The picturesque cafe at Euclid Hospital was busy bright and early on Tuesday, April 30th as six Euclid High School standout seniors were recognized for their hard work and achievement in their career tech classes.
Ten outstanding Euclid High School seniors were chosen because of their achievements. One student each week is highlighted on the District Facebook Page, the EHS Facebook Page, the City's reader-board (by CVS), the District Website, and at the High School. If you see these incredible students out and about, be sure to congratulate them on their many accomplishments! We are Panther Proud!
The excitement in the Euclid City School District has been maintained through the long weary winter. The four new buildings have served as a canvas for learning in a way that was not possible before their opening in September. One could walk through at anytime and see how the state-of-the-art technology is being used to enhance learning. Every room is equipped with a Promethean Board, and iPad carts serve each school with applications that help bring education alive for our students. With these learning devices in the new buildings and with the dedication of the Euclid City School’s staff, growth is being experienced like never before.
There has never been a better time to experience learning in our Euclid Schools.
Solid structures emerged from the ground over the course of a trying thirteen months. Today the buildings stand as a tribute to the community’s dedication to the Euclid students. Each has its own unique aesthetic appeal.
Shoreview Elementary incorporated some pieces of history from Upson Elementary. Four medallions were molded into the exterior brick work on the west side of the new Shoreview building as a memorial to the past and the wonderful experience shared by those who ever entered Upson’s doors. The Upson arch and stately planters sit on a stamped concrete walkway, which welcomes all visitors on the east side of the building.
The team of Bob Kilroy and Dudley Shepherd has placed 1st in the first of three rounds in the Cisco NetRiders competition. The competition is based on the Cisco Certified Entry-level Networking Certification (CCENT) skill set. The Round 1 competition consists of a 50-minute online exam that includes 50 theoretical exam questions and 10 questions based on a networking simulation activity.
Each Academy is limited to 5 teams that are eligible to advance to Round 2 for the opportunity to represent Ohio in the USA/Canada competition. The top three teams from each state in Round 2 will advance to the final Round 3 competition. Last year, over 2,000 students from over 150 academies started out and saw Erich Botzki and David Schwartz represent Ohio, and finish 12th in the Round 3 competition.
In addition to Bob and Dudley, the achievements of this year's class also included teams from Euclid placing in 5 of the top 8 positions in a field of 47 teams from throughout the state. Also moving on to Round 2 are:
2nd place:Tyler Dodd and Devon Kemp
4th place: Alan Hudak and Julian Kemp
7th place: Brianna Cunningham and Anthony Davis
8th place: Jacob Hoggett and Colin McLaughlin
All 5 teams will compete in Round 2, which will take place the week of April 15th. Congratulations and good luck to the students as they hopefully advance into the next round and represent Ohio in the USA/Canada event.
Ten outstanding Euclid High School seniors were chosen because of their achievemments. One student each week is highlighted on the District Facebook page, the Euclid High School Facebook page, the City's Reader-Board (by CVS), the District Website, and at the High School. If you see these students out and about, congratulate them on their many accomplishments! We are Panther Proud!
Value City Arena was packed with 9,428 fans waiting to cheer on the Mentor Cardinals and the Northland Vikings for the OHSAA Boys Basketball Semi Final game, as Euclid's own Varsity Chorale walked onto the hardwood. Standing center court, loud and proud Varsity Chorale performed the most outstanding, goosebump-giving rendition of the national anthem. Rumor has it, that it was what led the Cardinals to victory!
Kreigh Spahr is a self-declared farmboy and former truck driver with over 35 years experience in the transportation industry. As the Program Manager at Cuyahoga Community College at Heritage Business Park in Euclid, Mr. Spahr oversees the college’s highly successful and growing Truck Driving Academy.
The Tri-C satellite campus in Euclid offers intimate classrooms and small class sizes. As the only licensed CDL Driver Training school in Cuyahoga County, enrollment is rapidly increasing. As a result, it is expected that course offerings will be expanded and additional training vehicles will be added to the school’s already impressive fleet.
Estimated to have brought more than $1 million dollars of new income to the City of Euclid and more than $10 million dollars to Northeast Ohio during its first five years in operation, the program has provided many northeast Ohio residents with the opportunity to obtain good paying jobs, a fact Mr. Spahr relishes.
When questioned about the program’s success, Mr.Spahr focuses on the human aspect, stating, “We are so proud. We do more than teach people how to drive trucks. We change their lives. We bring people to the realization that life can be good.”
