District News

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 (WWHS) Assistant Principal Amber Strawser says the high school is fortunate to have an art teacher like Ciro Casanova. He teaches an introductory level art class, two levels of digital photo and is the advisor for the art club at the high school. “We get great feedback from Mr. Casanova’s students about the art projects they are excited to complete in his class,” said WWHS administrative team. “He has a knack for matching his projects with the interests of his students.”

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.

It was a night filled with dancing, refreshments and formal attire. Winton Woods Primary South (WWPS) gymnasium sparkled with decorations and shined with colorful lights as attendees enjoyed an evening of music and fun. Over 300 dapper young men and fashionable young ladies—along with their parents and guardians—attended the third annual primary prom on Friday, February 8.

The Winton Woods board of education has announced its schedule of regular and special meetings for 2019. All meetings are open to the public and will take place at the board office, located at 1215 W. Kemper Rd. in Forest Park unless otherwise announced.

Dr. Viola Johnson, a member of the Winton Woods board of education since 2014, was elected board president at the organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 14. Board member Katrina Rugless, who has served since 2016, was elected vice-president.

Winton Woods Intermediate School Principal Jeremy Day selected Lori Wilson for January’s Skyline Teacher of the Month. “Mrs. Wilson has always shown some of the best academic results in our fifth-grade reading department and is now serving as our fifth grade reading department head,” said Day. “She plays a major role on our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team and has led a number of professional development sessions on restorative practices this year for our staff.”

Guidance Counselor John Beischel is appreciative of the positive influence and determination he sees in Winton Woods High School senior Janny Castro Gutierrez. “Janny, in her short time with us, has quickly become a school leader because of her charisma, charm and infectious personality,” said Beischel. “Students love her, teachers love her and the English Language Learners (ELL) department particularly adores her. She arrived three years ago not knowing any English and now she is in the top 30 of her senior class.”

Winton Woods High School’s Riley Lauchard has been named Winton Woods City Schools’ Skyline Student Athlete of the Month for January. Riley maintains a 3.7 GPA and participates in Girls Rowing and the academic quiz team.

Winton Woods High School (WWHS) Fine Arts instructors are proud of their students’ performances from the OMEA District XIV Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, January 26. Twenty-three music students in band, orchestra and choir were given the opportunity to prepare an ensemble, solo or a combination and perform in front of judges at Elder High School. Each performance received a rating out of five, with one being Superior.

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.

With such a great turnout last year, Winton Woods City Schools will continue to honor the legacy of the former Forest Park and Greenhills High Schools at the second annual varsity basketball game. In recognition of both schools, Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Merrill says the Winton Woods High School varsity boys’ basketball players will wear jerseys from each school’s past designs. On Saturday, February 9, the team will be sporting the white Greenhills Pioneers uniforms and on Wednesday, February 13, the blue Forest Park Chargers uniforms. The community is invited to dress in their schools’ spirit wear as we cheer and celebrate both legendary historical athletic programs and their communities.

What is better than teachers feeling encouraged by their community’s support? Students seeing the support and feeling encouraged as well. On Friday, January 11, Forest Chapel Church brought school supplies and items for classrooms to Winton Woods Primary North (WWPN). “These donations put valuable school supplies in the hands of our students and teachers, and has equipped classrooms with incredible educational tools for success,” said WWPN Principal Kevin Jones. “We are so grateful for Forest Chapel Church and the sponsors.” The items included white and colored poster board, glue sticks, plastic folders, crayons, pencils, erasers, dry erase markers, Clorox wipes, paper towels, and staplers.

Aireez Donaldson has made a positive impression in her class at Winton Woods Elementary School this year. The third grader was honored at the December Board of Education meeting by the Greenhills/Forest Park Kiwanis Club with the Kiwanis Character is Key award for fairness.

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.”

Winton Woods eighth grade student KC Spears, a member of the middle school’s football team, has been named as the district’s Skyline Student Athlete of the Month for November. Spears not only performed well on the field but in the classroom, receiving a 3.7 GPA for the first quarter.

Demarco Stallworth, a fifth-grader at Winton Woods Intermediate School (WWIS), was honored at the district’s November board of education meeting with the Kiwanis Character is Key award for caring.
 

