Schools

BHS’ Team United takes top LLS fundraising honors

Bay High School’s Team United, led by seniors Maeve Ransom and John Finley, raised more than $118,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to be named Cleveland Student Visionaries of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Northern Ohio. Team United raised these funds in just seven weeks, contributing to the more than $821,000 they and 30 other schools in Northeast Ohio raised to help fight blood cancers.

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Volume 15, Issue 6, Posted 9:24 AM, 04.04.2023

BHS Merit Semifinalist advances to Finalist standing

In October, Bay Village Schools announced that Bay High School Senior Anna Mayer was recognized as a Semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP). Bay High School Principal Jason Martin was recently notified by NMSP that Anna has advanced to Finalist standing in the 68th annual competition.

Anna is now eligible for Merit Scholarship awards totaling more than $30 million to be awarded later this spring. Anna is one of only 15,000 Finalists of the more than 1.5 million NMSP entrants.

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Volume 15, Issue 6, Posted 9:24 AM, 04.04.2023

Celebrating a state champ and other state-qualifying athletes

Bay High School celebrated a great winter sports season with a state swim champ and several state qualifiers in diving, wrestling and indoor track.

Congratulations to swimmer Nina LaRosa who won first place in the 100-yard Breaststroke at the recent 2023 Swimming & Diving State Tournament in Canton. This senior state champ broke her own school record with a time of 1:02.57. Nina also placed 6th in the State 100-yard Butterfly.

We also congratulate divers Charlie Vatolin (5th place), Bennett Bourn (21st place) and Belle Dent (24th place), who also represented Bay High School at the Canton state swimming and diving tournament.

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 10:19 AM, 03.21.2023

Demon Drama Club to perform 'Legally Blonde'

The Westlake High School spring musical, "Legally Blonde," will hit the stage for four shows beginning on Thursday, March 23. Based on the popular film starring Reese Witherspoon, the musical follows a sorority girl's attempts to overcome stereotypes.

Elle Woods appears to have it all. However, her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle perseveres and is accepted into Harvard as well. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

Performances will be held on March 23, 24, and 25 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. The Westlake Performing Arts Center is located at 27830 Hilliard Blvd.

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 10:14 AM, 03.21.2023

Westlake High School hosts annual Prom Assembly & Fashion Show

Prom season is right around the corner and the Westlake High School class of 2023 is gearing up. Fourteen boys and 14 girls participated in the annual event which showcases the latest prom fashions. Sponsored by local tuxedo and dress shops, a hair salon and a florist, the students had the opportunity to not only model dresses and tuxedos, but wear corsage and boutonniere flowers. Each of the girls had their hair done by salon staff.

Westlake's prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, and will be held at the Western Reserve Historical Society. After prom will be hosted on the same evening at Westlake's Urban Air Adventure Park.

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 10:15 AM, 03.21.2023

Bay High School earns AP Computer Science A Female Diversity Award

Bay High School has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses.

More than 1,100 institutions achieved either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science exam takers meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population during the 2021-22 school year. In 2022, Bay High School was one of 209 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A nationally, and one of 25 in the state of Ohio.

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Volume 15, Issue 4, Posted 9:55 AM, 03.07.2023

Bay High School students' creativity recognized

The 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were announced recently, and 36 Bay High School students won 60 awards in categories such as poetry, sculpture, flash fiction, photography and more. Of those 60 awards, 22 were Gold Keys, 14 were Silver Keys and 24 were Honorable Mentions. The Gold Key award is the highest honor of distinction in this competition.

Bay High School Gold Key art winners: junior Gianna Crimaldi, photography; junior Laila Florentino, photography; junior Mallory Fry, painting; senior Emilia Gulley, sculpture; freshman Martin Hausler, painting and drawing & illustration; junior Danielle Lentes, painting; sophomore Olivia McIntire, sculpture; junior Annie McMerrell, painting; freshman Sebastian Sabre, photography; senior Larson Toil, photography; and senior Emilia Ullom, painting and art portfolio. Emilia is also one of only five students in the Greater Cleveland Region nominated for an American Visions award.

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Volume 15, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 02.21.2023

WEF’s car raffle winner is lucky...again!

