Eagle Nation | Fall 2022

The

Local Schools Community

Officers

Eagle Nation magazine is published by Plain Local Schools. It is distributed free of charge to community residents, businesses and Plain Local staff. The purpose of Eagle Nation magazine is to provide our readers information about life and learning in the Greater Plain Township community. It is not intended to be a public forum.

Editor: Mary Beddell, Plain Local Public Relations Director

Eagle Nation Plain Local Schools 901 44th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44709 Office: 330-492-3500 Fax: 330-493-5542

Questions, comments or advertising regarding Eagle Nation can be emailed to beddellm@plainlocal.org. Federal Law prohibits Eagle Nation from carrying ads containing offers of insurance policies, credit cards and travel promotions. The Plain Local Schools Board of Education reserves the right to reject any press release or advertisement based on content.

Eagle Nation designs are trademarks of Plain Local Schools. All advertising art and editorial content is copyright protected and cannot be used without express written permission. The publisher and its affiliates are not liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the ad.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Plain Local School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability or age with respect to employment or educational programs and opportunities to students.

Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer, Darci Knight 330-492-3500.

Substitutes needed

Plain Local Schools is always looking for community members who are willing to work in our schools in substitute roles. Substitute positions are available in all departments (classroom, custodial, bus, aide, cafeteria, etc.)!

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a substitute in Plain Local, email Darci Knight at knightd@plainlocal.org or call 330-492-3500.

LETTER FROM THE Superintendent

LETTER FROM THE Editor

Dear Community,

What’s your Why? We are excited to continue this theme for the 2022-2023 school year. Your “Why” is a statement of purpose that describes why you do the work you do and why you live the lifestyle you do. It is your calling. It is your conviction. It is your mission statement. We may each have different “whys,” but together we have the same goals and we can make our community better each and every day if we work together. I have loved seeing how our students and staff have embraced this theme as we navigate another school year. We will continue to work with staff and students to focus on their “why” throughout the school year.

I would like to take this moment to thank our district school resource officers who are featured in this issue of Eagle Nation. True collaboration between Plain Local Schools and the Stark County Sheriff’s office is on display. Chad Smith has been a constant in Plain Local Schools and we are so grateful to have added Robert Everett, Jerry Elliott, Hailey Stephey, Michael Beach and Haley Hiller to our team over the years. If you see these individuals throughout the district at school, sporting events and performances or out in our community, take a moment to thank them for their dedication to keeping our students safe. It truly takes a village and we have the best of the best on our team.

Wishing you all a wonderful school year, thank you for your continued support of the Plain Local School District. I am honored to serve you and look forward to an amazing year. Go Eagles!

Dear Community,

There is nothing quite like fall in Plain Local. The energy is palpable across the district. The pride our staff and students have as a part of this community is truly amazing. We are finding our footing as we work to bring you the stories of our schools and community with this new quarterly magazine. I hope you enjoy reading the stories and learning more about what is happening in our district. Eagle Nation is a snapshot of our community; I hope one day we will look back at these issues fondly and remember what time was like during the fall of 2022.

I would like to give a special thank you to GlenOak photography teacher Jeannene Mathis-Bertosa and senior photography student Sarah Zwick for their help with this issue. Jeannene and Sarah traveled to Taft Elementary to photograph district school resource officers for our cover story. Additionally, I would like to thank the staff of Taft Elementary for welcoming us to their school to take photos for the cover of this issue. Lastly, I would like to thank the district SROs for their willingness to participate in this issue. We are so lucky in Plain Local to have these caring and dedicated individuals in our schools, I hope you enjoy reading more about them on page 4! Go Eagles!

Mary Beddell Director of Public Relations

Brent May Superintendent

SCHOOL Resource Officers

Chad Smith

SRO Supervisor

SRO Avondale, Frazer, and Taft elementary schools

When you hear the term, “School Resource Officer” a lot of things come to mind. It’s hard not to think of the headlines that have dominated the news over the last few years. School safety continues to be a topic that is highly discussed at every level. But what does a School Resource Officer, known as an SRO, do in our schools? We were lucky to get some time to sit down and talk with the six individuals who work in our school’s day in and day out to keep our students safe. We hope that if you encounter these individuals in our community you take a moment to thank them for the work that they do!

Jerry Elliott

SRO Middlebranch, Warstler and Barr elementary schools

Robert W. Everett

Haley Hiller SRO GlenOak High School

Michael Beach SRO Oakwood Middle School/ Assistant Oakwood Wrestling Coach

Hailey Stephey

SRO Glenwood Intermediate School

What is a typical day like in your position?

CS: There is no typical day, every day is something new. I usually start my day greeting the students as they come into GlenOak High School. From there it’s wherever the day takes me.

JE: Directing traffic for parent drop-off and pick-up. Checking my buildings, making sure they are secure. Talking with students and getting to know them, and build a trusting relationship with them in each of my buildings. Investigating passing stopped school bus complaints. Attending care team meetings at each of my buildings. Helping principals with custody issues or residency issues as needed. Going into classrooms and teaching students about things like stranger danger, who a safe stranger might be, and safe places to go and tell an adult, the difference between drugs and safe medication like prescriptions from a doctor. Respecting other students and their property, and about not taking items that don’t belong to them.

