Olmsted Falls School District May/June 2012www.ofcs.net

Preparing for significant renovations in the OFHS auditorium began with the removal of the 43-year-old seating, which were sold during the recent on-line auction. In addition to receiving a small profit from the sale, the District also eliminated the need to pay an estimated $6,500 to have the seats removed (if they had not been sold).

New roofing materials stand at the ready in the High School parking lot.

The first phase of roof replacement for OFHS gets underway the last week in June and will fix the most problematic area.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S CLASS OF 2012Congratulations to the 270 members of the Olmsted Falls High School Class of 2012! Parents, family and friends gathered at Cleveland State’s Wolstein Center on the evening of May 31st to celebrate Commencement. Valedictorian Pamela Keller and Salutatorian/Class of 2012 President Olivia Henton were featured speakers, along with School Board President Jim Weisbarth, Superintendent Dr. Todd Hoadley and Principal Dr. Robert Hill.

Valedictorian Pamela Keller

Salutatorian & Class of 2012 President Olivia Henton

P.I. RENOVATIONS BEGIN AT OFHS

MIDWEST TALENT SEARCH SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Congratulations to the twenty-two Olmsted Falls Middle School students recognized for their achievements in Northwestern University’s Annual Midwest Academic Talent Search competition, which enables students to participate in ACT and/or SAT tests that are typically taken by college-bound juniors and seniors in high school. Middle school students who achieve a score of 21 or above on the ACT and/or a score of 980 or above on the SAT are recognized as top performers.

Board of Education Vice President Joe Bertrand (pictured at far left) and President Jim Weisbarth (pictured at far right) helped recognize these outstanding students in May. OFMS students recognized in this year’s national competition are (in alpha order): Joshua Aubel, Jennifer Bertrand, Joseph Bertrand, Lauren Boros, Adrien Curtis, Jamie Dregalla, Hunter Gordon, Bennett Graham, Sara Hathcock, Megan Hoadley, Jacob Krucek, Matthew Metzger, Stephen Miller, Max Molkentin, Meghan O’Brien, Emily Olszewski, Christina Pedicini, Matthew Pedicini, Mallory Taylor, Rachel Walsh, Evan Woodruff, Jared Yant and Audrey Zbydnowski. Congratulations to each of these students and to their families!

Already a traditionally busy time of year for the Olmsted Falls School District in terms of routine building and grounds maintenance, this summer also brings a number of significant renovation and repair projects made possible by funds from the 2.8 Mill Permanent Improvement (P.I.) Levy passed by the community back in November 2011.

Olmsted Falls Kiwanis Club President Mr. Monte Cox (center) congratulates this year’s Kiwanis Employee of the Year winners (L to R): Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional Mrs. Marie Uhl, Bus Garage Secretary Mrs. Jan Holecko, Middle School Science Teacher Mrs. Kathy Dean and Early Childhood Center Preschool Teacher Mrs. Elaine Atkinson. Staff members are nominated annually by fellow colleagues through a written nomination process. Nominations are reviewed and selected by a special committee of Kiwanis members. Congratulations to the 2012 Employees of the Year, and thank you to the Kiwanis Club for their continued support of the Olmsted educational community.

Congratulations to volunteer Irene Nester on receiving this year’s “Friends of Education Award” presented by the Olmsted Falls Education Association. Irene was honored at this year’s Records Day breakfast for the countless hours of time and effort she invests in assisting with art classes at both Falls-Lenox and the Early Childhood Center.

Irene’s volunteer efforts include assisting with prepping art projects for upload to the on-line art gallery, Artsonia. She is an invaluable resource whose efforts are much appreciated! Congratulations and much gratitude to Irene Nester!

OLMSTED FALLS KIWANIS CLUB EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Olmsted Falls School District bids farewell to eight dedicated staff members retiring this year. Their combined service to Olmsted Falls Schools totals 151 years!

2012 RETIREES DEDICATED TOTAL OF 151 BULLDOG YEARS TO DISTRICT

Congratulations and best wishes to all of our Bulldog retirees! Pictured (L to R): Nancy Franklin, Janice Henry, Kathy Wood, Sharon Black and Joyce Boddy. Not pictured: Katie Campbell, Diane Drespling and Marlene Wilhelm.

