WPS Students of the Month

2

Preschool and KG Early Entrance

2

Back in Time: Canal Days!

2

Read Across America Day at WPS

2

Biomed and Biology Team Up

2

10th Annual Baseball Reverse Raffle

2

Seusstastical Week

3

English Language Learners Teacher-Mom Tea

3

WMS Students of the Month

3

Free Parent Workshops

3

Once Upon a Mattress

3

Winners of Chess Tournament

3

Student Athletes Continue to Shine

4

Softball Coach Awarded Highest Honor

4

Mark Your Calendar April

4

Keymaker Nomination

4

Inside this issue:

S E R V I N G T H E

W O O D R I D G E L O C A L

S C H O O L S C O M M U N I T Y

Visit us on the web at www.woodridge.k12.oh.us. Follow us on twitter @Woodridge.

The BugleThe Bugle M A R C H 2 0 1 4

Meet the Bulldog and Board of Education Vice President By: Christy Weaver, Bugle Editor

George DeBord, Vice President of

Finance, CFO at Oriana House, Inc. was

sworn into his first term as Vice

President of the Woodridge Board of

Education at the January Board Meeting.

George graduated from Buchtel High

School and went on to receive his B.S. in

Accounting from the University of Akron.

He lives with his family and dog Buster and enjoys watching his

children at sporting events, listening to music, and taking rides

through the CVNP. He also has an addiction to watching James

Bond movies, according to his daughter.

George feels that education is the responsibility of both the school

district and family. “Schools are limited in what they can

accomplish without the support of the child’s home. It takes both,

working at it constantly. Sometimes it is not easy, but our

responsibility for education as a district and parents is over thirteen

years, K-12. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Quality takes time.”

While acting as Vice President, he would like to help continue the

great tradition of superior education for our students by helping to

give our administration and district personnel the tools they need to

ensure that they can make excellence happen.

“I would like to make sure the Woodridge Community knows they

are considered when decisions are made about the direction that

the district is going in and encourage them to attend the “Coffee

with the Superintendent” or contact Mrs. Levenger, our Treasurer, if

they have questions or suggestions. I am grateful to have an

opportunity to serve on the Board of Education and I hope my

service makes a positive impact. If people have a question about

the district that I can help with or suggestions or comments please

let me know at gdebord@woodridge.k12.oh.us.”

Congratulations, George, on your election to Vice Presidency and

we look forward to many years of continued success with your

strength and leadership!

Register to Vote! Deadline to register for the May 6 election

is Monday, April 7!

Save the Date! April 10, 2014—Members of the Woodridge Community are

invited to participate in an informational meeting to review the

results of the Woodridge Community Dialogue Questionnaire. In

addition, participants will discuss facility options as presented by

Braun & Steidl Architects and Warner Concepts. This meeting will

be held Thursday, April 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the

Woodridge High School Auditeria.

Calamity Day Make-Up Plan Approved By: Walter Davis, Superintendent

This winter, the Woodridge Local Schools has used eight (8)

calamity days due to severe weather conditions and Woodridge

High School has used ten (10) calamity days due to weather and

gas line leaks. All Ohio schools are granted five (5) calamity days

each year and state law requires districts to make up instructional

time beyond that. Given the unusually harsh winter this year,

Ohio Legislature has approved a bill that provides up to four (4)

additional calamity days, however, the law requires districts to

make up four (4) of the missed days using contingency plans

before the additional calamity days can be used.

The Woodridge Local School District Board of Education has

approved a plan for the make-up of instructional time

resulting from the unusually harsh winter weather this year. The

components of this plan include the following:

All students (K-12) and staff will be IN SCHOOL on

Monday, April 21, 2014. The district calendar has been

revised to make Monday, April 21, 2014 a regular school day

for staff and students.

Primary, Intermediate, and Middle School students will be

provided “Blizzard Bag” assignments for TWO days of

instruction. The first will be assigned in early April and the

second will be assigned in early May.

High School students will be provided “Blizzard Bag”

assignments for THREE days of instruction. The High

School staff will stagger the assignments such that students

will have at least two weeks to complete the work.

This plan will satisfy the requirements for making up lost

instructional time at this point. If additional calamity days are

needed this school year, additional provisions may be

needed to ensure that we comply with state law.

For more information about the Blizzard Bags and Calamity Days,

please visit our website at www.woodridge.k12.oh.us.

Woodridge K-12 Art Show at the Peninsula Library By: Lois Keener, WHS Art Teacher

Woodridge Local Schools will be displaying student artwork at the Peninsula Library April 12-29th. The art show will include work from grades K-12. Come to the Peninsula library to see what wonderful things are happening in the art rooms of Woodridge!

