Schools

Keeping up with technology has become quite a challenge in today’s world with new devices, new forms of social media, and new apps that can do things like close your garage door. Information is literally at your fingertips and now Euclid City Schools is too! With the touch of a button on your smartphone, you can download the Euclid City Schools Mobile App, which brings you up to the minute news, pictures, videos, social media feeds, and events. The app is free and available in the Google Play and Apple App Stores. Simply search, “Euclid City Schools” in the search tab.

While you are checking your Facebook, check out all eight of the Euclid City Schools’ Facebook Pages. Each building has their very own page, so that we can show you all the growing, learning, and exciting events that happen in our buildings everyday. Whether it is the 5th grade Chocolate Emporium, the 3rd grade Living Wax Museum, or the Dancing Classrooms Grand Performance, you can keep up and share pictures and videos with family and friends. Arbor, Bluestone, Chardon Hills, Shoreview, Central, Forest Park, EHS, and the Early Learning Center are all waiting for your “like!” Simply type in the school name “Arbor Elementary School” and look for the big yellow block letter “E” with the blue background.

If you happen to be tweeting about the weather or the terrible traffic you just ran into on the highway, take a minute to check out Euclid City Schools’ twitter feed @euclidschools. Follow us for honors, schedule changes, and lots of other information in 140 characters or less.  Sometimes you can even find a tiny URL that will link you to our YouTube page! Head on over to www.youtube.com/euclidEDtv to watch board meetings and special projects like our “We Believe” video made for our awesome Sophomores as they faced Ohio Graduation Testing.

The following students scored a “5” (highest possible score) on the indicated AP Exam at the end of last year:

Rayshaun Bennett (US Gov’t)

Aaron Hoch (US Gov’t)

Emma Larive (US Gov’t)

Samantha Lisy (US Gov’t, Calculus AB)

Congratulations also to Susan Withers (Gov’t) and Denise Palermo (Calculus), the teachers who structured their preparation and course work. We are Panther Proud!

A fun thing our school does to wrap up the summer is the Ice Cream Social sponsored by our PTO. We opened our school year with a Magazine Drive. Our final day to turn in magazine drive orders is September 13, 2013. It is not too late to order from a school student.

We have an awesome Beginner’s Band and Advanced Band. We often have concerts throughout the year.

On September 19th we will begin a special after-school program called Young Rembrandts. It is an opportunity to explore art beyond our classroom curriculum. It is an hour-long 6 week program to develop drawing and artistic skills.

We are already looking forward to our S.T.E.M. week.  S=Science; T=Technology; E=Engineering; M=Math. During S.T.E.M. week, we do many fun, educational activities.

PTO  will sponsor a 7th and 8th Grade Night to look at the various high school options. We are lucky to have such a strong and supportive parent organization.

This is just the “tip of the iceberg” as we begin our school year at Our Lady of the Lake School.

Sebastian Haase, Erin Osborne, Claire Roland, are 8th grade Our Lady of the Lake students who gathered at lunch to put together school news. Look for more from them in the future.

The new school year has begun at Ss. Robert & William Catholic School. With 400+ students on campus, life is vibrant and the faculty, students, and parents are partnering to make this a very successful school year.

In an effort to bring awareness to the creativity and learning that is taking place within these walls, the school has scheduled four “Nights of Learning” throughout the school year. They are free and open to the public.

On Monday, September 30, 2013, from 6:30-8:00p.m., the first of this series is being held. “A Night of Learning:  Celebrating the Art of Reading and Writing,” will showcase and recognize the art and beauty of reading and writing. We believe literacy and communication are vital skills in the 21st century and we wish to share some of the highlights of what we do, in order that you, too, can share in our passion of reading and writing.

Included in the evening will be student presentations and interactive activities. A Book Fair which is being hosted by Usborne Books and Scholastic, will round out the event. You will have the opportunity to purchase quality items at a reasonable price.

