July 23, 2010 was a beautiful sunny day filled with hope and joy in Collinwood as the Job Corps Academy celebrated the graduation of 226 students. Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training. Job Corps' mission is to attract eligible young people, teach them the skills they need to become employable and independent, and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.

Hundreds of family and friends filled the sunny auditorium before the graduates entered, and the ceremony began. After graduate Leila Robinson sang the Star Spangled Banner, the Career Services Director, Mrs. Jennifer Morrison, gave a moving opening speech. She is clearly loved by all of the students who call her “Grandma.”

The Head of the U.S. Marianist Province, Fr. Martin Solma, will travel to Cleveland next month to preside at the Opening Mass of Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School on September 2.

“Fr. Marty,” a 1966 graduate of VASJ-predecessor St. Joseph High School, was installed on July 1, 2010, as the new Provincial of the Marianist order of priests and brothers in the U.S. VASJ President Brian Menard travelled to Louisville, Kentucky, for the installation ceremony. “If one of our alums was going to assume the position as the top Marianist in the U.S., I wanted to be there to offer prayers and support from his alma mater,” Menard said.

The Dream On Foundation adopted a first grade classroom at Hannah Gibbons-Nottingham School in 2008. The foundation promises these 25 kids that, if they graduate high school on time (2020), the foundation will grant scholarships for post secondary education that leads to employment.  I help the Dream On Kids succeed in school by offering them opportunities and support for activities such as tutoring, after school programming, summer camp, support to parents and other activities. This summer they attended camp right here in the Collinwood neighborhood.

In the morning, for four weeks, they attended Arts Collinwood Summer Camp directed by Sarah Gyorki. Chris Luciani from Cleveland Recreation taught the art of acting through fun games and led them in writing, producing and presenting a play the last day of camp. The children created all the costumes, sets and props. Parents and others from the Collinwood area enjoyed “The Adventures of Hoop Wimple and the Holy Grail” at the theater in Euclid Beach Park.

The St. Vitus Adult Slovenian School is beginning its tenth year of classes on September 11, 2010.

Classes are scheduled on two Saturdays each month from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. and will continue through May 21, 2011.  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.
• 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 $50.00 per semester. Textbooks are purchased separately, from the instructor.

For information call 216.289.7253 or 440.255.1178.

Connect Your Child to adventure and extended learning at The Salvation Army Learning Zone! We are geared up and ready to go. We offer your child an opportunity to P.A.S.S. through life successfully: physically, academically, socially, and safely. Through activities such as roller skating, outdoor play, and relay races, we enhance your child’s physical stamina and endurance. Academically—we help your child(ren) with their homework, and strengthen and tutor them in math, reading, and writing. Children also have numerous opportunities to have fun and socialize in an environment that is nurturing and safe.

Depending on the school your child(ren) attends, we pick them up and bring them to our facility located at 17625 Grovewood Avenue, Cleveland. The Learning Zone is open Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., and on Fridays until 6 p.m.

To Connect Your Child(ren) to the Learning Zone, please call Mrs. Jones or Mrs. Sanford at 216-692-1388, extensions 31 or 32. Hurry! Space is limited.

Cleveland Job Corps Academy has had a very good year; here are some of the highlights:

As part of “National Job Corps Day: 45 years of Building Lives and Launching Careers," the CJCA celebrates with State of Ohio Congressional Leadership and Mayor Frank G. Jackson, City of Cleveland, Ward 10 Councilman Eugene Miller, and State Rep Robin Belcher.

Noble Academy congratulates the graduating Kindergarten class of 2009-2010! Celebrating an excellent school year, families, staff and students participated in the graduation ceremony. The Kindergartners were proud to display their gowns and diplomas.

The 2009-2010 school year was exciting for the upcoming first graders. Numerous field trips offered educational opportunities outside of the school. Learning all about science, social studies, math, and reading, the Kindergartners had an exciting and busy year.

Good luck on the upcoming school year as first graders!

Students, staff, and families celebrated our recent OAA scores by planning a field trip free of cost to students who passed all of their OAA(s).

