Canepa, Matthew Gualtieri, Jenna Cisar, Thomas Macerol, Meaghan Green, Justin Vaughan