Other “Nights of Learning,” are scheduled as follows: A “Night of Learning: Social Studies & Cultures,” Monday, November 25, 2013, “A Night of Learning: S.T.E.M.,” Monday, March 24, 2014, and the last session will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 and will feature, “A Night of Learning: Fine Arts.”

Ss. Robert and William Catholic School is located at 351 East 260th St., Euclid.  Please call 216.731.3060, for additional details.

Maureen Frydl assisted with this article.

The St. Vitus Adult Slovenian School is beginning its 2013-2014 Slovenian language classes on September 14, 2013.

Classes are scheduled on two Saturdays each month from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. and will continue through May 24, 2014.  Location is at St. Martin de Porres High School (formerly St. Vitus School), 6111 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland.

Three levels are taught –

• BEGINNING – New material from Slovenia with emphasis on everyday conversation. Textbook is up-to-date.
• INTERMEDIATE – for students who have some knowledge of the language. Continuation from the beginning class using a newly published textbook. Continued conversation.
• ADVANCED – for those who have a speaking knowledge of Slovenian and would like to have further knowledge in reading and writing. Lessons include textbook study along with general information about customs and culture of Slovenia.

Tuition is $50 per semester. Textbooks are purchased separately from the instructor.

For information call Lillian at 216.289.7253 or Majda at 440.255.1178 or email Lillian at elcenta@sbcglobal.net.

With all of the rainy days and the heat this summer, our cars are looking a bit dirty. On August 18th Varsity Chorale can solve this problem! Two car washes will be held at the Euclid Dunkin’ Donuts on Saturday August 18th and Sunday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All funds raised will go directly back to Varsity Chorale to help pay for costumes, transportation, and a choreographer. Varsity Chorale hopes to see the community come out and show their support. 

“What is the Varsity Chorale?” you say. Well, the Euclid Varsity Chorale is the award-winning show choir at Euclid High School. During the school year they travel to compete, as well as sing, at the Friday night football games and other community events. Under the direction of Shauna Ross, these students work hard throughout the school year on their elaborate 25-minute show and your donations will help make their 2013-2014 show be spectacular. So, if your car is a mess or just a tad dirty, come on out and these students will you have your car singing a clean tune!

The Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative hosted their 9th annual Fatherhood Conference on Friday, June 14, 2013 at the Wyndham Hotel. As part of this initiative, a student essay contest was held to encourage the Celebration of Fatherhood.  This annual forum was created specifically to promote healthy father-child relationships, address the social problems that result from “father absence” and strategize as to what we must do, as a community, to ensure that every child has a dad in his or her life. 

The Cuyahoga Jobs and Family Services sponsors this event and asks children to write about a father-figure in their lives.  Mrs. Maureen Frydl, middle school Language Arts teacher at Ss. Robert & William Catholic School, felt this was a great assignment for students. “I perceived this as a unique opportunity for students to think about this specific relationship and then to genuinely express their thoughts and feelings regarding parenting,” states Frydl. She went on to say that, “We were able to discuss our views regarding these influential relationships in our lives. Many students realized the sacrifices that their parents and guardians were making on their behalf.”

All students who submitted an essay received a Certificate of Participation. Several were given the opportunity to read their essays and present their ‘honored’ father with an award.

Congratulations to these four SRW students who were recognized as regional winners. 

Jenecya Wood, Leah Stanoch, Arianna Wallace , and A’Diva Warren  

Mrs. Maureen Frydl was an additional contributor to this article.

At a time when most students were trading in their book bags for beach bags, four college students believed their summer was better spent preparing the next wave of New Day Academy Seniors for college. The students, all graduates of New Day Academy, ventured back to their alma mater to participate in a panel discussion and offer tips on college-readiness. The panel was the brainchild of faculty member, Elliot Nicely, who played an integral role in securing scholarship funding for the students.  

Panel participants included: Kouric Calhoun, currently attending Akron University; Ashley Welch of Baldwin Wallace; De’Aja Wade of Ursuline College; and Danielle Jackson of Xavier University.  

