NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
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CLEVELAND, OHIO
Permit No. 3344
Independence
Board of Education
A PUBLICATION OF INDEPENDENCE LOCAL SCHOOLS FALL 2011
7733 Stone Road
Independence, OH 44131
A Brand New Beginning for the More Than
Independence Public Schools
Board of Education 1,100 Students of Independence Local Schools
Jerry Narduzzi, President
Lynne Laski, Vice President
T he Independence Community will have
an opportunity to continue its investment
in keeping the Independence Local School
Anthony Avila
District’s school buildings and grounds safe and
Russell Fortlage
competitive for student learning on November 8,
Kathleen Kapusta
2011. The Board of Education has put on
the ballot a renewal of its 1.25 mill Permanent
Steve Marlow, Superintendent
Improvement Levy. This is only a renewal and
will NOT increase taxes. The levy will last five
years.
According to state law, the funds derived from
Independence Primary Sch
this Permanent Improvement Levy may only be first day of school with Sup
ool students are all smiles
on the
used to maintain, improve, or replace equipment erintendent Steve Marlow
Special thanks to DigiCom in Independence for a reduced printing cost. It is a 30% savings in cost of previous issues, after color enhancements.
or building facilities and grounds; they may also
be used for textbooks and related teaching meet to prioritize the projects and determine
You have seen him on Oprah. You have heard him on PBS. materials having a five-year life span. The funds which can be accomplished with the funding
Now, see him in person and learn about “RealAge and You” cannot be used for general operating expenses available.
or staff salaries.
Community Health Fair and Presentation featuring Many of the capital improvements on the horizon
The district’s capital fund supported by the for Independence Schools include efforts to
Dr. Michael Roizen Chief Wellness Officer, Cleveland Clinic Permanent Improvement Levy is a critical improve the exterior and interior of our facilities.
component of academic success. The Improvements include:
Saturday, November 12, 2011 community’s continued support of the capital • roof replacements and repairs,
• middle school window replacement,
Health Fair 8–10:30 a.m. | Health Talk 11 a.m.–1 p.m. fund, since the early 1970’s, demonstrates
• concrete and asphalt replacement,
Independence High School the value Independence residents place on • HVAC equipment repairs,
6001 Archwood Drive, Independence, Ohio education. • computers, network servers and software replacements.
Please RSVP to:
Cuyahoga County Public Library, Independence Branch At a time of unparalleled uncertainly in school
funding in Ohio, permanent improvement dollars
216/447-1300 or www.cuyahogalibrary.org
enable the district to ensure that the school
Independence Local Schools
Seating for the health talk is limited.
buildings and learning environments are safe and Ranked “Excellent” Once Again
Sponsored by: Cleveland Clinic, the City of Independence, Medical Mutual, Fedeli Group,
Independence Local Schools and the Cuyahoga County Public Library well maintained. on Local Report Card
The Permanent Improvement Levy enables The 2010-2011 Ohio Department of Education’s
Thank you to our Business/School Partnerships the district to plan and schedule necessary “Local Report Card” for Independence Local
Is your company, maintenance to its four buildings, just as a Schools ranked the district as “EXCELLENT”
business, or homeowner needs to make needed repairs for meeting the state’s criteria on 26 of
organization interested and updates to their own home. Each year in the 26 indicators. This marks the district’s
in partnering with our December, the building administrators submit eighth consecutive “EXCELLENT” score.
school district? Call a list of possible projects for the next year, Congratulations to our students, teachers,
216/642-5850 for more each aligned with the goals of the district’s parents, staff and community for supporting
information. strategic plan. Then in January, the district’s the highest quality of education we can give the
administrative staff and the Board of Education children of Independence.
Independence Local Schools WEB Leaders Welcome Fifth Graders to I.M.S.
Permanent Improvement (P.I.) Renewal/NO NEW TAXES
Please Vote November 8, 2011 I n August, new students to the district, as well as all
incoming fifth graders, received a friendly phone call. It
wasn’t from their teacher or principal, but an eighth grade
activities
encouraged
getting
Continued from Page 1 student trained to be a “WEB” Leader, reminding them to know
about orientation and welcoming them to a new school everyone,
Maintaining our transportation fleet is imperative to student safety. year. teamwork,
Replacing aging buses is planned, utilizing these permanent and skills
improvement funds. From a curricular need, with the new How can I learn more WEB, which stands for “Where Everybody Belongs,” is
a middle school orientation and transition program that
to be
successful
national academic content standards, it will be essential that new
educational learning materials be purchased. about this welcomes fifth graders and new students, and makes in the
NO TAX INCREASE them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their
middle school experience. Built on the belief that students
middle
school.
