Page 1 The Standard Is Excellence

Home he all inter of t The F /W s Rover Rootstown 2020 Communicator Rootstown Local Schools • 4140 State Route 44 • Rootstown, 44272 • (330) 325-9911 News From Around the District Welcome Aboard! By Terri Hrina-Treharn We would sincerely like to welcome two new Board members, Mr. Craig Mullaly and Mr. Paul McEwuen, who were recently appointed at the October 19th meeting. Mr. Mullaly will serve as the Legislative Liaison. He was born and raised in the area and has been a resident of Rootstown Township for six years. He currently has one child in the school system. He shared that he looks forward to the opportunity and challenge as a school Board member and commits to always giving his best to this community. Go Rovers!

Mr. McEwuen will be the Co-Student Achieve- ment Liaison along with Mr. Kline. He is the general manager of Charles Auto Family in Gar- rettsville. Mr. McEwuen is a long time resident and graduate of Rootstown High School. He and his wife, Jessica, enjoy raising their three children Willis, Maxwell, and Elliott Rose in such a great community.

Superintendent’s Message The Rootstown Local School District staff is excited to have students back in the classrooms as a return to some form of normalcy during this global pandemic. The opening of the school year has been successful due to the countless hours the entire staff has dedicated to the restart. Also, the students have done an amazing job thus far of following the protocols that have been enacted and it is great to see our students in-person again! We continue to be dedicated to provide the Rootstown students with the best all-around education possible, Andrew Hawkins no matter which learning model we utilize, while being fiscally responsible as we follow our district’s mission Superintendent statement: “Rootstown Schools, in collaboration with the community, will provide a quality education in a safe environment for stu- dents to become productive, life-long learners.” The coronavirus has led to many changes in the way we educate students from the bus to the classroom, to the lunchroom and extra-curriculars. I could not be more proud of how flexible the students, staff, and parents have been thus far this school year. We will continue to follow the guidance from the Portage County Health District as we navigate through this school year and will continue to communicate any changes to our learning model to our parents through the all call system, social media outlets, and the district website. 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 2020-21 school year! Go Rovers! Andrew Hawkins Page 2 News From the Treasurer’s Office This has been an especially trying year in so many different ways for all of us. In spite of the challenges, the students and staff at Rootstown have done a tremendous job of adapting to our new circumstances. To help cope with the pandemic, the district is benefiting from several federal programs. FREE LUNCH AND BREAKFAST - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reimbursing schools for offering free meals to all students through the current academic year. This will help ensure – no matter what the situation is – children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both remote learners and in-school students have access to the meals. The federal reimbursement is helping the cafeteria remain solvent and keeping people employed. The funds not only benefit students but also help local businesses and farmers who supply milk, cheese, produce, and baked goods to the schools. Please support the cafeteria by participating in the FREE meal program. For more information, please visit the district website or call Mrs. Shewell at 330-325-4139. Connie Baldwin ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS (CARES Act) – The district will re- Treasurer ceive $95,583.39 through the CARES Act to offset state budget reductions and stabilize personnel expenditures. The district is using these federal funds to support payroll costs in light of the reduced funding from the state. CORONA RELIEF FUNDS (CARES Act) – The district will receive $57,942.35 in CRF funds, which can be used for equipment and supplies related to extra COVID19 costs. The district has purchased masks and face shields, hand sanitizer (by the 55 gallon barrel), disinfectant and cleaning supplies, touchless water bottle fillers, COVID clinic equipment, Plexiglas units for social distancing and equipment to support students and staff with remote learning. BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY FUNDS (CARES Act) – The district will receive $90,879.70, which must be spent only for goods or services provided through December 31. Eligible expenses are very limited to provide internet connectivity such as: public Wi-Fi infrastructure, Mobile hotspots or Mi-Fii enabled devices, or other technology that provides internet to students. TITLE I EXPANDED OPPORTUNITY (CARES Act) – The district received $2,475.71 and is using the funds to support an online learning platform. CARES Act MINI GRANT – These funds were awarded to the school library through a grant written by librarian Cindy Andes-Polack. She is using the $3,000.00 award to expand remote library services for the district. Thank you to our community and parents who partner with us to make Rootstown a great place to learn and grow. Assistant Superintendent’s Message Terri Hrina-Treharn - Assistant Superintendent, (330)325-2014 ProgressBook Parent Access We will again be utilizing our online gradebook which replaced Engrade. Additionally, we are not sending out student interims this year as there is the capability to see your child’s progress at any time. However, we will send out an all call about halfway through each grading period just to remind you to log on and check your child’s grades as we get accustomed to this change. Parents, if you have not yet set-up an account, I am going to reiterate the steps to do so in case you need them. Please remember, if you DID set-up an account last year, you do NOT need to set one up again this year. Steps to get started: • Go to