In a time where the bottom line is emphasized at the cost of student development, Mr. Sparh’s personal approach is the antidote to assembly-line style education. He proves that student development and profitability are not mutually exclusive.
Potential students should rest assured that the program offers the necessary skills and opportunities for growth, with plenty of personalized approaches to enhance the professional development of each student.
The spring art show at Our Lady of the Lake School was a huge success. With over 200 attendees and over 300 participants, the show featured projects from each student at the school. Students studied different artists and worked together on large scale collaborative projects.
Grades 1 & 2 created a Chihuly Tower, inspired by glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Grade 2 created Kandinsky Circles, inspired by Kandinsky's concentric circle color studies.
Grades 3-8 created Chihuly Chandeliers, inspired by Dale Chihuly's glass chandeliers, made from recycled water bottles.
The kindergarten class created miniature Chihuly chandeliers made from pipe cleaners.
Grades 5 & 6 studied Jackson Pollock and applied his method of art making to paint on canvases which were then attached together to form a cube and hung from the ceiling.
There were also many cross-curricular projects that were on display including music and art in which the students created playbill covers that they redesigned. In the areas of social studies and art, students created Egyptian sarcophagi, in which the students constructed small scale sarcophagi after learning about Egyptian culture in social studies.
Students also displayed their own creative pieces of art at the show. Maggie Carroll created a newspaper dress and Elizabeth Smith contributed three pieces of pottery.
In addition to all of these wonderful works of art, the church hall was also filled with performances by the choir, third grade recorders, and band every 10 minutes. The art show was filled with people oohing and ahhing over the work and performances. The students present were beaming with accomplishment as they showed off their work to family and newcomers.
Throughout the days of March 4th-7th, several 7th and 8th grade students at Ss. Robert and William Catholic School, under the supervision of science teacher Mrs. Ellie McClusky, competed in the 60th Annual Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair. This annual event was held at John Carroll University.
The gymnasium at Bluestone Elementary School was filled with excited heroes for the 14th Annual Local Heroes Program on February 28th. Several months ago, students were asked to write essays about their heroes, the essays were turned in and went through the judging process. Two students from each grade were chosen to share their essays. Students then invited their heroes along with local community heroes to the 14th Annual Local Heroes Program.
The Bluestone singers and orchestra captivated the audience with their performance, while Ms. Gibson and Mrs. Jackson presented the essays and introduced the heroes. Superintendent Keith Bell wrapped up the program by thanking these heroes for their dedication to the students. Mayor Bill Cervenik was also present to help honor our local heroes. A special thanks to Mrs. Knight for putting this phenomenal program together for the past 14 years, bravo!
The gymnasium at Bluestone Elementary School was filled with excited heroes for the 14th Annual Local Heroes Program on February 28th. Several months ago, students were asked to write essays about their heroes, the essays were turned in and went through the judging process. Two students from each grade were chosen to share their essays. Students then invited their heroes along with local community heroes to the 14th Annual Local Heroes Progam.
Bluestone singers and orchestra captivated the audience with their performance, while Ms. Gibson and Mrs. Jackson presented the essays and introduced the heroes. Superintendent Keith Bell wrapped up the program by thanking these heroes for their dedication to the students. Mayor Bill Cervenik was also present to help honor our local heroes. A special thanks to Mrs. Knight for putting this phenomenal program together for the past 14 years, bravo!
March 2nd- Read Across America Day @ Chardon Hills Elementary School
March 4th- Shoreview PTA Meeting 6:30 pm @ Shoreview Elementary
March 5th- Early Learning Center Bakers Square Fundraiser @ Bakers Square, 28601 Chardon Rd. Willoughby Hills, from 5-8pm (10% of all sales during this time will be used for instructional materials for the ELC)
March 5th- “Make It/Take It Math” 6:30 pm @ Bluestone Elementary
March 11th- Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) Week begins @ 7:30am
March 11th- Regular Board of Education Meeting 7:30pm @ Fordyce Building
March 12th- Central Middle School PTA Meeting 6:00 pm
March 12th- “Game Night” @ Shoreview 6:30 pm
March 12th- Bluestone PTA Meeting 7:00pm
March 13th- “Family Night” @ Bluestone 6:30pm
March 13th – Chardon Hills PTA Meeting 6:45pm
March 14th- Early Learning Center Open House from 6-8 p.m. Register for Summer Camp or Enroll for Fall 2013
March 18th- Dental Sealants for Grade 2
March 19th – EHS Winter Sports Banquet 6:00pm
March 21st- 3rd & 4th Grade Concerts @Shoreview 6:30pm
March 21st- “Line Dancing” @ Bluestone 6:30pm
March 22nd- Spring Fling Dance @Central 6:30pm
March 25th- Special Meeting of the Board of Education 7:30pm @ Fordyce Building
March 26th- NJHS Induction Ceremony @ Central 6:30pm
Spring Vacation is March 29th to April 7th
On the evening of Thursday, February 14, 2013, The Princess Prom was held at Ss. Robert and William Catholic School.
