School News

Each month, The Cleveland Cavaliers All Star Kids program teams up with Chick-fil-A to recognize students who are setting a positive example for their peers.  Cavaliers’ mascots, “Hype Man” Ahmaad Crump, and Chick-fil-A’s “Cow” will make a surprise visit to each winning student’s school to present him/her with a super-sized ticket to a Cavaliers’ home game and a catered Chick-fil-A party for the entire class!  In addition to receiving (4) tickets to a game, the winning student will also receive (4) complimentary passes to the VIP Club and will be recognized on-court prior to the game.

Marquitta Billingsley, an outstanding 12th grade student at Collinwood High School, was nominated by her guidance counselor for the Cleveland Cavaliers All Star Kids.  As a result of Marquitta’s hard work and commitment to her education, she was selected as the winner for the month of March.   “Hype Man” Ahmaad Crump and the mascots surprised Marquitta on Monday, March 23, 2015.  It was an amazing experience for Marquitta and her classmates.  Marquitta will be attending the Cavalier’s home game on Sunday, March 29, 2015.  The staff, at Collinwood High School, are all so proud of her.

Frigid temperatures and snow-filled skies did not deter Collinwood students, staff, families and community members from participating in the school’s Family Literacy Night and first African American Read-In program, which culminated Black History Month activities.

Keynote speaker Margret Bernstein, Director of Advocacy and Community Initiatives at WKYC, shared her lifelong passion for reading and her mission to make literacy for all a top educational priority.

Collinwood grad, Ramona Smith delivered a similar message that resonated with the critical importance of early literacy and the need to read, read, read.

August 9, 2014 was a thrilling day as Lakeshore Intergenerational School (LIS) opened its doors to over 100 kindergarten, first and second grade students. As the third location of one of the top-rated charter school models in Ohio, we were new to this neighborhood and felt welcome right away.  The past six months have been full of learning, not only in the classroom, but in this new community.

The Intergenerational approach focuses on life-long learning for learners of all ages.  We are thrilled to have over 18 community members working with our students weekly as reading mentors and tutors.  We have formed partnerships with several nursing homes and long term care facilities including: Slovene Home, Gateway Family House, Governors Village, AlterCare, St. Joseph, and Manor Care.  Our students visit these facilities once a month for curriculum-based activities that the students and residents engage in together.  Our classes were excited to be a part of the Halloween celebration at VASJ.  Enjoying the fun and food with the “big kids” at the high school was quite a thrill.

It is that time of year when parents begin their search for the perfect preschool.  As a parent of four, I found the best way to determine which school best meets the needs of both the parent and child is to visit.  Euclid Coopeative Preschool will hold an Open House on Saturday February 7, 2015 from 10:00 to 12:00 and Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 9:30 to 11:30. Open Houses give parents an opportunity to visit and get a sense of how the educational program fits.  

Collinwood High School was well-represented at The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio 2015 Youth Leadership Luncheon and Program, held recently at John Carroll University.  Middle and high school students and educators from throughout Cleveland and Cuyahoga County joined in a celebration of diversity and leadership that included conversation, lunch, various presentations and awards recognition.

Why Families and Students are Happy to "Menlo" at Menlo Park Academy (MPA).

In a time when many gifted and talented programs are shrinking, Menlo Park Academy offers Cleveland and all NE Ohio parents and students an educational option that is dedicated to gifted programming all day, every day.

Founded by a group of parents frustrated by the lack of choice for their own gifted children, MPA has created a whole-child learning environment for gifted children from kindergarten through 8th grades. Recently the Menlo Park Academy community highlighted stories, ideas, and experiences that exemplify, “Why We Menlo.” Using pen, paper, colored pencils, and lots of heart, students created original essays, poems, and drawings that share why they are happy to “Menlo.”

A Collinwood High School senior's play "From a Mess to a Message" will be presented at the school in January.

Drama Club advisor and teacher Coyan Smith said senior Johnathan Smith wrote the play and will co-direct both performances, 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2015 and 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015.  

Admission to the play is free, but donations will be accepted at the door.

The cast includes high school students Kallynn Coleman, Deandre Watkins, Robert Moore, Timothy Griffin, Charlie Eppinger, Tahlia Eskridge, Talbert Williams, and Antonaie Taylor.

This play is about an African American family who deals with some of life's important issues, Coyan Smith said.

“Will this family survive when some of the family secrets are revealed, or will it fall apart?” she said in an email describing the play.

Collinwood High School is at 15210 Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland.

A number of 8th Grade students have come forward to explore history and work on behalf of the Memorial Garden.  They call themselves the “Garden Angels” which unknowing to them is only too appropriate if for nothing else than the fact the garden honors children who were killed in a tragic fire in the community.

The 8th Grade students were given a lesson a few months ago on the Collinwood School Fire which gave rise to the Memorial Garden which sits outside their door and the naming of now a second school on that site to honor the events that took place on this site on 4 March 1908. From this lesson which even included a fire drill, the students were asked to write a reaction to a written report on the Collinwood School Fire.  These papers were then displayed at Memorial School’s Fall Festival in October. These papers are in the possession of the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society and can be seen on their website.

I do have to say that all those papers written were done so voluntarily; thank you Ladies for your observations and reactions to what you read.  As a result of finishing this first written assignment and coming to the Fall Festival of Literacy at the school they were allowed to come on a field trip Downtown.