Guidance Counselor Kim Goins believes senior Lilly Smith is “an absolute role model in all aspects of life” which is why she selected her for November’s Kiwanis Student of the Month. “I have had the pleasure of working with Lilly for four years and during that time she has truly immersed herself in the high school culture,” said Goins. “In addition to being a senior, Lilly is a honor student with a 4.2 weighted GPA.

Winton Woods Middle School (WWMS) teacher Matt Alander is the November Skyline Teacher of the Month. “Mr. Alander is a veteran member of our WWMS family and a proud Warrior teacher,” said Adib Dixon, WWMS Assistant Principal. “He is a leader in and out of the classroom and truly embodies the WWMS core values of hard work, perseverance, and legacy.”
 

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.

The 2018 Fall Sports Awards ceremony was held at Winton Woods High School on Monday, November 5, to honor those athletes participating in boys and girls soccer, cross country, golf, volleyball and tennis. Special awards given out that evening include:

Vincent de Paul Nguemezi Kamgang arrived with his family to the United States less than two years ago knowing no English at all. Currently, he is fluent in both writing and speaking. His hard incredible ethic and willingness to help others in and out of the classroom are reasons why Winton Woods High School Counselor Brad Tash recommended Kamgang for the district’s October Kiwanis Student of the Month Award.

Winton Woods Primary South teacher Emily Perkins says on the first day of Kindergarten when she met Jana Culbreth she knew she was going to have the opportunity to teach an extraordinary Wee Warrior. “When I reflect on what it means to be a New Tech Warrior, Jana fits the description perfectly,” said Perkins. “Warriors are team players who thrive in the community. Jana knows the importance of classroom community and strives every day to support me in creating a classroom culture where students both love and respect each other. She does this by taking a strong leadership role. She first listens to directions and then models and teaches them to her peers.

Winton Woods City Schools makes it a priority to acknowledge Warriors that go above and beyond student requirements. Proud parents, guardians, friends and family members gathered in the school’s gymnasium on Thursday, October 25, to celebrate the 18 outstanding fifth and sixth graders being inducted into the National Honors Society (NHS). Students accepted into the prestigious organization are selected for excelling academically and modeling exceptional responsible attributes.

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.

Three Winton Woods High School students are on their way to experiencing everything medical through Mercy Health’s highly competitive Medical Explorers Program at Mercy Health Fairfield Hospital. There were over 150 interested students from various school districts, 32 students were selected region-wide, 3 students from Winton Woods made the final cut and they are: junior Brianna Ball and seniors Jada Ray and Lily Smith.

For the first time, Winton Woods City Schools is offering a new College Credit Plus (CCP) course at the high school. Students participating in the new pre-calculus class can take both high school and college courses at the same location.

Proud parents, guardians, friends and family members were present for Winton Woods Elementary School 2018-2019 National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) Induction Ceremony.  This incredible ceremony took place on Thursday, October 4, where 23 students were inducted into the prestigious organization for excelling academically and modeling exceptional responsible attributes.

Winton Woods High School Counselor Brad Tash described junior student Tijah Griggs as someone who is “a caring, good-natured young lady who brightens up any room she enters.”  Griggs was honored at the September board of education meeting with the Kiwanis Student of the Month award.

Winton Woods Primary North teacher Brooke Starkey will tell you that second grader Nylah Harper always goes above and beyond as a student, mentor and peer. That is why she was chosen for September’s Kiwanis Character is Key award for responsibility.

On September 20, Winton Woods High School (WWHS) inducted seven new members into the National Honor Society (NHS), the nation’s premier organization recognizing outstanding high school students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. The event, hosted by NHS President Lily Smith, took place in the school’s library and was attended by family, friends, faculty, and staff.

Winton Woods Superintendent Anthony G. Smith talked about student opportunities, district accomplishments, construction updates and project-based learning at the State of the Schools address. While Smith said that the district’s report card for 2017-2018 will not be available from the Ohio Department of Education until mid-September, he assured parents and community members that educational reform, with a growth focus on academic achievement for all students, was firmly in place throughout the district.