The school’s Parent Association had been looking for fresh ideas and opportunities to connect socially with other parents in the school. This evening offered them the opportunity to dine, visit, and laugh with each other.
All female students, preschool through grade 8, were given invitations to take home and distribute to their “Knights”- their dads, brothers, uncles or whatever male family member the student chose to bring to the event. As the prom drew near, there was a great buzz around the school as to what outfits would be worn and how the young ladies’ hair would be styled.
Parents and faculty joined together to decorate the gym. Massive red balloon strands crisscrossed the ceiling. Mr. Chicken catered the event and offered several choices of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, biscuits, and rolls. Pizza and soft drinks were also served. Parents baked and provided the dessert. It was a meal fit for a king! The evening even included a Boothographer! Pictures were taken and packages were available for purchase. Faculty member and dad, Mr. Rich Smith served as the D.J. and provided a variety of music; participants joined in on the twist and line dances.
“I loved the event,” states Smith. He continues, “It was such a great opportunity to meet the other knights of the school. I see them in church and this just gave us a special bond as the male figures of the family. Additionally, it was priceless spending time with my daughter. She danced all night and was exhausted at the end of the evening.”
107 girls attended the event with 90 of their knights.
In April, Sons and Moms will be given equal time, as a Mother and Son Bowling night is being planned.
Ellen Ivory is Director of Development and Discipleship at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish, Euclid Chamber of Commerce Trustee, on the Euclid Hospital Leadership Council, and a Euclid Symphony Orchestra Trustee.
Our Lady of the Lake wants to recognize the awesome achievements of some of our students. Firstly, Paradise Thomas won a $500 scholarship for her winning birthday card for the 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast Celebration.
Eighth grader India Harrison won 1st place for her bumper sticker to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking. She attended the Collaborative Initiative to End Human Trafficking's annual event at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center and was awarded a generous cash prize.
Finally, our fourth grade students took the time to write to President Barack Obama expressing their hopes for the United States for the next four years and they received a letter responding to their concerns.
Anne Hribar is a teacher at Our Lady of the Lake School.
Making sense of school funding is truly a difficult task. Tax Levies and Bond Issues-- what are they and why do we need them? A Tax Levy is a property tax that is used by the school district for a “legally defined school district purpose.” In the case of Euclid Schools, our Tax Levies are used to operate the district. A specific millage is assigned to the levy by the county auditor and if passed by the voters this property tax will be collected continuously. An Emergency Levy is a property tax that is collected for a limited time. A proposed dollar amount is requested. These funds will be collected for the length of time determined at the time the Levy is put to vote. A Bond Issue is a property tax that provides local revenue to support construction projects. The Euclid Voters passed a Bond Issue in November of 2009 that made the construction of four new elementary schools possible.
Property Taxes are collected by the County Treasurer in January and July. The appropriate funds are then paid to the school district from the County Auditor to be used for operation of schools. This is how school districts make ends meet. Property tax dollars collected do not increase with the cost of operation. School Districts are continuously forced to go to the voters to ask for yet another increase in property tax to support schools.
A member of the VASJ Hall of Fame, Timothy McCormack ’62, returned to where his road to a career in law and public service began more than 50 years ago: The Viking Village.
Before an impressive array of black-robed judges, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell swore in McCormack as a judge in the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals. The ceremony took place at a school assembly in the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School gym on Monday, December 17. In attendance were the entire VASJ student body, faculty and staff, as well as dozens of family members, public officials and supporters.
“I asked to come here today not out of nostalgia, but because of what you are today,” McCormack told the students. “VASJ is one of America’s most important schools. That is not an overstatement.
“You come from very diverse religious backgrounds,” he continued. “But this place – you – are a living expression of Christ’s teaching. You do not all look the same – each of you is a complex young person – but together you are a beautiful combination, dedicated to each other.”
Students and guests reacted to McCormack’s heartfelt words with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.
