Hot on the heels of Northeast Ohio’s Total Solar Eclipse, Columbus Intermediate School is thrilled to announce its upcoming Science Family Engagement Night on Thursday, April 18th! From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., families are invited to embark on an exhilarating journey into the cosmos, right here at our school.

“We wanted to create an event that brings the wonder of science to our students and their families,” shares Karla Eberhardt, Dean of Academic Achievement at Columbus Intermediate School. “After the solar eclipse, focusing on space science felt like the perfect next step.”

The night promises an array of captivating experiences, including an indoor SkyDome mobile planetarium that will transport attendees into the depths of the universe. Additionally, hands-on science stations will offer interactive learning opportunities, igniting curiosity and exploration.

“Our Science Symposium is a chance for families to actively engage in the fascinating world of science,” says Eberhardt. “It’s a reminder that there’s a whole universe of knowledge waiting to be discovered beyond the usual academic subjects.”

Principal Jermainne Huff, along with dedicated teachers and volunteers, will be on hand to ensure that everyone has an enriching and educational experience. This event is sure to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, blending learning with fun in the most cosmic way possible.

Don’t miss out on this stellar opportunity to connect with science and each other! Mark your calendars for April 18th and get ready for an evening of discovery and wonder at Columbus Intermediate School’s Science Family Engagement Night.

*Please note that all RSVPs have been collected and the planetarium is at maximum capacity.

Correction: Changed Principal to Jermainne Huff, included information regarding RSVPs on 4/17/2024.

The post Starry Night: Columbus Intermediate School’s Cosmic Science Family Fun on April 18th! first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This exciting event invites professionals from various fields to share their insights and experiences with eager young minds. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone just starting out on their career journey, you’re welcome to participate. Covina Dunnihoo, the coordinator of this enlightening affair, can be reached at cdunnihoo@bedfordschools.org or (440) 439-4473 for those interested in presenting.

The beauty of this initiative lies in its inclusivity; even if you can’t commit to the full duration, any amount of time you can spare is valued. The overarching goal is simple yet profound: to expose students to the myriad of career paths available, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures.

So mark your calendars and join Heskett Middle School in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. Your presence could spark a passion or illuminate a path that changes lives. Let’s come together to inspire and uplift our future workforce.

The post Career Fair at Heskett Middle School on March 19th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

2023-2024 Public Release Last Revised June 2022 NDS
Under the provision of the policy, Jennifer Dickson, Supervisor of Nutrition Services will review
applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the decision on the
application or the result of verification, the decision may be discussed with the determining official
on an informal basis. If a formal appeal is desired, the household has the right to a fair hearing. A fair
hearing can be requested either orally or in writing from:

Dr. JaTina Threat Executive Director of School and Community Relations
475 Northfield Rd
Bedford, Ohio 44146
The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure.
Households may apply for benefits any time during the school year. If a household is not currently eligible and if
the household size increases or income decreases because of unemployment or other reasons, the family should
contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for free or
reduced-price benefits if the family income falls at or below the levels shown above.
Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and
policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including
gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American
Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s
TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online

at:  https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-
28-17Fax2Mail.pdf , from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA.
The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged
discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature
and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
   program.intake@usda.gov
    This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The post Bedford Schools announce 2023-2024 lunch program first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Why Clear Backpacks?

Clear backpacks will let everyone see what’s inside. The district thinks this will make schools safer. Dr. Cassandra Johnson, the superintendent, explained that the backpacks are paid for with federal money. The best part? All kids will also get free school supplies! Backpacks will be available at the schools.

In an email, the principal of Glendale School told families that every student must use the clear backpack given by the district. Some parents have mixed feelings about this change.

Metal Detectors

The district’s middle and high school students don’t need clear backpacks. They will go through metal detectors to make sure they don’t have anything dangerous with them. There will also be security officers at the schools.

