Lewis F. Mayer Middle School eighth-grader Allison Elliot discovered that a plant's favorite color was white on her science fair project.

2.29.08 - Students Hold Primary Debate

Students from Lynda O’Connor’s and student teacher Kevin Burke’s Honors Social Studies classes held a debate on Feb. 29, portraying the main Democratic and Republican candidates for Ohio’s March 4 Primary Election. Students from other social studies classes investigated issues and wrote questions to be asked during the debate, while the participating honors classes formed into campaign teams to prepare their candidates for these questions. Dan and Justin portrayed John McCain; Allison and Chase portrayed Mike Huckabee; Tim and Brandon portrayed Barack Obama, and Alyssa and Jeff role- played Hillary Clinton.

Students who researched the debates took it a step further by attending the local Obama and John McCain rallies.

“It got them excited about the primary,” said Honors Social Studies teacher Lynda Conner. "And it helped inform them about major issues on a national level.”

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March 2008
3.5.08 - Voters Approve Issue Four Levy Renewal

On March 4, the city of Fairview Park voters approved Issue 4, a seven mils renewal of an existing tax levy for the Fairview Park City Schools. Issue 4 is not a tax increase for residents.

"The passage of this renewal brings a stability to this district that Fairview Park has not seen in decades," said FPCS Board President Dennis Rehor. "By addressing our facility needs with Gemini and our operational needs with the passage of this renewal, the Fairview Park Schools, and the community of Fairview Park as a whole, is in a position to flourish for many years to come. On behalf of the Board of Education, I extend thanks to the community of Fairview Park for showing such strong support of this renewal."

FPCS would like to thank the Fairview Park community for choosing to pass Issue 4. Approval of the renewal will help the FPCS Board to stand by their 2006 pledge to not seek new money for a five-year period through 2011. "The Board of Education and I are very thankful to the community for the trust they have placed in us with the passage of this renewal," said Superintendent Brion Deitsch. "Our Treasurer Ryan Ghizzoni and I will come to work everyday looking for ways to make our district better for our kids in an efficient and cost effective manner. We are Fairview Park."

Please join the board of education in celebrating the passage of Issue 4 at the next regular board meeting on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m., at Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, 4320 West 220 Street, Fairview Park, OH 44126.

3.5.08 - FPCS Celebrates NEA Read Across America Day

Fairview Park, OH - On Monday, March 3, Gilles-Sweet Elementary students were treated to special reading sessions for the 11th anniversary of the National Education Association's [NEA] Read Across America Day. District employees such as Superintendent Brion Deitsch and members from the American Legion Auxiliary Post #451 in Rocky River, went from classroom to classroom reading to students their favorite book from when they were children.

"This program was started to draw attention to the importance of reading and how enjoyable it can be," said sixth-grade teacher and FPCS Read Across America coordinator Peg Fishell.

In the Know
NEA Read Across America Day honors Ted Geisel, Dr. Seuss, who brought reading enjoyment to many people. Read Across America Day is a day where people across the country, read to students and share how important and enjoyable reading is to them. More than 45 million are expected to participate in the 11th annual Read Across America Day, celebrated this year on Monday, March 3.

Picture Caption: Fairview Park City Schools Superintendent Brion Deitsch read "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" by Virginia Lee Burton to Angela Hillman's fifth-grade class for the National Education Association's Read Across America Day.

 

 

3.18.08 - FPCS Above and Beyond Award
Gilles-Sweet Elementary teachers Annie Kenski, Anne Smiraldo and Chrissy Karliak were recognized at the March 18 FPCS Board Meeting for their hard work and dedication to put together the first Gilles-Sweet Elementary School Art Show.

3.29.08 - FPCS Board Approves Two-Year School Calendar

At the February 19, 2008 Fairview Park City School Board Meeting, district officials approved the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school year calendars.

Spring break will take place the fourth week of March instead of accompanying Easter break. This change will give high school students the opportunity to complete the Ohio Graduation Test before spring break as well as, provide kindergarten through eighth-grade students time to prepare for the Ohio Achievement Tests scheduled for mid April.


2008-09 Calendar
August 20 - First day of school
November 26-28 - Thanksgiving holiday
December 22 - January 2 - Winter break
March 23-27 - Spring break
April 10 & 13 – Easter break
June 4 - Last day of school

2009-10 Calendar
August 19 - First day of school
November 25-27 - Thanksgiving holiday
December 21 - January 1 - Winter break
March 22-26 - Spring break
April 2 & 5 – Easter break
June 3 - Last day of school

For a complete breakdown of dates, please refer to the district calendar.