RE: I am normally found outside in the morning, at one of my three elementary schools, as the children/parents arrive for the day. At the close of the day (dismissal), I’m outside once again at a building as the children leave and head home. In between the arrival/dismissal, I take care of whatever needs the elementary schools may have, as far as security, safety, residence checks, or just being visible and speaking with the youngsters. All of us try to keep everyone inside the buildings safe and secure.

HS: A typical day as a School Resource Officer is maintaining the safety and security at Glenwood Intermediate School.

MB: Very busy and always in a different area of the school trying my best to interact with as many students as possible every day while maintaining a high level of safety and security.

HH: Providing security for the school, as well as helping out where I can with students and staff.

What is your favorite part of your job?

CS: Making positive connection with our kids here in the district. Getting the chance to help our students when life throws them a curve ball.

JE: Answering all of the elementary students’ interesting questions that they have.

RE: Interacting with the students, their parents, and the staff at Plain Local Schools. Knowing at the end of the day we succeeded in keeping all of those in our buildings safe!

HS: Building relationships so the students and staff know they can come to me with anything.

MB: Getting to hopefully make a positive impact on students’ lives and be a positive role model.

HH: Being able to be proactive with the school security, as well as being a positive role model for the students and establishing good, healthy relationships.

What is one thing you wish people knew about Plain Local Schools or your specific position?

CS: We are not here to lock up kids; we are here to help guide them to adulthood.

JE: The planning and time spent making sure all students are safe, and having the best choices for their education while at Plain Local Schools.

RE: Plain Local Schools care about the safety and security of their students, staff, and those in and out of every building, whether it be on a normal school day or at extracurricular activities. The Board of Education, administration, and staff members of the PLSD are very dedicated and strive to be the best they can be every day!

HS: I can have a positive impact on students’ views of law enforcement.

MB: I wish that people understood that we are not just here for safety reasons or to get students in trouble. We are here to build lasting relationships between law enforcement and the community that will help build a stronger sense of community in the already strong community of Plain Township.

HH: How amazing the staff and students are! And how much potential there is to grow as a student here.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the Plain Township community?

CS: This is where I grew up and I’m proud to be serving my community.

JE: Although I work in the school system, I actually live in a different community. But it is interesting to observe and be part of another community where you don’t reside.

RE: Knowing at the end of the day I did my best to contribute in whatever way possible, to make life better and safer for our students and staff. I also thoroughly enjoy demonstrating and promoting the positive aspects of law enforcement to the children, staff, and community members as a whole when I am able to interact with them.

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HS: My favorite thing is I have felt welcomed from day one and it has a great family-friendly atmosphere!

MB: My favorite part is being involved in the community that I live in but also the community where my own children go to school at.

HH: The opportunity to be able to interact and get to know the people of Plain Township on a personal level which enhances my opportunity to be part of a great community, and help keep it safe.

If you could share one piece of advice to Plain Local students, what would it be?

CS: Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

JE: Do your best in school, as it is such a short part of your life, and your future depends on it.

RE: Try to work hard in school to do your best. Enjoy your school years by learning, and participating in extracurricular activities, if possible. Always keep in mind that your teachers are there to help you learn, they care about you, and they want what is best for you and for you to succeed! A good goal is to be able to look back later in life and recall with fondness your years in school, because many times it can be some of the best times of your life.

HS: One piece of advice would be to stay true to yourself and surround yourself with people who are positive influences.

MB: Llife will be a battle. Do things, even the small things, to improve your fighting position in life.

HH: Be the best version of you that you can be!

If you are not at work, what can you be found doing?

CS: I’m always working.

JE: Taking an occasional motorcycle ride or just puttering around the house.

RE: Many times being involved in other activities, having dinner with my wife, or keeping our two dogs occupied.

HS: If I am not at work I can be found outdoors, hunting, fishing or walking my dogs! I also never turn down a good book.

MB: My favorites things to do are spending time with my children, fishing, spending time in my garage gym, mountain biking/ cycling or playing Call of Duty from time to time.

HH: I can be found walking my three little dogs, or doing a new house project.

Final thoughts or anything else you would like to share?

JE: Just hoping for a safe and productive school year for staff and students.

RE: My hope is those who live in the Plain Local Schools realize they have a “gem” right in their backyard. Everyone at the PLSD cares about the students, parents, and the school district as a whole. Those who reside in the Plain Local School District are very fortunate the district made the commitment to have several School Resource Officers (Deputy Sheriffs) to keep your children safe, the staff safe, and all of you who use the buildings safe.

HS: My favorite saying is “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I can honestly say I live by this saying! Every single day I am honored to be given the opportunity to be a School Resource Officer at Glenwood Intermediate with such great students and staff!