The NDA Panel offered this advice to the Class of 2014:

1.  Take Advantage of Free Money:

There are many, many organizations that offer scholarships for qualifying students. A little research goes a long way to uncover those funding sources. The Administration at New Day Academy works very closely with its students and parents in securing scholarship funding. Never give up due to the cost of tuition! There is money out there.

2.   Don’t Procrastinate on Admission:

Preparation should begin no later than your junior year. The college admission process consists of many tasks and each one takes a good amount of time. Whether you’re filling out an application, writing entrance essays, or gathering references – allow yourself, and those who will be assisting you, enough time so as to alleviate stress and meet your application deadline. 

3.   Stay Organized:

In large part, college success depends upon your ability to juggle multiple tasks effectively and on-time. Keep a notebook of all the tasks that you need to accomplish and cross them off as you tackle them. Breaking your larger tasks into smaller, more manageable goals, will keep you well ahead of the game.

New Day Academy – August Calendar

New Day Academy is driven by providing a truly exceptional learning experience for young boys and girls in the following ways:

Rigorous K-12 Academics. Life Skills Learning. Dedicated Faculty. College Preparatory Curriculum. Character Development.

Visit us at any one of the upcoming events to learn why New Day Academy is a World-Class School:

OCSS Street Festival. Monday, August 5th from 10am–2 pm, East 17th St. (Between Payne and Superior)

Parent Information Meeting Thursday, August 8 from 5:30 pm–7 pm, Wickliffe Library, 1713 Lincoln Rd, Wickliffe OH 44090. Call 216-797-1602 to reserve your seat!

Parent Information Meeting, Wednesday, August 14 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm, Imani Church,1502 E. 260th St., Euclid, 44132. Call 216-797-1602 to reserve your seat!

The Euclid YMCA Back-to-School Rally, Friday, August 16 from 5pm–7pm, Euclid YMCA, 631 Babbitt Rd. Euclid, 44123.

Great Lakes Mall Back-to-School Family Event, Saturday, August 17 from 11am – 1pm, Great Lakes Mall, 7900 Plaza Avenue in Mentor.

New Parent Orientation Monday, August 19th from 6pm–8pm, Shore Cultural Center–Community Room, 291 East 222nd St., Euclid 44123.

Open only to parents of enrolled students.

See you there!

June 13 may have been the last day of school, but for several New Day Academy (NDA) high school students, it was just the beginning of real-world learning. Through liaisons with Cleveland Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Central State University’s Summer Transportation Program, NDA sponsored 10 students in two hands-on work programs that took place over summer vacation.

Both programs align seamlessly with the career readiness curriculum at New Day Academy. The curriculum consists of highly-focused business courses that allow students to explore various career options, develop relevant business skills, and network with influential decision-makers. The curriculum is designed to prepare NDA students for success by offering them a competitive edge in the workforce.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited has been working with youth for close to 30 years. Through their summer learning program, teens are able to learn first-hand about various career opportunities, as well as learn the skills they’ll need to obtain a job…and keep it.

The Summer Transportation Institute at Central State University is a FREE, 4-week program that introduces high school students to a variety of opportunities available in the transportation industry.

Approximately thirty rising ninth, tenth and eleventh grade students receive full scholarships to participate in the four-week summer program.

New Day Academy, a K-12 school located in Euclid, was founded in 2004 by Mr. Terrance Walton. Walton, former Principal of Hope Academy, founded NDA on the premise that all children should have access to a world-class education. Integrating rigorous academics, life skills learning, and a comprehensive business readiness curriculum, New Day Academy inspires its students to discover their full potential and uncover their true vocational calling.

Besides the general school supply lists and start times there is more to getting ready for back-to-school. This year we want to help you and your student get ready. We have found some fun tips and tricks to get you and your student ready for back-to-school.

We compiled 5 easy ways to beat the back-to-school blues that your students may be feeling as the school year approaches:

DRESS for success

Back-to-school can be more fun with some new clothes for your students. Set aside a budget to dress your student in latest school appropriate apparel. Going back to school in style helps to kids excited about the upcoming year!

