WPS Students of the Month

2

Grade 3 Camps Out

2

Spelling Their Way to the Top

2

FREE Parenting Series

2

WPS Library Prepares for Bookfair

2

Family Lego Nights at WIS

3

WMS Students of the Month

3

WIS Students Write, Perform Own Play

3

Valentines from the Heart

3

Exercise Balls Enhance Learning

3

Lions Club Donates Dictionaries

3

Kiddie Carnival is Back!

3

3 WHS Wrestlers to State

4

WHS Winter Formal Court

4

WHS Golf Outing

4

2013 Youth Soccer Camp

4

WIS Had a Heart

4

KeyMaker Nominations

4

Inside this issue:

The BugleThe Bugle F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3

Impact of Proposed School Funding Formula By: Deanna Levenger, Treasurer

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WOODRIDGE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTSTATE PER PUPIL FUNDING FY 2004 - FY 2014

State PerPupil

Funding

On January 31, 2013 Governor Kasich introduced his

strategy to fund Ohio schools which he calls Achievement

Everywhere. The proposed funding formula would begin

July 1, 2013 and guarantee $5,000 a year per student

regardless of where they live. The $5,000 per student

would be a combination of State and Local revenue. The

Woodridge Local School District would receive $529.75 per

student from the State of Ohio and the balance of

$4,470.25 would be funded by local property taxes. A

major flaw in this proposal is the dollar amount used to

calculate the per pupil funding. In Summit County the

average cost per pupil is $10,523.41. The Governor’s

proposal is less than half the cost to educate a child in

Summit County.

The proposed funding formula does not reduce the

school district’s reliance on property taxes.

The proposed new funding formula only provides 4.6% of

the cost to educate a child in the Woodridge Local School

District. Over the past ten years per pupil basic aid has

declined 26%. The district received $693.93 in per pupil

basic aid funding in fiscal year 2004 and will receive

$529.75 in fiscal year 2014, based on the proposed funding

formula.

The House and Senate have begun deliberations on the

proposed State Budget. If history tells us anything we can

assume that there will be changes made to the initial

budget proposal. State law requires the General Assembly

approve a new budget no later than June 30, 2013.

Change. Ohio’s public schools are in the midst of change.

The Ohio General Assembly has enacted several landmark

pieces of legislation over the past several years that will

reform educational practice and procedures for all of Ohio’s

schools. New tools for curriculum, new tools for instruction,

new tools for assessment, and new tools for accountability

have been created.

On Tuesday evening, March 5, 2013, we will be holding a

Community Workshop. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

and will be held in the auditorium of Woodridge High

School. The purpose of the workshop is to share the

changes we are facing with the community. It is important

that YOU understand what is happening in YOUR school

district. Our workshop will focus on the state’s new report

card features, the new state curriculum standards, and the

new tools we will be using. Ohio’s renewed focus on

college and career readiness will be highlighted. What has

“excellence” meant in Ohio? What will it mean now that

the new rules are in place?

During the workshop, we will share our “take” on Governor

Kasich’s new funding proposals for Ohio’s schools. We will

share our data and explain what the ideas potentially mean

for our local district. We will explain how recent newspaper

accounts have exaggerated the impact of the new

proposals as they relate to Woodridge.

We are pleased to welcome several partners to the

district who will assist in our presentation.

Representatives of The University of Akron, The Six

District Educational Compact, The Summit County

Educational Service Center, and Summit Education

Initiative will be on hand to assist in the workshop

sessions. The evening will end with a panel discussion

designed to answer your questions. Together, we will

share a wealth of information. We hope you will join us

for this information packed workshop.

Redefining Excellence...You’re Invited! By: Walter Davis, Superintendent

Steady Growth in Student Enrollment By: Walter Davis, Superintendent

A recent Akron Beacon Journal report suggested that the

Woodridge Local School District was experiencing a

decline in student enrollment. The facts refute such a

claim and while the newspaper did correct their error a few

days later, we wanted to make sure our constituents have

the facts. An October 2011 Plain Dealer story recognized

that enrollment in the Woodridge Schools has steadily

increased in comparison with other school districts across

the region. As the district has grown, the Board has

consistently provided an excellent educational program,

recognized by the State of Ohio with its highest ratings.

The chart illustrates enrollment growth since 1997.

To subscr ibe to the Super intendent 's emai l newsle t ter , p lease v is i t : www.woodridge .k12 .oh.us/enews

P A G E 2

Join us for our Free Parenting Series, sponsored by the State

Support Team Region 8 and the Parent Access Collaborative.

All meetings are held at the Summit County Educational Service

Center, 420 Washington St, Cuyahoga Falls, 9:30 am – 12:30

pm. Lunch will be provided for those who RSVP stating they

will stay for lunch. For more info contact Susan Foley,

Woodridge Parent Mentor, 330-928-9074 ext. 591703. To

register, contact Alice Doyle 330-929-6624 ext. 511232 or

aliced@cybersummit.org.