“He really captured the essence of what our school stands for,” said VASJ President Richard Osborne ’69. “It says a great deal about his experience here that he chose to share this important day with us.”
The 40th Annual March for Life was held in Washington D.C. on January 25. Once again, members of the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School community were there to participate in the event.
Thanks to the generosity of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, a group of nearly 30 VASJ students, staff members and parents were able to travel as guests on their bus to Washington D.C.
In addition to participating in the March for Life, the group also visited many of the sites in Washington, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, before heading back home.
The honor roll students at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School were recognized at an all-school assembly on Thursday, January 31.
As the guest speaker at the event, it was an opportunity for Kirsten Holzeimer Gail ’88 to come back home and celebrate the accomplishments of the students in her Viking family.
In her capacity as Council President of the City of Euclid, she will sometimes hear residents complain about the lack of respect and work ethic among today’s youth.
“I have been fortunate enough to see another side of today’s young people – of the young men and women of VASJ who are hard working, caring, and talented members of a community,” Gail said. She spoke of the honor and tradition that comes with being a student at VASJ and encouraged students to become actively engaged in the community of the Viking Village.
“In addition to achieving in your academic classes, you will develop lifelong relationships and an understanding of what it means to be a part of something special, and hopefully a sense of belonging that will stay with you and support you along the way.
“Set goals, work hard to achieve them, utilize your talents, utilize this community of support that surrounds you,” she said. “Be an active and engaged part of this wonderful community that is VASJ. And most of all, I encourage you to be the best that you can be.”
The 2012 issue of Ventures, VASJ’s literary magazine, was one of the best in years. “We did more planning than any magazine before – a lot of time and effort was put into it,” says Maria Dybzinski ’13, one of the magazine’s editors. “We really wanted to make it good for (English teacher) Mrs. (Charlene) Dayton since it was her last year.” (Mrs. Dayton retired in May after more than two decades of teaching English at VASJ).
Every January, the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School community comes together for the annual Founders Day liturgy and celebration. The month of January marks the feast day of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters, and Chaminade Day, named for Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary.
The Viking Village has been a healthy frenzy of activity over the past few months and we greeted the new year with a spirit of optimism and excitement. Several events brought to mind the important place our school has in the community we serve, while also reminding us of the honor and responsibility we have to preserve the legacy and tradition we represent.
The loss of Viking legend Bill Gutbrod this past November was certainly such an occasion.
The example of sportsmanship and perseverance he set remains a powerful force even now, and our basketball and football players paid tribute to him in a touching display of reverence as they saluted the funeral procession when it wound its way past the school’s front entrance.
The new Viking Color Guard stood at the entrance, flanked by players who silently acknowledged Coach Gutbrod’s place in our school’s history.
The Viking Color Guard – freshmen Liam Staunton, Jacob Stauffer and Jayson Johnson – also added a special dimension to two recent assemblies. The group, under the direction of moderator Mr. Gary Minadeo, posted the colors for the visit of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and the investiture of Tim McCormack ’62 as judge in the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals.
In a wide-ranging exchange with students, the mayor spoke of his personal background, the motivating factors that led him to pursue a life of public service, and his philosophy of leadership. Through it all, the mayor stressed the vital importance of education.
That theme was underlined when Tim McCormack addressed our students at his investiture on December 17. He spoke against the impressive backdrop of some dozen judges, all in their black robes, who came to celebrate the occasion. McCormack was sworn in by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell.
In his remarks to our students, McCormack called VASJ one of the most important schools in the country, emphasizing our cultural diversity and record of achievement.
Needless to say, we fully agree. Visitors to our school consistently remark that it “feels like family” here. We know the reason why. It feels like family because it is family.
Euclid Cooperative Preschool will be holding their annual Open House February 23 from 10-12 and February 26th from 10-12. The preschool is located at 21000 Lakeshore Blvd. Euclid Cooperative Preschool has been educating the children of our community since 1948. The preschool is a Three Star Step-up-to-Quality rated center that follows the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards and prepares children for kindergarten as they play. Classes are available for 3, 4 and 5 year old children. Visit our website at www.euclidcoop.org for more information about the school.
Donna Sudar is a 27 year resident of Euclid, mother of 4 children, Vice President of the Euclid Board of Education and Director and Pre-K teacher at Euclid Cooperative preschool. She is also the mother of a newspaper journalist!
