District News

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. 

Bright lights and a lineup of immense talent is what you can expect at the Winton Woods Performing Arts Boosters Talent Showcase on February 9. Students of all grades will showcase their best acts in the David Bell Performing Arts Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Winton Woods music teacher Megan Weaver, who is coordinating this year’s show, says attendees can look forward to a display of many unique performances. “In the past, we have had vocalists, instrumentalists, gymnasts, dancers, step teams, drum lines, comedians, magicians, poets, martial artists, and more.”

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 High School is looking forward to hosting the district’s annual Family University for students in grades 7-12 on Tuesday, February 11. This event is designed to provide parents, guardians, community members, and anyone who has an important role in the lives of our scholars with helpful resources to support them. “At Winton Woods City Schools, our goal is to set our students up for success and that includes our parents,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Corina Denny. “We welcome and encourage our parents to be a part of our students' academic experience.” 

In preparation for the 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee in March and April 2020, we would like to provide resource links below to support your students’ success. We recommend that parents and guardians read with their child, and stay in communication with the classroom teacher to monitor reading progress. There will also be an informational meeting at Winton Woods Elementary School for parents and guardians on January 15 at 6 p.m.

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.

The Winton Woods City Schools Board of Education has placed an operational levy on the ballot for the March 17 election. The levy would generate $3.2 million annually for operating expenses related to educational programs. This is the first Winton Woods levy placed on the ballot in over 10 years that requests additional funding.

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.

On November 5, Katrina Rugless and Dr. John Cuppoletti were re-elected to Winton Woods Board of Education for the 2019-2020 school year. Katrina Rugless, a member of the board since 2016 served as Winton Woods vice president for the 2018-2019 term alongside former president, Dr. Viola Johnson. Dr. John Cuppoletti was appointed in January of 2019 to fill a vacancy after the departure of longtime president Jessica Miranda. 

Although Emma Ciprini is new to the district, she has caught the attention of many at Winton Woods Intermediate School (WWIS) with her excellent teaching skills and kindness. “I am extremely proud to recommend our October Teacher of the Month,” said WWIS Principal Jeremy Day. “Ms. Cipriani is a fifth-grade math and science teacher who has built an amazing classroom culture in which one of her students' stated, ‘We get to learn through games, which is a lot of fun. She is super nice and very enthusiastic. She likes to put smiles on kids’ faces, and she is one of the best teachers that I have ever had.’”  

Winton Woods Guidance Counselor Brad Tash says tenth-grader Ariana Green has distinguished herself amongst her high school peers. “She is one of our top students in the building,” said Tash. “She has never earned a grade lower than an A, and currently at the end of the 1st quarter, her lowest percentage is a 95%.”

When Winton Woods Primary South Teacher Emily Perkins was asked to identify one student in her class who goes above and beyond, it did not take her long to think of Jalai’yah Miles. A kindergartner that comes from a long line of Warriors who Perkins has had the pleasure of working with. 

Winton Woods High School cross country coach Josh Amstutz says he has seen senior Ayden Hassertt grow as an athlete, scholar, and person. Ayden joined the Winton Woods' cross country program in the seventh grade. “Her growth and dedication over the years have been unparalleled as she has continued to push through all obstacles with regards to academics and cross country,” said Amstutz. “She is a true Warrior."  

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. 

Winton Woods Intermediate School celebrated eleven outstanding Warriors for excelling academically and modeling exceptional responsible attributes. Proud parents, guardians, friends and family members were present as the scholars were inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS). The prestigious organization’s ceremony included a candle lighting and reading of the NEHS pledge. Each student was individually announced and received a certificate with a medal.

Brace yourself for an eventful evening of bruised knees and broken hearts. Winton Woods High School Drama Department is excited to present their fall play Almost Maine by John Cariani on Thursday, November 21, through Saturday, November 23, at 8 p.m. in the David Bell Performing Arts Center located at the high school. The show will not be one continuous story, but several stories connected by one subject: love. Michelle Kozlowski, theater director, says the actors will play different complex characters throughout the show which is what she is looking forward to most.

On October 2, a display of 17 certificates recognized the proud new members of the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS). Ecstatic parents, guardians and friends were present at Winton Woods Elementary School for the induction ceremony and to celebrate the new inductees of the prestigious organization. The exciting evening included a reciting of the NEHS pledge as the students were called individually to receive their medals and membership certificates. Each scholar was awarded for excelling academically and modeling exceptional responsible attributes. 