For further information, please e-mail communications@fairview.k12.oh.us or contact the FPCS Communications Department at 440.331.5500 x1118.

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April 2008
4.3.08 - Rob and Paul Show featuring Mayor Patton

For their tenth episode, the Rob and Paul Show interviewed special guest Fairview Park Mayor Eileen Patton. Some topics of discussion included the Westgate Mall, an office/condo project on Brookpark Road, the Gemini Center and more. you can listen on Friday, April 11th

 

 

4.3.08 - Student and Community First Annual Cultural Celebration Week

With over 60 different countries represented at Fairview Park City Schools [FPCS], students are acclimated to different cultures. To celebrate and bring more awareness to the benefits of understanding cultural diversity, FPCS students and community members will participate in the district's first annual Cultural Celebration Week hosted by the Mosaic Project. Events include cultural speakers, high school and middle school parade of flags and the Taste of Fairview.

"We have a rich depth of diversity in our student population," said Student Assistance Program Coordinator Chris Checkett. "This is an opportunity for people to share one aspect of their culture in a festive way. Especially the Taste of Fairview, people always feel good about food. It is a way to build a community."

Cultural Celebration Week Agenda
Monday, April 14
Speaker Series - Leo Serrano - 7:00 p.m. in the Fairview High School Auditorium (4507 W. 213, Fairview Park)
As the former Executive Director of Spanish American Committee in Cleveland, Serrano will tell about the history and present day life of the Latino community in Cuyahoga County.

Wednesday, April 16
Middle School Parade of Flags - 10:30 a.m. in the Mayer Middle School Gym (21200 Campus Dr., Fairview Park)

Speaker Series - 7:00 p.m. in the FHS Auditorium
Nahida Farunia - As a member of the Islamic Center of Cleveland and founder of the Arab American Women’s Organization, Farunia will tell about her experience living as an Arab-American woman in the United States.

Friday, April 18
High School Parade of Flags - 2:00 p.m. in the FHS Gym

Taste of Fairview - 5-7 p.m. in the FHS Cafeteria
A multicultural and ethnic dining experience. Diversity Team members from the middle school and high school will present samples of food commonly eaten in his or her culture. Tickets for sampling will be sold at the door for $.25 each.

Speaker Series - 7:00 p.m. in the FHS Auditorium
Akol Madut - As a Sudanese refugee who resettled in Cleveland, Madut will tell about his experience as a “Lost Boy” and his experience living in the United States. Madut was a boy soldier in Sudan.

4.10.08 - FPCS Employee Honored by Community

On Saturday April 5, Fairview Park Community Council officials announced Fairview Park City Schools Human Resources Administrative Assistant Denise Devine as Fairview Park's 2008 Citizen of the Year.

"I have known others who have received this high honor, and it is a bit unreal to be among them," said Devine. "Volunteering my time to the community is something I have always enjoyed doing, and I look forward to continuing to do so in the future."

Devine has lived and participated in the Fairview Park community for the past 30 years. During those 30 years, Devine has donated countless hours to the following organizations or committees:

• PTA’s of Fairview Park
• Ohio PTA
• Ohio Dept of Health Maternal Woman and Children’s Committee
• Fairview Park Education Foundation
• Relay for Life
• Business Advisory Council
• Friends of the Fairview Park Schools Committee
• Senior Citizen Luncheon
• Brownie/Girl Scouts of America
• John Docherty Memorial Run
• Fairview Park Community Council
• Summerfest
• Fairview Park Scholarship Committee
• Fairview Park City Schools Strategic Planning Committee
• Fairview Park City Schools Miscellaneous Committees
• Gilles-Sweet Grand Opening Ceremonies Committee
• Saint Angela Merici School
• Voting Polls Levy Stand in Representative

"I can not think of a more deserving person to win this award," said FPCS Superintendent Brion Deitsch. "Her involvement in so many community activities and events make her an excellent choice. Our school district and the city of Fairview Park are better off because Denise Devine is a part of both of them."

Devine will be recognized at the Fairview Park Community Council's 2008 Citizen of the Year Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, May 7 at the Fairview Park Senior Center at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 a person. Contact Fairview Park Community Council President Bill Hronek for tickets or more information at 216.529.2699.