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Avondale: 4th Graders Save Sam

Mrs. Mongiardo’s fourth grade students at Avondale Elementary participated in a cooperative learning activity that used their creative thinking, listening, and fine motor skills. The students read a short story about Sam, the Gummy worm. Sam was boating when his boat capsized! Poor Sam couldn’t swim. He pulled himself out of the water and waited on top of the overturned boat. He had a life preserver that was stuck under the boat. Mrs. Mongiardo’s students had to devise a plan to save Sam. They needed to get the life preserver (Lifesaver Gummy) around Sam (Gummy Worm) using only paper clips, without touching the boat (cup), Sam, or the life preserver! The students were certainly challenged, but loved their hands-on learning activity.

Barr: SOARing High

The students at Barr Elementary are learning and exhibiting SOAR Expectations each and every day. SOAR is a part of the district’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative. PBIS creates consistent, predictable learning environments that increase positive behavior and academic outcomes for each student. Barr Elementary’s PBIS Team is comprised of staff members who offer valuable input concerning the implementation of this goal. After a year of establishing expectations, the students and staff are excited to recognize students in a unique way for the 22-23 school year!

The success of PBIS is a joint effort involving all students and staff members. Therefore, Barr Elementary focuses on recognizing a SOAR expectation each day of the week. All staff members are charged with the pleasure of celebrating students who exhibit the following behaviors: Showing Respect, Owning Your Choices, Acting Kindly, and Ready Learn. Once students are recognized for their behavior,

they will receive a SOAR ticket. Students will place their ticket in a SOAR bucket that collects the tickets of all students who exhibited the expected behavior. A student will be randomly selected at the end of each week from each bucket to celebrate their efforts! The tickets from the individual buckets will then be combined into one larger bucket which the school will fill up to receive a building-wide reward!

As a result of this collaborative practice, the staff actively teaches behavioral expectations across all environments, promoting positive behavior through encouragement and re-teaching. Barr Elementary’s goal is to recognize the success of each student in order to show that the individual success of one is the success of all! Join us as we continue to SOAR high at Barr!

Frazer: Athletes in Action

Men and women’s head golf coach at Walsh University, Christina Paone, has agreed to partner with the Frazer Fierce Females. Coach Paone and three of her student athletes visited the Fierce Females to inspire them to believe in themselves and in their ability to accomplish anything. Each athlete shared one word that they chose this year to reflect on and why they chose it. Coach Paone shared that her word for the year was “grateful,” while her players shared the words “determined,” “motivated,” and “positivity.” Each Fierce Female was then challenged to pick a word to motivate them this year. The girls created a reminder of their word to keep somewhere they would see it daily to start their day off with the right mindset. Words ranged from “daring” and “fearless,” to “kind” and “silly.”

Athletes in Action will create an opportunity for collegiate athletes to positively impact Frazer students. Frazer students will be able to see goal setting in action as they see their future selves in Walsh student athletes. They will begin to comprehend the perseverance and problem-solving required to achieve success. The Walsh University SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) athletes will meet monthly with Frazer students to provide true mentorship and foster positive relationships.

This Fierce Female presentation served as the kick-off event for this partnership. SAAC athletes will return monthly to read one-on-one with students, within a program referred to as RAA (Read Aloud with Athletes). Frazer Fierce Females will also have the opportunity to attend multiple Walsh sporting events including a volleyball and basketball game. Once a quarter, Walsh student athletes will visit Frazer to teach students to play with purpose. Students will have the opportunity to play an organized game with collegiate athletes during their recess time. Frazer is looking forward to this partnership and the opportunities it provides for all students.

Avondale Eagles work hard as a team to problem solve.

Elijah Neal was recognized for exhibiting the “A” in SOAR which stands for Acting Kindly. Elijah is SOARing proudly at Barr!

The Fierce Females were challenged by Coach Paone to choose one word to motivate them throughout the year. Ashdyn Jones shows off her art featuring her motivational word.

Middlebranch third grade teacher Mrs. Lesley Hynd wanted to know from her students: “What is the best part of you?” After reading the book The Best Part of Me, by Wendy Ewald, students were asked to think about parts of them that make each one special and unique. After brainstorming and reflecting, they then put their writing skills to the test and created their own paragraphs to describe their best parts.

Bri writes, “My hands are so awesome. Sometimes they make messes, but they always clean them up.” Owen shares, “My eyebrows are the best part of me. They show my emotions.” Like Bri, Bentley thinks his hands are pretty great too, “I can play tag because my hands can tag people and have a lot of fun!”

By encouraging her students to reflect on all the unique parts that make up each of them, Mrs. Hynd was able to not only get to know her students better, she helped them know themselves better too. Mrs. Hynd says, “I really wanted to do this activity with my class because while we always tell children to celebrate their differences, and to be who they are, I feel that we rarely ask them what THEY think IS the best part about themselves! I loved hearing their responses, as they were all different and truly celebrated the unique aspects of each child!”

Warstler: Kindergarten is a Whole New World

Taft: Students Circle Up!