On Thursday, October 10, a group of Winton Woods students received new glasses from Lenscrafters as part of their World Sight Day campaign. Students represented four schools of the district: Winton Woods Primary North, Primary South, Elementary and Intermediate schools. Upon arrival at the Northgate Mall, students were greeted with bagels, orange juice, and milk. Each student had a full eye exam and was able to select the frames that made them feel special. Several students were also invited to tour the lab and learn how lenses were made.

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.

Winton Woods High School Guidance Counselor Christina Jeranek says it is with pleasure to nominate Renaud Fred Noubieptie Kamgang for the Kiwanis Student of the Month Award. “Fred has always been excited to learn and grow as an individual,” said Jeranek. “He challenges himself on a daily basis, and I truly enjoy when he comes in to discuss the next goal he has set for himself.” Students who receive the Kiwanis Character is Key award are selected based on academics, character, and positive impact in and out of the classroom.

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.”

Winton Woods City Schools students, teachers, and staff received back to school donations from organizations throughout our Warrior community. Business partners, local churches, and community groups who contributed were thanked and given a certificate for their generous donation of materials at the district’s September board of education meeting. The organizations combined donated hundreds of notebooks, pencils, paper, bookbags, toiletry items, kleenex, hand sanitizer, and more. “The support we receive enables our students the opportunity to be the best they can be,” said Winton Woods Primary South Principal Danielle Wallace.

Winton Woods Varsity Ensemble is tuning up their vocals as they prepare for their debut performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In February of 2019, students were personally invited by Composer and Conductor Howard Helvey, conductor of Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble and Calvary Episcopal Church in Clifton, Ohio, to perform at the world renowned venue. In addition to this performance at Carnegie Hall, students will also perform at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine during their five-day trip.

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.

During the 2019-2020 school year, Winton Woods High School is looking for individuals to serve as mentors to students in the Academy of Global Studies (AGS). Mentors are needed and will meet twice a month from 7-7:50 a.m. at the high school. This is a great opportunity to connect to the young people of our community and help them learn and grow as they complete their first year of high school. 

During the month of September, bus driver open interviews will be every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. at 825 Waycross Road, Suite A. No appointment or experience is needed. If hired, training will be provided free of charge.

All applicants must have a safe driving record and work well with students of all ages.

Bilingual candidates are also encouraged to apply.

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.

This year, Winton Woods High School’s graduation class earned over $7 million in scholarships. On Tuesday, May 14, Senior Honors Night was held in the Winton Woods High School (WWHS) auditorium to celebrate the seniors’ academic success and award scholarships.

Winton Woods Elementary School third-grade student Sean Howard was selected for May’s Kiwanis Character is Key award for perseverance. “What is perseverance?” said his teacher Melanie Siciliano. “Perseverance is the ability to go on when things seem impossible. It is also a measure of success, or at least how much sacrifice one is willing to make in the name of success. As a student, it is impossible to achieve personal success without having a vision or a direction in mind. Perseverance is the ability to forge ahead despite setbacks that may threaten to undermine all efforts to succeed. Sean Howard has set a shining example of perseverance by overcoming many obstacles that he encountered throughout the school day and within the school year.”

Winton Woods Primary North Principal Kevin Jones says professionals like Kelly Kennedy are hard to find. “She is not only an excellent teacher, diligently planning her lessons to target specific student needs (better known as differentiating the lesson), but she also is an amazing adult team member,” said Principal Jones. “When I think of Kelly, I think of a person who gives her all each and every day.”

Winton Woods junior Ernest Wolke, a member of the high school’s baseball and wrestling teams, has been named as the district’s Skyline Student Athlete of the Month for May.

Guidance Counselor Kim Goins wrote that it was a great pleasure to recommend Junior Ortiz as Kiwanis Student of the Month for May. Junior is a Winton Woods High School senior who is originally from Guatemala. At the age of five, he came to this country and moved into our district at the age of seven. “Since I met Junior his freshman year, he has joined and remained in our Academy of Global Studies Program,” said Goins.

Winton Woods City Schools presented Kingdom Family’s Dr. Monica Swope with the district’s Community Spirit Award at the May board of education meeting. “Dr. Swope has an incredible professional commitment to healthy smiles and has been in our community with Kingdom Family Dentistry, just 50 yards from the Winton Woods Intermediate School, for almost 30 years,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.