https://pbparentaccess.sparcc.org/ Terri Hrina-Treharn • Click on Sign Up Assistant • Choose New Parent Account • Fill in the required information Superintendent This allows YOU to create your own username and password. Creating an account requires a registration key. Please contact the school office if you do not know yours as you will utilize this to create 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. Title I Programs According to Parents Right- to-Know (NCLB, 1111), you have the right as a parent to request information regarding the professional qualifica- tions 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). Social Media If you are not already following us, please do so. Facebook (Rootstown Local Schools), Twitter (@Rovers_District), Instagram (Rovers_District) Page 3 From the Office of Special Education Marcy Spence - Director of Special Education, (330)325-4144 Child Find Hello everyone and welcome to the first edition of the 2020-2021 Communicator. After last spring, to say it’s good to be back is certainly an understatement! I know the entire special education staff joins me in extending our heartfelt thanks to all of the Rootstown families we had the pleasure of working with through those trying times – and, while it doesn’t look like those times are completely behind us quite yet, please know that we are dedicated to providing the same high quality, comprehensive, multi-factored evaluations, special education instruction and targeted related services to our students that we always have. We thank you for your continued support, flexibility and patience as our teams navigate testing, develop IEPs, tailor Remote Learning Plans, provide instruction and attend to special education compliance regulations during this period of flux. With the above in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to play a bit of catch up. Usually, the department Marcy Spence publishes information about the district’s Child Find obligation in May of each year; however, without a final Director of Special publication last spring, the importance of this responsibility dictates a current review. Therefore, let me begin Education by saying that Rootstown Schools would like to remind our families and the community at large of the district’s responsibility to locate, evaluate and identify all students who may have, or be suspected of having, a disability. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its 2004 reauthorization, IDEIA (The addition of the ‘I’ denotes the concept of improvement) is a federal law that assures students with disabilities a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). There are six guiding principles of IDEIA, one of which, Zero Reject, addresses the Child Find issue. This tenant stipulates that a student must be determined to have a disability that is covered under the IDEIA and, be- cause of that disability, the child is in need of specially designed instruction (special education) and related services. Child Find is the name given to the process required by the Ohio Department of Education/Office for Exceptional children, through which Ohio schools engage in – that is, we locate, evaluate and identify all children who have or are suspected of having a disability from three years of age through the conclusion of their twenty-first year. Additionally, through the Child Find process, our schools work hand-in-hand with the state’s early intervention program, Bright Beginnings (formerly, Help Me Grow) to locate, evaluate and identify all children from birth to three years of age, who have or are suspected of having a disability. The district’s responsibility extends to all children, including those who are in school (face-to- face instruction), learning remotely at home, homeless, migrant, home schooled (evaluations), a ward of the state or enrolled in a private/parochial school. Once the district has located a child with a suspected disability, the evaluation team commences an extensive multi-factored evaluation process. In the state of Ohio, a child may be found disabled and eligible for special education and related services under one of fourteen categories. These include: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Multiple Disabilities, Deafness, Hear- ing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Orthopedically Impaired, Other Health Impaired, Specific Learning Disability, Speech-Lan- guage Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment (including Blindness) with one additional preschool disability category, Developmental Delay. Rootstown Local Schools takes its Child Find responsibility very seriously. We are committed to the premise that every child can learn when given appropriate instruction and the right support. We ask for the community’s help in “finding” any child who may have a disability in order that our district may uphold this essential component of IDEIA. As the new school year progresses, any parent, relative, concerned citizen or public/private agency staff member who has a concern about a child’s need for special education and related services is asked to contact our department at 330-325-2010 or 330-325-4144. Thank you again for your continued support. Have a safe and healthy school year! Around the District Rootstown Transportation New Facebook Group By Kim Isaman The Transportation Department has made a Facebook Group page. This page will include information regarding Rootstown bus routes such as; if a bus is running behind, which hybrid group is going, general reminders, and information for Biomed, Maplewood, St. Pat’s, St. Joe’s, and any other schools the Rootstown Transportation Department transports. The group will be updated in real time to help get messages out in a timely manner. I would like to thank the community members that have given feedback on this idea. Please help spread the word of the new group! The Facebook group can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rootstowntransportation. Be on the lookout for an upcoming job fair for substitutes! Details for this will be available soon on the Facebook group page.

