Photos for front page?

Serving the communities of Hiram, Mantua & Shalersville

Cre

stw

ood

Loca

l Sch

ools

...st

rivin

g to

mee

t the

nee

ds o

f Eve

ry C

hild

, Eve

ry D

ay...

www.crestwood.sparcc.org

COMMENTSRESTWOOD

December 2008

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Superintendent’s Letter ...2

Financial News ................3

High School .....................4

Calendar ..........................6

Facility News ...................7

Middle School ................8

Intermediate ....................10

Primary ............................11

Menu ...............................12

Band Participates in National Championships

The Crestwood “Scarlet Guard” Marching Band traveled to Indiana November 13th to participate in the Bands of America Grand National Championships. This is recognized as the premier marching band event in the nation. Annual spectators exceed over 50,000 annually to attend this highly competitive event. Nine-ty bands from across America participated, including some of the finest, most progressive band programs in the activity today. This is the highest level of accomplishment for a marching band to achieve and be afforded the opportunity to participate in. Crest-wood is the first marching band ever selected from Portage County, Ohio to perform at the Bands of America Grand National Cham-pionship. The band is only one of 25 bands to represent the state of Ohio. The national performance ended a season of great accom-plishments with many awards of recognition, and a “Superior” rating at the state marching band finals. This places them in the top 10% of band programs in the state. These kids truly exemplify the hard work, pride, and dedica-tion that it takes to perform at this level.

Emergency School Closing Procedures and Notification

With winter weather approaching, the pos-sibility of school closings is upon us. Closings due to inclement weather or other emergencies are broadcast on all local radio and television stations. We ask that parents avoid calling the schools or stations since incoming calls tie up phones and delay notification. Decisions on whether or not to close schools due to snow or extreme cold are often difficult since forecasts about if and when bad weather will arrive are often inaccurate. Periodi-cally, forecasts are definitive enough that school can be called off in time for the nightly news. Most of the time, however, the decision is based on reports from district supervisors who drive our roads between 4:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. on the days that bad weather is forecast. We at-tempt to contact all TV stations as early as we can so that parents can get the information they need in a timely manner. In addition to snow, wind chill factors can also be a determining factor. A wind chill of more than 15 degrees below zero brings consid-eration for closing school due to the large num-ber of students who wait outdoors for buses in our district. Safety is our greatest concern! The most difficult situation is when bad weather ar-rives immediately after the decision is made to keep schools open. In such cases, we respect the right of parents to make their own decisions based on neighborhood road and weather con-ditions. If it becomes necessary to make up school days, the school calendar will be amended us-ing days at the end of the school year. In mid-January 2009, we expect to have an additional tool called Alert Now which will en-able us to make personal contact with parents who choose to be part of this system. Sign-up materials were sent to parents in mid-November. Contact your child’s principal if you need an ad-ditional copy.

Mr. Joseph Iacano

Crestwood CommentsThe Crestwood Comments is a non-profit publication serving as a communication medium between the Crestwood School District and the surrounding communities in which it serves.

Joseph Iacano, SuperintendentTara Reid, Executive Secretary

Carol Corbett, TreasurerCrestwood Board of EducationMr. Norman Erickson, PresidentMr. David Cline, Vice President

Mr. David BeckerMr. Kenneth JustusMrs. Martha Phillips

4565 W. Prospect St. • Mantua, OH 44255Phone: 330-274-8511 • Fax: 330-274-3710

email: reid@crestwood.sparcc.org

Editor, Jennifer Zajac - 330-603-0465zajac@crestwood.sparcc.org

Designer & Publisher, Trudy Capel - 330-569-3416Advertising Sales, Dawn Pechman - 330-562-7187

impactmedia@windstream.net

Superintendent’s Letter . . .

www.crestwood.sparcc.org2

Cre

stw

ood

Loca

l Sch

ools

...st

rivin

g to

mee

t the

nee

ds o

f Eve

ry C

hild

, Eve

ry D

ay...

LAKESIDESAND & GRAVEL, INC.

OFFICE 330-274-2569FAX 330-274-3569

3498 Frost RoadMantua, Ohio 44255

Fast Delivery • Quality MaterialsCompetitive Prices

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIALWashed Sand & Gravel

Road & Driveway Gravel

A major concern for parents as well as teachers is how to help children who experience difficulty learning in school. Everyone wants to see their child excel, and it can be very frustrating when a child falls behind in learning to read, math, or other subjects. Federal laws have directed schools to focus more on helping all children learn by addressing problems earlier, before the child is so far behind that a referral to special education services is warranted. While schools have attempted many ways to help

