Post on 23-Mar-2020
As the 2017-2018 school year has come to a close, I would
like to thank our entire staff for their hard work and
dedication. In addition, the support we receive from our
families and countless community members is integral to
our organization. As our daily lives seem to get ever
busier, the commitment of those who have shared their
time, talents and resources over the past year is sincerely
appreciated. I would especially like to thank our PTGs
and booster groups for the countless ways they enrich our
academic, art and athletic programs!
Unfortunately, our country has recently witnessed yet another senseless school
shooting. I want to assure our parents and community members that
providing our students a safe and secure learning environment is our first
priority. In April, the district conducted a vulnerability assessment at each of
our buildings. Results of the assessment will be used to further refine our
practices and procedures related to school safety. In planning for next year,
two additional staff members will be added, a part-time school social worker
and a full-time school resource officer (SRO). Our social worker will work in
conjunction with our school counselors and will provide direct care and
coordinate services for students in need. Our SRO will be a veteran deputy
with The Lorain County Sheriff’s Department and will be assigned to our
campus each school day. The SRO will not only provide another layer of
protection, but will also assist with further developing our prevention and
educational programing. Finally, in alignment with the district’s philosophy
that a comprehensive school safety plan includes addressing not only how to
respond in a crisis, but also prevention, our staff will receive further training in
both areas.
In closing, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2018 and their families.
The 64th graduating class at Firelands High School leaves well prepared to
embark on their new journey. As we prepare for next school year, we are
excited to welcome The Class of 2031, our incoming kindergarteners!
GO FALCONS!
Mike Von Gunten
Superintendent
FHS Class of 1995
@FLSDSuper
The Communities we serve: Amherst, Amherst Twp, Birmingham, Brownhelm Twp, Camden Twp, Florence
Twp, Henrietta Twp, Kipton Village, New Russia Twp, South Amherst Village, Vermilion and Vermilion Twp. PERMIT NO. 117
POSTAL PATRON
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
AMHERST, OH
You may view this issue online at:
VOLUM E 9 ISSUE 77 MAY 25, 2018
Graduating Class of 2018………………..…..………………..
FHS Class Officers………….………………..…………..…..
Online Meal Applications……………….…………………....
Wakeman’s Annual Firefighters Homecoming Festival……...
Gift Card Raffle……………………………………………...
South Amherst Alumni Scholarship…….…………………….
Game Night for Grades 9-12...……...……...……….………..
SAMS Soap Box Derby Race………….………………….....
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page 2
page 5
page 6
page 7
page 7
page 8
page 8
page 10
For Upcoming Kindergarteners
Classes begin
Monday, July 9th - Wednesday, July 11th
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
at Firelands Elementary School
For more information, please call:
Natalie Saylor at 440-965-5872
Page 2 5/25/2018
Ayala
Alexander Jr.
Alice
Baird
Justin
Bartlett
Adam
Bechtler Michael
Bansek
Isabella
Barnes
John
Bechtler
Tyler
Bennett
Kaitlyn
Frazier
Morgan
Fuller
Brittany
Hembree
Zachary
Bennett
Holly
Blankenship Kerigan
Borton
Briana
Bowyer Megan
Brandich
Jessica
Buchdrucker Hailey
Burch Owen
Cogar
Nicholas
Denney
Riley
Denney
Brittany
Denney
Samuel
Dennis
Michael
Douzos Logan
Coon
Devin
Cowling
Noah
Hammond Alexis
Harasty
Connor
Eckman
Ethan
Hayes
Trevor
Edwards II Morgan
Edwards
Mason
Hildebrandt
Jasmine
Henderson Kyle
Hill
Grace
Habeck
Ryan
Hoffman Serena
Hoffman
James
Hogan Jr.