Happy Birthday, Asa! By Toni Mervine Sixty Rootstown Middle School sixth-graders sent birthday cards to Asa, a Ravenna resident, for his 102 birthday. The students learned about the Tuskegee Airmen be- cause Asa is a proud member who served our country during World War II. Page 4 High School A3: Academics... Arts... Athletics Ward Davis Building (330) 325-7911 • James Conley - Principal Teens of the Month Rootstown High School will launch their inaugural “Celebration of Congratulations to Kasidy Smith for being Veterans” to provide a piece of home to soldiers and fellowship with named Rootstown High School Portage County veterans. Rootstown High School is working in conjunction with the Teen Board Representative. local Veterans of Foreign Wars. The drive will run from November 9th Kasidy is the daughter of John to November 20th. If you would like to help in this effort, please drop and Iris Smith of Rootstown. off a card or letter at the RHS office. If you would like to help in the She is a senior who attends Kent supply drive, please drop off your donation at the RHS office. State University through the College Credit Plus program. Suggested Items: Kasidy was nominated for her James Conley high moral character, strong H.S. Principal work ethic, positive attitude, and being very involved in extracurricular activities. Congratulations to Thomas (Tommy) Weese for being named Rootstown High School September Teen of the Month. Tommy is the son of Tom and Meghan Weese of Rootstown. He is a senior who attends through the College Credit Plus program. Tommy was nominated for his high moral character, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and his countless hours of volunteerism. Congratulations to Isabella (Bella) Cambareri for Happenings in Guidance being named Rootstown High School September The High School Guidance Office is off and run- Teen of the Month. Isabella is the daughter of ning this school year. While we are not able to hold Jennifer Cambareri of Rootstown. She is a sen- in-person events such as Financial Aid Night or ior who attends Kent State University through the CCP Night, we have scheduled these virtually. We College Credit Plus program. Isabella was nominat- have also had presentations from Maplewood and I ed for her high moral character, strong work ethic, have done senior meetings and met with each class positive attitude, and high academic standing. to discuss the needed graduation requirements. Despite the pandemic,we have had a number of Kathy Sandberg Congratulations to Colby Clavecilla for being colleges visit us virtually and I have held College H.S. Counselor named Rootstown High School September Teen of Cafe’s to assist our seniors. I mailed home infor- the Month. Colby is the son of Leo Clavecilla and mation to ALL students/parents about the Guid- Kelly Clavecilla of Rootstown. He is a senior who ance Happenings this year as well as a flyer from the Ohio Department attends Kent State University through the College of Education about the new graduation requirements. Credit Plus program. Colby was nominated for his high moral character, strong work ethic, positive State testing will occur in both December and April/May; you will attitude, and his high academic standing. receive notification if and when your child is testing. The best indica- tor of success for these state tests is practice, and I encourage students Congratulations to Paige Schindler for being to be rested and have had a good breakfast before they test. These tests named Rootstown High School September Teen of are very important for every student’s pathway to graduation. If you the Month. Paige is the daughter of Jason and Carrie need an additional copy of the graduation requirements, please let me Schindler of Rootstown. She is a senior who attends know. I also have emailed all of our students information about this. Kent State University through the College Credit In November, I will be working with our Rovers on NAVIANCE Plus program. Paige was nominated for her high which is a career portal moral character, strong work ethic, positive attitude, designed to help them be and being very involved in extracurricular activities. intentional about their goals with their careers. I love this time of year because I get to hear Giving Back to Local Veterans and Soldiers what the students are thinking of when it comes to their dreams for This started almost a year ago when then Freshmen Kylee Fetherolf their future. Make sure to ask your child about NAVIANCE! We also approached me and asked if Rootstown High School could do some- have monthly career speakers who Google Meet with us during R-Time thing in observance of Veterans Day. She wanted to find a way to hon- once a month. In November, we will hear from the Military and in or veterans and active duty military. December we will bring a chef! I have tried to cover many of the Kylee and I met through the course career clusters in planning this series. of the year to plan a way to honor The continuing impact of the pandemic is clearly impacting all of our local heroes; however, our plans us, including our students. If you find your son or daughter showing had to change due to Covid -19 signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, please reach restrictions. Instead of hosting an out for help. We have counselors from Coleman Services who have in person event, we started brain- worked with a number of our students. storming ideas of how to still honor veterans and possibly give back. As always, I am happy to talk with you at any time about our We have decided to host a supply students. I enjoy them all very much, and it is a pleasure to serve at drive for soldiers and a letter/card Rootstown High School. drive for local veterans. Page 5 Middle School Learners Today - Leaders Tomorrow

