Page 1 The Standard Is Excellence

Home he all of t The F s Rover Rootstown 2019 Communicator Rootstown Local Schools • 4140 State Route 44 • Rootstown, Ohio 44272 • (330) 325-9911 News From Around the District 10 Students Explore with Eaton By Sarah Eaton This June, Mrs. Eaton (HS Language Arts), led her second student tour abroad to the Central American nation of Costa Rica. Ten Rovers joined Mrs. Eaton on a 9-day adventure that took them up, down, and across the small country. They were joined by other American students from southern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and western Michigan for the trip. While on the trip, students first visited the Arenal Region where they toured a coffee plantation, kayaked at the base of a volcano, visited the gorgeous La Fortuna waterfall, and relaxed in the natural hot springs created by volcanoes in the region. Students also got to try their first taste of gallo pinto, a traditional breakfast of rice and beans, which most of the travelers were surprised to find incredibly tasty! Next, they traveled to the mountain region of Monteverde to hike in a cloud for- est (rainforest filled with clouds due to elevation), zipline through jungle treetops, and spot native wildlife like iguanas and toucans while riding a tram through the rainforest canopy. While in Monteverde, they also visited a decades old farm to experience what it’s like to raise crops and animals in the mountain rainforests, as well as make their very own corn tortillas. Finally, the group trekked to the Pacific Coast, where some travelers saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The group spent a morning with the wild monkeys Coffee Plantation and pin-sized hermit crabs enjoying the beach. We also went on a boat tour where the group spotted many native birds and some wild horses while closely watching the water for the many crocodiles living in the waters leading to the ocean. Along with many small crocs, the group was lucky enough to get a close-up look at a “Osama Bin Laden,” an 80+ year old crocodile who lives in the area and was named by the tour guides in the region. In addition to all the amazing things seen on tour, students got to experience life and culture in another country, all while learning a lot about themselves through this hands-on experience. Mrs. Eaton plans to continue to lead trips abroad so that as many students as possible can contin- ue to have these experiences. Upcoming destinations include Spain and Panama - please contact her at [email protected] if you would like more info about either opportunity! (Payment plans are available and trips are very affordable!)

Superintendent’s Message Welcome to the 2019-20 school year! The Rootstown Local School District staff is excited to again be working with the students, parents, and community and is committed to providing the Rootstown students with the best all-around education possible while being fiscally responsible as we follow our district’s mission statement: “Rootstown Schools, in collaboration with the community, will provide a quality education in a safe environment for students to become productive, life-long learners.”

Andrew Hawkins The Rootstown Local School District will be asking the community to approve a ballot initiative, Issue #10, on Novem- Superintendent ber 5th to address the district’s facilities. The proposal is to build a new building to house preschool through 8th grade students on the current site. The new school building will provide a safe and efficient stu- dent-centered learning environment. The project will also include improvements to our existing high school, along with an auditorium in the new building, an all weather track, and an artificial turf stadium field surface. Furthermore, 41% of the project cost will be funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. For additional levy information, please visit the website www.yesforrtown.org. Thank you for your continued support of Rootstown Local Schools. If you have any questions regarding our school district, feel free to contact me. We look forward to an excellent 2019-20 school year! Go Rovers!

Andrew Hawkins Superintendent Page 2 News From the Treasurer’s Office Strong schools = strong communities This November, the board is asking the community to support Issue #10. On the ballot is a bond issue for a new building encompassing the elementary and middle schools, with ADA improvements to the high school as well as track and field im- provements. Surveys have indicated the Rootstown community understands the need for new buildings, but the cost has been a deciding factor. The board has revised the plan to one that is less extensive, although there is still an opportunity to use state funds to repair or replace the high school at some time in the future. The state will offer funding to the district within the next two years, picking up 41% of the cost. The local share to com- plete the project is $22,830,000, or 4.95 mills. There is an additional 0.5 mills required to support maintenance on the new building. The net cost to a homeowner with a $100,000 home value would be $166.91 annually, or $13.91 per month. A Connie Baldwin good school provides stability for a good community, and that’s good for the property values of everyone who lives nearby. Treasurer The Rootstown community has always been very supportive of the schools, and we hope we can count on you this Novem- ber. Go Rovers!

