Enrollment and Family Resource Center News

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 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.  

One passionate person with a great idea can move mountains. Andrew Malick, a senior at Westerville North High School, proved that on Veteran’s Day with the culmination of his “Warrior to Warrior Project.”

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

Author J. Scott Savage visited Alcott and Annehurst Elementary Schools on Wednesday, October 21, for a fun and interactive presentation that engaged students at both schools.  His dynamic presentation was entitled The Power of Creativity.  He shared stories of other kids who have changed the world with their ideas.  He also taught pupils how to come up with an amazing story idea in less than five minutes using a protagonist (hero), a goal, three obstacles, and consequences of success and failure.

Alcott Elementary students joined forces on Friday, September 23 for the school’s annual Walk-A-Thon to collect money for the Alcott PTA.  Pupils raised donations of nearly $12,000 by walking at the track at Westerville Central High School.  All participants were presented with a Walk-A-Thon t-shirt, thanks to a generous donation from Shirck Orthodontics.  With the help of a DJ offering a great selection music, spirits were high as classes in grades K-5 competed to raise the most money.

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.

After three years of being closed, Longfellow Elementary School is open once again, happily housing four All-day Kindergarten classrooms. Formerly, the building was a Blue Ribbon award-winning math and science magnet school for grades 1-5. In celebration of its grand re-opening, an Open House for the community will be held on Sunday, November 1, from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

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.

Jim Tressel has spent his entire life helping people get where they want to go.  It’s his passion.  The award-winning Ohio State football coach and current President of Youngstown State University shared his thoughts about success with seniors at Westerville South High School on Wednesday morning, October 14.

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.”

While staying with a host family in Westerville, German elementary school Principal Matthias Wagener hoped to visit a school here and speak to students and teachers about the differences and similarities of education in the two countries.  His wish came true on October 12, when he and first grade teacher Susan Schumaker lectured in classrooms at Hanby Elementary.

Westerville North High School AP Chemistry teacher Jeff Bracken was surprised on Tuesday, October 13, when his boss, Principal Kurt Yancey, walked into his classroom with representatives from Sunny 95 and Telhio Credit Union to announce that he had been named the October Teacher of the Month.  They brought a plaque and enough pizza for all his students.

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.

Thanks to personnel from Westerville Fire Station 113 on North Spring Road, first grade students at Robert Frost Elementary School got an up close look at a fire truck on Tuesday, October 12.  Inspector Jeff Lear (“Fireman Jeff”) and the E-113 Crew brought a truck to school, and also demonstrated what a firefighter looks like while wearing full gear, encouraging the children not to “run and hide” from him/her should an emergency situation arise.

Westerville South High School Theatre Troupe 513 will present The Miss Firecracker Contest, by Beth Henley, at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31; and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1.  Tickets cost $6, but the performances have limited seating so advanced reservations are suggested.

The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, will be performed at Westerville Central High School at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31; and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1.  Tickets cost $6.

What happens when a metal ladder accidently comes in contact with an overhead electric line?  Or when a squirrel introduces itself to a transformer?  Or when a power line breaks and comes in contact with an automobile or construction vehicle?  The results can be deadly and thanks to American Electric Power (AEP) and the Westerville Electric Division, seventh grade students at Heritage Middle School got to see firsthand just how dangerous these scenarios can be.

Students in Advanced Placement Biology classes at Westerville North and Central high schools are participating in a unique citizen science collaborative with The Ohio State University.  Pupils in the classrooms of Brooke Cochran (North) and Autumn McCormick (Central) are collecting and analyzing soil samples to be entered into a database as part of a national study being overseen by Yale University called the PARE project – Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment.

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.

The sidewalks around Robert Frost Elementary were a little more crowded than usual on Wednesday morning, October 7, as dozens of parents walked their children to school.  Organized by the Partnership for a Walkable America, Walk to School Day in the United States began in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at building awareness of the need for walkable communities.

The promise that they would get to turn Mark Twain Elementary School Principal Vicki Moss into an ice cream sundae motivated students to raise more than $11,000 during their annual Walk-a-Thon.  Pupils walked to earn money for their school, got some exercise, and fostered friendships and school spirit. 

All proceeds will benefit the Westerville South Basketball Team. 

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, October 1.  October students are:  Andrew Malick, Westerville North High School; and Lauren Morabito, St. Francis DeSales.

Heritage Middle School students and staff were treated to a message entitled “Label Maker” by retired Westerville teacher and coach Jeff Brenning, during their September Lunch and Learn.  Each month Heritage focuses on one of the Westerville Way words.  This month, Respect was the theme for many school wide initiatives, which included daily video announcements, a collection of cereal for WARM, a Live Your Quote contest, and weekly goal setting and reflection during Flashback Friday.

Seventh grade Blendon Middle School student photographer Landon Bailey appeared in a September 28 article of The Jackson County Times-Journal because his work will be featured at a one-person exhibit at the Markay Cultural Arts Center in Jackson at at 7 p.m., Friday, October 2.

Thanks to Amy Emler, a secretary at Fouse Elementary School, fifth grade students recently enjoyed a visit from a geologist. Lori Emler, Amy’s daughter, is employed at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project as a research technician in the Biochemistry Department.

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.

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.

Voya Financial, Inc., a leading provider of retirement plans for educators, announced that Rachel Schultz and Katherine Wirthlin, teachers at McVay Elementary School in Westerville, have received a $2,000 grant as part of the company’s 2015 Unsung Heroes awards competition.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Minerva Park, Hawthorne Elementary School Principal Angela Ervin had a custom display case built to show off the old Minerva Park school bell.  The cast iron bell used to sit on the floor in a hallway at the school and was not seen by the community.  It is now elevated and visible from the front door for everyone to see.

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 entire student body and staff at Westerville Central High School gathered in the Commons last Friday morning for a somber and moving ceremony commemorating the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when Al Qaeda terrorists aboard three hijacked passenger planes carried out coordinated suicide attacks against the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., killing everyone on board the planes and nearly 3,000 people on the ground.  A fourth plane crashed into a Pennsylvania field, killing all on board, after passengers and crew attempted to wrestle control from the hijackers.

Students, staff and school officials gathered on September 18, 2015, at Walnut Springs Middle School for a Center for Inspiration ribbon cutting ceremony.  Renovation of the media center at Walnut Springs was one of many projects completed as part of the Westerville City School District’s five-year capital improvement plan, which is funded by a permanent improvement levy approved by residents in 2009.

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.

Students in Mara Clark’s 4^th grade class at Emerson Elementary School learned some valuable lessons about collaboration recently through an activity called The Marshmallow Challenge. Both fun and educational, The Marshmallow Challenge asks groups to design and build the tallest possible free standing structure using just spaghetti, masking tape and twine, with a marshmallow on top!

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.

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) have announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.  Included on the list are three Westerville City Schools students...

Drive by Westerville South High School at 303 South Otterbein Avenue and you will see 3,000 tiny American flags planted in front of the building to commemorate the 3,000 lives lost on 9/11.

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.  

For the past three years, Westerville North High School’s marching band has worked with the American Red Cross to host a Bleed for the Band Blood Drive.  This summer, after they invited their sister schools (Central and South) to join them in a competition, the Battle of the Bands Blood Drive was born.  To make the contest even more enticing, each booster group contributed $100 and an additional $300 was collected in outside donations.

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.

School has just begun, but learning is well underway as evidenced by a recent activity which took place in Daniel Hunt’s Honors Physics class at Westerville Central High School.  The winning team of four students – Abigail Steele, Katie Lueckel, Caitlin Luby, and Resham Mawalkar – designed and built a six-inch tower out of note cards that held more than 133 pounds of weight.

Seventeen seniors from Westerville Central, Westerville North and Westerville South high schools were recognized for having completed all local and state requirements in order to earn a high school diploma.  All three high school principals addressed them and those who attended were personally congratulated by Superintendent John Kellogg and members of the Board of Education.

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.

 Events include a tailgate party at the Westerville South High School football game on Friday, October 2; a morning golf outing, school tour and evening dinner dance on Saturday, October 3; and a Watershed Distillery tour on Sunday, October 4.

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.

More than 60 student leaders gathered at Westerville Central High School on Thursday morning, July 23, to focus on how to make the upcoming school year the best one ever.  The group consisted of pupils from many different clubs, teams and organizations who met with the common goal of making Westerville Central strong.

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.

The first day of classes for all middle school students is Thursday, August 13. Schedule pick-up for all four Westerville middle schools has been announced as follows...

The first day of classes for Westerville high school students is Thursday, August 13.  Payment of student fees and schedule pick-up for all three Westerville high schools has been announced as follows...

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.

As part of the Westerville City Schools Global Classroom program, 40 Westerville Central High School students traveled to Scotland and England last month to embark on a discovery of British food, history, literature, music, art and theatre.

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.

Jill B. Ponzi, MEd, ATC, has been selected as one of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s 2015 Athletic Trainer Service Award recipients.

After winning the state contest, Genoa Middle School student Ema Rennie is headed to the University of Maryland to compete with 3,000 students from all around the world in the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day competition. 

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education recently recognized Westerville Central's varsity baseball team for finishing second in the State tournament.

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.

On the last day of school, Alcott Elementary celebrated the end of the year in a grand way.  Students graduating this year from all three Westerville high schools, and who were part of the first kindergarten class when Alcott opened in 2002, were invited to be a part of the festivities.

Eric “The Fish” Paton recently performed for students at Alcott Elementary School.  Paton is a musician, performer, and educator specializing in percussion from around the world.  From the dynamic style of taiko drumming of Japan to the infectious rhythms of samba from Brazil, Paton infuses excitement and interaction into his performances.

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.  

On May 19, each Westerville middle school sent their building chess club representative to participate in the middle school chess tournament held at the Early Learning Center.  Family, friends, and Westerville City Schools staff eagerly watched the matches.  

Fifth grade students in the Alcott Elementary School classrooms of Amanda Thompson and Mike Mazzon hosted a Wax Museum on May 13.

Hard work pays off at Annehurst Elementary School.  Just ask second grade students in Kelli Stuckey’s class.  Not only did good efforts and behavior earn them a pizza party (from the specials teachers or from the music, physical education, and art teachers), they also got to enjoy camping on the school grounds, thanks to Cabela’s Outfitters, whose representatives visited on Monday afternoon, May 18.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program challenges juniors and seniors in Westerville schools to think critically in all aspects of their academic program.  One of the requirements of students enrolled as IB Diploma Candidates is the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course.  ToK challenges pupils to examine the responsibilities, challenges and rewards of knowledge and how this knowledge can be used to improve society on a local and global level.

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.

Since March, fourth grade classes from Fouse, Mark Twain, and Hawthorne elementary schools have been working together to research famous Ohioans.  They have been using resources such as Google Docs to share the research; Big Blue Button to meet and discuss their presentations; and Google Slides to type, share, and show their final products.

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.

From almost 6,000 submissions sent in throughout the State of Ohio, nine students were chosen for induction into the AAA Ohio Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.  For the second year in a row, three attend Cherrington Elementary School in Westerville –   Alexi Bloch, grade 4; Gracie Pheasant, grade 5; and Avery McLaughlin, grade 5.

Second grade students from Kelly Balaz’s class at Hanby Magnet School got to meet their “Leaping Letters” pen pals on Tuesday afternoon, May 12.  This marks the third year letters have been exchanged between Westerville students and senior citizens.  Balaz says, “This is a great way to connect two parts of the community who may otherwise not get a chance to know each other.” 

