251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 1
Bison Send YOU 14 Athletes to State and Schools Competition YOUR Spring 2008 for Wrestling, BULLETIN OF THE BEACHWOOD CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION Indoor Track Eighth Grader Scott Remer is an Winter Sports Story on All-Around Winner Page 14 In the academic competition world, eighth grader “On behalf of our entire district, I’d like to Scott Remer has hit the jackpot. extend our congratulations to Scott on his banner For the second consecutive year, Scott is The year and wish him the best as he continues on in Plain Dealer Cuyahoga County Scripps Spelling his many competitions,” said Superintendent Bee Champion and will represent the county at Richard A. Markwardt, Ph.D. “He brings great the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. honor to our district. We are very proud of him Making his way through words like “blitzkrieg,” and look forward to his continued success.” “witloof” and “halal,” Scott spelled his way to the championship on the word “conspiracy,” beating 47 competitors. Inside Last year, Scott placed 34th of nearly 300 spellers at the national level. Perspective...... 2 Scott is also a State of Ohio semifinalist in the National Geographic Society Geographic Bee. Treasurer's Column...... 3 Students with the top 100 scores in the State were invited by the National Geographic Society to Spring Scrapbook...... 6 compete at the State level. And Scott swept the awards ceremony at the Destination Imagination....9 Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair held at Cleveland State University, winning first place Musicians...... 11 in the Math and Computer Science Category, the American Society for Information Science and The Green Dream...... 16 Technology first place award, and the Best Project Award, Middle School Category, from the Cleveland State University Department of Mathematics. Beachwood Schools Scott will also serve as a Beachwood Middle Foundation Symposium School representative at the regional Power of the Pen writing competition (see related stories, page 12). Focuses on Making our World Safer By Sam Kay and Suzanne Schiavone
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Beverly A. Goldstein, Beachwood Schools Foundation Program Chair, 15 intelligence specialists, academics and military personnel educated Beachwood High School students about our nation’s security at a school- wide symposium. The high school program was followed by an evening presentation open to the entire Beachwood community. Experts from the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Seven National Merit Semifinalists from Beachwood High School have all gone on to achieve Finalist stand- ing in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship competition. They are (from left): Ben Levinsky, Evan Peskin, Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Becca Kendis, Uri Magaram, Michaela Ross, Sam Kay and Jon Fish. In addition, last fall, Jacqueline Department of Homeland Security and National Stern (second from right, front) was named a National Merit Commended Scholar and Holly Okpala (fourth Drug Enforcement Agency provided BHS students from left) was named an Outstanding Participant in the 2008 National Achievement Scholarship Program. Photo by Joe Darwal/JWD Photo. Continued on page 4 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 2
The year was 1957. In many ways, it its high school beginning in 1957, the proved to be a turning point for our Beachwood Civic League showed great Perspective country as well as for our own com- courage and vision by leading the munity of Beachwood. passage of a bond levy in 1955 for the America was experiencing a decade of acquisition of land on which to build a A Message from unprecedented economic growth and high school. It can be argued that the David B. Ostro ensuring its preeminent position on the 1957 high school groundbreaking was world stage. Our economy was firmly the defining moment when Beachwood based in domestic manufacturing and as a community achieved independence our products overwhelmingly met the for growth and self-control, and enthus- demands of the world marketplace. iastically embraced the responsibility to Competition for jobs came only from create a legacy of excellence in educa- the next town or perhaps even as far tion that we proudly retain today. away as the next state. Technology In the ensuing years, the world our meant the use of mechanical systems. children has inherited has changed in English was firmly rooted as the domi- ways those pioneers, shovels in hand nant language of diplomacy, commerce, as they turned that first clump of soil, science and the arts. Diversity was a could have never imagined. In order to concept decidedly off the national radar compete and succeed on the global screen. Yet 1957 was a year in which stage 50 years after the first cornerstone change began to emerge. was laid, Beachwood’s students make A generation of leaders was poised to daily use of integrated complex com- give way to a new breed of statesman, puter technology far more powerful embodied by the then-40-year-old junior than that first IBM compiler to enhance senator from Massachusetts, John F. every aspect of their education. They Kennedy. An emerging middle class gain essential language skills, including continued its surge of migration out of Chinese and Spanish, to communicate the city centers into new and expanding effectively in post-Cold War environ- suburbs. IBM offered its first compiler ments that are increasingly multilingual. Beachwood for the FORTRAN programming They secure acceptance to our nation’s Board of Education language. In August, Senator Strom most prestigious universities by taking 24601 Fairmount Blvd. Thurmond filibustered for over 24 hours advantage of an Advanced Placement Beachwood, OH 44122 against civil rights while the next and Honors course curriculum, unavail- 216/464-2600 month, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the able in 1957, that ranks amongst the www.beachwood.k12.oh.us school year began with the integration finest in all of Ohio. They enhance of the local schools by what became classroom knowledge with experiential Beth Rosenbaum, President known as the Little Rock Nine. Just 10 learning, such as the recent highly 216/831-9246 days later, the Soviet Union launched successful trip our orchestra took to [email protected] the first-ever satellite to orbit the earth, perform and learn in London and Paris. Sputnik I, sparking our national com- They come to understand the benefits Dr. Brian Weiss, Vice President mitment to improvements in math and of