From Dr. Jason Fine

2022-2023: A Year of Championing Each Other!

Wow! What a year, Lions! 

I am so proud of our Class of 2023 and our staff and students for another remarkable year at Bexley City Schools. We have accomplished so much and received new accolades, awards, and achievements that are all worth celebrating. At the same time, much of the growth we experienced was personal and private, and that, too, is worthy of recognition and acknowledgment. 

We continued to honor Champions throughout this school year. It is one way we pause to say to our staff and students, “We see you and appreciate your growth and impact!” There are often dozens of stories of personal growth and selfless acts of service that lead up to a nomination that is hard to truly capture and retell at the rate we hear them. 

These are the moments we strive for in our schools. Moments when personal growth and character are so clear and consistent, we cannot help but celebrate. The sheer number of nominations demonstrates just how many Champions are teaching, learning, and supporting our district daily.

Even though we have so much to celebrate, we know there is more work ahead to become the district we desire to be. Our newly adopted strategic plan will guide us in that endeavor. Hundreds of Champions in our community participated in the process by giving feedback or engaging with one of our committees so the resulting plan could be a reflection of us all. 

The spirit of camaraderie and collaboration we hoped to cultivate is now kickstarting a new chapter for our district. This season ahead will be defined by our mission: Learn with Curiosity, Demonstrate Kindness, and Embrace Equity. We will continue to pursue this mission and stay focused on Championing Our Futures together. 

At Bexley Schools, we have a bright and busy summer ahead to prepare for a new school year. And I wish our students and staff well on their adventures to learn and grow! I look forward to hearing all their stories of how they were Champions this summer and returning to the long list of nominations ahead. 

Be a Champion,

Jason Fine 

Celebrating the Class of 2023!

Bexley High School celebrated during its 101st Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 28, at Carlton Smith Field. Congratulations to the 168 graduates of the Class of 2023!

View additional Class of 2023 graduation photos at bexleo.org.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Pre-Participation Physicals Offered for Bexley Athletes on Tuesday

Sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) will perform Pre-Participation Physical Exams (PPEs) for Bexley middle school and high school athletes on Tuesday, June 6, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Athletes must be in line by 7:30 p.m. No reservation is required!

Families, just show up with your child with the completed OHSAA pre-participation physical form (which can be completed electronically in Final Forms). The form also is available on the OHSAA website.

Families are encouraged to read the NCH letter online for additional information about the value of pre-participation physical exams.

Contact Director of Athletics Eli Goldberger at [email protected] with questions.

Bexley Middle School

More than 100 8th Graders Inducted into Laurel Honor Society

Numerous family members joined the Bexley Middle School faculty, staff, and students on Tuesday afternoon, May 30, to celebrate the 113 8th-grade students who were inducted into the school’s 93rd Class of the Laurel Honor Society.

To qualify for induction into the Laurel Honor Society, middle school students had to complete 10 service hours during 8th grade; participate in at least one co-curricular, extracurricular, or school organization during 7th or 8th grade; and have school attendance rate of 90% or better during 7th and 8th grade.

They also had to earn “Secure” and “Approaching” strand grades only during 7th and 8th grade; and earn “Secure” or “Approaching” grades only during the first three quarters of 8th grade.

During the ceremony all Laurel Honor Society students were recognized with a symbolic walk through the Laurel Honor Society purple and gold archway.

Three special awards also were presented during the program:

The Tim Stowe Athletic Award is in memory of the late Tim Stowe, a Bexley student who passed away from leukemia in high school. The award recognizes leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork and was presented to Charlie M. and Julia O.

The Justin Haas Citizenship Award was presented to Kellen D. and Ruth G. The award, which recognizes kindness, volunteerism, respect, and dedication to learning, is in memory of Justin Haas, a Bexley student who died unexpectedly at the beginning of his freshman year. 

The Laura Gardner Joy of Music Award, presented on Tuesday to Thomas C. and Brianna D., recognizes creativity, talent, and enthusiasm. This is the inaugural presentation of the Laura Gardner Joy of Music Award, which was presented by Bexley Middle School math teacher Billy Gardner, in honor of his late sister Laura, who also was a Bexley alum.

A list of the students inducted into the Laurel Honor Society is available online.