Each school day the Westerville Public Library’s Library Link service delivers books and other materials requested by students, faculty and staff at the school buildings in the Westerville district.  Recently, Library Link Awards were presented to the elementary and middle school receiving the most items delivered this school year:  Annehurst Elementary School (2,443 items) and Heritage Middle School (1,040 items).

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.

In coordination with the 141^st running of the roses at the Kentucky Derby, Alcott Elementary school hosted a “Hat Day” on Friday, May 1.  Staff, students and parents wore hats to symbolize their focus as Alcott speeds towards the final leg of the 2014-2015 academic school year.  Anyone entering the building that day was encouraged to wear a hat to support this endeavor, and any and all hats were welcomed.  The morale-boosting event marked a great show of support from the Alcott Learning Community.

Sixteen adjunct faculty members with Ashland University’s Schar College of Education have been awarded professional fellow recognition for a three-year term.  They received this honor at the College of Education meeting on April 24. Those adjunct faculty members receiving this recognition include Jamie Lipp of Pickerington, who was named a professional fellow at Ashland University’s Columbus Center and for the online program.  Lipp is an elementary English language arts/social studies curriculum specialist for Westerville City Schools and an adjunct professor for Ashland University.

Just a few days after the Westerville City Schools Board of Education recognized 13 student artists for advancing to the State Level of the 2014-2015 PTA Reflections competition, it was announced that Alcott fifth grader Lily Wood earned accolades at the national contest.

Westerville South High School junior Austin Walker and three teachers were honored by the Delaware County Commissioners on April 30 after they revived a student whose heart had stopped at the Delaware Area Career Center.

April 30 was a big day for students at Hanby Elementary School.  Not only did ABC6/FOX28 Meteorologist Marschall McPeek stop in to talk about weather, some of them got to appear that evening on the local broadcast. 

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.

At the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting held Monday, May 4, Pete Otteson, Commander of American Legion Post 171 and Bev Etling, Post 171 Chairperson for Buckeye Boys & Girls State, presented students from Westerville North, South and Central high schools who excelled on the Americanism and Government Test; and who earned spots as delegates to Buckeye Boys & Girls State.  

They certainly don’t look like first graders anymore, but students who used to be in the classrooms of retired teacher Kitty Dalrymple and Julie Pierron have fond memories of Annehurst Elementary School.  So fond, in fact, that they gathered at the school on April 30 to say farewell before each graduates from Westerville Central, North, or South High School.

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.

Junior Achievement of Central Ohio (JACO) and Emerson Elementary School in Westerville have announced a partnership to provide career readiness programs for students.  The Junior Achievement Our City program introduces pupils to financial literacy and third-grade social studies learning objectives, including the characteristics of cities and how people and businesses in cities manage their money.

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.”

Thirteen special senior citizens received the red carpet rollout at Silver Screen, Golden Dreams, a film festival put on through a joint collaboration between Westerville Central High School’s Film and Literature students and the Westerville Senior Center.  Students interviewed the senior citizens at the Westerville Senior Center four times throughout the semester and then used the interviews, still photos, and other videos to craft films about their lives.

Author Michelle Houts, a former Walnut Springs Middle School student, visited her alma mater on April 27 to talk with all seventh grade students about the joy of writing.  Later, a few pupils were selected to participate in small workshops with the writer.  The pupils recently read one of her books, Kammie on First, the story of Dorothy Mary Kamenshek, who was born to immigrant parents in Norwood, Ohio.

Commencement exercises for Westerville’s graduating class of 2015 will take place on Saturday, May 23, at the Ohio Expo/Celeste Center.  Westerville South High School ceremonies will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by Westerville North High School at 2:00 p.m. and Westerville Central High School at 6:00 p.m.  Graduates should report one hour before the scheduled events.  Parking cost for graduates, families and friends is $5 per car and tickets are not required to attend.

Ema Rennie, a 7th grade student from Genoa Middle School, is a Finalist in the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day (NHD) competition.  For her paper about investigative journalist Gary Webb, Rennie will be moving on to compete at the University of Maryland the week of June 14-18.  This year’s theme is “Leadership and Legacy in History.”  She is taught by Caley Nestor-Baker and Media Specialist Deanna McDaniel.

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.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students in The Mark Twain Drama Club performed in three short plays on April 17, with one show taking place for students in the morning and one that same evening for their parents and family members.  The stories included “The Half Chicken,” a tale of how the weathervane came to be; “The Brementown Musicians,” about how four older animals find new life in a new career; and an adaptation of “I Know an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly.”

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.

“Love Country - Love Westerville” has been chosen as the theme for Rotary’s July 4th parade.  Gavin Mager, a first grade student in Jason McQuown’s class at Alcott Elementary School, came up with the winning submission and won $100 and a place of honor in the big 4th of July parade.  Gavin and his family were the guests of honor at the Rotary Club of Westerville luncheon held on April 23 at Villa Milano.

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.  

Students from Otterbein University and the Westerville City Schools Best of Both Worlds program joined forces to host Health and Activity Nights at Mark Twain Elementary School on Tuesday evening, April 7; and at Robert Frost Elementary on Thursday evening, April 9.

In February, Jennifer Findell’s class of gifted fifth graders traveled from Emerson Elementary to Walnut Springs in order to participate in the Middle School Science Fair.  Eight Emerson projects, the work of 10 students, were ranked Superior at that event.  Five of those students accepted the challenge to compete in the District Seven Science Day competition held at Columbus State in March.

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.

At the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 13, star athletes were recognized for their accomplishments at the State level.

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. 

Keeping the school climate strong and addressing issues that impact all students are priorities at Genoa Middle School where, next week, a campaign called “It Takes Courage” will be launched.  The spirit week will promote acts of courage, standing up against stereotypes and bullying, and promoting kindness and acceptance.  The event is being orchestrated by Stephanie Christie, who runs the “Thank Goodness I’m Female” and “Girl Action League” programs at the school.  She is also the Development and Programs Specialist for Youth to Youth International.

Sue Bell, administrative assistant at the Westerville City Schools Academic Enrichment Center (AEC), was surprised on April 8 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.  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 American Legion Post 171 has sent hundreds of boys and girls to the annual experiment in democracy, called Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State.  “Post 171 sends more boys (10) and girls (12) to this program than any other American Legion post in Ohio,” remarked Bev Etling, chairperson of the program for the last seven years.  The program especially appeals to Westerville students because of the enthusiasm of the teacher and advisors.

The 2014-15 Regional Middle School Mock Trial teams came together at the Westerville’s City Council Chamber on March 27 to practice for the upcoming competition on April 16 in downtown Columbus.  Serving as Judge for the mock trial hearings was Westerville North Media Specialist and Coach of the State Champion Westerville North High School Mock Trial team, Zach Wilkerson.  This year’s mock trial case is based on the book Animal Farm by George Orwell.

The sixth annual Westerville City Schools Middle School Invention Convention Competitions were held throughout the month of March at each of the four middle schools.  Sponsored by the Gifted Education Department and each middle school, students were invited to set up displays and be judged by a panel of distinguished educators, administrators, and community members. The top two scoring student inventions at each middle school will represent Westerville City Schools at the Central Region Invention Convention Competition which will be held on May 9 at the Columbus State Conference Center. 

Every school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer.  As one can imagine, cancer treatment is not a quick or easy process, and these children spend from weeks to months at a time in the hospital as they undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other procedures. They are often unable to attend school and participate in many childhood activities. For a large portion of time during their treatment, these youngsters are usually in their pajamas.

Genoa Middle School students gave their time, talent and treasure to Share Bac A Pac, so that fellow Westerville City School students wouldn’t go hungry during spring break.  Lead by math teacher Katy Paolini, the middle school raised funds through a two-day dodge ball tournament and presented Share Bac A Pac with a check for $1,000.  In addition, Genoa’s National Honor Society students organized and packed 270 bags of food, which, when combined with the check, will provide more than 1,000 meals and snacks for Westerville students at risk of hunger.

Westerville North High School senior and journalism student Harrison Nickels has been notified that he is a winner in The Martys, an editorial contest for Central Ohio’s high school journalists.  He placed second in the “Best News Writing” category for an article he wrote entitled, “Excel in admissions with Common App.”  Nickels, taught by journalism teacher Maryann Hines, is The Odyssey’s Podcast editor.

On Thursday, March 26, first grade students at Hawthorne Elementary School brought the charm and fun of the farm to life in their barnyard musical entitled, “Old McIntyre Had a Farm.”  The children worked hard preparing for the show – learning the songs and choreography in music, creating farm drawings to decorate the school in art, and exploring the lyrics in their classroom reading blocks.

Third grade students recently hosted a Reading Fair at Alcott Elementary School.  They participated by reading a favorite book and then creating a storyboard to display and share with their peers.

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. 

After learning that there are very few libraries in Liberia for people to enjoy, student leaders at Pointview Elementary School decided to host a variety of fund raisers to get money to buy books for the cause.

Students in Michael Park’s Advanced Placement Language Arts class at Westerville Central High School recently completed a Rhetorical Activism Project.  One of his pupils, Emma Dyer, chose to work with LED retrofitting for issues of sustainability, and she was able to procure from GE approximately 200 LED bulbs she used to conduct a workshop that she and her father, Mac Dyer, hosted on March 27 in the school library.

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.  

Seven Westerville City Schools students are advancing to states in the Library of Congress’ annual Letters about Literature contest.  Out of the nearly 2,000 entries from across Ohio, 164 letters were chosen to move on to the next round of competition.

Westerville North High Schools’ Team Darrow, which recently won the Ohio Mock Trial State Championship by defeating Ashland High School at the Ohio Statehouse, was recognized by the Westerville City Schools Board of Education at a meeting held Monday evening, March 23.  Team advisor Zach Wilkerson, and colleagues Ken Donchatz, Scott Longo and Dr. Tom Peet, were commended for guiding the 10 students to victory.  They will compete at the national level from May 14-16 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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. 

Third grade students in Beth Dalin’s class at Emerson Magnet School have befriended children in the Kotabe Elementary School in Japan.  The pupils have exchanged cultural artifact boxes of items that tell a little bit about the land, people, music and traditions of each country.

Westerville North High School sophomore Mary Rose Moore will travel to Montreal, Canada from March 26 - April 6 to compete in the Irish World Dance Competition.  She will join more than 6,000 other competitors representing countries from all around the globe.  In order to qualify, Moore earned 10^th place in North America and 7^th place in the Mid America competitions.

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.

A group of students from Westerville Central High School competed recently at the Central Ohio Science Olympiad held at Grandview Heights High School.  Second place in the Airplane Event was earned by Wes Bumpus; seventh place in Forensics was received by Hope Garman and Wes Bumpus; eighth place in Protein Modeling was earned by Emma Dyer and Amy Adik; and ninth place in Bridge Building was received by Priscilla Doh and Hope Garman.

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

Students and staff at Pointview Elementary are Wild About Reading, as evidenced by a multitude of activities that have taken place at the school in recent days.  The building’s Right to Read Committee has coordinated a number of events to promote reading, including spirit week; morning quote announcements; a reading stampede, when teachers dressed as characters from their favorite book, which they read aloud; and ROAR, when the entire school “Reached Out And Read” for 20 minutes.

Students at Alcott Elementary were entertained by Irish dancers from The Academy Irish Dance Co. on St. Patrick’s Day.  The Academy is a Westerville company specializing in Irish Dance.  The school has been very successful, bringing home the first World Championship title to Columbus.

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.”

The local community is just a little nicer for people and their four-legged companions, thanks to the efforts of pupils at Hawthorne Elementary School.  Under the direction of school social worker Bonnie Gourley, student leaders engaged in a service project that involved collecting money from every classroom to purchase fabric to make blankets for children in foster care.

