Eagle Nation | Spring 2024

EAGLENation

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

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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, Brian Matthews 330-492-3500.

3 Letter From the Superintendent

3 Letter From the Editor

4 Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of Plain Local Schools’ Maintenance and Grounds Staff

8 Around The District

12 GlenOak High School

14 Watch Me Soar

20 Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association

20 Kindergarten Registration

25 T-shirt Sponsors

26 Thank You to our GEAA Business Sponsors

28 2024-2025 Important Dates

28 Class of 2024 Commencement

LETTER FROM THE Superintendent LETTER FROM THE Editor

Dear Plain Local Community,

As we welcome the refreshing spirit of spring, it’s a time to reflect on the growth and achievements we have experienced together. This season symbolizes renewal and growth, mirroring the journey of our students and the vibrant community that supports them. Our theme for the 2023-2024 school year, “Watch Me Soar,” has truly taken flight, and I am thrilled to share some of the remarkable ways our Eagles are soaring to new heights.

I would like to take a moment to publicly thank our district maintenance employees who are featured in this issue. John Allen, Erik Kilgo, Adam Schrader, Joe Wearstler, Travis Helmkamp, Adam Kress, Christopher Albert and Mark Evans are the behindthe-scenes team that work relentlessly to keep our buildings, grounds and facilities working and in great shape. Your work does not go unnoticed on me. I am glad we are able to shine a light on the work you do for our community to see.

Thank you to every member of the Plain Local Schools community for your continued support and commitment. It is your collective effort that makes our district a beacon of excellence and a place where students can truly soar.

As we enjoy the beauty of spring, let us also embrace the opportunities for growth and renewal it represents. Together, we will continue to achieve great things and be a place where every student can say with pride, “Watch Me Soar.”

Brent May

Dear Plain Local Community,

On a cold morning in February, the district Maintenance team took a break from their usual tasks to head to GlenOak stadium for something that was probably not their most comfortable task, a photo shoot for the cover of Eagle Nation magazine.

This issue shines a spotlight on these hardworking individuals who usually keep a low profile. Their readiness to step in front of the camera for our Spring issue is something we truly appreciate.

Eagle Nation magazine is our storytelling canvas. It’s where the heartbeats of Plain Local Schools are shared, where the unsung heroes of our community are celebrated, and where we open our doors to you, our extended family, inviting you to glimpse the magic that happens behind the scenes.

We owe a big round of applause to Jeannene Mathis-Bertosa, our exceptionally gifted Commercial Photography teacher at GlenOak, for capturing the essence of our staff in this edition’s portraits.

Happy reading, and as always, Go Eagles!

BEHIND THE SCENES:

A Day in the Life of Plain Local Schools’ Maintenance and Grounds Staff.

In the heart of our community, Plain Local Schools stand as a beacon of learning and growth, thanks in no small part to the dedication and hard work of our maintenance and grounds staff. These unsung heroes work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure our schools are not only operational but welcoming and safe spaces for our students, staff, and visitors. Join us as we delve into the lives of the people who keep Plain Local Schools running smoothly, their favorite aspects of the job, and the advice they have for our students.

JW TH CA ME

John Allen

District Maintenance Foreman

Erik Kilgo Maintenance Foreman

Adam Kress Grounds Supervisor

Adam Schrader Maintenance

JA EK AK AS

Joe Wearstler Maintenance

Travis Helmkamp Maintenance

Christopher Albert Maintenance

Mark Evans Grounds Crew

What is a typical day like in your position?

JA: Every day is always different. We troubleshoot minor issues, all the way to repairing major plumbing, electrical, heating etc., issues in each building.

EK: Ensuring each building is operable everyday

AK: We start early. Every day is different at Plain Local. We load trailers with whatever equipment we will need for the day and go get started. We have 13 buildings to take care of, so we are always on the move.

AS: A typical day for us on grounds can vary day to day. There really is no typical day. We can go from mowing grass one day, to trimming bushes and trees, then the next day be spreading 100 yards of mulch. Every day is different.

JW: As a grounds person I really don’t have a typical day; every day is a little bit different.

TH: In my position, I perform a variety of routine jobs to support the maintenance of our buildings, equipment, and utility systems.

CA: A typical day starts at 6am. We check in with John (Allen) and find out what the priorities of the day are. We could be installing new faucets, taking care of drain issues, water leaks, installing new light fixtures, getting things ready at the stadium or plowing snow. We are responsible for 13 buildings so there is always something to do.

ME: Mowing school fields on the tractor and trimming fields on a smaller riding mower

What is your favorite part of your job?

JA: The challenge of keeping the district up and running every day

EK: Getting to see my children at school.

AK: Being outside every day and knowing every day can be different.

AS: I would say my favorite part of the job is that I get to work outside in the sunshine.

JW: Being able to work outside and the people I work with.

TH: Problem solving

CA: The favorite part of my job is that it changes daily. I have the opportunity to work in different buildings as well as maintain, fix or install whatever is necessary to keep everything working. It’s never boring because our work changes daily.

ME: Having a part in helping to keep school grounds keep a good appearance for the school and for the public.

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

JA: My team and I work all year through. We are on call 24/7 for emergencies in the buildings.

EK: We have a total of 13 school buildings, a bus garage, and an administration building we have to maintain.

AK: How much work and effort it takes to maintain all of our buildings and grounds.