How lucky can one person be? Just ask Leigh Luzar. Last year, he won $250 from the Westlake Alumni Association when he purchased raffle tickets to support the Westlake Educational Foundation’s car raffle. This year, Leigh again purchased car raffle tickets and won the grand prize – a 2022 Chevy Malibu LS!

Due to the generosity of Serpentini Chevrolet of Westlake, who donated the 2022 Chevy Malibu, the Westlake Educational Foundation recently held its 3rd Annual Car Raffle.

As in prior years, the Foundation partnered with other organizations within the school district who support various aspects of Westlake student life. By promoting the raffle, Westlake Demons Athletic Boosters, Westlake Music Boosters, Westlake PTAs, and Westlake Alumni Association shared in the ticket sales proceeds. With their involvement and support, the Foundation’s third car raffle exceeded $25,000 in ticket sales proceeds.

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Volume 15, Issue 3, Posted 8:56 AM, 02.21.2023

Bay Village Board of Education names new officers

During its Jan. 10, 2023, Organizational Board Meeting, the Bay Village Board of Education elected new officers for the 2023 calendar year. Dr. Scott Schulz was voted President and Dr. Andrey Stojic was elected Vice President.

“As a Board, we are excited about the direction the district is headed with the refresh of our strategic plan and the knowledge we gained at the recent Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Capital Conference,” said President Dr. Scott Schulz. “We have an incredible team of teachers and administrators, who have a genuine passion for serving our students and community. We look forward to taking Bay Village Schools to the next level while honoring our shared values and strategic vision.”

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Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 10:09 AM, 02.07.2023

'Choice Award' showcases student artwork

Bay Village Schools Superintendent Scot Prebles has turned a corner of the Board of Education office into an art gallery. Prebles recently initiated the Superintendent’s Choice Award by selecting one piece of art from each K-12 building. The pieces were chosen from the Fall District Art Show. The pieces will be proudly displayed outside of Supt. Prebles’ office for one year. New pieces will be selected in the fall of 2023.

Congratulations to the following students and their teachers:

Normandy Elementary School
Artist: Molly Gillette
Teacher: Jama Jennings
Students learned facts about Mexico to connect them to the language they learn at Normandy. The Holiday Dia de Los Muertos is the inspiration for this piece. Molly's artwork was influenced by Amate's bark painting of Mexico.

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Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 10:09 AM, 02.07.2023

Westlake Educational Foundation awards over $30,000 in grants

At the Dec. 12 Westlake Board of Education meeting, the Westlake Educational Foundation awarded two staff grants totaling over $30,000 to support creative and innovative learning experiences in the classroom. Both grants will provide opportunities for students to expand their STEM knowledge with hands-on projects and activities and expose students to various STEM careers.

The Westlake Educational Foundation awards grants to Westlake City School teachers and staff for projects that enhance the educational opportunities and learning experiences of students over and above the required curriculum, giving special consideration to proposals that demonstrate creativity and innovation in student learning. Grants are not made for those expenses normally covered within the school district’s budget.

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Volume 15, Issue 1, Posted 9:53 AM, 01.17.2023

Kindergarten registration underway in Bay Village

If you live in Bay Village and have a student attending Kindergarten next fall, please plan to attend Normandy Elementary School’s Kindergarten Information Night on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Normandy Cafeteria. Members of the Class of 2036 must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 1.

At the Information Night, the Kindergarten registration procedure will be reviewed, and an overview of Kindergarten and Kindergarten readiness will be provided, as well as information regarding daycare, speech therapy, early entrance, transportation and volunteer opportunities. For those who cannot attend the meeting, the event will be recorded and the link will be shared, however, you are encouraged to attend in-person, if possible.

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Volume 15, Issue 1, Posted 9:54 AM, 01.17.2023

Bay band director recognized in national magazine

Bay Village Schools Band Director Darren Allen has been selected as one of SBO+ (School Band Orchestra) Magazine's 23rd Annual "50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” Allen was nominated and recognized for his work in making a difference every day for Bay Village Schools students.

Allen is one of only 50 music directors nationwide – and the only one in Ohio – to receive this distinction. He said he is humbled to represent the state of Ohio, especially "when there are so many great music educators in the state."