March 13, 2013 – Overview of the Ohio Rehabilitation

Service Commission (RSC) by Kevin Miller, Executive

Director of RSC. Learn what services the RSC/BVR

provides, how to access services, and the Employment First

Initiative. Local RSC/BVR counselors will also be available.

April 10, 2013 – Field Trip to Pegasus Farm. (program is

onsite from 10-11am only) Pegasus offers a therapeutic

riding program. Their mission is to maximize the potential of

persons with disabilities to become independent,

wel l - rounded, and sel f -confident individuals

(www.pegasusfarm.org ). You must provide your own

transportation (7490 Edison St. NE, Hartville). NO lunch

provided.

May 1, 2013 – “What’s New in Ohio?” by Gary Tonks,

Executive Director of ARC of Ohio. Learn about

legislation, scholarships, waivers and more. Open Forum,

bring your questions, learn from the questions of others.

FREE Parenting Series By: Susan Foley, Parent Mentor

WPS Students of the Month By: Pat Kennedy, WPS School Counselor

Congratulations to our Woodridge Primary School Building

Character Students of the Month for January! These students

were chosen from their classrooms for doing an excellent

job showing Responsibility, our Word of the Month.

Front Row: Haley Walker, Lauren Eizember. 2nd Row: Braden

Mottice, Mallory Cyc, Jackson Linton, Hanna Basinger, Journey

Staats. 3rd Row: Tra'nhai Henderson, Keegan Mariola, Ta'Kaiya

Bailey, Sean McIlroy, Katelyn Dennison, Claire Voisard, Erick

Williams. Back Row: Julia Howell, Jackson Leach, Lilly Yajko,

Austin Chen, Jacob Owen, Jared Mottice. Not pictured: Alysia

Allen, Adeline Mayer.

Grade 3 Students Camp Out with the Help of PTO By: Bonnie Luker, WIS Teacher

Thanks to a grant from our generous PTO, each quarter students

from Mrs. Luker's third grade class who have worked hard to

complete all of their classwork are invited to participate in extra

activities. Second quarter students experienced a day of learning

in an indoor campout. The morning consisted of reading in the

tent made out of sheets under the "stars", sitting by the lantern

and faux campfire for their word

wall test, and listening and

discussing books.

Later in the day, students figured

out how many graham crackers,

marshmallows, and chocolate

chips they would need for the

entire class to make s'mores. The students also had to figure out

how much everything would cost using estimating. Finally, the

students used the chocolate chips to make arrays for

multiplication problems. Overall the campout was a successful

adventure! We will see where third quarter will take us since

fourth quarter will take us out of this world!

Woodridge Middle School students Shaleen Ghosh, Skylar

Arstone and Christian Jenkins can sure S-P-E-L-L! After

completing a fifteen word qualifying test and competing in a

spelling off at school, these three students spelled their way to

the top. They qualified to represent WMS at the Akron Regional

Spelling Bee at the Akron Public Library on February 16th.

Competing with thirty other students, representing schools in our

region, these three students did a fine job as the faces of

Woodridge Middle School. Congratulations to all of you!

Spelling Their Way to the Top! By: Shannon Allenspach, WMS Teacher

February has been BUSY for the kindergarten, first and second

grade students in the WPS library. Students started in January

helping Mrs. Sterling get ready for the “Story Laboratory: Reading

Gives You Superpowers” book fair. Their job was to

communicate the theme of the fair to help build excitement. First

they had to decide “what” to say and then “how” to say it. This

was a perfect culmination of their unit on media literacy.

First graders got busy creating

superheroes that showed off the “Reading

gives you superpowers” theme. Creative

creatures include people and animals who

get stronger or smarter by reading or who

can “jump” into books and become part of

the story. Their superheroes will be on

display at the book fair.

Second graders were helping communicate the “Story

Laboratory” part of the book fair theme. After observing an

experiment in library, students worked in groups to write stories

that included laboratories, scientists or experiments. Their stories

were illustrated and turned into comic strips that will be on display

during the book fair.

Kindergarteners had their

own busy time as well,

completing a unit comparing

Cinderella stories from

a r o u n d t h e w o r l d .

Students celebrated with a

library party, eating cookies,

drinking punch, and performing a special surprise dance for their

teachers.

WPS Library Prepares for Bookfair! By: Christine Sterling, WPS Library Tutor

P A G E 3

Thanks to the Woodridge Primary School

PTO, Ms. O’Hara’s class was granted 24

exercise balls to replace the chairs in

their second grade classroom. After

much research in local classrooms and

online, Ms. O’Hara found the benefits of

these in the classroom are exceptional.