The curriculum at Noble Academy prepares students to compete globally, earn academic excellence, and be positive citizens in the community. Going above and beyond is valued by staff, students, and families at Noble Academy (NAC). The students and teachers committed their Saturdays to learning through the spring semesters. Believing that class room instruction time should not be interrupted for review of standardized tests, NAC mandates Saturday School for tutoring and review.

As the eighth grade reading teacher at East Clark School, my mission this year was to increase students' reading levels while helping them develop habits that would make them life-long readers. I challenged my students to read 1,000 books, which is about one book per student per week.

We utilized both our school library and the Collinwood branch of the Cleveland Public Library for the best book selections along with the Accelerated Reader program. Students walked to the public library every three weeks with their teacher(s) to check out and return books. All students had to keep track of their own books and library cards. Students learned about lost library cards, late fees and lost book fees, ultimately learning to be more responsible library patrons.

East Clark's highly motivated eighth graders read 1,749 books this school year! Ten students received special recognition for outstanding achievement in reading at our eighth grade promotion on June 9th. Crystal Mays was our top reader with an overall score of 95% and 372 AR points. Zackery Kelley had 352 AR points and increased his reading level by two-and-a-half grades. Dominique Pegues had an overall score of 92% and 342 AR points. Ashli Brewer had 296 AR points and an overall score of 89%. Tatiana Axson had 253 AR points and an overall score of 87%. Tariq Hamilton had 169 AR points and an overall score of 85%. Several students showed improvement in their reading levels. David Dawson and Markus Kyles raised their reading levels 2.7 years; and Je'Ron Robinson raised his reading level by three full years!

In light of LeBron James' departure, we at the Collinwood Observer thought it would be appropriate to run a story we didn't have room for in the regular high school basketball season, that demonstrates the true spirit of the sport and its players. This story was submitted this past Spring, by Arnita Washington, a regular writer for the Collinwood Observer and a student at Collinwood High School.

Earlier this season our Lady Railroaders suffered their first loss when they faced Glenville. The girls played like winners, and shook their hands. The crowds were roaring and taunting. Tranita Mckenzie #21 said all she could do was remember not to get mad. Sheleah Combs #41 also had to remember to keep her composure because she felt cheated out of another game. Although our JV also lost with a deficit of 27, they stayed in the game and finished it because of what their teammate De’shay Smith told them, “We’re all we got, so there is no giving up!”

Monday, June 7 was graduation day at St. Mary's school in Collinwood. It was a happy day for the students but a sad day for the staff. The school at St. Mary's Church will not reopen this fall.

St. Mary's Pastor, Father Kumse, said it was a very tough decision: "We were facing a deficit this year of nearly $200,000 and a projected deficit of $280,000 for the 2010-11 school year. By the first of May, only 77 students had registered or indicated their intent to return next year. After the long illness of Principal Luis Pla and his death in January, interim principal Julie Miller, Deacon David Kushner, the very dedicated teaching staff and a handful of committed parents worked hard to shrink the deficit and increase enrollment for next year. But with less and less school age children in the community, it didn't  happen. It was time to make the very difficult decision to close St. Mary School. Only 3 children attending the school were from the parish."

The Collinwood Boys’ Baseball team had a good season for the 2009-2010 school year. The team coach, Mr. Iteyem, coached a decent record of 6 wins -5 losses for the Senate and 8-9 for the whole season. The top players on the team were Richard Dortch, Demario Agee, and Patrick Hython. Richard’s stats were 21 hits, 16 RBI’s, 8 doubles, and11 stolen bases. Demario’s stats were 13 hits, 17 RBI’s, 2 homeruns, and 13 stolen bases. Patrick’s stats were 20 hits, 21 RBI’s 5 doubles, and 17 stolen bases. Jalen McCoy was the team star in the outfield with some great catches. David Harris was the team star catcher who caught everything that came his way. Aaron Cole was the star first baseman who got everybody out.          

Collinwood Art Teacher, Ms. Denise Denega, has always encouraged her students to enter competitions at the local, regional and national level. This year two of her students, juniors, Marks Burns and Anthony Sanders won several awards for their artwork. It was a busy spring as Anthony Sanders placed in the 2010 Ohio Governor’s Youth Competition in March.