Because of increasing materials and labor costs, construction P.I. Levy? can help students succeed, the program trains mentors Hannah Blaze (8th), Sarah Pite
and repair projects continue to be very costly. The capital fund from Independence Middle School’s eighth grade class to On the
o (5th), Alex
Tagliarini (5th), Ricky Dolejs (8th Hall (5th), Melanie
) and Ryan Dworznik (8th).
allows the district to make these repairs on a regular schedule, be WEB Leaders. As positive role models, WEB Leaders first day of
spacing them out over time and addressing maintenance issues are mentors and student leaders who guide the new school, WEB Leaders greeted all students in the
before they become emergency repairs. This is the reason why Call Superintendent Steve Marlow: students to discover what it takes to be successful during lobby and assisted fifth grade students with buying lunch.
our school buildings provide the safe and updated environment 216/642-5850 the transition to middle school and help facilitate success.
necessary for students in Independence, to learn and excel in Special thanks to Mrs. Josephine Vecchio, Mrs. Lisa
academics and extra-curricular activities at the most competitive Call Treasurer Eric Koehler: WEB Leaders attended a two-day training on August McClain, Mr. Carl Smilan, Mrs. Darlene Grams, Mrs. Beth
levels in the State of Ohio. 216/642-5854 15 and 16 with Mrs. Josephine Vecchio and Mrs. Lisa Haas, Mrs. Michelle Koussa, Ms. Connie Marhefka, and
McClain. The eighth grade leaders were organized, Ms. Megan Hanchette for helping with the orientation.
energetic, and worked great as a team. During training,
We ask you to become educated, ask questions, and make an Call Friends of Independence Schools students completed all the activities that they were going “Our eighth grade WEB Leaders are wonderful,”
informed decision on the Independence Local Schools Permanent Co-Chairs: to conduct during new student orientation. concluded Mrs. McClain. “Their hard work and
Improvement Renewal Levy on November 8, 2011. determination made it our best orientation yet.”
Vern Blaze - 216/524-4131
Nadine Juran - 216/970-9235 On August 18, WEB Leaders conducted the orientation
Sincerely, and completed activities with the new students. The
Steve Marlow, Superintendent Time Warner Cable - Channel 22
and the Independence Board of Education: WOW Cable - Channel 18 I.H.S. Marching Band Looking Great in New Uniforms
Jerry Narduzzi, President Lynne Laski, Vice President
T
Anthony Avila Russell Fortlage he Independence High School Marching Band takes The old uniforms were almost 20 years old. From a
Kathleen Kapusta great pride in representing the community throughout distance, the band looked respectable, thanks to the
the region, participating in civic events, bolstering school countless hours donated by volunteers armed with
pride, and providing a diverse musical education to the needles and thread. Up close, however, the uniforms were
students of Independence High School. showing their age and had been worn for more than 275
performances. Repair would have been more costly than
What is a P.I. Levy? Monies the school district requires to Through diligent fundraising and the hard work of the replacement.
maintain or update its facilities. Music Boosters, students, families, and the Board
of Education, the band has 110 new uniforms. Each Thank you to all who support
Is this a new levy? No - it is ONLY a renewal and will NOT complete uniform includes pants, coat, hat, plume, and music education and the
increase taxes. raincoat costs approximately $450. I.H.S. band program in the
City of Independence!
How long does it last? 5 Years.
What is money used for? Facility improvement &
repairs, new & replacement equipment, school bus &
van replacement, technology & computers, textbooks,
maintenance equipment.
www.independence.k12.oh.us
What is the money NOT used for? NOT for salaries, Click on PI Levy Info
programs & services.
How much will this P.I. Levy generate? $600,482. www.independence.k12.oh.us/pilevy
2 FALL 2011 IQ 7
Curriculum Update on New Content Standards Independence Primary School
by Roger Howard, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Constructs Outdoor
“The new standards are
coming, the new standards are
at different grade levels via the new standards. In fact,
many of the current content standards have been moved
Educational Pavilion
coming!” OK, so the urgency to younger grade levels in the body of the new standards.
might not be the same as Paul
Revere’s famous ride, but
During this time of transition, our teachers must therefore
continue preparing students for the current content A n outdoor education center soon will be enjoyed by
the 350 students of Independence Primary School.