Local Scholarship Opportunities Available at WHS By: Sally Elvitsky, WHS School Counselor

Each year, thanks to the generosity of our community, Woodridge High School seniors are given the opportunity to apply for locally provided scholarships. This year’s Local Scholarship applications are now available on the Woodridge High School Guidance webpage. Most applications must be submitted by April 15th. Please note, a few of the scholarships have different deadlines.

WPS Students of the Month By: Pat Kennedy, WPS School Counselor

Congratulations to our

Woodridge Primary School

Building Character Students

of the Month for February.

These students were chosen

by their classrooms for doing

an excellent job showing

Cooperation, our Word of

the Month.

Front Row: Omar Alharbi, Davey Treen, Denise Koroma, William Filon,

Aaliyah Williams, Zachary Whims, Shamari Lindsey, Isabelle Kester. 2nd Row:

Faith Johnson, Gavin Lynch, Malak Ahmed, Mario Barlow, Emma Reed, Allie

Martin, Aidan Stull, Nicholas Naska. Back Row: Liam Clarke, Isabella Simon,

Elizabeth Selders, Sharlena Henson, Nathan Van Dyne, Jenna Vanyo, A.J.

Rickenbacher. Not pictured: Madeline Howard.

Back in Time: Canal Days! By: Kelly Bartilson, WIS Teacher

Fourth grade was treated to a wonderful adventure

traveling back in time to the days when the Ohio

and Erie Canal was the best transportation for

goods. The Summit County Historical Society

brought another trip in a box to allow the students

to see and touch artifacts from Ohio’s canal era.

Children dressed as canal workers, examined

actual tools used by the people working the canals,

and measured a space the size of a canal boat cabin where up to 8 people

may have slept. They were amazed the space was smaller than their own

kitchens! The best part of the “trip” was seeing a working model of a canal

lock. “It’s almost like an elevator for water!” exclaimed one student. What an

amazing learning experience for all involved!

Public Preschool and Kindergarten Early Entrance Information By: Valerie Riedthaler, Director of Pupil Services

Register Now for Woodridge Public Preschool

Every child should have the chance for a preschool experience before they

attend kindergarten. In cooperation with the Akron Metro Housing Authority

(AMHA) and a grant from the Ohio Department of Education, the district

offers preschool classes at Honey Locust and Maplewood Gardens

apartments. Morning and afternoon classes are available at each location to

children whose parents may not otherwise be able to afford private

preschool.

Transportation is available for eligible children who live off site. Classes are

open to children ages 3-5 who are income eligible and who are residents of

Woodridge Local Schools. Income eligibility is based on federal poverty

guidelines and family size. For example, a child from a family of two earning

up to $26,954 or a child from a family of four earning $40,792 per year can

attend at no cost. Three year olds are eligible to attend on their third birthday

regardless of when their birthday falls in the calendar year. There are still a

few spaces available for fall classes. To enroll, parents should contact

Vonnie George at (330) 928-9074.

Early Entrance to Kindergarten

for 2014-15

The Woodridge Local School

Boa rd o f Educa t i on has

designated August 1st as the

birthday cut-off for kindergarten

enrollment. All children who will be

five years old by August 1st may be

registered for the 2014-2015

school year at the Administrative Office at 4411 Quick Road.

In order to provide for individual differences in ability, the State of Ohio

permits children whose birthdays fall after August 1, and on or before

January 1, to be tested for early admission to kindergarten. State law

requires that in order to be eligible for early entrance, children must be

significantly advanced in cognitive development and demonstrate at least

age appropriate development in all other areas. Applications packets for

early entrance are available for pick -up at the Administrative Office, 4411

Quick Road. If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Riedthaler at

330-928-9074 or vriedthaler@woodridge.k12.oh.us.

P A G E 2

The 10th Annual Woodridge Bulldogs Baseball Reverse Raffle is on Friday, April 25th at Stow Youth Baseball Party Center on Hudson Drive. Doors open at 6:00 with Dinner at 7:00 and the Raffle beginning at 8:15. Cost of a ticket is $110

which includes two meals, drinks, and 2 chances to win the $1000 Cash Grand Prize. Single meal tickets are also available for $90. We will also have sideboards and a Silent Auction. This is a great time and the money raised will go directly towards the baseball program.

If interested in attending, please contact Head Baseball Coach Dennis Dever at ddever@woodridge.k12.oh.us or 330-715-1269.