diversity, in part from a lecture by 216/464-6678 science education, and solidifying the Ernest Green, a member of the Little [email protected] reality that America had entered a Cold Rock Nine, delivered in our own BHS War that would define its national auditorium. They gain academic and David B. Ostro agenda for over three decades. In late cultural development through a broad 216/464-0718 October, Toyota exported its first cross-disciplinary curriculum focused [email protected] automobile model, the Crown, into the on “why and how,” not “who and United States. what.” They benefit from differentiated Dr. Alan Rosenthal Only weeks later, on a cold morning learning and an emphasis on problem- 216/291-1122 in early November, members of the solving and higher-ordered thinking [email protected] Beachwood Board of Education (includ- skills to prepare them for jobs as yet ing still-active community member Si undefined in a world with ever-increas- Jennifer Tramer Wachsberger, who celebrates his 90th ing competition. 216/765-0744 birthday this April) dedicated the site Beachwood’s commitment to excel- [email protected] for the first-ever high school that lence in education is a timeless standard Beachwood could call its own. Having that is unshakeable, a legacy that firmly learned that Shaker Heights would no binds past to present. As noted, how- longer accept Beachwood’s children in ever, the world has changed dramatically
2 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 3
“cubbies” at Bryden School during spring break to replace old lockers. Treasurer’s Column There are plans to install new play- ground equipment at Bryden, and the driveway will be repaired this Spring is just around the corner and so too are the capital projects we summer. Hilltop will be getting new are planning. The Board of Education and administration have been lockers in the fifth grade hall to extremely busy working on various projects. In January, Dr. Markwardt match the lockers that were replaced and I presented to the Board the need for major renovations at the last summer. Hilltop’s driveway will High School. We currently estimate that these renovations would cost also be repaired this summer. We approximately $15 million. In order to pay for the renovations, have also completed structural Dr. Markwardt and I recommended that the Board place a bond issue changes at our bus garage, including along with a small operating issue of 4.9 mills on the November 2008 new lifts. Roofing projects are ongo- ballot. As of this date, the Board has only committed to studying ing in the District, as we have a five- this issue. The Board of Education has directed the administration to year plan that addresses various roof Michele Mills obtain a comprehensive study of the High School facilities needs along sections in each building. Treasurer, Beachwood City with cost estimates. To date, the Board has heard presentations from While the Board is studying the Schools five architectural firms. need for renovations at the High 216/464-2600, ext. 239 Beachwood High School is 50 years old. The District has identified School and the potential of placing a [email protected] a number of areas that need to be upgraded at the High School. The levy on the November ballot, there are High School serves as the flagship of the District. Our facilities should still building needs that must be addressed at the High School that pose mirror the quality of our programs. Portions of the High School are in safety concerns. The Board approved roof work at the High School need of significant upgrades/modernization: fine arts, classrooms, (completion of the skylight project in the South Gym) and building athletics, HVAC, electrical capacity, cafeteria/kitchen and security, to storefront renovations (the doors and structure around the doors). Both name a few. As with any homeowner, the District has the responsibility projects will occur this summer. to maintain its property. Soon after the Board of Education makes its decision on hiring an Over the last few years, significant improvements have been made at architectural firm, we will begin meeting with various stakeholders Hilltop and Bryden schools. The Middle School and Fairmount are including students, staff and community members to ascertain facility relatively new buildings and therefore, do not require upgrades. The needs at BHS. The study would be completed in approximately 60-90 High School is the last building in the District that needs major renovations. days. While we turn our attention to the High School, there will still be ongoing projects at the other schools. For example, the Board added Please contact me at [email protected] with any questions.
Perspective continued
from the time the BHS dream was launched. Consequently the system of delivery necessary to properly convey a superior level "Our challenge is to provide of education brings your Board of Education to recognize a plain reality. The promise of educational independence em- Beachwood children a learning bodied by a new high school building drew many young families to live in Beachwood 50 years ago. A proven ability to environment in which they can achieve consistently deliver excellence in education provides that mag- our mission of becoming net still today. Yet we understand that the demands we have put on our aging high school building are now severely testing the entrepreneurs with a social structure’s sustainability. Inattention now will risk the promise of the future. While normal repairs are made on a continual conscience where they are poised to basis, we have committed to gain a better understanding of the become the next generation of young needs our basic infrastructure and grounds will need in the near future. As You & Your Schools went to press, the Board expressed leaders capable of competing and its intention to hire a professional architectural firm to conduct a comprehensive facilities assessment; its report will be delivered succeeding on the global stage." in the coming months. I encourage you to follow our progress as we receive the report and make determinations going forward. need to succeed. Our challenge is to provide Beachwood The vision, courage and leadership that drove the construction children a learning environment in which they can achieve our of Beachwood High School 50 years ago are the timeless attri- mission of becoming entrepreneurs with a social conscience butes we as a community must demonstrate today in order to where they are poised to become the next generation of young insure we continuously provide our children the resources they leaders capable of competing and succeeding on the global stage.