Reaching and Teaching the Whole Student Over the past several months we’ve shared with you some exciting things about how our students are performing academically. Our middle school and high school have both achieved excellent ratings on the state report cards, while our in-termediate and primary schools are ranked effective, which means we are meeting state expectations. As I reported last month, reports indicate that our students are being well prepared for college and are competitive with even some of the highest funded districts in the area. But at Crestwood, we look at education as more than just academic achieve-ments. We strive to offer enriching opportunities that meet the artistic, musical, lin-guistic, social and athletic needs of our students as well. Last month we reported on the outstanding achievements of our AP Art program and this month you’ll see that our band performed in a national competition, and our students in all buildings are working to aide the community through food drives and other social action activities. I’m also pleased to share the success of our Fall Sports programs. Sixty-nine student athletes were recognized this fall as scholar athletes. These students are varsity letter winners who maintain a GPA of 3.4 or above. Some of these students, along with their teammates, led Crestwood to Portage Trail Conference Championships in Golf, and Boys and Girls Cross Country this fall season. Additionally, the Middle School Girls Cross Country Team placed first in the PTC Championship and the 7th grade girls Volleyball team placed runner-up. All the players worked hard at their sport and their academics. If you know a student athlete, congratulate them on their fine performances this fall. I look forward to seeing the achievements of our athletes this Winter season! Please show these athletes your support by attending some of their events. You’ll find a complete listing of activities on our new web site at www.crestwood.sparcc.org.

Regular Board of Education meetings are generally held the first Monday of the month, at the High School Library, 10919 N. Main Street Mantua, Ohio. Meetings are held at the Primary School during the summer months. The public is cordially invited to attend. If more information is needed about a Board meeting, please contact the Superintendent's Office at 330-274-8511.

struggling students, including those with disabilities, Crestwood Local Schools current focus is on an improved, research-based process known as Response To Intervention (RTI). The RTI process is a multi-step approach to providing services and interventions to students who struggle with learning at increasing levels of intensity. The results of this monitoring are used to make decisions about the need for further instruction and/or intervention in general educa-tion, in special education or both. If you would like more information about RTI, please contact me at 330-274-2246.

District Aims to Help Struggling Students Through Response To Intervention (RTI) ModelBy, Brooke Pillets, Director of Pupil Services

Financial News . . .

3

This past October, the Board of Education approved our latest Five-Year Forecast of revenues and expenditures for the school years ending June 30, 2009 through 2013. This report allows the state to have an overview of the financial condition of all school districts across the state. Crestwood’s five-year forecast can be viewed on the ODE website at: http://fyf.oecn.k12.oh.us/fyforecast/ViewForecast/SelectDistrict.asp

The forecast is prepared with input from all depart-

ments throughout the district and takes into consideration state and local funding. The state of Ohio sets a budget for 2 years. We are currently in the second year of our State’s two-year budget. Even though the State sets a budget, we were just recently notified in October that the money that we were expecting from the State to operate our school system was being cut due to a revenue shortfall at the state level. We were given approximately two weeks notice about this cut and had to make whatever adjustments we could to insure that our budget was balanced. These types of changes happen regularly and unexpectedly whether from local or from state sources of revenue. These unex-pected changes make it very difficult to accurately project and forecast our operational revenues.

Winter Season Brings Cold and Flu BugsMrs. Joyce Schroder RN, BSN, Middle School and High School Nurse

Mrs. Kim Ondash RN, BSN, Primary and Intermediate Nurse

With cold and flu season fast approaching, we’d like to remind everyone of the Crestwood Local Schools medication policy. No medication can be carried or used on the bus or in school except emergency inhalers and epi-pens. There are specific permission forms that must be completed and signed for inhalers, epi-pens, over the counter and prescription medication. Only parent/guardian permission is required for over-the-counter medicine (ex: cough drops, Tylenol, Tums, cold / sinus tablets). Parent/guardian and physician authorization is required for all other medicine. This is also needed for over-the-counter medicine that you want given in doses more than that recommended by the manufacturer. To save you a trip to the doctor’s office, if you complete your section of the form, we can fax the doctor’s office for them to complete the clinician’s instructions and authorization and with your permission they can fax the completed form back to the school nurse in your child’s building. All forms can be found online at crestwood.sparcc.org

All over-the-counter and prescription medication must be delivered • to school with the appropriate permission form by the parent/guard-ian or their designated adult.All medicine must be in the original store or pharmacy container. No • loose medicine or medicine in baggies will be given. Container must be labeled with child’s name.Medication permission forms are required to be renewed every year.• Any medicine not picked up at the end of the school year will be • discarded. We appreciate your help in protecting the safety of all students at-• tending Crestwood Local Schools. Please call your school nurse if you have questions about this or any health related concerns.