10th Annual Woodridge Bulldogs Baseball Reverse Raffle By: Dennis Dever, WHS Teacher

Read Across America Day at WPS By: Mary Ann Blatt, WPS Teacher

Monday February 28th was Read Across America Day. Mrs. Oyler's second grade students and Mrs. Blatt's kindergarten students at Woodridge Primary School partnered for 15 minutes of buddy reading! Students were asked to bring a favorite book from home to share with their second grade and kindergarten buddy. The children sat in the

gym with their buddy reader and quietly read their favorite books to each other for 15 minutes. The students were focused and actively engaged in literacy! The second graders were able to model reading fluency, while the kindergarten students could demonstrate their reading skills. The Read Across America buddy reading event was so successful, Mrs. Blatt and Mrs. Oyler have decided to incorporate this activity into their monthly lesson plans.

Biomed and Biology Students Team Up By: Matt Milosovic, Biomedical Engineering Teacher

Biomedical Engineering and Technology

Program students partnered with 10th grade

biology students to complete a Restriction

Digestion and Analysis of Lambda DNA. In the

lab BETA students demonstrated proper

micropipeting technique, reviewed how

restriction enzymes cut DNA at known

locations, and explained how gel electrophoresis is used to separate different

sizes of DNA. Then the biology students completed the lab with guidance

from their BETA partner.

P A G E 3

Visit us on the web at www.woodridge.k12.oh.us. Follow us on twitter @Woodridge.

The State Support Team Region 8 and the Parent Access Collaborative will be

sponsoring a series of parenting workshops throughout the school year. These

workshops will take place at the Summit County Educational Service Center and

registration is required.

To register, please contact Alice Doyle at 330.929.6634 ext.511232 or

aliced@cybersummit.org. For additional information contact Susan Foley at

330-928-9074 ext. 591703.

April 9, 2014 – What’s New in Ohio. Stay on top of what is going on in Ohio and how it relates to you and your child. Learn about waivers, scholarships, legislation, and so much more. Bring your questions and concerns. Presented by Gary Tonks, Executive Director of ARC of Ohio. Registration required. State whether or not you will stay for free lunch. 9:30-12:30 pm.

***************************************************************************************************************************** ****************************************************************************************************************************

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE—April 2, 2014 - Hidden in Plain Sight—An

Awareness Program for Parents and Other Adults. This astonishing, interactive

exhibit is designed to resemble a teenager’s bedroom. It contains 150+ items which

may be indicative of risky behaviors. The presentation will include topics such as

substance abuse, violence, eating disorders, juvenile crime, technology, risky

games/challenges and more.

This program will take place at Theodore Roosevelt High School, 1400 N. Mantua St, Kent, OH. Sponsored by Kent City Schools, Kent City Police, and the Woodridge Local/Kent City Schools Parent Mentor Program. Presented by the Copley Police Department. For more information contact Susan Foley at ke_parentmentor@kentschools.net or 330-676-7661.

FREE Parent Workshops By: Susan Foley, Parent Mentor

Come and see the story of “The Princess & the

Pea” brought to life as Woodridge High School

presents this musical performance of “Once

Upon A Mattress”.

Show dates are Friday and Saturday, April 4 & 5

at 7pm and a matinee showing on Sunday, April

6 at 2:00pm in the Woodridge High School

Auditeria. Doors open thirty minutes before the

show. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased

at the high school or night of the show. Children

age 5 and under are free. (This performance is

presented by permission of Rodgers &

Hammerstein Theatricals Inc.)

Winners of the Second Annual Chess Tournament By: Don Lathem, WIS Teacher, Chess Advisor

English Language Learners Mom-Teacher Tea Time By: Susan Keyes, ESOL Teacher

In January, the English Language Learners’ program started a monthly

Mom-Teacher Tea in an effort to reach out to our parents who speak

languages other than English. Our goal is to ensure that these families feel

welcome in our schools and know that we value them as an essential part of

our Woodridge community. In addition to learning how to access Woodridge

resources like Progress Book, we have started free English classes for the

mothers of our English Language Learners. Classes, taught by volunteers

from Cross Point Community Church in Akron, meet weekly in parents’

homes. All participants have been enthusiastic about his wonderful

opportunity. English classes and monthly meetings with ESOL teachers will

continue until the end of the school year.

Congratulations to the WMS Students of the Month. The theme of January is responsibility. Left to Right: Sophia DeBord, Madison Randall, Kevin Dickon, Charlie McDermott, Jocelyn Gazdacko, and Yassir Kahook.

WMS Students of the Month By: Jesse Hosford, WMS Principal

The theme of February is

Spirit.