On Sunday, January 27,2013 Euclid High School Juniors, Jacob Hoggett and Morgan Lamar and Sophomore, Be’Jahn Duren competed against students from Valley Forge and Jackson High Schools on Channel 5’s Academic Challenge. Alternates Senior, Mackenzie Byrne and Junior, Asia Sharp were in the audience to cheer on their classmates, as well as the teacher advisor Michelle McGarry and the students' family and friends. The show will air on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. on Channel 5, please tune in.
SS. Robert and William Catholic School in Euclid supports science education by incorporating a specialized STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program in their school. STEM education increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy. This innovation and science literacy depends on a solid knowledge base in the STEM areas. It is clear that most jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science. 10-year employment projections by the U.S. Department of Labor show that of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation. Specially trained STEM teachers are leading our students to become critical thinkers and the innovators of tomorrow.
SRWS held their annual Science and Engineering Fair on Wednesday, January 23rd. The goal of the fair was to get young adults interested in science and engineering by participating in a science and engineering competition. Ten students were chosen to move on to competition at the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) which will be held at Cleveland State University.
Honored with a first place award in the field of Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics was Brandon Kenny, son of Kim and Martin Kenny. His project was titled "Does the Wind Work for You?" He tested to see which rotor blade would be the most efficient on a wind turbine. Also taking home a first place award was Michael Sweet, son of Maura and Mike Sweet, with his entry "Stealth Technology: Which Aircraft is the Most Invisible to Radar?" Michael, an avid reader, took his love for reading and turned it into a science project. In his engineering project, he found out how to take invisibility from science fiction to science fact. Lauren Banasik and Hannah Tizzano took home second and third place honors.
Honorable mention went to Jada Mull, Natalie Majc, Julie Trevarthan, Jemimah Antequisa, Jermaine Leonard, Josh Lazanich, Charles Neate, Megan Krisby, Rachel Wallenhorst, and Evan Steigerwald.
Our Lady of the Lake School offers a well-rounded K-8 academic program. Students have many technological resources right at their fingertips. In the classroom students are using Smartboards to travel to different places in social studies, dissecting frogs in science, and even creating digital stories to share across the web. Students also have access to a fully equipped and updated computer lab. The computer and classroom teachers collaborate closely on lessons. Teachers are also incorporating the use of iPads into their instruction to create videos, practice keyboarding, or allow students time to practice skills on various apps.
Beyond a flourishing academic program, Our Lady of the Lake students have many more opportunities to seek fields of interest. A variety of athletics are offered from grades 3-8. Our Lady of the Lake athletes gain a true appreciation of sportsmanship through these sports.
Students who enjoy writing and interviewing skills can take part in the school newspaper, The Falcon Pride. The school publishes one newspaper a quarter. For those students that find reading and discussing books a fun way to spend leisure time, they can participate in a book club. Many Our Lady of the Lakes students are talented in music. These students can take part in either band or the parish’s choir group. Acting is still another extracurricular that is offered to the students. Each fall the students of Our Lady of the Lake Parish perform a unique, fun-filled play. Some students especially enjoy sharing in art activities. Second graders create a craft which is then sent to the homebound of the parish. All grades are offered the opportunity to participate in “Canvas,” an after school art class. Finally, science club students in the 5th and 6th grades participate in the Science Olympiad. As you can see, there is truly something for everybody.
Kiras, a student at Our Lady of the Lake School, entered a bullying essay contest sponsored by the Plain Dealer newspaper. The Harlem Globetrotters are basketball players that perform fun, crazy basketball antics. The Globetrotters will bring "The ABC's of Bullying Prevention" to over 300 schools and youth centers as part of their "You Write the Rules" world tour, celebrating the teams 87th consecutive year.
Cheese Chisholm of the Harlem Globetrotters made a wonderful presentation to the entire school body. Not only did he talk about the ABC's of bullying but he also showed the students some of his basketball tricks. Kiras and his teacher, Mrs. Rossman, were presented with four tickets each to see the Globetrotters show at Quicken Loans Arena.
In addition, Anna Hogrefe won tickets to the circus for her award-winning paragraph in the Plain Dealer contest for how she uses the four virtues of a dragon.
Congratulations to both Kiras and Anna!
Jordan Walker has seemingly never backed down from a challenge.
It is what has made the Villa Angela-St. Joseph senior transform herself from a promising freshman into an elite senior outside hitter, and has pushed her academically to become one of the top students at the school.
Walker is now ready for her next challenge, and there is definitely no backing down as she signed a national letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Bucknell on Nov. 19 in the Ministry Center at the high school.