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.

Children’s author/illustrator David Catrow spent the day at Hawthorne Elementary School on March 10, autographing some of his books including, I Like Myself and I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! He has more than 70 published works in print. 

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, March 12.  March students are: Seriah Wells, Westerville Central High School; Yussuf Bashir, Westerville North High School; Miranda Cottman, Westerville South High School; and Samantha Vincent, St. Francis DeSales High School.

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.

First grade celebrities and their fans flooded the Alcott Elementary School library on Friday evening, March 6, for the Alcott Grammy Awards, coordinated by teacher Jim Ledford.  The stars, dressed in their finest attire, entered the ceremony on a red carpet lined with shouting paparazzi.  They performed a whopping 22 songs for the enthusiastic audience, and were accompanied by Ledford on guitar and harmonica; Casey Wright on drums; and Rich Robinson on bass.

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.

Students in the Emerson Elementary classrooms of Kathy Anclien and Theresa Bledsoe recently participated in a Genius Hour, inspired by Google’s 20% time initiative, which allows employees to dedicate 20% of working hours to their own ideas.  The youngsters were given 1½ hours each week to work on a project of their choice, based on their individual interests and passions.

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.

Career Explorations, a program offered at all three Westerville high schools through the Transition Services Department, affords recommended students the opportunity to work within the school setting or community to develop job skills and build a resume.

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.

The Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) club at Westerville North is the first high school organization in the country to be named Chapter of the Month by the national YAF.  The group, started by senior Tristan Justice, has grown from just him and a few friends to more than 20 registered members.  Hundreds have attended their events, including inviting Bay Buchanan to speak to government classes about leadership.  Buchanan, a conservative commentator, is former Treasurer of the United States.

The Westerville Middle School Science Fair was held on Saturday, February 7, at Walnut Springs Middle School.  The event featured 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students from Walnut Springs, Blendon, Heritage, Genoa and Emerson.  159 participants enthusiastically shared their passion for science with more than 40 judges.

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.

Sixteen seniors from Westerville Central, North and South high schools were invited to attend a winter graduation ceremony on February 9 during the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting.  Principals from all three high schools addressed the students who, having met all the graduation requirements of the State of Ohio and the Westerville Board of Education, received their diplomas.  They were congratulated by Board members and Superintendent John Kellogg.  A reception prior to the meeting was held in their honor.  

Mason Gresh, a senior at Westerville North High School, signed with the University of Findlay football program on National Signing Day, February 4.  A special ceremony was held on February 9 at Westerville North High School to celebrate the event.

Fifty-two students have qualified for participation in the Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication Region II final local spelling bee, which will be held on March 14 at the school’s Baker University Student Center in Athens.  These spellers attained a score of at least 32 on the online test.  

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 Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, February 5.  February students are:  Jonny Derringer, Westerville Central High School; Morgan Pearce, Westerville North High School; Chenelle Moore, Westerville South High School; and Paige Grube, St. Francis DeSales High School. National Honor Society, tutoring, peer ministry, Math Club and Student Ambassadors.  Grube teaches dance at Straub, serves at food kitchens, is a St. Paul altar server, and volunteered at the St. John/Holy Rosary Christmas Toy Drive.  She plans to pursue pharmaceutical studies at Butler or the University of Toledo.

The American Legion Young Budd Post 171 of Westerville, Ohio recently conducted the 2014-2015 Americanism and Government Test in each of the Westerville High Schools for their 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grade students.  The test consisted of 50 questions covering Federal, State, County, and Local government; the United States flag; the U.S. constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

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.

Westerville City Schools invites parents to attend High School 101 at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, at Westerville North High School.

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.

Students got to explore our Solar System without ever leaving the building when COSI (Center of Science and Industry) brought its traveling science program, Astounding Astronomy, to Pointview Elementary last week.  Pupils studied the size and distance between the planets, the electromagnetic spectrum, the extreme cold of the outer planets and deep space, and learned how Earth is currently the only planet known to contain life.

Students at Walnut Springs Middle School gathered on the evening of Friday, January 23 for the second annual Walnut Springs National History Day Showcase Night.  It was a chance for more than 160 pupils to “showcase” their National History Day (NHD) projects.  To conclude the night, participants were awarded Superior, Excellent and Good ratings, as well as Best of Show.  This year a new addition was the Student Choice Awards, where competing students voted for projects fitting into several different superlative categories for awards.

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.

Kathy Gordon, a Multiple Disabilities teacher at McVay Elementary School, was surprised on January 29 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up during a staff meeting to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award.

A Wax Museum was recently held at Alcott Elementary School.  Bob Talley’s 4^th grade students chose famous and historical characters, both past and present, to portray as wax figures.  When prompted by visitors to the museum, the characters would answer questions and provide facts and information about the person they were depicting.

Westerville North’s varsity team advanced to the quarter finals in WOSU’s “In the Know” tournament by defeating Olentangy High School in a match that was televised on January 27.  Their quarter final match, against Dublin Jerome, will be taped on February 2, to be aired at a later date.  This year’s competition started with 58 teams.

Students from all five third grade classes at Alcott Elementary School took part in the annual talent show by performing for their classmates.  The event was held on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, January 27 and 28.

On Friday, January 23, Westerville North High School hosted 400 students from Heritage Middle School for the movie showing of Maleficent.  Heritage then treated the pupils to a pizza and pop party to celebrate 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade Renaissance qualifiers from the second quarter of this school year.

Students and their families packed Cherrington Elementary School on Thursday evening, January 22, Family Science Night.  Representatives were on hand from MAD Scientists, American Ceramics, Westerville South High School, Lakeshore Cryogenics, Bright Path, Wireless Device Repair and Otterbein University, along with geologist Dale Gnidovec, to help participants engage in scientific activities and experiments.

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 Center of Science and Industry (COSI) brought its traveling program, “Current Conditions” to Hanby Magnet School on Wednesday, January 21.  The day began with an interactive assembly introducing the students to air pressure, cloud formation, warm and cold fronts, and extreme weather.

Pupils in Mara Clark’s third grade class at Emerson Magnet School got a special treat on Tuesday, January 20, when they enjoyed the first in a series of Parent Presentations, which give family members a chance to share their careers, passions and hobbies with the class.

Westerville North High School sophomore Kennedy Boswell was named a winner in Otterbein University’s fourth annual Martin Luther King Multimedia, Essay and Arts Contest.  The annual competition allows high school students to showcase their talents through art, essays, poetry or multimedia submissions.

Genoa Middle School’s sixth graders were extremely busy during the month of November, creating their own novels for NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month).  Collectively, they wrote 1,211,471 words!  All students who met their goal have received a code from CreateSpace, an online publishing site, to get their books published and receive five free copies.

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.”

On Friday morning, January 16, eighth grade students at Genoa Middle School participated in the annual Junior Achievement (JA) Day, sponsored by Alliance Data.  Pupils learned about careers, budgeting, credit and insurance, thanks to volunteers from Alliance Data, who engaged them in discussions, instruction, reflective writing, mathematical calculations, and instructional board games. 

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.

For their academic and athletic excellence, the 2014 Westerville South High School Wildcats football team has been recognized as Academic All Ohio by the Ohio High School Football Coaches’ Association.  The Wildcats finished with a 3.776 grade point average.  This marks the fifth time team members have earned this honor.

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.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, January 15.  January students are:  Lauren Eberly, Westerville Central High School; Tristan Justice, Westerville North High School; Abu Daramy, Westerville South High School; and Myles McNeal, St. Francis DeSales High School.

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:

Niche, one of the largest content startups in the country, has ranked all three high schools in Westerville as being among the best in the State of Ohio.  Westerville Central placed 49^th; Westerville South 80^th; and Westerville North 100^th.

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.

A seminar entitled “Understanding AP: Courses, Content, and College Credit” will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, January 28.  Students and parents from all Westerville middle and high schools are encouraged to attend to find out how Advanced Placement (AP) classes can increase their potential for academic excellence.

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.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will meet at 6:00 p.m. for its Organizational and Regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2015 in the Board Training Room at the Early Learning Center, which is located at 936 Eastwind Drive in Westerville.  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.

SPS EZPay is a secure and convenient website application that allows parents to add to their child’s meal account or pay school, class, activity fees, and/or Pre-School Tuition over the Internet using any Visa or MasterCard (including Debit Visa and MasterCard).  Though the EZPay online payment system has been around for some time, there is now an option to pay all or a portion of the athletic fees.

Since the Ohio Department of Education announced plans to administer online assessments, Westerville Schools has been a leader in providing professional development opportunities and disseminating information on the most current material released and available to both Westerville teachers and other Ohio educators throughout our State

The Student Leadership Team at Pointview Elementary School organized a food drive from December 8-12 to benefit Westerville Christian Church.  Westerville Christian provides Friday Fare backpacks for 13 Westerville schools, which are filled with food for meals that students can take home over the weekend.  The Pointview team wanted to give back to this organization that helps others so generously.

It’s time to make plans to participate in the 15^th annual Westerville Community Bowl-a-Thon! The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the Columbus Square Bowling Palace, 5705 Forest Hills Blvd.  Funds raised from this event benefit the Westerville Chamber Foundation, the Westerville Education Foundation, and the Westerville Symphony at Otterbein.

The holiday season will be brighter for many local families who are struggling this year, thanks to the efforts of students and staff in the Westerville City School District.  When totals were tallied on Friday, December 13, the charity received $38,209 to help needy families in the community.

Westerville Central High School physics teachers Craig Bulger and Danny Hunt designed an inquiry style lab that challenged their students to roll a steel ball bearing off a table and land it inside a cup on the floor, which was a known distance away.  Doesn’t sound that hard until one considers that the pupils were not allowed to conduct any pre-trial testing.

Once again this year, the annual Alcott Elementary School food drive for the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) was a huge success.  Spearheaded by Mike Mazzon’s fifth grade students, the Alcott community collected 3,369 pounds of food for families in need.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at the Medallion Club held on Thursday, December 11.  December students are:  Ladan Barnes, Westerville North High School; Ali Chaudhry, Westerville South High School; and Mackenzie Kraker, St. Francis DeSales High School.

Westerville Partners for Education (WPE) and the Westerville Kiwanis Club brought their Book Bonanza to students at Huber Ridge Elementary School on December 4.  The two sponsoring groups collected books from local bookstores, parents, club members, and even pupils from other schools.

On Wednesday, December 3, ESL parents met at Westerville Central High School to learn about local resources.  The meeting’s theme was “Community Connections,” and representatives from the Delaware Area Career Center, Otterbein University, the Westerville Public Library, and WARM attended to share information about their programs.  Lisa-Marie Reinhart, enrollment coordinator of the Delaware Area Career Center, showed parents available courses of study for high school students, as well as free adult ESL and GED classes.

Westerville Rotarians and members of Rotaract & Interact will be collecting non-perishable food on Saturday, December 13.  Donations will go to the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM), a non-profit organization that helps Westerville School District families in need throughout the year.   This year, Kroger grocery bags will be delivered to many area homes with instructions for pick-up.  Or, individuals wishing to donate can drop off their items from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on December 13 at the Kroger stores on Schrock Road or Maxtown Road in Westerville.  Look for collection trucks in the parking lots. 

The 9th annual Elementary Leadership Summit took place on Friday, November 21, at Westerville South High School.  More than 140 third, fourth and fifth grade students from all Westerville elementary schools were in attendance.  Attendees were selected based on essays they submitted earlier in the school year.