The school district is required to provide a five-year forecast by law, thus the further into the future that we project these figures, the more difficult it becomes to estimate accurate numbers. The state will begin, sometime after January 1, 2009, to put together a new two-year budget for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. With the present state of the economy, it is difficult to know what future revenue can be expected from the state. This is important because our current state funding comprises about 56% of the district’s revenues. The district continues to vigorously monitor rev-enues along with expenditures which are made up of student textbooks, student technology, instructional supplies, utilities, transportation, building mainte-nance and repair, staffing requirements based on enrollment projections, etc. Managing public funds and deserving the public trust is of utmost importance to us. If you have any questions about the five-year forecast or any informa-tion contained in it, please feel free to contact Carol Corbett, Treasurer (ext. 2104) or Gregg Reink, Director of Business Services (ext. 2102) at (330) 274-8511.

Five-Year Forecasting: State Budget Cuts Make Forecasting Difficult, District Monitors Revenue Carefully

by Carol Corbett, Treasurer/CFO & Gregg Reink, Director of Business Services

High School . . .

www.crestwood.sparcc.org4

Back Row: Graham Schwesinger (Soccer), Courtney Zigman (Volleyball), Sarah Davis (12th)

Front Row: Bethany Perhach (11th ), Talia Cobb (9th), Tyler Mae Hunter (10th), Jena Tekavec (10th)

Not Pictured: Nick Prochnow (12th)

OCTOBER STUDENTS AND ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

Seniors Planning for Future

Planning for the future is an important step for all high school students. This year, Crestwood High School has a full-time Career Counselor. Mrs. Molito-ris is meeting with every senior student individually to discuss their plans for future careers and further educa-tion. Mrs. Molitoris has encouraged students to look further into careers that may be best suited for them and has provided information about how to apply to schools, what schools have the programs a student is looking for, and how to chose the best school. Students who are interested in a four year college should be getting applications filled out right now! Ap-plications and requests for transcripts should be in to the Guidance Department by Christmas Break. Stu-dents or parents with questions concerning plans after high school are welcome to make an appointment with Mrs. Molitoris to get more information. Appointments are available during the school day or after school with sufficient notice. Mrs. Molitoris may be contacted in her office in room 123 at the High School or by emailing her at molitoris@crestwood.sparcc.org.

2008-2009 Yearbooks: Parent Pages It’s time again for the Crestwood High School annual Parent Page Fundraiser! We would like all Crestwood Senior parents to consider reserving a space in the yearbook to send a message, with pictures, to a graduating senior. These ads will be tastefully designed in black and white and due to overwhelming demand, we are accepting NO full page ads, sorry; we want to include as many seniors as possible. The acceptance process will be FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Your support of the Crestwood Yearbook is MUCH appreciated—thanks. The Parent Page order form was sent home earlier this month with all senior students, is available in room 116 at the high school, and will soon be made available on the high school website under 2008-09 Yearbook. Please contact Mr. Pavelek (330-274-2214 x 416) with any questions.

CRESTWOOD'S FALL 2008 SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD WINNERS IN THEIR NEW SCHOLAR ATHLETE T SHIRTS (PROVIDED BY CASB)

5

Crestw

ood Local Schools

...striving to meet the needs of E

very Child, E

very Day...

OCTOBER STUDENTS AND ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

High School Students Exceed Blood Drive Goal

By Dallas Davis, H.S. Student The students of Crestwood High school donated 62 pints of blood at the fall blood drive held in the gym. The Red Cross’ goal was 59 pints. The Red Cross was assisted by Crestwood’s Student Council. The Red Cross donates a scholarship based on how much blood is given. Senior donor Jessica Carter commented, “I was super nervous, but it felt really good donating to a valuable cause. I will definitely be donating at the next drive and recommend anyone who is eligible to donate as well.” The next blood drive is set for February 17, 2009.

Junior-Senior Seminar Pays It ForwardBy Sarah Harper, H.S. Student

With the holiday season right around the corner, Ms. Spencer’s Junior-Senior Seminar class is getting a head-start on giving back to the community. In this class students have the opportunity to improve the school, the community, and themselves. It is an excellent way to come together and cre-ate ideas to raise money, donate, and learn new things. One group, consisting of seniors Gabby Romano, Sam Kollman, Jeff Guido, and Kelsey Corbett, and junior Megan Czuchra, chose to buy Christmas presents for children ages 5-10 who are being treated for cancer at Akron Children’s Hospital. “We think it’s a good thing, but we wish we could see the kids when they get their presents,” said Romano. They are taking gifts like coloring books, play dough, and crayons. The group made blankets for the children, as well. The group is also accepting donations of toys. Donations can be delivered to Ms. Spencer’s room. The toys will be delivered December 5th. Another group decided to raise money for the Animal Protective League by holding a dance at the middle school. This group consists of seniors Tori Herrington, Laina Genovesi, and juniors Carissa Sutfin, Dina Palmentara and Lindsay Little. They brought a laptop and used music from the Now CDs and the 96.5 playlist. The dance will be held in December. Seniors Anna Kotkowski, Nicole Brugmann, Lyndsie Sweet, and juniors Paige Nemec and Kara Pratt are trying to make a youth center in Mantua. They would like to find a building that isn’t being used and fix it up to create a friendly place for kids to go. In order to do so, they have created a fundraiser to raise money. “We would like girls to donate formal dresses that they don’t wear anymore. It’ll help us raise the money,” said Nemec. The dresses will be sold during lunch periods. At the youth center, kids can play things like arcade games, ping pong, and other leisure sports. They hope to make this happen towards the end of the school year. As these students take time out of their lives to help oth-ers, they would like you to help them, as well. You can donate money, help with the fundraisers, or just pass on the word that donating is the key to happy holidays.

