February 16, 2023

Important Dates

February 20:  Presidents Day - No School

February 21:  Junior College Night - 6 p.m.

February 27:  Bryden Right to Read Week Begins

March 13:      Beachwood Board of Education Meeting - 7 p.m.

March 15:      K-12 Art Show at Beachwood City Hall

March 16:      White and Gold Talent Show - 6:30 p.m.

March 27-31: Spring Break - No School

View the Beachwood Schools calendar for all events and locations.

Announcements

Beachwood Schools Foundation Scholarship Applications are Due Friday - 3 p.m.

Applications for the Beachwood Schools Foundation scholarships are due Friday, February 17 at 3 p.m. The scholarships are for graduating seniors in the Class of 2023. The Beachwood Schools Foundation is a 501(c)3 philanthropic organization administered by a volunteer board of directors from the Beachwood community. Its mission is to obtain funds from individuals, families and corporations to provide scholarships to graduating seniors who are continuing their education. Last year, the Beachwood Schools Foundation awarded $42,600 to students across 27 scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on qualities such as service, character, academic achievements, and career interest. Beachwood Schools sincerely thanks the Beachwood Schools Foundation for its generosity and support in helping students pursue their educational and career goals. Apply for BSF scholarships.

Beachwood PTO Seeks Vice President

The Beachwood PTO seeks a vice president for 2023. The vice president supports all committees and assists with all events, including fundraisers; assists with the budget; and serves as the “face of the organization.” This is a preparatory role for the position of PTO President. The PTO builds a strong school community by supporting students, staff and families with enrichment based programs, fun events and grants. The organization supports students, teachers, faculty and staff in the common goal of expanding educational opportunities within and beyond the classroom. Please reach out to Jen Ferns at (216) 513-3209 or email at jenefur35@gmail.com for more information.

Inclusive Extracurricular Activities and Clubs Survey

The Neurodiversity Family Network is gathering ideas for how to make after-school clubs and activities more inclusive for all Beachwood students. Please share your ideas by completing this brief 11-question survey. For questions about the survey, please contact beachwoodneurodiversity@gmail.com. Take the survey.

Department Spotlight

Featuring updates from the different departments that make

Beachwood Schools thrive

Pupil Services: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

The Pupil Services department is excited to be working collaboratively with District teachers, administrators, staff, students and families to develop the district-wide Positive Behavioral Supports initiative. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports–or PBIS–is a proactive approach to promote positive behavior across learning environments. The focus is on prevention and helping students understand the expectations throughout their school day, whether they are in the classroom, the hallway, or on the bus.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support is for all students. This approach is implemented across the entire District using evidence-based practices and data-driven decision making. Research shows this system-wide approach improves school climate and culture, boosts academic and social outcomes, and increases learning for all students.

Through systemic and individualized positive strategies, school staff teach and reinforce desired behaviors in students and diminish recurrences of challenging behaviors. The Beachwood Schools Positive Behavior Intervention Supports team has met several times, and building-level teams are working to develop strategies and resources that will be rolled out to students in August of 2023. Stay tuned for more information! To learn more about this behavioral framework, visit this resource page from the Ohio Department of Education.

News & Highlights

Board of Education Hears Audit Committee Report

“An examination of the finances shows the Beachwood Schools are in good financial standing,” said Beachwood Board of Education Vice President Jillian DeLong during an audit committee report at the February 13 Board meeting. According to the report, the District received a clean audit with no management recommendations or findings for recovery. The audit committee was formed in January 2005 as a requirement of the Auditor of State. The committee provides oversight and governance that is independent of the Board and brings a community perspective to the District’s finances. Beachwood residents with legal, financial, and/or auditing experience who are interested in serving on the committee, should contact Jillian DeLong at jdelong@beachwoodschools.org. Hear the full audit committee presentation.

Board of Education Approves High School Orchestra 2025 Trip to Spain

The Board of Education approved the Beachwood High School orchestra’s 2025 performance tour to Spain. The trip will provide students with firsthand experience with the sounds and sights of music history in Spain over thousands of years. The itinerary includes stops in Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Ronda, Seville, and Cordoba. Among the activities, students will enjoy a flamenco show and perform in three concerts. This experiential learning opportunity is for all students in grades 9-12 enrolled in orchestra during the 2024-2025 school year. Students will have multiple opportunities to participate in fundraisers to offset the travel costs. Learn more and explore the itinerary. 

Beachwood and Hawken Schools Partner to Recognize Black History Month

It was Beachwood vs. Hawken, but both basketball teams put their rivalries aside to honor Black History Month for the Beachwood Schools’ third annual MAC Scholars Black History Recognition Night on February 10. The program spanned three games–the boys junior varsity, girls varsity, and boys varsity–at Beachwood High School. The two schools wore coordinating “Black History is American History” t-shirts and gave poignant remarks honoring the contributions of African Americans and recognizing their sacrifices. In a speech, eighth-grader Maverick Morris said: “Black history is a source of pride, inspiration, and motivation that reminds us of the power of the human spirit and potential we all have to make a difference.” Read more.

View more Black History Recognition Night photos on Facebook.

Follow Us on Instagram

Beachwood Schools is now on Instagram! Follow us at @BeachwoodBison. You’ll get updates on innovative classroom lessons, school events, extracurricular activities, and more! 

In Case You Missed It

Preschool & Kindergarten Registration

Register your child for preschool at the Fairmount Early Childhood Center on the Beachwood Schools Preschool Registration page. Families with a child entering kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year should complete the online registration form. For questions about registering for kindergarten, please contact district registrar Grace Perryman at gperryman@beachwoodschools.org or (216) 464-2600, ext. 2107.

Resources for Families

Infinite Campus

Tickets

Lunch Menus