HOMEWORK WORK SPACE

If your student has a desk at home it may have become cluttered throughout the summer. Takes some time to prepare a clean and non-distracting workspace together for your student.

Set a schedule

We know that in the summer we are more relaxed with schedules and routines. A few weeks before going back to school it is good to start getting a good night’s sleep and getting prepared to wake up early. To get your student into a routine of going to bed earlier ask them to go to bed 15 minutes earlier than they have been and increase by 15 minutes each night.  So if your child has been going to sleep at 11:00, ask them to go to bet at 10:45 the first night, then 10:30 the next night and so forth until you reach the set bedtime.

Choosing a child's first educational experience can be a daunting task for new parents. The Euclid Cooperative Preschool, 21000 Lake Shore Boulevard, provides children with the educational enrichment to be lifelong learners by fostering their curiosity in an environment that nurtures growth and exploration. With classes for 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and Pre-K students, the Euclid Cooperative Preschool is a great option for parents who want to be involved in their children's early educational experience.

By definition, a "cooperative" preschool allows parents to be directly involved in their children's education. By volunteering in the classroom, serving on committees and planning events and field trips, parents observe and contribute their own talents and gifts. One Euclid Co-op parent notes, "By being a parent helper in the classroom, you see what goes on and the progression of skills that your child is learning."  As part of a cooperative community, children meet great friends, and parents also have the opportunity to get to know each other. Another parent comments, "It is a great place to meet like-minded parents who are involved in their children's education and overall development."

The Euclid Cooperative Preschool utilizes a play-based curriculum that follows the standards of Early Childhood Learning.  Children are encouraged to explore their interests while developing necessary skills for kindergarten. Preschool Director, Donna Sudar notes, "Our teaching staff understands the academic expectations of today’s preschools. We work hard to prepare developmentally appropriate lessons that prepare our students for kindergarten and beyond." From building an igloo made out of plastic milk cartons to exploring Cleveland's Rockefeller Greenhouse through a scavenger hunt, the Euclid Cooperative Preschool makes learning fun.

On August 16, 2013, the Euclid City Schools Child Development Center will close. The Center was opened in September of 1978 by the Euclid Board of Education. The Board had insight at that time on the importance of Early Childhood Education. The school was initially located at the Russell Erwine School on East 246 Street. The school began with a small number of students who attended full time preschool five days per week. It soon blossomed to include part time preschool and then a Latch-Key program. The student body included students ages 2 ½-12 years of age and quickly grew larger due to the number of parents returning to the work force. 

After many years the school was relocated to the Benjamin Franklin School on Wilmore Avenue for approximately eighteen years. The center then was moved in October of 2012 to Memorial Park School on Fox Avenue after merging with the TOTS and TYKES public preschool programs.

We have had the support of so many of our parents over the years that I would like to personally thank all of our families for entrusting their children in our care. We have seen so many of our students achieve greatness in their educational journeys.

"Acute, right angle, obtuse." Loud little voices of the fourth and fifth graders at Arbor Elementary School could be heard across East 200th Street as they performed their dancing geometry routine.

Ms. Davis, Ms. Hixenbaugh, Ms. Klemm, and Ms. McBee's fifth grade classes at Arbor made chocolate treats to sell to their peers at their very own chocolate emporium! Students made delicious treats ranging from chocolate covered strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, and apples to chocolate cookies with sprinkles. It was the perfect amount of sweet to end the year right!

Gold and blue caps and gowns flooded into the Wolstein Center as the Euclid High School Concert Band played pomp and circumstance. Smiles, cheers, and waving hands could be seen and heard from every angle of the auditorium by parents and students alike. Mr. Bell, Dr. Smialek and the members of the Board made their way to the stage as students found their seats. Family and friends were welcomed happily by Rakysha Bell and Myles Alexander, two of the graduates of the class of 2013. Varsity Chorale and Choral Masters shared a very telling song from the musical Wicked, "I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow." The mash up of the two choirs also sang the very spirited Euclid High School Alma Mater. 