Assistant Superintendent’s Message Terri Hrina-Treharn - Assistant Superintendent, (330)325-2014 ProgressBook Parent Access I am excited this year to talk about our NEW online gradebook which has replaced Engrade. Additionally, we are going digital for student interims and report cards! Living in a digital word, we understand people want immediate access. Parents, you should have recently received a letter explaining the changes as well as the steps to get start- ed. I am going to reiterate those here in case you need them. Please remember, if you do NOT have internet access at home Terri Hrina-Treharn and would still like to receive a hard copy of your child’s interim and report card, make sure you complete and SEND BACK Assistant the bottom portion of the letter that went home. Superintendent Steps to get started: • Go to https://progressbook.sparcc.org/parentaccess/Home/District/pb_rosd • Click on Sign Up • Choose New Parent Account • Fill in the required information This allows YOU to create your own username and password. Creating an account requires a registration key. This was sent in the letter you received. Please utilize this when you are creating your account. A few other important tips: *If you have MORE THAN ONE CHILD attending Rootstown Local Schools, you will be able to see all of your children in ONE account (DO NOT CREATE MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS). Note: You need to link all of your children BEFORE completing the creation of your account. *PARENT ALERTS: There is an option for you to create “Parent Alerts.” To subscribe: • Log into ProgressBook. • Click Alerts on the left menu under the heading Family Information (This opens the Alerts screen.) • Add the email address(es) where you want the Alerts sent. • Under Alert Settings, beside each child’s name, select the Alerts you want to receive for that child. • Click Update. • You can set alerts for both missing work as well as grades. Additionally, the grades can be set uniquely for each subject area. • Please Note: Alert emails will be sent at approximately 4:00 p.m. daily to the email address you specified. • If you have any further questions, please complete the Help Form on our website. Social Media If you are not already following us, please do so. Facebook (Rootstown Local Schools) Twitter (@Rovers_District) Instagram (Rovers_District) Title I Programs According to Parents Right-to-Know (NCLB, 1111), you have the right as a parent to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s Title I teacher. If your child is in a Title I program and you wish to request this information, please contact Mr. Turner (at the elementary) or Mr. Campbell (at the middle school). Page 3 From the Office of Special Education Marcy Spence - Director of Special Education, (330)325-4144 Absenteeism The Rootstown special services department would like to welcome all of our students and families back from summer vacation to the start of another exciting and productive school year! We hope everyone was able to dodge the rainy summer days and take advantage of the warm and sunny ones. At the beginning of the new school year, it is an apropos time to re- mind the community that Rootstown’s special education office’s mission continues to stress effective management, guidance and support for our students with disabilities and their families. We maintain that all children can learn when given the right supports and that we, as educators, must ensure that all instruction is appropriately rigorous. Given this learning focus, there is one variable that impacts all student outcomes including outcomes for our students with disabilities – consistent school attendance. It is vitally important that all students come to class every day ready to learn. Unfortunately, to some degree, all districts across this country struggle with various levels of absenteeism. Ohio defines Marcy Spence chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason. While Rootstown Schools acknowledge Director of Special that there are legitimate reasons for absences, it stands to reason that a student who is not in school is a child who is missing Education out on his or her education. For a variety of reasons, unfortunately, students with disabilities are among those pupils most frequently absent from school at every grade level. Not surprisingly, these are the students who often need the most support and resources that our schools can provide (https://attendanceworks.org). Below are some troubling school attendance facts that were taken from a variety of sources including the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), the 2015-’16 and 2013-‘14 United States Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection (most recent data available) and the website, Attendance Works: • In the state of Ohio, a student is chronically absent if he or she misses as few as two days of school a month (ODE). • The chronic absence rate of special education students is roughly 1.5 times higher than rates of non-disabled students (2013-’14 Civil Rights Data). • Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half of all students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school. • Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. One in 10 kindergarten and first grade students are chronically absent across this country. • Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. • By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school. • For students with disabilities, country wide, chronic absence peaks in high school where nearly 25% of special education students miss 10% or more of school. While this data is certainly discouraging and serves to remind us of the critical importance of consistent school attendance, there are many positive steps that Rootstown Schools are taking to combat absenteeism. Some of these interventions include: • The formation of Absence Intervention Teams in each building that have a direct problem solving/intervention/support role for individual cases. • Frequent communication with students, parents and caregivers in order to build supportive, trusting rela- tionships in order to identify the root causes of absenteeism and the necessary steps to solve them. • Attendance is routinely addressed at all special education IEP/504 meetings examining the role a student’s absence plays in derailing learning progress. • Rootstown actively seeks out partnerships with our community mental health services encouraging staff to reach out to social services for assistance in combating student absenteeism. • Our staff encourages all students, including students with disabilities, to be involved in extracurricular programming as these activities have been shown to increase school engagement and connection. Finally, a critical piece to curtailing absenteeism starts at home with the family. Parents and guardians can build the habit of good attendance by making it a priority from a student’s preschool days on. Rootstown’s staff counts our parents as vital team members in this effort. As we embark on another school year, thank you for your assistance in continuing to make student attendance a priority and for supporting Rootstown Schools in all of our endeavors. Have a great school year! “More Memories from 10 Students Explore with Eaton!”