“I visited Bucknell and I fell in love,” Walker said. “They stressed education and I loved that. I want to push myself because I know it is going to be harder at college than it is here, and while it is hard to leave this school, I am ready for a whole new challenge.”
The 6-foot standout has played volleyball since sixth grade and club volleyball since eighth grade. She is interested in studying journalism and traveling abroad after her college career is complete.
“First, I didn’t realize how hard it is to get a D-I scholarship, but I realize that I am blessed to have earned this,” Walker said. “This program (at VASJ) is very special, and Coach (Mark) Royer really pushed me. Sometimes you do things you do things you never thought you could do. He and all the girls here helped me achieve that.”
Royer said Walker has blossomed since arriving at VASJ in the fall of 2009, and has made herself into a Division I student-athlete both on and off the court. He said every coach he knows in Northeast Ohio has raved about Walker’s prowess as a player and has earned respect across the area for her performance.
The holidays are always a special time of year, especially at Our Lady of the Lake School. The students kicked off the holiday season with a Faith Family gathering on November 9. Faith Families are when the students gather in small communities from kindergarten through eighth grade with a teacher present. The eighth graders in each Faith Family lead the gatherings. All activities center around the Catholic church’s social justice teaching of respect. The most recent gathering involved the eighth graders sharing powerpoints of examples on how we are called to serve one another.
Students will also be participating in several drives for the needy. There was a food drive held the week of November 12-16. Food collected was given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society to provide for people right here in our community. Students are also being asked to participate in a gloves, hats, and scarves drive for those in need. Both of these drives reiterate to the students of Our Lady of the Lake that all people deserve to have their basic human needs met.
Our Lady of the Lake School is fortunate to have such a strong community that helps to provide a base for these faith-filled experiences. The surrounding area businesses are already getting involved in the school fundraiser, Life on the Lake. Life on the Lake is the major fundraiser held each year in order to keep down the cost of a Catholic education, provide updated technology, and a thriving fine arts program. This year, Life on the Lake will be held on February 2, 2013 at the Croatian Lodge from 6pm-midnight. Please call 216-481-6824 or visit lifeonthelake.org for ticket information or how to donate to this great event.
Our Lady of the Lake School is off to another fun and exciting school year. The school is an Ohio accredited Catholic school located on Lakeshore Boulevard and East 200th Street in Euclid. Our Lady of the Lake offers a kindergarten through eighth grade curriculum. The school is equipped with an updated PC lab, Smart boards in each classroom, an Elmo machine, and 15 iPads which are shared between classrooms. All of this technology is being put to use through the school’s K-8 STEM program.
Beyond academics, many of the grades are participating in service projects that will continue throughout the year. The second grade made a visit to Mary Mavec School of Opportunity. The students helped their friends at Mary Mavec to prepare for Fall by singing songs, reciting poems, and decorating leaves.
The fifth graders of the school are preparing for their visits to the Slovene Home for the Aged in November and December. The fifth grade students will share fun skits and play games with residents of the Slovene Home. Both of these service projects not only bring brighter days to all involved, but also help the students to experience firsthand social justice right in their own community.
In order to provide funding for the technology in the school, the school along with the parish present Life on the Lake: A Benefit, A Masquerade Ball, on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Croatian Lodge in Eastlake. This event includes a Chinese auction, silent auction, sideboards, dinner, dancing, drinks, and plenty of excitement and fun! This is the perfect opportunity to support the parish and school. Proceeds go to the arts, science, and technology programs. Show your support by attending or with a donation. For tickets or donations please call 216-481-6824 or visit lifeonthelake.org.
Euclid native Michael Fasciano has been named principal of All Saints of St. John Vianney School in Wickliffe, a vibrant elementary and middle school, with a history of academic excellence.
Born and raised in Euclid, Fasciano is a graduate of the former St. William School, now Ss. Robert and William Catholic School, and St. Joseph High School in Cleveland. His sister and brother-in-law still reside in Euclid.
At All Saints, Fasciano will lead a team of highly experienced teachers and staff, who are dedicated to helping students achieve their highest academic potential. He is energized by the opportunity to shape the future of the school as a faith-based learning environment that is able to meet the diverse education needs of students and their families.
“I'm truly excited to be at All Saints,” he says. “With a teaching staff that is talented and enthusiastic, and a student body that is second to none, we can’t help but succeed.”
Fasciano proudly notes the sense of community he has experienced at the school.