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Volume 15, Issue 1, Posted 9:54 AM, 01.17.2023

Bay Village Education Foundation awards grants

At the Nov. 21 Bay Village Board of Education meeting, the Bay Village Education Foundation presented three grants worth nearly $3,000 to three teachers within the Bay Village City School District.

The three teachers awarded grants are Ron Rutt, Technology Teacher at Bay High School; Jennifer Carney, Grade 3 Teacher at Westerly Elementary School; and Colin Lackey, Intervention Teacher at Bay Middle School.

"After a 2-year hiatus due to COVID, the Bay Village Education Foundation was excited to once again offer competitive grants to enhance the education of students in Bay Village Schools,” said Lisa Napoli, chairperson of Bay Village Education Foundation’s Grants and Scholarship Committee. “This year’s grant recipients are great examples of the innovative ways that Bay teachers make learning fun. The Bay Village Education Foundation is pleased to support such projects."

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Volume 14, Issue 24, Posted 11:27 AM, 12.20.2022

Westlake first-graders share their favorite family traditions

For the Observer's annual last-issue-of-the-year feature, students from Mrs. Jenny Larcey's first-grade class at Westlake Elementary School share favorite family traditions.

Have you ever tried spaghetti before? My family has a special recipe. You should try it! My family and I eat spaghetti every Thursday. Sometimes I put vegetables in my spaghetti. Sometimes I put in meatballs. Then we go to my aunt and uncle's house and my cousins and I play a game we made up called, “Families.” We take turns being the mom, sister and baby. Thursdays are the best days in my family!    
-Nuha

Do you know what Eid is? Eid is a type of holiday when you will see family and friends. You will go to the mosque to pray and after you will go home to change your clothes. Then you will go eat breakfast with your family and friends. After that when everybody has left,  you will go shopping for toys. This is my favorite family tradition! 
- Jude

What season has a lot of snow and lights with gifts? Christmas! My favorite tradition is seeing the Christmas lights on Seabury Avenue. A bunch of houses decorate with Christmas lights. We walk down Seabury with Aunt Marie, Calvin, and Uncle Mark. We use blankets and heat pouches because it is cold. We walk under arches of lights. Trees have snowy ice lights drooping down with icicles on top. Christmas is the best season!
- Henry

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Volume 14, Issue 24, Posted 11:29 AM, 12.20.2022

Bay first-graders share their favorite family traditions

For the Observer's annual last-issue-of-the-year feature, students from Mrs. Julie McArn's first-grade class at Normandy Elementary School in Bay Village share favorite family traditions.

Every holiday Christmas I think we invite our aunts and uncles to my house. Sometimes I think we play a game. And we also have some friends like my cousins over. We play sometimes. I think that’s all that I can remember.
- Anthony

Me and my mom set up the tree together. The next day is Christmas and we open our presents. We visit my grandma and grandpa and eat breakfast. I love pancakes and waffles and eggs.
- Andre’

Our tradition is setting up the Christmas tree and putting decorations on it. We go to the Santa shop. We buy presents for mom, dad, two grandmas and two grandpas. That’s it.
- Ari

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Volume 14, Issue 24, Posted 11:29 AM, 12.20.2022

Bay High School inducts 102 students into National Honor Society

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Bay High School Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) inducted 102 new members. The event marked the 83rd annual induction ceremony at Bay High School.

Membership in the National Honor Society is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a high school student. It is the recognition of outstanding performance in both the classroom and within the community. These students represent the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.

“These students truly represent the principles of scholarship, service, leadership and character,” said Kathryn Seal, Bay High School math teacher and National Honor Society advisor. “It is my privilege to serve with them as their advisor.”

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Volume 14, Issue 23, Posted 10:54 AM, 12.06.2022

27 flags honored 27 veterans at WHS annual display

Westlake Demons Athletic Boosters (WDAB) was thrilled to share its fourth annual Veterans Day Flag Display at Westlake High School. Twenty-five athletic teams from Westlake High School and Lee Burneson Middle School, along with WDAB and the Athletic Department, each planted a flag in honor of American veterans for a total of 27 flags.

Working with WDAB, each team selected a veteran to celebrate. Those recognized include service men and women from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. The students selected parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, Westlake alumni, neighbors, and friends.