A vision for more than a year, the Independence Kiwanis,
the core curriculum for Ohio assessments (OAA and OGT tests for three more years),
schools will be transitioning while also ensuring that students possess the necessary along with an incredible amount of support from the
to the new Common Core content and skills to perform well on the new 2014-2015 Independence Primary School PTO, parents, the City of
Standards during the next assessments. Independence, and local business community, have made
three years. the pavilion a reality.
Although the new standards have been published (see
For the very first time, O.D.E. website), we are anxiously awaiting news of Presented to the Independence Primary School and its
NATIONAL curriculum the new assessment system. Although it is a good bet PTO last September, Judge Deborah Nicastro, who is a
standards have been Reading and Mathematics assessments will continue to member of the Independence Kiwanis and assisted in
developed for both English/Language Arts and take place at most grade levels, there is uncertainty about the development of the school’s K-Kids Club, made a
Mathematics, and Ohio is one of many states that other subject areas. This is especially true at the high proposal of what the Kiwanis envisioned for the children
adopted the new standards. Furthermore, the Ohio school level where the current Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) of Independence to increase their opportunities for unique Deborah Nicastro,
Independence Kiwanis Anthony Togliatti, Judge
Department of Education (O.D.E.) also developed and will be replaced by a series of “End of Course Exams.” At learning experiences. Harold Todt, and Ed Chrzanowsk i.
adopted new STATE core standards for Science and this time, we do not know which high school courses will
Social Studies. All of the new standards and related be assigned an E.O.C. exam. Ten months later, all of the funds needed for the project open, air yet has a shingled roof with panel siding, a
assessments must be in place for the beginning of the are close to being raised, and work has begun. The concrete floor, lighting, fans, fiber optics, and wireless
2014-2015 school year. Feel free to call me with any curriculum-based questions Independence Primary School PTO kicked off the capabilities. Being environmentally conscious, rain
or concerns at 216/642-5852 or email me at rhoward@ fundraising efforts with their own $10,000 donation. The barrels will collect and store the water from the roof and
Although the date seems somewhat distant, we must independence.k12.oh.us. Independence Kiwanis donated $5,000. Since then, downspouts.
remember many of the current standards will be taught donations of not only materials but expertise have been
flowing, as the excitement continues to escalate for this Each day at recess, students will be able to use the pavilion
new outdoor pavilion. The total cost of the project is as well. “Thanks to the support of community and primary
estimated to be $35,000. As of the end of June, cash school families and friends, our vision is now a reality for
Alumni Association Honors donations of $17,000 have been raised. The remaining
amount needed has been donated in the form of labor,
the children of Independence, not only for today, but for our
future,” said Independence Primary School Principal Judith
Graduates of the 1930’s supervision, material and equipment. Schulz.
with Diplomas of Distinction “Kiwanis is very proud of its newest youth program at the Mayor Greg Kurtz and the City of Independence have been
Primary School, K-Kids, which is in its third year. Through very helpful as well. Service Director Dave Snyderburn
K-Kids, children learn that volunteers get things done and helped coordinate the project along with City Engineer
O n June 13, the Independence High School Alumni
Association honored its three eldest members—Irene
“Ike” Dominic Garson (Class of 1934); Evelyn Kurtz Skoczen
are essential to a healthy community. This pavilion is a
perfect example. Even in hard economic times, parents,
Don Ramm, who provided engineering advice. Michael
Molchan, a school parent and owner of Michael J.
Kiwanians, and local businesses are giving their time, talent Molchan - Architect, provided all the architectural services.
(Class of 1936); and Jack Buess (Class of 1937) with and treasure to build a better school for our children. We Independence Kiwanians Harold Todt, Judge Deborah
Diplomas of Distinction. They attended high school in the hope K-Kids will volunteer as they grow up and improve Nicastro and Ed Chrzanowski were point persons as
original building in the center of town. In fact, all grades Independence for the next generation,” said Judge well on this project. Various businesses donated their
were in that building. Each of their graduating classes had Deborah Nicastro. “Special thanks to Ed Chrzanowski, an time, expertise, or made financial contributions to help
less than 20 students in the class. After the presentation, Independence Kiwanian who is also the chair of the K-Kids make the vision a reality. The Cuyahoga Valley Career
everyone enjoyed refreshments and reminiscing about their program at Independence Primary School and St. Michael Center students assisted in the construction as well.
