May 7, 2008

Quote of the week:

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life."

        -Chinese Proverb

District News:

• This week is Teacher Appreciation and School Nurse Week.  Please take time to tell our teachers and nurses how much you appreciate all they do for our students.

• Winton Woods High School 2006 graduate Jack Stenger was one of five Ohio Wesleyan students who presented posters of original zoological research at a national ornithological conference in Mobile, Alabama. The 2008 joint scientific meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society and the Association of Field Ornithologists was held from April 17-20.  Stenger also received the Nancy Klamm Award for the Best Undergraduate Student Poster at the ornithological conference.

Stenger, a sophomore at Ohio Wesleyan, presented a poster on “Bacterial Degradation of Eumelanic and Phaeomelanic Feathers.”  Stenger studied how pigments that give feathers their black, brown, and rust colors affected the rate at which the feathers broke down in response to feather-degrading bacteria.  Stenger is a zoology major who plans to earn a doctorate degree and become a zoology professor.

Ohio Wesleyan was one of only a handful of undergraduate universities nationwide whose students presented posters at the event.  Stenger is the son of Jay and Paula Stenger of Springfield Township.

 Winton Woods High School News:

• Congratulations to senior Brian Davis who was honored as this week’s Channel 9 Student of the Week.  Davis, who is captain of the Varsity baseball team, also played Varsity golf, soccer and football.  In addition, Davis was recognized for his participation in KEY Club and Ambassadors. The program will air on WCPO-TV’s 5:00 p.m. newscast on Wednesday, May 7.

Davis is the third Winton Woods High School student honored as a Channel 9 Student of the Week this year. Senior Noleena Booker and junior Justin Hisle have also been featured. 

• The Cincinnati Pops invites friends and family of Winton Woods High  School to enjoy a 25% discount off the May 9, 10 and 11 “Magical World  of Disney” Pops show at Music Hall. Members of the Varsity Ensemble will  be performing with the Pops for these three performances. Tickets may be  ordered online at www.cincinnatisymphony.org and insert promo code  2498 to receive your special discount, or call the CSO Box Office at 513- 381-3300 and mention that you are a friend of Winton Woods High  School.

• Band Director Dani Ashbrook and 28 band members volunteered their time and talents to cheer on the runners of the Flying Pig Marathon on Sunday, May 4.  From their location at Eggleston Avenue and Pete Rose Way, the band members were able to play and cheer for thousands of marathon runners from both the half and full marathon.  The students all received t-shirts for their efforts.

Christina Sherman, aunt of band member Katie Sherman, participated in the half marathon and wrote to Ashbrook thanking her and the students for being there. “As I headed down the hill, I could hear the Winton Woods drums playing—it was just the boost I needed as I rounded that corner and headed for the finish line!  It may not have felt like much, but this kind of energy is exactly what we needed along the course—especially at the end! Thanks again for your support and participation!”

“We received a lot of compliments and even met a Forest Park graduate from 1973,” said Ashbrook. 
 
• KEY Club’s recent basketball fundraiser raised $300 for Pennies for Patients and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.  Seven teams, including one team of teachers, competed in the event. The teachers were not able to sustain their championship for the third year in a row. They were defeated this year by “Da Future” team. The Greenhill's-Forest Park Kiwanis club sponsored the concessions.  Thanks to all who participated and who came out to cheer!

• This summer the Winton Woods Music Boosters will help operate the concessions areas during the Western and Southern Financial Group Tennis Tournament at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.  Volunteers are needed (ages 16 and up) to work five-hour shifts during the men’s tournament from July 25 – August 3 or during the women’s tournament from August 10-17.  Shifts are available both during the day and at night.  Experience isn’t needed; you’ll be trained.  Volunteers will receive a free shirt and a meal ticket each day worked.  Parking is free and in a specially-designated volunteer area.  If transportation is a problem, Music Boosters will be happy to arrange a ride for you.

The Winton Woods Music Boosters will receive a $25 donation for each five-hour shift worked.  All money will go to the Booster’s uniform fund for the replacement of band uniforms; choir dresses, skirts, robes, vests and bow ties; and orchestra tuxedos and shirts.

To volunteer, contact John Jordan at 729-5449 or jjordan_8528@fuse.net.

• The second annual Winton Woods Music Boosters “Stop, Shop and Swap Gigantic Yard Sale” is returning this summer on Saturday, August 2 to Winton Woods High School. Save the date and save your stuff. This is a good time to clean out your basement and get rid of your used items while helping out a worthy cause. It’s also a perfect opportunity to buy some gently-used school uniforms or find that special treasure. This year’s sale will be held from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the front of the school for greater visibility. If you’d like to reserve a space or have questions, contact event coordinator Debbie Day at 729-0420 or dayogames@yahoo.com.

Winton Woods Middle School News:

• The Spring Band Concert is Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

• The Winton Woods Middle School Men’s Chorus, under the direction of Ben Spalding, received a rating of Excellent and won second place in Class A competition for all male choruses at the “Music in the Parks” choral competition at King’s Island Amusement Park on Saturday, April 26.  Eighth grader Robert Napier received the "outstanding solo vocalist" medal for his solo in "Blow Ye Winds."  This is an award given to only one vocal soloist throughout the competition.

The Winton Woods Men’s Chorus members who competed are: Courtney Irby, Desmond Hutchinson, Dwayne Palmore, Tylor Webb, Kevin Sherman, Edwin Nieto, Keith Hamilton, Travis Coleman, David Shavers, Brandon Brock, Connor Clark, Darren Welcher, Tyrone Capell, Michael Spalding, Nick Marck, Montez Elder, Jemel Ntumba, Diego Garcia, Roderick Lattimore, Patrick Lett, Sandy Tubbs, Simeon Dennis, Michael Washington, Ryan Simon, Robert Napier, Tariq Carmichael, DJ Ramsey, Jason Dudley, Jalen Cummins, Courtney Gray, Cameron Gray, Caleb Simpson, Saman Tavalali, and Jordan Comeaux.
 
• Honor Roll Recognition is May 9 during sixth and seventh bells.

• Winton Woods Middle School will present its first ever “Warriors Got Talent” talent show on May 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are $2.00 for students and $1.00 for adults. Families, friends and community members are invited to come for unique acts in music, dance, comedy and other areas of entertainment.  The show will also be presented during sixth and seventh bells for students who pay 10 Warrior Bucks to attend. The judges for the competition are Tim Wooten, Steve Richburg, Mimi Gilmer, Etta McComas, Susan McGraw, Benita Harrison, Jennifer Melms, Jenny Tilton, Natalie Short, and Kendell Dorsey.

• The April Student of the Month pizza party is Wednesday, May 14.
 
• The Spring Choir Concert is Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.
 
• Math and Science Day at Kings Island is Friday, May 16.
 
• Honor's Night is Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium.
 
• The PBS (Positive Behavior Systems) Open Gym Recreation Day will be held on Friday, May 23 during sixth and seventh bells.

• The Winton Woods Middle School PBS Cadre would like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s holiday store, bingo, open gym, raffles, assemblies and other incentives such a success. If you would like to make a student incentive donation for next year, you can do it now. Just like that other PBS, the PBS cadre has established levels of giving.

Blue level:
$5.00 Gift Card to area businesses like McDonalds, Movie Gallery, Game Stop, Claire’s, Burger King, Wal-Mart, Dunkin’ Donuts, Half-Price Books, Borders.

Green level:
$10.00 gift cards to area businesses

Turquoise level (the best of both!):
Any donation above $10.00 (two movie tickets, i-tunes gift cards.)

• Winton Woods Band students will participate in Band Contest on Friday, May 16 (seventh grade) and Saturday, May 18 (eighth grade) at New Richmond High School.   Details have been sent home with band students.
 

Winton Woods Intermediate School News:

• In a recent proclamation, Mayor Charles Johnson and the City of Forest Park proclaimed Tuesday, May 13 as Winton Woods Intermediate School Orchestra Day.  “This is very exciting that the city has recognized our program and the students' hard work,” said Orchestra Director Jonathan Welch. 

In the proclamation, the Winton Woods City School District was recognized as a “community that is dedicated to promoting music education and in particular string education which has been demonstrated by the high achieving programs that are offered including a fifth through twelfth grade string program.”

Welch will read the entire proclamation at the Winton Woods Intermediate School Band and Orchestra Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Intermediate School.  Congratulations to the WWIS orchestra students!

• Winton Woods Intermediate students have donated $961.15 for postage to send books to Africa.  It started last year when former Winton Forest staff and students donated many books for children in the African country of Malawi.  John Nkata, born and raised in Malawi, talked to WWIS students at a February Black History celebration about the need for books in Africa and how expensive it is to ship the books.

The intermediate students wanted to make a difference in the lives of some of those children by sending the books to them.  And so the Pennies for Postage … Books to Africa Campaign began.  The PTA supported this effort by offering a pizza party to the top class in fifth and sixth grade with the largest penny count.  Fifth graders from Mrs. Clarice Taylor’s class donated $157.01 and sixth graders from Mrs. Selena Bowling’s class donated $178.95.  Way to go Warriors!
 
• Mrs. Smith’s and Mrs. Taylor’s homerooms are the winners of Dr. Camille Nasbe’s Proficiency Godmother Challenge in preparation for the Ohio Achievement Tests.  They competed in the academic challenge against the eight other homerooms and were able to earn the most points.  The final competition will be held on May 8 and taped by Waycross Community Television.  Congratulations and good luck to these students!
 
• The Scholastic Book Fair will be held at Winton Woods Intermediate School from May 12-18 in the PDC.  Students will visit the Scholastic Book Fair with their teachers during the school day.  There will also be an opportunity to visit the Book Fair on Tuesday, May 13 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. before the Band and Orchestra Spring Concert.

• Winton Woods Intermediate School Choir students will perform at Winton Woods Middle School on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. 

• Winton Woods Intermediate School has many activities planned for the end of the year.  If parents have not returned their volunteer forms yet, please be sure to contact the school to let us know when you will be able to attend.  The students are looking forward to these opportunities.

• Our sixth grade dance is quickly approaching.  All students will be able to participate in “Dress to Impress Day” on Friday, May 23.  The dance will follow from 3:00-5:30 p.m.  Only sixth grade students who have displayed appropriate behavior during the fourth quarter and have paid all school fees will be able to attend.  Please contact the office if you have any questions.

• Sixth grade students in the Accelerated Learning Program will host a Science Fair on May 8.  The fifth grade students will host their Science Fair on May 22. 

• On May 6-8, all students at WWIS witnessed chemistry presentations by scientists within the community.  The students were very excited by the variety of experiments conducted.

• Presenters from the American Red Cross spoke with fifth grade students on Friday, May 2 about disaster preparedness.  They gave the students the opportunity for discussion and gave tips to students on making the best decisions in emergency situations.

Winton Woods Elementary School News:

• It was a patriotic theme at the fourth grade Spring Concert on Monday, May 5 as the fourth grade Select Chorus was joined by about 130 of their closest fourth grade friends for a great show.  Congratulations to chorus teacher Kathy Rodriguez for another hit!
 
• Four members of the National Champion UC Dance Team, including Winton Woods High School graduate Hanah Patterson, came out to WWES to help celebrate the successful completion of the OAT's.  The special “Bearcat Bash!” celebration was held on Friday, May 2.   Patterson and her team members performed for the whole student body, took questions from the students and emphasized the importance of doing your best in school.  Two UC football players, quarterback Dustin Grutza and cornerback DeAngelo Smith, talked to the kids about striving for college and the importance of working hard, keeping good grades and staying away from bad decisions that can take away from their dreams, like drugs and alcohol.  “This was a great experience for our students,” said Principal Steve Denny. “They truly enjoyed it and learned from it.”  
 
• Field Day is Friday, May 23.  If you can help out or would like to donate water, juice, snacks or sporting gear/equipment for this great day of physical for our kids, please contact the WWES main office at 619-2490.

• The third grade Academic Awards Ceremony will be Thursday, May 29 at 10 a.m.   The fourth grade Academic Awards Ceremony will be Thursday, May 30 at 10 a.m. 
 
• Beginning Friday, May 30, WWES will go to minimum school days to end the year.  Dismissal for the last three days of school will be at 1:20 p.m. instead of the usual 3:35 p.m. dismissal time.  This will be effective for Friday, May 30, Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3.  The last day of the 2007 - 2008 school year is June 3.  Please make transportation, daycare and childcare arrangements as needed.
 
• The Dad's Club event for May will be a family campout on Saturday, May 17.  This is a special “moms-invited” edition of the WWES Dad’s Club.  A flyer with detailed information went home with all students on Tuesday, May 6.  The campout starts at 6:30 p.m. on the back playground.  The cost is $5 per person and covers the cost of food.  Please pre-register and pre-pay by Wednesday, May 14.  We need to do this to plan for how much food to purchase. 

Remember this is a special “Moms Are Invited” edition of Dad’s Club with an overnight campout right here at the school on Saturday, May 17, so bring your tent and sleeping bag.  If you don’t have a tent, you can sleep inside the gym or under the stars.  In the event of inclement weather, we’ll turn the campout into a lock-in in the gym.  The evening will feature a child-friendly movie in the gym.  Feel free to call our main office at 619-2490 if you have any questions.

Primary News:

• We’re celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week at Primary South! The PTA is supplying breakfast items on Monday, the office is doing fruit on Tuesday, PTA has snacks on Wednesday, the office is providing desserts on Thursday, and PTA is supplying a pizza lunch on Friday.

• We love our teachers at Primary North!  PTA is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by providing breakfast from Panera's on Monday, desserts at lunchtime on Wednesday and lunch from the Olive Garden on Friday.  Throughout the week there will be special gifts of appreciation in the teachers’ mailboxes from the office.
• Primary North PTA will sponsor the Boonshoft Assembly of Ohio Wild Animals on May 12, 13, 19, 20 and 27. 

• Primary South has extra yearbooks for sale.  The cost is $15.00 for the yearbook and $16.50 with the Zoom insert.  Cash only.
• The Red Cross is providing a program called "Wind in the Toy Box" on May 16 for Primary South students in grades K-2.  This is an educational program on tornado safety that uses puppets to teach children on how to find a safe place in their homes. 

Community PTA News:

• Students in the Winton Woods Community PTA’s after-school dance program will hold a recital Friday evening in the Winton Woods High School auditorium from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend. 

Community News:
 
• The Greenhills Spring Art Show (and Sale) will take place at the Greenhills Community Building on Sunday, May 25 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.    The show will feature artwork from the Winton Woods City Schools’ gifted art students. Artists are still being accepted for this show until May 19.  For more information, call Debbie Mills at 513-851-1999.
 
• The Greater Cincinnati Debutante and Diplomat Scholarship Program is open to individuals in grade 9-12 of good character.  The program consists of critical thinking skills, college preparation, sustainability, community service, college tours, museum tours, substance abuse prevention education and culturally-relevant information.

A completed application must be returned to the Winton Woods Community Coalition by 5:00 p.m. on May 15.  The entire application can be found at www.coalitionpartnership.org.  For more information, contact Joellen Ivey at 532.2214