3 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 4
National Intelligence Symposium (Continued from Page 1)
with an understanding of intelligence; how various civilian and military we need to make friends of our enemies.” This sentiment was echoed governmental agencies, private sector businesses and university train- by other speakers throughout the day. ing programs function; and how they complete their intelligence The speakers hailed from all fields and areas of expertise; there were gathering missions and for what purposes. The program included both cryptologists, development specialists, cyber-experts, and former under- large group lectures and smaller breakout sessions with individual cover agents. One of these experts was Clare Lopez, a CIA agent speakers. who spent years undercover as a foreign service officer in the State The all-day event started when Dr. Timothy Walton took the stage Department. A senior level intelligence consultant and strategic policy with a cry of “Go Bison!” Dr. Walton, a 24-year-veteran of the CIA analyst with Top Secret clearance and more than 27 years of experi- with a specialty in intelligence analysis, introduced the students to the ence, Lopez has served worldwide and speaks six languages. “I first fundamentals of intelligence gathering and analysis. became interested in other countries as a child, through my stamp Robert Booth, a retired Senior U.S. State Department official who collection. I just thought that other countries and other cultures were so spent nearly 30 years as a professional security and counterintelligence interesting. Living abroad, meeting the people, is something that I’m officer, also spoke during the morning session. Mr. Booth eventually glad to have been able to do.” retired because the quirks of the job were too much. “I just got tired of In addition to speaking about their own specialties and experiences, seeing the part of the mirror that wouldn’t fog up... meaning, of course, the guests also expanded upon the international challenges facing the that a foreign intelligence agency was monitoring my activities in the next generation. Dr. Walton explained, “The world you have known is bathroom. I recommend that if you’re interested in foreign affairs, go going away. China is economically on the rise and will be a key player in with eyes wide open.” According to Mr. Booth, “The biggest things in the coming century.” Others, like Lopez, felt that terrorism was the that high school students need to understand are the political aspects of biggest threat. “The most pressing challenge for the next generation other countries, their development, and their non-governmental entities. We have to know more about our friends, but even more importantly, Continued on page 5
From left: (back row) Dr. David Hatch, National Security Agency; Dr. Greg Moore, Notre Dame College Department of History Chair; Michael S. Goldstein, Esq., President, Association for Intelligence Officers, Northern Ohio Chapter; Major William Flynn, Defense Intelligence Agency; Paul E. Tressa, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Intelligence, 9th Coast Guard District; Prioleau Green, Deputy Chief of Police for Homeland Security, City of Cleveland; Fred Goldstein, Ohio Homeland Security, Strategic Analysis and Information Center CBRNE Unit Coordinator; Dr. John Hatzadony, Key Bank; (front row) Ryan Beam, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Robert Booth, Department of State; Dr. Beverly A. Goldstein, Beachwood Schools Foundation Program Chair; Clare M. Lopez, Central Intelligence Agency (Ret.) Vice President, Intelligence Summit; Paula Young, Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center; Dr. Timothy R. Walton, Central Intelligence Agency (Ret.); Joseph Mullin, Drug Enforcement Agency. Inset: High School students listen intently to the presentations by symposium speakers.
Photos by Scott Gloger/Myron Photographic Elegance. 4 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 5
BHS Science Olympiad Team Wins Regional Medal, Qualifies for State Competition
The Beachwood High School Science Olympiad team is headed to State competition. This marks the first year for BHS to qualify for States in this rigorous and extremely competitive nationwide program. The team placed fifth overall at the regional tournament held at Case Western Reserve University. In order to place at Regionals, the BHS team competed individually and in groups in a series of 23 events that tested their knowledge of science skills, processes and applications in a wide range of science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, technology, earth science and mathematics. Nationally, more than 350,000 students are involved in the Science Olympiad program, which is sponsored in Ohio by The Ohio State University. The BHS Science Olympiad team advisor is BHS Science Olympiad team, from left (front row) Jennie Anne Simson, Lauren Wyman, Julie Sanders, Yuh Jung Han, Hiroko Matsuyama, Brynne Sekerak; (back row) Mr. Burton, Ling Shen, Sean Zimmerman, science teacher and Department Chair Jim Burton. Ho Jai Han, Uri Magaram, Austin Haynesworth, Jason Tabachnik, Weilin Zou, Ben Reisman. Not pictured: Aaron Kahn.
National Intelligence Symposium (Continued from Page 4)
will be the defense of western civilization against the Islamic jihad.” has given one country a decisive edge over another. The experience was eye-opening for both students and faculty. Dr. Hatch said NSA is the Department of Defense's (DoD) central Senior Coby Ashpis said, “It was a thrilling glimpse at the lives of organization for cryptologic activity. NSA has the twin missions of those who work for our protection every day.” Senior Jon Fish noted, seeking to exploit the communications of our nation's enemies and to “I thought that the speakers were enthralling.” Science teacher Glenn protect DoD communications from exploitation by those who wish the Novotny agreed, adding, “Very few people your age have this opportunity.” country harm. The experience of World War II convinced the nation's During the Q & A period following Dr. Walton’s morning presentation to leadership for the first time that a central cryptologic organization was the entire high school student body, students asked very astute and relevant necessary, and, after some failed experiments, NSA was formed in 1952 questions, noted Michael Goldstein, Esq. “They inquired about how the under President Harry Truman. It has continued to serve the nation in CIA is reacting to charges of torture, specifically waterboarding, and about peace, crisis and war since that time. the Intelligence Community’s reaction to criticisms of warrantless The evening inquiries from parents and the community of the five- interception of some telephone conversations,” he said. “Dr. Walton and speaker panel of Washington, D.C., experts were no less astute than the other program speakers responded to their questions, so the students questions the students had posed in the morning, noted Mr. Goldstein. learned about these issues from members and former members of the The major issues discussed during the Q & A session concerned the government agencies actually involved on a day-to-day basis with these whereabouts of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the issue of tough issues.” a nuclear-armed Iran. “The panel gave very candid answers, not entirely The keynote speaker at a community leadership dinner was C. Frank in agreement with one another, and the audience came away much more Figliuzzi, Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland FBI office. Mr. knowledgeable about these issues,” Mr. Goldstein said. Figliuzzi informed our community leadership of the major threats to our national and local security, and how the FBI and the intelligence community This event was made possible through the generous support of The Beachwood are responding in order to protect us. Schools Foundation “Above & Beyond” program, which enhances educational At the evening program, keynote speaker Dr. Walton explained programming in the Beachwood School District. The Beachwood Schools aspects of intelligence including clandestine and covert action, secrecy Foundation is a 501(c)3 philanthropic organization administered by a volunteer issues, counterintelligence, ethical and moral issues, and implications board of directors from the Beachwood community whose primary mission is to for the future leaders of our country. obtain funds from individuals, families and corporations to provide scholarships The evening program for the parents and the community was initiated to graduating seniors who are continuing their education. For more information by Dr. David Hatch, the National Security Agency (NSA) Historian, about The Beachwood Schools Foundation, please call 216/464-2600 or email who gave a brief outline of the uses of codes and ciphers throughout [email protected]. Many thanks to Michael Goldstein, Esq., history. He pointed out that they have been used since ancient times, for his assistance with this story. and that frequently the ability to exploit an enemy's communications
5 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 6
Spring SCRAPBOOK
Fifth grader Tamarea Townes (second from right) performs with the Shaker Heights Community United Church of Christ praise dance team at the fourth annual Phyllis Bookatz chats with Beachwood High School senior class president Akash Diversity Matters in Beachwood African-American History Celebration. The pro- Appachi prior to the March Beachwood Schools Elderclass luncheon, featuring gram, entitled “The Power of Communication – Building on the Legacy,” presented University Circle President Chris Ronayne as guest speaker. The Elderclass a historical overview through music and narration, featuring members of the meets on the second Thursday of each month during the school year to enjoy a Beachwood High School Choir, Beachwood City Schools Orchestra, the Beachwood Bistro lunch prepared by Chef Kortez Wilson and his culinary arts Beachwood Scholars Advisory Network, students and community performers. students, followed by a presentation in the high school auditorium by a renowned Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones was the keynote speaker. speaker or performing arts group. If you would like to join the Elderclass, or would The evening ended with a fellowship and a “Soul Food Feast.” Photo by Marc like more information about our programs, please call Coordinator Mort Biel at Eisenberg. 216/464-8970. Photo by Marc Eisenberg.