The class of 2013 was certified by Principal Dr. Charlie Smialek, presented by Superintendent Mr. Keith Bell, and accepted by Board President, Mrs. Kay Van Ho. Valedictorian, Rachel Essel spoke to her peers first, followed by Salutiorian, Destiny Thomas. Destiny shared, in the most eloquent of ways, how grateful she has been for all of the people who positively influenced her throughout her high school career.

Diplomas were presented by the high school counselors and awarded by the members of Board of Education to the 367 Euclid High School Seniors graduating this day. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings as well as special guests were erupting with excitement for the graduates. Shouts of joy and applause filled the room as the ceremony came to a close. June 9th, a day that students, parents, teachers and friends will never forget. Congratulations to the class of 2013 and wishing you all the best of luck in your future!

EHS Senior Chris Treadwell threw shot put at the State Track Meet last month. He qualified with a throw of 55'4 at the regional meet, but didn't place at the state meet. Chris will be attending Hiram College in the fall where he will be studying and playing football.

Elise Wallis of Euclid was one of just eight exemplary Baldwin Wallace University graduating seniors, out of 814 members of the Class of 2013, to receive The Outstanding Senior Award. The award recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in all areas of their University endeavors including academics, leadership, service, campus involvement and off-campus educational opportunities, such as study abroad, internships and research.

Wallis, a 2009 graduate of Lake Catholic High School, is the daughter of Laurie and Frank Wallis. In her years at BW, she studied abroad in Tunisia and participated in the Model African Union, the Model United Nations and the American Public Health Association's National Conference. She graduated from BW in May with a degree in Political Science and Public Health.

Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 4,500 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 60 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.bw.edu.

This year's first-place trophy for the "Read, Baby, Read" Vocabulary Competition was awarded to the 5th grade class at New Day Academy (NDA), thanks, in part, to Shamon Walker, the class representative. The annual competition, sponsored by The Cultural Exchange, took place across 20 schools throughout the Cleveland area all who had hopes of winning the esteemed Andrew A. Venible trophy, named after the former Director of Cleveland Public Library. This year's competition was held on May 28th in the auditorium of Nottingham Library to a cheering crowd of students and faculty.

The recognition provides testimony to NDA’s motto: "All children are entitled to a world-class education." Standing firm in this belief is the proud faculty member who guided her 5th grade class to victory, Nicola Zammit. “Shamon and students from 20 other schools around the Cleveland area competed in the vocabulary challenge…and Shamon won it all!” she said.

New Day Academy, a K-12 school located in Euclid, was founded in 2004 by Terrance Walton. Walton, former Principal of Hope Academy, founded NDA on the premise that all children should be afforded the sort of esteemed, college preparatory education that was once reserved for the affluent few. Integrating rigorous academics with a nurturing character-development curriculum, New Day Academy inspires and empowers its students to discover their potential in 4 key areas: Leadership, Service to Community, Character Development, and Multiculturalism.

For the second year in a row, 100 percent of VASJ’s graduating seniors are heading to college. In addition to this amazing accomplishment, the Class of 2013 earned over $3.4 million in college scholarships!

During the Baccalaureate service held on Friday, May 24, VASJ President Richard Osborne ’69 provided the opening remarks and addressed the graduates.

"In your time among us, the Class of 2013 has shown itself to be a class with class," Osborne said.

"Academically, spiritually and athletically, you are champions in every sense of the word."

The twenty-third annual commencement ceremony was held on Sunday, May 26, at Ss. Robert and William Church and the graduates couldn’t have asked for better weather on their special day.

Valedictorian Julia Humensky, Salutatorian Domenic Nicholas, Jazmine Dowdley and Jasmine Ross were elected by their class to serve as the senior speakers at graduation.

Whether it was their parents who sacrificed to give them the gift of a Catholic education, their teachers who pushed them to reach their full academic potential, their coaches who taught them life lessons on and off the court, their religion teachers who helped them grow in their spirituality, or their classmates who helped fill the four years with wonderful memories, each of the student speakers had someone they wanted to thank for making their experiences at VASJ truly special.