Pictured, from left: Receiving the Tim Stowe Athletic Award were Julia O. and Charlie M.; receiving the Laura Gardner Joy of Music Award were Brianna D. and Thomas C., who are pictured with BMS teacher Billy Gardner; and receiving the Justin Haas Citizenship Award were Kellen D. and Ruth G.

Wishing BHS International Exchange Students a Fond Farewell

With the school year coming to an end, Bexley High School says goodbye to five good friends – international exchange students who spent the year learning from Bexley faculty and staff members and developing friendships among the student body. We hope when they return to their home countries they take with them the love and support of the Bexley school community!

Each exchange student participated in the graduating class of 2023 during last weekend’s 101st Commencement ceremony. One exchange student, Helena Garcia Barrena, from Spain, attended BHS only during the first semester of this school year.

Pictured from left: Lotta Lyydia P., from Finland; Emma M.-T., from Spain; Ethan B., from France; Talha K., from Pakistan; and Emilio G.P., from Mexico.

Short Interruption in Schools’ Phone Service Planned for Monday

There will be a planned short interruption in Bexley Schools’ telephone service on Monday, June 5, at about 10 a.m. The projected interruption of service is about 10-20 minutes. Please be patient at this time if it is necessary to contact a school building.

BE A CHAMPION

Three Bexley Students Recognized

1: Superintendent Jason Fine and Maryland physical education teacher Josh Price recognize 8th grader Ruth G.; 2: Montrose Principal Nyesha Clayton recognizes 5th grader Max B.; and 3: Maryland 5th-grade teacher Margaret Cieply (left) and librarian Beth Parmer recognize 5th grader Giselle A.

There are many Bexley students who are incredibly kind and willing to help others, whether it’s simply lending a hand with a project or in the moment, or offering encouragement and assistance to classmates.

This week we recognize three student champions in Bexley Schools, 8th grader Ruth G., Montrose 5th grader Max B., and Maryland 5th grader Giselle A., for their willingness to step up and champion others, including their classmates and teachers.

Way to BE Ruth, Max, and Giselle!

Summer Session Begins Monday!

Bexley Schools’ Summer Session starts this Monday! All classes take place at the Cassingham Complex.

Summer Session Principal Gina Vehorn asks families to note the following guidelines, which apply to summer classes:

Arrival: Students will meet their instructor in front of the building. The instructors will escort students into the building. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are asked not to enter the building with your child. In order to keep students safe, we want to minimize traffic in and out of the building.

Special Note: We do not have outside supervision at all times, so do not drop students off early. They will not be able to enter the building without an adult and we want to ensure their safety.

Dismissal: Please be prompt if picking up your child after their class is complete. Our staff typically teach more than one course and they will not have time to wait with students.

Please do not request an early pickup unless an emergency arises. Classrooms are in various spots throughout the building and it is possible that locations may change as needed. As a result, it is hard to allow students to come and go during class time.

Attendance: To ensure students arrive safely, please communicate directly with instructors or email Gina Vehorn at [email protected] if your child will be absent.

Emergency: In the case of an emergency, you may call or text Gina Vehorn at (614) 309-2796. Please reserve phone calls for emergencies or urgent matters.

Behavior Expectations: All school rules and regulations apply to any student in attendance during summer courses. Safety concerns, repeated rule violations, and or offensive/discriminating speech or actions may be cause for dismissal from the program.

Health and Safety: If your child becomes ill, we will call the contact numbers on file. Please do not send your child if they are running a fever or showing signs of illness.

Please communicate with our staff regarding any medical concerns or allergies. We will reference the medical files submitted to our school as needed, but ask that families communicate health concerns as well.

Contact Summer Session Principal Gina Vehorn at [email protected] if you have questions,

Reminder: Kindergarten Registration Still Open

As a reminder, kindergarten registration is still open for next school year. Bexley offers all-day kindergarten for all children who turn 5 years-old by August 1 of the year of enrollment.  

If you have a child who will attend kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year, then you can begin their enrollment online now. 

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

School Supply Kit Sale

Cassingham families, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase “Back to School” kits for next school year. The PTO’s sale ends June 4. Go to myschoolsupplykit.com/school/cassingham-elementary to order.