Coming Downtown for these young ladies I believe was exciting and they didn’t know where to look first.  After coming downtown on a bus from the neighborhood we greeted them at City Hall where they learned about Cleveland history, about City Hall and their Cleveland City Council. Then we walked to the Oliver Hazard Perry statue at West 3rd and Lakeside Avenue and then to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at Public Square to hear about War of 1812 and Civil War history as it relates to Collinwood. Then it was lunch at Tower City.  I was exhausted by the end of the day but I hope that these ladies had a great time downtown.

Next up is another classroom lesson on a subject of their choosing and then planning for the Spring at the Garden.  The 4th of March will bring these students outside for a Memorial at the garden.

We look forward to continuing to work with these and other students as well as the teachers and staff of Memorial.  Thank you for some extracurricular learning in your busy schedules.

Teaching history of the Collinwood community and the City of Cleveland is a part of the mission of the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!!!!

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District wants to continue modernizing its buildings, a campaign that began after the gym roof at the former East High School collapsed 14 years ago. Since then, the District has built and renovated 41 schools.

Work completed so far in what CMSD calls the Collinwood-Euclid cluster includes four new schools: Memorial PreK-8 was completed in 2005, followed by Hannah Gibbons STEM in 2006, East Clark in 2009 and Euclid Park in 2010.

If voters approve Issue 4 on Nov. 4, CMSD would continue to invest in the cluster, building a new O.H. Perry School.

Collinwood High School would remain open, with the District maintaining the building and working to increase the number of high-performing programs in the school.

Collinwood’s most recent report card shows signs of academic improvement: The school’s performance index (a composite of scores on achievement tests) increased 4 points and the graduation rate jumped 10 percentage points. The school has become one of 14 in Ohio to join the nationwide New Tech Network and use the network’s project-based curriculum.

A revised master facilities plan also calls for maintaining Ginn Academy and Kenneth W. Clement Boys’ Leadership Academy.

Approval of Issue 4 would not raise taxes, and the state would contribute $2 for every $1 the District spends on new construction.

Under The Cleveland Plan, a state-approved blueprint for education reform, CMSD seeks to provide quality school options in every neighborhood. And the presence of quality schools will help with economic development and the continued population growth of this cluster.

Across the city, CMSD would build 20 to 22 schools and refurbish 20 to 23 others if Issue 4 passes.

Issue 4 includes a $200 million bond issue for construction and a half-mill levy that would generate $2.5 million a year for maintaining buildings.

The owner of a $50,000 house would pay $44.10 pear year, just as the owner is already paying.

The Board of Education has prioritized the hiring of city residents, minorities, women and small businesses on construction projects.

To view the facilities plan online, go to www.clevelandmetroschools.org/masterplan

FAST FACTS:

Issue 4 will allow for construction of 20 to 22 new schools and the refurbishing of 20-23 schools, and it also will generate $2.5 million a year for building maintenance – all without raising taxes.

The state will provide more than $2 for every $1 the District spends on construction. That means Issue 4 will bring in an estimated $256.8 million from the state for Cleveland's schools without raising taxes.

Issue 4 authorizes $200 million in bonds for new construction and a half-mill tax for maintenance.

Issue 4 will cost the owner of a $50,000 home $44.10 per year.

CMSD has spent its construction dollars prudently while building and renovating 41 schools since 2001. The District saved taxpayers $42.2 million by refinancing and paying off debt early.

The Cleveland Board of Education has adopted the city’s Community Benefits Agreement to guide future construction. That will prioritize employment of city residents, minorities, females and small businesses on CMSD projects.

The CMSD facilities plan funded by Issue 4 is aligned with the groundbreaking Cleveland Plan. The facilities plan gives CMSD the flexibility to start new school models and provide quality school options in every neighborhood.

The independent Bond Accountability Commission, which was created in 2001, would continue to monitor the use of bond funds.

Date      Opponent                           Time                      Location               Score

8/29       Garfield Hts.                       7:00 pm                Garfield Hts.          L 6-26

9/6         Lutheran East                    12:00 pm              Lutheran East        L 2-19

9/13       Open Door Christian       1:00 pm                Midview               

9/20       Whitney Young                 12:00 pm              Collinwood          

9/25       Glenville                              3:00 pm                Glenville             

10/3       John Adams                       3:00 pm                Roye Kidd Field    

10/11     John Hay                              7:00 pm                Bump Taylor

10/24     John Marshall                    3:00 pm                Collinwood        

10/30     Lincoln West                      7:00 pm                Collinwood    

Several teens from the iMedia program, wrote and produced a skit called "Do You See Me, Can't You Hear Me?" The skit is about a teenage girl who faces various challenges in her life, and she thinks that suicide is her answer to the emptiness that she feels. A few of the teens from the iMedia program, have been affected by the act of suicide, from someone they knew or they found themselves in a trying position. The teens wanted to bring light to a dark situation, hoping it would prevent someone from taking their life.

Suicide among our youth is a very serious problem, the act of suicide has lasting effects on the families, friends, and the community as a whole. With suicide, many question are left unanswered, and family members are left with feeling shame and blame for the death of their loved one. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds, after accidents and homicide, and it is the sixth leading cause of death for 5 to 14 year olds.

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On Sunday, September 14 nearly 400 animals residing in Cleveland's South Collinwood neighborhood were provided with free exams, vaccinations, microchip id's, ID tags, leashes & collars. Guests were also eligible to receive free spay/neuter services for their pets! Over 100 volunteers, 4 veterinarians and their vet teams, and Cleveland Job Corp students and staff worked hard all day to ensure that every animal received the care that it was promised. This event was hosted by Cleveland Job Corps, and made possible by PetFix NEO, Councilman Jeff Johnson and Mike Polensek, Cleveland Animal Care and Control, Friends of the Cleveland Kennel, and several other organizations. Funding was provided by Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust and Councilman Jeff Johnson.