The teachers and students at Taft Elementary are ending the day with an exciting new initiative called Closing Circles. Closing Circles is a designated time for the teacher and students to come together for the final minutes of each school day to wrap-up in a positive way. Closing circles allow teachers and students time to celebrate daily accomplishments, reflect on learning, and gain a sense of belonging. The students, along with the teacher, gather in a circle and pass a talking stick so that each student has the opportunity to share. While a student shares, the rest of their classmates participate as active listeners. Mrs. Alana Wootan, a second-grade teacher, describes how she structures her closing circles, “Each day I pose an open-ended discussion question or lead a group challenge that helps positively build our classroom community.” Taking this time to pause and reflect has a significant impact on how students feel valued in the classroom. As Mrs. Adrienne Nyholm, a third-grade teacher, expressed, “It gives students a chance to be seen and heard each day by all of their classmates, reaffirming connections that are being built amongst our class.” Not only do the teachers look forward to the closing circle meetings, the students do as well. Nora Malinsky, a third-grader in Miss Heather Phillip’s class, says, “Closing circles are one of my favorite parts of the day because you don’t just rush out during dismissal. Everyone is together talking before you leave for the day.”

Glenwood: Mosaic Magic

Kindergarten students enter the world of a school community with their eyes wide open. Their excitement for school bubbles out of them from their fingers to their toes. Kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Krosse and Miss Bickel, welcome them with open arms ready to share with them the world of Warstler Elementary. They use the books The Kissing Hand and The King of Kindergarten to instill confidence in them as they begin their adventure in the world of education. Both teachers also take their students to visit each of the community members of the school. They learn who the secretary, custodian, cafeteria ladies and school nurse are, along with learning how they help the students at Warstler. The kindergarten students are now prepared to take on this whole new world and conquer the adventures before them.

Calum Storey is the king of Kindergarten at Warstler Elementary!

Glenwood Intermediate School was awarded a SmArts grant from ArtsInStark. ArtsInStark provides SmArts arts-focused learning residencies to increase academic achievement by guiding students to find meaning and make connections to academic content through the arts. Thanks to the grant, Mrs. Walbeck’s Immersion Art students created a mosaic with architectural mosaic artist Dyanne Williams.

The Glenwood sixth graders learned how to create mosaic art. A mosaic is a picture produced by arranging together small, colored pieces of hard

Middlebranch: The Best Part of Me

Middlebranch third grader Bentley Arick shows off the best part of him–his hands!

Glenwood teacher Rita Walbeck and mosaic artist Dyanne Williams with the finished product.

Mrs. Erin Gearhart, second-grade teacher, and her second-grade students participate in Closing Circles each day! Pictured from left to right: Sam Seery, Tommy Jones, Lyric Lockhart, Michael Howard, Mrs. Erin Gearhart, William Stockdale, Renee Powell and Emerson Conley.

material, such as stone, tile, or glass. The students hand cut and arranged thousands of pieces of glass to create a beautiful landscape for the arts hallway at Glenwood. Students also applied mathematical standards by calculating surface area to plan and create the mosaic. The final mosaic is a 152 square foot space that transformed a display cabinet into a book nook with a bench. This space will be used by kids for years to come by offering students a calm and magical space for students to sit and read. Working with a professional artist was an invaluable experience for the art students. This opportunity gave students a chance to learn a complicated art form, not usually experienced by children, while learning valuable life lessons like perseverance, confidence, goal setting and working as a team for a common goal. What a major accomplishment for our young artists!

Oakwood: Staff and Students Build Bonds Over Lunch

Every fall, schools reopen with the excitement of the new school year. At Oakwood Middle School, this was no different. There is excitement for the new seventh graders discovering the opportunities that present them in middle school. The eighth graders are learning about the new staff members coming in for the 2022-23 school year who will continue to help them make the final transition to GlenOak High School in the spring. As a whole, the Oakwood staff and students are working hard to come together as a single unit to see what accomplishments they can achieve this school year.

At Oakwood, the first couple of weeks this school year were an opportunity to build connections between the staff and their students. In the classrooms, teachers were creative in activities that helped them learn about their students’ likes. These lessons were designed to build a bridge of communication that will allow students to have at least one staff member they feel comfortable to reach out to if they need any help throughout the year. The first week of school wrapped up with nearly forty staff members joining their students for lunch in the cafeteria. It was an incredible sight to see the students and staff carrying on great conversations to further develop that connection.

Along with developing a rapport with students, the Oakwood staff is working to develop student responsibility. As students are part of communities again at Oakwood, the Community Cup Challenge has been reinstated. Students earn points for their community by supporting after school events at Oakwood and GlenOak, participating in Oakwood teams and performing arts groups, or just showing their spirit with green and gold every Friday. Every student can play a key role in the success of their community through the cup challenge. Each student will also develop their own “I Will” statement. These goal cards will allow students to set achievable goals and identify the staff members they feel will provide them the support to achieve those goals.

The middle school years can be some of the most challenging for students, and the initiatives that have been started at Oakwood are geared to help our students navigate these years. As the Oakwood students and staff continue to work together, we hope to see our students SOAR into GlenOak and continue to achieve success for themselves.

GlenOak High School: GlenOak Students Dazzle

After months of preparation, the GlenOak Dazzling Dancers made their debut at the first GlenOak football game on Friday, August 26. While most people did not know about the group’s existence, many left the game wondering about the group with the in-sync movements, bedazzled costumes, and radiant confidence.