AS: The one thing that I wish people knew about my position is the number of hours that we put into each building in Plain Local to make it look the best that it can.

JW: There’s a lot more that we do than just cut the grass…a lot more.

TH: The wide variety of programs and opportunities for students to learn lifelong skills.

CA: One thing I would like people to know about Plain Local Schools is that they are dedicated to making sure each school is safe and maintained for the success of the staff and students. My position requires the ability to be flexible and to have a general knowledge about maintaining many of the different aspects of the buildings.

ME: Just how much it takes to keep the school grounds looking its finest for all to enjoy.

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

JA: I grew up in Plain Township. My wife, Denise, and I have raised our family here. Three of our four children graduated from GlenOak, as did I. We love how the community is growing and we love all the new businesses in the area.

EK: Seeing friends and families work together

AK: Plain Township has been improving so much lately, it’s nice to have so many options and activities to enjoy with family and friends

AS: My favorite thing about being part of the Plain Township community is seeing how it has grown over the past 15 to 20 years. It’s nice to see young families moving into the township. It is also nice to see the different activities and community events and job opportunities that the township has to offer.

JW: The people and there’s a lot of different shops and restaurants to go to.

TH: The beautiful park, trails and outdoor activities.

CA: My favorite part of the Plain Local community is that it works like a family, supporting one another and working together for the good of the district.

ME: Having the opportunity to be involved in a system for all to share.

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

JA: Take time to enjoy all the opportunities that Plain Local has to offer. Plain Local has many resources to help you with planning your future.

EK: Have fun! You’re only a kid for 17 summers.

AK: Use all the opportunities and experiences that Plain Local offers you.

AS: The one piece of advice that I would share with the students is to join one of the different clubs or activities and sports teams we offer. It is ok to step outside your comfort zone.

JW: Be kind to one another.

TH: Don’t be afraid to try something new.

CA: Advice to students would be to never stop lear ning.

ME: Don’t be afraid of any task, learn as much as possible in any field and be self-reliant.

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

JA: Spending time with my family

EK: Spending time with my family, playing disc golf, vacationing at the lake.

AK: I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife, kids and the dog.

AS: When I’m not at work, I am usually found with my family. My kids are active in sports so I enjoy watching them play their sport. We also like to travel to a warm sunny beach. I also enjoy watching movies and TV game shows.

JW: Hanging with my wife and kids. Coaching baseball for Holly Hills in the spring/summer and in the fall (I love coaching) and also a little bit of videogame playing.

TH: Playing board games with my wife or disc golfing with my son.

CA: When I am not at work, I enjoy traveling, the beach, spending time with family and friends and work on commercial and residential projects.

ME: I love to bass fish and work around my house.

Final thoughts or anything else you would like to share?

JA: I’ve worked for Plain Local for many years, and I look forward to the continuing growth of the district.

EK: Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

AS: Go Eagles!

JW: I enjoy coming to work and finding out what the day has in store for me.

ME: Be pleasant to one another, and I get great joy watching our children learning new lessons of life and implementing what they learned to become a better person.

CONGRATULATIONS

To th Cast and Crew of Newsies

Congratulations to the incredibly talented cast and crew of Newsies for delivering three spectacular performances in February! Your dedication and hard work truly paid off, creating unforgettable moments that left our audience inspired. Thank you for showcasing the spirit of “Watch Me Soar” and making the Plain Local Schools community incredibly proud.

AROUND THE District

Students Experience Wilderness Survival Skills

Mrs. Messner’s Blended 3rd and 4th grade students learned about and practiced wilderness survival skills as a cumulative activity with their Wit & Wisdom connected texts, Hatchet and SAS Survival Handbook. Mrs. Messner designed a five-station rotation for students to experience wild plant identification, animal print identification, knot tying, making mini bows and arrows, and First Aid in the field. Students worked in small groups and used their survival handbooks as a resource to guide them to stay safe and make good decisions. Collaboration and cooperation were necessary to complete the stations successfully. Students showed off their skills in knot typing by following illustrated directions along with video examples. Their archery skills were put to test with their cotton swab arrows and mini bows. The stations even included our school nurse who visited to teach First Aid. Students learned to use everyday items to apply First Aid in an emergency situation. The concluding assessment was a Flipgrid video reflection in which students were asked how the knowledge and understanding of these survival skills may have altered the outcome for the main character in the novel, Hatchet. The students made connections between their text and their experience, applied their understanding, and thought critically to construct their response. These Avondale Eagles have a few new tools in their survival toolbox!

Kindness is no Secret at Barr Elementary!

The Secret Eagle Agent (SEA) program at Barr was introduced as a proactive initiative to encourage random acts of kindness within our student body. This program was created and is led by our School Counselor, Mrs. Seccombe. As an attempt to promote more kindness, the pilot program of Secret Eagle Agents was offered to our 3rd grade students. Interested students filled out an application answering these two questions: 1.) In your own words, what does it mean to be a kind kid? 2.) Why do you want to be a Secret Eagle Agent? Parent signatures were obtained and the forms were returned to Mrs. Seccombe. Throughout the school year, 3 to 4 students are selected to be SEA participants each month. A “Mission Possible” booklet is provided with ideas of numerous (no cost) kind acts. The agent is asked to choose at least 5 to 10 missions, marking each one with a sticker upon completion. The ultimate purpose of the SEA program is to help create a school environment where students feel safe, cared for and have a sense of belonging.