On Monday, May 13, the Winton Woods Intermediate School’s (WWIS) gymnasium was full of proud Warrior parents and families who attended the end-of-year honors ceremony. The program kicked off with an incredible performance by the WWIS choir, they performed “Doraji” by Yoojin Muh, “Tongo” by Greg Gilpin, and “This is Me” from the film The Greatest Showman by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The following awards were presented:

After consistent hard work on the field and in the classroom, Winton Woods City Schools is celebrating student athletes who signed letters of intent on Thursday, May 9, at an awesome ceremony. “Our district is proud to have been a part of these young scholars’ athletic journey and wish them the best as they continue at the collegiate level,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. Warrior family, friends, and community members joined at the high school’s media center to honor them.

Twenty-one high-achieving seniors and honors diploma honorees announced their school of choice on Friday, May 3, at Winton Woods High School’s Academic Signing Day. These incredible scholars all who earned honors diplomas from the State of Ohio, took part in a ceremony reminiscent of a traditional athletic signing event. Students' families, college admissions representatives, board members, civic officials, business partners, and community leaders were in attendance at the school’s media center to celebrate this momentous occasion with the scholars. The students shared the colleges they were admitted to, and where they are planning to pursue their educational dreams.

Winton Woods City Schools is again offering its popular Jumpstart Orientation this summer for preschool and kindergarten students. The Jumpstart program is designed to help lessen the anxiety of the first day of school and is aimed at both students and their families. The optional one-day program will take place on Friday, August 2, from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. at Winton Woods Primary North in Greenhills and Winton Woods Primary South in Springfield Township.

At the latest Winton Woods State of the Schools address held on May 7 at Winton Woods High School, Superintendent Anthony G. Smith talked about exciting changes and opportunities to come for the district as well as things that would remain the same—ensuring all students achieve their highest potential. Smith provided visuals of the two new buildings and explained some of the innovative features such as distributive dining in place of the traditional cafeteria style dining, a separate entrance for the middle school students, shared community spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, and a full-service Warrior spirit shop.

There are many teachers at Winton Woods City Schools who do an exceptional job of ensuring our students are future ready. Each month, we are privileged to recognize one of those teachers and their contributions to making Winton Woods a district of destination. This month’s Skyline teacher of the month is Winton Woods Primary South’s (WWPS) Katie Stevens. Mrs. Stevens is a physical education teacher but her work goes beyond the gym.

Winton Woods High School’s Mya Johnson has been named Winton Woods City Schools’ Skyline Student Athlete of the Month for April. Mya maintains a 4.0 GPA and participates on the soccer and track team.

Winton Woods High School Guidance Counselor John Beischel has come to know Eric Fomekong’s thoughtfulness for others which is why he was selected as Winton Woods City School’s Kiwanis Student of the Month for April.

Aiden Martin, a first-grade student at Winton Woods Primary South, was honored at the April board of education meeting with the Kiwanis Character is Key award for integrity.

A group of Winton Woods City Schools students are putting their minds together for the better. The Project Success scholars partnered with “Sight for Sore Eyes Service Project,” a program dedicated to collecting eyewear for those affected by Hurricane Maria. Seniors Romello Martin and Ma’Niya Linkous say this is not their first time partnering with an organization to help and it certainly will not be their last. “I believe if we have the resources, we should provide,” said Linkous. “It’s so important to give, I believe it’s necessary.” Students worked together to create and distribute flyers for items to be dropped off throughout the district. In two months, students collected over 80 pairs of eyeglasses for the organization.

It was a night filled with dancing, refreshments and formal attire. Upon entering the Winton Woods Primary North (WWPN) gymnasium, that sparkled with beautiful green and blue decorations accented with colorful lights, each child received a glow-in-the-dark bracelet or necklace as a keepsake. Over 300 dapper gentlemen and fashionable ladies—along with their parents and guardians—were dressed in their finest as they attended the primary prom on Friday, April 5. Attendees enjoyed an evening of music DJ’ed by Mr. Johnny B, as well as cupcakes, juice, and a beautifully decorated photo booth for group pictures.

For the fourth year, Winton Woods City Schools (WWCS) was designated as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the nation from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM). The district joins 38 Ohio districts and four Cincinnati districts in achieving this honor. Winton Woods High School Band Director Danelle Ashbrook who completed the application says the department is proud to receive such a prestigious award. “I believe this nomination speaks highly of our music programs and the opportunities we have to offer.”