Deadline for Ordering ‘08 - ’09 Yearbooks Rapidly Approaching!

Don’t forget to order your 2008-2009 yearbook. We will not be able to add additional books to our order once we reach the deadline of February 22, 2009. Several students who forgot to order books last year were unable to purchase a book. Once the extra books are gone, we have no way of attaining additional copies. Please do not delay, do not count on receiving a book if you did not order one on time.

ATTENTION ALL JUNIOR/SENIOR PARENTS 2009 AFTER PROM COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!

It’s time to start planning the Crestwood 2009 After Prom. This event provides a SAFE and MEMORABLE Prom Night for our

students. We need YOUR help with After Prom planning and the various associated tasks.

PLEASE mark your calendars to be on this committee ....

First meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 14th at 7:00 PM

at CHS (Teacher’s Lounge)For more information and/or to sign up for

After Prom Committee, please call Lynn Genovesi at 330-608-0244

or Jeanine Maczko at 330-569-7368

Marc’s AutomotiveAuto and Light Truck ServiceWe do small engine repair

4838 SR 82 • 330-274-8739

Christmas Open HouseDecember 13th

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Free Donuts & Coffee • Cookies & Juice for the kids

Raffle drawings...Great prizes! Lots of fun!

Free Pictures With Santa

www.crestwood.sparcc.org6

Cre

stw

ood

Loca

l Sch

ools

...st

rivin

g to

mee

t the

nee

ds o

f Eve

ry C

hild

, Eve

ry D

ay...

Calendar . . .

Licensed In Home Day Care Provider

Infant to age 5 Openings Available

Candice Seebacher330-968-6082

Shalersville TownshipFormer preschool teacher

Let us Cater Your Holiday Parties!330-274-3152

Monday 15:00PM *Scrimmage* B V Basketball @ West Geauga5:00PM *Scrimmage* B Freshman Bas-ketball VS. West Geauga

Tueday 24:00PM B/G V Bowling @ Springfield Wednesday 32:00PM *Scrimmage* B V Wrestling @ Woodridge6:00PM G JV Basketball VS. Streetsboro7:30PM G V Basketball VS. Streetsboro

Thursday 44:00PM B/G V Bowling VS. Coventry 4:30PM B/G V Swimming @ Indepen-dence Friday 5Waiver Day--No School5:00PM B V Wrestling - Aurora Tourn6:00PM B JV Basketball VS. Rootstown7:30PM B V Basketball VS. Rootstown

Saturday 69:00AM Youth Wrestling Tournament11:00AM B Varsity Wrestling - Aurora Tourn6:00PM G JV Basketball VS. Field7:30PM GVarsity Basketball VS. Field

Monday 84:00PM B/G Varsity Bowling VS. Windham4:00PM B Middle School Basketball @ Kent Roosevelt4:00PM G Middle School Basketball VS. Kent Roosevelt6:00PM B/G V Swimming @ Alliance7:00PM B Freshman Basketball @ Field

Tuesday 96:00PM B JV Basketball @ Streetsboro7:30PM B Varsity Basketball @ Streetsboro

Wednesday 106:00PM G JV Basketball @ Ravenna6:00PM B Fresh Basketball VS. Ravenna7:30PM G V Basketball @ Ravenna

Thursday 114:00PM B/G Varsity Bowling @ Garfield4:00PM B MS Basketball @ Ravenna4:00PM G MS Basketball VS. Ravenna5:00PM B V Wrestling VS. Coventry w Ravenna5:00PM B MS Wrestling VS. Coventry w Ravenna

Friday 122:00PM Winter Sports Pep Assembly6:00PM B JV Basketball VS. Field7:30PM B Varsity Basketball VS. Field

Saturday 136:00PM G JV Basketball VS. Springfield7:30PM G Varsity Basketball VS. Springfield

Monday 154:00PM B MS Basketball @ Garfield4:00PM G MS Basketball VS. Garfield4:00PM B/G Varsity Bowling VS. Ravenna6:30PM B/G Varsity Swimming @ Aurora7:00PM B Fresh Basketball VS. Windham

Tuesday 166:00PM B JV Basketball @ Ravenna7:00PM Band Performance7:30PM B Varsity Basketball @ Ravenna