For more than 50 years, Fairview Park Community Council has been recognizing Fairview Park Citizens of the Year. Citizens of the Year are known for volunteering their time for the benefit of the community.

4.10.08 - Mayer Middle School Power of the Pen Team

Mayer Middle School Power of the Pen Team meets weekly to practice their writing skills after school. Students went to the district competition in February. Three of the ten writers moved on to the regional competition held in March. Eighth-grader Jessica F. advanced to the state competition, which will be held at The College of Wooster the end of May.

Seventh Grade Power of the Pen Team
Alice C., Kelsey L., Leighanne M., and Adrian M.

Eighth Grade Power of the Pen Team
Char B., Jessica F., Ashley H., Julia L., Natalie M., Sam W. and Maddie A.

4.10.08 - New Parent Mentor

Niki Lynch is the district's new parent mentor. Her office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. She can be reached via e-mail nlynch@leeca.org
or by phone at 440.801.5050 x3220.

4.10.08 - Principal's Work Publishe

Lewis F. Mayer Middle School Principal Tom Kairis recently had an article published in Principal Navigator Magazine. Look for his article "When Moving Backwards Moves Us Ahead."

4.15.08- Gilles-Sweet students and staff donate to cleveland school.

Gilles-Sweet Elementary students visited Marion Seltzer Elementary School in Cleveland to deliver schools supplies collected by Gilles-Sweet students and staff. Gilles-Sweet students were greeted by Marion Seltzer students with juice and doughnuts. Afterwards, the Gilles-Sweet crew took a guided tour of the building. "We hope to establish an ongoing relationship with the school for future activities," said Gilles-Sweet Elementary Principal Barb Schutte. view some photos here...

4.18.08 - District Receives Increase in Bond Rating

Fairview Park City Schools' [FPCS] bond rating goes down from an A3 to an A2 rating. Without solicitation from the district, representatives from Moody's Bond Rating and from Wachovia Securities approached the district about the upgrade.

"This increase in bond rating clearly demonstrates what the board of education and superintendent have been communicating to Fairview Park residents," said FPCS Treasurer Ryan Ghizzoni. "That for the first time in years, the district has continual financial stability for years to come."

The A2 rating and upgrade reflects the district's moderately growing and medium-sized tax base, stable financial position evidenced by the district's healthy General Fund balances and above average debt burden with average principal reduction. The long-term benefit to the district is a better interest rate if there is a need to issue bonds or refinance existing bonds.

“Moody’s upgrade of the bond rating is big news for the Fairview Schools and people of Fairview Park," said FPCS Board President Dennis Rehor. "As banks are becoming more stringent with credit ratings because of the foreclosure crisis, the fact this upgrade occurred now is significant. It is a clear sign of the financial stability of the district, something this community has not seen in decades. The upgrade is due to a lot of hard work by all involved, especially by Superintendent Brion Deitsch, and the fact that the impact of the Gemini Project is kicking in. The result of all this is that the Fairview schools now rank the fourth lowest out of the county’s 31 districts in costs per pupil and is the lowest of the five northwest suburban districts of Cuyahoga County, Fairview Park, Bay Village, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake. On behalf of myself and the other Board of Education members, Brad Lamb, Marcy Starks, Joe Shucofsky and Mark St. John, I extend congratulations to the community of Fairview Park, without whose support this would not be happening, and to Superintendent Deitsch, Treasurer Ryan Ghizzoni and the employees of the District for all their hard work and effort in turning the district into one of the most financially stable districts in Cuyahoga County.”

"In today's financial market where many people are struggling to hang on to what they have, the fact that Moody's is upgrading our bond rating is tremendous," said FPCS Superintendent Brion Deitsch. "This is the result of a great deal of work by many to restructure and reorganize this school district, and a community that values education and expects excellence. This news is another area where we are achieving excellence."

In the know
In 2003 the City of Fairview Park and FPCS came together to create the Gemini Project. The project included the new Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, physical improvements and technology upgrades to Lewis F. Mayer Middle School and Fairview High School campuses and the Gemini Recreation Center.

In January 2008, the FPCS Board of Education and the Coffinberry Early Education Center moved into the former Parkview Intermediate School to consolidate the district down to three campuses. Currently, the district is researching the property value of Garnett Elementary and Coffinberry. A public sale may take place late spring or early summer of 2008.

In March 2008, Fairview Park voters authorized the levy renewal of 7 mills reaffirming the 2006 FPCS Board of Education's pledge to not seek new money for five years.