Mabel Schnee Building (330) 325-9956 • Robert Campbell - Principal Welcome Back Jasmine Stefancik, also a freshman now, started her project last fall but due to the high degree of complexity, continued to work on her The middle school staff welcomed back makeup dresser through the year, until mid march when remote instruc- approximately 240 students during the first week tion began. Demonstrat- of September to begin the 2020-2021 school year. ing great determination As we navigate through the current challenges, to complete her project the students and staff have adapted well and are she came in at lunch working hard every day at being successful in time and during study the school. RMS would like to wish everyone a hall to work on it. She healthy and prosperous school year as we #Navi- completed the sanding gateTheShip together. Robert Campbell and finishing on the M.S. Principal dresser this Summer. Way to go, Jazzy! Parent/Student Involvement As the 2020-2021 school year is in its beginning phases, I would like to take a moment to encourage parents to become involved with RMS Celebrates Red Ribbon Week their children’s academic journey. When considering the development October 26 through October 30 was Red Ribbon of your child, it is important to realize the impact that you have on Week. Red Ribbon Week started after the death them. Each time you sit down with your child to help with homework, of Drug Enforcement Administration Special attend school functions, speak positively about school or your child’s Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 teacher, or generally convey a positive message about education, you was brutally murdered by drug traffickers he was are helping your child develop long term habits that will benefit them investigating in Mexico. The week included daily for life. It will be very helpful to your child, if throughout the year, announcements educating students on the effects you take time to read with him or her and help with homework. It is of drug and alcohol abuse as well as daily themes also critical that students work hard to maintain the best attendance that included wearing red, a flannel/plaid day, a Amelia Mohan they can, so there are as few breaks in instruction for them as can be. team jersey/hat day, neon day, and a Rover spirit M.S. Counselor Communication with your child’s teachers is also helpful in develop- day. The students seemed to enjoy and learn a lot ing a positive academic environment. The challenges presented by throughout the week. changing schedules and methods of instruction this year may, in some cases, create unforeseen hurdles for students and families. Please con- tinue to maintain open lines of communication with the teachers and staff at the school so that support can be provided when necessary.

Connect with RMS The middle school staff will be utilizing ProgressBook again this year so families can monitor their students’ academic progress online. Teachers also maintain Teacher Pages with information about their classes that can be found on the RMS website. Please feel free to contact the middle school office staff with any questions or concerns that you may have. We can be reached by phone at 330-325-9956 or by email at the following addresses: Mr. Robert Campbell (principal) [email protected]; Mrs. Christine Wright Stress and Remote Learning (secretary) [email protected]; and Mrs. Amelia Mohan (school Middle school students thrive on structure and predictability. Rou- counselor) [email protected]. RMS can also be followed on tines are the foundation for success both with academics and everyday Facebook. life. Although our current situation is making predictability difficult at times, there are ways to establish and maintain structure and routine in order to provide our children with the foundation they need to be I n d u s t r i a l Te c h successful whether we are in school everyday, hybrid, or remote. If your child(ren) are struggling with school, here are some ideas that can By Jess Hluch be implemented at home to help: Fall semester, well underway, has students busy with projects and • Create a weekly schedule that allots time for school work, time for developing skill sets in woodworking. At this point in the course, playing, time to work on projects, and chores. This schedule could students have developed skills with hand tools and power tools and are also include meal times, time for exercise, and time to relax and just completing a carving project of their choice. Next week, students decompress. will learn about 3D printers and develop CAD drawings using the program “Sketchup” to download and print designs they have created. • Set regular times for children to get up and go to bed during Later in the semester some of the practical trades will be taught such the week. Children need a predictable, stable sleep schedule in as house framing and electrical work. Before the Thanksgiving break, order to get the rest that they need to function and grow. Sleep capstone projects for each student will be chosen and started. also helps students handle stress in more appropriate ways. Speaking of capstone projects, two students from spring semester • Help encourage your child to build relationships with their teachers 2020 completed their projects at home. Joey Weaver, now a freshman, and other staff members at the school. Once the child has a rela- completed an awesome project that contributed to his neighborhood. tionship and feels comfortable with one or more teachers, it will be He made a very cool neighborhood book repository with the help of easier for that child to connect with school even while they are in his Dad. Joey designed and implemented his design while the school a hybrid or remote learning environment. Encourage your child to was delivering instruction through a totally virtual format this past reach out and email teachers when there is a question or concern. Spring. This will help them become individuals who learn to advocate for themselves. Page 6 Elementary School Respectful, Responsible, Role Models

