Huber Ridge Elementary News

Courtesy of Dennis Blair, Westerville Sunrise Rotary.

High-performing school districts throughout the state will meet fewer standards and receive lower letter grades on this year’s State Report Card due to ongoing changes to Ohio’s accountability system.

The document is intended to help residents understand how financial resources have been used since voters approved a five-year emergency levy in 2012.

Westerville City School District Superintendent Dr. John R. Kellogg today announced that he and members of the district’s leadership team will hold a series of “Community Coffee Chats” to discuss recent progress and future considerations for the district, as well as answer questions about the district’s levy renewal on the November 8, 2016, ballot.

Westerville City Schools are proud to partner with The Development Board of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in support of the 5^th annual Great Columbus Duck Race and Run, presented by Meijer.  This family friendly activity benefits the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  Robert Frost Elementary students Megan Dickerson and Olan Ross, along with Whittier Elementary pupil Doug Spayde, are serving as Patient Champions for the event, to highlight the life-saving research and medical care that is provide by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2016; and on Monday, August 22, 2016.  The meetings will take place at the Early Learning Center in Westerville.

Students in the Westerville City School District who will be riding a school bus for the first time this fall are invited, along with their parents or guardians, to attend the annual First Time Riders open house, which will be held at Whittier Elementary School from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 30. Whittier is located at 130 E. Walnut St. in Westerville.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education is scheduled to meet on July 7, 2016, and July 25, 2016.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education is seeking feedback from families regarding the proposed 2017-2018 calendar.  The calendar, as it was presented in a first reading to the Board on May 23, 2016, can be viewed by visiting the district website at www.wcsoh.org or individual school websites, and clicking on the button marked “2017-2018 Calendar Review.”

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the work stops in Westerville City Schools.  While some may anticipate a slower pace once the school year ends, employees at the district’s Enrollment & Family Resource Center actually hope for a significant increase to their workload and the number of enrollment applications they process over the summer months.

Westerville City Schools are proud to partner with The Development Board of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in support of the 5^th annual Great Columbus Duck Race and Run, presented by Meijer.  This family friendly activity benefits the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  Robert Frost Elementary students Megan Dickerson and Olan Ross, along with Whittier Elementary pupil Doug Spayde, are serving as Patient Champions for the event, to highlight the life-saving research and medical care that is provide by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2016; and Monday, June 27, 2016.

The Westerville Education Foundation has named three educators Teacher of the Month for May – David Walker, McVay and Mark Twain elementary schools; Jillian Faulhaber, Walnut Springs Middle School; and Shannon Clegg, Westerville South High School.

The Westerville City Schools EdTech Department will host its annual EdTech Camp on June 1 and 2 at Blendon Middle School.  More than 40 teachers will lead sessions for some 150 attendees.

Intermittent spring showers did not stop families from gathering at the Westerville Education Foundation’s (WEF) eighth annual Mini-Golf Fundraiser, which took place on Saturday, May 21 at the Westerville Mini-Golf & Batting Cages on Schrock Road.

Westerville City School District (WCSD) Treasurer/CFO Bart Griffith presented Board of Education members with a revised financial forecast indicating the district will end Fiscal Year 2020 with a cash balance of $37.14 million.  The balance reflects expenses the district has incurred while rebuilding academic programs and services impacted by significant budget cuts approximately four years ago.  Even during this rebuilding phase, district officials have stretched the March 2012 emergency operating levy five years longer than originally projected.

Retiring Westerville City Schools personnel were honored at a reception prior to the Regular Session of the Board of Education on May 21, and at an official ceremony during the meeting.  This year 30 individuals are retiring from the district with a combined 667 years of service.

Westerville City Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program.  Meals will be provided to all eligible children free of charge.  (To be eligible to receive free meals at a residential or nonresidential camp, children must meet the income guidelines for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program.)

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in Executive Session, for the purpose of discussing personnel, at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 23, 2016.

The 10^th annual Elementary Leadership Summit occurred on Friday, May 13, at Westerville North High School.  More than 140 third, fourth and fifth grade students from all Westerville elementary schools were in attendance.  Participants completed leadership and team building exercises, and shared the outcomes of their building community service projects.

The Bette Marschall Memorial Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation has announced the recipients of 10 grant awards totaling $3,082 to Westerville City Schools personnel for applications submitted this spring.

The Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club hosted a breakfast at the Old Bag of Nails on Wednesday morning, May 18, where Service to Youth award winners were honored.  The program began four years ago to recognize exceptional Westerville City Schools employees who have made a special contribution to youth; have served as a positive role model for young people; and have demonstrated service above and beyond the call of duty in performing their job responsibilities.

The last day of classes for the 2015-2016 school year in the Westerville City School District is Tuesday, May 24, 2016.  A Teacher Professional Day will take place on Wednesday, May 25.

A Franklin County Immunization Clinic for children and adults is being offered at the Westerville Division of Fire (400 West Main Street) on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.  This clinic is by appointment only. 

School Transportation Professionals from across the Central Ohio region gathered at Reynoldsburg Elementary on Saturday, April 23, to sharpen their knowledge and behind-the-wheel driving/maneuvering skills at the Central Region School Bus Safety Road-E-O.  At the conclusion of the competition, Westerville City Schools bus drivers walked away with top honors.

Families gathered at the Westerville Community Center and Westerville Public Library on Sunday afternoon, April 24, to see student artwork on display.  They were welcomed by Phyllis Self from the Arts Council of Westerville (pictured) and Dr. Jan Fedorenko, retired principal of Hanby Arts Magnet School.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet on Monday, May 9, and Monday, May 23, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. (Retirement Recognition) at the Early Learning Center.

A+ Awards honor outstanding school employees whose actions demonstrate support of the district’s Mission Statement; willingness to go above and beyond normal expectations; and behavior consistent with one or more of the district’s values. 

The Development Board of Nationwide Children’s Hospital is proud to partner with Westerville City Schools in an effort to raise awareness and funds for pediatric research.  The 5^th Annual Great Columbus Duck Race and Run is a fundraising event put on by the Development Board at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  The money raised from the event supports The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

District employees, community members, business leaders, service organization representatives, government officials and special guests joined members of the Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) Board of Trustees on April 22 for the WEF’s second annual Celebration of Education, Innovation and Inspiration.

10TV Anchor Kristyn Hartman recently spent the morning at Westerville North High School to learn how teachers and students have benefited from the WEF's Adopt-a-Classroom and Fund-a-Project initiatives.

Thirty-four pallets (2,040 boxes) of reading material and textbooks, along with 12 computer systems, are on their way to the Liberian Girls Guides headquarters in Paynesville, Liberia, thanks to the ongoing efforts of Westerville City Schools technology technician Zuulu Cooper.  The material will benefit about 3,500 students in six urban and two rural schools.

On Sunday, April 10, families packed Westerville North High School for the 4^th annual Starry Night learning festival, sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Westerville Partners for Education.  The festival offered dynamic learning experiences with experts from Columbus’ premier educational, business, and community organizations.  Geared toward students in preschool through grade 8, along with their caregivers and families, the event highlighted the connection between arts and science.  The theme this year was, Art and Science – Fueling Imagination.

The 8^th annual Westerville Education Foundation Minigolf Fundraiser will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, at Westerville Mini-Golf & Batting Cages, 450 West Schrock Road.  Mark your calendars now and don’t miss this fun, family-friendly community event!

Locally, Westerville Parent Council hosted the contest which celebrates student achievement in literature, music, dance, film/video production, photography and visual arts.  This year’s theme was “Let Your Imagination Fly.”  Volunteer Lisa Wood organized the event, along with co-chairs Jill French and Sarah Strauss.  This year, 355 students from 15 Westerville schools participated, with 57 district winners advancing to the State finals. 