Examples of missions include:

• Be polite by saying “please” and “thank you” throughout the day.

• Close a locker that has been left open.

• Hold the door open for someone.

• Help a younger student tie their shoes.

• Sit by someone new at lunch and start a conversation.

• Find someone you haven’t played with before at recess and ask them to play.

• Write a kind note to…..custodian, bus driver, cafeteria worker, secretary.

The goal of SEA is to empower students to be a part of the solution with regards to positive peer relationships. By participating as a Secret Eagle Agent, students are able to have a positive impact on the culture of our school. Students are learning to be citizens of our community, both during and beyond the school day. To date, our Secret Eagle Agents have completed over 75 random acts of kindness. The agents show so much excitement, enthusiasm, and pride when selected. We talk about the reasons for remaining anonymous while being an agent as it develops the intrinsic motivation for being kind to others. At the end of their term, the secret agents are revealed on a bulletin board. We are excited to continue witnessing and experiencing a multitude of kind acts with students at Barr Elementary through the Secret Eagle Agent Program! Thank you to Mrs. Seccombe for your continued support in providing our students with this strengthening their relationship with others.

Mrs. Seccombe, Barr Elementary School Counselor, is the leader of this building-wide kindness initiative.

Teamwork and survival skills take flight in Mrs. Messner’s classroom as students explore the wild side of learning with hands-on stations.

Boosting Reading Fluency and Comprehension: The Chips and Salsa Strategy at Frazer

Partner reading increases the amount of reading students do during the day while freeing up the teacher to work with individual students, pairs, or small groups. Partner reading allows students to support one another as they enjoy reading in groups of two or three. This peer-assisted learning strategy matches students’ reading ability so they can provide feedback to one another. The objective of this practice is to increase accuracy and automaticity when students are reading grade-level texts.

Students take turns reading out loud to one another. They read the same passage for several days in a row to build fluency with repeated readings. Our five easy rules of Chips and Salsa are to talk only to their partner and only about the text, keep their voices low, cooperate with their partners, try their best, and follow directions. To provide their partner with the best feedback on their reading, students learn to “ask and then tell.” If they hear their partner read an incorrect word, they prompt them to figure the word out first. If their partner can not read it correctly in four seconds, they tell them the word and have them repeat it and reread the sentence accurately.

To build reading comprehension in addition to fluency, students practice paragraph shrinking with their partner. After each student has taken a turn reading the same paragraph, they paragraph shrink, Chips (reader one) first, then the Salsa (reader two). Students focus on the who and the what of the text read and summarize the main idea of the paragraph in ten words or more. Students even have a salsa dance they perform with hand motions to remember all the components of the paragraph-shrinking process.

Students in all grade levels are experiencing Chips and Salsa either during core reading time or during our dedicated intervention time for each grade level. This strategy does not take much time and produces visual gains in fluency. The strategy works with word lists for our beginning readers and grade-level text for our advanced readers. Students benefit from repeated readings of Wit and Wisdom texts they are reading in core reading. Teachers can also create a text set with connected passages to build students’ background knowledge and vocabulary. We are so excited to see how this practice helps our Frazer students GROW their oral reading fluency.

For the Love of Reading

Mrs. Victoria Dolan, librarian extraordinaire at Middlebranch, has one mission: Build her students’ love of reading! To accomplish this goal, Mrs. Dolan plans and delivers fun and engaging literacy activities during each and every library class. Mrs. Dolan regularly collaborates with the classroom teachers to support the reading and writing standards they are currently teaching in their classes. Once she knows the focus areas, she dives head-first into planning activities that not only support what students are learning, but are also fun and engaging.

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Middlebranch librarian Mrs. Victoria Dolan (center) assists second graders Luke Bowers (left) and Coen Gross (right) write book reviews during their weekly library time.

Ezra Truett summarizes the main idea of the paragraph in ten words or more for his partner Greyson Youmans.

Emelinna Nutter follows along as she listens to her partner Nora Tyson read.

From meeting virtually with favorite authors, to writing and illustrating their own stories, students get a wide variety of experiences with Mrs. Dolan. One recent activity that second graders worked on during library time was writing book reviews for one of their favorite books in honor of World Read Aloud Day (February 7, 2024). After taking some time to reflect on a favorite book, students had the chance to read a variety of book reviews to get an idea of what goes into writing one. Mrs. Dolan helped students connect well-written book reviews with how much it made them want to read those books. After sharing several examples, the second graders got to work writing their own reviews.

Coen chose to review Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus, by Moe Willems. Coen said, “I love this book because it is funny. I think other people would love it because they might like to laugh at the same parts I laughed at. I think it’s a very good book to read.” Luke went in a different direction. Looking for more adventure in his reading, Luke decided to review one of the I Survived series books, I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916, by Lauren Tarshis. Luke explained, “I love all of these books (in the series) because they all make me learn about things that really happened. The characters have to learn how to survive and stay alive! I think that everyone should definitely read these books, especially if they don’t want to get eaten by a shark or stuck in a big tornado!”