Fifth grade teacher Jason Hill and kindergarten teacher Karen Overstreet are Senior Sam Silverman performs an original piano composition at the 2008 BHS working together on a year-long literacy project. Each month, Mr. Hill’s students White & Gold production. Sam’s original piece Rousseau’s Jungle Images won a visit Bryden, where both teachers read a story to the class and initiate a follow-up statewide “Young Composers of Piano” competition sponsored by Heidelberg activity done as a whole group and in pairs. Mr. Hill’s fifth graders also model read- College, and will be performed at the college’s New Music Festival. ing to the kindergartners as they reinforce their own reading skills. Mr. Hill and Ms. Photo by Marc Eisenberg. Overstreet agree that the project has been an outstanding learning experience for both the older and younger children.
6 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 7
Students from the Takatori School in Japan participated in a month-long student Four students in the Beachwood High School marketing program are qualifiers exchange visit to Beachwood and Shaker Heights. The exchange program, part of for the 2008 DECA international competition: Patrick MacKenzie, Alexander the Shaker-Beachwood Area Studies class and organized by the Council on Neesham, Keith Schmader and Kristy Thrush. DECA is an international market- International Educational Exchange, included time in the classrooms of BHS and ing education program that provides scholarships, competitive events, conferences Shaker Heights High School and on field trips around Cleveland. The Takatori and classroom resources to its 170,000 members in nearly 5,000 chapters. Angela students lived with host families from Beachwood and Shaker Heights. They also Alaqua, Robert Barta, Keith Schmader, Dana Schulman and Neil Stark also visited New York City and Washington D.C. before their return home to Japan. The competed at the State level. The DECA pin designed by Dean Giarrizzo (inset) BHS visit was coordinated by Patte Bettis-Eddie. Above, the Takatori students was voted first place in the State and will represent Ohio at the international com- express their thanks to BHS with a dance performance. petition. Their marketing teacher is Jean Getz. From left: Alexander Neesham, Photo by Marc Eisenberg. Patrick MacKenzie, Kristy Thrush, Mrs. Getz, Keith Schmader, Dean Giarrizzo.
“You can learn a lot about the presidential candidates by walking around Beachwood High School these days,” began a nationwide National Public Radio story on the 2008 primary election, featuring BHS social studies teacher Greg Deegan and his U.S. Government students. The story profiled the excitement among Beachwood’s youngest voters regarding their first-time voting experience, enhanced by the students’ posters, informational fact sheets about the candidates and school mock election. Mr. Deegan’s class, from left: (front row) Mr. Deegan, Courtni Moore, Benjamin Peerless, Matt Zukerman, Nathan Shore, Colette Aboussouan, Marla Lipsyc, Robyn Silver, Hiroko Matsuyama, Roxana Lipscomb; (back) Levi Weiszner, Stephen McCrary, Brad Brickman, Evan Weiss, Jeremy Adler, Erin Burke, Brandon Smith, Jeremy Harris, Josh Musch, Caren Feldman. Photo by Marc Eisenberg.
7 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 8
First-Year Debate Team Scores at States State Awards Cap Outstanding Season
In its first year, the Beachwood High School Speech and Debate Team was one of only two new programs in Ohio to qualify for State com- petition. Sophomore Matt Baron placed fourth in the state in the Congressional Debate category, one of 10 Cleveland-area students who were top State placers. Freshmen Elliot Angart and Anna Swanson also qualified for State competition. State Competition was the culmination of an outstanding season for the new Debate Team. Matt took second place at five regional competitions, including an award as Best Presiding Officer at the University/Laurel School Speech and Debate Tournament. Elliot won third place awards at three regional competitions. Speech and debate is a national high school extracurricular activity that involves thousands of high school students from across the country. Through participation, students learn to develop their research, communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills, as well as increase their knowledge about issues confronting our world. Events include oratory, public forum and policy debate, impromptu speaking and Student Congress, where student debaters research, write and speak on pieces of Congressional legislation while using proper parliamentary In its first year, the Beachwood High School Speech and Debate team won seven regional awards and sent three qualifiers to State competition. Seated (from left): procedure. Anna Swanson, Rachael Silver; (standing) Brandon Smith, Matt Baron, Elliot The Speech and Debate team advisor is Brittany Janis. Angart, Weilin Zou.
