A late spring Sunday found the charms of Glenn Miller’s big band-era favorites–String of Pearls and In The Mood—wafting through the tall trees of the Cascade Valley Park. It was music made meaningful for 50 residents of Sunrise Senior Living of Cuyahoga Falls who make their home on the banks of the park, all courtesy of Falls High School students.

Two days later a dozen Cuyahoga Falls High School students were honored by The Haven of Rest for a “Socks for the Soul” drive that, at last count, netted 640 pairs of cushioned comfort for homeless children, women and men here. The students toured the shelter in thanks for their efforts, and learned eye-opening statistics about the causes and realities of homelessness.

Common between these projects is a philosophy of caring that’s growing stronger by the day at Cuyahoga Falls High School. It’s a philosophy grounded in Yvonne Federonick’s Leadership & Communication Course, among other places. Her 29 students earn lessons of a lifetime during a project-filled semester that aims simply do one thing: help others.

Though it’s ‘all-in-a-day’s work’ to Federonick, community members benefitting from such student teachings are deeply grateful. “‘Socks for the Soul’ made a tremendous difference for the poor who come to us for assistance with clothing,” said Michael Solosky, Donor Relations Coordinator at Haven of Rest. “What a blessing! It is so wonderful to see

children doing something so positive to make a difference. What a beautiful

testimony to the caring students in the schools, the teachers and

the Black Tiger community that helped them raise the donations to purchase all those socks!”

Across town, the professional team at Sunrise is just as pleased.

The Leadership Course’s ‘Intergenerational Prom’ was

more than music and dance for the benefit of seniors, said

Bethany Hall, Executive Director of the assisted living community of 67

people. “It was the perfect marriage of two generations, both of whom have a great deal to offer one another.” The Prom, held April 27th, featured the coordinated collaboration of two teams of students. Cosmetology Teacher Michelle Delegrange led eight students who readied seniors with hairstyling, makeup and manicures. Federonick’s

students also researched big band chart toppers, and catered the Prom.

“It was an afternoon where two generations discovered mutual benefit,” said Fran Bevis, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator at Sunrise. “Many of our residents grew up in an age where a Senior Prom wasn’t affordable, or they couldn’t attend because of war. Stepping back in time for a brief afternoon and remembering provided everyone—the students and Prom guests—a chance to share an understanding of life well lived.”

Bevis brought the Intergenerational Prom to Cuyahoga Falls two years ago after successfully launching a similar event in Willoughby. Here, she said, Falls students have proven simply outstanding. “Many of the students who attended made room visits to those residents who were unable to attend the dance. Many more asked to come back and volunteer for the summer. The goodwill I saw demonstrated by students says a great deal about the spirit of family that exists in the Cuyahoga Falls School District. We are blessed to have an upcoming generation so willing to honor lifetime lessons of others,” she said.

Back at Cuyahoga Falls High School, Federonick might well have been inclined to rest on such laurels. But not so. Her Leadership Class wound up the year with even more projects: 8th grade students in need of academic encouragement were mentored by high school students. A team of students collected donations for shelter animals. And yet another student group collected canned food to benefit Good Neighbors in Cuyahoga Falls.

“In my opinion, there are no better leaders than servant leaders,” Solosky concluded. “It speaks volumes about the schools that they are developing such sensitivity in tomorrow’s community leaders.”

Cuyahoga Falls High School Students:

Redefining What It Means To Lead

“ Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

There’s never been a better time to become involved in your local schools. Go to cfalls.org and learn how you can help us deliver educational excellence in a changing world.

A Special Section Dedicated to Black Tiger Headlines & Achievements June 2014

RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS

CFSD Upcoming Events:June 24 Board of Education Meeting

July 15 Board of Education Meeting

August 10 Find your Next Edition of the ROAR! in the Falls News Press

August 25 First day of classes K - 12

Need more info? Check out cfalls.org

It’s one thing to talk Tiger Pride. It’s another thing to paint your building in tribute! So hats off to Metropolis Popcorn on Front Street, and

owner Brent VanFossen!! (www.popohio.com)

An engaged member of the CFSD Business Advisory Council and Falls Chamber, VanFossen has built his highly creative (and superbly tasty) business on the belief that “local ingredients create a better finished product.” Popcorn lovers the district over couldn’t agree more! The same way that Ohio ears makes the best popping corn, Falls students make the best leaders of tomorrow.

May Metropolis Popcorn’s new coat of paint forever remind us all of how fortunate we are to be Tiger special!

