Imagine a day when your child (or your neighbor’s) brings home a diploma that specifically positions him or her for a leg up on the college or career of their choosing—be it nursing, engineering, journalism, or scores of other opportunities.

That day just arrived! Join us on Thursday, January 16, as we unveil the newest innovation in our pursuit of Educational Excellence. Falls’ new Den-based academic clusters will offer the incoming Freshman Class the most advanced ideals in integrated, purposed learning.

At this special Freshman Orientation, students and parents/guardians can self-select from four learning communities: Arts, Media & Design; Human & Public Services; Health & Wellness; and E2 (Engineering/Entrepreneurship).

Superintendent Dr. Todd Nichols says the event is designed to assist students in evaluating personal interests in conjunction with areas of concentrated study for the 2014-2015 school year. The 3-hour orientation will feature round-robin presentations introducing each of the Dens. “Students in every academy will learn the basics. Core classes, including math, science, English and social studies, include all of the knowledge and skills necessary for high school, as outlined in the national ACT College Readiness Standards and the Ohio Core Content Standards,” Nichols said.

Falls Cross Country Coach Dan Scourfield has plenty to roar about. In addition to qualifying sixteen students to the Division I State Meet last fall, Scourfield’s team fielded 32 runners at the Youth Cross Country Coaches’ National Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, last November. Several received podium recognition by finishing in the top 25 individually. Additionally, the 11-12 year-old Boys’ Team finished 3rd in the U.S. overall.

“It’s no small feat,” Scourfield said. “Youth Nationals is put on by the same coaching group that’s held the AAU Jr. Olympic Cross Country and USATF Jr. Olympic Cross Country Meets. Our town owes these runners a round of applause.”

That applause will come on January 13th as the Board of Education will specially recognize the entire Cross Country squad in addition to 18 other Top Tiger performers. The community is welcome to attend the 6 p.m. meeting at Cuyahoga Falls High School.

A Special Section Dedicated to Black Tiger Headlines & Achievements January 2014

There’s never been a better time to become involved in your local schools. Go to cfalls.org and learn how you can help us deliver educational excellence in a changing world.

Incoming Frosh Eye Fresh Academic Clusters: Dens Unveiled January 16

Tigers Prove FerociousAt Kentucky Cross Country Nationals

RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS

CFSD Upcoming Events:Jan. 13 BOE Meeting

Jan. 16 Freshman Orientation

Jan. 28 Strategic Planning Meeting

Freshmen Orientation Agenda: 6:00 – 6:20 p.m. Registration

6:20 – 6:30 p.m. Opening (All students and parents)

6:30 – 7:00 p.m. ACT Explore Results

7:05 – 7:20 p.m. Round 1 — Exploring Dens

7:25 – 7:40 p.m. Round 2 — Exploring Dens

7:45 – 8:00 p.m. Round 3 — Exploring Dens

8:05 – 8:20 p.m. Round 4 — Exploring Dens

8:20 – 8:30 p.m. Wrap Up and Initial Den Preference

8:30 – 9:00 p.m. Opportunity to Address Individual Questions/Issues

Need more info? Check out cfalls.org

Got ideas about how Cuyahoga Falls Schools can best adapt to a changing world? Now’s your chance to shine! Join us on Tuesday, January 28, at 6 p.m. at the High School as we continue to shape our 5-year Strategic Plan. Input from the meeting will be central to the formation of the final plan, due to be presented to the Board of Education in May. All district residents are both invited and encouraged to attend, as the Plan is intended to reflect the ideas and input of the whole community. For more details and to RSVP your attendance, please call 330-926-3800.

In related news, the Board will make a decision on the intent to proceed with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) construction project by July 2015. While the intent requires no firm obligation, it does begin the process of preparing a bond issue that would provide the district with new/renovated educational facilities. This opportunity comes as a result of OFCC funds ear-marked for school facility construction. Originally, the fund was set up as a result of the tobacco settlement received by the state many years ago. Ultimately, the state is expected to invest approximately 25% or $37M of the total cost of facility construction.

Freshman Cross Country Star Emily Zimmerman is just one of a respected herd of runners making State and National track headlines. Honor their achievements with The Board of Education January 13 at 6 p.m. at Cuyahoga Falls High School.

Record Publishing Company photo by Timothy Sainte-Hilaire.

CFSD Recruits Evolutionary Thinkers . . . Like You!