Next -  in April - Mark Burns placed Second in Drawing and received an Honorable Mention in Painting at the NAACP Regional Competition. Anthony also received an Honorable Mention in Painting. Then in May both Sanders and Burns entered the Congressional Art Competition (District 11) where Mark Burns placed Second in Mixed Media. Both artists’ pieces are presently on display at the MLK Library in University Circle.

In addition, Akeem Pennicooke placed First in Computer Graphics and will represent Collinwood High School at the National NAACP Competition in Kansas City, Missouri this July. Congratulations to Ms. Denega and her talented students.

Secretary of Education for the Diocese of Cleveland, Margaret Lyons, announced today the appointment of Dave Csank as the new Principal for Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. Making the announcement to the school’s faculty and staff at the end of the school day, Lyons said, “Recognizing the exciting innovation underway at VASJ, Dave Csank will be just the sort of collaborative leader VASJ needs to lead forward the tremendous work begun this year.”

After 43 years of dedicated service to St. Joseph High School and Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, Tim Robertson SJ ’62 is retiring as teacher, friend, administrator, photographer, consultant, statistician and much, much more. 

On Friday, May 20, 2010, Tim’s AP Calculus class bid him a fond farewell with a surprise assembly, highlighting his classroom antics and style while also reminiscing about the positive impact he has had on the school and his students. Everyone in attendance laughed and cried as Tim’s students showcased their affection and admiration for, as his students call him, T-Rob. 

VASJ is offering 3 Summer Athletic Camps:
Lady Viking Middle School Volleyball Camp
 
June 21-24, 2010
Grades 5-7 8am-12:00pm
Grades 8-9 1pm-5:00pm
VASJ Gymnasium
For girls entering grades 5-9
Cost: $125 discounted to $100 if received before June 15, 2010
 
For Information call: Mark Royer 216-731-5683
 
Lady Viking Summer Girls Basketball Camp
 
July 5-8, 2010
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
VASJ Gymnasium
Girls entering grades 5-9
Cost: $100 discounted to $85 if paid in full by June 28, 2010

Camp includes: Camp T-Shirt; fundamental teaching (stations); inspirational/motivational speaking; individual and team games.

The camp seeks to promote/reinforce the importance of education, discipline and teamwork.

Contact Coach Redding for more details by phone at 216.481.8414 ext. 293 or by email at aredding@vasj.com

St. Casimir Parish invites you to attend its first fundraiser $5 Sale, on June 12 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Items are mostly brand new and some gently used, and include clothing, toys, Webkins, and household miscellaneous. Each item, no matter its value, is just $5. Proceeds will go towards the new parish sign fund. 

What better way to get to know Collinwood's newest Catholic parish? Stop in, show your support, and get a deal. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

St. Casimir is located at 18022 Neff Road (used to be Our Lady of Perpetual Help)

GRADS (Graduation, Reality and Dual-Role Skills, is a high school class for teen parents, both young men and young women.   The purpose of this for-credit class is definitely not to encourage teen pregnancy. The purpose of GRADS is to support young teens who have already become pregnant or are already parents. GRADS is about encouraging young parenting teens to learn about their pregnancy, parenting, relationships, child development and economic independence.

A Jubilee Academy announces sponsorship of the USDA funded Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals are available to all enrolled participants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and will be served at no separate charge. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410  or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

A Jubilee Academy is located at 15751 Lakeshore Blvd. Cleveland, Ohio 44110.

Ms. G. Brown’s and Ms. E. Donley’s 6th grade classes worked diligently with the City of Cleveland’s Positive Action Program, run by Lydia Hill, to make different products to raise money for Haiti.

The students designed and sold the items during their lunch hour at prices ranging from $0.50 to $2. Items included necklaces, headbands, hair clamps, erasers, etc.  This project was not only fun for the students, but meaningful as well. 

Cleveland Job Corps Academy student, Jessica Hall, 21, created the official memento of the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers' Summit Meeting.