Mrs. Dolan explains, “When students write their own reviews of their favorite books for their peers, it automatically makes those books more enticing to read. We will display all of the book reviews right alongside copies of the books. Students will have time over our next few classes together to read their friends’ reviews and select books that they may not have chosen without the endorsement of their classmates. Opening students up to a variety of new genres of books is so powerful. It helps them form meaningful connections and take risks with their reading. In particular for second graders, I love that I get to help them find out what kinds of books they want to read. I love to watch them turn into avid readers. I hope they will love to read books forever!”

Talk of the Town

The students in Miss Olinski’s Accessible Classroom have been using special technology to complete an “AAC Word of the Week”!

An AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device is a tablet or laptop that assists students with speech or language impairments so that they can learn to communicate. Miss Olinksi partnered with the school’s speech therapist to develop strategies that incorporate this technology within her classroom in order to reach both verbal and nonverbal students.

The AAC devices provide images of common objects that the students encounter within their classroom and everyday environments. When a student pushes on the image, the device speaks the word aloud, enabling them to communicate with others! Students with verbal abilities practice writing the word of the week instead, as this grows their communication and vocabulary skills.

Kindness Takes Flight at Warstler

Additionally, Miss Olinski created classroom stations where they practice identifying the word of the week on pages of a book, as well as stations where they learn “real world” applications – teaching them to use the word of the week in basic human interactions. Miss Olinksi has truly done an exceptional job developing strategies that enable students of all abilities to increase their language skills profile!

There was a kindness initiative at Warstler, and it garnered widespread participation! Students had been learning ways to show kindness to themselves and others with assistance from counselor Jamie Johnson. She visited every classroom, teaching about eight ways to show kindness: helping, sharing, apologizing, cleaning up, being friendly, being patient, being polite, and being supportive.

February 12-15 marked the Kindness Kickoff Week. It was a week brimming with enjoyable activities to help everyone become excited about spreading kindness. All staff were vigilant for acts of kindness. Students who were caught in the act of kindness earned a construction paper “link,” These links were collected at the end of each day and were used to create a school-wide paper chain that was displayed throughout Warstler’s hallways. The paper chain link served as a tangible metric for something that is otherwise difficult to quantify. The objective of this project was to assist Warstler students in seeing the ripple effect of kindness and to understand just how impactful their words and actions could be. The culminating activity for this kindness initiative involved the students participating in community service projects so that the love could be extended throughout the community.

Mentorship Program Soars in Success

In the heart of Plain Local Schools, a remarkable initiative is underway, led by a group of compassionate and dedicated GlenOak High School students. Their mission? To engage, empower, and uplift the younger students within their community through the transformative power of education.

Taft students Jaelee Hill, Ezra Waiters, and Ryker Ferguson work with Miss Cassie Olinski and Amy Hammock.

Zae’Dence Blackwell, a bright student from Mrs. Cowley’s class, proudly showcases his ‘Little Spot of Kindness’ project. His enthusiasm embodies the spirit of Warstler’s Kindness Kickoff Week, where every act of compassion strengthens our community’s chain of kindness.

Every Thursday and Friday, a group of GlenOak students from the teacher pathway program eagerly make their way to Glenwood Intermediate School to tutor 5th and 6th grade SOARing Eagles in an OST Challenge. The GOHS students help build OST readiness in students at Glenwood identified through the Response to Intervention (RTI) process at the school.

This program offers a multitude of benefits. First, it provides targeted academic support, helping younger students enhance their readiness for the Ohio State Test in Language Arts and Math. The mentorship dynamic fosters a positive learning environment, making education more engaging and accessible.

Moreover, the high school students acting as mentors gain valuable leadership and teaching skills. It’s a win-win situation where they not only reinforce their own understanding of the subjects but also develop empathy, patience, and effective communication skills.

Beyond academics, the program promotes a sense of community within the school. The interaction between high school and intermediate school students creates a supportive atmosphere, breaking down age barriers and building a culture of collaboration.

Lastly, the lunch hour timing makes it a convenient option, minimizing disruptions to the regular school schedule, especially as some of the targeted students have attendance issues and can get additional support on missing assignments. Overall, this program not only boosts academic performance but also contributes to the social and emotional development of all participants.

Oakwood Middle School’s Enchanting Production of Oliver! Jr.

Oakwood Middle School brought the enchanting streets of Victorian London to life in February with their performance of the musical Oliver! Jr. The production showcased the talents of students in grades 6-8. The cast and crew members poured their hearts and souls into bringing the iconic characters to life. From the energetic choreography and catchy musical numbers to the period costumes and hand-painted set pieces, each aspect of the production showcased the incredible talent and hard work of the students.

For many of the students involved, the production of Oliver! Jr. was about building relationships. “I’m a new student at Oakwood, so it can be hard to fit in,” said 7th grader Suzie Kappel. “Being in the musical helped me to meet new people, and it was a really fun experience!”

Rosalie Bell, who played the title character, is planning a career in musical theater. “Playing Oliver helped me to step outside my comfort zone and explore different perspectives. I can’t wait for what is in store next year!”

The production featured Indyeanah Freeman (Fagin), Rosalie Bell (Oliver), Grayson Grishaber (The Artful Dodger), Kaydence Kovac (Nancy), Azariah Beltz (Mr. Bumble), Serena Dumea (Widow Corney), and Elliot Brewer (Bill Sikes). More than 80 Oakwood students participated as members of the cast, crew and design team. The show was directed by Wendy Martens, with music direction by Miranda Derbyshire, choreography by Jacquenette Blaydes, and costumes by Stephen Tornero. The show also featured students from the Glenwood Select Choir, directed by Jessica Bell. Anthony DePinto led the tech team made up of middle schoolers and students from GlenOak Lights and Sound.

