District News

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.

On Saturday, May 30, at four o’clock in the afternoon, Winton Woods City Schools will broadcast a virtual commencement ceremony celebrating the Class of 2020 on WSTR Star64, local12.com, and Local 12’s Facebook live @ WKRCTV. “We are excited to honor each student for their years of academic achievements and are proud to have prepared our scholars to be future ready,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. The virtual commencement will include the Pledge of Allegiance by class president Tajammal Hill; and speeches by Valedictorian Matthew Bernardo, Salutatorian Isaiah Smith, Selected Student Speaker Tijah Griggs, Principal Eric L. Martin, and Superintendent Smith. Board President Dr. Viola E. Johnson will confer the graduates.

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.

For the December board meeting, Winton Woods board member Paula Kuhn was honored as the Community Spirit Award recipient. Family, friends, and members of the community were all present to celebrate her and the contributions she has made to the district for several years.

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. 

Winton Woods High School Guidance Counselor John Beischel has a lot of great things to say about why senior Taylor Fields was selected for the November Kiwanis Student of the Month. “Taylor stands out amidst his peers based upon his personal integrity, character, and work ethic. He has shown over the course of four years that he is self-disciplined and focused. He comes to school prepared every day, and his teachers speak highly of his classroom engagement.” 

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.

For a second consecutive year, Winton Woods High School varsity ensemble (VE) was invited to perform in the Cincinnati Pops “Holiday Pops” concert on Friday, December 13, to Sunday, December 15. The choir will be conducted by John Morris Russell and perform alongside artists like Broadway’s Wicked, Megan Hilty. 

Greenhills Municipal Building has become the new location for all Winton Woods City Schools hearings. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity and willingness to let us use their facility,” said Winton Woods Truancy Officer Stephanie Mahan. “We believe this move will be more beneficial for our students and community.” For all student hearings, the Greenhills Police Department graciously provided the location, wifi, computer services, and a resource officer. There will also be a hearing officer that will be funded (100%) by Juvenile Court. “We agreed with the school’s approach of using this space to provide a less formal resolution that looks to solve the problem and help the student, instead of sending them to juvenile court,” said Greenhills Officer Neil Ferdelman. “Our goal is not to punish but correct behavior and get the students back on the right path.”

The Primary North staff nominated second-grade scholar Elijah Smith for the Kiwanis Character is Key Award for September. Staff members and the Wee Warrior community agreed, since his arrival last school year, he has been an excellent student and wonderful young man to work with in class. He exemplifies what it means to be a person of integrity and character. Elijah’s first-grade teacher, Amanda Mann says he would be an excellent candidate for this award.

The quote “see a need, fill a need” is about taking action when a requirement is unmet. Winton Woods High School (WWHS) teacher Kimaya Pope was selected as Winton Woods Skyline Teacher of the Month because she embodies it. In 2015, when Pope began working at the high school as an English teacher with a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate, Principal Eric Martin saw how beneficial her skills would be for the growing English Language Learners (ELL) community.

High school for Winton Woods senior Jasmine Horner has been a journey. Her Volleyball Coach Mike Walker says from overcoming the adversity of losing her mother during important years to having the courage to continue with her high school plan of being a varsity cheerleader, volleyball player, and a singer, shows Jasmine is the true definition of resilience. “Jasmine has kept a smile on her face even though she had to grow up fast and needed to start taking care of her younger sister,” said Walker. “Jasmine is a true inspiration to everyone.” Those who know her are not surprised she was selected as Winton Woods September Skyline Student Athlete of the Month. 

Each year brings new faces of students and employees to the district but the mission stays the same—to ensure every student reaches their highest potential and to equip and prepare them for the next step in their life. This is the same for all Winton Woods employees as well. “My time at Winton Woods definitely has prepared me for this role,” said Dr. Terri L. Holden, former executive director of teaching and learning. “I wish Winton Woods the best in the future. It will always hold a special place in my heart.”

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.

On September 16, author and illustrator of 70 pictures books, Will Hillenbreand, brought superpowers to life as he read his newest book Mighty Reader and the Big Freeze to our Wee Warriors at Winton Woods Primary South. This incredible story depicts a comic-book style illustration where the main character, Barkley, freezes when his teacher asks him to read an unfamiliar book. Mighty Reader saves the day by giving Barkley some tips to help him read the story and the confidence to put on a performance that impresses everyone. 

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.

If you live in Forest Park, Greenhills or Springfield Township, there is a good chance you have seen a beautifully designed “Nutrition is the Mission” bus eagerly awaiting to serve free delicious meals. During the summer, Winton Woods City Schools (WWCS) continued its mission to serve nutrition by distributing over 20,000 meals to students in the community. 

Over 200 wee warriors and their families were welcomed into the Warrior Family on Friday, August 2, at the popular Jumpstart program. The optional one-day orientation designed to help lessen the first day of school anxiety. Preschool and kindergarten students of Winton Woods Primary North and Winton Woods Primary South, were introduced to their amazing teachers and classmates while parents attended an informational session with Principal Wallace at Primary South and Principal Jones at Primary North. 

Winton Woods City Schools announced its 2019-2020 program year policy for free and reduced-price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast or After School Care Snack Program. Las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Winton Woods anunciaron su política anual del programa 2019-2020 para comidas gratuitas y de precio reducido para los estudiantes que no pueden pagar el precio total de las comidas servidas bajo el Programa Nacional de Almuerzos Escolares y Desayunos Escolares o el Programa de Bocaditos de Cuidado Después de la Escuela. El Departamento de Nutrición Infantil tiene un intérprete de español disponible al (513) 619-2482.

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.”

A historic day, 15 years in the making, for Winton Woods City Schools as we literally began digging into the future with two groundbreaking ceremonies on October 18, 2018. It was a fall sunny day when local and state leaders, industry partners, community members, students and staff joined at the 7-12 and K-6 campus sites to celebrate the start of construction for the two new facilities. The Winton Woods High School marching band and a cappella vocal group gave joint performances, and students from each site gave closing speeches thanking the community. Superintendent Anthony G. Smith had the community members tell the younger students, “These buildings were designed for you.” While the students followed by saying, “These buildings were designed for me.” Voters approved a bond issue in 2016 to fund these new facilities.