Who are the Dazzling Dancers? Victoria Newkirk, Director of Equity and Inclusiveness, who also serves as the staff leader, shared, “The group was not created just for dance, its ultimate purpose is to provide a wider range of leadership opportunities for students by way of self and cultural expression. The idea that the leadership opportunity would mirror a HBCU majorette style dance troupe came from the students themselves.” Newkirk added, “All levels of creativity were facilitated by the students, I was just there to organize their ideas. The students were involved in the whole process from scheduling, team rules, costumes, and dance moves. I am so impressed by how they overcame obstacles to get to the moment where they walked into the stadium under those lights during the football game.”

It was determined that the group would not just be about performances, but also investment in the conduct and discipline it takes to be a good leader. Before the beginning of the school year, the group went through a two-day leadership and etiquette workshop facilitated by Young E.L.I.T.E. International, a non-profit based out of Columbus, Ohio. Sanara Tillman, Executive Director, brought her team, Lori Lindsey, Jazmene Craig, and Judge Lasheyl Stroud, to GlenOak to spend the time teaching the students how to invest in themselves and give back to their communities. It was an amazing time of growth, self-reflection, and comradery. There was a mixture of laughter, cheers, and tears. “At the end of it all, the team felt closer because we had gone through this together,” said Arianna Faulkner, senior.

The GlenOak Dazzling Dancers are excited about what this year will bring in both performance and leadership opportunities.

Mr. Davis enjoyed lunch with students, getting to know them a little better at the start of the year.

The GlenOak Dazzling Dancers performed at the Varsity Football game vs. Massillon on August 26. Pictured with Superintendent Brent May.

PATHWAY SPOTLIGHT:

International Baccalaureate

GlenOak High School was authorized as an IB World School for the Diploma Programme in early 2018 and began offering IB courses and the full IB Diploma Programme to high school students during the 2018-19 school year. Currently, GlenOak is the only high school in Stark County to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to students in grades eleven and twelve. The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous international program of study that gives students the opportunity to potentially earn college credit while in high school. However, there are many more benefits related to the IB Diploma Programme for students other than just the possibility of earning college credits. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme promotes inquiry, reflection, research, action, and global awareness as effective and creative modes of both teaching and learning.

IB students participate in challenging coursework and are guided by the IB mission statement and the learner profile.

As it states in the International Baccalaureate mission statement, “The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect” (International Baccalaureate, 2022).

The learner profile encourages students and educators to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, openminded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective (International Baccalaureate, 2022).

Students who participate in the full IB Diploma Programme participate in six courses organized by subject groups plus the IB Core, which is a class that includes an extended essay, the theory of knowledge (TOK) curriculum, and the creativity, activity, and service (CAS) component of the course. Every IB course spans two academic school years. All of the IB courses are taught by GlenOak High School certified teachers who have participated in IB training workshops; therefore, students do not have to leave the GlenOak campus to participate in any of the

various IB course offerings. Students who participate in any IB course are required to complete both internal and external IB assessments, which are scored or moderated by the International Baccalaureate.

Students can apply to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or for IB singleton courses during the registration process and planning for their junior year of high school. There are currently 120 students who are enrolled in at least one or more of the IB courses and 13 teachers at the high school who teach as part of the IB Diploma Programme. Any student who is interested in learning more about the IB courses or the full IB Diploma Programme is encouraged to talk to any of the IB teachers, the IB coordinator, or a high school guidance counselor. The IB coordinator at GlenOak High School is Dr. Jennifer Austin. She can be reached by telephone at 330-491-3800 or electronically at austinj@plainlocal.org.

Additional information about the International Baccalaureate can be found at www.ibo.org.

IB students work together in Global Politics class at GlenOak.

ARTS SPOTLIGHT: Dance Program

5, 6, 7, 8… the Plain Local dancers under the direction of Jacquenette Blaydes have spent their summer months stretching, turning and leaping to successfully prepare for the 2022-2023 school year of dance.

Did you know that Plain Local Schools offer dance as a course option for students?

Our youngest dancers debut at the age of three in creative movement classes offered through the Saturday Enrichment Dance Program. Exposure to the art form of dance through the enrichment program continues in all grade levels up to eighth grade. Developmental milestones advance the students through the Glenwood, Oakwood and GlenOak High School dance programs. These programs provide many opportunities for students to enroll in a wide array of classes, perform in annual musical productions, holiday programs, fall ballets, various recitals and outreach initiatives throughout the year. Through age-appropriate training, the dancers progress their technique, performance skills and develop a life-long appreciation for the art of dance.

This year’s ballet, Beauty and the Beast, brings together dancers at all levels. All dancers ranging from creative movement through twelfth grade will collaborate to bring this famous fairytale to life. Through many twists and turns, a beautiful kaleidoscope of movement will keep you on the edge of your seats. Mark your calendars now for November 18 and 19th, as you won’t want to miss our remarkable dancers bring a new magic to this beloved story through the art of ballet.