Shine a Light on Crime, one Block at a Time

On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, Cleveland residents participated in Mayor Jackson’s 31st annual “Night out Against Crime”. The “Night out Against Crime” was an opportunity for Clevelanders to come together in order to shine a light on crime, one block at a time and take a stand against violence and other types of crimes in their communities.

The Cleveland Job Corps Center Student Ambassadors volunteered at Humphrey Park working with members of the Community Relations Board, 5th Commander Dennis Hill and Department. It was night that highlight the need for curfews and stop the violence.

Cleveland's Young Leaders Program

The cure to a better society is coming to a recreational center near you. The Young Leaders Program is a Non Profit organization/after school program that's here to help Cleveland’s inner city youth from 6th -12th grade by teaching them life tools. For example the staff of the Young Leaders Program will talk to teens about community issues, family issues, and how to handle problems such as peer pressure, divorce, etc. Our city needs this program, The Young leaders Program will provide the youth with Guidance. Let’s face it most teens feel like their parents can’t relate to them. In this program most of our teachers are young adults who are dedicated to helping our teens and preteens stay on the right path and grow mentally. In order to make this happen The Young Leaders Program needs a Secretary and Treasurer to begin this mission. If you are interested in these positions send your resume to youngleadersprogram@yahoo.com or call President Lavont White 216-925-6359 or Vice President Breauna Sweeney 216-219-5859.Be a part of the solution!

Save the Date!

On August 18, 2014 call all Alumni to return to the Cleveland Job Corps Center

On August 20, 2014 the Cleveland Job Corps Open House

On August 22, 2014 the Cleveland Job Corps Center Graduation Celebration

The Cleveland Job Corps, founded in 1965, was one of over 100 job-training programs created by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; it produced the first program graduates in the country. In two decades, the Cleveland Job Corps trained over 12,000, mostly African American women from out of state. The Job Corps recruited high school dropouts ages 16-21 and sent them to a residential center to obtain a high school equivalency degree, if necessary, and work skills. Because of the national scope, applicants were often sent far from home. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, an African American women's service organization, sponsored and operated the Cleveland program under contract from the U.S. Dept. of Labor. The group maintained a house at 1588 Ansel Rd. for nearly 400 girls until 1971, when it relocated to the Tudor Arms Hotel at E. 107th and Carnegie. Only women lived at the facility, but men were accepted into the program after 1976. Cleveland Job Corps trained participants for business, clerical, and service occupations. Through a cooperative program with the Brotherhood of Railway & Airline Clerks, the center guaranteed job placement.

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CMSD NEWS BUREAU 7/26/2014

There's a turnaround under way at Collinwood High School.

This fall will mark the arrival of the New Tech curriculum at the high school on East 152nd Street, and Principal Maria Carlson said the staff could not be more pumped up about how that should change the teaching dynamic.

“It's really exciting because it's all project-based learning and all grounded in real-world applications,” she said. “So often, students will say, 'Why am I even learning this? I'll never use it.' That's not ever going to be true anymore because they'll be applying it in real time.”

That means no more “teachers standing at the board lecturing and students taking – or not taking – notes,” Carlson said.

Collinwood joins the nationwide New Tech Network, which includes 14 schools in Ohio. Among those are three in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District: Facing History New Tech, New Tech West at Max Hayes and New Tech at East Tech. 

Approximately 40 students grades K-8th grade from the Collinwood CMSD Community schools and churches participated in a 2-week Project-Based learning activity from June 16th through June 27th, held at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church at 14735 Thames Avenue pastored by Rev. Cecelia Williams. Rev. Bev Potter was the facilitator for this project, which involved grant-writing, student recruitment and a math/sewing curriculum.  Students were provided Math Measurement, Data and Geometry instruction based on Ohio State Standards students by certified math teachers each day. Math peer-tutors from Collinwood High School assisted in the learning process.  Students then transferred their knowledge into application by measuring quilt pieces, measuring seams and creating geometric designs.  Many quilters and seamstresses from the community and community churches and neighbors joined in and shared their talents and donated fabric and sewing materials.  Parents and grandparents and church parishioners joined in daily to teach sewing skills, cook and encourage. Even students home from college assisted in making this a wonderful experience.  There were 63 quilts and blankets that were created and donated to the Providence House on West 32nd Street, which is crisis nursery center for infants and children.  We are indeed grateful to Neighborhood Connections and The Arts council for providing the funding for this project which provided sewing machines and learning materials.  Additionally we express sincere thanks to Northeast Shores Community Center and Margaret Craig for their support and to Councilmen Michael Polensek for his encouragement and support.

The CNHS is working on a new plan for the Memorial Garden at Memorial School located at 410 East 152 Street. We hope that you remember that the Memorial Garden was created as a living memorial where the community experienced nothing but death and destruction and a severe blow to the community on March 4, 1908 when 172 precious children, two teachers and a resident rescuer of the Collinwood community were killed in what became known as the Lakeview School or Collinwood School fire.

The garden needs some tender loving care and we are here to help facilitate that.  A Committee has been created out of the Historical Society to make sure that the garden is once more tended too.  A group of students from the school – who call themselves the “Garden Angels” have been working with the Committee and hopefully will become a more integral part of the care of the garden when school starts up again in August.  Thank you to the committee for what you have been able to accomplish.