Four elementary schools will have metal detectors too. But don’t worry, young kids won’t have to go through them. Only adults will. If a student has a lunch box that’s not paper, they might be checked with a special tool called a wand.

Final Words

The new clear backpacks and metal detectors are part of the Bedford City School District’s plan to make sure everyone is safe. Students will get their clear backpacks at the open house events before school starts. No matter what, the district’s goal is to do whatever it takes to protect students.

Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s all work together to make this a great and safe school year!

The post Bedford City Schools To Require Clear Backpacks first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Bedford City Schools Need Bus Drivers! first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

“I started to learn how powerful art is by sharing it and seeing how I can make a difference in other people’s lives,” says the Summit Academy Secondary School – Akron art teacher, whose giving spirit was celebrated on March 17 in front of some 20,000 basketball fans. Standing at center court at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Bishop received the NBA team’s prestigious Head of the Class award before the Cavs’ game against the Washington Wizards.

“The calm, safe atmosphere alone that she creates in her classroom speaks volumes about the high-quality teacher that she is,” says Summit Academy Executive Director of Special Education Erica Richley-Duda.

The post Cavs name Bedford Hts. native Head of the Class Teacher first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The board will begin interviewing candidates soon and must name a replacement within 30 days of the vacancy. The newly appointed member will serve until Dec. 30, 2023. If the appointed member desires to continue serving, he or she must run during the November 2023 general election.

Mrs. Barbara A. Patterson was appointed to the Board in 2002 and subsequently elected in 2003. Cassandra Johnson, Ph.D., interim superintendent of schools, stated that Mrs. Patterson served as president of the board in 2008, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2021. She was vice president in 2005, 2007, and 2018, and 2020. A career educator, Mrs. Patterson retired in 2009 after more than 39 years as a teacher and administrator. Mrs. Patterson was a past-president of the Ohio School Boards Association’s Black Caucus, a position that she held for 6 years. This organization promotes public awareness of issues relating to racial diversity in schools and equity in education to enhance the academic achievement of Ohio’s students. The Bearcat family is appreciative of Mrs. Patterson for her 20 years of service and dedication to the Bedford City School District.

According to Ohio law, people serving on Ohio school boards must be at least 18 years old, district residents and registered voters. Mrs. Eva Boyington, board president, said the board will review all applications and conduct interviews for selected candidates.

A decision regarding appointment of an individual to fill the vacant seat will be made at the Board’s March 3, 2022 meeting.

Bedford City School District serves approximately 3,100 students in six buildings in the cities of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village and Walton Hills.

The post Bedford City School Board scheduled to fill seat vacancy at March meeting first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal program designed to increase postsecondary educational attainment and success rates among students from low-income backgrounds. Through GEAR UP Ohio, College Now will deliver services to students at Heskett Middle School and Bedford High School.

College Now advisors will guide students through career pathways exploration, evaluating postsecondary options, entrance exam preparation, and financial aid counseling. Participants will also engage in after-school programming and college and career visits throughout the school year and summer. Additionally, participants will be eligible for scholarships upon high school graduation. Advisors will also engage parents and families to provide education about postsecondary opportunities, preparation, and financing.

“We are thrilled by the opportunity to work with Bedford students, families, and educators through GEAR UP Ohio,” said Lee Friedman, CEO of College Now. “We know that postsecondary education continues to be a pivotal factor in achieving economic self-sufficiency and the support provided by the GEAR UP program will allow us to help guide Bedford students into bright futures.”

Dr. Andrea Celico, superintendent of the Bedford City School District, said the program will expose more Bedford students to the possibility of college and what it can offer.

“We couldn’t be happier to work with College Now Greater Cleveland Inc. through GEAR UP to bring more opportunities for exploring college options to Bedford students,” she said. “Additionally, the program will potentially offer scholarships to our students. GEAR UP is a great initiative and I’m very pleased that Bedford has been selected to be a part of it. Our participation and selection is thanks to the hard work of Dr. Cassandra Johnson, assistant superintendent; who led the effort, Diane Schentur, our director of human resources; Kenneth Elder, director of student services; Kim Sterlekar and Christopher Thompson, principals of Heskett Middle School and Bedford High School, respectively; and Karla Robinson, associate high school principal.”