JCWA Wins 11 Awards at Nation’s Largest Model UN
Eleven Beachwood High School students, led by advisor Evan Luzar, won top awards at the nation’s largest Model United Nations conference for high school students: Sam Kay and Evan Peskin, Outstanding Delegates; Elliot Angart, Jon Fish, Sevy Harris, Tamar Lisbona and Suzanne Schiavone, Honorable Mention Delegates; and Matt Baron, Ben Levinsky, Shali Mahna and Sarah Newman, Commended Delegates. More than 2,900 student delegates from the United States, Canada, England and Central America participate each year in the North American Model United Nations (NAIMUN) in Washington, D.C. Earlier this year, the JCWA team won top honors at the 2007 University of Virginia Model United Nations conference, bringing home the Best Delegation trophy for small schools. The BHS team also captured 15 individual awards for outstanding The BHS JCWA team won 11 awards at the largest Model United Nations conference in the country. From performance at the conference. left (bottom) Tamar Lisbona, Sam Kay; (top) Jon Fish, Shali Mahna, Elliot Angart, Suzanne Schiavone, Evan Peskin, Sarah Newman, Ben Levinsky, Matt Baron, advisor Evan Luzar.
8 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 9
Four Beachwood Teams Win Regional Destination Imagination Championships
Four Beachwood Destination Imagination teams (DI) won champion- The sixth/eighth grade team won first place in the “DI’ve Got a ships at the 2008 regional tournament held at Lorain Community Secret” division, centering a skit around the game of Clue. The team, College, moving on to compete at the State Level. This marks a record coached by Evy Davis and Laura Wolkoff, included Zachary Davis, DI win for Beachwood. Danielle Kelner, Grant Ross, Nathan Wolkoff, Chenyu Zhang and The third grade team of Leopoldo Aguerrevere, Oriana Cruz, Yuxi Zheng. Jamie Frayman, Molly Rosen, Julia Warner, Sean Waxman-Lenz Additional DI competitors included a new second, third and fourth and Yuke Zheng, coached by Steve Rosen, won first place in the “Hit grade team that placed sixth in its division. Team members are: or Myth” division, creating a skit about dropping pennies from tall Michael Farley, Danielle Herzberg, Shira Herzberg, Jasmine places (the Leaning Tower of “Pizza”). This team also won a coveted Howard, Jayla Howard, Inkyu Kim and Marissa Carlton Sharp, “Spirit of DI” Award. coached by David and Edith Herzberg. Another new DI team of A team of second, third and fourth graders won first place in the fourth graders (Sophie Alter, Paul Corty, Sydney Eisenberg, Reid “Obstacles of Course” division, building a remote control car that went Gobieski, Madeline Gottfried, Ben Hendlin and Elaine Millas, through an obstacle course in a skit with an undersea adventure theme. coached by Eric Corty and Paul Hendlin) placed fourth in its division. Coached by Indira Askaryan and Deepak Lachhwani, team members Destination Imagination is a 20+-year-old international program are Bagatur Askaryan, Terence Jayapuram, Karishma Lachhwani, based on creative problem-solving. Teams choose from a variety of Neel Lachhwani, Maria Perilla and Simon Perilla. challenges that range from building weight-bearing structures to the Both Beachwood Middle School teams placed first in their challenges. creation of technical special effects to research, writing and performing The fifth/sixth grade team of Marilyn Farley, Areej Hasan, Gordon original skits under specific guidelines. Teams are also required to Hong, Ryan Reilly, Corey Shupp, and Noah Sterling, coached by complete a spontaneous “instant challenge” at the competitions. The Zaki Hasan, Andy Shupp and Debra Sterling, won first place in the children work under the direction of parent coaches. “Obstacles of Course” division. The team built a remote control car The Beachwood DI advisor is Shelly Lewis. that actually went up steps. This team also took home a “Spirit of DI” award for teamwork.
Destination Imagination participants, from left: (front row) Jasmine Howard, Shira Herzberg, Yuke Zheng, Julia Warner, Leopoldo Aguerrevere, Karishma Lachhwani, Jamie Frayman, Inkyu Kim; (second row) Ben Hendlin, Jayla Howard, Danielle Herzberg, Sophie Alter, Maria Perilla, Sean Waxman-Lenz, Michael Farley, Corey Shupp, Mrs. Lewis; (third row) Grant Ross, Marissa Carlton Sharp, Sydney Eisenberg, Paul Corty, Simon Perilla, Bagatur Askaryan, Neel Lachhwani, (top row) Danielle Kelner, Yuxi Zheng, Nathan Wolkoff, Gordon Hong, Noah Sterling, Areej Hasan, Marilyn Farley, Chenyu Zhang.
9 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 10
Beachwood Hosts Chagrin Valley Conference Arts Forum Students and Teachers from 10 CVC Schools Create Large-Scale Masterpieces
Beachwood Middle School and Beachwood project will travel for display at each High School welcomed art students and of the schools. teachers from 10 high schools and middle The goal of the CVC Arts Forum is schools in the Chagrin Valley Conference to enhance, enrich, expand and encour- (CVC) at the second CVC Arts Forum. The age each participant – both students Forum, which began last year as a high and teachers, noted Beachwood High school-only collaborative pilot project, School Principal Robert Hardis. expanded this year to include middle school “The hope is to build connections and students. partnerships, student The Forum, coordinated by BHS art and teacher teacher Allen Scott and led by renowned exchanges, and Cleveland artist Anna Arnold, involved one encourage schools to student and one teacher from each CVC interact creatively,” school, who came to Beachwood to create added Beachwood six-by-six foot mixed media works of art Middle School using a wide variety of recycled materials. Principal Linda Participants were divided into six teams of LoGalbo. four people and worked together to plan, “The Arts Forum sketch and create a portion of the larger brought together art piece. This year’s theme was movement, teachers and art students in a collab- motion, and emotion inspired by multi- orative effort, working as equals, to experience the joy of creating large-scale cultural dance and performance. Senior Rebecca Kendis (foreground) works on the Participating school districts included works of art to enhance and invigorate a Arts Forum collaborative piece , while BHS Channel Beachwood, Fairport, Hawken, Kenston, community’s public space,” said Mr. Scott. 22 staff Brandon Cranfield (filming) and Ashley The Arts Forum was made possible by a Watkins-Clark interview art teacher/Arts Forum Newbury, Orange, Perry, Richmond Heights, coordinator Allen Scott. Inset: Eighth grader Amy West Geauga and Wickliffe. The final grant from Beachwood Community PTO. Eisenberg works on the Middle School project (photo by Ana Chapman).