Emily
Holcomb
Page 3 5/25/2018
Miriam
Hughey Emily
Holland
Anthony
Houdeshell
Samantha
Ives
AnaCecilia
McKay Lodge
Noah
Metzger
Amaya
Mooney
Aaron
Myers Sean
Miller
Jacob
Montgomery
Morgan
Nance
David
Nary
Bianca
Inman
Rachel
Jackson Corey
Jones
Eric
Jones
Samantha
Jones
Tessa
Kasper Alaina
Kempf
Kaylee
Kerby
Savannah
Klingman
Evan
Lacey
Matthew
Lake
Lanna
Lalonde
Ariel
Langer
Sean
Lipscomb
Madalyn
Lyons
Richard
Maggard
Ryan
Martin
Ariana
McClung
Olivia
Novak
Justin
Ollis
Clay
Palmer
Madison
Palmer Mackenna
Paterchak
Abrianna
Perry
Richard
Peters
Olivia
Peterson
Jessica
Phelps
Colin
Ransom
Page 4 5/25/2018
Angelina
Rivera Hannah
Reynolds
Jaden
Ritchie
Tate
Smith
Aaron
Turnbull
Sarah
Walts
McKenna
Turton
Grace
Schlessman
Jacob
Selent
Jacob
Shaffer Caleb
Singleton
Brian
Smith
Elizabeth
Stark Brady
Stanton
Arilyne
Stanziano
Autumn
Swiers
Alexander
Szemesi
Zachary
Talbott
Garrett
Tester
Kassidy
Stevens
Sarah
Stitchick Logan
Strader
Calvin
Stull
Joseph
Tipple
Ian
Valerius
Nathaniel
Weitzel
Ryan
Wilhelm Greggory
Willard
Hunter
Willbond
Jordan
Wilson
Samuel
Wotton
Isaac
Yoder
Alyssa
Yorko
Alexandria
Zenda
Leah
Songer
Page 5 5/25/2018
Trent Aslaksen
Benjamin Bickel
Cameron Bolyard
Travis Clark
Christopher Dennis
Matthew Dennis
David Francis
Kyle Freeman
Abigail Hill
Xavier Irizarry
Alan Johnson
Mason Kennedy
Casey Koepp
Bethany Leon
Hayden Matus
Mallory Mayer
Tyler Miller
Spencer Morrow
Joshua Pennington
Landon Peterson
Luke Peterson
Jordon Phillips
Tyler Popa
Madison Pruitt
Mason Rogozinski
Sydney Sexton
Brandon Sherrard
Cory Simmerman
Hannah Skodney
Julia Smith
Nikki Stefanski
Grace Stephenson
Joy Vaughn
Jared Wray
BRIANA BOWYER
PRESIDENT
Briana will be attending Miami
University in the fall to study Biology
with a Co-Major of Pre-medicine.
Briana was a 2-year letter winner in
volleyball and a 4-year letter winner in
cheerleading. She has been very active
in volunteering at Murray Ridge Center
and working with the Special
Olympics. Briana graduates in the top
10% of her class. Parents are Sonia
and Scottie Bowyer.
ALEXIS HARASTY
VICE-PRESIDENT
Alexis is also the President of Student
Council, President of Junior Statesman of
America, the Vice-President of FHS
Choir, and an anchor for the FHS
morning news. She is also a part of Teen
Leadership Corps. She is also an office
aide, and a dance instructor of a
Hungarian Folk Group in Lorain, and a
teen leader at her church. She will be
attending Bowling Green State Universi-
ty to obtain a double major in Science
and Integrated Education and
Communications, with a minor in
International Studies. Alexis’
parents are Bob and Julie Harasty.
HANNAH REYNOLDS
SECRETARY
Hannah is going to the University of
Cincinnati to major in chemistry with the
pre-med track. Hannah was the varsity
volleyball captain, 1st team all Lorain
county, all PAC, and all district for
volleyball. 4 year letter winner for
softball and honorable mention in the
PAC. She volunteered at University
Hospital over the summer, was an algebra
2 tutor,
member of TLC, and volunteered at
Special Olympics, and Murray Ridge
center. Hannah is ranked in the top-10 of
the Class of 2018. Parents are Emit and
Michele Reynolds.
ANGELINA RIVERA
TREASURER
Anglina is a member of Tri-M Society,
was the Class of 2018 Treasurer, was the
co-founder and President of Spectrum
Club, and a member of the Tri-M Music
Society and National Honor Society. She
was also a member of the Falcon Bowling
team. Angelina also volunteers as a
student aide at Firelands Elementary
School. Angelina graduates in the top
10% of the Class of 2018 and will attend
Miami University in the fall. Angelina is
the daughter of Tabetha Rivera and
Steve Rivera.