“Each veteran has a connection to the Westlake athletic community,” stated Virnette House-Browning, President of Westlake Demons Athletic Boosters. “They are grandparents, neighbors, friends, uncles, aunts and some even work within the school district. They are selfless individuals and we honor their commitment to our country.”

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Volume 14, Issue 22, Posted 10:10 AM, 11.15.2022

School levy passes in Bay Village

On Nov. 8, the residents of Bay Village voted to approve Issue 3, a 7.2 mill operating levy for the Bay Village City School District.

According to the unofficial returns from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, nearly 58% of voters supported the levy.

“Our residents made our school district a priority, and for that we are very grateful,” said Paul Vincent, President of the Bay Village Board of Education.

Vincent said he and the other school board members are also grateful for the work done by the Citizens for Bay Schools volunteer levy committee.

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Volume 14, Issue 22, Posted 10:10 AM, 11.15.2022

Bay High trumpeter chosen for All-State Jazz Ensemble

Bay High School trumpet player Adam Ward was again selected for the Ohio Music Education Association’s All-State Jazz Ensemble. Ward, a high school senior, auditioned alongside top high school musicians from all over the state. This is the second year in a row he was chosen.

This year’s All-State Jazz Ensemble will rehearse in January, and then play a concert at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Convention, which takes place in Columbus this year, Feb. 2-4, 2023.

“Only five trumpet players were selected for this throughout the state, so this is exciting,” said Darren Allen, Bay High School Band Director.

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Volume 14, Issue 22, Posted 10:10 AM, 11.15.2022

Normandy School hosts playdates, webinars to ease transition to kindergarten

Being a first-time kindergarten family can be overwhelming. This year, Normandy Elementary School, Bay Village City School District’s grades K-2 building, decided to make the transition easier on students and parents with summer playdates and a monthly Lunch & Learn webinar series.

Once registered for kindergarten, Class of 2035 families had the opportunity to sign up for an optional playdate over the summer – in June or August – to attend a small-group, meet-up event. Each of the four, 60-minute playdates offered building tours, Class of 2035 T-shirts, playground playtime and a photo opportunity with their Normandy Principal Dan Sebring.

“The playdates provided an opportunity for students to see a typical kindergarten classroom and play on their school playground with some new classmates,” said Sebring. “Parents appreciated the chance to meet other parents, share knowledge and create new connections.”

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Volume 14, Issue 21, Posted 10:13 AM, 11.01.2022

League of Women Voters holding Oct. 11 forum on school funding

The Bay Village chapter of the League of Women Voters is holding a forum on school funding on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Bay Middle School library, 27725 Wolf Road. The purpose of this forum is to help voters understand how public education is funded in Ohio. The Ohio legislature and local communities share responsibility for this important endeavor.  

The forum will provide an overview of Ohio's school funding system, the challenges of ensuring that all public schools have the financial resources to provide a high quality educaton to each student, current proposals to make that happen and implications for the taxpayers of Bay Village.  

The panel of speakers includes: Susan Kaeser, education specialist with the League of Women Voters of Ohio; Matt Dolan, State Senator for District 24; Jim Betts, volunteer facilitator of the Ohio Fair Funding Plan; and Scot Prebles, Superintendent of the Bay School System. Audience Q&A will follow the presentations.

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Volume 14, Issue 19, Posted 4:20 PM, 10.04.2022

Bay Village Schools’ Glenview Center turns 40

Bay Village City School District has a lot to celebrate in 2022. Bay High School honors its centennial anniversary, the Rockettes high school drill team celebrates 60 years, Bay High Memorial Stadium turns 50 and now the Glenview Center for Child Care & Learning celebrates its 40th birthday.

The Glenview Center – home of Bay Village Schools’ “Little Rockets” – invites past and present students and staff to attend a 40th anniversary celebration during Homecoming Week, from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6. The celebration includes tours of the facility, free frozen treats from the Kona Ice Truck, balloon entertainment, photo memories and more. All are welcome to attend, and no RSVP is needed.

Alexa Davey, director of The Glenview Center, said she hopes alumni and community members will attend to show pride and support for all that Glenview has done over the past 40 years.