Wednesday 175:00PM B/G V Swimming @ CVCA & Tall-madge @ Kent6:00PM B Freshman Basketball VS. Norton6:00PM G JV Basketball @ Norton7:30PM G Varsity Basketball @ Norton

Thursday 184:00PM B/G Varsity Bowling VS. Rootstown4:30PM B Middle School Basketball VS. Streetsboro4:30PM G Middle School Basketball @ Streetsboro7:00PM Choir Concert

Friday 194:00PM Boys/Girls Varsity Bowling @ East Canton5:00PM B Varsity Wrestling - Hudson Tourn.6:00PM B JV Basketball VS. Springfield7:30PM B Varsity Basketball VS. Springfield

Saturday 2010:00AM B Varsity Wrestling - Hudson Tourn.1:00PM G JV Basketball @ Kent Roosevelt2:30PM G Varsity Basketball @ Kent Roosevelt

Monday, December 22nd thru January, 2th 2009 Winter Break- NO SCHOOL Monday 22 6:00PM B Freshman Basketball @ Rootstown

Tuesday 237:00PM BOYS BASKETBALL ALUMNI GAME

Saturday 2711:00AM B Freshman Basketball @ Streetsboro1:00PM B/G V Swimming @ Cloverleaf @ Wooster1:00PM B JV Wrestling @ Aurora6:00PM B JV Basketball @ Waterloo7:30PM B Varsity Basketball @ Waterloo

Monday 294:00PM B V Wrestling @ Kenston Tournament Tuesday 308:00AM B JV Wrestling @ Manchester (Akron)10:00AM B Varsity Wrestling @ Kenston Tournament4:00PM B Freshman Basketball @ Waterloo6:00PM G JV Basketball VS. Waterloo7:30PM G Varsity Basketball VS. Waterloo

Students Return on Monday, January 5th 2009

PAVERS NOW ON SALE!The Crestwood All Sports Boosters

(CASB) Is selling clay pavers that can be personalized with the names of

individuals or families. These pavers will be part of a Crestwood “Spirit Walk”

that will be laid as part of the new sports facilities at the high school.

8” X 8” brick - $75.004” X 8” brick - $40.00

Call the High School at 330-274-2214 for additional information.

7

Facility News . . .

*Assumes net bonded indebtedness calculation is less than assessed valuation.

Facilities Committee Weighs Options for New Buildings, Seeks Community Input

The Crestwood Schools Community Facilities Committee (CSCFC), comprised of volunteers from the Crestwood communities, has been examining all school facility building and funding options made possible to the Crestwood School District by the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission (OSFC). The committee was asked by our Board of Education to provide a recommendation for Crestwood’s High School and Middle School that is:

best for education• a reflection of community values • likely to be supported by the community•

Technical advisors are helping the committee with construction, finan-cial, and state program data and options that will help guide the recommen-dation process. The OSFC is an independent state agency which provides funding to local school districts that qualify for assistance. They recently assessed Crestwood’s facilities and found the Crestwood High School and Middle School in need of major renovations or replacement. As a result, the OSFC extended an offer this past August to fund 50% of expenses to complete these projects provided the district can support a bond issue to fund the remaining 50%. The recommended offer to build new schools was made by OSFC because the assessments indicate that the cost to renovate the middle and high schools to state standards exceeds two-thirds of the cost to build new facilities. The good news is that a new state law allows Crestwood to replace or renovate one or both buildings by passing a bond issue before August 2009. The community can pass an issue for one building project now and the 50% funding offer from the state would remain available to Crestwood when a future bond issue is passed for the second building project. However, under the state program, if a bond issue for at least one building project is not passed by August 2009, Crestwood would lose the current funding offer from OSFC. Based on past trends, if OSFC presents a second offer, the state funding portion will be less than the existing 50% offer. This could result in millions of dollars lost for Crestwood Schools. Crestwood has three options available:

The Community Facilities Committee will be using the following tools in the upcoming weeks in order to inform the public of its findings, progress, and to assess the level of community support:

Email askcrestwood@crestwood.sparcc.org with questions or comments• Link to detailed information from the Crestwood Schools website homep-• age Telephone Survey of community to determine level of support for various • facilities optionsPublic Forums to be held in the upcoming months•