During the Summer, this Committee and the CNHS will be working with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to shore up a maintenance schedule, responsibilities list and a “to do” list. We hope to identify supporters, resources and funding for some of the larger needs of this raised bed garden and its environs.

We look forward to working with the Garden Angels come September but we need to get to that point. If interested in helping out please contact us.

On October 9, 2014 we are planning on being at Memorial School for Fire Awareness Day as a part of Fire Prevention Week. Plans are in the works.

Euclid Cooperative Preschool  is celebrating their 65th Anniversary.   The school was established  in 1948 and is the oldest preschool in Euclid.  After moving to Euclid in 1945,  Audrey Bass, the founder of school,  found there were no preschools in Euclid to send her children to.  With the support of “Cleveland Day Nursery ” Mrs. Bass established Euclid Cooperative Preschool.  Her son Andrew Bass was the first student enrolled in the school.  Mrs. Hazel Beaufait Stroh was the school’s first teacher.  The school soon  became one of 40 cooperative preschools in the Cleveland area.   Cooperative Preschools are run by committed parents and qualified staff members who welcome parents in their classroom as parent participators.  Parents can participate with varied levels of commitment as board members, committee heads, committee members and classroom participators. 

Euclid  Cooperative  Preschool continues to be a non-profit preschool that welcomes all families of 3, 4 and 5 year old  children.   The school is currently rated a 4 Star Step Up to Quality preschool.  As a 4 star rated center the preschool offers a low staff to student ration,  a highly  qualified staff, a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is aligned to the new Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards and meets all of the requirements for a  4 star rated preschool.  The preschool is currently enrolling for fall of 2014.

Euclid Cooperative Preschool is are currently creating an alumni directory.  Alumni can email current contact information to euclidcoop@gmail.com  or send written information to Euclid Cooperative Preschool 21000 Lakeshore Blvd Euclid, Ohio 44123.  Any questions about enrolling your child in Euclid Cooperative Preschool call 216 731-1316 or Donna Sudar at 216 486-5987.   Please help spread the word to Euclid Cooperative Preschool Alumni about our alumni directory!

The Cleveland Job Corps is celebrating our 50th anniversary. The Community Relations Council met at 1:30pm.  Michael E. Taylor, BCL, welcomed the members and expressed his pride about the upcoming program. Lou Ortez, President CRC, gave the introduction and stated “we can only get better”. Mr. William Houston, Center Director, gave the update for the Cleveland Job Corps Center. Mr. Houston, said he values their input and would like the CRC members and CIC members to be a part of this upcoming memorable occasion, Job Corps 50th Anniversary. Ms. Greene who took a video of the meeting for the record. In addition, she recorded several members’ testimonials about their support of the Cleveland Job Corps Center. Ms. Hozina, CPP, for creating a great sideshow presentation highlighting the history of Cleveland Job Corps Center.

The Cleveland Job Corps Center is 50th Anniversary Celebration August 18th – 22nd 2014

SAVE THE DATE !

On August 18, 2014 call all Alumni to return to the Cleveland Job Corps Center

On August 20, 2014 the Cleveland Job Corps Open House

On August 22, 2014 the Cleveland Job Corps Center Graduation Celebration

Taylor.michaele2@jobcorps.org

CMSD NEWS BUREAU The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has embarked on a second round of community meetings to seek input on the proposed facilities master plan.  

The informational sessions will come to the Collinwood-Euclid communities from 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 18 at Collinwood High School and school officials want  to hear from residents and concerned citizens in the neighborhood.    You can read about the plan and download a schedule and PDF documents at http://bit.ly/facilitiesPlan 

On Tuesday, June 3, the Lee-Miles neighborhood came out in numbers to the Harvard Community Services Center on Tuesday evening for the third of 14 open houses that District officials will use to finalize a master facilities plan.

The Lee-Miles area is among a dozen “clusters” where CMSD is holding open houses on different scenarios, or options, for construction, renovation and maintenance of buildings. The scenarios were displayed around the room, along with demographics and other facts about the area.  

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Options that the Cleveland Metropolitan School District has proposed for District buildings would preserve schools in the Collinwood neighborhood and perhaps replace one with new construction.

CMSD is holding a series of open houses to answer questions and field comments on possible scenarios for construction, renovation and maintenance. The schedule includes a session that will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 at Collinwood High School.

The proposals call for maintaining Ginn Academy and Kenneth W. Clement Boys’ Leadership Academy and possibly building a 350-seat replacement for O.H. Perry School. The document also proposes continuing to operate four schools -- East Clark, Euclid Park, Hannah Gibbons STEM and Memorial -- built since 2005.

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New Day Academy celebrated mothers by hosting a Muffins for Moms event in May. The event was part of New Day Academy’s parent involvement activities and allowed students to present their mothers hand-crafted gifts and share tasty pastries in celebration of Mother’s Day. 

The INFOhio Governing Advisory Board is pleased to announce that Gail Greenberg, library media specialist at Collinwood High School, is the winner of the INFOhio 2014 Hugh Durbin Scholarship. To be considered for this award, Greenberg had to be selected to participate in this year's Library Leadership Ohio Institute, a 3-day program held in July that cultivates the leaders who will guide Ohio libraries into the twenty-first century. The Hugh Durbin Scholarship pays her tuition for the program.