As the final notes of the musical faded away and the curtain closed on another successful performance, it was clear that Oakwood Middle School had once again demonstrated the power of the arts to inspire, uplift, and unite.

Students shine on stage in Oakwood Middle School’s production of Oliver! Jr., captivating audiences with their talent and dedication.

Plain Local first graders embrace learning and safety with joy at their YMCA swim lessons. Pictured are students from Avondale Elementary,

Making a Splash: Plain Local First Graders Learn to Swim with YMCA Partnership

Plain Local Schools, in a heartwarming partnership with YMCA Stark County, is thrilled to bring a splash of joy and safety into the lives of our first graders! Thanks to the kind hearts and generous donations at the YMCA, we’re able to offer our young learners an incredible chance to dive into the world of swimming. Each student receives a swim kit from their school, complete with goggles, a swim bag, and a towel, ensuring they’re all set for their aquatic adventure.

Our swimming sessions are more than just fun; they’re a crucial step toward water safety and mastering swimming techniques. With seven lessons designed to mix enjoyment with education, our students learn the importance of being safe in and around water. This initiative is a testament to the power of community and collaboration, providing our children with invaluable skills and the confidence to say, “Water is fun, not fearful.” We’re incredibly proud of this partnership and the opportunity it gives our students to soar even in the water!

Junior Barclay, a GWIS student, shares a moment of discovery with GOHS mentor Novaleigh Plotts during their Thursday tutoring session.

GLENOAK High School

Behind the Curtain: Students Shine in the Spotlight of Technical Theater

The musical season truly embodies an ‘all hands on deck’ spirit, showcasing the talents of our students in Light and Sound and Construction Trades. They apply their skills to produce a technical marvel from the ground up. Throughout February, students dedicate numerous hours to develop a unique lighting plan, install and adjust over 100 lighting fixtures, manage sound for more than 30 actors’ microphones, and record live orchestra performances, among other tasks.

Construction Trades students play a pivotal role as well, bringing the director’s creative vision to life. They craft props, revise designs, solve unexpected challenges, and acquire materials to construct full-scale models for the production. Remarkably, the show is entirely student-led, demonstrating an impressive display of collaboration. The contributions of both departments are critical to the success of our productions. Their dedication and expertise greatly enrich our program!

GlenOak High School’s Cheerleading Team Secures NCA National Championship

GlenOak High School’s cheerleading team staged a remarkable comeback to Dallas, Texas, from January 20-21, 2024, for the prestigious NCA High School Nationals. This annual cheerleading extravaganza, held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, is renowned as one of the nation’s premier competitions. Competing against 400 high school teams in different divisions, GlenOak’s 20-member squad, led by coaches Alyssa West, Katie Buda, and Savanna McElwain, exhibited both school spirit and athletic excellence in the Crowd Performance Division..

Led by seniors Mikayla Kimble and Mohanna White, who were part of last year’s team that narrowly missed first place, the team spent the past five-and-a-half months honing their skills. Their dedication to perfecting tumbling passes, refining dance sequences, and engaging the audience paid off as they aimed to exceed their previous performance and clinch the championship.

The Eagles emerged victorious, securing the national title with a remarkable overall score of 97.74, which reflected their exceptional performances over two days, leading them to place first in their division on both occasions. Their achievements were further highlighted by receiving awards for Superior Showmanship and Best Use of Tumbling, earning them the title of 2024 Varsity Novice Crowd Leading NCA National Champions.

In addition to their competitive success, the team enjoyed the cultural and social experiences Dallas offered, including visits to the Dallas World Aquarium and various historical sites, and the chance to connect with fellow cheerleaders nationwide.

Head Varsity Cheer Coach Alyssa West, celebrating her 10th year with the program, expressed her pride in representing GlenOak, Plain Local Schools, and Canton, Ohio, on a national platform. She highlighted the unforgettable experience for the athletes, emphasizing the development of teamwork, perseverance, confidence, and leadership skills.

The victory was a collective effort, supported by cheer parents, GlenOak and Plain Local administrators, the Plain Local Board of Education, and the relentless dedication of the athletes. Coach West and her team are thrilled to celebrate their status as the 2024 NCA National Champions, flying high as representatives of their Eagle Nation.

Students in action during technical rehearsals, where every cable, light, and prop comes to life in the hands of the future stars of stagecraft.

The GlenOak High School Cheerleading Team Celebrates Their Stellar Victory as the 2024 NCA National Champions.

Celebrating National Signing Day

In the spirit of celebration and pride, GlenOak High School marked a significant milestone during the 2024 National Signing Day, as four of its football stars made their collegiate commitments official. Avantae Burt and Da’Codis Davis are set to bring their talents to Central State University, while Austin Morrison will join Gannon University, and Brailon Wilcox has committed to Notre Dame College. Together, these athletes have garnered scholarship offers totaling over $200,000—a testament to their exceptional academic records, unparalleled work ethic, commendable character, and remarkable athletic abilities.