Page 6 5/25/2018
40 Books and Beyond If you hang around South Amherst Mid-
dle School very long you will hear
“Reading Is A Life Skill” This is not
just a slogan it is the foundation for life,
especially for the generation of students
walking our halls. Sixth grade students
are required to read a minimum of 20
minutes nightly and comprehend a mini-
mum of 50 pages weekly in a book of
their choice. Students then conference
with Mrs. Neal weekly regarding their
independent book of choice. All of this
hard work has finally paid off as numer-
ous students have comprehended over 40
books this year. At the time of this writ-
ing the Class of 2024 has read a total of
3,794 Books this school year.Please join
us in welcoming the following students
into the 40 Book Challenge Club:
Collin Adkins, Jim Aunspaw, Logan
Bass, Nathan Bodak, Jack Copley,
ONLINE MEAL APPLICATION
COMING 2018-2019
Firelands Schools will be implementing
an online portal for free and reduced
meal applications next school year.
Parents / Guardians can quickly and eas-
ily fill out free and reduced meal appli-
cations in a secure, step-by-step portal.
The URL link will be shared once the
program is available after July 1, which
will be the start of the next fiscal school
year.
If approved through Direct
Certification, return signed letter.
DO NOT apply online
Must use a PC or laptop, no mobile
device
The online portal is the preferred
method to apply. Paper
applications will be available in
each school office upon request.
Links will be available on each
school homepage and the food
service tab for the online portal as
well as a printable copy
Convenient features for parents
Simple, automated step-by-step online
application process
Online applications are digitally
signed, automating the meal status
request process
Immediate determination and
communication of benefits upon
application signature (certain
applications will be pending until
approved by Mrs. Baumann)
Information is safe and secure,
protecting parent and student privacy
Automatically integrates with meal
payment systems, providing all
necessary payment information for
students
You must have your child’s student
I.D. number to complete the
application
Follow the step by step tutorial to
help answer any questions
A new application must be filled out
every school year
Meal applications can be filled out
anytime throughout the year. If your
income changes, you may reapply
Reminder: The meal status for this
school year will rollover until
September 28, 2018. If no application
is received, the meal status will
automatically change to denied.
On May 9th, one hundred sixteen 8th graders departed from SAMS for a memorable and educational 3 day trip to Gettysburg, Philadelphia and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The
students toured the battlefields of Gettysburg and visited historical sites of Independence Hall and Christ Church. On the return trip the students experienced the moving and
powerful Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the 8 th grade students for their excellent representation of what it means to be a Falcon
by demonstrating maturity, responsibility and respectful behavior. Everywhere we went we received compliments on how well-mannered our young ladies and gentlemen were.
Their families and their community were well represented. A HUGE thank you to the Firelands Endowment Grant for funding the admission to museums and other educational
sites making it possible for many of our students to have this once in a lifetime experience. We would also like to thank Ziggy’s Pub and Restaurant for providing fundraising
opportunities for our students. Twelve staff members and twelve parent chaperones accompanied the students and helped to ensure their safety and are deserving of our gratitude
as well. We look forward to next year’s journey.
Page 7 5/25/2018
SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 2018 - 2019
It is now time to update your child’s immunizations. If your child will be entering
school for the first time, or after attending school elsewhere, please be sure to
check that he/she is in compliance with State of Ohio immunization requirements:
Kindergarten – once your child has reached age 4, s/he can complete all required immuniza-
tions for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT), polio (IPV), hepatitis B (HBV), measles mumps,
rubella (MMR), and varicella (chickenpox). If possible, have them done and bring a copy of the
record to Kindergarten screening on May 23, 2018.
Grades 1-6 – same requirements as for Kindergarten
Grades 7-9 – Grades K-6 requirements plus Tdap (DPT booster) and MCV (meningococcal
vaccine)
Grades 10-11 – Grades K-6 requirements plus Tdap (received in 7th grade or later)
Grade 12 – Grades 10-11 requirements plus MCV (must be received at age 16 or older)
Remember to bring your child’s immunization records with you when you go to your healthcare
provider or clinic. Please send a copy of the immunization record to the school nurse in your
child’s building, being sure your child’s name is on it. Don’t forget to keep a copy for yourself!