ATHLETIC

Spectrum News Scholar Athletes

As part of the OHSAA Game of Week, GlenOak vs. Massillon Football Live Broadcast on Spectrum Sports Ohio, Hunter Kurylo and Natalie Stepanovich were selected to each receive a $500 scholarship from Spectrum News. Hunter is a varsity football captain with a 4.1 GPA. He is also a youth football and Special Olympics volunteer. Hunter is the son of Michael and Brandi Kurylo. Natalie is a two-year captain of the volleyball team, National Honor Society member, Special Olympics volunteer, and will attend Robert Morris University where she will play volleyball. Natalie is the daughter of Nick and Heather Stepanovich.

Congratulations to Hunter and Natalie!

Dancers of all ages and levels performed their Spring Recital last May.

Plain Township Parks

The Plain Township Parks and Recreation Department currently totals 102 acres which includes Al Leno, Diamond, and Veterans parks.

The department serves Plain Township residents by preserving open space, offering programs for Township residents of all ages, and creating active and passive recreational experiences. Our goal is to enhance people’s lives and the community they live in.

Name: Rob Steinberg

Title: Parks Director

Organization: Plain Township Organization Details: Government Jurisdiction serving 40,000 residents

Involvement with Plain Local Schools:

Plain Township partners with Plain Local Schools in several ways to provide service to all of our constituents in a budget conscious, result driven, user friendly way to extract the most resources for the entrusted dollars provided.

What is your favorite part of your job?

People. From my staff, to the users of the parks, residents, and partners–I love interaction, feedback, and most importantly

serving others by providing opportunities for people to gather, health and wellness, programming and recreation for all ages and abilities. Serving my community to help make it a wonderful place to live, work, play, worship and study is both a privilege and so very rewarding.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Plain Township community (either you personally or your organization)?

Both personally and professionally, I love being able to help improve something, and someday, leaving it in a better state than I found it. The parks have always been well maintained and cared for, but having a small hand, along with our staff and administration, in continuing to move the parks forward to better serve our community is an awesome responsibility and reward.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your organization or something most people don’t know?

We are a seven day a week operation that not only maintains the parks, BUT organizes/ facilitates programming for all ages, community events, maintain all Township

buildings, grounds, cemetery, fire stations, right of ways and even mitigate nuisance abatements.

If you could share one piece of advice to Plain Local students, what would it be?

Don’t limit your opportunities for growth and knowledge. You might find your true passion isn’t what you may have thought, but what you discover along the journey.

Final thoughts or anything else you would like to share?

I have the most incredible staff. From full-time to seasonal employees, we all genuinely work together to provide a second-to-none service for people of all ages and abilities. I am truly lucky to work with each of these people and share their passion for our parks, buildings, grounds, programming and community.

The Plain Township Parks team includes: Rob Steinberg, Lauren Beskitt, Ryan Shaw, Jeff McVay, Ed Sebek, Chris Woods, Brady Sabina, Brian Evans, Cole Bland, Zach Marzilli, Miklos Hendricks, Bobby Johnson, Steve Lasick, Steve Norris, Courtney Fletcher, Shana Schweikert, Rianna Schweikert, Hannah Clark, David Nuessbaumer, Ally Ivey, Xavier Foel, Joe Conrad.

Veterans Park, located across the street from GlenOak High School, is a 42-acre park that features playgrounds, a dog park, picnic shelter and more!

Our theme for the 2022-2023 school year is “What’s Your Why?” Your “Why” is a statement of purpose that describes why you do the work you do and why you live the lifestyle you do. It is your calling. It is your conviction. It is your mission statement. It is a vision of your life’s work. All of this together makes up your personal “WHY.”

Stay tuned as we share through the 2022-2023 school year examples of “WHY” we do the work we do. In each issue of Eagle Nation magazine we will share WHY statements from our staff, students and community members!

Lucas Hamilton American Sign Language Teacher at GlenOak High School

My “Why” is to create meaningful relationships with the students and athletes that I have the opportunity to interact with at Oakwood; building up young people to be leaders in the classroom, in their after-school activities, sports, and in their communities. I want my students and athletes to leave Oakwood feeling cared for, heard, and appreciated.

My “Why” is for the students. I believe being authentically myself will allow students to feel comfortable being themselves. This will allow them to open their minds up to learning the beautiful language I have come to love, American Sign Language.

My “Why” is because simply put, I love my job! I look forward to going to work every day to make sure our buses are safe for our students and I take a lot of pride in the work we do at the garage to maintain the district vehicles. I’ve found a place where I feel at home, and I consider myself lucky to be employed at Plain Local Schools!

Stacey Hamilton Head Cook at Glenwood Intermediate School

My “Why” is to make them smile! We all know what it’s like to start your day off in a bad way and that can ruin your entire day. Life is hard and we all have a lot going on. Showing compassion and kindness makes a big difference! Something as simple as giving a kid a high five for remembering their ID number, copying a silly dance move, or telling a cheesy joke can change their entire demeanor. My goal each and every day is to be the reason someone smiles that day.

Danielle Bergert Health/Physical Ed. Teacher/Coach at GlenOak High School

My “Why” is to listen and help build a positive relationship with students, as a teacher, mentor and coach.