This year’s retirees include:

Mrs. Joyce Boddy, Central Office Personnel Specialist (17 Bulldog years)

Mrs. Sharon Black, Central Office Accounts Payable (10 Bulldog years)

Mrs. Katie Campbell, OFIS Cleaner (15 Bulldog years)

Mrs. Diane Drespling, OFHS Cafeteria (17 Bulldog years)

Mrs. Janis Henry, OFHS Intervention Specialist–Tutor (17 Bulldog years)

Mrs. Nancy Franklin, Falls-Lenox Library Media Assistant (25 Bulldog years)

Mrs. Marlene Wilhelm, OFHS Cafeteria (19 Bulldog years)

Mrs. Kathleen Wood, ECC Kindergarten Teacher (31 Bulldog years)

On behalf of the Olmsted Falls Schools and the Olmsted communities, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of this year’s retirees for their commitment to the education and well-being of our children. These valuable individuals, and their impact on the District, will be greatly missed. Congratulations to each of them, and best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement!

VOLUNTEER HONORED WITH 2012 FRIENDS OF EDUCATION AWARD

(L to R): 2012 “Friends of Education” Award Winner Irene Nester with Falls-Lenox/ECC Art Teacher Ms. Victoria McConnell-Paul.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CLASS OF 2012 GRADS Thanks to the generous support of more than 70 local individuals, families, businesses and organizations who contributed to the Olmsted Falls Local Scholarship Program this year, $121,548.62 in scholarship funds were awarded to students from the Class of 2012. Seventy-one local sponsors awarded a total of 241 scholarships to graduating seniors this year. Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients, and sincere thanks to this year’s Local Scholarship sponsors. Olmsted Falls School District sincerely appreciates these valuable contributions to our students’ futures. This annual generosity is part of what makes Olmsted Falls a truly special place for students.

Class of 2012 Olmsted Falls Alumni & Endowment AssociationScholarship Winners

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPSAcademic Booster Club .......................................................................................... Kristin Marie Allan ............... Pamela Kathleen KellerAlumni and Friends of Falls Wrestling ..........................Scott J. Ahern ..............Nick Kurtis Asadorian ...........................Alex Bevilacqua ............................................................................................................................................. Brian Slater ............. Nicholas Arthur SommerAthletic Booster Club Amanda Michel Abraham Lori Marie Bertrand Angela Bush Nathan Robert Ferster Alyssa Mary Hansinger Olivia Lauren Henton Tyler Daniel Knapp Jared Scott Kurz Eric John Meehan Katherine Elizabeth ParfejewiecMary Barfield Memorial Angela Bush Jaclyn Elizabeth Brandt Kayla Marie Petro Board of Education Katherine E. Ashmun Lori Marie Bertrand Peri Elizabeth Brabenec Karissa Noelle Dodge Reilee DuPratt Tyler Hyde Katherine Elizabeth Parfejewiec Eric Michael Riha Jonathan Andrew Roche Robert Joseph Saylor Allison Tinnirello Celeste Weise Chamber of Commerce Tyler Daniel Knapp Kerry McGuire Nicolas Ryan Sword Daniel F. Coyle Cross Country Natalie Nicole Gasper Donauschwaben’s German American Cultural Center Megan Elizabeth Bush Endowment and Alumni Association Kevin Candow Jack Scott Sullivan Sohan Vartak Endowed Scholarships: Angelina’s Pizza ........................................................................................................................................Emily Rose Diffenbacher Banks Family ............................................................................ Hayleigh Catherine Cefalo Sanders Gordon Boddy ............................................................................................................................................ Mauren Alicia Schindler Greg Butcher Wrestling ........................ Nick Kurtis Asadorian .......................Alex Bevilacqua .................................. Brian Slater ................................................................................................................................................................... Nicholas Arthur Sommer Class of 1959 ..........................................................................................................................................................Alex Paul Martin Dallas Family ................................................................................................................................................. Megan Elizabeth Bush Leonard A. & Betty J. Davidson .................................................................................................................................Ashley Michel Amelia Harding ............................................................................................................................................................ Sohan Vartak Capt. Charles Harding ...................................................................................................................................................Thomas Hoy Clara Harding.................................................................................................................................................................Angela Bush McKinney Family ....................................................................................................................................... Mauren Alicia Schindler Virginia Reed Railsback ...................................................................................................................................Ashley Marie Raffay Retired Staff ........................................................................................................................................................... Emily Lynn Buck Dr. Brian E. Rooney..................................................................................................................................... Jaclyn Elizabeth Brandt John Sanders .............................................................................................................................................................Nolan T. Brandt Schady Family .......................................................................................................................................... Elizabeth Claire Hawkins Aurora & Norman Spiro ..............................................................................................................................Alejandra Garcia-Ponce Jason Geoffrey Stanley ..........................................................................................................................Marcie Kathryn Brasdovich Stumpf Family ........................................................................................................................................... Hannah Marysa Whitney Ann Taylor ........................................................................................................................................................... Miranda Oltmanns Robert Venefra ............................................................................................Sean William Hayes ......................Tyler Daniel Knapp Walker & Jocke ............................................................................................................................................................. Amber Black First Federal of Lakewood ..................................................................................................................................... Jonathan Andrew Roche Girl Scout Service Unit of Olmsted Falls .............................................................. Lori Marie Bertrand ................. Megan Elizabeth Bush ............................................................................................................. Mauren Alicia Schindler ............. Hannah Marysa WhitneyDr. William Hayes Jack Scott Sullivan Dara Hosta Memorial for Music & Performing Arts Emily Lynn Buck Dara Hosta Spirit 5K Race/Walk Amanda Michel Abraham Desiree Jenni Belford Lori Marie Bertrand Alex Bevilacqua Kevin Michael Bohland Rachel Anastasia Botoulas Peri Elizabeth Brabenec Jacklyn Elizabeth Brandt Nolan T. Brandt Megan Elizabeth Bush Nicholas Aaron Chalfant Arwyne Evelyn Dorsey Margaret Anne Englehart Julie Ann Estep Nathan Robert Ferster Evan Louis Fried Natalie Nicole Gasper Ryan Hanks