Arenal Volcano Zip lining Page 4 High School A3: Academics... Arts... Athletics Ward Davis Building (330) 325-7911 • James Conley - Principal New Class Offerings Graduation Changes and Important Dates We are excited to offer five new electives for It is with great joy that we begin the 2019-2020 our students at the High School. school year. I am thrilled to be working with your high school student! The Guidance Department has ROVER HELP DESK many different programs this year for your students, In this blended learning class, students will and it is my hope that they make progress in their develop and refine their information technology career development. Please see some important skills, as well as research, presentation, mentor- dates listed below which highlight a few of these ing, project development, and leadership skills. programs. Participants will apply these skills by collaborating James Conley We have sent out a mailing to all families with Kathy Sandberg with teachers and assisting them with technolo- H.S. Principal a high school student which had a flyer from the H.S. Counselor gy integration. Students will also assist peers in Ohio Department of Education listing the grad- troubleshooting technology issues through managing a student-led help uation requirements. Briefly, the Ohio Department of Education has desk. Admittance to course is based on teacher recommendation and changed the graduation requirements for the Class of 2023 and Be- interview. yond giving this class three requirements they must meet to graduate Prerequisite: Intro to STEM or comparable course. from any school in the state of Ohio. These include meeting the PODCAST local course requirement criteria (22 credit hours); demonstrating In this elective course students will use various podcasts as their competency on state tests; and “text” to learn about and explore the world around them. Students demonstrating readiness on at least will be expected to listen to podcasts, analyze them, and complete two of twelve seals. The positive classwork and projects inspired by their listening. While not required, outcome of these changes is that access to podcasts on personal devices will be helpful for students in our students will not be taking sev- this class. en end of course exams; rather now HISTORY THROUGH SPORTS they will need to show competency on only two (ELA 10 and Integrat- This course will examine a number of historical events/topics, ed Math I). including nationalism, racial inequality, and protest, through the lens of sport. Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in Major League The Ohio Department of Baseball, Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and protests Education has also indicated that the current Juniors (Class of 2021) against General Franco in Spain during Barcelona FC soccer games are and Sophomores (Class of 2022) may elect to use the current path just a few of the events we will investigate. This course will require of meeting their course requirements (22 credits) and demonstrating regular reading and writing in keeping with the historical inquiry competency on their end of course exams (achieving 18 points over method of investigating a topic. The course is open to juniors and sen- seven exams) OR they may elect to use the same pathways as the Class iors. An element of this course will involve a student-chosen research of 2023. Currently, if a student DOES NOT meet the 18 points on their project related to sports and history. end of course exams they must select alternative pathways in order to graduate. APPLIED MATHEMATICS We would like to invite you to come to Parent Meetings where we In this elective course, students will explore the world around them will be going over this more thoroughly. The Parent Meeting for the through a mathematics lens. Students will apply mathematics concepts Classes of 2021 and 2022 will be held on September 17 at 7 p.m. The that they have already learned and continue to learn and apply to their Parent Meeting for the Class of 2023 will be held on September 24 everyday life. at 7 p.m. Please mark your calendar to attend these very important EXPLORATIONS OF MATHEMATICS meetings. In this elective course, students will create prototypes to solve real world problems using math and the utilization of a 3D printer. This IMPORTANT HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DATES TO RE- class will try to partner with local businesses to make these real world MEMBER--All are subject to change problems as realistic as possible.

American Red Cross Blood Drive • September 17: GRADUATION MEETING FOR SOPH/JR The High School will be hosting three blood Parents, 7 p.m. drives this year from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please • September 24: GRADUATION MEETING FOR FRESH consider donating to help our local community Parents, 7 p.m. in two ways; your blood saves lives and each unit we collect contributes to a scholarship for • October 1: Produced in Portage for Freshman our graduating seniors. Dates: Tuesday Octo- • October 1: Financial Aid Night/College Admission Process, 7 p.m. ber 1st, Tuesday November 26th, and Tuesday February 4th. • October 8: CCP Night, 7 p.m. • October 9: KSU Visit for Seniors Social Media • October 6 and 20: ACT Bootcamp (limited space), 1-4 p.m. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Rtown_Rovers • November 6: Maplewood Visit for Sophomore Class If you do not have a Twitter account, but would like to receive updates via text messages, follow these instructions. Send a text • January 7: Scholarship Introduction for Seniors message to 40404 and in the body of the text message write follow @ • January 31: Career Day Rtown_Rovers. • May 26: Senior Signing Day Also join us on our Facebook page @ Rootstown High School. Page 5 Middle School Learners Today - Leaders Tomorrow