“I am elated and truly honored,” said Greenberg. “It’s nice to be recognized for doing something I believe in.”

A literacy advocate, Greenberg has served at-risk youth in PreK-12. Her research into the effect of collaboration between librarians and teachers on literacy in urban elementary schools led to Cleveland schools receiving a U.S. Department of Education Improving Literacy Through School Libraries grant. She has twice received the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries Grant on behalf of Cleveland schools. Her interest and concern for serving multicultural students resulted in her being selected as one of 15 people in the country to travel to Mexico and Peru for a five-week long Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminar. In addition, she generously shares what she’s learned with colleagues through professional development workshops and seminars.

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     A prestigious V.I.P. – Very Important Poet – visited Collinwood High School, in celebration of April as National Poetry Month.  Sojourner Ahebee, National Student Poet Class of 2013, met with a group of promising Collinwood High School student writers, educators and community members for a poetry writing workshop and presentation.  Also in attendance was Timothy Owens, Senior Library Program Officer, at the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, DC.

     Recently appointed one of five National Student Poets, chosen from among the national medalists in the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, Sojourner will serve as a literacy ambassador to people across the country and around the world.  She will share her passion for poetry and inspire her peers, through readings and workshops at libraries, museums and schools.  

     Sojourner attends Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where she majors in Creative Writing.  Born in Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa, she left her birthplace at age 7, after the start of the Ivorian civil war.  Her current home is Philadelphia, PA.

     Sojourner’s visit to Collinwood was made possible by a collaboration between Cleveland Public Library and its staff and Collinwood High School.  Caroline Peak, Collinwood Branch Manager, Amy Dawson, Manager, Ohio Center for the Book, Steve Capuozzo, Literature Department Librarian, Ohio Center for the Book, and Gail Greenberg, Media Specialist, Collinwood High School, planned and coordinated the day’s event.

The summer is fast approaching and with the heat comes craziness. Who wants to stay in the house? Pure laziness. But is it worth risking your life and safety? I don’t want to see another one of my friends or family members laying on the hot concrete, only for someone to say I don’t know what went on and I definitely don’t want that to be me. What do you do when there’s nowhere to run; everywhere you turn you’re staring down the barrel of their guns? When everyone thinks it’s ok to fight what do you do? Why can’t people put down their weapons and fight for things that matter? What about our education or the fact that businesses keep closing? What about the abandoned homes on our streets, but homeless families on our corners? I wish people would be more passionate about fighting for these things instead of fighting because someone said the wrong thing to them. But no matter what I say I know I’ll be hearing gun shots ringing. Old women singing, at funerals of their grandchildren. Truth is I’ll lose more friends, leaving my mood as blue as the summer sky. The summer should be fun but for some it will bring another year of grief and tears.

We are Memorial third graders in Mrs. Petro’s class. Our assignment was to write about the day the world famous Cleveland Orchestra came to our school. We would like to share our experience with you.

The day the orchestra came was very exciting. Nyline Hunt was impressed right from the start, “the Cleveland orchestra came to play and I saw a lot of people dressed in black playing instruments.”  Jamison Augustine said, “There are four kinds of instruments, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. My two favorite string instruments are the violin and the bass.”  Wendell Mitchell added, “I loved the way the music got louder and louder.” But Jason Owens says, “When I was watching the orchestra it was peaceful and I fell asleep!”  Then Dionna Rucker added, “I liked the part when they told what happened in Sleeping Beauty and the music got deeper.” Finally, Aohna Ogaltree and Al-mamun Rhiam both thought the, “drums made awesome noises that were silly at the same time.”

We all agreed with Dionna Rucker when she said, “Watching the orchestra made me feel excited and special!” Jomane Gore was excited and, “loved when the orchestra was playing to the poems.” Ny’eliah West said, “I didn’t hear much of the harp but when I did it sounded nice. And the best part was when one lady played the piccolo.” Cerena Moore enjoyed the fairy tales, “I liked when they played Sleeping Beauty and The Princess and the Frog.” Kortni Allen also enjoyed the music because, “she could recognize the fairy tale music.”   We all enjoyed the lady conductor, but Al-mamun said it best when he said, “The conductor was fun to watch because she was holding a baton.”

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     A Father and Son Night was held recently at Collinwood High School, facilitated by the school administration and staff, as well as community and parent volunteers.  This was an initiative to promote family and community engagement at the school. 

     The evening began with dinner and an encouraging message by Reverend Earl Baumgarner, of the City of God Baptist Fellowship, located in the Collinwood community.   Reverend Baumgarner spoke about the importance of fatherhood and getting a good education.  Fathers were given data about student achievement and various programs that Collinwood High School has to offer to prepare students for colleges and careers. 

     The program adjourned to the gym, where father and son teams displayed their basketball skills in various competitions including, free throw shooting, a 3-point shootout, 5-on-5 and 2-on-2.  Winning teams were recognized and given trophies.

     In celebration of Teen Tech Week, and this year’s theme, “Do-It-Yourself @ your library,” several classes had the opportunity to learn about Cleveland Public Library’s new Tech Central – Maker Space.  Tech Central Coordinator, Sam Tripodis visited Collinwood High School and spoke with students about the many free state-of-the-art technology resources and classes available at the facility, located in the Louis Stokes Wing of CPL’s main branch. He described Tech Central – Maker Space as a place where CPL and CLEVNET member library card holders can explore, design, create and innovate.  Students were fascinated when Mr. Tripodis demonstrated the 3-D printer and some examples of its capabilities. 