(Dara Hosta Spirit 5K Race/Walk continued) Alyssa Mary Hansinger Jessica Hargis Sean William Hayes Olivia Lauren Henton Jacob Hodge Tessa Joy Hongosh Thomas Hoy Leslie Alexandra Hurrell Alexis Nicole Kerg Taylor Janel Ledwell Emilie Madeline Macek Timothy McClaren Bridget Mental Joseph Vincent Mulgrew Madeline New Katherine Elizabeth Parfejewiec Kayla Marie Petro Nataley Elaine Print Erica Lynn Reiser Cassidy Mariah Reynolds Robert Joseph Saylor Mauren Alicia Schindler Nicholas Arthur Sommer Amy Lee Souders Jack Scott Sullivan Allison Tinnirello Matthew Wachowiak Celeste Weise Hannah Marysa Whitney Makenzie Rae Yuschak Edward M. Zajac Zachary Tyler ZarubaBetty Jones Memorial .................................................................................. Amanda Michel Abraham ......................... Eric John Meehan Key Club .............................................................................................................Desiree Jenni Belford ...................... Lori Marie Bertrand ..............................................................................................................................Robert Joseph Saylor .....................Ashley Marie Raffay Kiwanis Club ............................................. Desiree Jenni Belford ................................Kevin Candow .......Amanda Marie Lammermeier..................................................................... Ashley Marie Raffay ........................Jacob Stanley Zalac ....................Zachary Tyler Zaruba Kiwanis Lyn Barbee Memorial ...............................................................................................................................Emilie Madeline Macek Bob Sawyer Memorial .................................................................................................................................................. Lori Marie Bertrand Kovar La Veda Trust Memorial ............................................................................................................................. Jillian Maurene Mesaros Kovar La Veda Trust Music .........................................................................Margaret Mary Winterich ...........................Edward M. Zajac Dr. Melissa Kronholz and Dr. Thomas Kronholz .......................................................Alex Bevilacqua ................... Olivia Lauren Henton Layburn Award ................................................................................................................................................................... Alita Joan PetrasMasquers Forensics Patrons ....................Pamela Kathleen Keller ................................ Madaline New .... Hayleigh Catherine Cefalo SandersMedical Mutual of Ohio .....................................................................................................................................Samantha Elizabeth KuehnMonin Insurance & Financial ........................................................................................................................................ Lauren Paige Kody Multi-Cultural Club ................................................................................... Samantha Elizabeth Kuehn .............. Hannah Marysa Whitney Music Association .........................................Lori Marie Bertrand .........................Tessa Joy Hongosh ...........................Edward M. Zajac National Honor Society .....................................................................................................................................................Erica Lynn Reiser NETSCO, Inc. ............................................................................................................................................................................Brad Sevcik OAPSE ............................................................. Katie Marie Allen ........................Kyle Patrick Barber .............. Natalie Therese Bartsche .......................................................................Lori Marie Bertrand ........... Marcie Kathryn Brasdovich .............. Bridget Eileen Pompeani Olmsted Community Center ..........................................................................................................................Amanda Marie Lammermeier OFEA .............................................................................................................. Emilie Madeline Macek .............. Hannah Marysa Whitney Olmsted Falls High School Office ....................................................................................................................... Nicholas Arthur Sommer OFSA Scholarship ................................................................................................... Timothy McClaren ............... Jillian Maurene Mesaros Olmsted Falls Volleyball ................................................................................................................................................Kelsey Rose Snider PTA Units Early Childhood ................................. Alyssa Mary Hansinger ...............................Emily Meredyk ........................ Miranda Oltmanns ............................................................................................................................................................................... Hannah Marysa Whitney Falls Lenox ...................................... Margaret Anne Englehart .................... Nathan Robert Ferster ......................... Eric John Meehan ....................................................................................................................................Edward M. Zajac .......................Jacob Stanley Zalac Intermediate School ...........................Jaclyn Elizabeth Brandt ............ Samantha Elizabeth Kuehn ............................Jared Scott Kurz ............................................................................... Ashley Michel .... Hayleigh Catherine Cefalo Sanders ........................Jack Scott Sullivan ..........................................................................................................................Alanna Flynn Fitzgerald ....................... Ashley Marie Raffay Middle School ................................................................................................Desiree Jenni Belford ........................Angela Marie Cole .............................................................................................................................Olivia Lauren Henton ............... Jonathan Andrew Roche High School ..............................................Kristin Marie Allan ..................... Katherine E. Ashmun ...................... Lori Marie Bertrand Kevin Michael Bohland Nolan T. Brandt Emily Lynn Buck Megan Elizabeth Bush Karissa Noelle Dodge Hunter Thomas Hillebrand........................................................................ Tessa Joy Hongosh ...........................Amy Lee Souders ................Emilie Madeline Macek .............................................................................. Kerry McGuire .......................... Kayla Marie Petro ......................... Melissa Anne Tarr .................................................................................................................... Alyssa Danielle Thompson .....................Matthew Wachowiak Council .....................................................................................................................Julie Ann Estep ............... Mauren Alicia Schindler .......................................................................................................................................... Sohan Vartak ....................Zachary Tyler Zaruba Post Prom ...........................................................Dylan Lee Bruce ............... Kristen Michelle Clayton ....................Caitlin Justine Dahlin................................................................. Samantha Eleanor Fink ...............Hannah Mackenzie Klein ............... Teresa Nicole Kleinhenz................................................................... Bridget Corrine Liddy .................. Callahan Patrick Miller .................... Erin Kendra Milligan..................................................................... Amanda Grace Parks ................................ Corey Thomas ..........Lauren Michelle Wojtowicz..................................................................................................................................................................... Lyndsey Adrienne ZbydnowskiRenaissance Retirement Community ......................................................................................................................... Karissa Noelle Dodge Ellen Reeves Visual Arts .......................................................................................................................................... Taylor Christine Bruno Republic Services ..............................................................................................................................................................Erica Lynn ReiserRotary Club of Berea ............................................................................................................................................................... Amber Black Saluja Hamilton Memorial ..............................................................................................................................................Timothy McClaren Schuster’s Greenhouse ................................................................................................................................................Zachary Tyler Zaruba Student Council .............................................. Angela Marie Cole .................... Natalie Nicole Gasper ................. Holly Anne Hammeren ............................................................................ Chelsea Horvath ................................ Madeline New ...............Claire Elizabeth Rickner ................................................................................................................................ Kelsey Rose Snider ..............Margaret Mary Winterich Ernie Sylvester Memorial .................................................................................................................................... Elizabeth Claire Hawkins The Joe Vincent Memorial .....................................................................................................................................................Reilee DuPratt Vitamix Corporation .........................................................................................................................................Marcie Kathryn Brasdovich