Westerville Parent Council, Roush Honda, the Deputy Superintendent of Schools, the Treasurer and the Westerville City Schools Board of Education recognized Great Educator and Mentor (GEM) award winners at a reception and special ceremony held at Westerville North High School on Monday evening, April 18.  GEM awards are given to individuals who make a difference in the lives of the students in the Westerville School District.

Debbie Imhoff, Custodial Services secretary for Westerville City Schools, was surprised on April 6 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award.

Fourth grade Fouse Elementary School student Finn Mitchell was named Overall Grand Winner at the 10^th annual Westerville City Schools Lego Competition held April 9 at Heritage Middle School.  Dr. Scott Ebbrecht, facilitator of the annual event, proclaimed to the nearly 125 student participants and their family members that “Perseverance has paid off!”

The Ohio Association of Teacher Educators (OATE) has announced that this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award is Lisa Huelskamp, PhD.  Dr. Huelskamp has taught at Westerville City Schools for 18 years as a science teacher, administrator, and is currently a middle school gifted facilitator.  This award is designed to formally recognize members of OATE for outstanding service to the organization and to teacher education.

Westerville City Schools has posted its 2014-2015 annual report, titled Where You Belong, on its website.  It features a building directory plus highlights and photos of the 2014-2015 school year, along with school calendars and information about human resources, district departments, and school finances.

Applications for monetary grants from The Bette Marschall Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation are being accepted for worthy 2016-2017 school year projects not otherwise supported within the school budget.  The grants are available to teachers, students, administrators, and non-teaching staff within the Westerville City School District.

The Westerville Education Foundation has named three educators Teacher of the Month for March – Tonia Tombaugh, Longfellow Elementary; Jennifer Hesseltine, Blendon Middle School; and Jessica Waites, Westerville North High School. The Mission of the Westerville Education Foundation is to enrich the learning experience and broaden the minds of our students through the funding and support of innovative educational programs. 

Each year the Westerville City Schools Transportation Department bestows a “Ferdie Award” to honor the Bus Driver of the Year.  Please consider nominating your favorite driver.

Fifteen Westerville City Schools students earned honors at the Ohio PTA State Reflections Competition, and five who received Awards of Excellence will advance to the national contest.  Results were announced by Westerville Parent Council, which hosted the 2015-2016 challenge in the Westerville district.  Students submit original work in literature, music, dance, film/video production, photography and visual arts.  This year’s theme was “Let Your Imagination Fly.”

Dave O’Bryan, a mechanic in the Westerville City Schools Transportation Department, was surprised on March 16 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up to present him with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award.

During the Westerville City School District’s real-time technology analysis on February 26, district officials learned a great deal to prepare for upcoming online assessments.  By restricting guest Internet access, as well as reducing districtwide access to certain Internet-based services such as streaming music and video sites, the district realized an approximate 45 percent reduction to the bandwidth being used.  Technology officials also evaluated the backup internet firewall and determined it to be fully operational within established parameters.

Westerville City Schools invites incoming sixth grade students and their parents to attend Moving Up Night, an evening of orientation focused on the transition from elementary to middle school. 

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education, at its meeting on Monday, March 7, approved two District Professional Development Days for the next school year – Monday, August 15, 2016 and Tuesday, November 8, 2016.  Classes will not be held on these days. As a result, school will begin for students in grades 1-12 on Thursday, August 18.  Kindergarten will begin on Tuesday, August 23, following three days of “gentle start.” 

Sponsors Westerville Parent Council and Roush Honda are pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s GEM Awards.  Now in its thirteenth year, the GEM Awards program, which stands for “Great Educator Mentor,” recognizes volunteers and district staff who go above and beyond for students in Westerville schools.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District from March 25 through April 1, 2016 – Spring Break.  Classes will resume at normal starting times on Monday, April 4.  

What’s it really like to work in a school district the size of Westerville, where more than 15,000 students are educated each and every day?  Sixteen Leadership Westerville participants got the chance to experience some of the inner-workings of the school district on Wednesday, March 2, when they spent the morning shadowing principals at Central, North, the Early Learning Center Preschool, Fouse, Cherrington, Huber Ridge, Mark Twain and Whittier.

Families gathered at Huber Ridge Elementary School on Wednesday evening, March 2, to experience a “Journey through the Genres” celebration of literacy.  Stations were set up to explore throughout the building with names like Mystery, Science Fiction, Realistic, Poetry, Biography, Fairy Tales, and Historical.  Free books were earned by youngsters for visiting each station and getting a stamp on their passport.

Westerville City Schools was recently accepted to the Lead Higher Initiative, a national effort spearheaded by the non-profit Equal Opportunity Schools, with support from the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the U.S. Department of Education, International Baccalaureate and the College Board.  Lead Higher is also backed by generous contributions from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Tableau, and Google.

Applications are being accepted through Friday, March 18, for the spring 2016 Westerville City Schools A+ Employee Recognition Program, which celebrates extraordinary staff members. Awards are presented twice during each school year – once in the fall, and once in the spring – to employees who distinguish themselves through a single or ongoing demonstration of exemplary performance.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet at 6:00 p.m. in Regular Session on Monday, March 7, and Monday, March 21, 2016, at the Early Learning Center, located at 936 Eastwind Drive.  The District shall make reasonable accommodation for disabled persons to be able to participate in this activity.  Please call 797-5713 or e-mail BeckJ@westerville.k12.oh.us. 

The 2016 Summer Camp/Activities Expo will take place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, March 9, at Westerville North High School, which is located at 950 County Line Road.  The event is sponsored by the Westerville Parent Council PTA.  Admission is free and open to the public, and everyone in attendance will have a chance to win raffle prizes.

The Westerville Parent Council is sponsoring a parent workshop entitled, Assessment Literacy Night for Parents.  The session will be presented by Dr. Scott Ebbrecht, director of assessment and alternative education for Westerville City Schools.  The free event will take place from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, in the Westerville Central High School auditorium.

Approximately 540 community members filled the lanes at the Columbus Square Bowling Palace on Saturday, February 13, to raise more than $40,000 for the Westerville Chamber Foundation, the Westerville Education Foundation, and the Westerville Symphony. Event proceeds fund scholarships, provide grants and bring musical performances and programs to the classroom for students.

It is Energy Fair season for 5th graders in Westerville and every elementary school will be participating in a science day of discovery and learning.  Pupils learn about light, sound, sources of energy, heat, electricity, and more.  More than 375 students from all the high schools and middle schools in Westerville have trained to be part of an Energy Leadership Team. 

At the Regular Session on Monday evening, February 8, the Westerville City Schools Board of Education approved 38 student candidates for winter graduation who completed all local and state requirements.

On Tuesday, March 1, at 7:00 p.m., Westerville Parent Council will host a unique workshop   titled, Homework Challenges, Executive Function Skills and Supporting Students of ALL Ages. It will be presented by Christine Kotik, a local advocate for individuals with ADHD. The event will take place at the Westerville Public Library, which is located at 126 South State Street.

Three Westerville City School (WCS) District employees – Charlie Runyan, Anne Baldwin, and Cynthia DeVese – recently presented at the Ohio ACT State Organization Conference.  The Creating Opportunities for Changing Times conference seeks to inform, educate and inspire those who spend time and energy working with individuals to prepare them for college and career success.  

Intervention specialists, teachers, ESL staff, reading specialists, instructional coaches and paraprofessionals from across the Westerville City School District are learning about multi-sensory reading instruction as they participate in a 30-hour professional development workshop sponsored by the Pupil Services Department.