Lorain County Public Health, 9880 S. Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 is now offering
immunizations (also known as vaccines) Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, with even-
ing hours throughout the month. A full vaccine clinic schedule is available at
www.LorainCountyHealth.com. Appointments are encouraged, although walk-ins are accept-
ed. Call 440-284-3206 for information or to make an appointment for both children and adults.
Bring all immunization records, insurance cards, and cash or check; although some children may
be eligible for discounts under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. All children under age
18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Note: Ask your provider about additional vaccines that are recommended for children ages 11-
19 such as 2nd dose of varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis A and human papillomavirus (HPV)
vaccines.
The Homecoming Festival will be held JULY 28TH & JULY 29TH. A
number of events and activities will be held each day.
Cutest baby contest, games, activities, pizza eating contest, live music,
food, and fun times for everyone and familes.
SATURDAY, JULY 28TH
Annual 5K run/walk at Wakeman Fire Station, 5371 SR 303.
Registration begins at 7:00am and race to begin at 8:00am. For more
info contact Brad Perkins @ 440.781.5324.
Activities, food and entertainment throughout the afternoon &
evening. FIREWORKS AT DUSK.
SUNDAY, JULY 29TH
Annual Wakeman Police Fishing Derby 9:00am at Wakeman La-
goons, SR 60 & US 20.
Annual parade at 1:00pm. Parade is open to any and all organiza-
tions, bands, churches, Fire Dept’s and old cars to participate.
Form a form: Email: wfhfestival@gmail.com
Facebook: Wakeman Firefighters Homecoming
Festival
There will be a car show at St. Mary’s Sunday afternoon following the
parade around 2:00pm.
Hoping for a nice turn-out and looking forward to returning & new par-
ticipants. More information will follow later.
What if you knew where all of your money was going each month? What if you were
debt-free, investing and making wise spending decisions? With Dave Ramsey’s class
Financial Peace University, you CAN take control of your money and start planning for
your future.
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU) returns to Henrietta United Methodist
this Summer! Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 starting June 5th. Class
materials (membership) may be purchased online. https://fpu.com/1064857 Childcare is
provided. For more class information, please feel free to reach out to Julene at:
bjwoods611@gmail.com
Future of Firelands Committee Presents
GIFT CARD RAFFLE
1st Prize: $500 Target Gift Card
2nd Prize: $100 Visa Gift Card
3rd Prize: $50 Ziggy’s Gift Card
Drawing will be August 1, 2018
$10 Per Ticket or 3 Tickets for $20
Proceeds used to help promote Firelands School Levies
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
FOR OUR KIDS!
Tammy Sigsworth, Treasurer, Future of Firelands
Email: futureoffirelands@gmail.com for tickets
Page 8
Should situations arise that necessitate
district personnel to communicate
information to you regarding school
closings, delays or other non-routine or
emergency situations, the district will notify
parents/guardians in the following ways:
district all-call system
online at www.firelandsschools.org
via Twitter at @Falcon_update
Facebook at The Firelands Falcons
Should parental/guardian contact
information change over the year, please
remember to update your information.
5/25/2018
If you are a graduating senior with a parent or grandparent
who graduated from South Amherst High School, you are
eligible to apply for the south Amherst Alumni Scholarship.
This scholarship is awarded to a high-achieving senior who
has shown leadership in his/her school or community.
Return the completed application to Barbara Standen, 915
Milan Ave., Amherst, OH 44001,
NO LATER THAN JUNE 22, 2018.
Along with this application form, please include a copy of the
acceptance letter from the university you plan to attend in the
Fall of 2018. If you have any questions, please contact Barb at
440-988-3505.
The scholarship(s) will be presented at the annual South Am-
herst High School Alumni Banquet to be held on Saturday,
July 21, 2018, at the New Russia Township Hall in Oberlin,
Ohio. You will be notified beforehand whether you are a
chosen recipient and as such will be a guest at the banquet.