4.18.08 - New Fleet Will Save District $700,000

At the April 15, 2008 Fairview Park City School Board Meeting, the district approved the immediate purchase of six school buses. By implementing this initiative, the district is projected to save over $700,000.

"This is a cost-saving opportunity to save a significant amount of tax dollars over the upcoming fiscal years," said FPCS Treasurer Ryan Ghizzoni. "While creating a safer environment for our students and staff."

Without taking this initiative, the cost of repairs for the existing fleet would continue to rise if the current replacement plan of one bus purchase per year continued. A portion of the funds that were used for maintaining the current fleet will be reallocated into a Transportation Permanent Improvement Fund [TPIF], with the remaining portion of funds being returned to the General Fund. Reallocated TPIF will accumulate to $300,000, and will ultimately allow the district to pay for the replacement buses in six years.

Two 2008 and four 2009 Blue Bird buses are expected to arrive in the district the beginning of May. The district will retire four 1993 Blue Bird buses from the current fleet.

"This is Fairview Park moving forward," said FPCS Director of Transportation Nancy Colby. "Now we have safer buses for our students and drivers."

 
4.22.08 2008 Wellness Celebration

The time has finally come to celebrate your wellness participation this year. For one evening only, we ask you take off your dancing shoes and roll up those yoga mats. It's time to eat, laugh, celebrate and win some prizes for all your hard work. When: Tuesday, May 6 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. sign in and hors d'oeuvres 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. comedian Ryan Hamilton and prize awards Where: Maple Oak Room at the Gemini Center, 21225 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, 44126

4.25.08 - Tech Club Produces Weekly Video-Podcast

Gilles-Sweet Elementary Technology Club students produce a weekly video-podcast aimed towards the students and community of Gilles-Sweet Elementary School. Topics of discussion include daily events happening on campus, which are highlighted with pictures taken by students.

"The students do it all," said Gilles-Sweet Elementary Tech Instructor and Coordinator Matt Dunlap. "They take turns sharing the responsibilities. One student writes the script, one films, two host and the rest edit the footage."

Each week the sixth-grade Tech Club members meet after school in the Gilles-Sweet Elementary computer lab to contribute to their blogs, create the video-podcast and essentially learn anything they can about technology.

"I like it," said sixth-grader Sarah Heinsbergen. "Other students ask me about things happening in school."

Episodes may be viewed on the district Web site in the media gallery under Gilles-Sweet at www.fairviewparkschools.org or click here.

Seen in picture: Gilles-Sweet Elementary sixth-graders Giovanni Greer (left), Sarah Heinsbergen (center) and Michelle Field (right) film a weekly episode of the Gilles-Sweet Elementary Technology Club video-podcast. Episodes may be viewed on the district Web site in the media gallery under Gilles-Sweet at www.fairviewparkschools.org.

4.25.08 - Student Wins State Reflections Contest

Fairview High School sophomore Liz Priebe recently won first place in photography for the state PTA Reflections Contest. Preibe and her parents will attend a luncheon to honor state winners in Columbus, Ohio on May 10, 2008.

The PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

4.29.08 - A Night at the Gallery

Fairview Park Early Education Center
Featuring handmade art work created by the schools' little artists.
Come enjoy an evening without the kids, and support the school's playground fund.
Friday, May 2, 2008
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
American Legion Post 421
22001 Brookpark Road.
Tickets cost $5 a person, and may be purchased in the Early Education Center Office
For more information, call 440.331.5500 x1200

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Students at Mayer Middle School have a new way of watching the daily announcements now. Students watch the announcements during homeroom each day.

French and Technology Teacher Laura Hall is helping the students with the production. “We are using my personal PC laptop with a web cam to film, record, narrate, edit and burn a DVD each day for the video announcements,” said Hall.

Fairview High School teacher Chris Kaminski helps the students post their announcements online on the Fairview Park Schools Web site. This way parents can find out what is going on within the Middle School.

One unique characteristic of the announcements is the integration of the student’s cultural backgrounds and languages. For one week, student Kristina Knovalov taught the students a Russian word each day of the week. Hall hopes to continue this with other languages.

Students Collin Brancatelli, Scott Dunn, Chris Gilmore, Brennan Kilbane and Natalie Medaglia are the ones who deliver the announcements to their peers. They were chosen because of their positions held as student council officers.

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June 2008

6.3.08 - District Announces Second Phase of Technology Upgrades

At the May 20, 2008 regular board meeting, the FPCS Board approved the July 1, 2008 purchase of new laptop computers.

"This is the second phase of our district's technology upgrade," said Superintendent Brion Deitsch. "Our goal is to give all of our students the tools necessary to learn in a growing 21st century economy."

A new laptop will be provided to each high school and middle school instructional employee. Starting with updating the first floor computer lab, Lewis F. Mayer Middle School will receive the majority of the laptops. Each classroom will have two permanent laptops. In addition, a cart with 30 more laptops will be available for teachers to check out from the front office for classroom use. Employees will receive two day of training given by certified instructors in September.

The district intends to implement a third phase for the high school classrooms beginning the 2009-10 school year.

"Using the laptops, the students will be introduced to information literacy, global communications, building strategic collaborative relationships and become creators of multi-media educational content," said Director of Technology Mark Kostur. "Students will be encouraged to create their own learning opportunities that will prepare them for a life of eventual career change situations."

In the Know
In 2007, the district opened the new Gilles-Sweet Elementary School equipped with 180 laptops for teachers and students to use and/or share. Gilles employees and students have demonstrated maximum use and the need for more computers. Due to the high demand on campus, Gilles will receive 30 additional laptops from this phase to be checked out to by teachers for classroom use.


6.4.08 - Congratulations Class of 2008


Class of 2008 Top Ten (alphabetically)
Lediana G. -Valedictorian
Sarah P. -Salutatorian
Kara E.
Matt G.
Sarah K.
Merianna S.
Michael S.
Molly T.
Rubens X.
Walter Z.

To view the 2008 Class Review, click here.


6.4.08 - Students to Serve Country

Fairview Park City Schools would like to recognize the following six FHS students who will continue on to serve our country in the military.

Seen in picture from left to right: John S. - Navy, Kyle K. - Marines, Andy M. - Marines, Steve T. - Army, J.D. O. - Army, Ben C. - Air Force.

We proudly thank these gentlemen for honoring the community of Fairview Park. We wish them well.

6.5.08 - Join Fairview Park Relay for Life

Relay For Life is back in Fairview Park and better. Anyone interested may join in on the fun and contribute to a great cause. From performances by the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team and Revolution Pie to getting the chance to win $500 worth of gift cards, there is something for everyone.

Relay For Life is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of 8-15 people will camp out at the Fairview High School athletic track and field to take turns walking or running around the track. Because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the 18-hour event. At nightfall, luminaries light the track for participants to remember those who lost their lives to cancer, those who have survived and those who helped. This year's theme for the Fairview Park Relay For Life is "Get in the Game, Beat Cancer."

For a joint 13th birthday party, Fairview Park residents Jacob Roth and Zach Jones decided to support Fairview Park Relay for Life by donating $500 worth of gift cards. Instead of getting gifts from the guests at their party, they asked them to bring gift cards that they could then donate to Fairview Park Relay For Life. Gift cards range from a $25 Cheesecake Factory gift card to a $75 Dick Sporting Goods gift card and more. Anyone who participates in Fairview Park Relay For Life can buy a chance to win $500 worth of gift cards. Tickets are on sale for $10 each, and a limit of 150 tickets will be sold.

"Relay For Life brings awareness to a universal issue," said Fairview Park Relay For Life Event Chair Denise Devine. "And it provides a way for our community to come together and contribute to a cause that effects so many of our lives."

Fairview Park Relay For Life Schedule June 14 - 15
Fairview High School (4507 West 213th Street., Fairview Park, Ohio 44126)
12:00 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies
12:30 p.m. - Survivor Lap
1:00 p.m. - Complimentary Survivor/Caregiver Luncheon
1:00 p.m. - Team Lap
9:30 p.m. - Luminary Ceremony
12:00 a.m. - Late Night Pizza
7:30 a.m. - Complimentary Pancake Breakfast for Relay For Life Participants
10:00 a.m. - Closing Ceremonies

For more information about teams, luminary sales, sponsorship or survivor activities, contact event chair Denise Devine at ddevine@fairview.k12.oh.us, 440.356.3543 or visit www.events.cancer.org/RFLfairviewparkOH.

Jessica finishes this year with a WSC Title in the 1600 and 3200 meter run, a District Title in the 1600 and 3200 meter run, second in the region, second in the state, along with being nominated Academic All-Ohio and All-Ohio in the 3200 meter run.

Overall, congratulations to all of the WSC athletes who showed a good performance at the Ohio Division II State Track and Field Meet.

6.10.08 - Graduates Reap Benefit of Famous Invention

A former Fairview High School graduate, and member of the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame, has honored three 2008 graduates with scholarships from the Marion Frank and Margie Rudy Endowment Foundation. Marion Frank Rudy, a 1943 FHS graduate was an aerospace engineer, a NASA Johnson Space Center Employee and creative inventor, who holds patents licensed to Nike. With a license in place, one of the most recognizable marketing brands, the Nike Air shoe, was born creating a highly successful world-renowned product. Although Rudy currently resides in California, he has not forgotten his roots. The Rudy Foundation has given generously to deserving Fairview High School graduates over the years and also to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Taussig Cancer Center.

2008 graduates who earned the scholarships include: Lediana Goduni, valedictorian; Walter Zahurancik and Michael Stauber, both ranked among the top ten for the FHS class of 2008. The award is based on grades, involvement in activities and dedication to a college major in science or technology. Goduni plans to attend Case Western Reserve University. Stauber and Zahurancik will attend The Ohio State University. All three students are volunteers at Fairview Hospital and leaders among their peers.

6.13.2008 - Virtual Summer School Now Offered to High School Students

FPCS has decided to offer online courses for high school students instead of the traditional classroom setting. Using a web-based course will offer students more of a content learning environment rather than concentrating on test taking.

Students will still go to the high school for their courses, but class will be in the computer lab. High school guidance counselors will moderate the students.

2008 Summer School will be offered in two sessions: June 10-June 27 and July 1-July 18 (no class July 4).

"Virtual summer school is just another way to provide our students more options to succeed," said FPCS Director of Technology Mark Kostur.

6.16.08 - Schools Cut Costs with Energy Saving Renovations

After an assessment of the buildings in Fairview Park City Schools in October 2007, H.E.A.T. Total Facility Solutions, Inc. identified ways the district could reduce energy consumption and utility costs.

Secondary objectives for the assessment were to reduce maintenance costs, improve operating efficiency and improve lighting quality to help make the buildings more comfortable, with better temperature control, ventilation and air quality. Improvements include: replacing certain light fixtures with new energy efficient fluorescent fixtures, installing room occupancy sensors for lighting and temperature control, replacing incandescent exit signs with new LED exit signs, adding one new high efficiency boiler at Fairview High School, installing suspended ceilings at certain locations, installing occupancy sensors on refrigerated vending machines, providing a new internet based energy management system and replacing windows at the former Parkview Intermediate School, now Board of Education Office and Early Education Learning Center.

Since Gilles-Sweet Elementary was built with energy saving fixtures and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in 2007, minimal renovations will need to be made to the building. The Board of Education Office, Early Education Learning Center, Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School will receive the majority of the renovations.

“These renovations are just another example of how the district is moving forward,” said Superintendent Brion Deitsch. “Resources saved and derived from this work will allow the district to apply them towards providing a quality education to our students in an atmosphere conducive to learning.”

Projected savings for the district will be $1.4 million over a 15-year period. Renovations will begin this summer

6.18.08 - District Announces New Administrator

At the June 17 FPCS board meeting, board members approved the hiring of Jeffery Hicks as the new Early Education Learning Center Administrator. Hicks duties as Administrator will begin July 8, 2008.

“We are looking forward to having Jeffery Hicks as a part of our FPCS team,” said Superintendent Brion Deitsch. “Having him on board is another step towards the goals that this district has set out to achieve higher quality education.”

Hicks graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1998 and his Master of Education in 2006. Upon graduation, Hicks obtained a job as a Specific Learning Disability Tutor at the Lucas County Education Service Center in 1998. He then went on to serve as a teacher at the Ottawa Hills Elementary School from 1999 until present.

“Only by working with community members can education truly be successful, as the schools culture is a product of the community in which it exists,” said Hicks. “I will uphold the high standards and tradition that are the Fairview Park City Schools.”

Hicks duties as the Early Education Learning Center Administrator will include: overseeing child care operations including staffing, training, scheduling and evaluating. He will also be responsible

6.19.08 - Fairview Park Relay for Life Raised Over $42,000

Relay For Life came back to Fairview Park for the first time in two years, and raised over $42,000. From performances by the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team and Revolution Pie, getting the chance to win $500 worth of gift cards, to donating blood there was something for everyone.

Relay For Life gave the Fairview Park community a chance to join together and fight against cancer. Over 500 people camped out at the Fairview High School athletic track and field to take turns walking or running around the track. Because cancer never sleeps, each team had at least one representative on the track during the 18-hour event. At nightfall, luminaries lit the track to remember those who lost their lives to cancer, those who have survived and those who helped. This year's theme for the Fairview Park Relay For Life was "Get in the Game, Beat Cancer."

"Relay For Life brings awareness to a universal issue," said Fairview Park Relay For Life Event Chair Denise Devine. "And it provides a way for our community to come together and contribute to a cause that effects so many of our lives.

for maintaining financial records of clients, payments, supply fees and fund raising activities.

6.26.08 - New Online Calendar

Fairview Park City Schools recently uploaded a Google calendar application to the FPCS Web site. The user-friendly calendar will provide up to date information about events happening around the district.

To get to the online district calendar, simply visit www.fairviewparkschools.org and click on calendar in the menu bar on the left.

For calendar tips, click on one of the links below.

Calendar Tips(video)
Calendar Tips(pdf)

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July 2008

7.1.08 - First Ring Takes Regional Approach to Promote Early REGISTRATION
Fifteen First Ring school districts surrounding Cleveland have joined forces to tackle a challenge that faces them all – late registration. If a family has moved over the summer or is changing school districts, the child must be registered in the new school district.  Unfortunately, many fail to register until school begins. This often means that the child has to catch up, and that districts cannot plan effectively for a smooth opening to school.  

Late enrollment occurs in many school districts, but it is a particular challenge for first ring suburbs around Cleveland. The school districts realized they share this issue, and could face it better together than separately. They agreed to combine resources and undertake a targeted communications campaign that will reach out to parents and urge them to enroll their child early. 

The early registration project marks one of the most significant collaborative regional efforts and is the first among the communications departments of the First Ring School Districts. The group has established a Web site www.enrollyourchild.com and a hotline 440.239.5919 to connect parents with enrollment officials from their school district. Marketing efforts began on June 23 with signs on RTA buses and Rapid cars throughout the target communities.  In early July, a radio advertisement, featuring U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones will air on WDOK, WZAK, WENZ, and WAKS. The radio spots and transit ads will run throughout July. Read entire release

7.1.08 - Income Eligibility Scale for Free or Reduced-Price Meals
Fairview Park City Schools announced the 2008-2009 year policy for students unable to paythe full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast, After School Care Snack or Special Milk Program.  Please click on the following link to view the income eligibility scale for Fairview Park City Schools: Income Eligibility Scale

7.11.08 - Enrollment Audit Saves District Money
This past February, the Fairview Park City School District Board of Education hired K12 School Consultants to conduct an ongoing audit to ensure that all students attending FPCS schools are residents of Fairview Park City Schools.

Since then, K12 School Consultants has discovered 12 students who do not reside in the Fairview Park City School District, but who were registered on the FPCS enrollment figures. Included in this number were students that were found to be residents of outside communities attending FPCS, and students attending charter schools, who resided outside FPCS, but were using addresses within the FPCS District.

"It is not uncommon that students attending a charter school change their residence during their enrollment at that school," said FPCS Treasurer Ryan Ghizzoni. "However, it is also common that the charter school involved does not document the change in address to the home school district. Because of the way charter schools are funded in Ohio, this results in the home district of the charter student, such as Fairview Park, being forced to incur the cost of the student even though the student is no longer living within its district boundaries. The cost to the Fairview Park taxpayer is roughly $5,000 per charter student. As it stands now, the costs for these students discovered by this audit will eventually be credited back to the district by the State. As far as the non-resident students attending the Fairview schools, the savings is even higher given the fact that the Fairview Park City School District does not have open enrollment. Consequently, the taxpayers of the Fairview Park City School District end up paying to educate students that are the responsibility of other cities and communities. Over the course of a five-year budget cycle the costs to educate the non-resident students found in the audit would have been well into six figures."

"Because of way schools are funded in Ohio, our community is responsible for the bulk of the costs for our public schools. While we are sensitive to the desire of non-residents to attend our schools because of their excellent quality and the state of the art facilities now present because of the Gemini Project, the plain and simple fact is the Fairview Park City Schools are for the residents of the Fairview Park School District. The school board, after it was convened in January of this year, believed this enrollment audit was of the up most importance to the Fairview Park community and its taxpayers, especially with all the positive steps taken in the district in terms of its facilities, curriculum and ensuring financial stability for years to come,"said FPCS Board President Dennis Rehor.