On Saturday, November 22, Friends of the Shelter hosted its annual “Howliday Bazaar” to raise money for the urgent medical care of sick and injured dogs that arrive at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.  Many holiday and dog-themed products were sold, as well as delicious baked goods for both humans and pets.  “The students from Westerville South helped us decorate Christmas trees and organize this huge project,” said Jay Rowsey, Trustee and Marketing Director for Friends of the Shelter.  “Their participation helped make our event run very smoothly and their dedication to give back to our community is inspiring.”

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.

On Thursday, November 20, Professor Dee Knoblauch of Otterbein University provided an interactive workshop for Westerville City Schools community members.  Sponsored by Parent Council and the Westerville ESL Department, the evening was designed to help families build positive relationships between our diverse cultures.  As part of the school district’s strategic plan with regard to stakeholder engagement, the ESL Department is working to “build strong partnerships among schools, families, students, businesses, organizations and agencies.”

Classes in the Westerville City School District will not be held during winter break from December 22, 2014 to January 2, 2015.

At the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting held November 24, seven exemplary employees received A+ Awards for actions demonstrating support of the district’s Mission Statement; willingness to go above and beyond normal expectations in support of students; and behavior consistent with one or more of the district’s values.

Westerville North and Westerville South High Schools are now accepting nominations for their Alumni Halls of Fame.  The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee at each school coordinates this program.  The Hall of Fame is open to candidates who graduated from either high school at least 10 years ago.  Nominations are particularly sought of men and women who have achieved success in their career and made significant contributions in their field, as well as to society in general.

hirty-six students at Westerville South High School were recognized as “Cats with Class” at a breakfast and ceremony held bright and early on Wednesday morning, November 19.  “Cats with Class” honors pupils who have demonstrated acts of kindness, good school citizenship, or service, which help make South a wonderful place for learning and teaching.

A lot of famous historical characters could be found at the Blendon Middle School Biography Wax Museum, held in the library on Monday afternoon, November 17.  The event was hosted by sixth grade students in the fifth period enriched Language Arts class, under the direction of “museum curator” Stephanie Sahr.

Deb Ubry, a first grade teacher at Fouse Elementary School, was surprised on November 17 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up at a supposed staff meeting to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award.  She received flowers and 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.  

On Wednesday, December 3, Westerville Schools will host a free Invention Convention Community Assembly from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Early Learning Center.  The dynamic duo of “Captain Gadget” and “Dr. Claire” will inspire students to invent as a part of the Invention Convention program presented by Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds. All K-8 students (and their parents and siblings) are invited to attend.

Linda Pettit from the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District spent the day in Sara Thiegs’ fourth grade science classes at Hanby Elementary School on November 13 to demonstrate erosion using a simulator.

Blendon Middle School National Honor Society students spread some holiday cheer on Wednesday afternoon, November 19, when they traveled to Pointview Elementary to host a Craft Club for more than 40 youngsters who stayed late af

Students learned that Black Hoof (1740-1831) was the head civil chief of the Shawnee Indians in the Ohio Country of what became the United States.  A member of the Mekoche division of the Shawnees, Black Hoof became known as a fierce warrior during the early wars between the Shawnee and Anglo-American colonists.

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 6.  November students are:  Adonis Johnson, Westerville Central High School; Trevor Dilley, Westerville North High School; Alex Chapman, Westerville South High School; and Nicholas Moonis, St. Francis DeSales High School.

At the December 8 Board of Education meeting, the Westerville City School District will honor seven educators for having received the Master Teacher designation from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).  They are:  Westerville North High School social studies teacher Jennifer Walpole; and Huber Ridge Elementary teachers Natalie Bentz (grade 4); Erin Berg (intervention specialist), William Britton (visual art); Chassidy Goulden (grade 2); Brian Shanks (grade 5); and Melissa Workman (grade 5).

On Saturday evening, November 8, students, parents, educators and community members gathered in the barn of Skip and Linda Weiler for Boots, BBQ and the Buckeyes, a yearly event presented by Westerville Education Challenge.  Attendees enjoyed delicious food, great company and live music as they watched the Buckeyes defeat Michigan State on a big-screen TV.

Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Sebastian Mauricio and Deputy Grand Knight P. Michael Brunetti visited the administrative offices of the Westerville City School District on Friday, November 7, to present a check in the amount of $4,900.27 to the Special Education Department.

Dr. John Kellogg, Superintendent of Schools, issued the following statement to his staff:  “Please let us never forget that freedom comes with a price.  To those of you who have served our country to protect our freedom, thank you.  Many of you have lost loved ones to war or have loved one(s) that have served or continue to serve our country, thank you for that sacrifice.  A successful society takes individuals who are willing to serve.  That service often translates into serving our community in positions such as teachers, business owners, and so much more.  Thank you for being a conscience to our nation and serving as a heroic example of who we are and what we can dream to be.”

Sergeant Shane Frye, a former narcotics agent who now serves as a Genoa Township police officer, visited Westerville Central High School recently to speak with Brent Morrison’s social studies classes about the dangers of drug use and how widespread drug trafficking is in Columbus and the surrounding suburbs.

Westerville Partners for Education hosted a special STEAMHub session at Hanby Elementary on November 5 and has plans for a Hub at Emerson on December 4.  These Hubs are opportunities for businesses and organizations to meet and collaborate with teachers about upcoming projects for the year, field trip opportunities, resource sharing, and are a chance for organization leaders to learn more about Westerville Schools.

ThisWeek Community News recently announced the results of its 2014 Readers Choice Awards contest and the Westerville City School District is pleased to have earned Third Place in the “Public School” category.

All English as a Second Language (ESL) parents and families are invited to attend a meeting on December 3 called “Community Connections,” which will focus on resources in the Westerville Schools community.  The event will take place in the Westerville Central High School library from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, December 3.

In partnership with Columbus Tutoring Initiative, Westerville Partners for Education kicked off a new lunchtime tutoring program for second grade students at Pointview Elementary.  Nine tutors attended training in August and September and began working with students for 40 minute sessions in October.

For the past 37 years, the Westerville North vs. Westerville South varsity football game has become a cherished community tradition that has drawn thousands of spectators and created lifelong memories for those who come to cheer on their team.  The game played on Friday, October 31, was no exception.  What some may not know is that much more happens at this event than football.

Otterbein University Professor Dee Knoblauch will present a program called “Cultural Connections for Westerville Parents” on Thursday evening, November 20.  Professor Knoblauch will lead a discussion on ways positive relationships can be built within the community’s diverse cultural groups.  The event will take place from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Board Room on the second floor of the Early Learning Center.

On Wednesday evening, October 29, McVay Elementary School hosted its second annual Spooky Read Night.  In addition to teachers reading out loud in their classrooms, children and parents enjoyed a Woods Art Walk and performance.

VSA Ohio, the state organization on arts and disability, has revealed the names of 21 schools selected for the Adaptation, Integration and the Arts (AIA) residency program during the 2014-2015 school year.  Included on the list are Hanby Magnet Elementary and McVay Elementary in Westerville

A+ Awards honor outstanding school employees whose actions demonstrate support of the district’s Mission Statement, which is “To prepare students to contribute to the competitive and changing world in which we live;” willingness to go above and beyond normal expectations in support of students; and behavior consistent with one or more of the district’s values, including respect, inclusiveness, community, communication, collaboration, innovation, nurturing, trust and accountability.

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, classes in the Westerville City School District will not be held on Wednesday, November 26; Thursday, November 27; or Friday, November 28.  Offices will be closed November 27 and November 28.

The Alcott Elementary School Walk-A-Thon was held at Westerville Central High School’s track on September 26.  Students from all grade levels walked and ran to raise $13,355.20 for the Alcott PTA to fund projects such as Chromebooks, books for the library, and special events.

The Bette Marschall Memorial Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation has announced the recipients of 12 grant awards totaling $3,344 to Westerville City Schools personnel for applications submitted this fall.

Westerville City School District Treasurer/CFO Bart Griffith on Monday presented Board of Education members with a revised financial forecast indicating the district will end Fiscal Year 2019 with a cash balance of $38.4 million.  Several factors, including belt-tightening measures by district officials and increased state revenue, have contributed to the district’s ability to maintain a cash balance through FY19, which is four years longer than originally projected when voters approved an emergency operating levy in March of 2012

Westerville City School District personnel and students continue to prepare for Ohio’s new state tests, known as Next Generation Assessments.  These assessments will be given in the areas of English Language Arts (Reading), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  Parents and community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following key points about these new state assessments:

A seminar called “College Bound Students with an IEP” will take place for parents, students and staff from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, November 6, in the second floor media center at Hilliard Davidson High School.  Hilliard Davidson is located at 5100 Davidson Road in Hilliard.  It is co-sponsored by the following high school transition programs:  Dublin, Hilliard, Westerville, Worthington, Upper Arlington, and Grandview Heights.

Jenny Horn received flowers and 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. She and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.

In celebration of Unity Day on Wednesday, October 22, volunteers from Home Depot visited Huber Ridge Elementary School to help students in the classrooms of Adam Flugge, George Victory and Heather Lewis build a “Buddy Bench” next to the playground.  Many wore orange that day to show their support in uniting against bullying.

Learning didn’t stop in the Westerville City School District on Central OEA/NEA Day, when a variety of classes and workshops were offered including a special one at Blendon Middle School. Tony Zilincik, Associate Professor of Music at Capital University, conducted a Tuba/Baritone Workshop from 9:00-11:00 a.m.  Students and teachers from all Westerville middle and high schools were invited to attend for no cost, and they were asked to bring their instruments, music and questions.

Students in Michele Gelzieichter’s Spanish classes at Genoa Middle School were treated to a visit from celebrity Reggaeton singer Guero Loco on Thursday, October 16.  (Reggaeton is a genre which has its roots in Latin and Caribbean music.)  Loco has been touring the Midwest this fall to bring his positive bilingual music program to youngsters.  He told about his journey from struggling with Spanish in high school to training as a Spanish linguist as a U.S. Marine at the Defense Language Institute.  His presentation focused on motivating pupils to want to learn another language and to show them why it’s “absolutely critical” to do so in today’s world. 

On Friday, October 17, the Westerville City Schools Chemical Hygiene Committee offered safety training to secondary science teachers and staff. This hands-on opportunity provided instruction on the types and proper use of fire extinguishers. In addition, a discussion was held on how to correctly respond to gas leaks and chemical exposure, and the use of safety equipment in science classrooms.

In partnership with the Westerville Division of Fire, the Westerville City Schools Health & Safety Services department offered staff the opportunity to become certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on Friday, October 17 – Central OEA/NEA Day.

Approximately 80 families attended Tuesday evening’s ESL Parent meeting held at Hawthorne Elementary School. This gathering was the second of five planned informational meetings for the 2014-15 school year.  Building on the theme of the first meeting, “Tools for Success in School,” this meeting focused on “Setting and Measuring Goals for Success.”

The Westerville South High School Key Club sponsored a fun night of soccer on October 7 for Westerville Special Olympic athletes, who got to play in South’s stadium under the lights.  Key Club members rented the stadium, provided referees and announcers, ran the scoreboard, and even made sure cheerleaders were on hand to stir up enthusiasm.

During the week of October 6, Emerson Magnet School held a not-so-ordinary Scholastic Book Fair.  Students and staff were inspired by a recent visit from Westerville Partners for Education representatives, who, through their Book Bonanza! program, provided each third grade student with a book to take home and keep.

Alcott Elementary School’s Student Council wanted to come up with a project to promote unity and they also wanted to introduce everyone to their new principal, Joseph Uher.  So, the “Where’s Mr. Uher?” board was created.