Applications are available at the Firelands Board Of Educa-
tion Office, Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Sincerely,
The South Amherst Alumni Board
Congratulations to the following artists for
having work presented at the 2018 ESC
Elementary/Middle School Art Exhibit at
the Elyria Public Library:
Zoe Glowacki (K)
Marlie Becker (1st)
Macy Paller (3rd)
Special praise goes to the 4 artists who
won additional recognition at that show:
Alexa Leimbach (K), Dorothy Wacker (2nd)
and Lydia Schlecter(5th) all received
“excellence” awards and Madison Howard
(1st) took a “Best of Show” award.
Well done, FES artists!!
Page 9
The Board has a duty to protect
and promote the health and
well-being of all students and
staff. To that end, The Board of
Education passed a
resolution prohibiting the use of all
forms of tobacco, including
electronic cigarettes, from being
used at any time on school
grounds, athletics facilities, or
parking lots.
5/25/2018
Call C & T’S RENTAL
440-985-9334
Dennis Stock
Chairs, Tables & Tents
for Every Occasion!
Lowest Prices Guaranteed! CHAIRS: .50 CENTS A CHAIR
TABLES: $5 EACH
TENTS: 20 x 20= $50, 20 x 30= $75,
20 x 40 = $100
Tent Set Up Available $40
PACKAGE: 20 x 20 Tent, 64 Chairs,
8 Tables & 2 sides for Tent $125
Firelands publishes a weekly blog on all
community activity. If you have a group
that is active in the Firelands district, we
are happy to post information regarding
events, fundraisers, open houses, etc.
You can visit the blog page at:
https://ffalcons.wordpress.com and look
for Community Updates.
In addition to the Community Updates, a
monthly article is published regarding
our Falcon Alumni. Topics covered
include graduations, engagements,
career changes, new businesses, birth
announcements and more.
The above information is also shared on
Twitter, @Falcon_update, and on our
new Facebook page, The Firelands
Falcons.
To submit information please contact
Jennifer at (440) 965-5821 ext. 1015 or
at: jbutchko@firelandsschools.org
Page 10 5/25/2018
Firelands Elementary School will once again host the
summer reading program June 4th- June 22nd. This
program is an intensive program designed to enhance
your child’s reading skills and to assist them in
reaching their educational needs. The program will
run from 8:00am-11:30am daily for three weeks.
Research supports that students experience learning
and reading loss when they are not taking part in
active education for an extended time. A summer
reading program is an excellent way of preventing
such reading loss. We are hoping that the students
take what they learn during the summer reading
program and continue those skills as part of their
summer vacation.
prepare the students for entering school in the fall. FES students will be invited to participate in the
Summer Reading Program. Letters will be sent home
to those students that will be recommended to attend
the three week program. If you have any questions,
feel free to call the FES office @ 440-965-5381.
Thank you for your continued support!
Welcome to all of the new
Firelands Alumni
members from the class
of 2018!
The 2018 Falcons Racing
teams recently prepared
their soap box derby cars
for race day at Derby
Downs in Akron,
Ohio. Over the past sever-
al weeks two teams con-
sisting of 7th graders at
SAMS rebuilt, weighed,
and tested their cars in
preparation for the Soap
Box Derby Gravity Racing
Challenge (GRC). During
the process, students
learned about factors af-
fecting the performance of
their cars such as axle and
steering alignment, weight
placement, and drag due to
air friction. Team Day was
held on May 11th at the
Derby Downs race track
where all team members
had an opportunity to race a car down the track after their cars passed the final weigh-in and inspec-
tion. Total weight for the car, driver, and additional weights cannot exceed 240 pounds. On Saturday,
May 19th both teams will race head-to-head multiple times against over 100 teams from all over Ohio
and surrounding states. For more information, visit the Soap Box Derby website at http://
www.soapboxderby.org/
Team members:
1.John Kovach
2.Kody Hamilton
3.Kevan Adkins
4.Mark Papp
5.Jeremy Partlow
6.Kaleb Ortiz
7.Madisyn Jessel (not pictured)
8.Brandon Boyer
9.Joe Formholtz
10.Vinny Hicks
11.Ryan Zimmerman (not pictured)
12.Ethan Boggs
Reinforcing these skills throughout the summer will
Future of Firelands
Golf Outing
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Email: futureoffirelands@gmail.com
HOLKENBORG EQUIPMENT CO .