Bertha Bradshaw Building (330) 325-7971 • Jeffrey Turner - Principal Dear Rootstown Community: Food Drive It is difficult to believe that the first nine weeks Rootstown Elementary School will participate in the annual food ended on November 6th! While the year has been drive. The food drive will run from November 9th through November different in many ways, we are off to a great start. 20th. Please bring in as many non-perishable items as possible for The students and staff have adjusted nicely to the those less fortunate than us. All items collected will be donated to the social distancing requirements, wearing masks and Center of Hope in Ravenna. The class in K-2 and 3-5 that brings in the new routines at recess, lunch and dismissal. the most goods will receive a donut and juice party from Mr. Turner. Please know that we are taking the safety and health Thank you to Mr. Rodstrom for coordinating this drive! of students and staff seriously. As you know, the district has been working from Lions Club Good Award Program a hybrid schedule for a portion of the nine weeks Jeffrey Turner The Lions Club Good Award winner for October was Carter Datko, due to the rising COVID numbers in the coun- E.S. Principal 5th grade. Students are selected based on their attendance, listening ty. Obviously, we prefer students to be in school skills, work habits, and citizenship. daily face-to-face, but please know, your child’s teacher is making every effort to reinforce/enrich/teach skills on the Veterans’ Day 2020 days he/she is home. Each teacher has a Google Classroom page that is dedicated to the days he/she is home during the hybrid schedule. By Mrs. Kavali If we should happen to go all remote, your child will work from his/ Due to the current circumstances, we are unfortunately unable to her Google Classroom page daily. Although students are at school for hold our annual Veterans Day breakfast. Instead, we acknowledged the approximately seven hours a day, please do not expect work to take veterans in our community and surrounding areas as they were invited the place of those seven hours. It should also be mentioned that every to a “drive-thru” style parade put on by the students and staff in the student learns/works at their own pace so the length of time for students elementary school. On the morning of Wednesday, November 11, our to complete work may look differently on the hybrid/remote days. It guests drove their vehicles through the parade route lined with students is essential that parents review the work and make sure it is submitted and staff who held signs, waved flags and thanked them for their ser- properly to the teacher. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you vice to our country. have questions/concerns related to the work on hybrid/remote days. Our students, once again, wrote and mailed letters to veterans who Lastly, the report card that will be posted on Progressbook (all served in the Armed Forces. This has been a very successful outreach students K-5) on November 13, 2020 measures your child’s progress the students have enjoyed participating in for the past several years. for the first nine weeks of school. Please take the time to discuss your child’s report card with your child(ren) and develop a plan for the Rootstown Fire Department Fire Safety Week future nine weeks. As a reminder, the grades for 3rd-5th grade are updated throughout the nine Thank you to the Rootstown Fire Department for providing us a weeks and can be viewed by “Virtual Fire Safety Week” during the week of October 12, 2020. In parents at any time. I encourage past years, the Rootstown Fire Department has visited the building to you to check your child’s grades teach fire safety lessons. Due to the current pandemic, the Rootstown regularly during the nine weeks Fire Department (Captain Gabe Tabeling, Firefighter Dianna Balog, and to reach out to your child’s Assistant Chief Susie Forgacs, Firemedic Alex Wain and Fireman Dan teacher with any questions or Frank) created fire safety videos for students to watch at school. The concerns. videos were a huge success! Sincerely, *Elementary information continued on page 9. Mr. Turner Welcome Back! Principal [email protected] Welcome back, families! It is hard to believe that we are at the 5th grade Wax Museum end of the first grading period! By Mrs. Malone Although this year has brought its own set of challenges, I want This year, the 5th graders to remind families that I am participated in a living wax here to support students/families in any way that I museum. During this event, can. If your child(ren) needs any support, please students were asked to choose a person, past or present, that they felt Danielle Rudloff had demonstrated a growth mindset which helped this person achieve feel free to contact me at [email protected]. great