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The Shaker Schools Connection
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Monthly Spotlights: Woodbury Sixth-Grade Teacher Darlene Garrison and her son, Woodbury Sixth-Grader Dylan; High School Tennis Coach Al Slawson
IB in Action: Mercer students make a video; Dr. Moore urges state legislators to consider guaranteed credit at public universities; SHHS Junior Marina DeNunzio is Miss Cuyahoga Valley's Outstanding Teen
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 Monthly Spotlights
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Teacher and Student Spotlight: Darlene and Dylan Garrison
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Dylan and Darlene Garrison
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In honor of Mother's Day on Sunday, May 12, this month's Employee and Student Spotlight features one of the District's many parent-student pairs: Woodbury sixth-grade teacher Darlene Garrison and her son, Woodbury sixth-grade student Dylan Garrison. Ms. Garrison, a Shaker Heights native and 25-year Shaker Heights Schools teacher, is also mom to two daughters, Shaker Heights High School Freshman Camryn Garrison and 2018 graduate Courtney Garrison. While Dylan isn't in his mom's classroom as a student, Ms. Garrison has been teaching him plenty since day one about what it means to be a caring, gentle and compassionate human being. Read more about Ms. Garrison and her son, Dylan.
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Raider Spotlight: High School Tennis Coach Al Slawson Celebrates 1,000th Win
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Coach Slawson poses with a plaque to honor his 1,000th career win. |
Shaker Heights High School boys and girls tennis coach Al Slawson celebrated his 1,000th career win as a Shaker coach on April 16 at home versus Westlake.
Coach Slawson's career has spanned more than 50 years---his first tennis coaching position was in 1968 at Valley Forge High School in Parma---plus, he taught both middle school and high school math in Shaker Heights Schools for 27 years.
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You know, my job at Shaker was really an example of perfection," says Coach Slawson. "It was such a good job for me because of my own beliefs with diversity---the tennis was secondary, but then that became very important to me. My time here was mutually beneficial: Shaker has been good for me and I've been good for Shaker."
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Student News
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SHHS Theatre Arts Department Earns Four Dazzle Award Nominations
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Congratulations to the Shaker Heights High School Theatre Arts Department, which earned four nominations for its production of Pippin in Playhouse Square's Dazzle Awards! The nominees include: Best Actor Colin Frothingham; Best Supporting Actor Harlan Friedman-Romell; Best Orchestra and Best Technical Execution. The company will attend the Awards ceremony at the Palace Theatre on May 18. Bravo to the entire company of Pippin and kudos to Theatre Arts chair and director Scott Sumerak!
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IB Exhibition Nights Coming in May
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Fourth-grade students across the District are in the final weeks of preparing for their IB Exhibition Projects. Please support their learning and success by attending an IB Exhibition Night!
Mercer: Wednesday, May 15, 6 p.m.
Lomond: Tuesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.
Onaway: Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.
Boulevard: Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.
Ferway: Wednesday, May 29, 4:30 p.m.
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Fernway students recently visited the Akron Zoo to gather research
for their IB Exhbition Projects.
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Head of LEGO North America Visits with Onaway Students
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(Left) Silver MacDonald, Head of LEGO North America, and (right) Steffanie Forbes, Regional Account Manager for LEGO Education visit with Onaway students on April 23.
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On April 23, students in Miss Burns' first-grade class at Onaway welcomed two special visitors to their classroom: Silver MacDonald, Head of LEGO North America, and Steffanie Forbes, Regional Account Manager for LEGO Education. The students had a virtual meeting with Ms. MacDonald earlier this year, but for their second meeting, Ms. MacDonald wanted to meet the students in person. She brought a project with her: in teams of two, the students had two minutes to build the tallest LEGO structure they could with a set of the blocks. The structures, called Confidence Towers, were borne from a recent LEGO Education-Harris Poll Survey that revealed having confidence and exploring with hands-on lessons are the building blocks to life-long learning. "It's so fun to see the kids learning and sharing," said Ms. MacDonald. "Projects like this where students are able to take blocks and their own creativity and build them into something small, and then into more complicated structures are at the heart of STEM and what we do at LEGO." Watch a time-lapse video on Facebook of Onaway students building confidence towers!