The third grade students at Ss. Robert & William Catholic School, under the guidance of their teacher, Ms. Lura Spinks have been learning how to write a friendly letter.   A recent assignment was based on the Flat Stanley project and the results were admirable. 

On Monday, May 20th, News Channel 5 Meteorologist Trent McGill came to teach the 4th graders at Ss. Robert and William about extreme weather. Fourth grade teacher Mrs. Terri Rando said that McGill engaged students with the excitement of storms and unique weather patterns. During his presentation, he had students involved in simulating thunder and lightning using light and sound.

The Ss. Robert and William students enjoyed their experience learning about storms. McGill shared with the students some of the experiences he had chasing storms across the country. Students were fascinated by this and really enjoyed this special class time.

When the students went home, they received another great surprise. Their class was featured on the 5:00pm News! During the weather, McGill featured their lesson in his forecast. What a special event for these students to see their knowledge featured on the news. This was a great time of fun and learning for the students at Ss. Robert and William.

June 1st- SAT Testing @EHS (8 a.m.)

June 1st- 8th Grade Dinner/Dance @ Forest Park (6-10 p.m.)

June 3rd-4th- Senior Exams

June 4th- 6th and 7th Grade Awards Ceremony @CMS (6:30 p.m.)

June 5th- NJROTC Awards Night @EHS Little Theater (6-8 p.m.)

June 5th-7th- Class Trip to D.C. (8th grade)

June 6th- EHS Prom

June 7th Relay For Life of Euclid begins at 5:55 p.m. @ EHS Track

June 8th- ACT Testing @EHS (8 a.m.)
June 9th- EHS Commencement at CSU Wolstein Center (1 p.m.)

June 12th- Promotion (8th Grade) @ EHS (6 p.m.)

June 13th- LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS

June 14th- Last day for teachers (final grading period ends)

June 16th- Father’s Day

June 17th-19th- EHS Summer Youth Volleyball Camp

June 21st- First day of Summer!

June 24th- Special Meeting of the Board @Fordyce (7:30 p.m.)

A group of VASJ students have once again honored local veterans for Memorial Day by decorating graves with American flags at All Souls Cemetery.

VASJ math teacher Gary Minadeo ’74, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, has been taking a group of students to All Souls for the last few years for this worthy tradition.

Duane Gibson Jr. ’13, VASJ’s point guard who helped lead the team to its fifth basketball state championship in March, was named the Plain Dealer’s Boys Basketball Player of the year for 2013.

Gibson, who also represented the school in the North-South All Star game played in Columbus in April, will go on to play Division I basketball at the University of Evansville.

Gibson, as well as his senior teammates Patrick Mastalski and Demonte Flannigan, proved to be a great leader for the team, both on and off the court. He attributes this success to his coach.

"Coach thought I had potential to be a leader," Gibson said of Vikings basketball coach Babe Kwasniak ’94. "He just wanted me to bring it out in myself."

Other team members from VASJ to receive special mention were sophomores Carlton Bragg and Brian Parker, and senior Demonte Flannigan, who will go on to play Division I basketball at Cleveland State.

At the Baccalaureate ceremonies for the Class of 2013, I was struck by thoughts of the thousands of assemblies, games and other functions that have taken place in the same very gym since our building was built in 1950.

I told the graduates that as they joined the ranks of our alumni, they now shared a special bond not only with their classmates but all of us who are graduates of Villa Angela Academy, St. Joseph High School and VASJ.

From this point forward, we are members of one family. And the Viking Village will always be our home.

Scanning the gym, I saw myself as a student at dances, assemblies, basketball games and school plays. I saw memorable teachers such as Tim Robertson, Joe Farrell, Joe Radican, Jack Veasey, Frank Macuga, Gene Oberst, Mike O’Grady and so many others as they enjoyed the functions as much as we did.

I thought of rallies and games where legendary coaches such as Bill Gutbrod, Bernie Guilfoyle, Jim McDonough, Tedd Kwasniak, Bob Straub and Mike Moran shouted encouragement and made our spirits soar. Longtime coach John Storey still does that for us at football games.