Mabel Schnee Building (330) 325-9956 • Robert Campbell - Principal Welcome Back One example of a The middle school staff welcomed back student project from last approximately 270 students during the last week year is a harp that was cre- of August to begin the 2019-2020 school year. ated by Jenna Vogt. Jenna The students and staff alike are excited and ready entered her harp in the for the new school year. RMS would like to wish Portage County Randolph everyone a successful school year! fair and won best of show. Congratulations, Jenna! Parent/Student Involvement As the 2019-2020 school year begins, I would Robert Campbell like to take a moment to encourage parents to M.S. Principal become involved with their children’s academic journey. When considering the development of your child, it is important to realize the impact that you have on them. Each time you sit down with your child to help with homework, attend school functions, speak positively about school or your child’s teacher, Starting the School Year Right! or generally convey a positive message about education, you are Helping your child begin the school year on a helping your child develop long term habits that will benefit them for successful note is very important. This is accom- life. It will be very helpful to your child, if throughout the year, you plished through providing your child with the take time to read with him or her and help with homework. It is also guidance and support that will help that student es- critical that students work hard to maintain the best attendance they tablish a routine and doing what needs to be done can, so there are as few breaks in instruction for them as can be. Com- to be successful. By helping your child prepare munication with your child’s teachers is also helpful in developing a and organize, he/she will be better able to handle positive academic environment. Please feel free to maintain open lines whatever comes along during the school year. It of communication with the teachers and staff at the school. is equally important to make sure that your child Amelia Mohan knows that they are responsible for homework, M.S. Counselor Connect with RMS important papers, getting up on time and going to The middle school staff sleep on time, and that he/she knows that you are will be utilizing Progress- there to help them. Book this year so families Parents need to reinforce the importance of doing homework, as can monitor their students’ well as help the student to prepare a place at home where it is possible academic progress online. to get homework, note cards, and reading completed. This place should Information regarding be a quiet part of the house. Parents should also ask about your child’s account creation and login information was provided to parents at open day and what they have to do for tomorrow. Please check book bags house and was mailed home for those parents who were unable to and, if necessary, lockers, often so that work and important notices attend open house. do not pile up or become buried at the bottom of things. Make use Please feel free to contact the middle school office staff with any of the assignment books and website to check for homework (www. questions or concerns that you may have. We can be reached by phone rootstown.sparcc.org). The “Class Pages” section is great for keeping at 330-325-9956 or by email at the following addresses: Mr. Robert up with homework and notes from the teacher in each class. Another Campbell (principal) [email protected]; Mrs. Christine Wright great tool to utilize is ProgressBook. This program will help you and (secretary) [email protected]; and Mrs. Amelia Mohan (school your child be aware of not only the grade in each class, but any missing counselor) [email protected]. RMS can also be followed on work as well as upcoming assignments. Facebook. If your child is “organizationally-challenged,” help them to see that being organized makes things easier. Post a list of what materials are I n d u s t r i a l Te c h needed throughout each day. Help them to sort out what papers should By Jess Hluch be filled out and returned, kept, or read and discarded. Trapper keepers Tech is alive and well at Rootstown Middle school. This year, and notebooks will need to be updated weekly to keep the papers where besides traditional wood-working, students will be offered some state they belong and the zippers intact. of the art opportunities as well as traditional trades. There have been many studies done on the effect of too little sleep We are pleased to be expanding our 3D printing capabilities this for students; it affects both memory and concentration. Most studies year, with the addition of new equipment. This equipment allows stu- recommend 8 to 10 hours of rest for students. Parents should be mon- dents to program and implement designs for a strata by strata project itoring late night online activity, texting, and phone calls. If your child to develop in front of their eyes by means of 3D printing. Students is using these things instead of sleeping, it would benefit the child to will also be working with robotics, consisting of a Lego Mindstorms have all electronic devices removed to ensure proper rest. package with the latest generation of servo motors that Lego offers. I am so excited about this school year! It is incredible to watch the Metal-working and traditional blacksmithing will also be intro- students learn and grow throughout the year. I hope that you and yours duced and allow students to forge metal as well as jewelry making and have an incredible school year! leathercraft. Students will have a great opportunity to develop their soft skills by working together in groups as well as individual projects that they are interested in pursuing. Traditional crafts and trades such as woodworking, stringed in- struments of all kinds, turnings, carvings and traditional cabinetry & furniture activities are also offered. Page 6 Elementary School R o ve r P.R . I . D. E