2012 Polaris Student of the Year, Brian Bildstein, and Mr. Tony Sambunjak, Polaris Precision CNC Machining Instructor.

OFMS Principal Mr. Mark Kurz helped spread congrats to Class of 2012.

OFHS Social Studies teacher Mr. Jeff Kho placed a sign in the yard of a Bulldog grad.

PTA Council President Rebecca Gawsyszawski, PTA Volunteer of the Year Amy Hanratty and OFHS PTA President Gayle Boesken

PTA Council President Rebecca Gawsyszawski, OFIS PTA President Sandra Graham and PTA Educator of the Year Rhonna Smith

PTA Council President Rebecca Gawsyszawski, PTA Helping Hands Award winner Holly McFadden, and OFMS PTA President Amy Krogh

Brian Bildstein, Precision CNC Machining, from Olmsted Falls High School was named one of two Outstanding Seniors for the Polaris Class of 2012 during the 36th Annual Polaris Senior Awards Ceremony held at Grace Church on May 29, 2012. Congratulations Brian!

POLARIS STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO OFHS STUDENT

SIGNS OF CELEBRATION: CLASS OF 2012 BULLDOGS RECEIVE SURPRISE

The faculty, staff and administration of Olmsted Falls Schools began a new tradition this year by personally distributing congratulatory yard signs to each member of the graduating class of 2012!The sign blitz came on the eve of commencement thanks to more than 35 volunteers who canvassed Bulldog country placing special

“Congrats” signs in the yards of each graduating member of the Class of 2012.

The gesture was a perfect way for Bulldog staff to show the great pride they have in these Bulldog grads!

Congrats again to the OFHS Class 2012!

Congratulations to PTA member Amy Hanratty for receiving this year’s PTA Volunteer of the Year Award at the annual PTA Volunteer Celebration and Installation Dinner held in May at Olmsted Falls Intermediate School. Also honored at the event were PTA Helping Hands Award winner Holly McFadden and PTA Educator of the Year Rhonna Smith, an intervention specialist at Falls-Lenox.

Thank you to each of these award recipients and all of our PTA volunteers for your unending work on behalf of the students and families of the Olmsted Falls School District!

MEMORABLE CAREER DAY EVENT FOR FALLS-LENOX STUDENTS The Third Grade Falls-Lenox Career Day took place on Friday, May 18th. Many parents and volunteers came to share their careers with the students, as well as answer questions.

A few of the favorite careers included: the Cleveland Clinic Emergency Helicopter pilot and nurses, police officers, martial arts instructors, a soldier, and college professor.

The students learned a lot and had a great afternoon which will not soon be forgotten!

A special thanks to all of the parents and Lacey Gordon, the Falls-Lenox guidance counselor, for planning this exciting event!

PTA RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS & STAFF AT ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

The Olmsted Falls City School District hereby gives notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in the educational programs and activities operated by the district.

Olmsted Falls Board of Education26937 Bagley Rd.P.O. Box 38010Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PaidCleveland, OhioPermit No. 3288

IS PUBLISHED AS A LINE OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE RESIDENTS OF THE OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY

**********ECRWSS****LocalPostal Customer

BOARD OF EDUCATIONJames A. Weisbarth, PresidentJoseph T. Bertrand, Vice PresidentRhonda McCroneGreg Surtman Michelle M. Theriot

Dr. Todd F. Hoadley, SuperintendentDr. James L. Lloyd, Assistant SuperintendentMark Hullman, Treasurer/CFOTimothy J. Atkinson, Director of Business Affairs

Kim Petrina, Editor (440) 427-6020

DON’T FORGET TO JOIN THE MISSION FOR SUMMER

READING FUN!Remember to take advantage of the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s

annual reading game.

This summer’s “Mission Possible” game runs through August 11th.

Open to children and adults! Fun prizes!

Participate at any Cuyahoga County Library Branch.

RETIREES ATTEND ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON; CELEBRATE MILESTONE

Olmsted Falls Schools Endowment and Alumni Association hosted its annual Retired Staff Luncheon in May. Approximately 30 retired Bulldog staff members attended the event held at the Moosehead Hoof and Ladder restaurant. Retired Bulldogs enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with former colleagues. This year, the group also celebrated the milestone of their “Retired Staff Scholarship Fund” achieving endowment status. Endowment status indicates the fund has reached $10,000. OFCS retired staff have been very generous donors to this scholarship fund since it was established in 2007 to benefit graduating seniors from OFHS. The fund is administered by the Olmsted Falls Schools Endowment and Alumni Association.