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Students with Multiple Disabilities Visit Fieldstone Farms
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Nkozi Russell beams next to a horse at Fieldstone Farm. |
On Thursdays through May, students in the Multiple Disabilities program at Shaker Heights High School travel to
Fieldstone Farm
in Chagrin Falls for therapeutic riding sessions. This is the first year for the weekly field trip for High School students, thanks to Intervention Specialist Susie Rainier, who took her students from Mercer to the farm last year.
She says the biggest benefit of the experience for her students is the confidence they gain. "It is amazing to see the students go from being so scared of the horses and timid, then they become empowered," Ms. Rainier says. "There are so many ways that the students can communicate and move that enable them to participate in something that most people would not think they could."
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Woodbury Honors 43 Male Scholars
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Woodbury Male Scholars
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The Woodbury Male Scholars held their annual recognition ceremony on Wednesday, May 1. The Male Scholars is open to Woodbury African American students who meet specific academic
requirements, demonstrate leadership potential and are recommended by staff. Each of these students participates in leadership activities, family events and community service projects.This year's ceremony honored the 26 fifth-grade students and 17 sixth-grade students who participated. Well done, Male Scholars!
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High School UH Health Scholars Program Engages Students in Medicine
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Students working on their Health Scholars projects after school.
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Twenty Shaker Heights High School students meet every Wednesday after school to participate in the
University Hospitals Health Scholars Program
, an initiative designed to engage more students from underrepresented populations in careers in medicine. Each week, the students perform research projects and experiments, listen to presentations by medical school students and learn more about careers in the medical field. The program culminates in student-led group projects.
"It's been really helpful for students who may not see themselves on the medical school trajectory to learn that medicine isn't that intimidating," says High School Advisor and School Counselor David Peake. "It's the classic example of kids not knowing what they don't know until you show them."
Read more about the UH Health Scholars program and RemedyRhythms, a UH Health Scholars program started by three sophomores---Rohini Kumar, Aria Zai and Shay McDermott---who want to raise money for the UH Music Therapy Program.
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Spring Break Travel Notes
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French students at the Sacre Coeur
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In addition to the High School band trip to Italy over spring break, Shaker Heights High School students also traveled to France and Laos on school-sponsored trips.
France
High School French teachers Eileen Willis and Suzanne Genillier chaperoned a group 19 French students to Paris and Rouen, France over spring break. The group spent two days sightseeing in Paris and the balance of their trip in Rouen living with host families from our sister school, Lycée Gustave Flaubert. The SHHS students and teachers were treated to a very special trip---which was completely funded by Lycée Gustave Flaubert---to Le Mont-Saint-Michel. The Shaker Schools Foundation generously funded an additional excursion to Versailles. The French Department takes this special trip every other year, with students from Lycée Gustave Flaubert coming to Shaker in the off years.
Laos
A group of 16 SHHS students recently completed the High School's fifth Spring Break service immersion trip, this time in Laos. The group, led by High School teachers Brian Berger and Yvonne Horstman, traveled from more than 40 hours to get to Luang Prabang, Laos, which included five airplane rides.
Read more about their extraordinary trip and watch two student videos
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More Student News and Honors
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SHHS Ohio History Day winners
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IB in Action
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Mercer Student Video on Appropriate Voice Levels
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Mercer students introduce their video. |
Mercer's Student Ambassadors recently made a video (with the help of Lomond/Woodbury parent and professional videographer Lewis Burrell) to help their fellow students understand appropriate voice levels at school. Great job Mercer Ambassadors and way to take action! Thank you to Mercer IB Coordinator Maria Baker for sharing! Watch the video on Facebook!
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Dr. Moore Encourages State Leaders to Adopt Guaranteed Credit Policies at Ohio's Public Universities for DP Graduates
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 Dr. John Moore, the District's IB Coordinator and Coordinator of the High School Diploma Programme, has written a letter to Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes, encouraging state legislators to adopt policy that provides guaranteed credit at public universities for IB Diploma Programme graduates. The letter, written on behalf of the Ohio Association of IB World Schools, argues that such a policy would enable Ohio to retain more of its highest-achieving students as they matriculate to higher education. Currently, many of Ohio's IB students look to other states with IB policies for scholarship and credit assurances. Other states, including as Colorado, Kentucky, and the Carolinas have adopted statutes that require all public universities to provide a minimum amount of credit for IB Diploma recipients. In Colorado, for example, IB graduates receive a
minimum
of 24 semester credits towards general education, elective, or major requirements at each public institution.