2nd Annual Race for the Arts 5K Race Beginning at Beachwood High School Or 1 Mile Walk/Stroll for Families! Sunday, May 4 Registration Begins at 7 a.m. Race Begins at 8 a.m.
Prizes….food….fun for the whole family! Proceeds will go toward the Beachwood School District music and visual arts curricular programs.
For more information, email [email protected]
10 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 11
Ohio Music Educators Association Competition Honors Student Musicians
Sixty-one High School and Middle School musicians won top awards duets of Chenyu Zhang and Yumi Matsuyama and Bing Hu and of Superior at this year’s Ohio Music Educators Association regional Rebecca Kuang; the violin/viola duet of Sammie Jacobs and Austin competition, including all of the BHS Orchestra participants. Vannoy; the violin/cello duet of Nathan Gilbert and Carly BHS Band participants earning Superior awards: Eddie Wohlfeiler; the string trio of Kiran Bangalore, Naja Davis and Bobincheck, trumpet solo; Yuh Jung Han, flute solo; Sam Kay, tuba Wooyoung Lee; and the string quartets of Sam Diamond, Eli Lawas, solo; Jon Nisman, snare drum solo; Michaela Ross, trumpet solo; Armani Smith and Yuxi Zheng, and Blake Atherton, Ashley Dudley, Craig Rothenberg, snare drum solo; Julie Sanders, flute solo; and Kei Hitomi and David Tamkin. Victor Tse, piano solo. BMS Band participants earning Excellent awards: Nicholas Greene, BHS Choir participants earning Superior awards: Lindsey Kerzner, trumpet solo; Jay Joh, clarinet solo; David Stern, bass clarinet solo; alto solo; Brett Musick, bass solo; and Lori Teich, soprano solo. Barry Teich, tenor saxophone solo; Shaina Wolinsky, trumpet solo; BHS Orchestra participants earning Superior awards: Elliot Angart, and the trumpet trio of Alex Hohl, Jacob Sabroff and Isaiah Watts. cello solo; Sonya Bangalore, violin solo; Chelsea Beytas, cello solo; BMS Orchestra participants earning Excellent awards: Kiran Jennie Anne Simson, violin solo; Emi Hitomi and Masami Bangalore, violin solo; Eli Lawas, cello solo; Wooyoung Lee, cello Matsuyama, violin duet; Sevy Harris and Jennie Anne Simson, violin solo; Armani Smith, violin solo; and the string duet of Tanner duet; and the string quartet of David Beytas, violin; Molly Goldman, Eitman and Sydney Ross. viola; Austin Haynesworth, violin; and Sung Hoon Lee, cello. Beachwood music teachers are Aaron Draime and Lindsay BHS Band participants earning Excellent awards: Coby Ashpis, Draime, band; Noel Bliss and Lisa Goldman, orchestra; and Ana clarinet solo; Jon Fish, trombone solo; Shani Fox, flute solo; Ben Chapman and Carolyn Farley, choir. Levinsky, clarinet solo; Mariah Parker, clarinet solo; Ben Reisman, clarinet solo; Sam Shiffman, snare drum solo; and Lauren Wyman, flute solo. Trumpet soloist Alex Wertheim earned a Good rating. BHS Choir participants earning Excellent awards: Kharen Baduria, soprano solo: Lindsay Bialosky, soprano solo; Tia Nambiar, soprano solo; Melissa Rubenstein, soprano solo; and Cody Swanson, tenor solo. Soprano soloist Erin Katz earned a Good rating. At the middle school level, the following Band participants earned Superior Awards: Tigran Askaryan, clarinet solo; Graham Atherton, percussion solo; Elijah Balogh, flute solo; Sam Goldman, percussion solo; Joshua Lauretig, oboe solo; Jotham Sadan, percussion solo; Jared Seidel, trombone solo; and the percussion ensemble of Grant Atherton, Andrew Bruening, Sam Goldman, Derek Hyams, Chris Lardie, Kaila Lopez, Timna Maayan and Jotham Sadan.
BMS Orchestra participants earning Superior awards: Elizabeth BHS musicians, front row from left: Emi Hitomi, Chelsea Beytas, Sevy Harris, Bream, violin solo; Joshua Carno-Harf, cello solo; Nathan Gilbert, Masami Matsuyama, Kharen Baduria, Weilin Zou; middle row: Sonya violin solo; Kei Hitomi, violin solo; Bing Hu, violin solo; David Bangalore, Cody Swanson, Lindsey Kerzner, Paige Schiller, Tia Nambiar, Molly Goldman, Jennie Anne Simson; top row: Austin Haynesworth, Alex Litwin, bass solo; David Tamkin, violin solo; and Joshua Toly, cello Wertheim, Elliot Angart, David Beytas, Lauren Wyman. solo; the bass duet of David Litwin and Kauner Hooper; the violin
BMS musicians, front row from left: Elijah Balogh, Chris Lardie, David Stern, Jacob Sabroff, Alex Hohl, Jared Seidel, Graham Atherton, Jotham Sadan, Nick Greene, Derek Hyams, Sam Goldman, Timna Maayan, Kaila Lopez, Andrew Breuning, Tigran Askaryan, Josh Lauretig; middle row: Yuxi Zheng, Isaiah Watts, Chenyu Zhang, Ashley Dudley, Jay Joh, Barry Teich; top row: Carly Wohlfeiler, Austin Vannoy, Wooyoung Lee, Bing Hu, Sammie Jacobs, Naja Davis, Sydney Ross, Tanner Eitman, Blake Atherton, Rebecca Kuang, Kei Hitomi, Kiran Bangalore, Yumi Matsuyama, David Litwin, Eli Lawas, Sam Diamond, Lizzie Bream, David Tamkin.