9513 U.S. Hwy. 250 N.
Milan, OH 44846
Toys, Clothing, Gifts,
Tractors, Mowers, Gators
419-626-6640
“Your John Deere
Destination”
Authorized John Deere Dealer
Firelands
Board
of Education
PRESIDENT:
Ben Gibson
440-308-7811
VICE-
PRESIDENT: Mike O’Keefe
440-670-6469
Bob Danicki
440-371-6149
Tom Myers
440-864-4478
Dan Pycraft
440-774-2310
Henrietta United Methodist Church
www.henriettaumc.com
“Pray For Our Children & Our Nation”
52148 S.R. 113
(Telegraph Rd)
440-233-5200 Worship Services:
9:00a.m. & 11:00a.m.
Sunday School: 10:00a.m.
Page 11
Support the
Firelands Board of
Education and help
us to maintain the
Firelands Express!
ADS ARE ONLY
$200 A YEAR!
Contact the Firelands
Board Office at
440.965.5821 for more
information.
Please submit all
articles and photos to:
lseman@ firelands
schools.org
AUGUST 14, 2017
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
OCTOBER 9, 2017
NOVEMBER 8, 2017
DECEMBER 11, 2017
JANUARY 8, 2018
FEBRUARY 12, 2018
MARCH 12, 2018
APRIL 9, 2018
MAY 14, 2018
JUNE 11, 2018
JULY 9, 2018
5/25/2018
Kennie Searight
Buying Antiques, Estates, Contents of Barns,
Attics, Basements, & Garages
Cell: 440.371.5594
Email:
kennethsearight@yahoo.com
Wood Boxes/Crates, Old Photographs &
Postcards, Scrapbooks, Military, Knives, Old
Hunting/Fishing/Trapping Items, Animal
Figurines, Dog Memorabilia Especially Hounds &
Hunting dogs, Crocks, Gold/Silver, Jewelry,
Pottery, Glassware Advertising Tins/Signs, Milk
Bottles, Mason Jars, Old Toys, Tools, Wood
Primitives, Farm Collectibles, Historical
Memorabilia for Lorain, Medina, Huron, &
Wayne Counties, Old Paper Booklets,
Advertisements, & Ephemera
Of All Areas.
STERKS
CATERING All Occasion Parties
Reservations:
(440) 775-0028
www.sterkscatering.com
Tree Trimming,
Tree Removal
and Stump
Grinding
Since 1964
Call Edwards Tree
Service
440-988-4477 Owner is Firelands
Graduate of 1958
Page 12
The Communities we serve: Amherst, Amherst Township, Birmingham, Brownhelm Township, Cam-
den Township, Florence Township, Henrietta Township, Kipton Village, New Russia Township, South
Amherst Village, Vermilion and Vermilion Township.
You may view this issue on line at:
All natural grain fed freezer beef
Sold by half or quarter
Ron Baumann, Owner 440/653-7189
12220 Gore-Orphanage Rd.
Wakeman, OH
Phone: 440/965-4660
Jane Bradford-Battig, D.V.M.
Leonard R. Battig, D.V.M.
Deichler’s
Tire & Service Center
48487 State Route 113 W.
South Amherst, OH 44001
Phone 440-986-9701
Full Service Automotive Repair
Serving Firelands Since 1953
5/25/2018
Gary Dodson
440.320.6464
Natalie Iafolla,
Realtor
440-308-7336
945 Red Tailed Lane
Amherst
$245,000 Firelands Schools!
45754 US Highway 20,
Oberlin
$239,900
3.19 Acres!
PROUD MEMBERS OF
THE OHIO FARM BUREAU
Making memories one H ME at a time
Sonsee Schramm 440.897.3014
Sonseeschramm@howardhanna.com
Facebook.com/SonseeSchrammRealtor
Linkedin.com/in/Sonsee-Schramm