I thought of the wonderful nuns such as Sister Naomi, Sister Rosemary Hocevar, Sister Angela Marie, Sister Ursula and Sister Irene Charette who guided their students at the "old" VA, the "new" VA and here at VASJ.

Twelve Shoreview Elementary School fifth grade students were hand-picked to participate in the Dancing Classrooms of Northeast Ohio's “Colors of the Rainbow team Match Semi-Finals” at Tri- C May 4th. These students used skills they acquired through the 10-week Dancing Classrooms program at Shoreview, skills of ballroom dancing and acting like ladies and gentlemen. Students gave up their recesses to practice their dances; they did an assembly for Kindergarten, first, and second grade students, and even practiced after school.

VASJ was fortunate to have Sr. Susan Durkin, OSU, the President of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, visit the school on May 9 to speak to the students.

In her address to an all-school assembly, Sr. Susan brought to life the Ursuline charisms that VASJ students learn about all year long.

Sr. Joan Petersen, OSU, led the school in prayer before introducing Sr. Susan Durkin, who was elected President of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland in 2012.

"Sr. Susan has been blessed with a unique gift," Sr. Joan said. "Her ability to relate to people of all ages and all backgrounds is outstanding."

"You are our legacy," Sr. Susan said. "You are our champions as Ursulines and Marianists."

Found on the walls of the hallways and in the classrooms are the Ursuline Core Values and Marianist Charisms which students learn about in class and put into practice during service work and class projects.

The "We Run This City" marathon program has been around for eight years now. This year, 11 sixth graders from Forest Park Middle School pioneered the program for Euclid. We trained twice a week for 12 weeks to run 1.2 miles without stopping. Of course there are varying levels of runners, but by the end all 11 of my students were able to run the whole thing without stopping.  

The day of the Cleveland Rite Aid Marathon, we joined all the other CMSD schools at Cleveland State. On this day, students receive their free Nike running shoes and a T-shirt so the student runners stand out on the race course. We then joined the last 1.2 mile of the course with real adult marathon runners and crossed the finish line at Browns stadium. Students also received a real marathon medal.  

It is a great experience for anyone! The atmosphere Downtown is so positive and inspirational, even if you are just a spectator cheering the runners on. I had wonderful parent support, the best I've ever had. This showed not only on the day of the race when they came down to see their children, but through the dedication of the students who came to all the practices and got better every week.

The enthusiasm surrounding Our Lady of the Lake School is contagious. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade participated in their annual STEM week. Each grade level chose a math-infused theme with the incorporation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to present to the community. The community showcase also included grade level line dances. STEM week was made possible due to the dedication of Tracy Davis and a grant from the Talty Family Foundation. Students and teachers took learning to a whole new level.

Students who decided to "click it" when they got in their cars Wednesday morning got more than they bargained for as they pulled into the High School parking lot. Officer Bonchak, the Euclid Police Department, Mr. Nick Selvaggio and his Public Safety Class rewarded students who were buckled with a raffle ticket to win $108 and a water bottle compliments of State Farm and our local agent Andre Payton. 

Some of my colleagues conned me into making a cameo appearance in our recent student musical production, Aladdin Jr. Principal Dave Csank, as well as teachers Gary Minadeo and Chuck Martinko, were fellow reluctant thespians.

Oh, OK. Not that reluctant. The truth is, each of us got a big kick out of our assignments to play bachelor princes. How much the audience enjoyed our performances, of course, may be another story altogether.
Standing backstage before the curtain was raised, I was struck again with a sense of déjà vu. I had a bit part in the student musical Carousel on the very same stage in 1969.

I also was an understudy for one of the lead roles and, back then, the understudies played the leads for one performance. My singing ability was and is such that, for the understudy performance, my character’s songs were cut.

There also was a scene in which I was to walk across the stage as I carried a girl over my shoulder. As my knees collapsed and I struggled to move, the poor young lady became my unwilling partner in an unplanned slapstick routine.