Transitioning from middle to high school creates apprehension for most students, but that uneasiness has been diminished thanks to the Westerville City School District’s Junior Mentoring Program.  Juniors from each Westerville high school visit with eighth grade students at all four middle schools to build relationships and answer questions.  The eleventh graders become role models for the eighth graders, who often grow up to become Junior Mentors themselves.

At the October 13 meeting of the Westerville City Schools Board of Education, two students were recognized – Emma Rennie and Brice Wilson.

Westerville City Schools gain the equivalent of nearly 67 full-time employees and hundreds of thousands of dollars toward student enrichment from parent and community support groups in the school district, according to a report released this week from Westerville Parent Council.

More than 1,600 Black American high school seniors have been designated by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) officials as Semifinalists in the 51st annual National Achievement Scholarship Program. Included on the list are Kara E. Johnson, a student at Westerville Central High School; and Olamide Bola, a pupil at Westerville North. 

Families came out in droves to pack Whittier Elementary School on Friday evening, October 10, for the annual Fall Festival.  The popular event, sponsored by the PTA, featured food and fun.  High school students and parent volunteers manned a number of games, which were played in the gymnasium, where attendees could also have their fingernails and face painted and their hair sprayed with bright colors.

At 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2014, the Westerville City Schools Board of Education will vote to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel.  This will take place in the office of Treasurer Bart Griffith, which is located in the Early Learning Center at 936 Eastwind Avenue in Westerville.  No action will be taken during the Executive Session.  A Regular Session will follow in the Board Training Room at 6:00 p.m.

Twelve pupils in the Westerville City School District have been named Commended Students in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.  They are:  Rachel Rios, Westerville Central High School; Bradley Davis, Tony Du, Jack Engelhart and Jacob Waldruff, Westerville North; and Sage Conger, Joshua Himes, Sarah Leonard, Nicholas Ruyack, Andrew Siedlak, Micah Thomas, and Nicholas Vermaaten, Westerville South.

For many years, Westerville City Schools has hosted foreign exchange students hailing from practically every part of the globe.  Cumulative records were not kept prior to the 2005-2006 school year, but since then, 106 foreign exchange students have walked the hallowed halls of Westerville high schools.  This year alone, 14 pupils from various places around the world are soaking up American culture and education.

“Setting and Measuring Goals for Success” is the theme of the next English as a Second Language (ESL) parent meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, October 21.  The event will take place in the Hawthorne Elementary School cafeteria from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and is open to all ESL families.

For the second year in a row, the Robert Frost Elementary School Wellness Committee challenged students and parents to create “Walking School Buses” on Wednesday, October 8 – International Walk to School Day.  Various routes were established with specific bus stop times where students and parents could join in the fun.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, October 2.  October students are:  Kenna Pollard, Westerville Central High School; Carmen Stone, Westerville North High School; Sydney King, Westerville South High School; and Ali Baird, St. Francis DeSales High School.

On Thursday, October 2, teams of police officers and sheriff’s deputies from all around Ohio visited Robert Frost and Hawthorne elementary schools to conduct mini D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) lessons and socialize with students.  They engaged in role playing and shared information about alcohol and tobacco resistance.  They also imparted ideas about using effective communication tools to deal with peer pressure.  The experience gave the D.A.R.E. officers in training needed practice in interacting with children and responding to their questions. 

The Child Development Council of Franklin County Inc. is now enrolling Head-Start preschool students for the 2014-15 school year at its new Westerville Central College location.  Head-Start is an early learning program for preschool aged children of families in poverty, designed to promote school readiness and meet each child’s emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs.

“We’re offering local businesses a limited opportunity to become involved in this initiative by sponsoring our three new modules on the WEF website,” explained Fawaz Hamoui, chair of the WEF Development Committee.  “There are two sponsorship levels: Varsity and Junior Varsity. Only six Varsity sponsorships are available, while nine Junior Varsity sponsorships are available.”

Boots, BBQ and the Buckeyes!  Join Westerville Education Challenge on Saturday, November 8 at 6:00 p.m. for the party of the year and help bring the successful Challenge Day anti-bullying program to all Westerville City School freshmen.

The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) on September 30, 2014, launched its latest endeavor to support quality education in Westerville City Schools.  Officially known as the “GAP Initiative,” the WEF’s latest project puts the power of online fundraising and crowdsourcing directly into the hands of classroom teachers and other licensed educators.

Each year, the State of Ohio requires public school buses to perform Emergency Evacuation Drills. Pupils are instructed about what they would be required to do in case of a real emergency, and then they practice. 

After 14 years and more than 1,000 graduates, the Westerville City Schools Educational Options for Success (EOS) program had the distinct opportunity to host and offer assistance to other Ohio districts interested in developing or improving an alternative educational program.  On Friday, September 26, the Ohio Department of Education held a professional workshop at the Academic Enrichment Center for alternative education.  Administrators, teachers, and counselors from around Ohio came together to learn more about the award-winning success of Westerville’s EOS program, its history, programmatic strengths, and day-to-day operations.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District on Friday, October 17, 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 20.

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 23 or Friday, October 24, 2014.  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 27.

Crowds turned out en masse for School Daze on September 26, Westerville’s last 4^th Friday of the season. Students, staff and administrators gathered on the front lawn of Hanby Elementary to present activities and achievements in subject areas including math, science, technology, language arts, performing and visual arts, social studies, health and wellness and extracurriculars. The District also had its new FabLab on display, a mobile facility that will introduce students to advanced manufacturing skills and tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers and robotics.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education is seeking feedback from families regarding the proposed 2015-2016 calendar.  The calendar, as it was presented in a first reading to the Board on September 22, can be viewed by visiting www.wcsoh.org, and clicking on the box marked “2015-2016 Calendar Review & Feedback.”

At its meeting on Monday evening, September 22, the Westerville City Schools Board of Education and Superintendent recognized all 35 parent support organizations, including each booster group, each Parent Teacher Association, each Parent Teacher Organization, each Parent Teacher Student Association, the Westerville African American Parent Association, Westerville Partners for Education and the Westerville Parent Council for selflessly volunteering their time and talents for the betterment of students and staff in the Westerville City School District.

Students got a lesson in slimy science when COSI (Center of Science and Industry) brought its traveling science program, It’s Simply Chemistry, to Robert Frost Elementary School on September 23.

The Best of Both Worlds (BOBW) program at Otterbein University this week received new bicycles, helmets and sports equipment, thanks to the generosity of State Farm and Share-Bac-A-Pac.  How this came to happen is a story of kindness, giving back, and perhaps, a bit of good karma.

These scholastically talented young men and women now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 800 Achievement Scholarship awards worth about $2.5 million that will be offered next spring.

Robert Frost Elementary School hosted a Family Social on Sunday afternoon, September 21, when the school community was invited to “pop in for Popsicles, popcorn, pop music and a popping good time.”  Windy conditions did not prevent children and parents from bringing lawn chairs and gathering around the playground to enjoy outdoor activities like corn hole, Frisbee, hula-hoops, basketball and bubbles.

Beginning this fall, Westerville City Schools will reactivate its A+ recognition program for exceptional employees.  Honorees will be invited to attend a Board of Education meeting, where the superintendent and board members will recognize their achievements.  Awards will be 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.

Scott Gray, a Psychology and Advanced Placement World History teacher at Westerville North High School, has been named Educator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America.  He was recognized at the Westerville City Schools Board of Education Meeting on Monday evening, September 22.

The Westerville City School District’s latest state report card indicates that students once again attained high levels of academic achievement during the 2013-2014 school year, but also revealed areas that need evaluation and improvement.

From pre-schools to Otterbein University, Westerville is teaming with opportunities for growth and learning.  Join the Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau for the last OhioHealth 4^th Friday of the season as the hungry mind is celebrated!  A variety of educational opportunities will be on display during OhioHealth 4^th Friday: School Daze, September 26, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in historic Uptown Westerville.

Westerville City Schools Board President Dr. Nancy Nestor-Baker, a champion of public education, spoke to classified employees on Friday, September 12, a Professional Development Day in the district.  She said Westerville Schools has seen a lot of changes in the past few decades, including a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged children and radical growth in the English as a Second Language population.  She said she is proud of the way the district has responded with compassion and adapted to the changing needs of its student body.

Applications for monetary grants from The Bette Marschall Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation are being accepted for worthy 2014-2015 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 October 15, 2014.

Movoto Real Estate, a national online real estate brokerage, recently released its findings, after collecting data for 109 different suburbs using sources including the U.S. Census American Community Survey and GreatSchools.org.  They considered student/teacher ratio; money spent per year per student; high school graduation rate; and the GreatSchools.org rating (based on test scores for the area).

Cindy Crowe, a member of the Westerville City Schools Board of Education for 14 years, has been named Central Region Ohio School Boards Association Outstanding Board Member.  Mrs. Crowe passed away in July, after a long and valiant battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Her husband, Alan, has been invited to accept her plaque at the group’s Fall Conference on September 24. 

The Westerville City School District is piloting a Health Heroes Flu Vaccination Clinic for the State of Ohio.  The event will take place on September 10 and 11 at 23 sites throughout the district – all school buildings, plus the Early Learning Center and the Transportation Complex.  The goal is to reduce absenteeism for students and staff. 

The Ohio Department of Education has approved two days in the Westerville City School District for professional development – September 12, 2014 and February 6, 2015. Classes will not be held on these dates.

Parent groups have a new online resource to connect with Westerville Parent Council (WPC) – www.westervilleparentcouncil.com.  The website details special events hosted by the WPC; lists resources to support parent groups with financial and other legal requirements; and offers links to sign-ups for GFS Marketplace Fun Funds, which raises scholarship money for deserving Westerville students each year.

At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, September 10, Westerville Central High School will host an hour-long seminar called, “Internet and Social Media Safety.”  Parents are invited to attend the meeting, which will be presented by Westerville Police Officer Thomas “Corey” Baker and Genoa Police Officer Joe Graham.

Classes will not be held at Westerville Central, Westerville North, or Westerville South High School on Friday, September 19 because of Parent-Teacher conferences. School will be in session at usual times, however, in all elementary and middle school buildings.

The Graduate of the Year is selected by the teachers and staff at the AEC each school year.  Attributes considered for this award are perseverance, scholarship, leadership, service, character, responsibility, respect, attitude, loyalty, and integrity.

The 25^th annual Westerville North Classic Cross Country Invitational will take place beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 30, at the school’s athletic fields. North is located at 950 County Line Road. A maximum of 22 teams will participate in each of the Middle School and varsity High School Division races. Team and individual awards will be given.  For further information, please visit www.baumspage.com. 

The Westerville City School District is pleased to announce its 2014-2015 student assessment calendar.  The release of this information had been slightly delayed until the Ohio Department of Education finalized its test dates for Next Generation Assessments in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

In observation of Labor Day, school will not be held and offices will be closed in the Westerville City School District on Monday, September 1, 2014.  Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, September 2.

Westerville’s sixth community-sponsored Honor Flight of veterans to Washington D.C. will take place on Saturday, September 27.  The Honor Flight program 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.

Westerville City Schools has been informed by TRECA, our service provider for PowerSchool/PowerTeacher, that they will temporarily be shutting down these services for maintenance and upgrades beginning Friday, August 15 at 4:00 p.m. with anticipated completion on Sunday, August 17 by 11:00 p.m.