Recently a lot of Collinwood’s finest teachers have been laid off due to financial problems in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Our students are speaking up about the future of Collinwood and where it lies. These students have been asked, “What is the future of Collinwood?”

But a lot are not sure.

Collinwood has always been a school dedicated to the learning and success of young scholars. Is that not worth protecting, the education of students? The students are worried about their education. How will they learn with fewer teachers and more students? 

"He Calls You by Name," was the theme of this school year’s school-wide Lenten retreat at St. Jerome Elementary School.

All approximately 150 students attending the all-day activities designed to help the students make a greater personal connection with God.

Retreat coordinator and third grade teacher at St. Jerome Elementary, Cathy Pawson, was honored to put together a retreat that the students would not soon forget.

On Friday April 16, 2010, Lakita Garth, the world known best-selling author of the “Naked Truth,” visited Collinwood High School to speak to the student body about abstinence and saving sex until marriage. Garth has spoken to millions of students around the world and loves to encourage the high school students by her famous quote ‘’NO RINGY NO DINGY.’’ So why does Garth do this? To let all students know that it’s ok to say, “No,” and it’s ok to practice abstinence.

On April 21st, thirteen young scholars from Ms. Haney’s English I classes were given a wonderful trip to John Carroll University.

The scenery was beautiful and the student tour guides put a lot of pride and joy into their work. They even had coffee, chips, and other goodies provided for us to enjoy.

As we walked around the campus, our Collinwood High School students got to see the lives of ordinary college students who live in dormitories. The dorms were pretty small, but there was more than enough room for two students to share. The Grasselli Library that we visited was very attractive and very well-organized.

We also went to a lecture given by Michelle Scott Taylor from the JCU Admissions Office. She talked to us about how there are a lot choices for higher education. There are over four thousand  colleges and universities in the United States. Ms. Taylor’s presentation was very professional and unbiased.

Noble Academy Cleveland was honored with the presence of Senator Turner, accompanied by her father and her husband, at our International Dinner.

Noble Academy Cleveland congratulates 8th grader Alexus Johnson on having received three different scholarships for her high school education. Alexus will attend Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in the fall.

Iowa Maple School's Teachers Educating and Mentoring group has been up and running strong. "TEAM" is a mentoring group that matches 7th and 8th grade students with an individual staff member (teachers, custodians, cooks, secretaries, paraprofessionals, and SPO officers). Once paired with a mentor, students are encouraged to meet with their mentors whenever they have an issue or need someone to talk to. 

St. Mary Collinwood School invites all to attend its First Annual Walkathon at Euclid Creek Metroparks, Saturday May 15th at 10 am. This walkathon is in memory of the schools late Principal Mr Luis Pla. Any donations or pledges are gratefully welcomed.

When someone picks on someone that person is called a bully.

Bullies pick on people because they are trying to be cool or they don’t get enough love at home. Bullies think picking on people is fun and they know they are hurting others feelings.

Bullies make people that they are picking on feel like they don`t belong in this world. So, the people being picked on think about crazy things and they sometimes do those crazy things they think about. They do crazy things to themselves and to others.

Three years ago, Collinwood High School formed a Key Club, sponsored by the Cleveland Kiwanis Club. The mission statement of Collinwood Key Club is “Caring: Our Way of Life.”

There are no prerequisites for joining Collinwood Key Club. Student members must commit to seventy hours of service to home, school and community throughout the school year. There are approximately 38 students in Collinwood’s Key Club, which meets every Friday at 2:30 p.m.

Today the students in Room 202 learned basic information about the U.S. Census. Some students completed a ‘dummy’ census form and gained knowledge that they will be able to share with their family. Students then drew pictures and wrote letters  to their parents.

Dear Mom,
Today I learned that the U.S. Census helps you have a better community. Also, mom if you don’t fill it out some census takers will have to see you. I don’t know who it will be but I just know you should fill out the 2010 Census Form and mail it back.  Also, I learned that you have to fill it out for everybody who lives in our house. Your son, Kenneth

Dear Mom and Dad,
I am writing this letter to let you know what I learned about the Census.  I learned that the Census is when they count how many people live in your family. I learned a lot abut the Census that I didn’t know. I want to know why you didn’t tell me abut the Census. I thought the Census was our five senses (feel, see, hear, smell, taste.)  Now I know these are senses. Love, Kinge

"What will the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's (CMSD) Transformation Plan mean for Collinwood High School?  That is $64,000 Dollar Question," said Ward 11 Councilman Michael Polensek. 