     Arrangements for this program were coordinated by media specialist, Gail Greenberg, in collaboration with teachers, Christopher Kraska, Joyce Dorbish, and Teddy Mwonyonyi.

There is Nothing More Valuable to Your Child’s Growth as a Learner than “Just Reading.”

A few years ago, I was a participant on a panel with several principals about how to evaluate teachers.  The principal next to me spoke first, and among the many statements she made with which I disagreed was this one:  “I never want to walk into a classroom and see students just reading.”

At the Intergenerational Schools, it is required that teachers provide at least 30 minutes each and every day for students to just read.  This is called SSR, for Sustained Silent Reading.  In many schools and classrooms, students spend a lot of time filling out worksheets or doing reading “activities” but spend little if any time just reading. In my work as a teacher, principal and now Chief Educator, I like nothing better than to walk into a classroom and see every individual (teacher included) deeply engrossed in a book.  Each person is reading a “just right” book that he or she has chosen (independently or with teacher guidance).  We will never develop readers, if we never give students the opportunity to select and spend time reading beautiful, wonderful, engaging and mind-expanding books.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has been working steadily, if a bit quietly to draft a new facilities Master Plan. This plan, whose release has been delayed since February, will help determine how building funds from the State of Ohio and local bond campaign will be invested to build, renovate, and otherwise adjust the distribution of school options around the city.

CMSD leaders say the draft plan will be released in mid-April. It will be available online at www.clevelandmetroschools.org and will likely get ample coverage in The Plain Dealer by education beat reporter Patrick O’Donnell. Once the plan is out, we will have one last opportunity to be heard about plans, especially for such aging neighborhood schools as Collinwood High School and OH Perry.

Continued.

This month the Cleveland Transformation Alliance (CTA) launched a new school choice tool for families across our city. The CTA is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child in Cleveland attends an excellent school and that every neighborhood has a mutlitude of quality school options from which families can choose. A new website, www.clevelandta.org is now available to help Cleveland families make informed decisions about the schools their children attend – including a comprehensive, interactive and searchable “report card” on every public (district and charter) school in the city.

Cleveland Transformation Alliance is a key component of Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools, and advocates for progress outlined within that plan. The Transformation Alliance has four distinctive roles:  (1) Assess the quality of all district and charter schools in Cleveland; (2) Communicate to parents about quality school choices; (3) Ensure fidelity to the citywide education plan; and (4) Monitor charter sector quality and growth.  The Alliance’s Board of Directors stands "unified for quality schools" and includes representatives from Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cleveland Teachers Union, charter school authorizers, the business community, foundations, parents and educators.

Continued.

Our Mission: To provide the highest quality education for students from a high-need, urban area, compels us to strive for academic excellence for each student through the delivery of a 21st century educational model. All costs for education are received from local tax funds that have been allocated to support our high quality school.

The College Board Academy presented its scholars with award certificates for a variety of accomplishments, at an assembly held recently in the school’s auditorium. 

Scholars in the New Tech Academy were presented award certificates for a variety of accomplishments, at an academy assembly held recently in the school’s auditorium.

Since the beginning of this school year, a research team led by Gail Greenberg, media specialist and Michael Rotman, historian and technical consultant, have been tracking the Collinwood Railroaders history. This project, which is a work in progress, has entailed finding images, newspaper articles and other artifacts from the school’s extensive archives.  Highlighting this effort are oral history interviews with teacher/graduates and community members. In order to share the photos and unique stories, Greenberg and Rotman have created a website, “Tracking the Collinwood HS Railroaders,” which can be accessed from collinwood.omeka.net.

There isn't much that has changed since my last article, but I did find out that it is required for every student to have at least one parent-teacher conference per semester.

The students who haven't complied with this were informed on their interim reports that they needed to set up a parent-teacher conference before the semester is over. CMSD must feel that teachers meeting with parents is very important and influential of the student's education.

Our staff is also very avid and meticulous when it comes to the students' attendance. They may send home a letter questioning the child's lack of attendence. It seems as if the CMSD's transformation plan may be changing Collinwood for the better.

Our Lady of the Lake’s parish play performed to near sell-out crowds at the end of November. Nearly 900 people enjoyed performances of "The Adventures of the Fearsome Pirate Frank", a dramatic comedy that featured more than 130 young members of the school and parish. Director David Malinowski, of Willoughby’s Fine Arts Center, brought out the best in all the performers, and all three shows received rave reviews. 

The actors were backed by a stand-out team of parents and volunteers, who managed everything from costumes and sound to programs and concessions. Their support allowed every one of the players to shine in what may have been one of the best productions the parish has staged. Father Joe Fortuna said “This was truly a community project. We couldn’t be more proud of our children and their families. And perhaps the best part of seeing this show come to life was the way the students just blossomed before our eyes. We saw them displaying talents we’d never seen before.”

Special thanks go to all the wonderful helpers, particularly Chairperson Dorothy Kane and Co-Chairs Sharon Furlan, Leah McSween and Katie Quinlan. Maryanne Hiti created incredible costumes, and Natalie Jarosz, Janet Paciorek, Shannon Jerse, Sam O’Connell, Marilyn Hahn, Pam Smith, Karen McGarry, Kay O’Donnell, and Lisa Brazytis managed everything from make-up, tickets, props and programs to designing the set. Thanks also to Doug Kaprosy, Kevin Beuck, and Drew and Jen Kime, for managing setup and rehearsals. We’re particularly grateful to our donors, including Duke Young, Jim Gallagher, Tony Furlan, Dave DeChant, Hosanna Design, Mike McGarry & Sons, VASJ, and Willoughby Fine Arts, who contributed everything from lighting and sound to costumes, flowers and paint. Every single parent helped out in one way or another as well, and it was this wonderful community support that helped to make the students’ production magical.