“All Saints School is truly like family - caring, warm and loving - and for our teachers and staff – the school is a real extension of our families at home,” he notes.
The Ss.Robert and William Catholic School community is happy to announce that Ms. Meg Cosgriff has been named as their new school principal. Meg will be joining us from Communion of Saints School in Cleveland Heights, where she was principal for the past several years. Meg believes in Catholic education and the importance of learning in a faith-filled environment.
Cosgriff is a graduate of the former St. William School, which is now the site of Ss. Robert and William Catholic School. She is excited to be back to where her education began. When looking forward to the upcoming school year, Meg says, “I am excited to be back where my educational and spiritual foundations began. I hope to instill in the current student body a desire for learning and a love of faith as was instilled in me.”
Throughout her teaching career, Meg has taught in several Catholic schools in the area, as well as having the opportunity to be principal at two of these schools. The experience that she has gained from each of these schools will be with her as she begins her position here. Meg states, “You learn something new wherever you go.” These learning experiences have helped Meg to become the principal that she is today.
Action CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts (Euclid) and the VASJ Viking Volleyball team along with other CARSTAR shops/partners across the nation are turning dirty cars into dreams come true for children in need with the 4th annual "Soaps It Up!" Car Wash National Fundraiser. Recently, thousands of volunteers across the United States and Canada have been washing vehicles to raise funds to help Make-A-Wish grant wishes in the U.S. and to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis in Canada.
On Saturday, July 21st, Action CARSTAR staff Tony Perrino, Bill Turk and Cheryl Cameron and the VASJ Viking Volleyball team headed by Coach Mark Royer met their goal of washing 100 vehicles at VASJ High School from 10am to 4pm adding to the over 1,000 vehicles washed during the kickoff week back in June at other CARSTAR shops across North America and Canada. As of June 27th the Soaps It Up! Car Wash has raised over $120,000.
The local event raised over $2,500. Tickets for the event were $10, with 100 percent of the ticket purchase and donations benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Viking Volleyball team. Tickets were pre-sold by the Viking Volleyball team members and at Action CARSTAR Auto Body on St. Clair Avenue in Euclid.
Each year the eighth graders at Ss. Robert and William Catholic School participate in the Modern Woodmen of America Speech Competition. Through this endeavor, students learn how to write and deliver a speech in a professional manner. Eighth grade English teacher, Mrs. Patrice Garuckas works very hard to prepare these students so that they are able to give the best speech possible. Her hard work and dedication certainly showed this year, when two of her students came in first and second in the state competition. This is the first time students from Ss. Robert and William have earned this honor.
John Henry Posey and Briana Caronchi worked very hard to create two wonderful speeches on the topic, “Volunteers who have made a difference in America.” In her speech on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Briana discussed how Extreme Makeover helped to rebuild part of the community of Joplin, Missouri after tornadoes devastated the area. In her speech Briana explained how thousands of volunteers showed up and helped to build seven new homes in seven days. This speech was well executed and Briana came in second place in the state competition.
The staff at Euclid High School is committed to creating a "Culture of Achievement" during the 2011-2012 school year. As a means of providing additional motivation to our students, we would like to create a series of video announcements stressing the importance of high academic achievement in high school.
We seek role models from the community who are interested in joining this important endeavour. Please email Charlie Smialek (Principal) at csmialek@euclid.k12.oh.us if you would be willing to tape a one to two minute announcement explaining how education has helped you to succeed in life. We will then establish a time to record your inspirational message. We are also looking for role models willing to appear as guest speakers on various dates within the school year.
We have many great students who perform at an elite level throughout the school year. But, we are always looking for diverse means of inspiring even higher levels of success. We hope that the community of Euclid will help us to foster a "Culture of Achievement"!
Deionte Appling, a 2012 graduate of Euclid High School, will attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island free of charge. Brown recruited Deionte to become part of their incoming freshmen class due to his academic and extra-curricular successes. Deionte graduated with a 4.209 cumulative grade point average, ranking third in Euclid High School's senior class. He participated in multiple Advanced Placement classes, including Physics, Calculus, English, and Government.
In addition to his excellent classroom performance, Deionte was a standout on the EHS's stage. During his four years of high school, Deionte participated in Varsity Chorale, Forte (Honors Choir) and Big Show. He was also a member of our Academic Challenge team and wrote for the student newspaper.