Bertha Bradshaw Building (330) 325-7971 • Jeffrey Turner - Principal Dear Parents: P TA On behalf of the Rootstown Elementary School By Deanna Day, President staff, I would like to welcome our students and Welcome back everyone! The Elementary PTA is starting off the parents to the 2019-2020 school year. It was great year with our membership drive now through September 30th! Mem- seeing you during Open House on August 22nd. The bership is only $5. Don’t forget to ask about our membership bundle. year promises to be filled with many opportunities for our students to grow academically and socially Show your school spirit with our new Rover spirit wear! Baseball through varied instructional techniques and pro- hats, stocking hats, personalized Rover bows, hoodies, and shirts! grams. It is our goal each year to plan instruction Order forms will be sent home with students next week. Market Day and programs to meet the needs of all types of is back at Rootstown Elementary! No more school pick up, it ships learners. Jeffrey Turner straight to your home. To order, and support the Rovers, simply log E.S. Principal into Marketdaylocal.com and choose Rootstown Elementary. The PTA As we begin the year, I would like to share some will also be having our annual Race For Education fundraiser this year changes to the building and staff: in late fall! Thanks to everyone’s continued support last year, the PTA • The building received new Chromebooks from our PTA. These was able to purchase Chromebooks for this school year! will be used on the mobile cart in the fourth-fifth grade hallway. We would like to thank you for all of your support and wish every- Thank you to the PTA for their generosity! one a great school year! • We are continuing the “Rovers R Respectful, Responsible and Role Models” as our new PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Sup- ports) theme. Please note the new signage throughout the building reflecting this theme. Welcome Back! • Progressbook is a district-wide gradebook that will offer parents A welcome back to all families and students! I the opportunity to see grades and report cards. hope that you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer • Security cameras were installed in several locations within the and are off to a great start to the 2019-2020 school building over the summer. year! As part of my role in the building, I will be visiting classes periodically throughout the year Staff changes for 2019-2020: for guidance lessons and am available to meet • Mrs. Paolucci is the new Attendance Secretary. with students individually to ensure academic and • Mrs. Burrell moves from 5th grade to Kindergarten. emotional success. In addition, I will be offering • Miss Gearhart moves from 4th grade to 5th grade. several small group experiences throughout the Danielle Ray • Ms. Perline will be our new school psychologist from MCESC year. If you would like your child to meet with me Elem. Counselor or participate in any of the small group experienc- replacing Mrs. Saborse. es, please contact me at 330.325.2011 or at ray@ • Ms. Shelly will be the preschool teacher from MCESC. roversk12.org. • Ms. Butler will be the new OT and Mr. Wellington will be the new PT from MCESC. Start with Hello Week • Educational Aides: Mrs. Ginter, Mrs. Hopp, Mrs. Story, Mrs. This year, in conjunction with our high school, middle school, and Kruger schools across the country, we will be celebrating Start with Hello I am looking forward to a great school year. Please contact me with Week. This initiative was started through the Sandy Hook Promise any questions or concerns during the school year. and will be celebrated nationally September 23-27, 2019. This week Go Rovers! encourages students to end social isolation and build better relation- Sincerely, ships with their peers. The goal of this week is to have daily activities Mr. Jeffrey Turner and lessons to teach students the skills necessary to include others and Principal connect with peers. By doing this, we hope to end the feelings of isola- [email protected] tion and loneliness that students may experience while in school. This process is taught through the three simple steps we will be enforcing Acceptable Use Policy throughout this week and the remainder of the year: Please sign and return the Acceptable Use Policy distributed Open 1.) see someone alone, 2.) reach out and help, 3.) Start with Hello! House night as soon as possible. Throughout this week we will have a special lesson on the steps to Start with Hello and daily activities emphasizing the important message Student Handbook Reminders of starting with hello! More information will be coming home with On the first day of school, your child received the student handbook students and will be available through social media as the week draws regarding expected behavior at school. Please review the handbook closer. with your child and sign and return the last page to your child’s teacher. As we are experiencing warmer weather this time of the year, please make sure your child is following the dress code policy. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Important Dates: September 26 - Interims Posted September 27 - No School for Students October 8 - (Pre-K, K-2 only) School Pictures October 9 - (Pre-K, 3-5 only) School Pictures October 11 - NEOEA Day - No School October 10 & October 22 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-8:30 p.m. October 25 - Fall Parties - 1:50 p.m. Page 7 Athletics Keith Waesch - Athletic Director, (330) 325-2006 Carpenter, Girls Relay Team Excel at State Meet BOYS TRACK: The Rover track program was once again well Ryan Boyle, Jett Paulus, Alex Steinlechner, Josh Vogt, Roger Williams, represented in Columbus at the state track meet this Zach King, Alex Banks, Jake Collins, Michael Farkash, Evan Piscitani, past spring. Donovan Birkett, Xavier Birkett & Ethan Sisley Senior, Logan Carpenter, earned his third con- SOFTBALL: secutive trip to the state’s biggest stage in the discus Megan Lane, Layla Lauck, Abigail Riley, Savannah Stefancik, Nicole event. Carpenter placed fourth with a personal best Bobbs, Sarah Caruso, Hannah Dougherty, Alyssa Reinagle, Natalie throw of 162 feet, 9 inches. He finished in 5th place Siglow & Brooke Anderson as a junior. Keith Waesch BASEBALL: The girls 4x200-meter relay team won the re- gional meet en route to advancing to the state meet. Athletic Director Jacob Caruso, Matthew McGrath, Seth Noel, Thayne Ocel, Nick Put- The relay team, comprised of sophomores Sarah nam, Ben Shank, Colton Freedson, Travis McCrady & Adam Beery Dresp and Alexis Washington, and freshmen Marinna Atanmo and Jenna Kurtz placed 7th in the state. Follow Rover Athletics on Twitter This group of girls also was instrumental in leading the girls track team to its second P.T.C. title in the past four years. Head coach, Kyle Rootstown athletic director, Keith Waesch, has established a Twitter Rodstrom, was named P.T.C. coach of the year. account to keep Rover fans updated on upcoming events and game scores involving our middle and high school teams. You can receive daily tweets by following us @roverathletics, the official Twitter home of Rootstown athletics. Those who don’t have a Twitter account, can still receive updates via text message. Simply send a text to 40404. In the body of the text, type follow @roverathletics.