Applications are being accepted through Friday, March 18, for the fall 2016 Westerville City Schools A+ Employee Recognition Program, which celebrates extraordinary staff members.  Honorees will be invited to attend a Board of Education meeting where the superintendent and board members will recognize their contributions.

It certainly won’t be your typical design competition, but the creations that will emerge from the upcoming Trash to Fashion contest will likely generate lots of buzz around the water cooler.  Westerville City Schools librarians have partnered with the Arts Council of Westerville and Westerville Partners for Education to challenge students to come up with clothing made from trash.

The Westerville City School District is hosting the 10^th annual Elementary LEGO Competition on Saturday morning, April 9, at Heritage Middle School. The event is open to all Westerville City School and St. Paul School students in grades K-5. Proceeds from the event benefit Westerville’s annual Elementary Leadership Summit and the Children Supporting Children Foundation.

Westerville Parent Council is sponsoring an adults-only, community awareness event called Operation: Street Smart on Tuesday evening February 16, from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Westerville South High School Media Center. The goal of the program, which will be presented by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, is to provide current and up-to-date narcotics information to individuals who deal with youth on a daily basis.

The Westerville Education Foundation has named three educators Teacher of the Month for January – Derek Geist, Fouse Elementary: Ashlee Wagner, McVay Elementary; and Kate Mantenieks, Emerson Elementary.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District and offices will close on Monday, February 15, 2016, in observance of Presidents’ Day.  Classes will begin at regular starting times and offices will open on Tuesday, February 16.

At the January 25 meeting of the Westerville City Schools Board of Education, Westerville Parent Council (WPC), along with 34 member groups it represents, including PTAs, PTOs, booster and community organizations, was recognized for its outstanding service to the Westerville City School District.

Westerville City Schools invites parents to attend Kindergarten 101 - A Basic Introduction to Kindergarten in Westerville.  This will take place from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9 or Thursday, February 11, at each elementary school.  The same presentation will be given during each building’s designated Kindergarten 101 night.

The Westerville Parent Council hosted the 2015-2016 PTA Reflections ceremony on Tuesday evening, January 12, recognizing student achievement in literature, music, dance, film/video production, photography and visual arts.  This year’s theme was “Let Your Imagination Fly.” 

Westerville City Schools will host a Magnet Program Fair from, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, at Heritage Middle School, which is located at 390 North Spring Road.  During the Magnet Fair, families will have the opportunity to learn about the three program options available.

Intra-District Open Enrollment applications are being accepted for the 2016-17 school year. The deadline for applications for middle and high schools is March 15, 2016.  For elementary schools, the cutoff date is May 1, 2016.

The Westerville Community Bowl-a-Thon is fast approaching!  Your support helps raise money to fund scholarships, provide grants and bring musical performances and programs to the classroom for our students.  This year’s event will be held on February 13 at the Columbus Square Bowling Palace, 5707 Forest Hills Blvd. This event fills fast, so register early to ensure you get your preferred time!

Debbie Miller, and ESL Paraprofessional at Huber Ridge Elementary School, was surprised on January 13 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award.

The Westerville City School District (WCSD) is preparing to begin the registration process for its next kindergarten class.  School officials look forward to meeting new families and greeting returning families.  Kindergarten is required for children before entering first grade; families may register their children for kindergarten if they will be five years old on or before September 30, 2016.

The Ohio School Boards Association is celebrating School Board Recognition Month in January 2016 to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society.  School Board Recognition Month honors the members of Ohio’s more than 700 city, exempted village, local and joint vocational boards of education and educational service centers governing boards for their commitment to providing quality public education to Ohio’s school children.

The Westerville Education Foundation has named three educators Teacher of the Month for December – Keith Alasti, Westerville Central High School; Karol Hanley, Fouse Elementary School; and Nell Liston, Blendon Middle School.

Classes in the Westerville City School District will not be held and offices will close on Monday, January 18, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

Offices will open and classes will resume at regular starting times on Tuesday, January 19.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will hold its organizational meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 11, at the Early Learning Center, located at 936 Eastwind Drive.  A Regular Session is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the same place on Monday, January 25.

The deadline for GEM nominations is Friday, February 5, 2016.  Sponsored by Roush Honda and Westerville Parent Council, the annual GEM Awards, which stands for “Great Educator Mentors,” honors community members, volunteers, teachers and staff who consistently go above and beyond for students in Westerville schools.

The Westerville City School District will be holding job fairs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 4; and from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5.

The Westerville City School District has published its 2016 calendar, this year featuring student artwork.  The award-winning publication was underwritten by OhioHealth.  For quick reference, it contains important dates with color screens marking the days when school is not in session.

Westerville City School District (WCSD) Board of Education members, along with incoming member Gerrie Cotter, met on Monday, December 14, in a day-long retreat at the district Early Learning Center, during which time members of the district leadership team presented updates on various academic and operational initiatives.

Following preliminary auditions on November 7 and 8, twenty finalists have been chosen to perform at the Arnold SportsWorld EXPO for Kids & Teens on Saturday, March 5.  Seven of the acts moving forward (and eight performers) are Westerville City Schools students:

• Maria Dalanno (Genoa Middle School), singer;
• Sarah Parton (Westerville Central High School) and Morgan Davis (Heritage Middle School), dance duet;
• Leah Hall (Westerville South High School), acoustic guitar, cello, singer;
• Madeline McMahon (Westerville Central High School), guitar and singer;
• Trinity Madison (McVay Elementary School), jazz routine;
• Cory Conkel (Westerville Central), banjo player; and
• Emma Best (Westerville North High School), tap dance.  

The top 20 will perform from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Arnold SportsWorld EXPO for Kids & Teens in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center before an esteemed panel of judges, who will announce the best act at the festival.  Awards include a $2,500 scholarship, an iPad, lunch with Arnold Schwarzenegger and more.  Arnold himself will present the awards. 

The Columbus Children’s Theatre partnered with the Arnold Sports Festival to coordinate this contest and find the most talented performers.  

The Westerville Parks and Recreation Civic Theatre presents A Miracle on 34^th Street, classic radiocast, at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12; and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13.

The gymnasium at Huber Ridge Elementary School was filled with smiling faces and laughter on December 3, when the Westerville South High School Theatre Troupe presented its traveling show, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Westerville City Schools is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned website. The new website uses a Responsive Design framework that automatically adjusts to the device or operating system being used to view the site, thereby giving visitors the best possible user experience.

One of Westerville City Schools Superintendent John Kellogg’s goals is to strengthen partnerships with the various government entities the district serves.  Toward that end, he invited officials from Westerville and Genoa Township to tour parts of the school district, visiting classrooms, teachers and students, to see what is being done to improve the educational experience for families in the area.

Classes in the Westerville City School District will not be held during winter break from December 21, 2015 to January 4, 2016.  A Teacher Professional Day will take place on Tuesday, January 5.  School will resume at regular starting times on Wednesday, January 6, 2016. 

District offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24; Friday, December 25; and Friday, January 1.  

The Harlem Wizards were back in Westerville on Tuesday, December 1, to play an exhibition game held at Westerville Central against 17 district teachers and administrators.  The Wizards won, but the local opponents put up a noble fight.

Third grade students from six Westerville elementary schools (Emerson, Hanby, Hawthorne, Huber Ridge, Pointview and Whittier) presented a rousing patriotic concert entitled “United We Stand” on Tuesday evening, November 17, at the Vineyard church in Columbus.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2015, for the purpose of conferring with an attorney concerning disputes involving the Board of Education that are the subject of pending or imminent court action.

The 10^th Annual Elementary Leadership Summit occurred on Friday, November 13 at Westerville Central High School.  More than 140 third, fourth and fifth grade students from all Westerville elementary schools were in attendance.  Participants were selected based on essays, projects or interviews they completed earlier in the school year.