Maryland Elementary PTO

Summer Kindergarten Playdates

The Maryland PTO will host three kindergarten playdates this summer. These are optional, casual opportunities for incoming kindergarten families to play and socialize on Maryland Elementary’s front playground (corner of Remington and Maryland). School staff will not be in attendance and the building will not be open, but it will be a great opportunity to meet new Maryland friends. Join the fun on Wednesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Middle School PTO

School Supply Kit Sale

The Middle School PTO is selling school supply kits for students in grades 6-8 next school year. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a head start on next school year. Use the following link to order by the July 1 deadline: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=79838.

Montrose Elementary PTO

Backyard PTO Parent Mixer, June 22

Hang out with Montrose PTO at an open-house event and learn about opportunities to support the Montrose school community. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at 824 S. Remington Road. RSVP via the Montrose PTO Facebook page.

Special Education PTO (SEPTO)

Back-to-School Ice Cream Social, August 15

Mark your calendars for SEPTO’s Back-to-School Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 15. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Schneider Park. Plan now to stop by and meet key staff members and reconnect with friends.

June 8, 2023 | NEWSLETTER

Board of Education Firm in Its Commitment of Nondiscrimination Policy

When developing new procedural guidelines to support the Board of Education’s nondiscrimination policy, which has been in place for the past five years, it has come to our attention that the Board’s procedures may have caused confusion among some Bexley students and family members.

First and foremost, it is important to note that the Bexley Board of Education is not amending its nondiscrimination policy and the Board remains firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity within our schools.

Specifically, the Board’s nondiscrimination policy states: “The Board prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex (including without limitation gender identity and sexual orientation), economic status, age, disability, military status, or legally acquired genetic information.” 

When drafting the policy’s supporting regulation recently, the full and complete definitional language was not repeated, which caused confusion. It was written this way because the regulation supports the nondiscrimination policy, which already lists all discrimination that is prohibited.

With helpful input from community members on this regulation, Board members will revise the regulation language so that it is clear that discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation remain part of what board policy expressly prohibits. 

It’s unfortunate there was a misunderstanding surrounding this regulation draft, but we hope all Bexley families have faith that the Board’s nondiscrimination policy fully and steadfastly prohibits discrimination against any and all students.

New Leader of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to Start in August

On Wednesday evening, the Bexley Board of Education approved the hiring of Dr. Stephen M. Lewis Sr. as Bexley’s new Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Dr. Lewis has served as the Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion for the Olentangy Local Schools for the past two years. Before that, he was a business teacher for nearly a decade, first at Upper Arlington and then at Olentangy, where he also served as the Orange High School diversity liaison.

“I’m excited about his ability to carry on the important work that we’ve done, especially with our Equity Plan,” said Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine. “I’m confident that he will help guide us in continuing our overarching objective of creating a school culture in which every Bexley student and staff member feels welcomed and a sense of belonging.”

Dr. Lewis earned his doctorate in education from Ashland University, his master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix, and his undergraduate degree in psychology and business from Morehouse College. He will begin transitioning to Bexley with an official start date on August 1st. 

Like other recent searches for highly qualified and experienced administrators, the school district involved students, faculty, staff, families, and community members who provided input on DEI needs, reviewed resumes, and participated in candidate interviews, whether in person or via Zoom. In total, more than 60 people took part in the process.

“I’m very proud of the process we initiate when we make these important hiring decisions and I thank everyone who provided input and offered their time to participate in this hiring process,” Dr. Fine said.

Nationwide Children’s Providing Ongoing Family Support during Summer

School is out and summer is here, but Bexley families still have the support of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) when family members under 21 experience significant behavioral or emotional distress.

Families should contact the NCH crisis line at (614) 722-1800 or the state line 888-418-MRSS (6777) if a need occurs. Go to nationwidechildrens.org/MRSS for more information.

7th Grade Service-Learning Project

Championing the People of South Sudan

An annual 7th grade service-learning project turns into a labor of love for the people of South Sudan, when Bexley Middle School students take action on what they learn in social studies class.

This ongoing service-learning project for 7th graders began in 2013 and is led by middle school social studies teacher Beth Jax. It’s part of the students’ lessons on Africa.