In addition to College Now, five other sites across Ohio were selected to carry out GEAR UP programming. Collectively, GEAR UP Ohio partners will serve over 8,000 students each year among 17 different middle and high schools in Bedford, Conneaut, Mansfield, Reynoldsburg, Mt. Healthy, and North College Hill. Funded competitively across states by the U.S. Department of Education, GEAR UP Ohio will bring $28 million in federal support and $28 million in matching support for services and scholarships to students from these six economically disadvantaged Ohio communities through 2028.

About College Now Greater Cleveland, Inc.

College Now provides Greater Cleveland students with guidance and access to funds to prepare for and graduate from college. For more than 50 years, our goal has been to help students pursue educational opportunities that empower them to embark on rewarding careers and strengthen our community. College Now assists more than 30,000 students each year, delivering college access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services in five Northeast Ohio counties, in the College Now Resource Center and through community-based programs. For more information, visit www.collegenowgc.org.

About Bedford City School District: The Bedford City School District serves about 3,000 students in Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood and Walton Hills. The school district is located in southeast Cuyahoga County, about 15 minutes from Cleveland. BCSD encompasses six schools within a 22-square mile area.

The post College Now to partner with Bedford schools for GEAR UP program first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The forum, featuring candidates Anthony A. Akins, Sr., Brandon Lipford, Sharyn Macklin, Joseph V. Mestnik, and Danielle M. Turner-Birch, will be held at Bedford High School, located at 481 Northfield Road.

Candidates and voters will gather in the BHS NLGI (North Large Group Instruction Room). Participants may use the north parking lot or the Northfield Road lot and enter through the north door or the north front door.

The area will be available for the public to gather from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., and the forum itself will run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The session will begin with brief opening statements from the candidates, followed by a question-and-answer period. 

The Q&A period will follow practices used by the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland. Attendees will write questions on index cards. Screeners will then consolidate and organize the questions, and the questions will be posed by a moderator.

Campaigning and campaign materials will not be permitted in the room used for the forum, but forms for voter registration, vote-by-mail and LWV membership will be available.

The Sept. 29 forum follows a Sept. 22 forum with Bedford Heights City Council candidates. Both forums are sponsored by the Southeast Chapter of the League of Women Voters which is the League’s chapter for Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood, Walton Hills, and the Bedford City School District. Co-sponsors include the Friends of the Southeast Library and the Bedford Council of PTAs.

Now in its second century, the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Election Day is Nov. 2; voter registration ends Oct. 4. Early voting and voting-by-mail can begin on Oct. 5.

The post Bedford Board of Education hopefuls to participate in LWV voters forum first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Beginning Monday, July 12 through Monday, August 9, various items will be accepted at the hospitals’ main entrances and donated to kindergarten through second grade classes.

Items needed include:

·         Backpacks (no wheels)                          
·         Boxes of facial tissues
·         24 count boxes of crayons                     
·         Rolls of paper towels
·         Spiral notebooks (1 subject)                   
·         Bottles of hand sanitizer
·         2 pocket folders                                      
·         Disinfecting wipes
·         Pens                                                       
·         Gallon & Quart size zipper plastic bags
·         Pre-sharpened #2 lead pencils               
·         Loose-leaf notebook paper
·         Glue sticks                                              
·         Colored pencils
·         Spiral notebooks (1 subject)                   
·         3 X 5 Index Cards

If you’re interested in participating, please drop off your donations at one of the following locations:

UH Bedford Medical Center
44 Blaine Ave
Bedford, OH 44146

UH Richmond Medical Center
27100 Chardon Rd
Richmond Heights, OH 44143

The post UH Bedford’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ with school supplies starts on July 12 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.