The "transformation plan" was created to improve the public schools in Cleveland, Ohio, in order to "make them the best they can be."  It was announced on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010, by Dr. Eugene Sanders, CMSD's CEO. 

The title of the plan is, "Whatever It Takes."  The goal of the plan is to make Cleveland's public school system "a symbol of academic excellence."

On Thursday, April 1, the temperature rose into the seventies and the Easter Bunny decided to hop inside of OH Perry.  Students in grades PK-3 had the opportunity to visit the Easter Bunny and have their picture taken with him. The Easter Bunny gave each student an egg with a treat and a cookie. The School Parent Organization and Family Liaison, Beverly Chunn, invited the Easter Bunny to school!

The Cleveland Job Corps Academy has demonstrated exceptional outreach and educational efforts in 2009 for the third year in a row, completing 100% of required activities in the area of policy-making, media and community involvement. 

Mr. Michael Taylor, Business and Community Liaison, and Dr. Lora Davis, Center Director, proudly accepted the Star Award in Washington, D. C. March 23, 2010. They thanked the 440 Job Corps students and 170 staff and volunteers who have made an impact on the quality of life for the Job Corps students.

The CSX railroad transportation company is finding ways to give back to the Collinwood community. They have started by giving our Collinwood students a $20,000 state-of-the-art computer lab. CSX is the expansive freight railroad system that is located under the bridge at E. 152 Street. These tracks are also located in 16 different states. This railroad system is very important to Cleveland and is why Collinwood High School’s teams are called Railroaders. CSX executives, Torry Caplan and Rusty Orben, as part of a citizenship project, funded our brand new computer lab.

It all started last year when CSX wanted a way give back to the community and they first thought of getting new lockers for Collinwood, but that idea went south when they couldn’t get any funding for it. Jerry Lambert and Terry Turner decided to ask for a computer lab with their goal for having a better learning experience for Collinwood classes. Lambert loves students and wants them to get a higher education because he says “education is very important.” Jerry is both a conductor for CSX two days a week, and on his off days, he’s a Safety Chairman.

During the first week of March, students at Henry Longfellow participated in Dr. Seuss week. Students in all grades had to read several books, take Accelerated Reader Tests, and complete other activities.

On Friday March 5th students were invited to the school cafeteria, to complete in different activities.  Students were able to make Oobleck, like in Bartholomew and the Oobleck.  Other students were able to have a butter battle contest, just like the Butter Battle Book.  Last, students were able to enjoy birthday cake. Everyone who received a special invitation enjoyed themselves. Great job, HWL students!  

The RMR Program held a mini luncheon on March 17, 2010 at noon.  The seventh and eighth grade male students invited an influential male in their lives to attend, and take part in the round table discussion on the book that they read entitled, “Letters to a Young Brother" by Hill Harper. 

Community, business and faith-based members were invited to support the dialogue. The RMR (Real Men Read) Program was implemented last year as a literacy- based program for the 7th & 8th grade male students and fathers at Iowa-Maple School.

Mrs. Jennifer Krutilla’s English II students parallel their dreams with those of Martin Luther King in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech of 1963.

"I have a dream that my son will grow up in a world where people love each other. No more prejudices should be existing. I want my son to be seen for his character and not his color." Lashanda Harris  

"Our nation sometimes hates each other. I believe we can be stronger than hate and anger. I believe we can love one another whether we are Black, Tan, White, or Purple." Sir Charles Sizemore

We value education a lot here in Collinwood. As students, we owe our good grades to the amazing staff here at Collinwood. One of our greatest teachers is Mrs. Tiffiny Underhile, the 9th grade algebra teacher. She is the only teacher that I know who allows her students to do test corrections. For example, if you receive an F on a test, she will allow you to do over the answers you got wrong and you could still receive an A on the test. The reason for this is that she allows us to look at our math books and go through any graded work for answers. She also grades our homework on completion not accuracy. For example, if you turn in a homework assignment and you attempted the problems, but did not get them all right, Mrs. Underhile would still give you an A for your attempt.