Give Your Child a Gift for Life, Get Involved

By Mary Ann Strenk, Director of Curriculum One of the most important ways that parents can assist their children in school is by being in-volved and by encouraging their children to perform to their highest potential. Parental involvement in-creases academic achievement, affects the attitude toward school, raises self-esteem, and motivates students to work harder. This is not only impor-tant in elementary school, but also through middle school and high school where encouragement may be the difference between a child dropping out or going to college. By being involved, parents can gain the satisfaction of making a positive contribu-tion to their child’s education and future. Benefits of Being Involved1. Better understanding of the curriculum.2. Increased communication between parents and children.3. Communication between teachers and home helps the teacher to understand the student better and teach them more effectively.4. Learning new information from your child allows them to gain confidence in their abilities and take pride in their accomplishments.5. Students are more motivated to learn.6. Positive relationship develops between school, home, and your child. Tips for Being an Involved Parent1. Read with your child and discuss the books and stories.2. Help your child develop organizational skills by encouraging the use of a planner to keep track of assignments. Also help develop time lines for long-term projects and help them stick to deadlines.3. Attend parent-teacher meetings.4. If a problem arises, address it quickly with the teacher. Support teachers and treat them respect-fully in front of your child.5. Talk with your child about school on a daily basis. Ask specific questions that require thoughtful answers. “What did you talk about in science class today?” works better than “How was school?”6. Participate in PTO and other parent organiza-tions or committees.7. Learn new skills along with your child, and work together to master the material. Ask teachers for help when needed.8. Involve grandparents by having them listen to your child read or tell about what they have learned at school.9. Make car rides and dinner conversations center around learning. Take trips to museums and play educational games together.10. Enjoy learning and challenge yourself to learn something new.Parental involvement is a priceless gift. . . a gift that can make the most impact on the future of a child. Please contact me if there is any way that I can help and please check out my web-site for helpful links. Go to the Crestwood web-site (www.crestwood.sparcc.org) and look for the links for “Departments” in the top, middle of the page. My information is included on the Curriculum page.

www.crestwood.sparcc.org8

Middle School . . .

Lights, camera, action! All 8th grade students at the middle school participated in a classic drama workshop during the week of October 27th – October 31st. Profes-sional actors from the Great Lakes Theatre Festival in Cleveland led students through scenes from the classic plays Romeo and Juliet, A Raisin in the Sun, The Glass Menagerie, and The Diary of Anne Frank. The scenes sparked discussion about recognizing prejudice, overcoming conflict, practicing tolerance, and fulfilling goals and dreams. The workshop highlighted students’ acting and interacting abilities. Dressed in cos-tumes, wielding props from fur coats to swords, sharing thoughts in seated circles, all students, even the quietest, were involved and engaged.

Read to Succeed The idea of the “Best Practices in Reading” reflects the general consensus of reading specialists, reading scholars, and the research results they have gathered. Success-ful research-based reading programs encourage student choice of reading material, time for independent reading, and use of critical and creative thinking. Accordingly, students on the Seventh Grade Gray Team have been encouraged to read independently as much as possible to develop their reading and comprehension skills. They are required to read a minimum of three books each nine weeks and select a different activity to complete for each book. Students who went beyond the required reading and read five or more books the first nine weeks were invited to participate in a pizza party during their lunch period. Twenty-one students qualified for the first pizza party.

The Sixth Grade Red Team students have been working on “fractured fairy tales” in their language arts classes. A “fractured fairy tale” is a common fairy tale that has been altered by a plot element, point of view, and/or characterization. We began this unit by researching fairy tales on the Internet.

6th Graders Use Online Research to Create Their Own Fairy Tale

Victoria Krause, the top reader, read twelve books and selected a book from the prize table and ordered a free book from the Scholastic Tab book order. Each of the students chose a prize from the assortment of popular young adult literature books and writing supplies/crafts. A special thanks to PAC for providing the funds for such motivating and rewarding programs for our students. Qualified Students: Dan Klatik, Mikayla Blaneknship, Chad Randall, Rachel Quesenberry, Meaghan Green, Kayla On-dash, Tyler Brady, Brittany Campbell, Olivia Cobb, Melissa Socdopole, Kyle Cox, Rhiannon Gyongyos, Josh Hampton, Adam Haynie, Taylor Michaels, Zack Strenk, Carrigan Benoit, Amanda Fosnight, Rebecca Pochedly, and Kaitlin Slaker.

Great Lakes Theatre Festival

The students chose their favorite fairy tale and then wrote their own original fairy tale. The students typed their fairy tales on the computer and published their fairy tales in a class book. The experience was very motivating for the students. They were able to use the writing process to create their own original tale.

9

Crestw

ood Local Schools

...striving to meet the needs of E

very Child, E

very Day...