The Bette Marschall Memorial Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation has announced the recipients of nine grant awards totaling $3,216 to Westerville City Schools personnel for applications submitted this fall.

The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF), an independent, volunteer, non-profit organization, founded in 1993 for the purpose of enhancing the education of Westerville students, has announced that 10 new grants will be funded.  

Students throughout the Westerville City School District commemorated Veteran’s Day in a variety of ways on Wednesday, November 11. At McVay Elementary, for example, an all-school assembly was held that packed the house, featuring the presentation of flags by a color guard; singing of patriotic songs; flag waving; student speeches of thanks; and a moving Taps rendition to close the program. Dozens of local veterans were introduced to the crowd, some of whom spoke to the children about their service.

The seventh annual Readers’ Choice awards were announced in the November 5 edition of ThisWeek Community News, where it was revealed that Westerville City Schools was top pick in the Favorite Public School category. 

Westerville Central, North and South High Schools are now accepting nominations for their Alumni Halls of Fame.  The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee at each building coordinates this program.  The Hall of Fame is open to candidates who graduated from one of these high schools at least 10 years ago.  This marks the first year graduates from Westerville Central will be eligible for induction.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, November 5.  November students are:  Jacquelyn Birchak, Westerville Central High School; Leah Gaus, Westerville North High School; Matt Hoffman, Westerville South High School; and Joe Braun, St. Francis DeSales High School.

Westerville Parent Council has released its report regarding volunteer efforts put forth during the 2014-2015 school year for the betterment of the Westerville City School District. This is a compilation of volunteer hours, donations and scholarships gathered from Westerville Parent Council members (PTAs, PTSAs, PTOs, Booster groups and Community groups), in support of students and families in the Westerville City School District .  

The Westerville Arts Council is seeking input regarding the possibility of creating a community choir.  They would like public feedback about interest in youth, adult, and/or multigenerational choirs.  To take the survey, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/westervillechoir. 

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, classes in the Westerville City School District will not be held on Wednesday, November 25; Thursday, November 26; or Friday, November 27.  Offices will be closed November 26 and November 27.  Classes will resume at regular starting times and offices will open on Monday, November 30.  

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, in the Early Learning Center, located at 936 Eastwind Drive in Westerville, Ohio.

A+ Awards honor outstanding school employees whose actions demonstrate support of the district’s Mission Statement; willingness to go above and beyond normal expectations; and behavior consistent with one or more of the district’s values.  

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District on Tuesday, November 3 – Election Day and a Professional Development Day for employees.  Teachers and classified staff will participate in learning sessions, many of which will be led by Westerville educators who have demonstrated expertise in particular areas.

Board also casts unanimous vote to reduce Pay-to-Participate, other activity fees

Westerville City Schools hosted Health Heroes Flu Vaccination Clinics for pupils at all school buildings on October 21 and 22, with the goal of improving student achievement by reducing absenteeism.  The District was first to pilot the program in the State of Ohio last year.

Knights of Columbus representative Scott Muehlbauer visited the administrative offices of the Westerville City School District on October 15 to present a check in the amount of $3,789.18 to the Special Education Department.  This generous donation will enable the District to support the equine-assisted learning and therapy program, which is provided through PBJ Connections.

Friday, October 16, was Ohio Education Association/National Education Association Day. Teachers and staff members throughout the state attended professional development workshops and seminars. Thanks to the Westerville City School District’s Employee Wellness Committee staff in the Westerville City School District had the opportunity to participate in a number of special activities.

The Westerville Education Foundation today announced two upcoming initiatives to support and recognize Westerville City School District educators for their hard work and dedication to students, families, and their profession.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education is seeking feedback from families regarding the proposed 2016-2017 calendar.  The calendar, as it was presented in a first reading to the Board on October 12, can be viewed by visiting www.wcsoh.org, and clicking on the box marked “2016-2017 Calendar Review & Feedback.”

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in Executive Session at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2015, for the purpose of discussing personnel.  No action will be taken.  The meeting will take place at the Early Learning Center, which is located at 936 Eastwind Drive.

The Ohio Department of Education, over the past several weeks, has made frequent changes to assessments that will be administered this school year to students across the state. Westerville City School District officials have remained informed of these changes and recently finalized the local testing calendar for district students.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education yesterday authorized district officials to establish a new fee structure for students participating in athletics and other activities. Once approved, the measure would reduce extracurricular “Pay-to-Participate” fees, as well as phase in the suspension of fees for club activities and co-curricular activities in which students receive a grade.

The Westerville City School District is partnering with Health Heroes, Inc. to offer flu mist clinics again this year to elementary and middle school students on October 21; and to high school students on October 22.  The district piloted the Flu Mist program for the State of Ohio last school year, with the goal of reducing absenteeism.

All proceeds will benefit the Westerville South Basketball Team. 

At the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, October 26, five exemplary employees will receive A+ Awards; Jim Cowman, Holly Hughes-Carroll, Vicki Jarrell, Rodney Johnson, and Diana Tisdale.

Applications for monetary grants from The Bette Marschall Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation are being accepted for worthy 2015-2016 school year projects not otherwise supported within the school budget. The grants are available to teachers, students, administrators, and non-teaching staff within the Westerville City School District.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District on Friday, October 16, due to Ohio Education Association/National Education Association (OEA/NEA) Day.  Teachers and staff members will attend professional development workshops and seminars.  School will resume at regular starting times on Monday, October 19.  

Local citizens gathered on Sunday afternoon, September 27, for the Westerville Community Culture Celebration, designed to inspire open dialogue, educate, break down bias, and promote peace, acceptance, inclusion and one humanity.  Booths were set up displaying arts, crafts and wares of various cultures, and Lott of Tales storyteller Teri Lott shared stories from around the world.

Because of Parent-Teacher Conferences, classes will not be held in Westerville City elementary schools, middle schools or the Early Learning Center/preschool on Thursday, October 22 or Friday, October 23, 2015.  School will take place as usual at all three high schools – Westerville Central, North and South.  Classes will resume for all students at regular starting times on Monday, October 26.  

Crowds turned out en masse for Fall Fest on September 25, Westerville’s last 4^th Friday of the season.  Students, staff and administrators gathered on the front lawn of Hanby Elementary to present programs ranging from pre-k to high school, as well as a district slide show and a table dedicated to the Student Connections Initiative and Head Start.  The Fab Lab was also on site to show visitors technology available to pupils participating in the Innovation Generation program.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12 and Monday, October 26, 2015, at the Early Learning Center, which is located at 936 Eastwind Drive in Westerville, Ohio.

Another successful Honor Flight took place on Saturday, September 19, when 76 World War II and Korean Conflict veterans traveled, with their escorts, to Washington, D.C. to see monuments in honor of their service to our country.  A number of Westerville pupils and educators served as guardians.

Approximately 50 students from all three Westerville high schools met Friday, September 18 at the Summit Vision Teambuilding facility in Westerville for a full day of training to become Minority Scholar Student Leaders. The training prepared them for their roles as peer tutors and mentors for the Minority Scholars Program.

Westerville City School District employees Cynthia DeVese, Tami Santa and Jill Ponzi were awarded a grant to facilitate the M.O.D.E.L. program at Heritage Middle School this school year. In collaboration with Role Model Magazine, nine female adult volunteers from the community and WCSD staff, the project aims to increase girls’ sense of self-worth; improve perspective toward education; provide positive support and encouragement; and help them become self-sufficient young adult leaders and ultimately increase their school performance.