Winton Woods City Schools is excited to continue its “on site” and “on the road” programs to provide nutritious meals to students in the community. Winton Woods Intermediate School will serve breakfast and lunch from June 3 to July 26 at 825 Waycross Road in Forest Park, every Monday through Friday, with the exception of July 4. Breakfast is served from 8:15-8:45 a.m., and lunch is served from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Everyone 18 years old and younger, will be served free of cost. Meals must be consumed on the premises, per U.S.D.A. regulations.

The 2019 Winter Sports Awards ceremony was held at Winton Woods High School on Wednesday, March 20, to honor those athletes participating on the academic quiz team, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls bowling, boys and girls swimming and cheerleading. Special awards were presented that evening which included:   

Pierre Leuffa, a first-grade student at Winton Woods Primary North is using her actions to show her teacher and classmates what resourcefulness is all about. Her teacher, Mrs. Yancey, chose Leuffa to be honored with the Kiwanis Character is Key Award for Resourcefulness. “Pierra comes to class and soaks up all the knowledge that she can,” said Yancey. “Being an English Language Learner (ELL) can sometimes create a challenge in a young child’s learning and understanding. Pierre has excelled this year in the first grade. She is constantly seen helping her peers with their work and shows them how to use the resources and strategies to complete an assignment.”

Amy Gueye, a sophomore in the Academy of Global Studies (AGS) program at Winton Woods City Schools is described by her guidance counselor Christina Jeranek as someone who exemplifies what it means to be a Warrior. “She is kind and polite to everyone, and easy to get along with,” said Jeranek. “In school, Amy is a hard worker, maintaining a 3.5 GPA despite a rigorous course load. She is often chosen to be group leader because she is so responsible and gets the job done.”

Winton Woods High School’s Kendal Phillips has been named Winton Woods City Schools’ Skyline Student Athlete of the Month for March. Kendal maintains a 3.7 GPA and participates on the football team.

Winton Woods Elementary School (WWES) teacher Lauren Tritschler has proven to be an excellent teacher and a wonderful asset to the Warrior community, which is why she was selected to be Winton Woods City School’s Teacher of the Month. “Ms. Tritschler is a hardworking, well-organized, and committed teacher who has given much to our amazing students,” said WWES Principal Adrienne Martin. “She serves in many leadership roles throughout the building. She is the team leader for the special education department, an active member on the building leadership team, and the chairperson for the Response to Intervention committee”

The school year is coming to a close which means a new exciting one is beginning soon. Parents and guardians can now register their children at Winton Woods City Schools for All-Day Kindergarten for the 2019-20 school year. Students must be five on or before September 30 to be eligible. After successfully registering, each family will receive a window yard sign that says “I am a Kindergarten Warrior.”

The academic achievements and community service of 106 students at Winton Woods High School were recognized at the school’s 57th Annual Community School Achievement Committee (CSAC) awards banquet. The CSAC banquet is sponsored by the Forest Park Women’s Club and is a cooperative venture of many organizations in the Winton Woods School District. It was first organized by Harry Kilb, a 1945 graduate of Greenhills High School, to honor students at both Greenhills and Forest Park High Schools.

Winton Woods City Schools students, families and community members made an appearance at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for its third annual “A Night of Freedom” event on March 7. Students from all seven schools gave powerful academic project presentations, musical performances, and contributed to the visual arts gallery walk. The exhibitions and performances were followed by award ceremonies focused on the sensitive subject of freedom.

March 5 was a special day for the students attending Winton Woods Primary South. The wee warriors enjoyed a complimentary visit with New York Times best-selling author Sherri Duskey Rinker, courtesy of Joseph-Beth Booksellers and the outstanding effort of district media specialist Michelle Sisk. The author shared her love of books, how she became an author and the process of turning her story into a published book. She also left the students with an important message based on her experiences as an author: “practice, practice, practice makes perfect or at least better.” Following the presentation, Mrs. Rinker autographed copies of her books for students and teachers who purchased copies of her incredible story.

Bharat Koirala, an eighth-grade student at Winton Woods Middle School, is using his actions to show his teacher and classmates what trustworthiness is all about. His Assistant Principal Adib Dixon chose him to be honored with the Kiwanis Character is Key Award for Trustworthiness. “Bharat is a Warrior-Scholar, engaged in honors courses,” said Dixon. “His teachers trust him to be prepared for class, persevere through difficult projects and learning activities. He rises to the occasion daily. He embodies trustworthiness in his behaviors.”