There are many differences between the Liberian school system and the American school system. The first main difference is that in Liberia, there is no free public education. Parents have to pay for their child’s education from kindergarten to college. However, American parents have the choice of sending their children to a free public school or a private school.

Another difference is that in Liberia, teachers are allowed to use corporal punishment. If a student comes to school late, they will receive a lash with a switch. Another rule is that students are not allowed to put a hairstyle on their head. For example, hair color is not permitted. If they disobey, the teacher will give them a lash as well.

On February 10, 2010, over four hundred Collinwood Juniors and Seniors attended what many faculty considered the “most effective and interactive” career fair ever.

Under the auspices of Guidance Counselor, Ms.Deborah Austin, and Community Liaison, Ms. Dorothy Wynn, students moved through three areas of the school to meet and greet representatives from seventeen local businesses. In the gym, tables were set up with informational booths. 

At the same time in the Media Center, City Year volunteers held mock interviews with students who practiced poise and professionalism. Application procedures were practiced and monitored in the cafeteria.

Looks like our CHS upperclassmen will have a headstart on potential job opportunities, thanks to Ms. Austin and Ms Wynn.

On Tuesday, February 23rd, the Salvation Army Learning Zone After School Program, a 21st Century Community Learning Center, hosted a Family Night/Family Involvement Activity around Black History and Nutrition. The objectives were 1. To engage parents with children in an activity that would: a) encourage wholesomeness and togetherness (spend quality time together); b) reinforce reading and math concepts; c) and be fun. 2.  To create an extended learning opportunity around health, nutrition and measurements/math. 3. To encourage creativity in culinary arts. 4. To create memories to last a lifetime. 5. To show parents how they are also teachers to their children.  

We had an Iron Chef Competition whereby the students were given one food item to use as the base ingredient. Selections included: chicken, rice, broccoli, string beans, or corn. Families were encouraged to take that one ingredient and combine it with something else they had at home, then bring that creation to be served at the Family Night. Families would judge the dishes based on what they liked.

Recently Bishop Lennon sent a letter to President Brian R. Menard and Principal Janice Roccosalva stating how much he values Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. The Bishop states that he is committed to continuing to support VASJ with diocesan resources and encourages the VASJ community to join him in such support as VASJ builds a 21st Century model of Catholic education.

Diocese of Cleveland
Cathedral Square           
Office of the Bishop

4 February 2010


Mr. Brian Menard
Ms. Janice Roccosalva
Villa Angela-Saint Joseph High School

Dear Janice and Brian,

    I would like to express my gratitude to you for my enjoyable visit to Villa Angela-Saint Joseph on 3 February 2010.  It was heartening to me to see the positive results of your many efforts to continue the excellent education provided students in Villa Angela-Saint Joseph High School.  I found it encouraging meeting the new President and Vice President of the Board of Advisors, its members, the Endowment Board, the Ursuline Sisters, the Marianists, and the many others committed to the enduring presence of this school.  I know that Villa Angela-Saint Joseph is well on its way to stability and continued service to its students.

  

The OGT Breakfast held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 was a great success for Collinwood's students. Many students attended school early Saturday morning because of their determination to pass all FIVE parts of the Ohio Graduation Test. About 11:00 a.m. students and parents joined together in the first floor cafe to enjoy a hot breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, grits and pancakes. 

 

I am sure that you heard the news by now that at the CMSD School Board meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, Dr Eugene Sanders, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District recommended to the Cleveland Board of Education, that Ginn Academy should remain in its present location at the former Margaret Spellacy School site. I cannot begin to tell you what a victory this is for the students, parents, administrators and the greater Collinwood community. 

St. Jerome Elementary School has been the stoic brick fixture at the corner of 152nd and Lakeshore since 1922. After decades of changes in the community, the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, and in Ohio education, St. Jerome remains a jewel for the Collinwood neighborhood.