Superintendent's Weekly Newsletters & Reports
May 24, 2013
The countdown continues – only 7 more school days left this year! I would first like to congratulate our seniors, who will celebrate their graduation day next Friday, May 31 at 7pm at First Baptist Church in Elyria.
This year also marks the retirement of many talented and dedicated teachers at Keystone. Principal Mr. Thomas Clary, Vice Principal Mr. Darryl Graves, Guidance Counselor Linda Bache, Family and Consumer Science Teacher Gayle Gatzke, and Business Teacher Karen Sprague are all retiring from the high school this year. In addition, Middle School Science Teacher and Athletic Director Mr. Dave Cross, Mrs. Jennifer Trakas, KHS/KMS Music Director, and District Nurse Mrs. Shirley Burrer are also retiring. From all of the staff and students and Keystone – thank you for your years of service to our district.
In athletic news, the high school baseball team held off Elyria Catholic, 7-6 in the Division III district championship game which allowed them to advance to the Massillon regional for the third consecutive year. By winning this game, they advanced to the Sweet 16 and will play Youngstown Ursuline at Massillon Washington High School on May 30 at 2pm.
The high school girls track team competed yesterday at Midview for the preliminary district competition. The 4x200 meter relay team of Brittany Gates, Nicole Tuttle, Beth Plas, and Emily Peters and the 4x100 meter relay team of Brittany Gates, Nicole Tuttle, Jenna Plas, and Emily Peters advanced to the district finals, taking place this Saturday. Emily Peters will also compete at the district finals in 200 meter dash. Jenna Quillen qualified for the regional competition in high jump. Congratulations students!
The middle school is holding STEM day on Tuesday, May 28. During the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) celebration, the students will be creating an air propelled car. They will be joined by two engineers who will judge their designs and make it to the finals. Good luck students and great job to technology teacher Mrs. Jacki Daymut.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend as we remember all those who have served in honor of our country.
May 17, 2013
The countdown continues! Only 12 more days of school remain in the 2013 school year! I would like to thank all of the staff and parents who worked hard to make this year’s prom and after-prom a success! Your dedication is truly appreciated. In other high school news, the Keystone Kabaret is tonight and tomorrow night – good luck choir students! The KHS all-school awards program will be held on Thursday, May 23 from 7:45-10am in the gym. I encourage you to attend and congratulate students on their academic success.
In athletic news, the KHS baseball team won their game Wednesday and will play Clearview next Tuesday at CCC West at 6:30pm. The softball team won last night and will play again next Wednesday at Lagrange Community Park at 4:30pm.
Congratulations to the KHS girls’ track team as they won their sixth consecutive PAC championship last night. Individual honors include Brittany Gates, who won the long jump for 4th consecutive year; Jenna Quillen, who won the numerous races in record time; Emily Peters, who won the 100m & 200m sprints; Shannon Wargo, who won on the 1600m and 3200m; the 4x100m relay team of Nikki Tuttle, Emily Peters, Jenna Quilen; the 4x200m relay team of Gates, Tuttle, Peters, and Beth Plas; and Lauren Kingsboro, who won pole vault and set a new school record. The boys finished 6th and had two champions: Ben Gawen in the pole vault and Tyler Gandee in discuss. Great job athletes!
In middle school news, I would like to wish all attendees of tonight’s eighth grade graduation dance a great time! Thanks to the hard work of both fundraising and planning of the PTA, this and many other events are made possible for our students. Middle school upcoming events include the seventh & eighth grade choir concert on May 21 at 7pm, the sixth grade choir concert May 23 at 7pm, and the fifth and sixth grade band concert on May 30 at 7pm. Hope to see you there!
Congratulations to the elementary school on a successful Right to Read week! This week-long program is sponsored by the Ohio Council of the International Reading Association. The purpose of the week is to stress the importance of reading in society and foster a lifelong love of reading. In addition, it acts as a way to unite the community. There were many events held at KES in celebration of this week: visits from reading therapy dogs, special presentations from a dog sled competitor, and individual and class literacy goals. Thanks to all KES staff and PTA volunteers who made Right to Read week a success!
Have a great weekend KLSD!
May 10, 2013
The countdown has begun! There are only 17 days left in this school year! All of our schools are making the most of the time left, continuing to work academically and in extracurricular programs and athletic events.
First, I would like to recognize the generosity of the surrounding community at our recent senior scholarship night. Local residents, alumni, organizations, and businesses financially contributed over $50,000 in scholarship funds to Keystone seniors this year. A list of the donors is provided on our website and will be extensively covered in the upcoming graduate edition of the Keystonian.
In music news, the Keystone High School Symphonic Choir earned the highly coveted Superior ratings at the Ohio Music Education Association's District Choral Event. The choir performed on Saturday, May 4th at the Northeastern Ohio Region State Choral Event and earned "Superior" ratings there as well. I would like to recognize the hard work and diligence of choir director Jenny Trakas. Her dedication is truly appreciated. Keystone Kabaret is also taking place next weekend, and the event is sure to be a success.
In athletic news, the softball and baseball teams continue to dominate the diamond, and the high school’s track team is impressive with their outstanding run times and dedication to their sport. I encourage you to attend these events and encourage our athletes.
Additional upcoming events and programs include prom on May 11, followed by after-prom, grades 7-12 and Jazz Kats Concert on May 16, 8th grade graduation dance on May 17, Keystone Kabaret on May 17 and 18, grades 7-8 choir concert on May 21, grade 6 choir concert on May 23, grades 5-6 band concert on May 30, and graduation on May 31.
Have a great weekend KLSD!
May 3, 2013
It’s hard to believe, but there are only 22 days of school left this year, and they will certainly prove to be busy for both students and staff. Spring sport athletes are experiencing success and I encourage you to attend baseball and softball games and track meets.
Keystone Elementary School students will be celebrating “Right to Read Week” from May 6 through May 10. In other elementary school news, the first grade spring musical will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 7pm in the former KMS gym (Liberty Street).
Middle school students did a great job this week on their Ohio Achievement Assessments. Both students and staff worked hard to prepare for these assessments and should be commended on their effort.
High school sophomores are getting excited for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C next week. I would like to thank social studies teacher Mr. Schuster for planning and organizing this event. The KHS prom will also be taking place next week on Saturday, May 11 at 6pm at the Galleria in downtown Cleveland, to be followed by the After Prom party at KHS from 12-3am. Please encourage your child to exercise safe and responsible behavior at these events. Lastly, the annual Keystone Kabaret will be held on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. I would like to thank Mrs. Trakas and her students for all of their work on this event.
Next week is staff appreciation week. Be sure to thank a staff member for all they do to make Keystone a great district! Have a great weekend KLSD!
April 26, 2013
I would like to thank everyone who participated in yesterday’s annual Senior Citizens’ Breakfast. Sponsored by the KHS Youth-4-Youth organization and the FCCLA, the event recognizes our community senior citizens and offers them a free breakfast, to be made and served by high school students. I would also like to thank FCCLA Advisor Gayle Gatzke and Y4Y Advisor Jordan Andrews for all of their hard work in organizing this event.
In elementary and middle school news, the Ohio Achievement Assessments will be given the week of April 29. Please see the schedule below for specific testing dates and subjects.
Mon, April 29 Tues, April 30 Wed, May 1 Thurs, May 2
3rd & 5th Reading 4th Reading 3rd & 5th Math 4th Math
6th-8th Reading 6-8th Math 8th Science 5th Science
I know the hard work of the teachers and students will be exemplified in these state assessments.
Also, I’m sure you’re all wondering when the landscaping will be finished at the middle school. As soon as it stops raining long enough for them to get in they will be out to finish their part of the contract.
Lastly, I hope you are all planning to attend the KMS Drama Club Production called "Teen Traumas" on Tuesday May 7 at 7pm at the KMS Cafetorium. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults - $2.00, Students - $1.00, Pre-Schoolers – free. Hope to see you there!
April 19, 2013
Open enrollment for Keystone Elementary, Middle, and High School for the 2013-2014 school year is in progress now! Please contact Christine Rider at the Board of Education Office at christine.rider@keystone.k12.oh.us or at 440-355-5131 for more information.
The annual senior citizens' breakfast will be held at Keystone High School on Thursday, April 25 from 9-10:30am. Any area senior citizen is invited to attend and enjoy a free breakfast, hosed by the FCCLA and Youth-4-Youth organization. Please call the high school at 440-355-5132 by Monday, April 22 to RSVP.
Plan to support students in the KHS FCCLA by collecting items for their “Project Freedom” donation drive. Items collected from this drive will be given to military men and women. The FCCLA is requesting items like toothbrushes, body wash, suntan lotion, books, movies, word searches, notebooks, etc. To donate, simply drop off items in Ms. Gatzke’s, KHS Consumer Science Teacher, room from April 22 to April 26.
Lastly, the KES and KMS/KHS PTA’s are busy with upcoming events. The KES PTA is hosting their annual book fair, art display, and talent show on Saturday, April 27 from 10am-2pm in the KES lobby and gym. Please plan to attend! The KMS/KHS PTA is holding a Spring Bulb Sale fundraiser from April 26 to May 8. More information can be found on our website or at your child’s school office.
Have a great weekend KLSD!
April 12, 2013
I hope all of you had a great spring break! Our athletes were busy over the vacation, and our softball team reached quite an achievement as they became the first softball program in the state to win 800 games. Congratulations to the team members as well as Coach Jim Piazza.
Plan to attend the spring musical tonight, Friday, April 12 at 7pm or tomorrow, Saturday, April 13 at 2pm or 7pm. The KHS students have been working very hard, and their performance is sure to impress!
I would also like to remind you that open enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year begins this Monday, April 15. Please contact Christine Rider at the Board of Education Office at christine.rider@keystone.k12.oh.us or at 440-355-5131 with any questions.
Lastly, I would like to inform you that the Administrative team along with local officials and law enforcement will be taking part in a new Critical Incident training called ALICE. The acronym stands for ALERT, LOCKDOWN, INFORM, COUNTER, EVACUATE. It is an enhanced version of the current lockdown procedure and takes into account the realities of the day and age we live in. We will be introducing this to all staff during the In-Service in June and providing training for them in August before we return to school for the 2013-2014 school year.
Have a great weekend!