"One of the fundamentals of IB is taking action to enact change," explains Dr. Moore. "Our goal in writing this letter is to help our state legislators better understand IB and the Diploma Programme, but also to see the opportunity that exists if they develop a system that encourages some of Ohio's strongest students to attend university here."
Read the full letter here. If you support Dr. Moore's and the Ohio Association of IB World Schools' efforts, please write to Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes, or to our state legislators: Representative Janine Boyd and Senator Sandra R. Williams.
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IB Diploma Programme Student is Miss Cuyahoga Valley's Outstanding Teen
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Marina DeNunzio poses with Dr. Glasner on National Principals' Day.
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Shaker Heights High School Junior Marina DeNunzio is an IB Diploma Programme student, a member of the High School Environmental Club, a Student Ambassador, a member of mock trial and Model UN, a co-captain of the Raiderettes, and she's on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. She also happens to be a pageant queen whose duties go far beyond donning a tiara and a sash---she spends much of the little free time she has advocating for the environment and incorporating sustainable living practices into daily living. Read more about Marina DeNunzio, Miss Cuyahoga Valley's Outstanding Teen.
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Performing and Fine Arts Events
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Art Exposed 2019 Opens Friday May 10
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A selection of artwork by Shaker Heights High School art students will be on display at the Shaker Heights Main Library beginning Friday, May 10. Join the opening reception from 6:30-8 p.m. The exhibit will be open through May 22.
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May Concerts and Performances
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 May 1: High School Spring Choir Concert, 7:30 p.m., High School Large Auditorium
May 1: Woodbury Grade 5 Band Concert, 6:45 p.m. High School North Gym
May 2: High School Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m., High School Large Auditorium
May 7: Woodbury Grade 5 Orchestra Concert, 6:45 p.m., Middle School Auditorium
May 7: Woodbury Grade 6 Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., Middle School Auditorium
May 9 & 10: High School Spring Ensemble Show, 7 p.m., High School Large Auditorium
May 13: Middle School Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m., Middle School Auditorium
May 15: Middle School Choir Concert, 7 p.m., Middle School Auditorium
May 27: High School Band Performs in the Memorial Day Parade, 9 a.m., Shaker Heights City Hall
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Community Engagement
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FACE-Bellefaire SAY Spring Forum on the Dangers of Vaping is May 6
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The Shaker Heights Schools Family and Community Engagement Center and Bellefaire's Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) program have partnered to present the SAY Spring Forum "Vaping and the Ever-Changing Drug Culture: What Parents Need to Know" on May 6 at the Shaker Heights Middle School auditorium. The program runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for on-site registration.
You may also click here to register online in advance.
The featured speaker is Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Vincent Caringi from University Hospitals. He will discuss the risks associated with vaping and other drugs as well as the impact of these substances on the developing teen brain. Parents will also learn strategies to empower teens to make healthy and responsible decisions.
The program is free and open to any adult who lives with or works with teens. Teens 13 and over are also strongly encouraged to attend.
Mental health professionals can earn two continuing education units and certificates of attendance will be available for others who work with youth.
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Mano en Mano Presents El Festival
On Friday, May 10 from 6-8 p.m., Mano en Mano, the SHHS Spanish community service club, will host its second annual festival in the High School North Gym! This year's Festival will focus on Chile, and all profits go to Teletón, a Chilean charity that assists children with disabilities. The entire community is welcomed to attend! The entrance fee is $2 for children and students, and $3 for adults, and we welcome donations. Come for music, food, dancing, games, and more! |
Around the District
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| Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10! |
Thank you to all of the District's teachers for the creativity, inspiration and dedication they show in helping all of our students find a pathway to success and lifelong learning. Please be sure to share your gratitude with the teachers here in Shaker (or from your student days) who have made a positive difference in your life or your student's learning!
