District News

Winton Woods City Schools welcomes our newest Warrior families by offering its popular Jumpstart Orientation this summer for parents, guardians and students beginning on August 5. The annual event was created to lessen anxiety about the first day of school and provides resources to help parents and students feel prepared as they transition into a new school year. This year’s optional program will offer a comprehensive virtual experience and an in-person experience that will be postponed until further notice.

For several years, Winton Woods City Schools has been intentional with the gradual retirement of the Native American chieftain mascot and paraphernalia from all marketing and communications publicity. “The district began to discontinue use of this mascot over five years ago. This stemmed from our high regard for the Native American people and their rich history and contributions to our community and nation,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Corina Denny. “The design elements of our two new campuses gives us another opportunity to move in the right direction.”

Warriors families can NOW apply for free and reduced price meals as eligibility guidelines have changed (reduced) this year. To complete the entire application online, please visit www.payschoolscentral.com. For application instruction, go to https://bit.ly/2VWqSog.

Several district school buses filled with surprises and congratulatory gifts arrived at the homes of 27 Winton Woods High School students to honor and acknowledge their academic achievement. Superintendent Anthony G. Smith, Winton Woods High School Principal Eric Martin, and administrators delivered yard signs, medals, and certificates to celebrate each honors diploma scholar. Also distributed to each student was a nutritious, delicious traditional dinner for the family to enjoy together, prepared by the Child Nutrition Department. Scholars were surprised by their Most Influential Teachers, whom the students had chosen for impacting them the most in their entire school careers.

The Winton Woods’ community has a special way of showing Warrior graduates that it is proud of their accomplishments. During graduation week, a sea of blue and green ribbons have appeared on the fence on Winton Road near the high school for over 25 years. This year was no different, thanks to Forest Park resident and Ribbon Committee organizer Rogie Vollmar and her group of dedicated volunteers. Over the two decades, they have worked hard to celebrate our Warriors with this special tradition.

Like many graduating seniors around the world, Winton Woods High School’s Class of 2020 graduates celebrated their final months of high school in a remote, virtual experience. Hundreds of families, friends, and loved ones from around the country tuned into the Virtual Commencement exercise that was held on May 30 to watch their Warrior graduates become alumni of our illustrious district. Superintendent Anthony G. Smith was intentional in making sure this one-hour graduation special was one to remember.

Ten Winton Woods High School (WWHS) students’ are now sharing their artwork with the world online. After being selected as winners of the Cincinnati Art Museum’s 10 x 10 Teen Art Expo and the Taft Museum’s Artist Reaching Classrooms 2020 exhibition, the students' art pieces are featured in virtual exhibitions. "I am so proud of my students and love the fact that everyone can see how talented they are,” said Fine Arts Director Carol Becci-Youngs. “My students are the best!"

Being a project-based learning (PBL) district with a New Tech Network approach made Winton Woods City Schools’ transition to virtual learning a smooth one. At the beginning of the school year, students in Grades 7-12 received a chromebook and an optional free wifi hotspot for the entire year. The Technology Department also distributed Chromebooks for students in Grades 2-6. Digital platforms associated with the New Tech Network called Echo allows students to continue their assignments, course work, and connect with their teachers online without interruption.

Just imagine, the food we eat every day provides the energy we need to perform at our best. For Winton Woods City Schools, it is a priority that every child receives regular, delicious, nutritious meals that supports their academic performance and helps them thrive as scholars. During the school closure, the Child Nutrition Department distributed over 180,000 healthy meals.

Whether students are learning at school or home, Winton Woods City Schools mission remains the same, to ensure every student reaches their highest potential. School teams have been meeting remotely and strategizing the best ways to continue providing a rich academic experience while meeting the needs of all students virtually. According to the Technology Department, as of May 5, teachers and students have had 27,916 participation connections and 10,199 total meetings through Google Meet. “Providing our students with the basic foundational technology tools plays a vital role in students' having a successful virtual learning experience,” said Director of Technology Rhonda Hobbs.

Thomas Gray, Winton Woods City Schools new transportation director is no stranger to education. With family members who work in school districts, and a mother who was passionate about education, he knew it was only a matter of time before he found himself in education as well. After college, Gray entered into the U.S. Marine Corps and retired after 20 years of honorable service,  he worked diligently in the logistics and transportation career field. “I always had a love for transportation,” said Gray. He served as a transportation router for Cincinnati Public Schools, he served as  Director of Transportation for Northwest Local Schools and the Executive Director of Transportation for Dayton Public Schools. 