The UPS StoreAurora • 330-562-7477

Heinens Plaza114 Barrington Town Sq

ups3001@alltel.net

Kent • 330-678-0111Acme Plaza

1675 East Main St.ups2346@sbcglobal.net

6th Grade: Lena Baldwin, Rick Kollman, Lauren Crislip, Brandon J. Johnson, Nicole Nero, Devin Pasquerella

7th Grade: Morgan Englehart, Matthew Gualtieri, Rebecca Pochedly, Kyle Cox, Taylor Jenkins, Jonah Onuska

8th Grade: Holly Tramont, Logan Little, Breanne Travis,Jacob Hurd, Sara Amport, Xyl Lasersohn

Students Share Books at “Book Bistro”

In every-day life, people don’t finish a book and then reach for a shoe box to make a diorama or write a report describing charac-ters and plots. Books are read and shared. Often these conversa-tions take place over a cup of coffee and food. Therefore, students on the Seventh Grade Red Team participated in a “Book Bistro.” Each grading period students are required to read two inde-pendent reading books. One is genre specific to a subject matter. For example, in science reading in the content area students are required to read a biography of a scientist; while in social studies students read historical fiction. The second book is a book of their choice. In preparation for the Book Bistro students were asked to complete an interest survey that included questions about their book along with a brief summary. Students were then grouped according to interest to share their books in a café setting that was created in the small cafeteria complete with food and drink. Stu-dents then discussed their books with their entire table.

OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Students were also asked to dress in a way that would represent a character from their book. A Book Bistro encourages independent reading through book discussion and peer interaction. The relaxed setting allows the students to open up about their books and not feel pressured to say what the teacher would want them to say. Students’ enjoyed dressing up and bringing in food to share. They remarked that there were several books discussed that they would now like to read. Plans are already in the works for another Book Bistro next quarter.

Parents & Students Bring us your Digital Photos or Original Student Artwork and We’ll Turn it into Great

Looking Calendars & Cards!

Also In Kent

Middle School . . .

AlertNow Reminder Parents, several weeks ago you received a registration form for

AlertNow which will be our parent notification system for emergencies, school closing etc. If you have not already done so, please return your

AlertNow form to your child’s school as soon as possible. Thank you for your help.

Intermediate School . . .

www.crestwood.sparcc.org10

Cre

stw

ood

Loca

l Sch

ools

...st

rivin

g to

mee

t the

nee

ds o

f Eve

ry C

hild

, Eve

ry D

ay...

Crestwood Intermediate Helps Those in Need

No Child Left Indoors!

Third graders and their families from the recently formed CIS Nature Detectives Club left the comforts of home on a Saturday morning to take a nature hike at the Hiram College Field Station. As part of leadership development with the Science in the School-yard Institute taught by Roxanne and Matt Sorrick through an Ohio Board of Regents grant, Mrs. Krupar and Mrs. Zimcosky ini-tiated a nature club for third grade. Students meet once monthly after school plus a family hike is planned for each season. This fall nine club members and their families enjoyed the two hour hike. Students enjoyed observing the resident animals on display from Box Turtles, Black Rat Snakes, Leopard Frogs, and Trumpeter Swans. Forest succession around the ponds was noted as the original pasture has given way to a planted White Pine tree grove, to mixed growth deciduous forest, to mature Beech-Maple forest surrounding Silver Creek. Students stopped at Spring Creek to search for amphibians and found several Musky Salamanders and a Red Back Salamander. Another high-light of our hike was spotting a pair of Deer Mice making a winter nest under a plywood snake board! Although several students found every puddle to hop into on our way back, most remained revived and refreshed from the out-door experience. These energetic Nature Detectives definitely had more fun than staying home watching Saturday morning cartoons!

The Painley, Fugman, Bretz, Bissell, Marotto Darrow, Reid. Huebner, and Pallotto families enjoyed a Saturday morning

hike at the Hiram College Field Station. Mrs. Cartwright’s fifth grade class held a 4C’s Food Drive during November. The class created posters, developed school announcements and handed out “Good Citizenship Awards” to encourage participation. Third, fourth and fifth grade students showed their kindness and generosity by bringing in items, such as canned food, to help those in need within our community.

330-274-532210682 Main Street • Mantua

Where Service & Quality MeatSpecializing in USDA Choice or Higher Grade of Beef

Cut for the Home, Freezer or Institutions

since 1979

Take Advantage of Free and Reduced Lunch

In these current economic times more and more people are needing assistance. Crestwood Local School District is part of the National School Lunch Program which is funded through the Federal Government. If you would like your child to be con-sidered for free or reduced lunches don’t hesitate to submit an application. If you qualify your child may receive free lunch or reduced lunch at $.40. All information is confidential. If you have any questions please contact Jenni-fer Bujak-Hirsch, Food Service Director, at 330-274-2294 ext. 2108 or Hirsch@crestwood.sparcc.org.

Interested in a part-time position? Why not consider subbing for the Crestwood Local Schools?

The school is in need of Substitute Aides, Bus Drivers, Cafeteria workers, Custodians and Secretaries. To fill out an application, please stop by the Board Office.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 330-274-8511. Substitutes are required to complete a background check, prior to hiring.

There is no cost to the applicant for this check.

11

Primary School . . .