11 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 12
“5,4,3…” Adam quickly slid the brass key back into his pocket as he whispered the final seconds 8th Graders Have a Way with Words until the guard returned. He dropped to his knees, gazing at the plan he had scratched into the floor with the end of his chain…as the guard drew nearer, the clack of his shoes on the cement grew louder with each step.” – Blake Atherton
“Let’s all make a pledge to show more courtesy toward each other. Courtesy lets us show our heartfelt feelings, enhances relationships, helps our health, and can even make the world a better place by making someone else’s day brighter. So let’s all make a vow to try and use more courtesy in our day-to-day lives. Thank you very much and have a great day! – Scott Remer
Read these excerpts and you’ll see why Beachwood Middle School eighth graders Blake Atherton and Scott Remer won blue ribbons at on Scott’s outstanding accomplishments this year Award-winning writers Blake Atherton (left) and Scott the District Power of the Pen competition of more on page one.) Remer (right), with their teacher Maria Colombo- than 225 students. Scott received a trophy for The Power of the Pen advisor is Horizons DiLeonare. sixth place overall in the competition. (See more teacher Maria Colombo-DiLeonare.
Young Scientists Display Research at BMS Science Fair
More than 30 Beachwood Middle School parents served as judges for the first Beachwood Middle School Science and Engineering Fair. Students displayed their projects and discussed results of their research with judges, who then selected students to compete in the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair at Cleveland State University. All of the BMS winners received medals at the regional compe- tition, with eighth grader Scott Remer earning first place awards from the American Society for Information Science and Technology, the Cleveland State University Department of Mathematics, and in the overall Math and Computer Science Category. Second place award winners were Kirkland Bryant, biological sciences; Graham Gobieski, physics; Val Kovalenko, behavioral/ David Litwin explains his project to judge David Smith. Photo by Bob Davis. health sciences; and Jeffrey Zuckerman, engineering. Third place awards went to Aaron Danielpour, environmental science; Kei Hitomi, biological sciences; David Litwin, engineering, Yumi Matsuyama, behavioral/health sciences; and Jotham Sadan, environmental sciences. Melissa Felman received honorable mention and Dominion East Ohio awards in the chemical sciences category, and Carly Wohlfeiler received an honorable mention award in consumer sciences. The BMS science teachers are Melanie DeLuca and Ben Singer.
Cleveland Science and Engineering Fair award winners from left: (seated) Melissa Felman, Scott Remer, Carly Wohlfeiler; (standing) Aaron Danielpour, Graham Gobieski, Yumi Matsuyama, Jeffrey Zuckerman, David Litwin, Kirkland Bryant, Val Kovalenko, Jotham Sadan, Kei Hitomi. 12 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 13
Staff News
Beachwood High School physics teacher Norm Althausen was Fourth grade teacher Karen Tollafield has been elected vice part of a physics professional development project sponsored by president of the Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language the Advanced Technological Education Program of the National Arts, the Ohio affiliate to the National Council of Teachers Science Foundation. Mr. Althausen attended a workshop in of English. She will serve as president-elect next year and Columbia, Maryland, on data visualization techniques and president the following year. strategies for use in high school and college physics courses. BHS teacher Mark Grey’s jazz band, The Northcoast Jazz Collective, is the 2008 winner of The Free Times Best Musical Act.
13 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 14
Bison Wrestlers, Track Teams Compete at State Tournaments
Bison wrestlers wrapped up yet another out- standing season this year, with senior Greg Marmaros named both Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) and Sectional Champion and qualifying for State competition; and sophomore Alex Dronzek earning CVC and District Champion titles and placing 8th in his weight class at States. Freshman Alec Jacober won the Sectional championship and placed sixth at District compe- tition, and junior AJ Rabovsky placed fifth at Sectional competition. Both the girls’ and boys’ 4x800m relay teams placed at Indoor State Competition. Senior Greg Marmaros was named both Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) and Sectional Champion and qualified for State competition; (inset) sophomore Alex Dronzek earned CVC and District Champion titles and The girls’ team of Melissa Friedman, placed 8th in his weight class at States. Samantha Friedman, Talya Sterling and Emily Sykes took fifth place in the State, and the boys’ team of Matt Banchek, Jason Edwards, Ashley Watkins-Clark and Danny Weiss placed eighth. Additional State Qualifiers included Ashley Watkins- Clark and Danny Weiss, 800m run; Emily Sykes, 1600m run; the boys’ 4x200m relay team (Carl DeForest, Jason Edwards, John Edwards and Evan Winston), the boys’ 4x400m relay (Jason Edwards, John Edwards, Ashley Watkins-Clark and Evan Winston), and the girls’ 4x400m relay (Alena Brown, Samantha Friedman, Talya Sterling and Emily Sykes). The Bison swim team had five District Swim team, from left: (first row) Sarah Levine, Sevy Harris, Olivia Haas, Venchise