Thank you all, for a whirlwind success for Our Lady of the Lake’s drama program.  We can’t wait for next year!

On Thursday, December 12, 2013, Ginn Academy will hold its first annual Empty Bowls fundraiser to directly support the Cleveland Foodbank. For a $10 donation, you will receive a handmade bowl, created by a member of the Ginn Academy ceramics program. The bowl will then be filled with homemade soup, and you will receive a spoon and linen along with a slice of freshly made bread. Please come to the Ginn Academy from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM to support this important cause for those in need in Northeast Ohio.

Helping to Feed People in Need: Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and was created by The Imagine Render Group. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other craftspeople, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to an organization working to end hunger and food insecurity. From http://www.emptybowls.net/

This fundraiser has been organized by Judy Rickel, ceramics teacher at the Ginn Academy.

On October 26, 2013 the Cleveland Job Corps Center participated in Make a Difference Day! This event was held at Burten Bell Carr Development Inc. The Executive Director, Tim Tramble, thanked the CJCC staff and student ambassadors for coming out on a very cold Saturday morning. Our students and thousands of participants nationwide from companies, non-profit organizations, government employees and many more worked to make a difference in their communities.

For the past twenty years, USA Weekend Magazine and the Point of Light have joined together to sponsor Make a Difference Day. This is the largest national day of community service. Make a Difference Day’s mission is to change the lives of others. USA Weekend focuses on social issues, entertainment, health, food, and travel. Our volunteers helped install trellises in the Four Corners Orchard. This is part of a redevelopment plan to have a fresh market place in the Central Kinsman Neighborhood. Volunteers raked and cleared the four gardens. Additionally, they learned about eating healthy. The guest speaker was Chef Pat LeGrand from The Food Network.

We are partners with AmeriCorps, the Cleveland Housing Network and the Bridgeport Mobile Market. Each student received copies of "Eating Healthy on a Budget" and "Three Simple Tips for to a Healthier You."

In addition, some Cleveland Job Corps Center volunteers were at Singleton Health Care Center. This is a nursing home.  Singleton nursing center provides extended stay nursing care for seniors with various levels of disabilities. This is one of our favorite activities. Ms. Jewel Clark, Security, spearheaded the event. Our students played cards, read and assisted with lunch for the seniors. The CJCC is always well received by the seniors and our students enjoy making a difference in their lives.

Special thanks to Social Development, Ms. Contrell  and Ms. Clark for making this a great event.

My name is Mi’onia Watkins and I attend the Major Work program at Oliver Hazard Perry. On October 25, 2013 my classmates and I participated in a play for Molly Day. Molly was the daughter of George and Janet Voinovich. She was a 4th grader that attended Oliver Hazard Perry as a Major Work scholar, when one day she was killed in a tragic accident. Until this day she is still remembered and never will be forgotten.

For me, it is an awesome experience to perform for Senator and Mrs. Voinovich. I have been performing for the Voinovich family for four years and every year we put on different plays in honor of Molly Voinovich. My wonderful teacher, Susan Brunecz, writes magnificent plays every year. Sometimes it is difficult because we only get to practice the play for a short period of time because our class is always busy with our academics. Still we always pull it together and perform a wonderful play. I have to say I love putting on plays and even singing for the Voinovich family. I greatly appreciate the checks and the speeches Senator and Mrs. Voinovich give to us every year.

This year we had a special guest, William Clayton Jr. He talked about being in Major Work and attending John Hay High School. He will attend The Ohio State University in the fall of 2014.

October 25, 2013 was Molly Day at O. H. Perry. Molly Day is a day where we remember Molly Voinovich, who was struck by a car on her way back to school and died. Molly Voinovich was a 9 yr. old Major work student at Oliver Hazard Perry who was a loving and caring person. Senator and Mrs. Voinovich were devastated by her death. Each year we put on a play dedicated to the memory of Molly.

The play we performed was about two students who found themselves in a mix-up. Instead of the students going to the O.H. Perry Academy Awards, they wound up at the 34th Annual Academy Awards for motion pictures. There were six main characters: a movie star, four students, and a director. In certain parts of the performance we sang "Walking on Sunshine," an OAA remix of "Dynamite," "Take a Bow" and "Lean on Me."

The movie star (which was me) acted as if she was better then everyone until she realized that she wasn’t receiving any awards. She sang the remix of "Take a Bow."  She noticed that being rich and popular doesn’t always get you where you want to be in life.

As the movie star of the play, it was a fun experience to put on a show for Senator and Mrs. Voinovich, our CEO, teachers, principal, and others from the CMSD system. Senator and Mrs. Voinovich gave our school a check for the Major Work program. Their generous donation provides us with enrichment materials and experiences for the Major Work Scholars!! 

On October 25, 2013 the Major Work students of O.H. Perry put on a play for Senator and Mrs. Voinovich.

The reason we have Molly Day is to remember the life of Molly Voinovich, the daughter of Senator and Mrs. Voinovich, who was struck by a van and killed. Molly was a fourth grade Major Work student at O.H.Perry and her favorite color was lavender.