Kate Frazier Success Coach at Taft Elementary

My “Why” is to make sure that every child feels seen, safe, soothed, and secure.

Trevor Burkett Intervention Specialist/ Coach at Oakwood Middle School

Gavin Brown Mechanic at the Bus Garage

Feel the Holiday Spirit with Stark Parks

The holiday season is just around the corner and Santa will be making a few stops in Stark Parks this year – so mark your calendars now! Santa will be talking to little ones at our annual Deck the Hollow lighted walk along Quail Hollow Park grounds Dec. 9 –11 & 16 – 20 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy decorated trees, lights, and festive music while you get into the holiday spirit! Stop inside the beautifully decorated Stewart House for a selfguided tour of one of Stark County’s true gems. Take a stroll down Santa Lane to say hello to the Jolly One and get plenty of photos for the holiday. Guests may get a glimpse of some of Stark Parks’ animal ambassadors, the Quails Nest Gift Shop will be open for shopping, and concessions will be available. Book your time to visit at StarkParks.com. $5 person. Day-of $6 at the door.

Santa loves animals and if you do too, you’ll want to stop by Santa Claws for a Cause! On Friday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. Santa will deliver gifts to wildlife residents at the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park’s west entrance. This year will be featuring Grimble, the Great Horned Owl, as our very own “Grinch” with the other Critter “Whos” of Stark Parks’ Whoville. Watch and learn as the critters open up their gifts. If you’d like to donate a gift, a special holiday wishlist is at StarkParks.com/wishlist.

If you’re too big for Santa’s lap, but you still want to get into the winter spirit, capture photos of the winter wonder around you as you adventure in Stark Parks for a chance to win a prize! Our annual photography contest runs from December 1, 2022 to March 12, 2023. A list of rules is available at StarkParks.com.

SAVE THE DATE:

All-School

Fall Ballet

The Plain Local Schools Foundation presents Beauty and the Beast, an original, choreographed, all-school ballet under the direction of Jacquenette Blaydes. Shows will be November 18 and 19 at GlenOak High School. Tickets will be sold at the door. Visit plainfoundation.com for more information.

Mental Health Awareness

Submitted by Dan Mucci, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health

Do you know what a Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) is and how that differs from a case manager or therapist?

Most people have some knowledge regarding case management but are not as familiar with the term Qualified Mental Health Specialist. By definition, a case manager helps their patients understand their options concerning the specific situation they are dealing with at the time.

A QMHS is a relatively newer term to the field of mental health. Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health’s QMHS’s have at least 3 years of experience or a bachelor’s degree, and training in mental health competencies required by the state and C&A. QMHS work with our clients to:

• Resolve conflicts with others

• Manage emotions including anger, minor social or performance anxiety, disappointment, frustration, occasional sadness

• Coping with change, uncertainty, death or loss

• Positive parenting strategies and support

• Linkage to mental health services and other indicated medical/support services

• Linkage to natural and community supports

• Reinforcement and rehearsal of skills taught in therapy.

It is important to note, that a client seeing a QMHS does not have to be seeing a therapist. However, in some cases, a QMHS will work with a therapist and help the client to reinforce skills and strategies learned in therapy sessions.

When the presentation of symptoms warrants a clinical (medical) diagnosis and are leading to impairment of daily functioning, a therapist is warranted. Some indicators may be:

• Significant anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma

• Suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors or harming others

• Substance abuse

QMHS are community-based services and will meet the needs of the client where they are. This means meeting the client in a school setting, in a park, at a restaurant, the library or the client’s home.

For more information on C&A’s Qualified Mental Health Specialist services, please call 330.433.6075.

History on the Move

Submitted by: Cindy Guest, Plain Township Historical Society

The Plain Township Historical Society had a very busy summer and fall sharing history with the community! A mobile museum was launched at the Sidestreet Mkts at Oakwood Square in July featuring Hol-Guerns Dairy and Milk and Honey. In September, they featured the small appliances of the Hoover company.

A new partnership was launched with the Plain branch of the Stark County Library featuring “Exploring Water in Plain Township.” We were also excited to update the Louisville-Nimishillen Historical Society display last spring to feature drive-in restaurants of Plain Township. If you like to hike the Stark Park trails, you might have noticed the new signage on the Gervasi Trail between The Still House and The Casa. This took place thanks to our partnership with Stark Parks. As you can see, we are working very hard to bring our history to the community! We look forward to expanding and updating our displays with our various partners. Thank you to the community for supporting us through donations and volunteering, and to our partners for providing the opportunity to share our stories.

Our research into the history of the Plain Township Fire Department continues and we have found a treasure trove of photos and stories. If you know of anyone who was part of the fire department, please email us at preservingplaintwp@gmail.com.

For information on donating, meetings and our organization, please visit preservingplaintwp.org.

PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOLS Foundation and Alumni Association

In September, the Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association celebrated their 2022 Hall of Distinction class at the Hall of Fame Village. The Hall of Distinction is a prestigious honor given to alumni, and other individuals in our community, who have distinguished themselves personally and/or professionally, have contributed time and talent to the Plain Local School District and who have exemplified the education and moral values that are respected by their community and school system.