In the spring of 2008, Mrs. Dean’s previous kinder-garten class planted herb seeds with the school cook, Mrs. Janson. The children watched anxiously for the herbs to sprout on the cafeteria window sill and then transplanted them into our raised-bed sensory garden outside. This fall our new kindergarten class picked the herbs and prepared them to make buschetta for a yummy snack. We added our left over ingredients to our composter. Many thanks to Mrs. Janson and Ms Bujak for helping us to prepare this yummy learning experience. Also, thank you to the Hiram Community Trust for granting us the funds to build our school’s raised-bed garden and purchase our composter.

The students in Mrs. Griffith’s Kindergarten class are honoring those family members who are not only Veterans but also now serving our Country by placing stars with the family member name, branch of service, and year served on a bulletin board. Pictured are Kylie Tracy, Kylie Strosnider and Asia Mont-gomery helping to place their family member stars on the board.

Garden Yields Learning Experiences and Yummy Treats

Beside the composter are Joslynn Kollman and Fatima Vasquez-Vera. Chopping the herbs are Michael Lang, Haley Jenkins and Johnny Peters.

Some of Mrs. Dean’s students with Mrs. Jansen and Ms. Bujak-Hirsch

Primary Students Honor Veterans

Rachel Quiggle, Alex Ferrell, and Raeann Quiggle show off a few of the cards that their class has signed for the troops to wish them a Merry Christmas. The cards will be sent to those serving overseas via Operation Thank-You. Mrs. Griffith has worked with Operation Thank-You since it started 5 years ago.

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER LOCAL

Crestwood Local Schools...striving to meet the needs of Every Child, Every Day...

www.crestwood.sparcc.org

Crestwood Local Schools4565 West ProspectMantua, OH 44255

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 6Mantua, Ohio 44255

FRIEND OF:CRESTWOOD LOCAL SCHOOLS

High School330-274-2214

Middle School330-274-2249

Intermediate School330-274-2710

Primary School330-274-2537330-422-3104

Bus Garage330-274-2776

DECEMBER 2008 LUNCH MENU

The First In Synthetics®

Since 1972

Don’t you have better things to do with your time?

Why change oil every 3,000 miles when you can go 1 year or 25,000 miles

With AMSOIL!

T.J. & Nancy K. Szanto6485 Streeter RoadMantua, Ohio 44255

330-527-5285

T-1 Certified Amsoil Reps.

Crestwood Local Schools

December 2008

K-5 Lunch $2.506-12 Lunch $2.75

Extra Milk $.50

Menu subject to change.

Make Healthy Choices!Salads available

everyday in all buildings.

You may substitute asalad for your main

entrée with school lunch!

December 1st

Cheese& PepperoniBreadstick w/ dipping

sauceGreen BeansApple Slices

National Eat an AppleDay

December 2nd

Crestwood’s FunkyChicken Bowl

(layers of MashedPotatoes, Chicken, Corn& Cheese then topped

with gravy)Jello Fruit Cup

December 3rd

Dominoes’ PizzaGarden Salad

Mixed FruitFresh Baked Cookie

December 4th

High& Middle: BBQ Riblet Sandwich, Fries,

Vegetable,Fresh Fruit

Elementary:French Toast Sticks, Sausage,

Hashbrowns,Fresh Fruit

Decemb

er 5th

NoSchool

WaiverDay

December 8th

High & Middle:Cheeseburgers

Elementary:Mini Corn Dog BitesAll: Fries, SeasonedVegetables, Peaches,

Brownie

National Brownie Day

December 9th

HomemadeMacaroni & Cheese

Bread w/ Peanut ButterPeasPears

December 10th

High & Middle::Italiano’s PizzaElementary:

Extreme PizzaAll:

Garden SaladMixed Fruit

Fresh Baked Cookie

December 11th

Chicken Patty SandwichCook’s Choice Potato

Mixed VegetablesCherry Applesauce Cup

December 12

th

Cook’sChoice

December 15th

Chicken Tenders orNuggets w/dipping

sauceRice Pilaf

Green BeansFruit Turnover

December 16th

Slow-Roasted TurkeyMashed Potatoes &

GravyHerb Seasoned Stuffing

CornCranberry Sauce

Holiday Treat

December 17th

High & Middle:Extreme PizzaElementary:

Italiano’sGarden Salad

Mixed FruitFresh Baked Cookie

December 18th

Deli Wrap w/ ChipsFresh Baby Carrot’s w/Ranch

DressingRaisins

Cookie or Rice Krispy Treat

December 19

th

Cook’sChoice

Winter BreakDecember 20

th -

January 4th

Nutrition Tidbit: Instead of sugar based hot chocolate, use a protein based mix such as caffeine-free Ovaltine. This is a filling, protein-rich snack that provides a child with 40 percent of the RDA for calcium, 80 percent daily vitamin D, and more than 50 percent daily B vitamins.

impact mediasolutions

Show your Support for Crestwood Local Schools

by Advertising Here

Call Dawn @ 330-562-7187 impactmedia@windstream.net