Winton Woods High School Counselor Brad Tash says Franck Djidjeu is in tenth grade but is ahead of his time. “If you were to speak to Mr. Djidjeu and observe his actions, you would think he is already a college student,” said Tash. “Franck’s maturity and good nature are apparent to everyone he meets. Teachers have commented on how nice it is to have such a positive influence in their classes. I challenge you to find a harder working young person. During his time at Winton Woods, Franck has distinguished himself as a top scholar. He has a demanding all honors schedule and has never earned a grade less than an A.”

Winton Woods High School’s senior Ayanna Thompson has been named Winton Woods City Schools’ Skyline Student Athlete of the Month for February. Ayanna maintains a 3.7 GPA and participates in girls basketball.

A summer academic enrichment program that combines school work, sports, field trips and fun is being offered once again to Winton Woods preschool to fourth-grade students. Envision Children, an official Winton Woods City Schools partner, will host “Rainbow of Culture”, an eight-week program from June 3 to July 26. On Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., students will engage in academic activities and projects including stem, reading and art, that will help strengthen student learning and collaboration skills for the upcoming year.

Ever seen a display of silverware during a meal and not know which is the salad fork? Winton Woods Elementary school monitor Kathryn Watkins answered that question and everything etiquette in her new after-school program “The Best Possible Me.” A 5-week training course with the sole purpose of teaching social etiquette to young ladies. Watkins taught how to sit correctly in a skirt “cross at the ankles, tuck to right, left over right” to walking tall and occasionally with a book on their head. Nine fourth graders were given the opportunity to learn and be coached in hopes of these polite behaviors becoming habitual.

At its organizational meeting on January 14, the Winton Woods board of education appointed John Cuppoletti to fill the vacancy on the board. The term of this appointment will expire on December 31, 2019. “We had several highly qualified candidates, but I am pleased to announce that the board unanimously appointed Dr. John Cuppoletti. He is a published author and has served as a professor, researcher, volunteer, and mentor. Dr. Cuppoletti has been an active supporter of the Winton Woods School District and has had a long career in higher education. The board believes that his extensive background in academia will be a tremendous asset to the team,” said Dr. Viola Johnson, board president.

Fourteen enthusiastic Winton Woods High School band students took part in honor band performances on Saturday, January 19. The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Honor Band Concert was at Greaves Concert Hall. The musicians performed under the direction of Dr. Erin Cooper, assistant director of bands at the University of North Carolina. The Xavier University Honor Band Concert was at the Gallagher Theater where instrumentalists performed under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Chamberlin, assistant professor of music and director of instrumental activities at Xavier University.

Winton Woods Middle School and Winton Woods Intermediate School students are benefiting from a nourishing morning meal that started early this school year. A grant to support this initiative was awarded by Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom and funded by Wal-Mart for over $44,000. Food carts, monitors and finger scanners were purchased to reduce lunch lines and provide ample time for our students to eat.

Jessica Miranda ran a very vigorous and strategic campaign and was elected as the State Representative for the 28^th District. She will resign her position as the President of the Winton Woods City Schools Board of Education on December 31, 2018.

Winton Woods City Schools is the first district in Ohio to adopt and design school facilities with the High Performance Learning Environment (HPLE) standard. These innovative environments incorporate features that improve student performance and better learning. “This is an educational facility design standard that is more consistent with the future needs of students, staff, families, community members and business partners,” said Executive Director of Business Affairs Steve Denny. “It facilitates a more flexible design that is aligned with the development of 21st-century learning skills. This is critical in preparing our students to be future ready.”

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.”

On Nov. 6 Winton Woods City Schools (WWCS) added the substitute levy passage to their list of goals that play a crucial role in (continuing) the district’s mission without interruption of services.

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.

Winton Woods City Schools continues to grow a positive supporting audience. Winton Woods is the only comprehensive Pre K-12th New Tech Network district in the state of Ohio. This innovative project-based academic approach inspired the publisher of Cincy Magazine to add it to the front cover of the Best 100 Schools issue. Winton Woods junior Jasmine Horner was featured on the cover. Horner is a high achieving student and involved in many extracurricular activities including cheerleading, softball, volleyball, Varsity Ensemble, student council and the school’s a capella group Clarity. As an added bonus Winton Woods Intermediate teacher Kamaria Martin was one of the 36 recipients selected for the outstanding educator award. According to the Outstanding Educator Recognition Program committee, winners are chosen for going above and beyond expectations, and as ‘the best of the best’ from public and private schools from both Ohio and Kentucky.