Dave Yost, Auditor of the State of Ohio, visited the Westerville City School District on Tuesday morning, September 22, to present the Treasurer’s Department with an Award with Distinction for excellence in financial reporting for their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended 2014.  Inscribed on the plaque are the words, “Your exemplary reporting serves as the standard for clean, accountable government, representing the highest level of service to Ohioans.”

On the final day of preschool last year, the staff, PTA and parents surprised army veteran Craig Eberhard, their custodian, with the trip of a lifetime – the opportunity to escort a senior veteran to Washington, D.C. as part of the Honor Flight program.  They also purchased a flag in his name at the Field of Heroes.  Honor Flight flies senior veterans from WWII and the Korean conflict to the nation’s capitol to see their monuments, free of charge, as a way of thanking them for their service to our country.  Guardians donate $300 each to offset costs for the privilege of escorting the senior military personnel.   To date, thousands of dollars have been raised in Westerville for this program.  Eberhard just learned he will be escorting 82-year-old Hershel Green, who served in Korea.  “I can’t wait to meet him,” he said.

The 2015 Mount Carmel St. Ann’s 4^th Friday season will wrap up with Fall Fest (formerly known as School Daze) on September 25 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Historic Uptown Westerville.

Applications are being accepted through Friday, September 25, for the fall 2015 Westerville City Schools A+ Employee Recognition Program, which celebrates extraordinary staff members.  Honorees will be invited to attend a Board of Education meeting where the superintendent and board members will recognize their contributions.  Awards are presented twice during each school year – once in the fall, and once in the spring – to employees who distinguish themselves through a single or ongoing demonstration of exemplary performance.

The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) is now accepting applications from faculty and staff of the Westerville City School District for Innovation Grants.  Grant proposals (with principal/supervisor endorsement) are due by October 2.

The Columbus Children’s Theatre is thrilled to partner with the Arnold Sports Festival in an effort to find the most talented performers.  They are on the hunt for singers, dancers, jugglers, ventriloquists, magicians and talents of all kind from youth ages 8-18.

The Westerville Community Culture Celebration will take place from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday September 27, at the Westerville Community Center, located at 350 North Cleveland Avenue.  Dynamic speakers with unique backgrounds and experiences will share stories sure to unite and inspire our community.

Twenty-five members of the Westerville City Schools Emergency Management Planning Committee met on September 3 to analyze a district-wide safety drill, which took place the day before in partnership with five police jurisdictions, two fire jurisdictions, all school personnel and every student.

The successor contract begins retroactive to September 1, 2015, and remains in effect through the 2017-18 school year.

Singing, dancing, acting, driving a school bus, teaching lessons in safety – Westerville City Schools Transportation employees do it all it seems, as evidenced by their latest performances of School Bus the Musical, the yearly kindergarten through third grade training activity.  Over the course of several days at the beginning of each school year, drivers transport some 4,000 elementary students to Westerville South High to see a fun-filled musical which teaches the district’s youngest pupils valuable lessons about riding the school bus.  The program was developed and is performed by Westerville City Schools bus drivers.  

Westerville Education Challenge proudly presents Boots ‘N BBQ at the Barn, benefiting Challenge Day in Westerville City Schools.  The event will take place on Saturday evening, October 3, from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided by the Old Bag of Nails Pub and Rusty Bucket. “Moonshine” tasting will take place, along with a silent auction and raffle. A DJ will be on hand to keep the crowd hopping with great music.

Each year the Westerville City Schools Transportation Department bestows “Ferdie Awards,” which honor bus drivers for going above and beyond the call of duty, providing gold standard levels of service, completing routes in a timely on a timely manner, performing unconditional acts of kindness and displaying genuine care and concern for children.  Last month, six drivers were recognized for perfect attendance during the FY14-15 school year.

For three hours on Wednesday afternoon, August 26, the Westerville City School District partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) and its Mobile Care Center to offer a full range of immunizations required for children entering kindergarten, along with the latest Tdap shots needed for current and incoming middle school students.  Families were also welcomed to schedule well-checks and the doctor and nurse in the unit addressed illness concerns as time allowed.

When word got out that some students in the Westerville City School District might not be able to afford needed supplies to begin the new school year, employees at the Early Learning Center started bringing in donations.  By the week’s end, the “pile” had grown to an impressive proportion.  The supplies will be distributed among pupils at several elementary schools.

In observation of Labor Day, school will not be held and offices will be closed in the Westerville City School District on Monday, September 7, 2015.  Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

Board members unanimously passed a resolution formally opposing what has become known as the “Youngstown School Plan,” calling it a measure that was “secretly concocted” without input from the Youngstown Board of Education, the State Board of Education, the Youngstown Mayor and City Council, and every other elected public official in the city.

The first day of Kindergarten in the Westerville City School District was Monday, August 17.  New this year, parents had the opportunity to enter their child’s name in a lottery which determined placement in tuition-based All-Day kindergarten.  369 families applied for 260 All-Day kindergarten seats in 10 classrooms.  Four of those are located at Longfellow Elementary School, which has been closed since June 2012.  The remaining six classes are being held in elementary buildings throughout the district that had available space – Alcott, Annehurst, Cherrington, Hawthorne, Robert Frost and Whittier.

Applications are being accepted through Friday, September 25, for the fall 2015 Westerville City Schools A+ Employee Recognition Program, which celebrates extraordinary staff members.  Honorees will be invited to attend a Board of Education meeting where the superintendent and board members will recognize their contributions.

The Food Service Department at Westerville City Schools is in the process of implementing state-of-the-art identification equipment that will provide security for student meal accounts, eliminate clerical errors, give children more time to eat their lunch, and offer students an easy way to identify themselves when entering the building and using the cafeteria Point-of-Sale system.

Leah Gaines (Genoa Middle School), Brittany Barnhart (Westerville Central High School), Kassie Sliney (Westerville South High School) and Melissa Paletta (Westerville South High School) went to the CPM Academy of Best Practices in Seattle, Washington from August 3 - 7. All four teachers applied for the workshop, along with almost 100 teachers around the country, and were among the lucky 32 sponsored and chosen by CPM to attend.

More than 100 Westerville teachers participated in EdTech Camp from August 3 - 6.  These professional learning sessions, held in classroom at Blendon Middle School, related to integrating technology effectively into the classroom.  Presenters consisted of Westerville teachers who are leaders in utilizing technology for student learning and engagement.

The Westerville City School District’s Board of Education is seeking applicants to serve on the district’s audit committee as a professional link between the Board and independent auditors. Interested persons may apply through the district website, www.wcsoh.org.  All applications must be received by noon on August 21.  Those members appointed will serve a one year term.

Central Ohio whether couldn’t have been nicer for the thousands of Westerville City Schools pupils in grades 1-12, who reported for classes on Thursday morning, August 13.

Each trip to Washington features a “mail call,” where veterans receive messages of gratitude from children and adults.  Students who cannot yet write are encouraged to draw pictures. 

Westerville City Schools today announced its 2015-2016 program year policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program.  Each school office and the Food Service office has a copy of the policy which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Hundreds of students in the Westerville City School District who will be riding a school bus for the first time this fall got a “sneak peek” at how things work during the annual First Time Riders open house, which was held at Whittier Elementary School on Saturday morning, August 1.

More than 100 teachers who are new to the Westerville City School District gathered in the Media Center at Westerville Central High School on August 6 and 7 for an orientation session hosted by the Office of Human Resources.  The district received some 3,500 applications for positions that are now filled.

Westerville City Schools will host a meeting from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, for English as a Second Language parents who are new to the district.  It will take place in the Board Training Room of the Early Learning Center, which is located at 936 Eastwind Avenue in Westerville.

Classes for most Westerville City Schools students will begin on Thursday, August 13, 2015. Kindergarten and Special Needs Preschool starts Monday, August 17.