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Volume 14, Issue 19, Posted 11:27 AM, 10.04.2022

Bay Village Schools adds new events to Homecoming lineup

The Bay Village City School District is big on tradition, including heritage Homecoming events such as the Thursday night Bonfire and Friday Homecoming Parade (fondly known as the “candy parade” to many). A few new events have been added to the lineup this year, including a Glenview celebration and the Bay Alumni Foundation’s reveal of its new History Corridor at Bay High School, to bring even more families and residents out to celebrate Homecoming Week. Below is a complete list of events taking place throughout the week.

Thursday, Oct. 6

Bay Alumni Foundation’s New History Corridor at Bay High School, 29230 Wolf Road. This new corridor exhibit at Bay High School is open to the public from 4-6 p.m. The Bay Alumni Foundation celebrates 100 years of high school in Bay Village with this new feature.

Glenview Center’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Event, 28727 Wolf Road. From 5:30-7 p.m., Glenview Center for Child Care & Learning invites past and present Glenview students and staff to celebrate its 40th anniversary with frozen treats, balloon entertainment, photo memories and more. This event is free and open to the public.

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Volume 14, Issue 19, Posted 11:26 AM, 10.04.2022

Bay Village League of Women Voters endorses school levy

The Bay Village chapter of the League of Women Voters has unanimously endorsed the 7.2 mill Bay Village school levy on the Nov. 8 ballot. We have issued this endorsement because we believe a well-educated public is necessary for a strong democracy. We also believe that a high-quality public-school system is necessary for a high-quality community.

It is not an accident that Bay Village currently has both – it took hard work over a long period of time. Bay voters have routinely passed school levies every four years or so for our entire history. These levies are important because our community does not have a strong industrial base, nor do we get much money from the state. The citizens of Bay have shown a commitment to this school system which has been a careful steward of our tax money over many years, turning out well educated young people ready to productively move out into the world.

The Bay Village LWV encourages voters to continue investing in the future of both our children and our community by voting YES on Issue 3.

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Volume 14, Issue 19, Posted 11:28 AM, 10.04.2022

DAR donates pocket Constitutions to Bay eighth-graders

The Observance of Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23, was signed into law in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The lineage society, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution had successfully lobbied for this week in 1955. The local chapter, Martha Devotion Huntington, has provided poster and signage for this remembrance for many years. 

This year, we obtained 200 pocket-size copies of the Constitution and all the amendments to be distributed to the eighth-grade social studies classes at Bay Middle School for the entire year.  

The presentation was made by co-chairmen of Constitution Week Doris Gorgas and Jenny McKeigue, both DAR members. The faculty members are Matt Kralik and Russell Payne, both social studies and history teachers. The presentation was arranged by Robert Koon, Director of Curriculum, and Diana Harrod, Admin Assistant.

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Volume 14, Issue 18, Posted 9:29 AM, 09.20.2022

Bay Village Schools librarian honored

The Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA), Ohio’s preeminent professional association for highly effective school librarians and libraries, recently announced that Melissa Wolf, Library Media Specialist at Bay Middle School, is the recipient of the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month Award for September 2022.

The Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month award recognizes a school librarian who designs, develops and implements a collaborative lesson plan and/or programming that empowers student learning. This award spotlights the importance of both the school library community and librarian, and the pivotal role each plays in transforming learning throughout students’ K-12 education.

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Volume 14, Issue 18, Posted 9:30 AM, 09.20.2022

Public invited to coffee chats with Bay superintendent

Bay Village Schools invites all Bay Village residents to attend a Coffee Chat with Superintendent Scot Prebles. Come meet the new superintendent, ask him a question and find out more about the district’s new Be Proud To Be Bay campaign.

Community members are invited to attend these dates:

  • Thursday, Sept. 15, 7-9 a.m. at Mojo’s, 600 Dover Center Road.
  • Thursday, Oct. 13, 9-11 a.m. at The Knickerbocker Apartments, 27100 Knickerbocker Road. (Please park on Knickerbocker and call 440-871-3234, #4 to put your name at the door.)
  • Thursday, Oct. 20, 7-9 a.m. at Java Bay, 27225 Wolf Road.

If you have any questions, please call Bay Village City School District at 440-617-7300.