I bring all of this up because it reminded me how the high school experience involves so much more than simply what takes place in the classroom. Whether it is drama, athletics, Student Council or any of the other endless activities our students engage in after hours, extracurriculars bring value – not to mention a great deal of fun – that can’t be graded on a scale of A, B and C.

When our students move on to college – did I mention that once again this year 100 percent of our graduates will be attending college? – and their professional pursuits afterwards, the lessons they learned through their participation in sports and clubs will guide them and, in some cases, determine what they do and how they do it.

Having parented our four children through high school – three of them at the same time – my wife and I fully understand the demands of carpools, rushed dinners and schedule conflicts that is the stuff of family life when you have a student in high school.

It is hard to believe that we have come so far in another school year.  Summer vacation will be here soon and our students will be able to reflect on their past school year.

Students at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish will be able to muster up some great memories.  Not only have they been busy with their academics, they also have had the opportunity to participate in several extracurricular activities to enhance their lives.

Under the direction of faculty member, Mrs. Ellie McClusky and parent, Mrs. Lynette Wojtila, the students have just performed an adaptation of the work- “Beauty and The Beast.”  This family oriented play is funny and endearing; you could see how much the students enjoyed preparing for it during their rehearsals.

Mrs. McClusky started in theater when she was 6 years old. She played Gretel in the Sound of Music before it hit Broadway and has worked on school plays beginning in 1994.

When asked why Mrs. McClusky has been engaged in theater work for such a long period of time, she replied, “At the center of all drama is communication. Like all the arts, drama allows students to communicate with and understand others in new ways. Perhaps more than any other art form, Drama also provides training in the very practical aspects of communication so necessary in today's increasingly information-centered world. Students who have participated in dramatic activities are less likely to have difficulty speaking in public, will be more persuasive in their communications, both written and oral, will be better able to put themselves into others' shoes and relate to them, and will have a more positive, confident self-image. Participation in dramatic activity requires self-control and discipline that will serve the student well in all aspects of life. Students in drama learn to work together, to cooperate, and to find the best way for each member of a group to contribute, and to listen to and accept the viewpoints and contributions of others. Drama is an important tool for preparing students to live and work in a world that is increasingly team-oriented.”

It is obvious that Mrs. McClusky has put her heart and soul into this production, and she tells me, sadly, that due to family obligations, she has now retired her director’s chair with hopes these wonderful productions continue.

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Located around the corner from Mrs. McClusky’s Room is Art Teacher, Ms. Emily DiFiore.  Ms. DiFiore had been supervising her students, as they restored several of the old pews that had been located in the chapel of the Merici Center, the parish’s old convent. Finishing touches were being placed on them, as the pieces served as auction prizes for the school’s annual fundraiser, “The Taste of Nations,” which was held in April.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School President Richard Osborne ’69 recently returned from Zhöngshän, China, where he was part of a political and business delegation working to develop economic and educational ties between the City of Cleveland and the City of Zhöngshän.

In his biography from his freshman year performance of Godspell, Josh Duke ’13 expressed his hope to someday play the role of Aladdin before graduating. With one month remaining until he receives his diploma, Duke’s dream became a reality.

More than 40 alums and community members, along with the entire student body, gathered in the gym on April 17 for VASJ’s career fair. Careers ranging from law enforcement to engineering, and everything in between, were represented. Students were able to visit the tables of their interests and ask questions about the various professions.

The NAACP Sponsors an "Olympics of the Mind" called "Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympics" (ACT-SO). ACT-SO has been in existence for the past 20 years. We introduced this program to our students and staff last year and garnered 3 local winners and one winner that went to the national competition.  

This year we have four local winners and one going to the national competition. Savannah will represent Euclid in Orlando, Florida this summer, in July. Congratulations to all of our winners!

1st Place - Savannah Quesenberry
2nd Place - Armani Davis (not photographed)
2nd Place - Jasmine Duncan
3rd Place - Erica Wilson
Non Place - Justine Johnson