"We have a good school district and we are working to make it an excellent school district," said FPCS Superintendent Brion Deitsch. "We understand peoples desires to want to go to Fairview Park City Schools, and encourage them to move here. At the same time, we need to ensure that the people of this community that are investing their time and money reap the benefits of this district."

7.16.08 - New FHS Head Football Coach
At the July 15 FPCS Regular Board meeting, board members approved David Latkovic as the new head football coach.

"I'm real excited to be here and it is an honor coaching these kids who have worked really hard for us," said Latkovic. "We look forward to getting better this year."

Latkovic joined FPCS as an assistant football coach and high school English teacher the beginning of the 2007-08 school year.

"We are very happy to have David as the head football coach as well as one of our English teachers," said FHS Principal Kevin Liptrap. "We look forward to the stability he will offer our football program."

Latkovic joined FPCS from John Marshal High School in Cleveland where he was a high school English teacher and the head coach for the Football team. Prior to that Latkovic taught at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, which is his alma mater. He graduated from Wittenberg University with his Bachelor of Arts in English and is working towards his Masters in English at Cleveland State University.

"David is very much a high energy individual and we are fortunate to have him as our head coach," said Superintendent Brion Deitsch. "There is no doubt that he will give 100 percent this season and by example he will get that in return from his players. Go Warriors!"

Coach Latkovic has started his duties as head coach for the Warriors as they prepare for the upcoming season.

7.18.08 – New FHS Associate Principal/Athletic Director
At the July 15 FPCS Board Meeting, the board approved Christopher Vicha as the new Fairview High School Associate Principal/Athletic Director. Vicha's duties begin August 1, 2008.

"I'm excited and impressed by Chris' enthusiasm, work ethics and excitement to get the job done in a first class manner," said FHS Principal, Kevin Liptrap.

Vicha is joining FPCS from North Ridgeville School District where he was an English teacher and Basketball Coach for the past five years. He graduated from Baldwin Wallace College in 2003 with a Bachelors of English Education and received his Masters of Education Administration from the University of Cincinnati in 2007.

"I'm very excited to be working with the Fairview Park City Schools," said Vicha. "I'm looking forward to building strong community relations between the schools and the community. And I'll do my best to make it a successful school year."

"Chris Vicha is a quality young man who will bring a positive attitude and high level of enthusiasm to our district," said FPCS Superintendent Brion Deitsch. "The most effective form of positive staff development is through hiring, and Mr. Vicah's skill set is no exception."

Vicha's duties as associate principal include: assisting the building principal in the areas of student discipline, teacher evaluations and program development. As the Athletic Director he will be responsible for administering inter-scholastic policies and procedures, purchasing all athletic equipment and supplies, and overseeing the preparation of the facilities for representatives of the press, visiting scouts, participating teams and officials.

7.30.08 - New Course Offered at FHS
For the 2008-09 school year, FHS is introducing an Integrated Media Arts class. The year-long class is designed to offer FHS students a unique opportunity to explore the world of filmmaking. Students who participate in the program will get the opportunity to become certified in Apple's Final Cut Pro, an up-and-coming industry standard film-editing software.

In addition, students will learn the fundamentals of creating scripts, designing storyboards, production (lighting, filming, audio), post-production (editing) processes and presenting their work.

"I am extremely excited to provide our students with this real world learning opportunity," said Integrated Media Arts instructor Chris Kaminski. "I believe it is critical that we as educators continue to embrace change and provide our students with interesting and relevant curriculum that challenges them to reach their greatest creative potential. This is a progressive effort to offer our students opportunities to thrive in the media-rich environment they live in."

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12.18.07 - Board Members Step Down

At the Dec. 18, 2007 Fairview Park City Schools Board Meeting, board president Tom Davis and Lorri Marginian participated in their last meeting. Both members chose not seek re-election this year.  Davis served on the board for more than five years. Marginian served for eight years. Fairview Park City School District is grateful for their time and dedication to the school district.

12.19.07 - District Announces New Communication Director

At the Oct. 2, 2007 work session, the Fairview Park City Schools Board announced the hiring of the district's new Communications Director Liz Haas. Haas will handle distributing official district information to the Fairview Park community and media.

Haas joins the FPCS team from Texas, where she worked as the Communications Specialist for Mansfield Independent School District for two years. Some of Haas' accomplishments include: Texas Schools Public Relations Association best in category award for written press release and best in category award for photography. Haas graduated from the University of North Texas in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.