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Volume 14, Issue 17, Posted 9:58 AM, 09.07.2022

Bay school board announces levy

The Bay Village Board of Education has proposed a 7.2 mill levy for the public’s consideration on the Nov. 8 general election ballot that would generate $5,342,330 annually during the life of the levy.

Funds from the operating levy would be used to support programs to maintain the high level of programming Bay Village Schools offers its students. The district’s expenses have been higher than revenues for the past three years. Revenue shortfalls can be an indication of the need for additional revenue or budget cuts in order to balance the district’s budget. The last year the district had a levy on the ballot was in 2016.

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Volume 14, Issue 16, Posted 9:55 AM, 08.16.2022

Come meet new Bay Superintendent Scot Prebles

Bay Village City School District invites the community to attend a welcome reception for incoming Superintendent Scot Prebles from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Bay Middle School. The event will be held in the school's library/media center area.

Come say hello and meet Bay Village Schools' next leader in person. Light refreshments will be served.

Prebles officially started with the district on Aug. 1.

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Volume 14, Issue 15, Posted 10:07 AM, 08.02.2022

Bay Village Schools appoints local resident as Director of Curriculum and Instruction

On July 11 the Bay Village Board of Education approved the hiring of Robert Hoon as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Bay Village Schools.

A Bay Village resident, Hoon most recently served as the Director of Exceptional Students for Parma City Schools since 2019.

“I am honored to be charged with building upon the tradition of academic excellence that Bay Village Schools is known for – locally, regionally, and nationally – and that I deeply value as a member of this community,” Hoon said.

Hoon emphasized that he is enthusiastic about collaborating with key stakeholders, including teachers, students and community members to provide clarity and supportive systems within the district.

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Volume 14, Issue 14, Posted 10:32 AM, 07.19.2022

Bay Village Schools welcomes back Sean McAndrews to BMS

On July 11 the Bay Village Board of Education approved the hiring of Sean McAndrews, appointed as the next Principal of Bay Middle School. The hiring was a collaborative effort that included Interim Superintendent Char Shryock; Director of Human Resources and Operations Aaron Ereditario (most recently Bay Middle School’s principal); Incoming Bay Village Schools Superintendent Scot Prebles; a team of staff from Bay Middle School; and district leaders.

McAndrews, a familiar name and face at Bay Middle School, served as the school’s principal for 14 years, from 2005-2019.

During the interview process, McAndrews acknowledged the excellence of tradition for which Bay Middle School is known, and his plan for continuous improvement in the future, inclusive of his passion to ensure opportunities exist for all students.

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Volume 14, Issue 14, Posted 10:32 AM, 07.19.2022

Longtime Bay Schools director and interim superintendent Char Shryock to retire

Interim Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning Char Shryock is retiring from Bay Village City School District as of July 31, when her interim contract expires. The lifelong educator made the announcement at the June 27 Board of Education meeting.

“Being connected to students has been at the heart of my work, in my 34 years as an educator,” Shryock said. “I plan on seeking out new opportunities to use my experience to have a positive impact on education and students.”

Shryock has been an administrator with Bay Village Schools for 11 years, when she was appointed the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning in 2011. Prior to coming to Bay Village Schools, Shryock served the Fairview Park City Schools for nearly 22 years as a teacher, technology integration specialist, coach and curriculum leader. She started her career with Brooklyn City School district as a building substitute teacher.

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Volume 14, Issue 13, Posted 9:35 AM, 07.06.2022

District taps Bay Middle School principal for human resources, operations role

The Bay Village Board of Education voted unanimously on June 27 to confirm the appointment of Aaron Ereditario as the district’s Director of Human Resources and Operations. Ereditario currently serves as Principal of Bay Middle School. 

In his new role, Ereditario will lead the district’s personnel program and business operations. He will work out of the Board of Education office, 377 Dover Center Road. The Bay Village resident has worked for Bay Village Schools for the last 11 years, serving at Bay Middle School the last three years, and the eight years prior as Assistant Principal of Bay High School.

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Volume 14, Issue 13, Posted 9:40 AM, 07.06.2022

Summer playdates offered to incoming kindergarteners

Normandy Elementary School welcomes all Class of 2035 incoming kindergarteners and one parent to attend an informal playdate this summer to meet Principal Dan Sebring and other new Normandy Bees. This is an optional event, and you only need to sign up for one date. The two remaining playdates are: Thursday, Aug. 4, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. or Thursday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 7 p.m. Parents can register at: https://bit.ly/ClassOf2035Playdate.