Westglenn, Sara Post, individual qualifiers: Matt Glassman, 100 Shani Fox, Erin Burke, Amelia Wester; (second row) William Wolkoff, Matt Glassman, Emi Hitomi, breaststroke and 100 fly; Adam Ganz, 50 Rebecca Wolkoff, Allison Diamond, Doni Robinson, Julie Sanders, Hiroko Matsuyama, Masami and 100 free; Shani Fox, 100 free, 100 fly; Matsuyama, Richard Cohen; (third row) Ori Friedman, Alex Wertheim, Zach Morris, Jake Schlessinger, Austin Haynesworth, Adam Ganz, Ben Ducoff, Joe Hendlin, Sam Lowenkamp. Emi Hitomi, 50 and 100 free; and Amelia Wester, 200 and 500 free. The girls’ 4x200 Photos by Scott Gloger/Myron Photographic Elegance. and 4x400 relay teams (Emi Hitomi, Shani Fox, Amelia Wester and Venchise Westglenn) also qualified for District competition. Matt broke three school records this season: the 100 breaststroke (1:01.61), 100 fly (53.97) and the 200 free (1.48:54). 14 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 15
WINTER SPORTS 2008 REGIONAL AND STATE AWARDS
District Qualifiers 4x200 Relay Emi Hitomi 100 Breaststroke Emi Hitomi Ethan Isaacson Matt Glassman Shani Fox Alec Jacober 100 Fly Amelia Wester Lindsey Kerzner BASKETBALL Matt Glassman Venchise Westglenn Kristopher Kirkpatrick (Men’s) 50 Free 4x400 Relay Nate Lash Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) Adam Ganz Emi Hitomi Sarah Levine 1st Team 100 Free Shani Fox Sam Lowenkamp Brian Wright Adam Ganz Amelia Wester Greg Marmaros Venchise Westglenn Hiroko Matsuyama 2nd Team School Records Broken! Masami Matsuyama Max Sheridan 100 Breaststroke WRESTLING Ari Meskin Honorable Mention 100 Fly CVC Ashley Milliner Chris Johnson 200 Free 1st Team Alexa Millstein Griffen Weisberg Matt Glassman Alex Dronzek Kevin Moss Greg Marmaros BASKETBALL SWIM & DIVE Zach Morris 2nd Team (Women’s) (Women’s) Mariah Parker CVC Danny Rose Parimal Patel 1st Team CVC Honorable Mention Sara Post Denise Eddie 2nd Team, 1 Meter Dive Alec Jacober A.J. Rabovsky 2nd Team Erin Burke AJ Rabovsky Taylor Rattliff Honorable Mention Jenae Valentine Sectional Champions Jordan Reiner Shani Fox Honorable Mention Alec Jacober Doug Rosenthal Emi Hitomi Samantha Friedman Greg Marmaros Dennis Ross Jacqueline Stern District Qualifiers Jordan Rzepka Sectional Placers 50 Free Matt Sabroff SWIM & DIVE Alex Dronzek Emi Hitomi Julie Sanders (Men’s) AJ Rabovsky 100 Free Amanda Seidel Max Sheridan CVC Emi Hitomi District Champion Nathan Sheridan 1st Team, 100 Breaststroke 100 Free Alex Dronzek Matt Glassman Shani Fox Alex Small 1st Team, 100 Fly 100 Fly District Placers Melanie Small Matt Glassman Shani Fox Alec Jacober Andrew Somogyi Honorable Mention 200 Free Greg Marmaros Jacqueline Stern Adam Ganz Corey Terman Amelia Wester State Qualifier Zach Morris Joseph Tramer 500 Free Greg Marmaros Alex Wertheim Amelia Wester Bailey Treister State Placer (8th) Jenae Valentine Alex Dronzek Logan Weisberg Brittany Weiss BEACHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Alex Wertheim Amelia Wester SCHOLAR-ATHLETES Venchise Westglenn 71 percent of Bison winter athletes main- Rebecca Wolkoff tained a 3.0 grade point average for second William Wolkoff quarter grades. Brian Wright Lindsay Bialosky Women’s Tennis (From Fall 2007) Ricky Bortz Erin Burke Beth Apisdorf Kelsey Celleghin Calli Babin Arala Cohen Sonya Bangalore Richard Cohen Lisa Bolman Brittany Crosby Arala Cohen Andrew Darvin Raleigh Cohen Allison Diamond Chase Golovan Alex Dronzek Allison Gross Benjamin Ducoff Sarah Irwin Denise Eddie Lily Lash Indoor track state qualifiers, from Shani Fox Marla Lipsyc left: (standing) Samantha Melissa Friedman Tamar Lisbona Friedman, Talya Sterling, Alena Ori Friedman Shali Mahna Brown, Melissa Friedman, Samantha Friedman Sara Muschkin (seated) Emily Sykes; (seated) Adam Ganz Susan Reisman Danny Weiss, Ashley Watkins- Matt Glassman Linda Robertson Clark. Photos by Scott Zachary Goldner Jessica Roth Gloger/Myron Photographic Jenna Gordon Robyn Silver Elegance. Olivia Haas Alexandra Stern Sevy Harris Rachel Stolyar Austin Haynesworth Ariana Terman Joe Hendlin Danielle Weis
15 251521_Beachwood:251521_Beachwood 4/9/08 6:35 AM Page 16
YOU Non-Profit Org. and Schools U.S. Postage YOUR PAID Cleveland, Ohio BEACHWOOD BOARD OF EDUCATION Permit No. 3097 24601 FAIRMOUNT BLVD. BEACHWOOD, OHIO 44122
No one can do everything…but everyone can do something.
Please join Beachwood High School Junior Foundation, The Bubble Process, The Achievement in a special: Cleveland Jewish News, Cuyahoga Community College, Doty & Miller Green Dream Eco-Friendly Architects, Fair Green Trade, Gen 2, Incite Showcase Creative, Inc., Jakprints, Inc., Joseph Beth Booksellers, Junior Achievement, “Matt & Friday, April 25 Shari,” The Millcraft Paper Company, Spero 2 to 7 p.m. Lighting, TCP, Inc., and Tim Lally at the Beachwood Community Center Chevrolet. FREE ADMISSION Proceeds from the event will be used to build the “Ultimate Green Classroom” at Free light bulb exchange…shop at the Beachwood High School, which will be used Eco-Shop…watch the Bright Town as a model for green classrooms throughout Performance…Green Art Projects for all the country. ages…organic food…recycled bag give- For more information, call Marketing aways…tree planting…raffles…and much Teacher Greg Perry at 216/831-2080, ext. more, from 60 environmentally conscious 236, or log onto www.thegreendream.org. businesses and organizations! Remember…it starts with one. Join us to Sponsored by the City of Beachwood, help save the environment and have fun Aleris International, Inc., The Cleveland doing it!