2022 INDUCTEES

STAR GRANTS

In the last six years the Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association have provided over $130,000 in Star Grants to various staff throughout Plain Local for programming that was outside of the district’s normal operating budget. This year through generous donors, 25 grants totaling $33,052 were given.

Thanks to a local business sponsor, the Plain Local Schools Foundation was able to present Star Grants to our innovative teachers at the Crush House. It was an incredible evening, celebrating the Plain Local teachers and all the hard work they are doing to go above and beyond for our students.

2022 Grants supported:

Suicide Prevention Program

One Book-One Barr

DNA Lab Kits

Scooters for Physical Education

Online supplemental tools

Programs and tools for digital animation

GPS/Heart Rate Monitor for Sports Science

Cleveland School of Etiquette classes

Start up for a Friday coffee service

and MANY more!

Scan the QR code to find ways you can donate to the Foundation to help us in our mission to support teachers and students. Email foundation@plainlocal.org with any questions!

Lieutenant Colonel Keith Bucklew Class of 1997 U.S. Military Officer, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran

Grant Giltz Class of 1988 Real Estate builder and developer

Amanda Kloots Class of 2000

Television personality, dancer, and fitness instructor

Brooklyn McDaniels Class of 2014 Marketing Operations and Production for TikTok

John Namey Class of 1968

Plain Local teacher, student life coordinator, advisor, and coach

Ashley Zerweck, DMD Class of 2003 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

BOARD OF EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT: John W. Halkias

What is your favorite hobby?

John Halkias lives in Plain Township with his spouse, Amy, married for 36 years this year. He is father to a son, Alex (GOHS 2005), age 35, living in Williamsburg, VA, and daughter Sophia (GOHS 2018), 22.

I have two — riding my bicycle on all the Stark Parks trails with friends, and photography.

What is your favorite restaurant in Plain Township?

The Winking Lizard for food, and Almost Heaven for ice cream.

What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

Get to know veteran board member John Halkias better. We sat down with our board president so our community could get to know him a little better!

How long have you served on the Plain Local Schools Board of Education?

23 years, since November 1999.

What is your favorite thing about serving on the Plain Local Schools Board of Education?

Being able to serve my community so that we can have every child reach their full educational potential through our great public schools, and networking with my fellow school board members across the state to improve public education in Ohio.

What is the most difficult part of serving on the Plain Local Schools Board of Education?

Dealing with our legislators who are constantly proposing or passing laws that affect public education in a negative way without sometimes even setting foot in our schools to see the amazing job our teachers and staff do every day.

What is something someone reading this may not know about you?

I am currently in the top 10 best times for biking the segment of the Stark Parks trail around GlenOak High School on the fitness app Strava.

SCHOOLS

Dates

• November 16, 2022, 6:30 pm, Oakwood Middle School

• December 21, 2022, 6:30 pm, Barr Elementary

Back row: Dr. Ambrose Perduk Jr. (Member, Term: 2022-2025), John W. Halkias (President, Term: 2022-2025), Eugene M. Cazantzes (Vice President, Term: 2020-2023)

Front row: Jennifer L. Fitzsimmons (Member, Term: 2022-2025), Monica Rose Gwin (Member, Term: 2020-2023)

During the summer, biking the Stark Parks trails, and during the fall, going to or watching a Browns game with family. Both can often be challenging.

What is your advice to students in Plain Local?

Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can or cannot accomplish. Your dreams are only limited by your own desire to make them happen. Always remember to be kind to each other and treat everyone you come across in life with empathy, respect and kindness. Finally, find a way to give back to your community in the future. The motto of the GlenOak choir illustrates this attitude, “In giving, we receive.”

Final thoughts or anything else you would like to share?

Plain Local is a great community, and I have been proud to serve as a member of the Board of Education since 1999. There is nowhere else I would have rather lived and raised my family. Our schools are great because of all the amazing staff who care for and teach our children every day. Our district is a true cross section of Ohio and America –vibrant and diverse. Despite all the negative political comments about public schools and the efforts to shift funding to private education in Ohio, Plain is a great example of the success students can achieve when a community works together to raise all of our children to their highest potential and offer every student opportunity. Public schools like Plain welcome all, and are the backbone of American freedom and opportunity, and we can never allow anyone to take that away from our children.

EAGLE

FIRST DAY of school photos

Thank you to all of our families that submitted photos for #PLSFirstDay. Here are a few highlights to enjoy!

Molly M Shreffler

Molly M Shreffler

Advisor

Market Ave N Suite

44721-2430

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2022 EDWARD

Math Assist Live

Parents...Do you struggle helping your child with their math homework?

Assist Live is FREE online help with homework from the comfort of your home!

FREE for Plain Local students & parents!

by Plain Local teachers

Available for students enrolled in grades

as well as Algebra & Geometry!

Available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from

Log in via your

Google classroom under

Questions?

Michael Milford at

901 44th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44709

We Are….Eagles!

Thanks to donations from local business partners, we were able to provide all staff and students in Plain Local with a spirit shirt to wear on Fridays to show their Eagle Pride!

Go Eagles!