Homecoming Game set for Sept. 20 The annual Homecoming football game has been scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20, vs. Gilmour Academy. Rootstown boys track Marinna Atanmo, Jenna Kurtz, Alexis Homecoming festivities will begin at approximately 6:20 p.m. with coach, Larry Bailey, and Washington & Sarah Dresp kickoff at 7 p.m. Logan Carpenter The Homecoming dance will be held in the high school gym on Saturday, Sept. 21. Rootstown is Runner-Up in All-Sports Trophy Race Booster Club Meetings Set Rootstown High School finished a close second in the 2018-19 Por- tage Trail Conference County Division All-Sports Trophy race. The Rootstown Sports Booster Club regularly meets on the first Sunday of each month in the high school cafeteria at 7 p.m. All Roots- The trophy is awarded to the school with the highest number of town residents are welcome to attend. points earned in both the P.T.C.’s County and Metro Divisions at the conclusion of the school year. Points are earned based on a school’s For more information on the booster club and its meetings, contact finish in each sport in which at least five schools in the division field a athletic director, Keith Waesch, at 330-325-2006. program. Crestwood won the 2018-19 trophy with 58.5 points. Rootstown fin- Rover Sports Schedules on Internet ished second with 54 points. The rest of the County Division included: Garfield (51.5), Southeast (46.5), Mogadore (46), Lake Center Christian Rootstown high and middle school sports schedules are available (28) and Valley Christian (20.5). on the Internet. Schedules can be accessed by logging on to www. bigteams.com and then clicking on the school search icon. The Rovers won league titles during the 2018-19 school year in golf, wrestling, girls track and baseball. The schedules are as up-to-date as those in the athletic office. Schedules are subject to change. Woodridge won the Metro Division all-sports trophy.

Rover Spring Sports Scholar-Athletes The following spring sports participants earned scholar-athlete status during the 2018-19 school year. A student-athlete becomes a schol- ar-athlete by earning a varsity letter and a 3.4 grade-point average or higher during the season. GIRLS TRACK: Lauren Housley, Abigail Longstreth, Savannah Munger, Debbie Vogt, Natalie Wancik, Paige Schindler, Esther Shackelford, Gabi Simms, Eliz- abeth Smethers, Kasidy Smith, Taylor Coates, Cameron Kuharich, Jenna Kurtz & Katie Plecko Page 8 Around Campus

Take some time to get to know all the new faces around campus this year. We have new staff in some of the buildings and hope this page allows you to learn some interesting things about them. Let’s hear what they had to say about themselves… In the District - Meet Ms. Perline (School Psychologist) My name is Kayleigh Perline. I received my undergrad- uate degree from Youngstown State University in Psychol- ogy and Communication and I received my graduate degree from Miami University in School Psychology. I started my School Psychology career in the Cincinnati area where I completed a year long internship and then completed a year in the Cleveland area. Over those two years I gained a lot of valuable experiences and I am excited to take what I learned and apply it to my work with the Rootstown Local School District. When I am not working, you can find me relaxing by streaming shows, hanging out with friends and family, playing video and board games, and reading. I am looking forward to a great school year!

At the Elementary - Meet Mrs. Story, Mrs. Hopp, Mrs. Ginter, and Mrs. Kruger (Educational Aides) Mrs. Carol Kruger is a fresh face to Rootstown Schools. She comes to us with 18 years of experience working as both a one-on-one assistant and general classroom aide support- ing the needs of students with disabilities. Mrs. Kruger will assume a pilot position at the elementary building and looks forward to making a difference in her student’s life. The next three new assistants may not be completely unfamiliar to the district’s students and staff. This year, Mrs. Left to right: Kathy Hopp, Carol Kruger, Kelly Ginter, and Amanda Story Kelly Ginter undertakes a new aide position at the elementary building having provided support to several students last year. She is a relatively new Rootstown community member and in her free time, enjoys coaching soccer. Mrs. Ginter reported that she thoroughly enjoyed her role last year and is excited to be back in the elementary building. Mrs. Kathy Hopp also assisted Rootstown Elementary last year as a substitute aide. She is well familiar with our district counting four of her five children as Rootstown graduates! She has experience as a medical assistant and graduated from the Uni- versity of Akron. Mrs. Hopp is anxious to continue applying all the skills she gathered raising her children to help our elementary students succeed. Rounding out our group of “new” educational assistants is Mrs. Amanda Story. Like Mrs. Ginter and Mrs. Hopp, Mrs. Story is familiar with the elementary building having been employed by Mahoning County Educational Service Center as a classroom aide for Rootstown’s preschool class last year. The Story family is relatively new to the area having moved from Joplin, Missouri just one year ago. In Missouri, Mrs. Story worked as an administrative assistant as well as a preschool teacher and is anxious to become an official member of the Rover family. At the Elementary - Meet Mrs. Paolucci (School Secretary) My name is Debbie Paolucci and I am very excited to be part of the Rover community. I was born and raised in North Royalton, Ohio. I attended the University of Akron where I met my husband. We have been married for 23 years and have two beautiful daughters. One is in college while the youngest is a junior at Kent Roosevelt. I enjoy spending time with my family and attending my daughters’ sporting events. I look forward to working with everyone here at Rootstown Elementary! Go Rovers!