high school years. School, who took everyone’s ideas and made them a reality Also donating to the project were Bob DiGeronimo of
for us.” Independence Excavating, who prepared the site and
The Board of Education gives special thanks to Alumni excavated the foundation; John Cengic of Ecco Excavating
Association President Rhonee Iula, Sandy Wisner and Pat It was a busy summer for dozens of community and who brought the crane and erected the trusses; and John
Czarniak Stephan for the development of the Diploma of business volunteers as they worked hard on the Kurtz of Kurtz Bros., Inc., who provided the landscaping
Distinction. The Alumni Association plans to continue construction of the new pavilion. The new pavilion is services and stone for the foundation. Controlled
this recognition. I.H.S. Alumni As
sociation Preside located where the old wooden playground was, parallel to Environmental System donated plumbing support,
Steve Marlow pr nt Rhonee Iula an
esent the Diploma d Superintendent Buyansky Brothers Landscaping donated irrigation and
Irene Dominic Ga s of Distinction to the addition to the building. It backs up to the fence for
Organized five years ago, the Alumni Association currently rson. Evelyn Kurtz Jack Buess and
Skoczen was un
able to attend. security. landscaping, and Coudriet Roofing also was a donor.
has 170 members. All I.H.S. graduates are invited to join the
association. Contact John Galik (Class of 1952) at 440-526- The pavilion is 32x40 feet and accommodates 100 students Cash donations are still being accepted for this project and
3841 for more information. for outdoor education. An entire grade level will be able to can be made out to the Independence Primary School PTO.
use the pavilion at one time for outdoor instruction. It is
6 FALL 2011 IQ 3
Independence High School Inducts 10 Graduates
New Independence High School Principal
Into Academic Hall of Fame
Off to a Great Start
I ndependence High School inducted 10 graduates from
the Class of 2009 and 2010 into the Academic Hall of
Fame on July 21 during a dinner presentation held in the
These 10 individuals join the existing 19 inductees in the
Independence High School Academic Hall of Fame.
S tudents, teachers, alumni, civic leaders, and residents all
welcomed Mr. Bill McGuinness as the next principal of
community, students and staff.
Bill is extremely passionate
high school’s cafeteria. Independence High School now offers AP classes in Independence High School this summer. Mr. McGuinness about the school district and
Calculus, Computer Science, English Language, English is a friendly face in the district since 1994, having taught I truly look forward to working
Former Principal, and now Director of Curriculum and Literature, Statistics, Studio Art, U.S. Government & seventh grade geography, eighth grade history, and 11th with him,” said Superintendent
Instruction, Roger Howard welcomed the graduates and Politics, U.S. History, Biology, and Environmental Science. grade Advanced Placement history. Steve Marlow. “I know Bill will
their families and served as the master of ceremony. have a positive impact on the
Words of praise and support were given to the inductees Sponsors of the Independence High School Academic Hall The Board of Education and administrators felt that Mr. students, staff, and community
McGuinness has been well received by the community over of Independence.”
by Superintendent Steve Marlow; Academic Boosters Club of Fame include the Independence Academic Boosters,
the last 17 years. His experiences at Independence Middle
President Mrs. Sharon Seitz; Family and Consumer Science I.H.S. National Honor Society, Independence Bank, and
School, as well as Independence High School, have prepared Mr. McGuinness has served as
Teacher Mrs. Kelsey Whitacre; English Teacher Mrs. Megan Indiana Wesleyan University Cleveland.
him to successfully meet the challenges as the new principal. the Independence Education
Neville-Jellen; Communications Director and Business/
Association Building Representative, Vice President, and
School Partnership Coordinator Charlene Paparizos; and
Mr. McGuinness was responsible for the realignment of Negotiations Representative. He also has coached intramural
Regional Dean of Indiana Wesleyan University Dr. Edgar
2011 IHS Academic Hall of Fame Inductees: the history program, as well as preparing students for the football, wrestling, middle school football, and has been the
Elliston.
proficiency tests and Ohio Graduation Test. He also was announcer at the varsity football games.