Research shows that student

attentiveness increases and noise levels decrease. Also,

balancing on an exercise ball requires greater focus and

promotes the flow of blood and oxygen in the body, which leads to

increased brain stimulation and helps children stay alert.

After just one month of use in the classroom, she has already

seen class participation increase and distractions decrease.

Another proven benefit is that students who suffer from ADD or

ADHD lose focus and fidget in their seats. The exercise balls

provide a release for bottled energy and help to increase

students’ ability to focus. The positives of exercise balls are really

showing through in the classroom! Students have commented ,“I

like being able to sit up instead of slouching down.” “The balls

help me think better.” “It’s easier to get into your desk drawer

because you can just roll back.” Thank you to the PTO for

making this possible!

Exercise Balls Enhance Student Learning By: Kellie O’Hara, WPS Teacher

The Kiddie Carnival is back!! The WHS Softball

team will be hosting the Kiddie Carnival this

year. There will be several other clubs and sports

participating! Come and join the fun and

support the extracurricular activity groups.

GAMES - FOOD - RAFFLE BASKETS

Friday, March 15, at Woodridge High School from 6:00—8:00

p.m. Adults are Free and Children are 50 cents admission.

Game Tickets are 25 cents each.

Kiddie Carnival is Back! By: Pam Schneider

Second grade students took Have a Heart do Your Part literally this

year. They hand crafted adorable Valentine cards and mailed them for

$1.00. The money was collected as part of the “change bandit”

collection at the WPS. They included the service of actually mailing the

Valentine too. Second graders took orders from friends and family and

mailed out over 40 special little cards. Postage and envelopes were

donated to support the project so that 100% of the money collected

went into the school wide “change bandit” collection.

Valentines from the Heart By: Theresa Novak, WPS Teacher

WMS Students of the Month By: Angela Macak, WMS Teacher

Congratulations to the WMS Students of the Month; Lana Norris,

Rachel Lauck, Kyle Kelleher, Aaron Jones, Robbie Taylor,

Clarissa Jenkins.

Third Graders in Mrs. Chluda’s Enrichment Class, titled “Drama”,

sure been working hard. After many weeks of exploring different

reader’s theatre productions, these students were able to perfect

their “stage presence” and hone in on their production skills. Once

these students seemed confident in their own skills, they dove

into the project of turning their favorite childhood fairy tale into a

drama performance.

Students had the task of writing a

script for their fairy tale, but needed

to give it their own twist. The

challenge came when they were

asked to write their play from the

perspective of another character, other than the main character

from the traditional fairy tale. The students had so much fun with

this project! Everyone was amazed at the creativity and humor

that they incorporated into their script. An audience member may

have found themselves feeling badly for Cinderella’s

Stepmother when you hear the version of “CrabbyRella”. Wouldn’t

it be incredible to see one of these students become a famous

playwright one day or see their script performed on stage?

WIS Students Write and Perform Their Own Play By: Regina Chluda, WIS Teacher

Family Lego Nights at WIS By: Ashley Jurkowski, WIS School Counselor

Beginning in March, Woodridge Intermediate

School will begin hosting Family Lego Nights.

Our Woodridge Intermediate families will be

invited to come in for food and some family

fun once a month in the evenings. Thanks to our PTOs grant

program, we were able to purchase thousands of brand new

Legos for families to create masterpieces with!

We are very excited about this new program and are very grateful

to the PTO for their generosity. Please watch for information that

will be coming home very soon that includes dates and times. We

look forward to visiting and building with you on our Family Lego

Nights!

Cuyahoga Falls Lions Club Distributes Free Dictionaries to All 6th Graders!

The Cuyahoga Falls

Lions Club has recently

d i s t r i b u t e d f r e e

dictionaries to all WMS

6th grade students. The

idea was brought to the

club by Neil Bevere, who

has been a member for

32 years. Each dictionary

will be stamped with the Lions International Logo, the Cuyahoga

Falls web address, and a line for students to write their

name. The goal of this program is to assist all students in

becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and

resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal

dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at

home and school. The Lions Club hopes this will help them

improve their communication skills and make the most of their

education.

Woodridge would like to thank the Cuyahoga Falls Lions Club for

their generous donation and continued commitment to our

community.

In the Classroom and on the Field

P A G E 4

Congratulations to the following

seniors that were nominated to

the 2013 Winter Formal

court. These students were

nominated and voted by the WHS

teachers and staff for their

kindness, spirit, and overall

"Woodridge Way!"; Essence Howell, Alex LoPrinzi, Paige Graham,

Ajeliel Faraj, Cara Humbel, Sean McCoy, Hunter Niswander,

Mason Neff, Trevon Burgins, Kyle Spreizer. Voting for king and

queen was held for the entire student body and the king was

Trevon Burgins and queen Paige Graham. The king, queen and

court were presented at the Winter Formal dance on Saturday,

January 26 at the high school.