At the High School - Meet Mr. Davis (Math Teacher) Hello, my name is Zachary Davis. I just recently graduated from The University of Akron this past May. I will be starting my first teaching experience at Rootstown High School. I will be teaching Integrated Mathe- matics 3 and a problem based learning elective called Explorations of Mathematics. While I’m not at school, I enjoy playing hockey, reading, and working at Camp Carl. I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Roots- town family and I am looking forward to a great school year!

Page 9 Rootstown News Rootstown Township By Trustee Joe Paulus Trustees David McIntyre, Joe Paulus, and Brett Housley The Rootstown Board of Trustees meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. The township website is www.rootstowntwp.com. Take a look at the website for information about which you may have ques- tions. Let us know if there is something that could be added or updated on the site. The turn lanes at the center of town should be completed by the time you read this, and hopefully, traffic has improved as a re- sult. It is interesting to see the progression of the process taking place. Our Community Park behind Gracie Fields is developing slower than expected, but it is still moving forward. The east half of the park is hopefully levelled at this reading and the grass seed taking root. A lot of our plans for the park are dependent on the earth being moved. However, that has not stopped Sequoia Wellness Center from holding their inaugural 5K Run/Walk this sum- mer. Half of the proceeds from the walk were donated to the park efforts. Although the participation could have been larger, those attending were very enthusiastic and it was a very enjoyable time. This is one event that will grow bigger and better every year. Lastly, we are in the planning stage of bringing water and electric to the park and power to the pavilions. Biltz and Herriff Roads were chip-and-sealed and Pletzer Blvd was resurfaced. Lynn Road will be resurfaced when the Shur-Co company completes their building and parking lot. The township has received two grants to offset the vast majority of the cost of this project. The Portage County Solid Waste Management District is working on an educational blitz to help recyclers better under- stand what can and cannot be put in the bins. Did you know that plastic grocery bags are not permitted and that a big push is being made to clean jars and cans before tossing them into the bin? The bags can jam up the machinery and contaminated recyclables actually inhibit the process as those items cannot be recycled. And forget about pizza boxes with oil and cheese all over them. At least the top of the pizza box can still be recycled! A little bit goes a long way. Check out the Portage County Solid Waste Management District website for more information. We also have their link on our website.

Rootstown Historical Society By Norm Reynolds If you think you know Rootstown, see if you can answer these. Answers will be published in the next issue. Where is Hubble Hill? Who died at Breakneck Creek? Where is Rootstown’s steamboat? What was the name, and where was Rootstown’s first hotel? Cady’s landing had very special sand. What was it used for and by whom? Where and when was Rootstown’s last airplane crash? Where was the barrel factory on Industry Road? Where was the forge on Old Forge Road? Can you name three cheese factories that were in Rootstown? What was Cook Road’s original name? Before school buses, what did Rootstown kids ride to school in? Where were the communities of Industry and St. Joseph? Where was the Maple Lawn Ice Cream Parlor? Who were the Rootstown “Minutemen?” Where was the Rootstown Town Hall originally located, and when was it built? Who was Rootstown’s first permanent resident? Page 10 Around Rootstown Rootstown Chamber of Commerce By Denese Schneckenburger, President Rootstown Chamber Upcoming Events Annual Business & Community EXPO - Saturday, October 26th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The NEW Center We are celebrating our 25th anniversary of the EXPO! Mark your calendars and plan to attend this fun-filled event. There is something for all ages! Returning for the children - indoor trick-or-treating and costume contest. For the adults, Chinese Auction raffle baskets, door prizes ($250 Giant Eagle gift cards!) and a new addition this year is a chance to win a re-born radio flyer wagon, courtesy of Reincarnation American. A Toast to R-town, as we have named it, is a rolling beverage cart complete with lots of adult beverages and other surprises. Ticket sales will start soon for the gift cards and A Toast to R-town. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, website, and email blasts for more information and how to purchase those tickets. Want to be a vendor? Know of a small business that would like to participate? Booth regis- trations are now open. We are here to support the people that make this town so great and that is why we offer booth registration rates to fit a small business budget. Visit the Chamber website at www.rootstownchamber.org for more info and registration link. Light Up Rootstown We are proud to announce Light Up Rootstown 2019! November 2nd - Set up @ noon at the Town hall, December 7th – Light up the Night @ 8 p.m. at the Town hall Holiday decorations – The generosity of residents last year provided a good supply of decorations that we will not need to replace. There are, however, quite a few items that will need purchased to Light Up R-town in a grand way. The community came out in force last we and we appreciate your support! We are asking for your help once again. This time, in raising funds to cover the costs of other items such as light strands, wreaths, electri- cal cords, etc. Donations - This new partnership between the Rootstown Chamber of Commerce and Light Up Rootstown allows us to do even more. Many people who wanted to help last year, asked about donating funds to cover costs. This year, we can! We are now ac- cepting donations. For the online link to make a donation, visit the Chamber website or go to the Facebook pages of the Rootstown Chamber or Rootstown Light up Night. Event Dates - This year, we will be setting up the lights and other decorations in early November. This will be a day for the community to gather and work together to prepare for the Light Up Rootstown event in December. Then, we shall have a grand lighting ceremony and night of festivities on December 7th. This lighting event will take place immediately following Santa Comes to R-Town, at 8 p.m. Our goal is to create a special night for the Rootstown communi- ty to come together and celebrate the holiday season. Santa Comes to R-town Saturday, December 7th, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Rootstown Elementary School Santa is returning to R-town this holiday season! Plan to attend this favorite community event with your family and friends. This FREE event is made possible through the generous donations of R-town community. We will have pizza, hot cocoa, sweet treats, Santa, and Mrs. Claus, too! Each child will receive a special gift for attending. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take pictures. New this year: We will be offering sponsorship opportunities. We have had such a great response from local businesses asking to become a sponsor, so we have decided to add sponsorships to this event. Check out the Chamber website, or like our Chamber Facebook page to keep up to date on event details and sponsorship information.

