Mantua – At their April meeting, the Board recognized Ms. Monica Grebb, CPS teacher, for spearheading the Destination Imagination program at Crestwood Schools. Under her guidance, the program has taken root in both the primary and intermediate schools. Superintendent David Toth thanked Grebb, as well as the legion of parent volunteers who helped make the recent DI Tournament at Hiram College such a success. While participation in the program begin in the 2014-15 school year with six teams, the program grew to eight teams and over 50 students in the 2015-16 year. Mrs. Grebb hopes to expand the program to ten teams and move the program into the Middle School in the coming school year.
In other news, Mr. Toth shared the results of the first public meeting with the Pre-Bond Architect firm, the GPD Group from Akron. The meeting, which was held in the high school at the end of March, gave the community the chance to ask questions and voice their opinions about the current and future facility needs of the district. Topics arose, including the concept that the schools could serve not only as a student-learning destination, but a community learning destination, providing residents with access to local healthcare and community-focused resources. The topics of the viability of building renovations versus new construction, as well as past levy campaigns were covered, as well. To watch a video of the meeting, visit crestwoodschools.org. While over 50 people attended this meeting, those who were unable to attend are invited to the next architect meeting on Thursday, May 12th at Crestwood Middle School at 7:00 pm. The Board is asking local residents for their input on the districts facilities and instructional needs both now and in planning for the future.
In the Permanent Improvement report, Operations Manager Geoff Bronder shared some of the challenges he and his team are experiencing in ensuring that the district’s older facilities can comply with stringent new State security requirements. After a meeting with the county building inspector, Mr. Bronder expressed that due to the age and lack of fire-suppression systems at both the high and middle schools, the Inspector will need to address how Crestwood and other local Districts in the same situation will be able to implement these new requirements. Bronder speculates that the modifications will most likely be costly, but necessary for the district to implement.
On a lighter note, High School Principal Dave McMahon shared that at the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibit, which was held at Crestwood HS, 40 of Crestwood students’ works were among the nearly 250 works created by students across the region that were taken to state-wide competition in Columbus. At the state judging, Crestwood seniors Andrew Soboro and Morgan Chesla’s pieces were among the top 300 student works in the state. In similar news, Madison Monreal received a National Silver Medal for printmaking in the National Scholastic Art Awards. Her work was among the best student work across the country. When Ms. Monreal receives her National medal, her art teacher, Ms. Jennifer Scott, will receive a National Teaching medal as well.
Lastly, the board recognized April’s employees of the month, Ms. Alyssa Kralik and Ms. Bridget Auble. Middle School Principal Julie Schmidt presented Ms. Kralik with both the award and her thanks for her dedication as both a teacher and CICU ‘lifeguard’, ensuring that the 450 CMS students complete each and every assignment — at least 12,000 — since the program began. Food Service Director Jennifer Bujak-Hirsch recognized Ms. Auble for her hard work at the Crestwood Middle School cafeteria.
The next meeting of the Crestwood School Board will be held on Monday, May 2nd at 7 pm in the High School Library.