Deionte was fortunte enough to have multiple scholarship offers from which to choose. Before committing to Brown, Deionte strongly considered Miami (OH), and Xavier Universities. Deionte credits many Euclid High School teachers for helping him to succeed, but noted two, specifically: "Ms. Amato (English) and Mrs. Ross (Varsity Chorale) always pushed me to my limits and made me into a better student than I thought I could become." Deionte plans to study Biology at Brown, in preparation to subsequently attend medical school.
Deionte moved to Euclid from Warrensville in the sixth grade and attended Central Middle School. He lives on Crystal Ave. with his mother, step-father, and sister.
Euclid High School featured an especially talented senior class during the 2011-2012 school year. The memory-filled senior year concluded with Commencement from the Wolstein Center on May 29. Among multiple honorees were Jodi Ferlito, this year's Valedictorian, and Brandon Sinkovic, this year's Salutatorian. Both students delivered addresses to their peers as part of the night's ceremony.
Jodi graduated from Euclid High School as one of the more well-rounded students of recent memory. She played volleyball and softball for EHS and participated in Varsity Chorale and Forte, an honors choir. Jodi was a member of our National Honor Society. Jodi also played the lead character in two consecutive "Big Shows": "The Wizard of Oz" and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." In addition to all of her extra-curricular exploits, Jodi earned a 4.368 grade point average while successfully completing five Advanced Placement classes. Jodi won recognition from the Phi Beta Kappa and National Merit organizations. Jodi will attend The Ohio State University this fall.
Brandon also participated in many extra-curricular events in addition to exuding excellence in the classroom. Brandon was a member of our National Honor Society, played in the "Pit" for multiple Big Shows, and was a guitarist for Varsity Chorale. Brandon participated in the EHS CISCO networking program, and placed fourth in the nation in the National CISCO Systems competition this spring. Brandon also completed two Advanced Placement classes and graduated with a 4.363 grade point average. Brandon will attend Cleveland State University on a full scholarship this fall, where he will study electrical engineering as an Honors student.
Noble Academy Cleveland has been rated Excellent with the State of Ohio’s Department of Education for the past three years. A tradition of excellence has been born out of this fledgling community school which was founded in 2006 and began realizing huge successes within a relatively short period of time. Students come from surrounding cities to have the opportunity to experience a supportive environment that focuses on preparing students for college from a very young age.
The school offers tutoring, clubs, and a wide array of field trips for students in all grades. Most recently, some students from Noble Academy had the opportunity to meet with Senator Sharrod Brown in Washington D.C. They even had the chance to tour our Nation’s Capital and to experience what this great nation has been founded upon—democracy. Opportunities like this are commonplace at Noble Academy where students and parents can be involved in many of the great activities offered by the school.
Currently, Noble Academy is enrolling for grades K-8. To be a part of the success, call the Main Office at (216) 486-8866 to schedule a tour and to receive an application.
Scott Courtney is the Dean of Students for Noble Academy Cleveland.
As most are aware, the Euclid City School District is building four new elementary schools that are scheduled to open in fall 2012. The state-of-the-art schools are co-financed by the State of Ohio through the Ohio School Facilities Commission that is funded with tobacco settlement money.
On Saturday, April 28, 2012, Ss. Robert & William Catholic School’s gym will be magically transformed by the sights, sounds and food of other countries for their 5th Taste of Nations (TON) fundraiser. Serving up tasty morsels from places such as the Philippines and Eastern Europe, prepared by their own parishioners, each guest has the pleasure of sampling many different food and drink items. Ethnic music, dancing and a raffle complete this wonderful evening.
This adult-only event will occupy seven classrooms of food, the gym where the auction and music/dancing will take place, and a few other surprises. “Our goal is to transform our facility into a European-type Festival,” states the Pastor, Fr. John D. Betters.
New to this year’s event is a “Chair-it-a-ble” Auction. The students of Ss. Robert & William Catholic School, under the direction of their art teacher, Emily DiFiore, have been busy painting and decorating Adirondack chairs. Ms. DiFiore is incorporating works of art by various famous artists of different countries into the project. For example, Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” Monet’s “Water Lilies,” and a portrait of Frieda Kalo are being depicted on the chairs. Additionally, other traditional designs, such as shamrocks and an Italian-themed chair will also be included in the auction.
Only advanced tickets will be sold. The per ticket donation is $40; tables of 8 with preferred seating and additional benefits are also available for $325. It is usually a sold-out event. Ss. Robert & William School is located at 351 E. 260th St. in Euclid. Additional information can be obtained by calling the parish office at 216.731.1515.