Westerville City Schools will continue to serve school meals that meet the federal nutrition standards, ensuring that meals are healthy, well-balanced, and provide students the nutrition they need to succeed at school.

Westerville student fees for consumable instructional materials for the 2015-2016 school year are as follows...

Students attending Westerville City Schools, in grades 1 - 5, will begin classes on Thursday, August 13.  Most elementary schools in the district will provide an opportunity for each family to learn of their child’s teacher/class placement for the 2015-2016 school year, return the emergency medical card, pay school fees, learn their child’s bus assignment and route schedule, as well as return free and reduced lunch forms (if applicable).

Westerville City School parents who would like information about the YWCA’s licensed and award-winning before/after school childcare should visit www.ywcacolumbus.org and click on the child care tab for information about programming and tuition rates, and to complete the convenient online registration.

Season tickets for 2015 varsity home football games will be made available in the athletic offices at each Westerville high school.  Regular varsity football home games begin at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets at the gate for varsity games cost $6 for adults and $4 for students.  Ultimate Passes at all three high schools, which will admit holders to any athletic event during the 2014-2015 school year, cost $45 for students and $75 for adults.  Questions about purchasing these passes and paying athletic fees should be directed to each school’s Athletic Department.

The free cards are available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the receptionist’s desk at the Westerville City Schools Early Learning Center, which is located at 936 Eastwind Dr.  They can also be obtained at the senior citizen centers for Westerville, 310 W. Main St.; and for Blendon Township, 6340 Hempstead Rd.  The Gold Card, given to district residents over the age of 60 who hold a Golden Buckeye Card, provides free admission to sports events, concerts, musicals and plays (advanced reservation required).

Families whose children will receive transportation services for the 2015-16 school year may obtain transportation information and bus schedules online the week of August 3.  Postcards will only be mailed to students who receive transportation to a private school, whose bus transportation require the use of a shuttle (e.g., unit placements, overflow, or magnet students), or who receive other specialized transportation services.

As required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA 2004), the Westerville City School District is conducting the annual Child Find campaign to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities from birth through age 21, residing within the school district. This includes Westerville children with disabilities who are homeless, wards of the state, or attending nonpublic schools, regardless of the severity of the disability.

The mission of Westerville City Schools is to prepare students to contribute to the competitive and changing world in which we live.  To accomplish this, the district has scheduled four times during the 2015-2016 school year for the purpose of staff professional development, when focus will be placed on meeting the goals of the Continuous Improvement Plan.

On Wednesday, August 26, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Mobile Care Center will be in Westerville from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., parked in the lot at the Early Learning Center at 936 Eastwind Drive.  A doctor and a nurse from NCH will be on board to offer a full range of immunizations including DPT and MMR vaccines required for children entering Kindergarten, along with the latest Tdap immunization required for current and incoming Middle School students.  This is an opportunity to make an appointment time to get your child’s updated immunizations that may be required for the 2015-2016 school year.  

Families are encouraged to bring health insurance information and vaccine records if possible. No one is ever turned away due to financial hardship. 

Westerville’s Business instructors participated in a Logistics Industry Immersion Series on June 17 and 18.  The immersion experience, hosted by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Columbus Region Logistics Council (CRLC), provided instructors an in-depth look at the business logistics industry in Central Ohio.  Business Logistics is one of three career pathways Westerville students can engage in during their high school career.

Students in the Westerville City School District who will be riding a school bus for the first time this fall are invited, along with their parents or guardians, to attend the annual First Time Riders open house, which will be held at Whittier Elementary School from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 1.  Whittier is located at 130 E. Walnut St in Westerville.

The start time for the Board of Education's regular meeting on July 27, 2015, has been changed to 8 a.m.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet for an Executive Session prior to its regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday, June 29, 2015.

Westerville City Schools was one of six programs nationally to receive the prestigious 2015 Apex Learning Award of Excellence in Spring 2015.The Apex Learning Award of Excellence recognizes innovative schools and districts across the country for excellence in implementing blended and virtual learning programs that result in higher student achievement.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education presented Frieda Bennett, who celebrated her 100^th birthday on May 30, with a Centenarian Proclamation during its regular meeting on June 8.

The Westerville City Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program.  Meals will be provided to all eligible children free of charge. (To be eligible to receive free meals at a residential or nonresidential camp, children must meet the income guidelines for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. The income guidelines for reduced-price meals by family size are listed below.)  Children who are part of households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly foods stamps) benefits, or benefits under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible to receive free meals.

The SPLASH Summer Enrichment Academy is in full swing at Westerville North High School, to provide academic and creative challenges to highly motivated students who will be entering grades 2-8 during the 2015-16 school year.

Robert Frost Elementary School will be bustling with activity for the next couple weeks as teachers, teen helpers, firemen and police officers educate 360 soon-to-be kindergarten students about staying safe.  Westerville Safety City is an annual event operated by a non-profit organization.

The Bette Marschall Memorial Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation has announced the recipients of nine grant awards totaling $3,221 to Westerville City Schools personnel for applications submitted this spring.

Intermittent spring showers did not stop families from gathering at the Westerville Education Foundation’s (WEF) seventh annual Mini-Golf Fundraiser, which took place on Saturday, May 16 at the Westerville Mini-Golf & Batting Cages on Schrock Rd.

The Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club hosted a breakfast at the Old Bag of Nails on Wednesday morning, May 20, where Service to Youth award winners were honored.  The program began three years ago to recognize exceptional Westerville City Schools employees who have made a special contribution to youth; have served as a positive role model for young people; and have demonstrated service above and beyond the call of duty in performing their job responsibilities.  

Blendon Middle School hosted the final Westerville City Schools ESL (English as a Second Language) parent meeting on Monday, May 4.  Holocaust survivor Sofiya Karpovich shared her story of overcoming some of the darkest days in world history.  Although her childhood was marked by life in a Nazi-ruled Ukrainian ghetto, Karpovich always maintains a positive outlook and has created a happy, successful life for herself and her family.

The second part of the 9^th annual Elementary Leadership Summit occurred on Friday, May 8, at Westerville North High School.  More than 140 third, fourth and fifth grade students from all Westerville elementary schools were in attendance.

According to State Law and district policy, up-to-date immunizations are required for all school aged children.  It is the goal of the Westerville City School District to help families meet these requirements by partnering with Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) and its Mobile Care Center.

Students from Westerville North, South and Central graduated at the Celeste Center on May 23.  The Class of 2015 expressed gratitude for the support they received during their high school journey from parents, administrators, teachers and staff.

On Wednesday evening, May 6, the Westerville Education Association (WEA) hosted its Annual Reception at Villa Milano.  WEA President Rhonda Gilpin presided over the event, during which time a number of awards were presented.

On May 4 and May 7, each third grade student at all 14 elementaries in the Westerville City School District, along with St. Paul, received a personal copy of A Student’s Dictionary, thanks to the Rotary Club of Westerville.  They were assisted by volunteers from the Harris-Askins House, who placed a Rotary sticker on the first page of each book.

Westerville City School District officials today announced that the first day of class for students in grades 1-12 has been changed for next school year from Wednesday, August 12, 2015, to Thursday, August 13, 2015.  Kindergarten and preschool students will still have a gentle start to the school year with their first day of class scheduled for August 17, 2015.

“Kind, compassionate, and caring” were just some of the words used to describe 66 retiring Westerville City Schools employees, who were honored at the Board of Education meeting on Monday evening, May 18.

Sometimes busy families get so caught up in hectic schedules that they don’t always find the time to say the things that are most important.  Earlier this school year, a new program began at Huber Ridge Elementary – the All Pro Dads group.  Once a month, before school starts, several fathers and other positive role models bring their children to the Huber Ridge library to focus on family topics and talk about things like why they are proud of their kids and the difference between wants and needs.