Left to Right: Brandon

Applegarth, Michael

M a s s e y , U n i q u e

Stephens, Josh Mally,

Emily Mally, and Anna

Schmeltzer.

The first grade students enjoyed a week long adventure

through Dr. Seuss’s stories. Some of their favorite stories

were Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two

Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, The Lorax and Horton Hears a

Who. The students completed activities that involved

connecting the Seuss theme with the class objectives. Some

of the fun activities were creating fact families with green

eggs and ham, fish bowl story problems, Thing One and

Thing Two and Lorax writing, graphing of our favorite Seuss

books, spelling fish and their interpretation of the Cat in the

Hat. The students enjoyed a week filled with Seuss snacks

like green eggs, blue jello and Swedish fish, Cat in the Hat

treats, Barbaloots and marshmallows, mustache drinks and

Horton clover. Learning and fun was

had by all in our class!!!

A “Seusstastical” Week By: Denise Mottice and Megan Nitzsche, WPS Teachers

Like us on Facebook! Woodridge Local School District

Members of the Woodridge

Chess Club participated in their

s e c o n d a n n u a l C h e s s

Tournament. Winners received

a medal or trophy and are listed

here.

Winners of the Middle School

Division: 1st Place: Sam Bergdorf, 2nd Place: Evan Wagner, 3rd Place: (not

shown) Isaac Steinwedel.

Winners of 5th Grade Division: 1st Place: Zach Hess, 2nd Place: Abby

Bergdorf, 3rd Place: Cole Whitaker.

Winners of 4th Grade Division: 1st Place: Nathan Dunbar, 2nd Place: Ian

Riccillo, 3rd Place: Adrienne Hammontree.

In the Classroom and on the Field Mark Your Calendars—April

Athletics Listed are Home Games

Some people see a closed door and turn away. Others see a closed door, try the knob, If it doesn’t open, they turn away.

Still others see a closed door, try the knob, If it doesn’t open, they find a key, If the key doesn’t fit, they turn away.

A rare few see a closed door, try the knob, If it doesn’t open they find a key, If the key doesn’t fit, THEY MAKE ONE!

Is there a KeyMaker in your child’s education? We would like to recognize Woodridge employees and volunteers that have been KeyMakers, those who open doors for students. All nominated individuals will receive a certificate.

This program is sponsored by the Woodridge Parent Mentor Program. The Parent Mentor Program assists parents of children with special needs in securing an appropriate education for the child.

Nominate a KeyMaker

Your child’s name:

Your name:

Your address:

Your phone or email:

Nominee’s Name:

Nominee’s School:

Please attach a short paragraph explaining why this person should be recognized. We must receive all nominations prior to April 17, 2014.

Call 330-676-7661 with questions. Mail the nomination form to: Susan Foley, Parent Mentor, Woodridge Board of Education, 4411 Quick Road, Peninsula,

OH 44264 or email to ke_parentmentor@kentschools.net.