This quartet of players has been instrumental in revitalizing the GlenOak Football program, leading the team to a coveted home playoff game and a noteworthy advance in the OHSAA playoffs this season. Their dedication and achievements have not only highlighted their individual capabilities but have also cast a spotlight on the strength and potential of the team as a whole.

As we celebrate these young men’s journey to the next level of their academic and athletic careers, we extend our heartfelt congratulations

to them and their families. Their success is a source of immense pride for our community and serves as an inspiring example of where talent, determination, and hard work can lead. Here’s to their future endeavors and the continued excellence of GlenOak Football—may they soar even higher in the years to come.

Empowering New Beginnings: The Success of GlenOak High’s Student Ambassador Program

Every school year brings the excitement of welcoming between 100 and 150 new students to GlenOak High School. Understanding that stepping into high school can be a significant adjustment, the Counseling Department at GlenOak High introduced the Student Ambassador program in the 2022-2023 school year. Now in its second year, this initiative is continuously evolving to support newcomers and simplify their transition into high school life.

The program boasts a dedicated team of over 80 Student Ambassadors from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. These students apply in the spring, and upon selection, receive targeted training over the summer. This training prepares them to offer tours, foster a welcoming environment, and emphasize the value of inclusivity. As part of the enrollment process, new students can complete a survey detailing their interests, helping to match them with an Ambassador who will guide them through their early days at GlenOak High.

Moreover, the program has organized several events specifically for new students, including a welcome brunch with tours, a fun luncheon with games, and an ice-breaker session to help them settle in. The Ambassadors have dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to conducting tours, participating in training sessions, and spending direct time with new students to help them feel at home in their new surroundings. The Student Ambassador program is a vital component of fostering a welcoming and positive atmosphere at GlenOak High School.

Students who are eager to contribute to this positive school culture and become a Student Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year are encouraged to reach out to their school counselor for more information.

GlenOak’s Student Ambassadors ready to welcome new Eagles to the nest.

Avantae Burt, Da’Codis Davis, Austin Morrison, and Brailon Wilcox, together after signing their National Letters of Intent, ready to embark on their collegiate football journeys.

Our theme for the 2023-2024 school year is “Watch Me Soar.” The theme aims to inspire a sense of determination and perseverance, urging everyone to overcome challenges, spread their wings, and soar to new heights. In each issue of Eagle Nation Magazine we will spotlight students who are the embodiment of this theme.

AVONDALE ELEMENTARY:

Ellis Harrington, Grade 2

“Ellis Harrington, Avondale Elementary 2nd grader, is the exemplary SOARing Eagle! Ellis lives the SOAR mantra through his words and actions every day. He cares for others and lends a hand to those in need. He is kind, helpful, and always respectful. Ellis puts his school work first and strives to be his best self academically and socially. The Avondale family is proud to watch Ellis SOAR and we appreciate how he models for others. Way to SOAR, Ellis. You make Plain Local Schools proud! Ellis attends Avondale with his siblings; twin brother, Leo and his younger brother, Eli.”

– Nominated by Avondale Principal Jeanne McNeal

BARR ELEMENTARY:

Carmelina Perez, Grade 2

“It is an honor to recognize Carmelina Perez as Barr Elementary’s Soaring Student! Carmelina is a very respectful and considerate student. She exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in and outside of the classroom. Her 2nd Grade teacher, Mrs. Marchbank, states that Carmelina ‘works so hard every day! She loves to help in the classroom and is always kind to her classmates and adults.’ We are so proud of what Carmelina has achieved while at Barr and it is a pleasure to recognize her for this achievement. Congratulations and continue to SOAR high!!!”

– Nominated by Barr Principal Camille Anderson

FRAZER ELEMENTARY:

JB Sutton, Grade 2

“JB is an amazing young man! He is always willing to lend a helping hand, he is a math whiz and he has one of the kindest hearts of any student I’ve known. He is always on the lookout for ways he can encourage his friends and compliment our school staff members. He loves sports and always strives to do his best in everything he does! When you need someone dependable, helpful, caring and trustworthy – JB is your guy! He is proud to be an Eagle and strives to SOAR each day!”

– Nominated by Frazer Teacher Beth Ann Conley

MIDDLEBRANCH

ELEMENTARY:

Lanzi Craighead, Grade 4

“Lanzi is a phenomenal kid! She is extremely kind and insightful. She is a a fantastic friend and a true leader among her peers. Lanzi SOARS each day by being respectful, goal-driven, kind and hard-working. She truly embodies what SOARing means to us at Middlebranch. We are so proud of Lanzi and can’t wait to watch her do great things in her future.” –

Nominated by Middlebranch Principal Jennifer Moff

TAFT ELEMENTARY:

Gracie Niedenthal, Grade 4

“Gracie Niedenthal SOARs over Taft Elementary each and every day. Her smile and the warmth that comes with it is truly contagious. Kindness is what drives Gracie in her day-to-day interactions. She consistently goes out of her way to make others feel included. In doing this, she helps to build our school culture and community. Taft is a place where you truly belong, and Gracie helps to make sure everyone she encounters is reminded of that and feels welcome and loved!”

Nominated by Taft Elementary Principal Kortney Milford

WARSTLER ELEMENTARY:

Reagan Bailey, Grade 3

“Reagan is a SOARing Eagle every day of the week! She shows kindness to everyone she crosses paths with on a daily basis. Her teachers talk about how reliable and dependable Reagan is in class. The characteristics Reagan displays is the exemplar of what we expect from all of our students. Thank you, Reagan, for being an amazing and wonderful person!”