On the first summer Saturday of June, I found myself nosing my way through Krieger’s Market and enjoying the snazzy smell of fresh peaches. It reminded me that summer is nature’s growing season. The same is true at Falls schools.

Though off for the summer are students (and even ROAR! is resting for a month), I want to assure you that the staff and administration of CFSD will work these next two months harder than ever to assure the young in your life the best education possible.

Here’s to a summer where tomorrow’s fruit will be fed by the hard work of the best professionals in the business: our staff. Thank you, to a person, for working so hard.

Go Black Tigers!

– Dr. Nichols

In partnership with Cuyahoga Falls City Schools, Western Reserve Hospital is staging a cluster of health & happiness program initiatives. And at least one among them may just be a new model for towns nationwide!

“Fantastic!” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Nichols. “Fantastic is the perfect word to describe Western Reserve’s commitment to youth in our school district. At all levels, our students are drawing major, lasting benefit from the engaged, caring system located right here. The community owes Western Reserve major thanks for their investments.”

Here are three school/hospital initiatives that have students, parents and teachers alike cheering:

4th & 5th Graders Earn Super Summer Perks For Keeping Drug Free Pledges

Not Me, I’m Drug Free! is the first-ever anti-drug campaign to bring the hospital, city, police, fire and school districts of Cuyahoga Falls together in a single rewards campaign aimed at kids. Organizers say it could serve as a prototype for other towns to follow.

“Drug abuse and related crime seem to be ever on the rise, and the most effective way to combat drug abuse is to head it off before it begins,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Nichols. “That’s why we’re proud to unite with Western Reserve Hospital, the city of Cuyahoga Falls, local businesses, and Woodridge Schools to accomplish a single goal: equipping children with the information and tools they need to say, ‘Not Me, I’m Drug Free!’”

With the goal of changing the lives of students, and thereby changing the future of the community, the program includes an ongoing social media campaign, yard signs, t-shirts for students and much more. By pledging to say, “Not Me, I’m Drug Free!” fourth and fifth grade students also gain access to an exclusive reward card — giving them perks on warm-weather social activities just in time for summer.

The perks of the pledge include free admission to

Water Works Family Aquatic Center, a free game of mini golf at Downview Sports Center, a free rental at Family Video and free desserts and food at various restaurants and eateries.

In late May, Mayor Don Walters, Police Chief Jack Davis, Fire Chief Paul Moledor, Woodridge Superintendent Walter Davis, Western Reserve Hospital President and CEO Dr. Robert Kent, and Dr. Nichols all spoke directly to the students at DeWitt Elementary to impress upon them the importance of saying no to drugs.

“We only have so much time to educate and inform our young citizens on the importance of leading a safe and healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Kent said. “Drug abuse is an all-too-familiar problem that we as healthcare professionals encounter daily, and the lifelong effects of heroin and meth abuse are especially devastating. It is vital that we address this issue with our youth proactively at an age when we can still impress upon them the dangers of such actions.”

Follow us at Facebook.com/NotMeDrugFree

HS Students Get Healthcare Career Head Start Thanks To Wellness Den

The Health and Wellness Den is a program that opens up opportunities for high school students to pursue their interest in medical, environment and health and wellness services. Beginning in ninth grade, students have the option to take foundational courses that lead to post-secondary education during their junior and senior years. Western Reserve Hospital is proud to partner with this program and provide ongoing assistance to area high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or health and wellness.

Lemonade Day Turns Elementary Schoolers Into Business Tycoons

Who said school can’t be fun?

When it comes to teaching young minds, any lessons that can engage their imaginations will be lessons well-learned. That’s why each year, Western Reserve hosts Lemonade Day, an event that empowers the students of Richardson Elementary with the freedom to create their own plans for a lemonade stand — and present them

before a panel of community and business leaders.

The project teaches the students valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and business ownership by introducing concepts like budgeting, setting business goals, customer service, enlisting investors and giving back to the community.

Moreover, Lemonade Day results in super refreshments. Congratulations to all of our 2014 entrepreneurs!

Metropolis Popcorn Adds Tiger Stripes To City Skyline

Summer’s Promise: Plenty of Sunshine & Growth

Western Reserve Hospital & District Prescribe Healthy Dose of Enrichment Programs

DeWitt student Jacob Capaldi listens intently as district leaders introduce the ‘Not Me, I’m Drug Free!’ Program.

Richardson 5th graders wait their turn to present their lemonade stand business plans to potential investors.

There’s never been a better time to become involved in your local schools. Go to cfalls.org and learn how you can help us deliver educational excellence in a changing world.