Winton Woods High School Swimming Coach Cindy Kamp says junior Mark Behrendt is an excellent example of commitment as a Winton Woods Warrior. “Mark is involved in many different activities at school including being a varsity swimmer for three years. Mark gives his all to each of his activities and really stepped up this year at sectionals to help his relay swim their personal best time. Mark also swam outstanding in his individual events. He is an exceptional young man.” For the second semester, Behrendt received a 4.0 GPA.

Winton Woods High School Counselor Christina Jeranek says the words that first come to mind when she thinks of Riley Lauchard is compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking. Lauchard was honored with the Kiwanis Student of the Month award for February.

Spanish teacher Jamie Hogue and Intervention Specialist Lynne Blalock have committed themselves to rebranding our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) work here at Winton Woods High School during the 2019-2020 school year. They have used student data and teacher input to develop effective positive strategies aligned to the goals of Winton Woods comprehensive continuous improvement plan (CCIP).

At Winton Woods City Schools, our teachers give a lot of their time and effort to ensure our students reach their highest potential and are future ready. It is a wonderful thing when organizations outside of the district want to recognize them for that hard work. Winton Woods High School Choir Director Beth Miller received that opportunity when she was selected as the 2020 Cincinnati Music Educator Award by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO). “I could not take the credit for the award,” said Ms. Miller. Since the fourth grade, she has known she wanted to be a music educator and believed the award was a reflection of her teachers. “This is their legacy.” She also mentioned she is grateful for the recognition, the CSO for taking the time to recognize music educators, and the hard work everyone does. Her goals for the seven high school ensembles include growing and maintaining strong programs while continuing to provide opportunities.

It is not every day you have a family of three generations working in the same district, let alone the same department. Winton Woods bus driver Charles Chapman and his family are doing just that. In 2012, he began working for the district as the high school’s tennis coach where his granddaughter also played as a freshman. It was not until 2015, when Transportation Supervisor Kristi Hooper was looking for more drivers and hired him. “I would drive in the mornings and coach tennis in the afternoon.” Prior to his Winton Woods years, Charles had been a professional driver for over two decades. After retiring, he knew driving was the one thing he could see himself doing again.

Safety is a top priority at Winton Woods City Schools. Warrior staff participate in safety courses and training throughout the year to be prepared in case of an unfortunate event and to ensure our students are always prepared. On March 2-6, our schools will participate in National Say Something Call-to-Action Week. A week dedicated to teaching students in grades 5-12 how to look for warning signs, signals and threats, especially in social media, from individuals who may want to harm themselves or others and to say something to a trusted adult to get them help. National Say Something Week is in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise, a national, nonprofit organization led by several family members whose loved ones were lost in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. 

Winton Woods High School Guidance Counselor Kim Goins says it is with great pleasure to nominate junior Betisha Pohkrel with the Kiwanis Student of the Month award. Goins says Pohkrel’s work ethic is commendable. She has been a part of the Academy of Globals students since her freshman year where she participates in honors classes. Goins says Pohkrel always puts her best foot forward, “Her cheerful smile is contagious,” said Goins. “She literally lights up a room especially when she becomes excited about an idea she or others may have.”

On February 5, Winton Woods High School held their Athletic Signing Day in the media center for ten students who decided to take their athletic talents beyond the school campus. Family, friends, and staff were present to take photos and watch as the students committed to the college of their choosing. “Your talent determines what you can do, your motivation determines how much you are willing to do, your attitude determines how well you do it,” is what the pamphlet read along with each of the students’ names and colleges. 

January is School Board Recognition Month. Winton Woods High School Student Council President Naomi Hall was on hand to present certificates of appreciation to President Viola Johnson, Vice President Katrina Rugless, and members Jeff Berte, Dr. John Cuppoletto, and Gino McGowens for their service to the district and the community. “The students, staff, and communities join the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) to honor the exemplary leadership, service, and endless hours of dedication given by our elected board members,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.

Winton Woods City Schools held its 17th annual Winton Woods Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony on January 17, in the high school cafeteria. Nine alumni of Greenhills, Forest Park, and Winton Woods were recognized from over a span of 40 years for their incredible achievements as student athletes, coaches, administrators, and community service providers. The evening was sponsored by Winton Woods Athletics Boosters, and the delicious meal was prepared by our Child Nutrition Department.

The Winton Woods board of education has announced its schedule of regular and special meetings for 2020. We encourage and invite our community to be attendees to learn what is happening in our district. All meetings are open to the public and will take place at the high school media center, located at 1231 W. Kemper Rd. in Forest Park unless otherwise announced. 

Two Winton Woods High School students participated in an early college signing day on December 18, 2019. A large crowd gathered at the high school’s media center to celebrate and honor their athletic and academic success. Demeer Blankumsee committed to the University of Toledo for football, and Miyan Williams committed to the Ohio State University for football as well. During the program, each student athlete thanked everyone who supported him during his participation in sports at Winton Woods High School and announced his school of choice. After the signing, coaches, family, friends, and staff took pictures with both student athletes.

Winton Woods Middle School (WWMS) teacher Lisa Giblin is a teacher whose positive leadership and dedication extend far beyond her classroom. “This year alone, she has used her creativity to collaborate on course offerings and programs, and is part of our equity team,” said WWMS Principal Doug Sanker. “She has excellent relationships with both staff and students, which is evident in the way she is able to motivate both groups in being the best Warriors possible.” 

Winton Woods Elementary School teacher Jessica Farrell says Kaiden Delaney was a perfect choice for the Kiwanis Character is Key award. “He completely encompasses our motto of ‘trust, respect, and responsibility,’” said Ms. Farrell. “Kaiden was the first ‘Student of the Month’ for our class in September. He was chosen for his willingness to help others, and for being a wonderful friend to his classmates. 

A young man’s positive comment in a barbershop led to the nomination of Andre Parker, Winton Woods High School’s head football coach, for the November community spirit award. It was several months ago when a football player with his back turned to Superintendent Anthony G. Smith gave a surprising response in a conversation regarding not proceeding to the football playoffs. “Coach Parker says we are more than just football players. We have a lot of attributes, and Winton Woods City Schools is a great place to be.”

Winton Woods City Schools Director of the Child Nutrition Department Mark Docter joined the Warrior team in 2017. Since his arrival, the district and community have been greatly impacted by his dedication to health and nutrition. “He has been a great addition to our team,” said Executive Director of Business Affairs Steve Denny. Superintendent Anthony G. Smith also shared how the students love his food because he is an incredible chef. This is one of the many reasons he was selected for October’s community spirit award. 

Winton Woods Primary North and South held two phenomenal programs for Veterans Day. Parents, guardians, and members of the service invited were highly impressed and moved by their devotion to honor and teach the next generation about the service and commitment to our nation.  Each ceremony included a portion dedicated to discovering what a veteran is and the five branches of the military.

In August of 2019, Digital Promise selected Winton Woods City Schools as one of only 14 districts in the nation to join the League of Innovative Schools. The League is comprised of 114 districts across 34 states. Winton Woods is one of only seven districts accepted in Ohio. This powerful network connects the most forward-thinking school districts to work together to enhance and share learning practices that will improve outcomes for all students.

Charlie Fredrick invested his time in doing what he loved, and the people who knew him would say he loved Winton Woods City Schools. It was where his wife Mary Jo, daughter Maureen and three sons Chuck, Joe, and Mike, spent a lot of their time as a family. On August 26, Winton Woods expressed to the family its deep appreciation for Mr. Frederick’s dedication to the district by honoring him posthumously at its regular board of education meeting. Members of the community, staff, and family members reminisced through heartwarming stories and testimonials that spoke of the impact Mr. Fredrick had on the Winton Woods community and athletic department.

Superintendent Anthony G. Smith held a one-hour presentation at the high school media center on September 5, for Winton Woods fall State of the Schools address for one of the largest crowds in six years of presentation. The topics discussed included exciting opportunities happening in the district, increased enrollment, construction updates, and a discussion of academic growth and achievement.

The Winton Woods City School District will be presenting the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Budget Overview on August 26, 2019, 6:30pm at the Board of Education Meeting at Winton Woods High School Media Center: 1231 W. Kemper Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45240.

The public is invited to participate and comment on the Special Education Report Card, the 2019 budget and the budget of the current fiscal year.

For additional information, please contact Tonya Bray, Director of Student Services 513-619-2320 or Mrs. Adrienne Martin, Director of Teaching and Learning 513-619-2385.

New buildings are not the only thing Winton Woods City Schools can look forward to in 2020. As of Nov. 9, Winton Woods High School (WWHS) will be joining nine other schools to complete the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC). “We are extremely pleased to be joining the ECC,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. “We believe this conference will continue to enhance our athletics department as well as our academic programs.”