Saran Baran AP scores on Calculus, English Language, instrumental in the school/city partnership of the eighth
The selective criteria for the Independence High School grade program Generations of Independence Fostering “As much as we are sorry to lose such a fine history teacher
Academic Hall of Fame includes: English Literature, Statistics, and
U.S.Government tests Togetherness (G.I.F.T.). The main purpose of this program is as Bill McGuinness, we are all very excited to see him take
• Earning “National Merit Finalist” distinction from to close the generation gap between middle school students on the role of high school principal,” said Jerry Narduzzi,
College Board. Joseph Ciulla National Merit Finalist; Perfect scores on
and senior citizens. Mr. McGuinness was on the team that board president. “His knowledge of the district, great sense
• Earning a perfect score on at least one section of ACT Science, PSAT Math and SAT Math;
AP scores on Calculus and Statistics tests wrote the original curriculum for the program. “This program of humor, and commitment to education will serve the district
major standardized test (SAT, ACT, PSAT). is a prime example of how the small size of our district and well.”
• Earning at least two perfect scores on Advanced Adam Funke AP scores on Calculus and Statistics tests
our strong partnership with the city is a blessing to our
Placement Tests. Cody George AP scores on Calculus, Statistics and U.S. students and citizens,” said Mr. McGuinness. “I am truly honored to be the new principal of Independence
History tests High School. It has been my great fortune to spend my
“We congratulate the 10 graduates of Independence High John Joyce Perfect score on ACT English “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with Mr. entire teaching career in Independence. I am looking forward
School on their induction into the Academic Hall of Fame. Megan Kavaras AP scores on English Language and McGuinness as the new Independence High School Principal. to continuing to help my students in this new role,” said Mr.
The inductees have left indelible marks in Independence English Literature tests He joins our administrative team with years of experience as McGuinness.
and will forever have their profiles and academic Brad Kotecki Perfect score on SAT Math, AP scores on an Independence employee, and he has the respect from our
accomplishments mounted on the walls of Independence English Literature and Statistics tests
High School,” said Superintendent Steve Marlow. Jennifer Krasnicki AP scores on English Language, English
Literature, and Statistic tests
The Academic Hall of Fame started in January 2006.
The plaques are located in the lobby of the high school,
Steffany Malarik AP scores on Calculus and English Where are they Now? Eric Rodriguez - I.H.S. Class of 1987
Language tests
where students, faculty, and visitors could see the faces Joshua Suvak AP scores on U.S. Government and U.S.
of the school’s most distinguished academic achievers. History tests
E ric Rodriguez was born and
raised in Independence,
Ohio. After graduating
Mark was one of the “incorruptible” saints. He was always
fascinated by “incorruptibility”--the phenomenon in which
the bodies of some saints who have been exhumed, decades
as valedictorian of the after their death, have been found to be completely intact.
Independence High School Then in Ephesus, Turkey, they saw the tomb of St. John and
Class of 1987, he went on to wondered the same thing. “It seemed that at almost every
John Carroll University where port there was some tomb of a biblical figure, and each
he earned a B.S. in biology night back on the ship the story just started to develop in my
in 1991. He then graduated head. Once back home, I promised myself that I’d write at
from Case Western Reserve least one page a day until the book was finished and about
University School of Medicine a year later, I finally completed it,” said Eric. Combining the
in 1995 and was elected to the religious intrigue and treasure hunting of Dan Brown’s “The
Alpha Omega Alpha honorary Da Vinci Code,” with the suspense of John Grisham’s “The
medical society. Board certified Firm,” Eric’s book “Sacred Relics” tells the shocking story
in internal medicine, Rodriguez works as a physician in the of Cardinal Angelo Cesario-a man who will stop at nothing
Akron area while also maintaining his very successful home to become Pope. From robbing Saints’ tombs in Europe to
travel agency. He and his wife, Stephanie, have four children: murder in Cleveland, Ohio, this page-turner culminates in a
Gabrielle-age 5, Angelo-age 4, and Melina-age 2, and thrilling climax few could expect.
Sophia-4 months.
“I am extremely fortunate to have gone to school in
Eric was inspired to write a book while he and his family were Independence. My years at St. Michael School and then
Standing in front of the Independence High School Aademic Hall of Fame plaques are the 2011 inductees. Left to Right – Sarah on a 12-day Mediterranean cruise in 2006. Starting in Venice, Independence High School really prepared me well for
4 FALL 2011 Baran, Steffany Malarik, Joseph Ciulla, Adam Funke, John Joyce, Megan Kavaras, Joshua Suvak, Luke George (accepting for
brother Cody George), Roger Howard (accepting for Brad Kotecki), and Jennifer Krasnicki.
they saw the tomb of St. Mark and he started to wonder if St. college and medical school,” concluded Eric. IQ 5