April 1: 6th Grade Outdoor Education (April 1—4) Boys Freshman and JV Baseball vs. West Geauga HS 4:30 PM PTO Social/Meeting @ WPS 6:30 PM April 3: Boys Freshman Baseball vs. Crestwood HS 4:15 PM Boys JV and Varsity Tennis vs. Coventry HS 4:30 PM April 4: Report Cards Issued K-12 Once Upon a Mattress @ WHS Auditeria 7:00 PM Boys JV and Varsity Baseball vs. St Vincent St. Mary HS 4:30 PM April 5: Boys JV Baseball vs. Twinsburg HS (Double Header) 11:00 AM Once Upon a Mattress @ WHS Auditeria 7:00 PM April 6: Once Upon a Mattress @ WHS Auditeria 2:00 PM April 7: Grade 2 IOWA and CogAT Testing Begins (April 7-11) Boys Varsity Baseball & Girls Varsity Softball vs. Southeast HS 4:15 PM April 8: Boys JV Baseball & Girls JV Softball vs. Southeast HS 4:15 PM Boys Freshman Baseball vs. Wooster HS 4:30 PM JV and Varsity Track vs. Hoban and Kent 4:30 PM Board of Education Meeting @ WHS 6:00 PM PSO Meeting @ WMS 7:00 PM April 9: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Field HS 4:30 PM WSO Meeting @ WHS 7:00 PM April 10: Boys JV Baseball vs. Solon HS 4:30 PM Community Dialogue Meeting @ WHS 6:30 PM April 11: Girls Varsity Softball vs. North HS 4:30 PM PTO Family Spring Dance @ WMS 6:00 PM April 14: Boys JV Baseball and Girls JV Softball vs. Mogadore HS 4:15 PM April 15: Boys Varsity Baseball & Girls Varsity Softball vs. Mogadore HS 4:15 PM JV and Varsity Track vs. Streetsboro and Waterloo HS 4:30 PM April 16: Coffee with the Superintendent @ BOE 4:00 PM Girls Varsity Softball vs. St. Vincent St. Mary HS 4:30 PM Music Club Meeting @ WHS 7:00 PM April 17: Boys JV Baseball vs. Rootstown HS 4:15 PM Dr. Seuss Literacy Night Grades K-3 @ WHS 6:00 PM April 18: NO SCHOOL—Good Friday April 19: Boys JV Baseball vs. Hillsdale HS 11:00 AM Boys Freshman Baseball vs. Twinsburg HS (Double Header) 11:00 AM April 22: Boys Varsity Baseball & Girls Varsity Softball vs. Waterloo HS 4:15 PM Boys JV and Varsity Tennis vs. Coventry HS 4:30 PM JV and Varsity Track vs. Rootstown HS 4:30 PM April 23: Market Day Pickup @ WHS 3:30—5:00 PM Boys JV Baseball & Girls JV Softball vs. Waterloo HS 4:15 PM Boys Freshman Baseball vs. Glenoak HS 4:30 PM Booster Club Meeting @ Moose Lodge 7:00 PM April 24: Boys Freshman Baseball vs. Field HS 4:15 PM Girls Varsity Softball vs. CVCA 4:15 PM Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Copley HS 4:30 PM Boys JV and Varsity Tennis vs. Theodore Roosevelt HS 4:30 PM April 26: Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Firestone HS (Double Header) 11:00 AM Boys Freshman Baseball vs. Hudson HS (Double Header) 11:00 AM WHS Band Banquet @ WHS 6:00 PM April 28: Boys Varsity Baseball & Girls Varsity Softball vs. Garfield HS 4:15 PM April 29: Grade 5 and Grade 8 Ohio Achievement Assessment—Reading Boys JV Baseball vs. Garfield HS 4:15 PM JV and Varsity Track vs. Garfield HS 4:30 PM April 30: Grade 4 and Grade 7 Ohio Achievement Assessment—Reading Girls JV Softball vs. Crestwood HS 4:00 PM

P A G E 4

Student Athletes Continue to Shine! By: Jeff Howard, WMS Teacher

Many of the recent graduates of the Woodridge High School track and cross

country program are continuing their careers at the collegiate level. We have

a variety of events represented around the United States. The following

Woodridge alumni still have eligibility at the collegiate level. Many of our top

seniors are also planning on competing next year.

Kyle Cochrun, Maria Moore, and Morgan Willis have graced the University of

Akron with their athletic prowess. Kyle recently broke his own UoA record

for the indoor 5000 meter. His time of 14:16 is leading the Mid-American

Conference. Miranda Stockton and Nick Karam have lent their distance and

hurdle skills to Mount Union University. Jacob Arnold is a conference scorer

for Defiance College. Nathan Mercer is a conference participant in steeple

chase for Case Western Reserve. Hannah Bouplon at Cuyahoga

Community College and Drake Sulzer at John Carroll University both

compete in distance running.

Several of our graduates have also moved out of state to continue their

education and athletics. Jimmy Charles, a consistent varsity performer,

attends Indiana State University. Justin Fawley, who has numerous

contributions at conference level competition, is with Hillsdale College in

Michigan. Tiffany Onifer has taken her skills to Waynesburg University in

Pennsylvania. Emily Gillespie, pole vaulter, attends West Virginia

University. Jacob Onifer, member of our conference championship cross

country team, is with Liberty University in Virginia. Finally, Erin Mercer and

Vibushan Sivakumaran are both All-ACC for North Carolina State University.

Woodridge Softball Coach Awarded Highest Honor of OHSFSCA By: Nick Mayer, Athletics and Activities Director

The Woodridge Local Schools would like to

congratulate Dan Schneider, Head Softball

Coach, on receiving the Sportsmanship,

Ethics, and Integrity Award for 2014. The

OHSFSCA SEI award is given yearly to a

coach who has displayed outstanding traits of

sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and integrity in the performance of duties

and responsibilities and is a role model for others. The award is the highest

honor the OHSFSCA executive committee may bestow on a coach. The

award is given to one coach in each district and one is chosen by the

executive committee as the State winner. This is the second time Dan has

won the award and previously when Dan was awarded the SEI for the NE

District, he was also voted the State winner.