Seventeen Westerville City Schools bus drivers competed recently in the Central Ohio Region Road-e-o, held on April 18 at Reynoldsburg Summit High School.  More than 100 individuals showed up to take a written exam and test their driving skills.  At the end of the day, Westerville’s Gary Case earned top honors, scoring 700 out of 725 possible points.  He advances to the State event, which will be held at Licking Heights High School in Pataskala tomorrow.  Winners from the State move on to an international competition in July.

Large crowds of students, families and community members gathered on Sunday afternoon, April 26, to view and celebrate some of the best art created by Westerville City Schools pupils during this school year.  The Elementary Art Show was held at the Westerville Community Center, followed by the Secondary Art Show at the Westerville Public Library.  Phyllis Self, President of the Arts Council of Westerville, Inc., and Jan Fedorenko, Ph.D., Arts Curriculum Coordinator for Westerville Schools, welcomed attendees at both events.  Superintendent John Kellogg served as keynote speaker, sharing his belief about the importance of art in the curriculum.  The programs for both events included a quote from President John F. Kennedy:  “As the arts inspire creativity in each of us individually, they breathe life into our communities.”

The last day of classes for the 2014-2015 school year in the Westerville City School District is Thursday, May 21, 2015.  A Teacher Professional Day will take place on Friday, May 22.

Westerville Parent Council’s 2014-2015 National Reflections Program Chairperson Lisa Wood presented 13 student artists for recognition at the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting held Monday evening, April 27.  131 district pupils participated in this year’s contest which celebrates original works of art in six different categories – dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  This year’s theme was “The world would be a better place if…”

Laura Hance, Secondary District Math Curriculum Coach for Westerville City Schools, was surprised on April 22 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up at Genoa Middle School to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award.  She received a plaque from the club, along with a cake and a gift card donated by the Walmart Supercenter on Schrock Road.  In addition, an American flag will be flown in her honor during Westerville’s Field of Heroes display.

Westerville City Schools has been notified that it will receive a 2015 Apex Learning Award of Excellence.  Dr. Scott Ebbrecht of the district’s Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) submitted the winning application and will receive a certificate recognizing the achievements of the program.

The Westerville Parent Council, Roush Honda, the Superintendent of Schools and the Westerville City Schools Board of Education recognized Great Educator and Mentor (GEM) award winners at a reception and special ceremony held at Westerville North High School on Monday evening, April 20.  GEM awards are given to individuals who make a difference in the lives of the students in the Westerville School District.  All GEM winners promote the welfare of pupils in the home, school and community, and each goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Westerville City Schools will be working with the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) once again to provide meals to students this summer.  The 2015 season of the Westerville Area Kids Lunch Club will run weekdays from May 26 through August 7, rain or shine, at 10 sites, all open to children ages 1-18.  Participants are invited to stay after lunch for about an hour of educational or recreational activities.   Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Holocaust survivor Sofiya Karpovich will speak about overcoming hardship and creating a happy life filled with love and success at an ESL Parent Meeting scheduled for Monday evening, May 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  The event will take place at Blendon Middle School.

More than 1,100 people enjoyed the Nationwide Children’s Starry Night Family Learning Festival last Sunday.  Organized by the Westerville Partners for Education (WPE), this year’s event theme, “Movement,” brought together a variety of hands-on learning activities from protozoan motion to motors to sports medicine, dance, and more.  Local businesses and organizations generously offered exhibits and programs, including Westerville North Science students and the district’s Fab Lab.  Educators also enjoyed an “Educator Preview Hour,” connecting teachers with exhibitors to seed classroom collaboration.

Prior to the Regular Session of the Westerville City Schools Board of Education on Monday evening, April 27, the Board will vote to go into Executive Session at 3:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing negotiations.  No action will be taken.  The Regular Session will begin at 6:00 p.m.  Both meetings will take place in the Early Learning Center, which is located at 936 Eastwind Drive in Westerville, Ohio.  

Ohio law requires all school districts to adopt a local policy on career advising by the 2015-16 school year. Through career advising, students gain an understanding of how their interests and strengths connect to their academic and career goals.  They also begin to understand how their personal interests, strengths and values might predict satisfaction and success in school and related career fields.

The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) will be holding its seventh annual Mini-Golf Fundraiser from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the Westerville Mini-Golf & Batting Cages, 450 W. Schrock Rd. www.westervilleeducationfoundation.com. 

The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) has announced that five Innovation Grants will be awarded at a program called “Celebration of Education, Innovation and Inspiration.”  The event will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17 at the Everal Barn & Homestead. 

Westerville City Schools invites incoming sixth grade students and their parents to attend Moving Up Night, an evening of orientation focused on the transition from elementary to middle school. 

The Westerville Partners for Education will partner with the Columbus Astronomical Society to kick off spring break with a trip to space!  Join us for Stars in the Park star gazing night on Saturday, March 28, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at the Westerville Sports Complex (across from the Community Center).  Astronomers will train their telescopes on the moon, Jupiter, the moons of Jupiter, Venus, the Orion Nebula, possibly comet Lovejoy, and other celestial bodies.  Bundle up – forecasters predict cold and clear on Saturday night, which is perfect for star gazing!  The event is free.  

Families packed Huber Ridge Elementary School on Thursday evening, March 19, for All Arts Night, a free, fun-filled event celebrating music and the arts.  A number of activities were offered.  Students enjoyed making various musical instruments like guitars, kazoos and drums, using recycled items.  They also had the opportunity to create comic strips and sing at into an open mic at the “Huber Café.” 

Applications for monetary grants from The Bette Marschall Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation are being accepted for worthy 2015-2016 school-year projects not otherwise supported within the school budget.  The grants are available to teachers, students, administrators, and non-teaching staff within the Westerville City School District. The submission deadline is April 30, 2015. 

Beginning on April 20, parents of children who will be attending kindergarten this fall can register their youngsters for Westerville Safety City.  The program will be held Monday through Friday, June 1-12, at Robert Frost Elementary School, which is located at 270 North Spring Road.  Two sessions will take place each day – one in the morning from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and one in the afternoon from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Third grade Fouse Elementary School student Evelyn Clark was named Overall Grand Winner at the ninth annual Westerville City Schools Lego Competition held March 21 at Heritage Middle School.

At the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 13, nine exemplary employees will receive A+ Awards.

On Sunday, April 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Westerville Partners for Education (WPE) will host the 3rd annual “Nationwide Children’s Hospital Starry Night” family learning festival at Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Rd.  The festival will offer dynamic learning experiences with experts from Columbus’ premier educational and non-profit organizations. Geared toward students in preschool through 8th grade and their caregivers and families, the event highlights motion at all scales—from microscopic to cosmic—with the 2015 event theme, “Movement.”

Now in its twelfth year, the GEM Awards program (Great Educator Mentor) recognizes those who consistently go above and beyond for students in Westerville schools.

Each building solicits nominations and a building committee comprised of staff and parents selects an honoree.  In addition, a committee with district-wide representation selects one business/organization recipient as well as individuals for contributions that impact more than one building or the district as a whole.

To celebrate Read Across America, Wilder Elementary staff invited members of the Westerville community to come into the building and read to students on Friday morning, March 6. Each participant was encouraged to share their love of reading by bringing their favorite picture book.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District from March 30 through April 3, 2015 – Spring Break.  Classes will resume at normal starting times on Monday, April 6.

How will you spend your summer?  Consider participating in opportunities that will engage your interests, enrich your knowledge base, and extend the learning you have done this year.