accomplishments within or throughout their life. This year, we In addition to the work that I can provide, we also Elem. Counselor had a wide range of influential people from the past and present. Some have a school counseling intern that will be work- of these included: Walt Disney, Marie Curie, Cleopatra, Henry Ford, ing in our building this year. Ms. Emilee Livers is a school counseling Ibtihaji Muhammad and many more! Due to being hybrid, we had two intern from Kent State University who is completing the requirements days of the Wax Museum on October 15th and 16th. While the days necessary to become a licensed school counselor. were a little chilly, grades K-4 were still able to attend the event where our 5th graders dressed up as their influential person and presented all As part of our role in the building this year, we will be presenting a that they had learned throughout the research process. unit to classrooms that focuses on respecting differences and diversity. As a building, we are going to focus on the variety of differences that Reporting Absences make us special and how we can celebrate the unique qualities we bring Good attendance patterns are established early in life. We expect to our team as a class/building. Look for more information coming our students to be in school every day to take advantage of learning home throughout the year! opportunities. If your child must miss school, PLEASE call the school at 330-325-7971. Please report your child off before 9:30 a.m. When Fit Club your child returns to class, please write a note giving the reason for the absence. This year Fit Club will be held virtually through Google Classroom. Students in grades 4-5 are invited to participate in bi-monthly virtual If your child is tardy, he/she must stop in the office to sign in and sessions that focus on Zumba, healthy choices, and fitness challenges. get a pass to class. Please work on helping your child be prompt. Each of these procedures is required for the safety of our students and to A big thank you to Sophie Bell (NeoMed student) and Mrs. Wendy comply with the National Missing Children’s Act. Your cooperation is Lara (HS secretary) for making these activities available to our students appreciated! despite all the changes to this school year! Page 7 Athletics Keith Waesch - Athletic Director, (330) 325-2006 Cross Country Teams Celebrate P.T.C. Titles Follow Rover Athletics on Twitter The 2020 cross country season was double the Rootstown athletic director, Keith Waesch, has established a Twitter fun for longtime Rootstown head coach, Larry account to keep Rover fans updated on upcoming events and game Bailey, and assistant coach, Kyle Rodstrom. scores involving our middle and high school teams. Both the boys and girls teams won Portage Trail You can receive daily tweets by following us @roverathletics, the Conference championships. official Twitter home of Rootstown athletics. The Rover girls claimed their first league title Those who don’t have a Twitter account can still receive updates since 1988, while the boys last won a conference via text message. Simply send a text to 40404. In the body of the text, championship in 2016. It’s the first time since 1988 Keith Waesch type follow @roverathletics. that both the boys and girls squads won conference titles in the same season. Athletic Director Booster Club Meetings Set Rootstown’s girls team swept both the P.T.C. The Rootstown Sports Booster Club regularly meets on the first Super Duals in September and also won the P.T.C. Meet in October. Sunday of each month in the high school cafeteria at 7 p.m. All Roots- The Rover boys were second at the P.T.C. Super Duals, but rebounded town residents are welcome to attend. to win the P.T.C. Meet and the overall championship. The P.T.C. Super For more information on the booster club and its meetings, contact Duals is worth one third of the overall title, while the P.T.C. Meet is athletic director, Keith Waesch, at 330-325-2006. worth two thirds towards the overall trophy. The girls won the conference championship by placing five girls in Rover Sports Schedules on Internet the top 10 at the P.T.C. Meet. Sophomore Sydney Munger (22:22) was Rootstown high and middle school sports schedules are available fifth overall, while junior Marinna Atanmo (6th, 22:37) and freshman on the Internet. Schedules can be accessed by logging on to www. Mallory Butcher (7th, 22:38) were right behind Munger. Freshman bigteams.com and then clicking on the school search icon. Taylor Monegan (9th, 22:50) and junior Katie Plecko (10th, 22:58) rounded out the scoring for Rootstown. Junior Taylor Coates (11th, The schedules are as up-to-date as those in the athletic office. 22:59) and sophomore Courtney Taylor (19th, 23:53) provided depth all Schedules are subject to change. season long.