New mathematics standards will be implemented in grade 6, grade 7, and Algebra 2 for the 2014-2015 academic year, which will complete the full transition for the Westerville City School District.  To help parents better understand the resulting instructional shifts that will be occurring in classrooms, Westerville Schools will host informational sessions on Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19.  Participants can attend either one.

As a result of House Bill 487, Ohio’s graduation requirements will change beginning with the class of 2018 (who are ninth grade students this fall).  The intent is to ensure that all students will be prepared for success in college and work.  When that happens, Westerville City Schools will be ready.

The Westerville City School District Board of Education gave high marks to the performance and professionalism of Superintendent Dr. John Kellogg and Treasurer Bart Griffith, according to evaluation summaries shared by Board of Education President Dr. Nancy Nestor-Baker during the Board’s regular meeting on August 11, 2014. Kellogg and Griffith are the only district employees who directly report to and are evaluated by the Board of Education.

Westerville City Schools will be hosting two opportunities for families to learn more about the district's secondary mathematics curriculum. Families are invited to join district representatives on either Monday, August 18th or Tuesday, August 19th at Westerville North from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  (Download a flier)

Teacher Professional Days in the Westerville City School District will take place on Monday, August 11 and Tuesday, August 12, 2014.  Classes begin for students in grades 1-12 on Wednesday, August 13.  Kindergarten and Preschool starts Monday, August 18.

The Ohio Department of Education has approved two days in the Westerville City School District for professional development – September 12, 2014 and February 6, 2015.  Classes will not be held on these dates.  At its Regular Session on July 28, the Westerville City Schools Board of Education amended the district’s Academic Calendar for the 2014-15 school year to accommodate this schedule. 

The Westerville City School District’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Department will host a meeting for all ESL parents and families new to the district on Monday evening, August 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  It will take place in the Media Center at Westerville North High School, which is located at 950 County Line Road.

Andrew (Drew) Mantenieks, a pupil at Walnut Springs Middle School, was recognized by the Westerville City Schools Board of Education on Monday evening, July 28, for having received the R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award from the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities.

The Straight A Fund was created in the most recent state biennial budget.  More than 150 entities received $100 million last year, with $150 million earmarked for new grants this year. Westerville has been involved in successful applications each of the first two competitive grant cycles.

Mark Twain Elementary School was a hub of activity on Wednesday and Thursday evening, July 23 and 24, as Westerville Caring & Sharing volunteers gathered to fill dozens of book bags with donated school supplies and personal hygiene products.  The organization’s annual Back to School project helps hundreds of Westerville students each year.

On Wednesday, August 6, during the week of back-to-school registration and schedule pick-up, Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) will be providing a convenient opportunity for Westerville City Schools students to get required immunizations and other medical services through its Care Mobile.

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.

Families whose children will receive transportation services for the 2014-15 school year may obtain transportation information and bus schedules online the week of August 4, 2014. 

Senior citizens who live in the Westerville City School District are invited to pick up their 2014-2015 Superintendent’s Gold Appreciation Card.

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.

Students attending Westerville City Schools, in grades 1 - 5, will begin classes on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.  Most elementary schools in the district will provide an opportunity for each family to learn of their child's teacher/class placement for the 2014-2015 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 Schools announced its 2014-2015 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.

Classes for Westerville City Schools students in grades 1-12 will begin on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.  Elementary students will begin school at 9:05 a.m. and dismiss at 3:30 p.m.  The Middle School day will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m.  High school classes will commence at 7:25 a.m. and finish at 2:05 p.m.

The PBS/WOSU show Broad & High recently featured the McVay/Whittier combined choir, which goes by the name Be Brave Choir.

The Enrollment & Family Resource Center is open during the summer and ready to help families enroll their children in Westerville City Schools

On Wednesday, August 6, during the week of back-to-school registration and schedule pick-up, Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) will be providing a convenient opportunity for Westerville City Schools students to get required immunizations and other medical services through its Care Mobile.

Westerville City School District Board of Education President Nancy Nestor-Baker today announced that the board will vote on a resolution to select Richard W. Bird to complete the unexpired term of Cindy Crowe, who last month announced her resignation from the Board effective May 19, 2014.

Westerville City School District Board of Education President Dr. Nancy Nestor-Baker today announced that Board members have narrowed their applicant pool and will interview three district residents to complete the unexpired term of Cindy Crowe, who last month announced her resignation from the Board effective May 19, 2014.

Westerville City School District (WCSD) Treasurer/CFO Bart Griffith on Monday presented Board of Education members with a revised financial forecast indicating the district will end Fiscal Year 2018 with a cash balance $10.2 million higher than projected in the October 2013 forecast.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will hold three Executive Sessions for the purpose of discussing personnel. Meeting dates and times are Thursday, May 29, 2014, 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 2:00 p.m.; and Thursday, June 5, 2014, 6:00 p.m.

The Westerville City School District (WCSD) Board of Education took action during its regular meeting on May 19 to employ several individuals who will fill existing leadership vacancies at the school level.

On Friday, May 16, each Westerville middle school sent its building chess club representative to compete in the annual Middle School Chess Tournament, which was held at the Early Learning Center.  Family, friends, and staff eagerly watched the round-robin matches, which resulted in a first place victory for seventh grade student Gabrielle McCrea of Walnut Springs.  Second place was earned by Ben Clark (grade 8) of Genoa.  Brian Courts (grade 7) of Heritage and Anthony Vilardo (grade 6) of Blendon took third and fourth respectively.  

For the fourth year in a row, a Westerville City Schools middle school has won the Central Ohio 6^th and 7^th Grade Battle of the Books competition.  The contest took place at the Whitehall Community Center on May 14.  Student representatives from each of Westerville’s four middle schools competed, along with other Central Ohio teams from Bexley, Canal Winchester, Groveport-Madison, Hamilton, New Albany-Plain Local, Olentangy, St. Brigid of Kildare, and Whitehall.

“Let Freedom Ring in 2014” has been chosen as the theme for Rotary’s July 4^th parade in Westerville.  Emma Kyre, a fifth grade student at Fouse Elementary School, came up with the winning submission and won $100 and a place of honor in the big parade.

Four students, representing each of Westerville’s middle schools, have been nominated for the Ohio Association for Gifted Children’s 2014 Distinguished Student Award.

Launched by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) in memory of an extraordinarily gifted seven-year-old who was senselessly killed in a drive-by shooting while traveling to Italy in 1994, the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award is granted to one gifted student in each state for $500.

Walnut Springs Middle School math teacher Nancy Palumbo has been chosen by Battelle for Kids as a retiring teacher who dedicated her life to education and made a lasting impact on students, fellow teachers, and the school community.  She is one of just three teachers who will receive a Celebrate Teaching Award from Battelle at a breakfast ceremony to be held on June 17.

Solutions to today’s energy challenges are being developed in classrooms and homes around Westerville. The Ohio Energy Project’s annual Youth Energy Celebration on May 13 at The Ohio State University’s Fawcett Center welcomed more than 250 students, teachers and partners from around the state.  In Westerville, 20 students and four educators were recognized for their outstanding work this school year through the Westerville Energy Education Partnership.

All students at each of Westerville’s four middle schools are invited to participate in school-wide chess activities leading to the selection of a building representative to the Middle School District Chess Tournament, which will be held on May 16.  After a number of building and/or grade level matches, the following chess champions were chosen.

The Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to announce the award of a High School Study Abroad Scholarship to Marielle Beach, a junior at Westerville Central High School.  Beach will be spending the 2014-15 academic year at Karjaan Lukio High School in Karjaa, Finland.  While abroad, she will live with several host families and attend a college preparatory high school.  In addition to that scholarship, Westerville Sunrise Rotary is also sponsoring four Westerville students for the Short Term, Family to Family Youth Exchange program.  Each will spend four weeks or more this summer in their host countries.

Competing in the Continental Mathematics League Contest has become an annual tradition for many middle school pupils in the Westerville City School District.  Sixth grade students in advanced math and/or pre-algebra classes are given the opportunity to participate in this national math competition, where problem solving, mathematical, and reading skills are celebrated and improved upon.

The annual program is designed to educate students who will be entering Kindergarten in the fall.  The program will be held Monday through Friday, June 2-13, at Robert Frost Elementary School, which is located at 270 North Spring Road.

Westerville City Schools will be working with the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) to provide meals to students this summer.  The 2014 season of the Westerville Area Kids Summer Lunch Club will run weekdays from May 27 through August 8 at eight sites. All sites are open sites to all children ages 1-18.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ed Fitzgerald held a May 14, 2014, press conference outside the Westerville City School District’s Early Learning Center to address the importance of investing in Early Childhood Education, thereby adding his name to the growing list of local, state and national political candidates visiting the district while on the campaign trail.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education is seeking a community member to replace Cindy Crowe, who submitted her resignation effective May 19.  The appointed person will remain on the Board through the completion of Mrs. Crowe’s term, December 31, 2015.

A reception will be held on Thursday, May 15, in honor of Cindy Crowe, who announced her resignation from the Westerville City Schools Board of Education.  The event will take place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Westerville Central High School Commons, located at 7118 Mt. Royal Avenue. 

Mrs. Crowe, a 14-year veteran of the Board, was diagnosed last year with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).  

In observance of Memorial Day, offices in the Westerville City School District will be closed on Monday, May 26.  Offices will open at regular times on Tuesday, May 27.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of this year’s National Merit $2,500 scholarship winners, two of whom are Westerville City Schools students.  Westerville South High School senior McKenna J. Davis plans to study Physics and Westerville Central’s Meghan N. Wilson will pursue a course of study in International Relations.  The designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The Bette Marschall Memorial Education Fund of The Columbus Foundation has announced the recipients of nine grant awards totaling $2,946 to Westerville City Schools personnel for applications submitted this spring.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, May 1.  May students are:  Kelly Piper, Westerville Central High School; Moises Vasquez, Westerville North High School; Caitlin Cahoon, Westerville South High School; and Audrey Marzec, St. Francis DeSales High School

The Westerville Branch of the American Association of University Women, in cooperation with the Westerville City Schools Gifted Education Department, has awarded four scholarships to the Be WISE Camp at Denison University this summer.  Recipients of the scholarships are Ruthie Curry, grade 6, Blendon Middle School; Kendel Seabury, grade 6, Genoa Middle School; Jenny Courts, grade 7, Heritage Middle School; and Erica Fite, grade 6, Walnut Springs Middle School.

Westerville City Schools will host a Magnet Program Open House at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at Hanby Elementary School, which is located at 56 S. State Street.  Following a 45-minute general presentation about the three program options available, families will be able to visit both Hanby and Emerson elementary schools to tour these facilities. 

Westerville City Schools has announced changes in its building level leadership team.  Beginning with the next school year, Vicki Jarrell will transition from being part-time Emerson principal/part-time gifted coordinator to serving as the district’s full-time Coordinator of Gifted & Talented Services. Current Hanby Principal Jan Fedorenko will be assigned to both Hanby and Emerson elementaries next school year to work with the teaching staff on curriculum and professional development for the three magnet programs.

The Magnet School Principal job will be posted today by the District’s Human Resources Department to ensure the position is filled prior to the start of next school year.

The Westerville Wild Warbots will host a Robotics Showcase at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, at Westerville Central High School, which is located at 7118 Mt. Royal Avenue.  Community members are invited to attend and celebrate the ingenuity, dedication, and creative spirit of students who are anxious to showcase the fruits of their labor. 

The last day of classes for the 2013-2014 school year in the Westerville City School District is Friday, May 23, 2014.  A Teacher Professional Day will take place on Tuesday, May 27.