– Nominated by Warstler Principal Mark Yocum

GLENWOOD:

Bryce Noe, Grade 6

“Bryce Noe is a SOARing student at GWIS as he exemplifies the ‘S’ in SOAR, which is showing respect. His teacher team from 6 Gold 1 says, ‘Bryce is a very respectful young man. He is always considerate of how his actions will affect others around him. Bryce is a leader in the classroom by always doing what is asked of him, staying on task without redirection, and setting high expectations for others.’ Thank you, Bryce, for being such a great leader in our school!”

– Nominated by Glenwood Principal Trisha Williams

OAKWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Jameela Jackson, Grade 8

“Jameela is an outstanding student and excels in the classroom. She is involved in advanced Math and English and participates in choir and track. She is kind, caring, works well with her peers, and sets a positive example for others. In the future, Jameela would like to attend college and study engineering. We are proud to recognize her as a soaring student!”

– Nominated by Oakwood Deputy Principal Chicola Whitfield

GLENOAK HIGH SCHOOL: Ja’Corey Lipkins, Grade 12

“Ja’Corey Lipkins is a senior who excels in academics and athletics. His passion is basketball and he has worked extremely hard on and off the court. He has earned several athletic honors over the last few years, some of which include:

First Team All-Stark County, Division I Honorable Mention

All-Ohio, First Team All-Federal League, and All Northeast Inland District IV Second Team. Ja’Corey is not only a star on the court, but he shines in the classroom as well and has maintained a rigorous class schedule with a 4.113 GPA. His goal is to study broadcast journalism or sports management, to play college basketball, and hopefully professional basketball. He is known by staff and students alike as a quiet leader who is hardworking, kind, and polite. He brings everyone up by his example, and he is always striving for success. We are excited to watch Ja’Corey soar to the next level after graduation!”

– Nominated by GlenOak Principal Gayle Kimbrough

Do you have a soaring moment to share? Complete our online form by scanning the QR code or visiting bit.ly/plssoar

Plain Community Branch

We are so excited to be renovating the Plain Community Branch as part of the Library’s Re|imagine project. In addition to a fresh, new look, your Library will have study rooms, a dedicated teen area, new technology, and much more!

We’ll be closed for about five months beginning March 18. During that time, the bookmobile will be on site at scheduled times so you can pick up your holds, browse, and access other Library services.

BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE (Beginning March 18)

Tuesdays | 1:30–3:30 pm

Wednesdays | 9–11 am

Saturdays | 9–11 am

For more information, visit StarkLibrary.org/Reimagine

Students Make A Change For Positive Mental Health

By Dan Mucci Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Mission Advancement Director

Change is often a challenging and difficult concept. Planning, effort and a change in mindset play a role in being able to execute a true change in accepting help from others, using social media less or making healthier lifestyle choices.

The week of April 8-12, Plain Local’s elementary students will be taking the first step towards making a change for positive mental health.

Each elementary school classroom in the district’s six elementary schools will be asked to bring in spare change and place the change in a Jar of Change. As each student drops a coin in the jar, the student will be reminded to make a change for positive mental health.

After making an initial deposit, the teacher will give the student a positive affirmation chip to reinforce the change that was placed in the jar.

At the teacher’s discretion during the school day, Child and Adolescent Behavior Health’s (C&A) prevention staff developed 10 mini mental health lessons teachers can incorporate into their lesson plans. Each lesson has a short YouTube video and some

discussion questions to review with the students. Topics include:

• Classroom affirmations

• Communicating feelings

• Breathing techniques

• Circle of control

• Decision-making

• Friendship

• Learning emotions

• Self-esteem

• Showing kindness

• Whole body listening

The money raised from the change jars will benefit C&A programs and services, which the agency will use to benefit Plain Local students.

The mini lessons will lead the district’s students into Stark County Schools Mental Health Awareness month in May, where the district will receive positive mental health messages with other 52,000 students in the county.

Springtime brings many positive changes, and this is the perfect time for students to make a change for positive mental health!

Plain Township Historical Society

Submitted by: Cindy Guest, Plain Township Historical Society

The Plain Township Historical Society is thrilled to announce a unique collaboration with the esteemed First Ladies Library and Museum. Our shared mission is to bring the past to life, and what better way than to celebrate the influential roles of America’s First Ladies in promoting education and literacy? We’re delighted to contribute artifacts that echo these inspirational stories in our upcoming exhibit.

2024-2025 Highlight Exhibition: “Leaders in Literacy: First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians”

Supported entirely by Huntington Bank, this exhibit showcases the educational triumphs of over 13 First Ladies. These remarkable women have championed the cause of literacy in the United States, from Abigail Fillmore’s pioneering teaching efforts to Dr. Jill Biden’s contemporary academic pursuits. This exhibit honors their commitment to nurturing the minds of young Americans.

Kickstarting with an exclusive VIP Reception on April 27, 2024 — also celebrated as National First Ladies Day — the exhibit welcomes all visitors starting May 1st and continues through April 2025. Set within the historic environs of the First Ladies National Historic Site in downtown Canton, there is no admission fee. For details and tour times, please visit firstladies.org.