The playdates take place on Normandy's "Whales" playground (on the west side of the school), or in the cafeteria if there is inclement weather. Normandy PTA members will also be onsite to answer questions and accept membership applications.

If you have any questions, please contact Normandy School at 440-617-7350, or email Principal Sebring at dan.sebring@bayk12.org.

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Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 9:59 AM, 06.21.2022

Bay High student earns associate degree before high school graduation

Bay High School senior Olivia Konschak received her associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College before she received her Bay High School diploma on May 31.

Olivia has been involved with Bay High School’s College Credit Plus program, where high school students can dually earn high school and college credits toward their degrees. Olivia is Bay High School’s only 2022 graduate to achieve such an accomplishment, enabling her to enter the Baldwin Wallace University Honors Program with Junior status this fall. Olivia plans to continue her college education there, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science. Upon graduation from BW in 2024, she plans to continue her education by working toward a Master’s in Dietetics to become a registered dietitian.

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Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 10:08 AM, 06.07.2022

Bay High seniors awarded military scholarships

BHS seniors Jack Vanderhorst and Tyler Hagerman were selected as winners of Veterans of Foreign Wars/American Legion Military Scholarships. Sponsored by VFW Post 9693 and Legion Post 385, these scholarships are awarded each year to deserving Bay High School graduating seniors who will be affiliated with the U.S. military while furthering their education.

The winners are selected on the basis of academic performance, community service, extracurricular activities, character, leadership potential, and expressed interest in military service.

Mr. Vanderhorst plans to attend the Merchant Marine Academy. Mr. Hagerman will join the Air Force Reserve and attend college after completion of his military training.

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Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 10:23 AM, 06.07.2022

Bay Village Schools honored for exemplary music program

Standards for inclusion on the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education list have increased consistently over the last 20 years, but the Bay Village City School District has once again been honored for its exemplary music program. First recognized with the distinction in 2003 – and each year since – Bay Village Schools is among just 738 districts nationwide, and 47 Ohio school districts, identified for this honor by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for 2022.

The distinction takes on added significance again this year since music education – perhaps more than any other school subject – is most affected by pandemic protocol that includes masking and social distancing.

“Music isn’t a class. For Bay Village Schools, it is our joy, and it is essential to who we are as a district,” said Char Shryock, Interim Superintendent for Bay Village Schools. “This award shows why music is a part of the lives of so many of our students.”

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Volume 14, Issue 10, Posted 9:51 AM, 05.17.2022

Westlake Tree Commission hosts Arbor Day planting

It was a bright sunny day on Friday, April 29, as Arbor Day was celebrated at Dover Intermediate School in Westlake. The students attended a tree planting ceremony celebrating the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day.

Mayor Dennis Clough; Mr. Paul Quinn III, Westlake Service Director; Stan Barnard, Westlake’s Urban Forestry Manager; and members of the Westlake Service Department and the city’s Tree Commission were there to assist with the planting of a tree. Several weeks prior to the ceremony, all fifth-grade students were invited to submit a poster explaining “Why trees are important to me!” 

Forty-nine members of the class generated a poster to enter in the annual contest. The posters were then judged by Stan Barnard, Paul Quinn III and Mary Beth Schneidler, Ken Sadd and Justin Parks, members of the Westlake Tree Commission.

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Volume 14, Issue 9, Posted 10:44 AM, 05.03.2022

Tree planting honors Bay High centennial, Arbor Day

The Bay High School centennial celebration continues!

Bay High School, the Bay Alumni Foundation, the city of Bay Village and the Bay Village Green Team have joined forces to celebrate Arbor Day and 100 years of Bay High School with a tree planting dedication ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, at 4:30 p.m. at Bay High School, 29230 Wolf Road. This event is open to the public.

To celebrate 100 years of high school in Bay Village, an approximately 5-foot, white oak tree will be planted in the front lawn area of Bay High School. A plaque will also be placed at the site that explains the significance of the tree.

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Volume 14, Issue 9, Posted 10:34 AM, 05.03.2022