Westerville North High School ceremonies will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by Westerville Central High School at 2:00 p.m. and Westerville South High School at 6:00 p.m.  Graduates should report one hour before the scheduled events.  Parking cost for graduates, families and friends is $5 per car and tickets are not required to attend.

The Westerville South High School Athletic Boosters is sponsoring a golf outing on Monday, June 9, to benefit the school’s Athletic Department.  The event will take place at the Blackhawk Golf Club, which is located at 8830 Dustin Road in Galena.  Activities include open range and putting green; doughnuts and coffee; 18 holes of golf with a cart (9:00 a.m. start); City Barbeque lunch after the game; and awards, raffle and a silent auction.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 3, because that’s when “Cindy de Mayo” will be held from 6:00-11:00 p.m. at the Medallion Country Club. Tickets to the Cindy Crowe benefit cost $40 per person before April 30, and $50 per person at the door.

Live music will be performed by Hat Trick, and heavy appetizers will be served.  In addition, a live and silent auction will take place, featuring items like golf outings at Medallion, New Albany, and Jefferson; a vacation for a week to anywhere in the world; a behind-the-scenes tour of OSU facilities; diamond jewelry; and much more.

On Monday, April 21, Westerville City Schools Superintendent Dr. John Kellogg will compete in the Boston Marathon.  Dr. Kellogg, who has been running since 1974, qualified for Boston when he participated in the Toledo Marathon.  He improved his qualifying standing when he ran in the Columbus Marathon in October.

Students who received accolades at the State contest were recognized by the Westerville City Schools Board of Education on Monday evening, April 14.  They were presented by Westerville Parent Council representatives Lisa Wood and Kristen Buckley.

The sixth annual Westerville Education Foundation Mini-Golf Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2014.  Join the Foundation that day at the Westerville Mini-Golf and Batting Cages, 450 W. Schrock Road, any time between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.  Registration is just $8 for players 13 years old and under, and only $12 for players 14 years old and above.  Each participant receives two rounds of mini-golf, one on each of the venue’s two courses.  Every participant gets a “goody bag” with contents worth more than the cost to register.  Walk-up registrations are welcome.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, April 3.  April students are:  Jessica Stroh, Westerville Central High School; Roderick (R.J.) Hutcherson, Westerville North High School; and Rachel Putnam, St. Francis DeSales High School.

The Genoa Township Professional Firefighters completed their successful 2014 Blaze a Trail for Literacy reading program, and have announced that the school that read the most minutes is Alcott Elementary, with 22,881 minutes read.  Top individual readers were Laura Richards, Fouse Elementary; Isaac Leigh, Alcott Elementary; and Nicholas Struntz at Walnut Creek.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District and offices will be closed on Friday, April 18. School will resume at regular starting times on Monday, April 21.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, March 6.  March students are: Morgan Beck, Westerville Central High School; and Katelyn Pollock, St. Francis DeSales.

The Westerville North Theatre Department’s production of Anne Frank & Me will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the school auditorium on Thursday, April 10; Friday, April 11; and Saturday, April 12.   Tickets cost $6 and are available on-line at www.Westervillenorth.com  and at the door.

Parents of children who will be attending kindergarten this fall are eligible to register their youngsters online for Safety City beginning on April 21.  The program will be held Monday through Friday, June 2-13, at Robert Frost Elementary School, which is located at 270 North Spring Road.  Two sessions will take place each day – one from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., and one from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Twenty-nine State finalists have been chosen in the 2014 Laws of Life Essay Contest, three of whom are students in the Westerville City School District.  At the high school level, Avery Pierson and Christopher Scheren from Westerville North were selected, along with middle school participant Arianna Kellum from Genoa.  Elizabeth Glenn is the Westerville North High School contest coordinator, and Brandy Spears is Kellum’s teacher.  Westerville’s middle school Laws of Life contest is facilitated through the Gifted Education Department. 

Westerville Central High School freshman Kelli Wozniak extended her reign as the state champion in women’s saber at the Ohio High School Fencing Championships in a tightly called bout on Saturday, March 29, at Royal Arts Fencing Academy in Columbus.

On Sunday, April 6, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., the Westerville Partners for Education (WPE) will host the second annual “Nationwide Children’s Hospital Starry Night” family learning festival at Westerville South High School, 303 S. Otterbein Avenue.  The festival will offer the community interactive learning opportunities with experts from Columbus’ premier educational and non-profit organizations.

Math classes from each grade level in Westerville’s four middle schools were invited to compete in the Ohio Math League Contest (http://www.themathleague.com).  Formed in 1977, Math League has more than one million students participate in contests each year. 

The Westerville Parent Council and Roush Honda are pleased to announce the 11^th annual Great Educator Mentor (GEM) Award winners.  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 students in the home, school and community, and each goes above and beyond the call of duty. 

April is Arts Month and in Westerville, artwork created by students at the elementary and secondary level will be on public display Sunday afternoon, April 27. 

Recent action by the Ohio Department of Education has expanded the window in which school districts can administer Ohio Achievement Assessments (OAA) to students in grades 3-8.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will hold a Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening, March 10, 2014, at the Early Learning Center, which is 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.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District from March 24-28, 2014 – Spring Break.  Classes will resume at normal starting times on Monday, March 31.  

The Westerville Parent Council PTA will be hosting the 2014 Summer Camp/Activities Expo from 5:30-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 at Westerville North High School, which is located at 950 County Line Road.

Founded in 1881 and with nearly 1,000 branches across the country, AAUW is a national organization promoting equity and education for women and girls.

Mark Twain Elementary School fifth grade teacher Chris Henricksen is about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that will benefit both his students and colleagues.  Henricksen has been selected as one of 26 teachers from across the United States to participate in the 2014 field season of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Teacher at Sea program.

Westerville North High School hosted the District 15 OMEA Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday January 18.  More than 1,100 students from Central Ohio participated in the event.

IB Coordinator Mike Hinze will outline the key features of the International Baccalaureate program at Westerville South.  In addition, students and parents in attendance will hear from an enrollment counselor at The Ohio State University, along with current IB students, and will have the opportunity to ask questions about the program as it operates at Westerville South High School. 

Captain Gadget ‘Q’ Think-a-ma-jig and Dr. Claire Out-of-Hair invite all to attend an Invention Convention Community Assembly which will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, February 20, at Fouse Elementary School.  Fouse is located at 5800 Old 3C Highway in Westerville.  The program is open to all interested students and families in our community.  The program was originally scheduled for February 5, but schools were closed that day due to inclement weather. 

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, February 6.  February students are:  James Colley, Westerville North High School; Gianni Cheverez, Westerville South High School; and Erin Kiusti, St. Francis DeSales. 

Have you uncovered an interesting problem?  Do you have a great idea?  Are you an inventor?  Would you like to be? 

Captain Gadget ‘Q’ Think-a-ma-jig and Dr. Claire Out-of-Hair invite all to attend an Invention Convention Community Assembly which will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, February 5, at Fouse Elementary School.  The program is open to all interested students and families in our community.

Classes will not be held in the Westerville City School District and offices will close on Monday, February 17, 2014, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

The “Great Teaching; Great Tools” gift card giveaway is still going strong, thanks to an anonymous donor who has given the Westerville City School District two $50 gift cards per month to use in a random drawing for teachers submitting ways they are integrating technology into their classrooms.  The winners of this drawing were Julia Stout, a music teacher from Fouse Elementary School, and Jill Shaffer, a speech therapist at Walnut Springs MS.

Classes will not be held at Westerville Central, Westerville North, or Westerville South High School on Friday, February 21 because of Parent-Teacher conferences.   School will be in session at usual times, however, in all elementary and middle school buildings.

At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, an informational meeting will be held in the Westerville South High School auditorium to discuss the Post Secondary Options Enrollment Program (PSEO)/Dual Enrollment (DE).

Nearly 800 individual nominations from across the state of Ohio were received by organizers of the 2014 Ohio State University Middle School Honor Band Festival.  360 pupils were selected for participation, including 11 from Westerville middle schools.

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 11, 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.

Westerville City Schools will receive $72,179.98 from the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) as part of its School Security Grant Program, for having installed new security locks throughout the district.  The grant will cover the cost of the new locks.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at Villa Milano held on Thursday, January 9.  January students are:  Taylor Forbes, Westerville Central High School; Hannah Sargel, Westerville North High School; and Hartlee Johnston, Westerville South High School.

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, 2014, you may register him/her for kindergarten.

At 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, the community of Westerville will present the fifth annual Jukebox Revue, a variety show featuring local and regional talent performing music from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.  Tickets cost $10 with all proceeds benefiting Honor Flight Columbus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the celebration of our nation’s WWII and Korean veterans, who will be admitted for free.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education will hold an Organizational Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening, January 13, 2014.  School Board meetings have been moved to the Board/Training Room in the Early Learning Center, which is located at 936 Eastwind Drive.  Attendees are asked to follow the signs and enter the building on the north side. 

Classes in the Westerville City School District will not be held and offices will close on Monday, January 20, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

“Believe, Dream, Inspire,” was the theme of the 2013-14 PTA Reflections competition this year.  In an awards ceremony held at the Westerville Public Library on Wednesday evening, January 8, the Westerville Parent Council recognized students for their efforts in the areas of literature, music, dance, photography, film/video and visual arts.

It's time to make plans to participate in the 14^th annual Westerville Community Bowl-a-thon scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Columbus Square Bowling Palace, which is located at 5705 Forest Hills Blvd.  Funds raised benefit the Westerville Chamber Foundation, the Westerville Education Foundation, and the Westerville Symphony.

The January 6, 2014, meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Westerville City Schools Early Learning Center, 936 Eastwind Drive. Please click story for important details.

Students will not be in school on January 10, 2014, so that our staff can participate in professional development sessions, many of which will be led by Westerville teachers and staff who have demonstrated expertise in particular areas. This full day of professional development is a valuable way for our staff to continue to grow professionally in order to best serve students, families, and the community.

Current Westerville City School District (WCSD) Board of Education members and future members winning seats in last November’s election met the morning of December 16, 2013, for the Board’s annual end-of-year retreat.  Board members first participated in a professional development session dedicated to Board governance and leadership, which was followed by Leadership Team updates on several high-priority initiatives of the district.

Westerville City Schools has earned a clean audit report from the State of Ohio for the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2013.  This means that the district’s financial audit did not contain findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Single Audit findings or any questioned costs.

Volunteers in the Westerville City School District play an important and much appreciated role in the educational process for both students and staff.  While their true value and impact cannot be measured, Westerville Parent Council (WPC) representatives shared some thought-provoking numbers with the Board of Education at the Regular Session held on Monday, December 9. 

This program is designed for parents of eighth grade students.  A panel of high school educators will present available course offerings as well as registration information.

The Rotary Club of Westerville, which sponsors a Student of the Month program, recognized recipients at a luncheon at the Medallion Country Club held on December 12.  December students are:  Caroline Ogle, Westerville Central High School; Jacob Fowler, Westerville North High School; Sarah Leonard, Westerville South High School; and Ian Lawson, St. Francis DeSales High School.

The Westerville City School District has published its 2014 calendar, this year featuring student artwork and photographs.  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.  It also includes a General Fund Financial Summary from the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year, and a directory of buildings.

The holiday season will be brighter for many local families who are struggling this year, thanks to the efforts of students and staff in the Westerville City School District.  High schools held Caring & Sharing assemblies on Friday, December 13, and when all was said and done, the combined total raised for the charity was more than $33,000.

The “Great Teaching; Great Tools” gift card giveaway is off to a robust beginning.

Several activities are being planned for a 20^th reunion celebration of the 1994 Westerville North High School boys’ basketball championship team. 