Photo courtesy of Eldreth Photography Munger, Atanmo and Butcher earned All-P.T.C. first-team honors for their performances, while Monegan, Plecko and Coates were All-P.T.C. second-team runners. The boys team ran their best race of the season at the P.T.C. Meet to claim the top prize. Senior Evan Piscitani was second overall with a time of 18:24. Fellow senior Jacob Collins was sixth with a time of 18:41 followed by senior Matt Brown (9th, 18:52), junior Ethan Sisley (10th, 19:12), freshman Aiden Rodstrom (15th, 19:44), sophomore Josiah Brown (18th, 20:01) and senior Caleb Edwards (19th, 20:19). Piscitani and Collins garnered All-P.T.C. first-team spots, while Brown, Sisley and Rodstrom landed on the All-P.T.C. second team.

All team photos courtesy of Eldreth Photography

Photo courtesy of Eldreth Photography 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 these pages allow you to learn some interesting things about them. Let’s hear what they had to say about themselves…

At the High School - Meet Ms. Kinsley (Intervention Specialist) My name is Briana Kinsley, and I am a recent graduate of Green State University with a degree in Special Education. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing sports as well as being with friends and family. This will be my first year teaching at Rootstown Local Schools. I am very excited to be a part of the Rover family, and I am looking forward to this upcoming school year.

In the District - Meet Ms. Dunlap (Speech Language Pathologist) My name is Paige Dunlap, and I am a recent graduate of the University of Akron with a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Before becoming a Speech Language Pathologist, I worked as a Reg- istered Behavior Technician gaining experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the Rover community and joining a team filled with kind, passionate, and intelligent staff, all striving toward success. When I am not providing therapy at school, I am coaching the High School cheerleaders as the Assistant Coach! I’m excited for a great year filled with growth, happi- ness, and success!

Mrs. Isaman (Transportation Director) My name is Kimberly Isaman, and I am a graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science, with a major in Business Administration. I have worked in the School Bus and Trucking industry for several years. I am an On Board Bus Instructor and was recognized by the State of Ohio for my instructor work. In my spare time, I like to go camping with my family or relax and read a good book. I am honored and excited for the opportunity to work with the Rootstown Community and Rootstown Local School District.

Mr. Marzec (Facilities Director) My name is Al Marzec and I graduated from Aurora High School. I have been a resident of Rootstown since 2003 with my wife and twelve year old son, Nate. I routinely volunteer within the community, most often with coaching and fundraising for sports programs such as (all ages) and youth and football. In addition, I currently volunteer to serve as the President of the Rootstown Sports Boosters. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and making it a great school year! Page 9 Around Campus

Mrs. Rappach (Gifted Consultant from Mahoning County Educational Service Center) I will be serving as the gifted coordinator for Rootstown Local Schools. During the last 15 years I have worked as a middle school math and English language arts teacher and gifted coordinator. I am a member of the Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) and am passionate about finding resources and sup- port for gifted learners, families, and educators. My educational degrees include a B.S. in Middle Child- hood Education (Youngstown State University, 2004), M. A. in Gifted and Technology (Youngstown State University, 2007), and M. A. in Educational Leadership (Walsh University, 2016). I am looking forward to working with Rootstown this year!

*Elementary information continued from page 6. Page 10 Around Rootstown Rootstown Township By Brett Housley The Rootstown Township Trustees would like to wish everyone a very happy fall. The Trustees are now keeping the park open until Decem- ber 1, 2020. We are hoping for a few more beautiful fall days allowing you to enjoy the Township park. The new ball field and multipurpose fields are about completed and should be ready for use soon. Don’t forget to bring your fishing pole, but remember that you can’t take the fish home with you. We would like to remind anyone that plans on reserving the pavilion next spring that it is necessary to reserve it by calling the townhall at (330) 325-9341 or stopping by during regular business hours. The hours are posted on our Township website. The Fire Department would like to inform the new residents about the rapid access program. This program allows for emergency responders to rapidly access homes to provide critical medical care without causing unnecessary and costly damage to the residence in the time of an emer- gency. This program consists of securing a key box outside your residence allowing the Rootstown Fire Department access. If you are interested in finding out more about the program, updating your information, or would like to have one installed, please call Captain Meonske or Captain Jenior at 330-325-7233. The Fire Department has ordered energy efficient garage doors for the station by using monies from the NOPEC Grant. The Township has received over $60,000.00 in grants from NOPEC over the last three years. These grant monies are directly related to our residents using NOPEC as their electric supplier. The Road Department has been busy maintaining our roads, mowing and taking care of our community parks. They are also resurfacing roads and repairing catch basins at Cobblestone, Harvest Hills, and Hidden Knolls allotments. The department is also excited about their work towards bringing water and electric into the park. The Trustees would like to thank everyone for their patience and stepping up during this pandemic.

Rootstown Lions Club By Brett Housley The Rootstown Lions Club is hoping everyone is able to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. The Lions club has some sad news in that we are unable to do our annual Christmas tree sale this year, but do anticipate doing it next year. The loss of fundraising revenue from this Christmas trees sale and the closing of the fair may have affected our budget, but not our spirit for serving the community. Here is the good news, as a club we are stronger than ever! We are still out in the community and in the schools doing the Good Award and raising monies for teachers and their classrooms. One of our popular fundraisers is our pet calendar. If you need a calendar for next year, please contact the club. Also, keep in mind the calendars make great Christmas presents. Feel free to contact our club for more information. Finally, the Lions are in the process of finalizing a program that will display veterans/service banners along State Route 44 and Tallmadge Road. The hope is to have these banners displayed during the patriotic period of Memorial Day through the Fourth of July. We are very excited about this opportunity and there will be more news about this program to follow over the next couple of months. The Lions are always looking for community-minded residents to join our club and serve our community! [email protected] · Rootstown Township Lions Club on Facebook Rootstown Chamber of Commerce By Denese Schneckenburger, President Rootstown Light up Night Hello Rootstown! Believe it or not, Rootstown Light up Night will soon be here. This year we have more new decorations, more lights, new hoodies, and the house decorating contest has gotten even bigger!! Hoodies: orders are being taken now. You can choose from red, green, navy blue or white. Just $28 each. Order online at: https://form.jotform.com/RACofC/ light-up-rootstown-donation-pp. House Decorating: We have Atwater, Brimfield and Suffield participating this year! There could be more participating as well. The official sign up for the competition will end on November 30th. Your house needs to be decorated and signed up by that day! Message us your name and address. We have to win this year! What a great way to end 2020, with lots of joy, family, friends, fun and lights! A little competition never hurts either. Spread the news! Questions: message us through Facebook, or email to lightuprtown@rootstown- chamber.org Follow us on Facebook to get the most updated info in this event! Rootstown Light Up Night Page 11 2020/2021 School Calendar August December May 27 All Certified Staff In-service 23-31 Winter Break - No School 31 Memorial Day - No School (1/2 day) 28,31 All Certified Staff In-service January June 1 Winter Break - No School 4 Last day for Students September 18 MLK Day - No School 6 Graduation - Seniors 1 First Student Day 22 1st Semster Ends 7 All Certified Staff In-service 7 Labor Day - No School (1/2 day) 25 Staff Prof. Dev. Day - No February School 11 Parent/Teacher Conf. -Elem/ Calamity Days begin on June 7, 2021 HS/MS October 12 Staff Prof. Dev. Day - No 8 Parent/Teacher Conf. - HS/ School MS/ES 15 President’s day - No School 9 NEOEA Day - No School 13 Parent/Teacher Conf. - HS/MS March 15 Parent/Teacher Conf. - Elem 26 3rd Grading Period Ends 29-31 Spring Break - No School November 6 1st Grading Period Ends April 26,27,30 Thanksgiving Break - 1-2 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 Director of Facilities...... Mr. Al Marzec ...... 216-410-4037 Note: Date may occasionally Director of Transportation...... Mrs. Kimberly Isaman 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. Craig Mullaly...... 330-283-0415 minutes can be found on the Board of Education Co-Student Ach. Liaison Mr. Paul McEwuen ...... 330-389-1211 district website at Board of Education Co-Student Ach. Liaison...... Mr. Eric Kline ...... 330-357-1495 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

The Rootstown Communicator Highlights Student Success Committee By Terri Hrina-Treharn I would like to introduce our Strategic Planning sub-committee! The Student Success Committee is comprised of teachers, parents, a student, business own- er, non-parent community members, Board members, and administrators. We started meeting in September and will continue to meet monthly. The committee is focusing on the following topics: personalized learning, student achievement, technology, culture and will create a portrait of a graduate. Additionally, we tasked ourselves with creating a “brand” for the district and how best to market and infuse it into our schools and community. We are very excited about the work we are doing and will continue to share our progress.

We would like to use this time to unveil our NEW BRAND for the district and share how you can be a part of this! #NavigateTheShip Exemplify what it means to be a Rover by “R compass” through your words and actions as we “navigate” the waters to advance the district forward.

There will be a google form posted on our district website as well as social media sites in which you will be able to “vote” for which logo you feel fits this brand the best. Voting will take place from November 13th to November 20th. Then, you will begin to see the brand rolled out after the new year. We thought with a new year comes a fresh start! The initial roll out will be displayed on such things as the website, social media, announcements at school, school and district letterhead, and more. Starting in the fall of 2021, expect to see things such as banners, murals and the implementation of a punch card system in which you can earn logoed prizes for attending school events!