Free Meetings and Events

Mar 18: Home Safety Tips with the Plain Township Fire Department

Apr 15: The Ohio Woman’s Suffrage Movement with Dr. Jamie Capuzzi

May 20: A Glimpse into Avondale’s One-Room School and Vogelgesang Orchard by Dr. George Vogelgesang

Jun 17: Our Annual Covered Dish Picnic, now at Al Leno Park on Pinecrest St NE

Jul 15: The Story Behind the William McKinley Home with experts Richard Haldi and Judith Pocock

Aug 19: A Talk on Scams by the Sheriff’s Department

Sep 16: Remembering R. G. Drage with Darlane Drage

Oct 21: Share Your Treasures at our Show and Tell event

Nov 18: The Legacy of Stark County Library by Stephanie Houck

Location: Plain Township Hall, 2600 Easton St NE from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm unless otherwise noted.

Connect and Contribute

To learn more about our events, how to donate, or to engage with our community efforts, visit our website at www.preservingplaintwp.org, follow us on Facebook, send us an email at preservingplaintwp@gmail.com, or call Cindy at 330-224-2660.

PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOLS Foundation and Alumni Association

Empowering Innovation: Spotlight on Foundation’s Star Grant Achievements

Over the years, the dedication and generosity of the Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association have made a significant impact, contributing over $150,000 in “Star Grants” to staff for innovative programming beyond our district’s regular budget. Here’s a closer look at some of the remarkable projects from our 2023 Star Grant recipients and the positive feedback from our educators who are making a difference.

At Glenwood Intermediate School, thanks to these grants, STEAM students are diving into the world of green screen technology. By integrating their art with digital backgrounds, they’re not only enhancing their technical skills but also their creativity. Fifth-grader Jaxon Rippel, for example, brilliantly placed himself inside a 3D room he designed, showcasing how this technology fosters imagination across curriculums. Amanda Arway, a STEAM teacher, highlights how this tool is empowering students in fifth and sixth grades to explore video production, multimedia presentations, and interdisciplinary projects.

Jennifer Austin, who coordinates our International Baccalaureate (IB) program, shared her gratitude for the Star Grant that supports Learner Profile events for our 11th and 12th-grade IB students. These gatherings, filled with snacks and team-building activities, celebrate the ten Learner Profile attributes, reinforcing the program’s character education goals and fostering a sense of unity among participants.

At Little Eagle Preschool, the Star Grant has been a game-changer, enhancing the physical development and coordination of our youngest learners. Mrs. Michelle Stahleker expressed her heartfelt thanks for the grant, which has significantly benefited the preschool’s gross motor skills activities, positively affecting the children’s daily progress.

These stories are just the beginning of the exceptional experiences being provided to all 6,000 students in Plain Local, thanks to the Foundation’s support. Yet, achieving our mission is only possible with your help. To join this legacy of excellence and innovation, consider becoming a Star Grant Community Partner. For more information on how to contribute, visit our website at plainfoundation.com or reach out via email at foundation@plainlocal.org. Together, we can continue to support our educators and students in creating a brighter future.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now available.

If your child turns five years old on or before September 30, 2024, please scan the QR code to book registration appointment.

Questions, call 330-492-3500 or email contact@plainlocal.org.

Creative horizons expand at Glenwood Intermediate School as students engage with green screen technology, bringing their imaginative projects to life.

Proud IB students at GlenOak showcase their certificates.

Our “Watch Me Soar” Plain Local t-shirts were made possible by our generous sponsors!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors:

• GARDINER, located at 31200 Bainbridge Rd., Solon, OH 44139.

You can reach them at 440.248.3400.

• M CONLEY COMPANY, located at 1312 4th St SE, Canton, OH 44707.

You can contact them at 330.456.8243.

• VERNDALE WATER EXPERTS, located at 3827 Kirby Ave NE, Canton, OH 44705, and reachable at 330.455.9466.

• LIQUID CUSTOM APPAREL, located at 1541 Raff Rd SW Ste A, Canton, OH 44710.

You can reach them at 330.479.4160.

GEAA BUSINESS SPONSORS TO OUR Thank you

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Aultman is proud to be the area’s first and only independent health system. We are one team, joined together and committed to one mission — to lead our community to improved health. And we’ve always been here, dedicated to providing YOU with the very best in care, wellness, education, insurance, and more.

EAGLE NATION MAGAZINE 27

2024-2025 Important Dates

August 21

Transition Day-Grades 5th, 7th, and 9th

August 22

First Day All students (Except Kindergarten)

August 28

Kindergarten Begins Last Names A-L

August 29

Kindergarten Begins Last Names M-Z

September 2

No School Staff/Students

October 14

No School

October 18

In-Service No School Students

November 27-Dec. 2

Thanksgiving Break

December 23-Jan. 3

Winter Break

January 17 In-Service No School Students

January 20

No School Staff/Students

February 14 In-Service No School Students

February 17 No School Staff/Students

March 24-28

Spring Break

April 18 No School Staff/Students

May 20

Class of 2025 Graduation

May 26 No School Staff/Students

May 29

Last Day of School

Class of 2024 Commencement

Save the Date Class of 2024 will Graduate on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 7pm on Bob Commings Field at GlenOak High School.

Each graduate will receive 10 graduation tickets. Tickets will be picked up by the student in their academy office in May.