WHS Winter Formal Court By: Norma Hammond, WHS Teacher

Some people see a closed door and turn away. Others see a

closed door, try the knob, If it doesn’t open, they turn away.

Still others see a closed door, try the knob, If it doesn’t open,

they find a key, If the key doesn’t fit, they turn away.

A rare few see a closed door, try the knob, If it doesn’t open

they find a key, If the key doesn’t fit, THEY MAKE ONE!

Is there a KeyMaker in your child’s education? We would like

to recognize Woodridge employees and volunteers that have

been KeyMakers, those who open doors for students. All

nominated individuals will receive a certificate.

This program is sponsored by the Woodridge Parent Mentor

Program. The Parent Mentor Program assists parents of

children with special needs in securing an appropriate

education for the child.

Nominate a KeyMaker

Your child’s name:

Your name:

Your address:

Your phone or email:

Nominee’s Name:

Nominee’s School:

Please attach a short paragraph explaining why this person

should be recognized. We must receive all nominations prior to April 5, 2013.

Call 330-676-7661 with questions. Mail the nomination form to:

Susan Foley, Parent Mentor, Woodridge Board of Education, 4411 Quick Road,

Peninsula, OH 44264

Once again, students and families

of WIS stepped up to the

challenge to raise money for Akron

Children's Hospital. Driven by the

5th Grade Student Council,

students and families brought in their change for this local charity,

and in doing so, met goals that the kids set that will earn

everyone different dress up days at the school. Last year WIS

raised over $990....this year they hope to pass that! We will know

WIS Had a Heart! By: Don Lathem, WIS Teacher

Summer is right around the corner and its time to start thinking

about summer sports camps! The WHS girls’ soccer program will

be hosting for the 2nd year a youth

soccer camp. The camp will be June

17th-21st and will be for multiple age

groups. Please visit our website at

www.woodr idge.k12 .oh .us to

download the registration form.

Payment and the registration for the camp are due by FRIDAY

MAY 24th. Checks can be made payable to Woodridge Booster

Club and in the memo put WHS Girls’ soccer. Please send your

registration and payment to Woodridge Middle School Att: Jason

Allenspach. If you have any further questions you can email

coach Allenspach at Jallenspach@woodridge.k12.oh.us, or you

can reach him at 330-730-2553.

2013 Woodridge Youth Soccer Camp By: Jason Allenspach, WMS Teacher/Coach

It's almost spring and golf season is around the corner. We will

be having the Annual Woodridge High School Golf Team Golf

outing at Brookledge Golf Club on Sunday, June 16, 2013. This

will be a shotgun start at 8:00 am. $75.00 per person / $300 per

team (4some). This price includes lunch, dinner, drinks, prizes.

The event promises to be bigger and better this

year!! Proceeds benefit the Woodridge High

School Golf Programs. Tell your family and

friends! Get your teams ready and let us know.

For questions and registration, contact Jeff

Walter at jwalter@woodridge.k12.oh.us, 330-603-7408 or Dave

Krusinski at dkrusinski@woodridge.k12.oh.us .

Woodridge High School Golf Team Outing By: Jeff Walter, WMS ISR Tutor

Three WHS Wrestlers Qualify for State Championships By: Mike Massey, WHS Teacher/Coach

The wrestling team competed in the Alliance DII District the

weekend of February 23rd. The Alliance District is considered by

most to be the toughest district in the state. Three Woodridge

wrestlers qualified for the State Championships. It truly was an

amazing and inspiring effort by these three young men.

Senior captain Pat Dickinson needed to beat returning All-Ohioan

Ricky Simonelli from CVCA to qualify. Simonelli was 7th in the

state last year and beat Pat 11-2 last week in the Sectional

Tournament. Saturday, Pat wrestled one of the best matches of

his life and won 3-0. Pat finished 4th overall.

Sophomore Cody Jenkins needed to win three matches in a row

to qualify. Cody won all three by one point. To qualify, Cody

needed to beat PTC tournament champion Jerek Cropper from

Coventry. Cody did not even place in the PTC tournament. Cody

won 11-10 to punch his ticket to Columbus. This was quite

possibly the biggest upset of the tournament.

Mason Hilling won his first match on Friday night before losing to

a tough Conneaut wrestler in the second round. On Saturday,

Mason recorded 4 straight pins to place 3rd and earn his trip to

Columbus. Mason ended the night pinning the wrestler from

Conneaut that beat him the night before.

Pat, Cody and Mason will be the 45th, 46th and 47th Woodridge

Wrestler to qualify to the State Championships. They will wrestle

Thursday, February 28 at 3:00 at the Schottenstein Center on the

campus of Ohio State.