The 2015 Summer Camp/Activities Expo will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening March 11, at Westerville North High School, which is located at 950 County Line Road.  The event is sponsored by the Westerville Parent Council PTA.  Admission is free and open to the public, and everyone in attendance will have a chance to win raffle prizes.

Applications are being accepted through Friday, March 13, for the Spring 2015 Westerville City Schools A+ Employee Recognition Program, which celebrates extraordinary staff members.  Honorees will be invited to attend a Board of Education meeting where the superintendent and board members will recognize their contributions.

Student work submitted by fifth grade Hanby Magnet Elementary teacher Tara Norling and Curriculum Coordinator Dr. Jan Fedorenko has been selected for inclusion in the 2015 Jerry Tollifson Art Criticism Open, sponsored by the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA).

The Columbus Children’s Theatre is partnering with the Arnold Sports Festival to find the most talented performers in town.  After preliminary auditions, the Top 20 acts were invited to compete at the Arnold Kids Expo at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, for an esteemed panel of judges who will announce the best act in the city.  The event will be hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC.

At the Westerville City Schools Board of Education Meeting held on February 23, Jennifer Andon, representing The Ohio State University’s Entomology Department, presented the District with a plaque from OSU and Improving Kids Environment (IKE) “for leadership in providing a safe learning environment by reducing risks from pest and pesticides through the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools.” 

During the past two years, thanks to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant, Westerville Schools has shared its award-winning IPM implementation process with five different school districts in Ohio and Indiana.  As a result of this program, three school districts in Ohio are utilizing IPM strategies within their pilot schools – Columbus City Schools, Brookville Schools and the Western Reserve School District, which, like Westerville, received a national IPM Star Certification award from the EPA.

The Westerville City School District has been notified that four of its seniors have advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship competition.  They are:  Kara Johnson, Westerville Central High School; Jacqueline Kloos, Westerville North High School; and Marissa Banks and Hartlee Johnston, Westerville South High School.

Community members filled the lanes at the Columbus Square Bowling Palace on Saturday, February 21, to raise money for the Westerville Chamber Foundation, the Westerville Education Foundation, and the Westerville Symphony.

Westerville City Schools invites parents to attend Kindergarten 101 - A Basic Introduction to Kindergarten in Westerville.  This will take place from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at both Fouse and Hawthorne Elementary Schools.  The same presentation will be made concurrently at both sites.  Parents may choose the location that is most convenient for them.

Ohio State football legend and two-time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin will be the keynote speaker for a Friday Fare fundraiser hosted by the Westerville Christian Church (WCC). The program will be held on February 27 at the church, which is located at 471 East College Avenue.

Opera Columbus brought their magic to Huber Ridge Elementary School on Tuesday morning, February 10, through the captivating tale of the Three Little Pigs.  Students packed the gymnasium to listen and watch as fellow classmates got the opportunity to perform with the professionals.

Westerville City Schools will be closed, Friday, February 20th due to severe cold temperatures.

Westerville City Schools are preparing to begin the registration process for our next kindergarten class.  We look forward to meeting our new families and greeting our returning families.  Kindergarten is required for children before entering first grade.  If your child will be five years old on or before September 30, 2015, you may register him/her for kindergarten.

Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, families in the Westerville City School District will have, for the first time, the opportunity to enter their kindergartner’s name in a lottery which will determine placement in All-Day kindergarten.  Up to 260 students will fill All-Day seats in 10 classrooms, four of which will be held at Longfellow Elementary School, which has been closed since June 2012.  The remaining six classes will take place in elementary buildings throughout the district that have available space.

Parents or guardians wishing to have their children attend a school different from their school of attendance must complete and submit an Intra-district Open Enrollment Application.  Application forms are available at each school building; at the Westerville City Schools Enrollment Center (300 Polaris Parkway, Suite 3200); at the Early Learning Center (936 Eastwind Drive, Suite 200); or at www.wcsoh.org, where general guidelines can also be found.

Westerville City Schools will host a Magnet Program Fair from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at Heritage Middle School, which is located at 390 North Spring Road.  During the Magnet Fair, families will have the opportunity to learn about the three program options available.  There will be displays providing a visual for each program, as well as staff members available to answer questions.

For further updates, please visit www.wcsoh.org/magnet. 

Applications are being accepted for the Westerville City Schools A+ Employee Recognition Program, which celebrates extraordinary staff members.  Honorees will be invited to attend a Board of Education meeting where the superintendent and board members will recognize their contributions.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet in regular session on Monday, February 9 and Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Early Learning Center, 936 Eastwind Drive, Westerville, Ohio.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District and offices will close on Monday, February 16, 2015, in observance of Presidents’ Day.  Classes will begin at regular starting times and offices will open on Tuesday, February 17.

The Westerville community, including the city, schools, citizens, businesses, service clubs and others, will host its sixth annual concert, the Jukebox Revue, to benefit Honor Flight Columbus on Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Westerville North High School.  Proceeds from the event will benefit this year’s community-sponsored Honor Flight, a program honoring veterans with a guided tour of the National World War II monument in Washington, D.C.

Continue to check this news feed for further updates!

High School activities after 1 p.m. will continue as scheduled. All Middle and Elementary School activities are canceled. The School Board meeting will continue as scheduled.

UPDATE: Westerville City Schools are CLOSED today, Monday, January 26, due to weather conditions.

The “slamtastic” Harlem Wizards performed at Westerville Central High School on Tuesday evening, January 20, when they were pitted against teachers and community members making up a team called the Westerville Wonders.  Prior to the game, the Wizards announced that “Never in the history of sport will the losing team have so much fun.”

A student representing Westerville City Schools recently received a perfect score in the first of three meets for this year’s WordMasters Challenge™—a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 150,000 students annually.

Approximately 350 Westerville community members gathered at Villa Milano on Monday morning, January 19, to celebrate the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  WBNS 10-TV news anchor Angela An emceed the 10^th annual breakfast, where Pastor Jim Zippay of Heritage Christian Church, delivered the keynote address.

Innovation Grants, which for more than 20 years have been available to Westerville City School District employees, are the longest-standing part of the Westerville Education Foundation’s GAP (Grants-Adoption-Projects) Initiative.  Due to the WEF’s launch of online program funding opportunities announced earlier, a number of changes to this program are taking place this year:

The Ohio School Boards Association is celebrating School Board Recognition Month in January 2015 to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected Board of Education plays in our society.

“The World Would Be a Better Place if…” was the theme of the 2014-15 PTA Reflections competition this year.  At an awards ceremony and reception held at the Westerville Public Library on Thursday evening, January 8, the Westerville Parent Council (WPC) recognized students for their efforts in the areas of literature, music, dance, photography, film/video and visual arts.  Parent Council President Lisa Aucoin and Reflections Chair Lisa Wood co-hosted the event.

The deadline for GEM Award nominations is Monday, February 9, 2015.  Sponsored by Roush Honda and Westerville Parent Council, the annual GEM Awards, which stands for “Great Educator Mentors” in Westerville Schools, honors community members, volunteers, teachers and staff who consistently go above and beyond for students in Westerville schools.

The Columbus Children’s Theatre is partnering with the Arnold Sports Festival to find the most talented performers in town.  The group is on the hunt for singers, dancers, jugglers, ventriloquists, magicians and talented children of all types between the ages of 8-18.  Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25 at Westerville North High School, which is located at 950 County Line Road.  Participants should come prepared to present 90 seconds of material.

Classes in the Westerville City School District will not be held and offices will close on Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

UPDATE: All District-Sponsored High School evening activities scheduled for January 8 will continue as scheduled. 

All District-Sponsored Middle School evening activities scheduled for January 8 are CANCELED. 

Please check the status of any non-district events in WCSD facilities with your sponsoring organization.