The Westerville City School District’s Board of Education is seeking applicants to serve on the district’s FY14 Audit Committee as a professional link between the Board and independent auditors. Applications must be completed by December 20, 2013. Click here to apply.

Approximately 180 stakeholders have been collaborating in recent weeks to formulate the framework for a new, five-year Strategic Plan for the Westerville City School District.  Soon, from December 9-12, residents, employees and students will be able to provide feedback on a draft of that framework, which is themed Creating the 21^st Century Student.

The cross country teams at Westerville Central High School are hosting the sixth annual Westerville GameDay 5K on Saturday, November 16.  The event will take place at Westerville Central, which is located at 7118 Mt. Royal Ave., and in the surrounding neighborhood.  The Kid’s Run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k Run/Walk begins at 8:45 a.m.

The Board of Education of the Westerville City School District will be holding two separate public auctions for two properties owned by the Board and located at (1) 135 E. Walnut Street (tax parcel number 080-000668) and (2) 145 E. Walnut Street (tax parcel number 080-000640), in the City of Westerville, Franklin County, Ohio.  Each parcel of real estate to be auctioned includes the permanent improvements located on the Board-owned land.

Faculty and staff at Westerville City Schools have consistently paved the energy conservation pathway for other organizations while achieving significant cost avoidance with energy-efficient behavior — and now those good habits are earning the organization national recognition.

Westerville City Schools has achieved a 32 percent energy cost avoidance totaling $10,405,637 since forming a strategic alliance with Cenergistic approximately six and a half years ago.

Each November the Central Ohio community comes together to celebrate National Philanthropy day by honoring the people and organizations in our community who have touched the lives of others through their philanthropic intent.  The celebration is presented by the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  This year, Westerville Central High School freshman Jacob Glorioso and Walnut Springs Middle School eighth grade student Katerini Soisson will receive the 2013 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award.

Thirty-two schools in the OCC competed for the honor of receiving this award.  Four schools, representing the four conference divisions, earned the prize based on final standings of their teams in 16 common sports. The Westerville North Warriors were recognized for the overall performance of their athletic teams in the Cardinal Division. 

A group of parent volunteers has come through in a big way to support the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, a challenging two-year curriculum available to all high school students in the Westerville City School District.  The IB Boosters recently presented a check to Westerville Schools in the amount of $10,660, money which will be used to pay the 2013-2014 International Baccalaureate Registration Fee.

On October 3, three Westerville elementary schools will host an opportunity for D.A.R.E. officers in training to gain experience in front of kids.  Teams of police officers from across the State of Ohio will visit Robert Frost, Huber Ridge, and Hawthorne to conduct mini D.A.R.E. lessons and socialize with students during lunch and recess times.  This experience will give the officers in training the needed practice of being in front of kids, learning how to respond to kids’ questions, and how to interact with elementary students.  Westerville is proud to host these adult learners.

2014 Honda-OSU Math Medal award recipients have been announced.  Local winners are Kelly Piper, Westerville Central; Evan Larrick, Westerville North; and Benjamin Potts, Westerville South.  These individuals were selected as their respective high school’s best math student, based on academic performance in mathematics through the end of their junior year.

In honor of Westerville City Schools Board of Education member Cindy Crowe, a team of walkers is being formed to participate in the two-mile Walk to Defeat ALS event, which will take place on Sunday, September 29 at Fred Beekman Park on the campus of The Ohio State University.  Westerville City Schools employee Kim Cody is serving as captain, and the team’s motto is, “Westerville Crowes for Cindy!”  Money raised from the walk will help lead global research, assist people with ALS, fund multidisciplinary certified clinical care centers, and foster government partnerships.

Deanna McDaniel, Library Media Specialist at Genoa Middle School, and Brandi Young, Elementary Library Media Specialist, have both earned certification as an iCoach from INFOhio, Ohio’s PreK-12 Digital Library. iCoaches – short for “integration coach” – work with teachers to incorporate digital technology and research tools in their classrooms.  The women join 71 other educators around Ohio who have received District/Building iCoach certification.

Classes will not be held at Westerville Central, Westerville North, or Westerville South High School on Friday, September 20 because of Parent-Teacher conferences.   School will be in session at usual times, however, in all elementary and middle school buildings.

The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) is accepting grant applications through September 28 for the fall 2013 grant cycle.  Proposals for innovative practices must be written by Westerville City Schools’ faculty or staff, and given to their supervisors or principals for endorsement and submission. 

At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, Westerville City Schools will host a free parent workshop entitled, “Navigating your ParentPortal Account in PowerSchool.”  This one-hour seminar, for parents and guardians of Westerville City Schools students in grades 6-12, will be offered at the Academic Enrichment Center.

The Westerville City School District’s Fiscal Services Office, headed by Treasurer/CFO Bart Griffith and Assistant Treasurer Laura Hendricks, has received an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. 

Artists from across the country exhibited their work at the 40th Annual Westerville Area Chamber Music & Arts Festival, held on July 13 and 14 at the Heritage Park and Everal Barn. Throughout the course of the festival, close to 100 volunteers donated their time in order to make the event a success.  The festival showcased work from both youth and adult artists, many of whom were awarded for their talent. 

The Ohio Department of Education has approved two days in the Westerville City School District for professional development – September 27, 2013 and January 10, 2014.  Classes will not be held on these dates.

August 30 is Football Friday Night in Westerville.  For the first time in many years, varsity teams at all three high schools will host their inaugural home games that evening, with Central playing DeSales; North pitted against Franklin Heights; and South going up against Groveport-Madison.  All games begin at 7:30 p.m.  The community is encouraged to join in the fun by showing up to support their favorite team.  Pre-game activities are planned at all locations. 

The Westerville Education Challenge has announced that $14,411.01 will be awarded to six grant applicants in support of innovative educational programming for the Westerville City School District. 

Dr. Machelle Kline, director of assessment and alternative education, recently announced her retirement from the Westerville City Schools effective September 1, 2013, so that she may pursue other professional opportunities.

“Dr. Kline is a tremendous administrator,” said Superintendent John R. Kellogg, Ed.D. “Her skills and experience truly will be missed by our district.  We wish her all the best in retirement and this next chapter in her professional career.”

Faculty and staff at Westerville City Schools gathered in the gymnasium at Westerville Central High School on August 12 for two Convocation sessions, in celebration of past accomplishments and to frame an appreciation of what the district’s Mission, Vision and Values mean in day-to-day work with students.

In November 2012, Westerville Schools decided it was time to try something different.  Instead of organizing a physical auction, they started placing surplus items on www.govdeals.com, and the result has been phenomenal.

The Westerville City School District continues to build upon its history of strong academic performance and remains financially stable, according to two of the several reports shared with the Westerville City School District Board of Education during its mid-year retreat on August 7, 2013.

Approximately 75 teachers who are new to the Westerville City School District gathered in the Media Center at Westerville Central High School on August 8 for an orientation session hosted by the Office of Human Resources.

Mark Twain Elementary School was a hub of activity on Thursday evening, August 1, as Westerville Caring & Sharing volunteers gathered to fill hundreds of book bags with donated school supplies and personal hygiene products.  The organization’s annual Back to School project helps more than 300 Westerville students each year. 

In observation of Labor Day, school will not be held and offices will be closed in the Westerville City School District on Monday, September 2, 2013.  Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, September 3. 

Thanks to a grant from the Westerville Education Foundation, English Language Learning (ELL) students and parents are better prepared to face the start of school in Westerville.  Dr. Jan Fedorenko, principal at Hanby Magnet School, along with Hanby teacher Lori Searfoss, obtained the funding to host a series of summer enrichment workshops called “Teaching the English Language through the Arts.” 

More than 200 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 August 2. 

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 our annual First Time Riders open house, which will be held at Whittier Elementary School from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1. At the event, sponsored by the districts Transportation Department, pupils will have the opportunity to explore a school bus up close, learn about bus safety, ride a real school bus with their parents, learn about school bus mechanics through hands-on activities, and meet Buster the Bus. Those who are not first time riders, but are apprehensive about the school bus experience, are also welcome to attend. Please feel free to pass this information to anyone you may think would like to attend this special event.

Please join the Westerville City Schools' Board of Education for a welcome reception for John R. Kellogg, Ed. D., Superintendent/CEO. The reception will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2013, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Early Learning Center, 936 Eastwind Drive.

Please RSVP your attendance to Jill Beck at beckj@wcsoh.org by Monday, July 15th, 2013.

Even though school is out for summer, students can still be extending, enriching and enhancing what they know, as well as working on learning new skills.  The concept of WoWWithOutWalls is learning that can happen anytime and anywhere.

Students from Westerville Central, North and South high schools graduated at the Celeste Center on May 25.  Gratitude was expressed by the Class of 2013 for the unconditional love and support they received during their high school journey from parents, administrators, teachers and staff.

The Westerville Education Foundation held its fifth annual Mini-Golf Fundraiser on May 18 at the Westerville Mini-Golf and Batting Cages, 450 W. Schrock Road.  In addition to family fun on the venue's two miniature golf courses, the event featured food, music, entertainment, and prizes such as Columbus Clippers tickets, family passes to Zoombezi Bay and the Columbus Zoo, and an overnight accommodation at the Hampton Inn & Suites.

Westerville City School District (WCSD) Treasurer/CFO Bart Griffith on Wednesday presented Board of Education members with a revised five-year financial forecast, confirming that several factors, including continued belt-tightening measures by district officials, will allow the district to remain cash-positive through Fiscal Year 2017.  Maintaining a cash balance through FY17 is two years longer than originally projected when voters approved an emergency operating levy in March of 2012.

The 2012-13 school year has concluded in the Westerville City School District, and many students and staff are planning to begin their summer break by visiting The Eyes of Freedom Memorial, paintings depicting the 23 fallen Marines from Lima 3/25.  The exhibit is on display from noon to 5:00 p.m. on May 25, 26 and 27 at Westerville City Hall, which is located at 21 S. State Street.  The Memorial tells the story of love and sacrifice, as a reminder of the great price men and women are willing to pay for their country.  It has become a remembrance of spirit and choice for all who have answered the call of service.

On May 8, 40 highly talented visual artists from each of the four Westerville middle schools attended the fourth annual “Career in the Visual Arts” trip.  Students visited the Columbus Museum of Art and Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD), thanks to funding from the Career Education and Gifted Education Departments.

Students at Hanby Elementary School have been bringing in toiletry items for a project called Hanby Helps the Homeless.  The Hanby Elementary Student Council, which is comprised of pupils chosen for the Westerville City Schools Elementary Leadership Summit, has assembled these kits for donation. Approximately 80 kits were distributed to homeless individuals being served at Faith Mission.

Family Reading Night took place on Thursday evening, May 9, at Fouse Elementary School.  The event, dubbed “Camp Read-a-Lot,” was organized by the Fouse Literacy Committee.  Students and their families visited several reading activity stations throughout the school, watched plays at the Reader’s Theater, played reading bingo, and even got to make smores in the teacher’s lounge.

Two-hundred-seventy student representatives in grades 3-5 attended the Spring 2013 Elementary Leadership Summit on Friday, May 10, for the purpose of further developing their leadership skills, as well as sharing community service endeavors conducted in their schools.

The paparazzi was out in full force on Wednesday afternoon, May 15, for the gala, red carpet premiere of Reflections through the Years, a celebration of short films featuring some of Westerville’s finest senior citizens.

The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) recently announced that four grants totaling $4,608.51 were awarded to school employees.  These groups and individuals were recognized on May 10 at an award ceremony and breakfast held at the Westerville Public Library.