It started as a community-wide “back-to-school” outing for students but now is an annual donation drive for Winton Woods Primary North. Each year, Forest Chapel Church partners with local businesses to raise donations to fund school necessities for Warrior students and teachers. The project was again co-chaired by church members Evelyn Jones and Tess Goodall. “In 2016, it was decided that since we had an existing partnership with Primary North with providing tutoring services to the students, we would extend that partnership by solely focusing our back-to-school giveaway program on their students,” said Jones.

Anthony G. Smith, superintendent of Winton Woods City Schools, will hold his State of the Schools address on Thursday, September 6 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the high school media center. “Our students are becoming future ready,” said Smith. “The topic of conversation will focus on new opportunities for our Winton Woods Warriors as well as an update of the two new campuses, the construction timeline and the incredible Preschool Village. Please bring your friends and neighbors. Thank you for your commitment to Winton Woods City Schools – The District of Destination.”

Five new initiatives throughout Winton Woods City Schools received oversized checks as the Winton Woods Educational Foundation presented its yearly grants at Convocation on Monday, August 13. The WWEF was established in 2006 to support and enhance the academic success of the Winton Woods School District and provide assistance for those programs and activities that fall outside traditional funding sources. Receiving grants for the 2018-2019 school year were:

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center selected four Winton Woods High School students as recipients for its 2018 Picture Freedom Art Contest. The nationwide competition challenges students to critically think and capture what their definition of freedom looks like today. This year, eight students were present to receive their scholarship awards. The event included a delicious lunch, tour of the museum and ceremony to honor each student for their exceptional artistry.

Winton Woods City Schools held another successful year of the Wee Warriors popular one-day school orientation on Friday, August 3. The district kicked off its fourth annual Jumpstart programs at Winton Woods Primary North in Greenhills and Winton Woods Primary South in Springfield Township.

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. 

Residents of Winton Woods City Schools age 55 and over are invited to pick up an MVP (Mature Valued Patron) card at the district’s Central Office. The card is good for free admission to most athletic events (excluding tournaments), concerts, plays and musicals—subject to availability. Those who already have an MVP card are not required to get a new one.  

“Nutrition is the Mission” at Winton Woods City Schools. As of June 12, every child in the community will have the opportunity to experience a free nutritious meal throughout the summer. The celebration kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Winton Woods Intermediate School Tuesday morning. Winton Woods Warrior families, staff, members and business and community leaders joined together to celebrate the opening of the new opportunity for the children in our community. At the ceremony, Director of Child Nutrition Mark Doctor surprised his staff by having them cut the ribbon with him to unveil the new food mobilization vehicle.

Winton Woods High School’s high-achieving seniors were recognized with an Academic Signing Day on Friday, May 4, in the school's library. These incredible scholars, all earned honors diplomas from the State of Ohio, took part in a ceremony reminiscent of a traditional athletic signing event. The students shared the colleges they applied to, where they have been admitted and the university they selected. Students' families, college admissions representatives, board members, civic officials, and business and community leaders were in attendance to celebrate this momentous occasion with the scholars.

Winton Woods City Schools (WWCS) outstanding music education program has received a 2018 Best Communities for Music Education Designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, for the third year. The district joins 583 school districts and 135 schools across the nation in achieving this honor.

It is not often one can learn history from history itself. Winton Woods High School (WWHS) students were given that extraordinary opportunity when American hero Leslie Edwards of the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen gave a powerful presentation about his life story and journey.

Anything can be used as a symbol of hope. In this case, violin maker Avshi Weinstein, brought nine restored Holocaust violins, their stories, and a powerful message to encourage Winton Woods High School students. “Hope can be found in any circumstance,” said Weinstein. “Make sure you know your history and communicate with others so the past is not repeated. Share your story.” Each violin was restored by his family’s company, “Luthier: Violins of Hope” and serve as a symbol of hope and resistance.

Winton Woods City Schools presents its students honor roll for the second quarter of the fall semester. We would like to acknowledge and congratulate these Warriors.

The athletic staff and boosters of Winton Woods High School inducted the newest members into the district’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, January 26, in a ceremony at Winton Woods High School. Inducted this year were: