Sunday, November 28, 2010

Board Update

Good Evening:

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!


LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

On November 24th, I held my Monthly Constituent Coffee at the French Quarter Café. I just wanted to thank those who stopped by to give me their feedback. I hold these monthly coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. I will keep you posted when my next monthly coffee in December will be.

THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

This week there are various meetings and events.

City Recreation Board Meeting on November 30th at 6pm @ City Hall, 13834 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

PJ Service Project
Brownie Girls Scout Troop 1084 and Royal View Elementary School, from the school guidance office, are partnering with a national program, the Pajama Project, to provide NEW pajamas to children-in-need, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted, or are homeless and living in shelters. Some of these youngsters have been abused or abandoned and in many cases, have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a loving mother or father tuck them in at bedtime. Through this service project, the hope is to contribute to a warmer, more loving environment for children when they are at their most vulnerable. Some of the local receiving organizations who will receive the pajamas include: the Cleveland Christian Home; local domestic violence; homeless; and children’s shelters; and the local Red Cross. Donation guidelines: Pajamas must be NEW! All sizes are needed – don’t forget the older children! Please provide complete sets of pajamas. Financial donations or Gift Cards are always welcome; please ensure these get to Counseling Office. All donated items may be placed under the Holiday Tree in the lobby at Royal View Elementary School from November 29-December 16. Please do NOT gift wrap the items. For more information, please contact Troop Leader Victoria Kress at victoriaekress@gmail.com.

Make a donation to the North Royalton Food Bank
For anyone that would like to donate food to the North Royalton Food Bank, you can take it directly to the Food Bank at 14900 State Road on the following Thursdays between the hours of 10am-Noon: December 2, December 9 and December 16. Volunteers will be there to assist you.

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Weekly E-mail Updates
If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my weekly e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. Or if they like they can sign up on the homepage of my website at www.danlangshaw.com


Have a Great Week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Monthly Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw

If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are
invited to attend my monthly constituent coffee. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me.

The next coffee will be held on:

When: November 24, 2010

Time: 6pm-8pm

Where: French Quarter Cafe
5540 Wallings Rd.
North Royalton, OH 44133

If you have any questions, please contact me at 440-596-0078 or email me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Board Update

Good Evening:

This week on Wednesday, November 24th I will be having my next monthly constituent coffee at the French Quarter Café located at 5540 Wallings Road in North Royalton from 6pm to 8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. Hope to see you there!

LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

The School Board met on November 17th for its’ November Regular School Board Meeting. The board had a few special guests at its’ meeting such as acknowledging Director of Curriculum & Instruction Bruce Bradley on being named the Outstanding Adjutant Professor for his previous work at Ashland University. A few high school students were recognized for being National Merit Finalist. Also one of the high school science teachers was recognized for being awarded a $500 dollar grant to use solar panels for a class greenhouse project. Each member of the Board gave a report on what new things they learned at the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference that was held in Columbus earlier this month. The Board approved the district’s Five-Year Forecast and Five-Year Forecast Assumptions. In addition the Board approved various appropriation adjustments. Also the Board approved participation with the educational service center of Cuyahoga County for the 2010-2011 school year. The Board also approved the resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, and various staff appointments. The Board went into executive session to discuss the employment of personnel and completed the evaluation of the district’s treasurer. The Board approved also various other agenda items, and such other matters that came before the Board.

Attended the SCENE (School Community Exchange Night for Education) on November 18th at the Middle School. SCENE is an informal opportunity for questions and answers about our North Royalton City School District. This months SCENE we were treated to a brief performance by the NRMS Jazz Band and 8th Grade Choir. Superintendent Ed Vittardi gave an update about the district’s business partnership program and business advisory council. Middle School Principal Kirk Pavelich gave an update about all the fun things going on at the middle school.

Attended the High School Fall Sports Recognition Night on November 18th. All the student athletes who participated in Football, Cheerleading, Volleyball, and Athletic Training were recognized for all their achievements both on and off the field. Congrats to all our student athletes on their great achievements!!!

The North Royalton Stadium Foundation and the North Royalton City School District announced on November 19th that Serpentini Chevrolet has purchased the naming rights to the stadium for $100,000. The field will still be named Gibson Field, after former North Royalton City School’s principal Chuck Gibson. The NRSF has now raised over $500,000 in contributions and pledges toward its’ goal. As a former high school athlete, NRHS Alumnus, and now as a Member of the North Royalton School Board, I just want to thank all those who have made donations to this project so far and look forward to ensuring we get this done for our entire community to enjoy! I have included a link to the official press release if you like more information.
http://www.northroyaltonsd.org/public/files/stadiumfoundationpressrelease.pdf?PHPSESSID=4f337a0812262efebd86d1c6c70478ab

On November 20th I volunteered at the North Royalton Food Bank and assisted with this years distribution of Thanksgiving Care Boxes of food for the families needing assistance this Thanksgiving! Thank you to all those in the community who have made very generous donations to the Food Bank! For anyone that would like to donate food to the North Royalton Food Bank, you can take it directly to the Food Bank at 14900 State Road on the following Thursdays between the hours of 10am-Noon: December 2, December 9 and December 16. Volunteers will be there to assist you.

On November 20th the North Royalton Football players sponsor the Stuff The Bus Event for the Coats for Kids drive at the Board of Education Office. The North Royalton High School football team stuffed an entire bus with new and gently-worn coats for kids this winter. The players were also featured on Channel 3 news. Here is a clip:
http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?aid=111840#/Local+News/North+Royalton+football+players+sponsor+Coats+for+Kids+Drive/52842945001/52747301001/682473585001

Attended the North Royalton Athletic Boosters 12th Annual Night at the Races at the Strongsville Recreation Center on evening of November 20th. It was a great fun filled night that brought in several thousand dollars for the boosters to continue the great work that they do for our student athletes. Special thanks to the NRAB for putting on such a great event!!!!

Talk begins on next state budget continues!
This week was more discussion around the state about the upcoming state budget. Here is a recent update from the Ohio School Boards Association:

State Budget Update from OSBA

This past weekend, Ohio House Speaker-designee Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) and probable Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) appeared on "Capitol Square" on the Ohio News Network. During an interview on the next state budget, Batchelder and Niehaus indicated the probability of a 15-20% cut in state spending for a variety of state expenditures, including primary and secondary education. It is unclear at this point how the federal stimulus money figures into any such calculation, and both legislative leaders indicated that they are not in favor of any across-the-board cuts, but instead favor an analysis by department and agency.

OSBA, BASA and OASBO are committed to keeping their members as informed as possible during these difficult times. In passing along this information, it is important to note that we are very early in the process. Governor-elect John Kasich, Batchelder and Niehaus have not even taken office. However, it is important that they are working on this issue early. We are very aware that many districts must make May ballot decisions by early February and the amount of state funding is a key element in that decision. Therefore, we will continue to monitor the situation and make you aware of key information.

THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

This week there are various meetings and events.

Monthly Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee on November 24th at the French Quarter Café located at 5540 Wallings Road in North Royalton from 6pm to 8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. Hope to see you there!

November 25th-26th Thanksgiving Break--NO SCHOOL. School resumes back on Monday, November 29th.

Make a donation to the North Royalton Food Bank
For anyone that would like to donate food to the North Royalton Food Bank, you can take it directly to the Food Bank at 14900 State Road on the following Thursdays between the hours of 10am-Noon: December 2, December 9 and December 16. Volunteers will be there to assist you.

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Weekly E-mail Updates
If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my weekly e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. Or if they like they can sign up on the homepage of my website at www.danlangshaw.com


Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”

Friday, November 19, 2010

Great News for Stadium Project!!!!!!!



The North Royalton Stadium Foundation and the North Royalton City School District announced today that Serpentini Chevrolet has purchased the naming rights to the stadium for $100,000. The field will still be named Gibson Field, after former North Royalton City School’s principal Chuck Gibson. The NRSF has now raised over $500,000 in contributions and pledges toward its’ goal. As a former high school athlete, NRHS Alumnus, and now as a Member of the North Royalton School Board, I just want to thank all those who have made donations to this project so far and look forward to ensuring we get this done for our entire community to enjoy! I have included below the official press release that gives much more information. Great things happening in the North Royalton School District!

GO BEARS!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”

NORTH ROYALTON STADIUM FOUNDATION
NORTH ROYALTON CITY SCHOOLS
Press Release

Serpentini Chevrolet Takes the Driver’s Seat
in the Naming of the North Royalton Schools Stadium

The North Royalton Stadium Foundation hosted an exciting press conference on Friday, November 19 at 9:30 am at the North Royalton City Schools stadium. The Foundation and the North Royalton City School District announced that Serpentini Chevrolet has purchased the naming rights to the stadium for $100,000. The field will still be named Gibson Field, after former North Royalton City School’s principal Chuck Gibson.

“In 1997, the North Royalton field was named in Chuck Gibson’s honor. Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium, home of Gibson Field, has moved closer to the goal of being the host to more than just football. Chuck was and is a great supporter of the three A’s: Academics, Athletics, and Arts all of which are part of the stadium plan,” said Ed Vittardi, Superintendent, North Royalton City Schools. “Now, with Bob Serpentini and Serpentini Chevrolet’s commitment to our stadium project, we are one step closer to being the host to more than 200 events a year. Soccer will again return to the field, along with track meets, band competitions, youth athletics, community events, and so much more.”

At the press conference, foundation chairperson Larry Vasil thanked the contributors to the project thus far which has raised in contributions more than $500,000. “What a successful five months it has been,” said Vasil. “Our plan is aggressive, but our community is strong and supportive. That is evident with the large amount of donations that we have received.”

He also showed his appreciation to some of those $10,000 and higher donors. They include:

Southern Hills Youth Football
North Royalton Athletic Boosters
North Royalton Soccer Club
Richard Pilat Insurance
Pete Ragone Family, Rushmore Construction
Jocko’s
Larry Vasil Family
Tina Stopar Insurance
Pinzone Financial Services
Royalton Music Center

Parma Community General Hospital has also signed on as a significant sponsor and partner in the project.

The stadium also will be the home field for Holy Name High School beginning next school year.

The goal of the North Royalton Stadium Foundation is to raise the necessary funds allowing the construction of the turf and track to be completed before the 2011 fall sports season. “This is very exciting news for the entire North Royalton school community as the North Royalton Stadium Foundation approaches the exciting possibilities of our "new" community stadium,” said Vittardi.

The North Royalton Stadium Foundation board members consist of Larry Vasil, Chairman; Ed Vittardi, President, George Heinemann, Vice-President; Barry Ezell and Charlie Weible, Co-Treasurers; and Kathy Tomaro, Secretary

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Update on the State Budget from the Ohio School Boards Association

BUDGET UPDATE

This past weekend, Ohio House Speaker-designee Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) and probable Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) appeared on "Capitol Square" on the Ohio News Network. During an interview on the next state budget, Batchelder and Niehaus indicated the probability of a 15-20% cut in state spending for a variety of state expenditures, including primary and secondary education. It is unclear at this point how the federal stimulus money figures into any such calculation, and both legislative leaders indicated that they are not in favor of any across-the-board cuts, but instead favor an analysis by department and agency.

OSBA, BASA and OASBO are committed to keeping their members as informed as possible during these difficult times. In passing along this information, it is important to note that we are very early in the process. Governor-elect John Kasich, Batchelder and Niehaus have not even taken office. However, it is important that they are working on this issue early. We are very aware that many districts must make May ballot decisions by early February and the amount of state funding is a key element in that decision. Therefore, we will continue to monitor the situation and make you aware of key information.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Board Update

Good Afternoon:

If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my weekly e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. Or if they like they can sign up on the homepage of my website at www.danlangshaw.com

LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

On November 11th attended Valley Vista Elementary School’s Veterans Day Celebration. Students and staff recognized Veterans in the community through nice patriotic songs and presentations to honor their service to our nation. Ms. Jan Merrick and Mrs. Presot gave a presentation on the Honor Flight program which Valley Vista has been raising money in order to give WWII Veterans in the Cleveland area an opportunity to fly them to Washington, DC to see the WWII Memorial that is dedicated in their honor. Present at the event was one of the WWII Veterans who was able to go to the memorial last year because of the generosity of our great students and staff at Valley Vista through their donations to this program. On a personal note being a US Army Veteran, I was extremely touched by what a great job Valley Vista did to honor veterans in our community. Again thank you to all those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military! If you like to learn more about Honor Flight Cleveland you can check out their website at: http://honorflightcleveland.com/index.php




The School Board met on November 11th for its’ Board Work Session. The Board got an update on the status of the fundraising efforts for the stadium project. The district will use a grant to study ways to improve efficiency of central office staff. Work on the district’s new website is coming along. Treasurer Mcintosh provided the board with copies of the district’s 5 year forecast. As a result of the recent political changes in Ohio and the $6-$8 billion dollar hole to fill in the next state budget, the district will be much more conservative with our own budget and filling future openings in personnel. The Board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters. The Board also completed its’ evaluation of the Superintendent. The Board reviewed the November Regular Meeting agenda items, and such other matters that came before the Board.

Talk begins on next state budget!
This week there was a lot of discussion around the state about the upcoming state budget and what it means for funding education here in Ohio. I am not going to lie this next state budget is going to be extremely rough and it is important that we are all actively engaged in the process to ensure that state funding for education is not cut! This will be something you will be hearing much more about in the next several months and I will keep you all posted. Below are two articles that I found very interesting and wanted to share with you:

Plain Dealer: Ohio Voters turn down tax hikes for schools, while state cuts loom
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/11/ohio_voters_turn_down_tax_hike.html

Columbus Dispatch: Schools unlikely to escape budget ax
http://blog.dispatch.com/dailybriefing/2010/11/schools_unlikely_to_escape_bud.shtml

Winter Weather FYI
As the weather is quickly changing towards winter, please remember that it is policy that all children must be at their designated bus stop ready to board the bus at least five (5) minutes prior to their pick up time, even in rain and snow conditions. If your child is not out waiting at his/her designated stop when the bus arrives, it will unfortunately continue on and will not be able to make a return trip. Students cannot be waiting in garages or cars, but must be visible at their stop ready to board. This policy was established for safety reasons as well as to make the routes run as efficient as possible. If the bus is constantly being held one or two minutes for students who are running up the street or not waiting at their designated stop ready to board, it adds unneeded additional time to the run and forces those children who are out on time to wait longer than what is necessary.
Click here: http://www.northroyaltonsd.org/public/files/winterreminders.pdf to read the letter from our transportation department.

THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

This week there are various meetings and events.

November Regular School Board Meeting on November 17th at 7pm @ NRHS Community Rm, 14713 Ridge Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133.

Stuff The Bus Event
Sponsored by the North Royalton High School Football Players. Please help the NRHS Football Team stuff the school bus with gently worn coats and cash to benefit the kids of Northeast Ohio on Saturday, November 20, 2010 9:00am– 2:00pm @ North Royalton Board Of Education, 6579 Royalton Road. If you have any questions please call 440-610-3412.

Monthly Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee on November 24th at the French Quarter Café located at 5540 Wallings Road in North Royalton from 6pm to 8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. Hope to see you there!

Make a donation to the North Royalton Food Bank
For anyone that would like to donate food to the North Royalton Food Bank, you can take it directly to the Food Bank at 14900 State Road on the following Thursdays between the hours of 10am-Noon: November 11, November 18, December 2, December 9 and December 16. Volunteers will be there to assist you.

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Have a Great Week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Board Update



Good Evening:

Wow, it is hard to believe it is already November. Soon it will be Thanksgiving and then before you know it will be Christmas. This week was a lot fun with the first Health, Wellness & Community Expo that was held yesterday at North Royalton High School! Hopeful you all had a chance to check it out and learn something new.

LAST WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

On November 1st attended City Earth Energy Environment Committee Meeting. The city’s recycling program is doing well and participation continues to rise. Ace Hardware has sold out of the blue bins for recycling. They are expected to receive a new order of bins that should be available sometime on November 15th. The committee received news that Town Planner will not be printed in 2011. The person who holds the franchise for North Royalton is unable to print the Planner in 2011. So instead the city will be doing an insert in the Royalton Recorder to provide residents with information about the city’s recycling rules. This insert is paid for by a county grant the city received. I have also attached a copy of the rules to this e-mail. The committee was also informed that the city received a grant of $287,000 from Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council to make the city’s police station more energy efficient. The improvements are expected to help save the city $10,000 annually based on current utility rates. The next EEE Committee meeting will sometime next year in early January or February.

On November 4th attended the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center’s twelfth annual joint board dinner. The event was held at the CVCC’s Valley Inn Restaurant, and the dinner was prepared by the culinary arts students who did an amazing job! CVCC Superintendent Roscoe Schlachter gave a presentation on some of the great things happening at the vocational center and introduced some of the great staff teaching our students. There was also a presentation by the Construction Trades program that detailed some of the neat new green building technologies our students are learning. Some students from the program were selected to participate in ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover TV show, where students were able to put what they learned in the classroom into practice in real life by helping a Maple Heights family building the home of their dreams. We are very lucky that our vocational students are able to attend a great place like the CVCC!

On November 6th the North Royalton City Schools in cooperation with the City of North Royalton and Sports Rehabilitation Consultants hosted the first Community Health and Wellness Expo. The event was held at North Royalton High School where there was a health, wellness and community fair. People were treated to the entertainment of Island Jeff’s Steel Drum Show courtesy of Jeff Cavallo. There were health screenings, wellness presentations; various healthcare, business & civic organizations exhibitor displays; healthy food samplings; and Blood Drive by the American Red Cross. Early in the morning the city of North Royalton held their 10th Annual 5k Bear Run! In addition the elementary schools had their 2nd annual Turkey Trot/Walk at the Stadium Track which benefits the North Royalton/Kiwanis Food Bank. My knee was acting up and I was sadly unable to do the bear run this year but I did enjoy doing the Turkey Trot Walk with our elementary school students, staff, and parents. Hopefully next year I will be able to do the 5k bear run! Again thank you to all those who came out to this great joint community and school district event!

Attended the Ohio School Boards Association’s Early Bird Workshop on November 7th down in Columbus as part of their Capital Conference. The keynote speaker for the early bird workshop was Alan November, an international leader in educational technology, has been director of an alternative high school, computer coordinator, technology consultant, and university lecturer. His ideas on global communication, and ways increase technology into the classroom were very interesting and informative.

Winter Weather FYI
As the weather is quickly changing towards winter, please remember that it is policy that all children must be at their designated bus stop ready to board the bus at least five (5) minutes prior to their pick up time, even in rain and snow conditions. If your child is not out waiting at his/her designated stop when the bus arrives, it will unfortunately continue on and will not be able to make a return trip. Students cannot be waiting in garages or cars, but must be visible at their stop ready to board. This policy was established for safety reasons as well as to make the routes run as efficient as possible. If the bus is constantly being held one or two minutes for students who are running up the street or not waiting at their designated stop ready to board, it adds unneeded additional time to the run and forces those children who are out on time to wait longer than what is necessary.
Click here: http://www.northroyaltonsd.org/public/files/winterreminders.pdf to read the letter from our transportation department.


NRHS Alumni Bell Tower Project Update
Great news the patio bricks at the bell tower are all laid. There is some landscaping left to do next year, but the project is complete! If in the area please stop up and look. The Alumni association is still selling bricks - $50 (3 lines 20 spaces each line) and $100 (6 lines with 20 spaces per line). If you have purchased a brick on the patio and it is incorrect please let them know and they can replace it for you. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call.


THIS WEEK IN YOUR SCHOOL BOARD

This week there are various meetings and events.

Daylight Savings Time
Please remember to set your clocks Back (remember - fall back) at 2AM on Sunday, November 7 if you haven’t done so already. This is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Veterans Day is this Thursday, November 11th. Veterans Day is a celebration to honor all those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military. We also honor those heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the protecting the freedoms we all enjoy each and every day as Americans by giving up their lives so we could be free! So if you have a family member, friend, neighbor, or just see a veteran in the community; please take the time to thank them for their service to this great nation! On a personal level, as a U.S. Army Veteran, I would also ask you please keep in your thoughts and prayers my battle buddies who are currently serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan at this time! Thank you!

The School Board will meet on November 11th for its’ Board Work Session at 6pm @ the North Royalton Board of Education Office Conference Room, 6579 Royalton Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133. The Board will be reviewing the November Regular Meeting agenda items, and such other matters that may come before the Board.

Monthly Coffee with School Board Member Dan Langshaw
If you are a constituent living in the North Royalton School District, you are invited to attend my next monthly constituent coffee on November 24th at the French Quarter Café located at 5540 Wallings Road in North Royalton from 6pm to 8pm. I hold these coffees in order to stay in touch with fellow residents and listen to their feedback one on one. There is no appointment necessary. Simply stop by and talk to me. Hope to see you there!

My Contact Info
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me at call at 440-596-0078 or e-mail me at dan.langshaw@northroyaltonsd.org.

Weekly E-mail Updates
If you have any friends or neighbors who would like to receive my weekly e-mail updates please let me know and I will be sure to add them to my e-mail list. Or if they like they can sign up on the homepage of my website at www.danlangshaw.com


Have a Great Week!

Dan Langshaw
North Royalton School Board Member
440-596-0078
www.danlangshaw.com

“Putting Students First”