Rootstown Foundation and Alumni Association By Denny Pickens, President

The Rootstown Foundation and Alumni Association proudly awarded Tricia Fowler the 2019 Spirit Award Scholarship this past May. Congratulations Tricia, and we wish you continued success as you pursue your goals.

We also wish to offer our support to the upcoming school levy! Page 11 2019/2020 School Calendar August December April 22 All Certified Staff In-service 2 Thanksgiving Break - 10 Good Friday - No School (1/2 day) No School 23,26 All Certified Staff In-service 6 Interims Distributed May 27 First Student Day 23-31 Winter Break - No School 1 Interims Distributed 25 Memorial Day - No School September January 31 Graduation - Seniors 2 Labor Day - No School 1-3 Winter Break - No School 26 Interims Distributed 17 1st Semester Ends June 27 Staff Prof. Dev. Day - No 20 MLK Day - No School 3 Last day for Students School 4 All Certified Staff In-service February (1/2 day) October 13 Parent/Teacher Conf. -Elem/ 10 Parent/Teacher Conf. - HS/ HS/MS Portage County Fair is August 20-25, 2019 MS/ES 14 Staff Prof. Dev. Day - No Calamity Days begin on June 4, 2020 11 NEOEA Day - No School School 15 Parent/Teacher Conf. - HS/MS 17 President’s day - No School 22 Parent/Teacher Conf. - Elem 21 Interims Distributed

November March 1 1st Grading Period Ends 20 3rd Grading Period Ends 28-29 Thanksgiving Break - 23-27 Spring Break - No School No School

The regular Board of Education School District Personnel meetings are held every month Superintendent...... Mr. Andrew Hawkins ...... 330-325-9911 at 6:00 p.m. Please visit our Treasurer...... Ms. Connie Baldwin ...... 330-325-9911 district website at Assistant Superintendent...... Dr. Terri Hrina-Treharn ...... 330-325-2014 www.rootstown.sparcc.org for Director of Special Education...... Ms. Marcy Spence ...... 330-325-4144 the specific dates. The public Elementary Principal...... Mr. Jeff Turner ...... 330-325-7971 is cordially invited to attend all Middle School Principal...... Mr. Robert Campbell ...... 330-325-9956 meetings. High School Principal...... Mr. James Conley ...... 330-325-7911 Note: Date may occasionally Director of Business Affairs/Trans...... Mr. Matt Collins ...... 330-325-0189 change due to inclement weather Director of Food Services...... Mrs. Peggy Shewell ...... 330-325-4139 or holidays. Board of Education President...... Mrs. Amanda Waesch ...... 330-351-1945 Board of Education Vice President...... Mr. Tom Siciliano ...... 330-325-2176 The monthly board agenda and Board of Education Leg. Liaison...... Mr. Norm Reynolds ...... 330-297-0431 minutes can be found on the Board of Education Co-Student Liaison...... Mr. Eric Kline ...... 330-357-1495 district website at Board of Education Co-Student Liaison...... Mr. Scott Krieger ...... 330-389-8278 www.rootstown.sparcc.org.

Other Numbers of Interest Rootstown Schools, in US Senator Rob Portman...... 202-222-3353 collaboration with the US Senator Sherrod Brown...... 202-224-2315 community, will provide a US Representative Anthony Gonzalez...... 330-630-7311 quality education in a safe Governor Mike DeWine...... 614-466-3555 environment for students to State Senator John Eklund...... 614-644-7718 become productive, State Representative Randi Clites...... 614-466-2004 Ohio Department of Education...... 877-644-6338 lifelong learners. Page 12 Rootstown Local Schools Non-Profit Org. Rootstown, Ohio 44272 U.S. Postage PAID Canton, OH Permit #207