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High School Principal Candidate Videos and Feedback Form Now Available
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Thank you to the members of the Shaker Heights Schools community who attended the Community Meet & Greet Sessions with High School Principal Candidates Mr. Eric Juli and Mr. Patrick McNichols. The recorded videos for both candidates are now available online, as well as the High School Principal Candidate Feedback Form.
The feedback form will be available until 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 6.
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Annual District Service Tea Honors Teachers and Staff on May 22
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Each year, the District hosts a Service Tea to honor colleagues from around the District who will be retiring, receiving service awards or SHTA Fellowships. The Service Tea this year takes place on Wednesday, May 22.
Congratulations to all these employees and thank you for your commitment to students and to the District!
Learn which staff members will be honored for 25 years of service and 15 years of service, as well as those who are retiring or have signed continuing contracts. Click here for a list of honored staff members.
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Shaker Heights Schools is Hiring!
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Shaker Heights Schools Bus Driver Rasheda Searles
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Shaker Heights Schools is hiring friendly and enthusiastic part-time and substitute bus drivers to join our top-notch transportation team! Applicants must hold a valid CDL with an endorsement to drive a school bus and be a state-certified school bus driver. Drivers earn $17.44/hour with a five-hour work guarantee.
Learn more about the position and apply online today!
Shaker Heights Schools is seeking energetic and caring substitute paraprofessionals to assist students with special education needs. Pay is $102.50/day. The position is ideal for retired teachers and paraprofessionals, childcare professionals and those with a nurturing spirit.
Learn more about the position and apply online today!
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Shaker Schools Foundation News
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Fernway Forward Fundraiser at Juma Gallery, Saturday, May 4, 6-9 p.m.
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Enjoy a community gathering and fundraiser at Juma Gallery! Proceeds from this event will raise money for a new and improved play area (like the one pictured at right). The event will also feature our three beloved Fernway principals: retired principals Donald Coffee and George Cannon and current principal Chris Hayward. Tickets are $20 and 100% of the proceeds will support the Fernway Forward Campaign. Light refreshments will be served and your first beverage is on the house. In addition, each ticket holder will be entered into a drawing to win a hard hat tour of Fernway! Juma Gallery will also donate 10% of sales from all purchases that evening, so come sip, socialize and support! Click here to purchase tickets.
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Class of 2019 Commencement Guest Speaker: David Pogue ('81)
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David Pogue
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This year, the Shaker Schools Foundation welcomes 1981 alum, Shaker Schools Hall of Fame member and New York Times columnist David Pogue as the commencement guest speaker for the Class of 2019. Commencement for the Class of 2019 begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5 at the Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University.
At the suggestion of the Shaker Heights Board of Education and the Interim Superintendent, Shaker Schools Foundation Executive Director Holly Coughlin made the arrangements for Mr. Pogue to speak at commencement. "David was honored to be asked and quickly accepted the invitation," she says. "He's an energetic speaker and, as a Shaker alum, he knows what's relevant and important to our graduates and families."
A longtime journalist and columnist, David Pogue was The New York Times weekly tech columnist from 2000-2013. He spent five years at Yahoo Finance and then in 2018, he returned to write the "Crowdwise" feature for the "Smarter Living" section. He's a four-time Emmy winner for his stories on "CBS Sunday Morning," and a host of 17 science specials on "NOVA" on PBS.
David is one of the world's best-selling "how-to" authors, with more than 100 titles and 3 million copies in print. They include seven books in the "For Dummies" series, his own Pogue's Basics series of essential tips and shortcuts, and the Missing Manual series of computer books.
David graduated summa cum laude from Yale in 1985 with distinction in music, and he spent ten years conducting and arranging Broadway musicals in New York. He has won a Loeb Award for journalism and an honorary doctorate in music. He has been profiled on 48 Hours and 60 Minutes.
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FROM THE CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS
In May, the Shaker Heights Recreation Department kicks off its popular #ShakerPlays series of summer pop-ups. These free activities take place in community parks and playgrounds and there's truly something for every age and stage. Relax and restore with yoga; tap into your inner artist; learn to play pickleball; and lots more. Find the current lineup of activities on the Department's
Facebook Events page
(and check back often as more #ShakerPlays activities are added in the coming weeks).
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15600 Parkland Drive, Shaker Heights OH 44120
shaker.org · 216-295-1400
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