When the program started Kenneth Clement performed a Major Work rap. After Kenneth Clement preformed, the Major Work students of O.H.Perry performed a play called “The Academy Awards.”  It was about how school awards are just as important, or even more important, than the Academy Awards for motion pictures. Afterwards three students, Ciera Allen, Paige Harden, and myself did a skit about the five points we need on the OAA to increase our scores from last year and at the same time introduced Mr. Eric Gordon, the CMSD CEO. Mi’onia Watkins and Cameron Moore did a skit to introduce Senator and Mrs. Voinovich.

The principal of O.H. Perry, Mrs. Sofia Piperis accepted the check Senator Voinovich gave to help fund the Major Work program. Mrs. Piperis thanked Mrs. Brunecz for directing the play and thanked the Major Work students for being in it.

I’m sure that everyone loved the program. It seems like every year the play gets better. I loved being in the play and I’m sure that next year will be better than ever.  Molly’s memory lives on in us all.

As we all know Collinwood is known as one of the CMSD's investment schools. I always felt that our academics wouldn't improve solely on replacing the majority of the teachers. For me nothing at Collinwood really changed. Although, I do think that my teachers are certified to teach I feel that we don't do as much classwork compared to my previous years.

I'm not saying that things have gotten worse, I'm saying that not much has improved from what I've seen. The best thing about going to Collinwood is that there are shorter class periods and they aren't as strict on dress code. Now when you first enter class you have to complete "Do Now" activities and before you leave you have to complete "Exit Ticket" activities.

One of the things that they did actually improve was some of the class sizes. Some don't have as many students which makes it easier for the teacher to assist students. For the most part, all of my teachers have an objective they want to achieve for that day. They have all of their material together and it seems like they are very prepared for class. My teachers discipline their students well, they know their material and always move the class forward with their learning.

I feel that most of the teachers that I have had in the past were on track just as well, if not better than my current teachers. My overall opinion of Collinwood's transformation is that it isn't as bad as i thought it would be but the whole change was unnecessary. The only major change was that Investment School Plan hired and fired a bunch of staff members; the students' learning process didn't really get affected in my point of view.

I asked Bryanna Houston, a junior at Collinwood High School, a few things about her year so far at Collinwood and this is what was said:Me: "Is this your first year at Collinwood?"

 Bryanna: "This is my third year at Collinwood."

 Me: "How has this year been different than your previous years at Collinwood?"

 Bryanna: "Less drama! Less drama this year. Uhhh, I'm in a higher grade and this has been more fun than last year."

 Me: "What are some things that changed that you're happy about?"

 Bryanna: "Umm, I got better grades this year. I'm almost finished with high school, turn up! Turn up!"

 Me: "Did you go to any other schools besides Collinwood?"

 Bryanna : "No."

On Tuesday, October 15, 2013, the Ginn Academy Science Club visited three separate urban farms in Cleveland: Stanard Farm in Hough, Ohio City Farm on the Near West Side, and Kinsman Farm in the Kinsman neighborhood. The trip was coordinated by Jacqueline Kowalski, Ohio State University Agricultural Extension Educator, who has been working with Ginn Academy over the past year, teaching students about native plants and crops. The purpose of the trip was to allow students to prepare themselves to design the Ginn Academy Community Garden, a service-learning project they will implement in the upcoming year through the generous funding provided by the State Farm Youth Advisory Board. 

At Stanard Farm in Hough, students had the opportunity to tour the farm and ask questions of the site coordinator.  Students were impressed with the organization of the farm and the use of raised beds for growing crops. They asked about crop types and if crops could be grown throughout the winter since the coordinator told them the farm employed people year round through the use of hoop gardening. Ryan Williams, ninth grader, was impressed by the fact “that the little flower houses hold in heat.”  Another student remarked that he learned “that you have to cover lettuce and other vegetables in the winter.” The students had an opportunity to sample some fresh produce—mustard greens, kale, edible flowers, and Jalapeno peppers, if they were brave enough. They were able to cool their mouths with fresh apples afterward. Darren Gregory, a sophomore, remarked, “One thing I learned is there is a lot of fruits and veggies, and not to eat a Mexican pepper!”

The Learning Center and Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland was the recent destination of a group of Collinwood High School students and their teachers, in celebration of this year’s Financial Education Day. Members of the Career Tech Financial Literacy Class and the Collinwood Archival and Oral History research team, along with teachers, Teddy Mwonyoni and Gail Greenberg had the opportunity to explore the history of money and its role in our everyday lives. 

From a tour of the facility and its interactive exhibits and displays to conversations and lunch with museum educators and staff members, students enjoyed a first-hand look at how our economy works. Among the visit’s highlights was the current featured exhibit, “Propaganda and Patriotism: The Art of Financing America’s Wars.”  This collection of War Bond posters explores the Federal Reserve’s historic origin as the fiscal agent of the U.S. Treasury and illuminates them as an art form.

Collinwood seniors recently participated in a lesson related to citizenship and the importance of voting, in a district-wide program that coincided with National Voter Registration Day. 

The Collinwood Army JROTC conducted its first of three American Red Cross Blood Drives on September 19, 2013. The motivated cadets were able to sign up 31 donors; the cadets' goal was to have 25 pints of blood donated. While more than enough people signed up, the goal was not reached. The blood drive was able to donate 10 pints of blood. 

This past August, a research team, led by Gail Greenberg, the school’s media specialist, Michael Rotman, technical consultant and Nadine Grimm, project coordinator at the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County, began the ambitious task of bringing Collinwood’s rich history to life.