Along with their reading of “A Long Walk to Water” and the “Lost Boy from Sudan,” students also study the country’s history and ongoing crisis, including the plight of refugees and refugee camps. A highlight is their meeting with Bol Aweng, an Ohio State alum and one of the “Lost Boys from Sudan.”

The Buckeye Clinic for South Sudan’s Bol Aweng helped celebrate Maddy L.’s and Vivian G.’s champion awards, along with BMS social studies teacher Beth Jax.

Mr. Aweng is the founder of the Buckeye Clinic in South Sudan, which provides maternal and child health care in South Sudan, where infant mortality rates are high, as well as treatment for malaria and other critical care. The Buckeye Clinic began its care at a clinic in Piol, Mr. Aweng’s home village. Following major flooding and a dike breach in 2020, the Buckeye Clinic moved its care efforts to Mongalla, where many were evacuated to a displacement camp.

During several visits with  social studies students, he shared information about his home country and his journey to Columbus.

Mr. Aweng also has been an artist in residence in Bexley Schools. He created an original work of art entitled “Two Words Together” and illustrated a children’s picture book titled “Malauk’s Cow.” Students worked with Mr. Aweng to create art expressing personal triumphs and tragedies.

This 10-year service project has seen multiple student-led initiatives to raise funds and awareness about the plight of the South Sudanese people. From a two-night seminar to student-run carnival and lots in between, Bexley students have embraced the effort to support Mr. Aweng’s countrymen and his work with the Buckeye Clinic in South Sudan.

The result has been spectacular and was highlighted during the middle school’s recent Laurel Honor Society ceremony when BMS presented Mr. Aweng a check for $7,639 from this year’s fundraising. That brings the total that Bexley students have raised to more than $65,000 for the Buckeye Clinic for South Sudan!

Two students, in particular, became champions of South Sudan. After they met Mr. Aweng, Vivian G. and Madeline L. both worked tirelessly to raise funds to help the South Sudanese people.

Maddy’s fundraising efforts at school and within the Bexley community also gained the attention of the Eastside Rotary Club, which awarded her with a service pin. She raised more than $1,000 in about three weeks by hosting bake sales and lemonade sales and made it her mission to teach others about the situation in South Sudan.

Viv, with the help of the middle school PTO, developed “Sitters for South Sudan” this year and raised hundreds of dollars in donations by arranging for her 7th-grade classmates to volunteer their time and help to Bexley families for babysitting, yard work, and cleaning. Her efforts were noticed by the Bexley Women’s Club, and after presenting her project in May, the group made a surprise $250 donation to the Buckeye Clinic.

Bexley Students Working Hard for Others!

We’re so proud of all of our students who worked hard on their 7th grade service-learning project. Thank you for championing others!

Global Scholars Take Action, Advocate for Timely and Personal Issues

Sixteen Bexley High School juniors recently completed their three-year immersion in the Global Scholars program, allowing them to earn the global-scholar diploma designation during their graduation next year.

They began their global scholars trek during their freshman year and finishing during their junior year, an important distinction because it allows students to highlight their Take Action projects in college applications.

When developing their advocacy projects, the juniors focus on an issue they want to help solve and one in which they have great interest.

The Take Action fair, which is sponsored by the Columbus Council on World Affairs as part of its Global Scholars Diploma program, recently took place at Otterbein University, where hundreds of Central Ohio students presented their projects.

Bexley junior Lily J.’s project focused on diversity and inclusion, using her love of music and the influence music offers to educate and inspire younger students. “I realize how impactful music is,” Lily said. “Music sticks with people.”

Following the middle school incident earlier this year, Lily looked inward, writing the lyrics to “Hand in Hand,” a song of change and unity. She said she wrote the lyrics in her journal in about an hour’s time, and while knowing the rhythm she wanted for the song, she reached out to choir director Amy Blosser and a student teacher who helped write the final musical arrangement for the song.

Lily performs with younger students during the Spring Choral Concert.

Click to read the lyrics.

Then she reached out to Bill Manchester, Bexley’s music department chair, with a request to work with  younger students to teach them about diversity, equality and equity through music.

“I knew if I was teaching young kids, they are much more open minded and that was the audience I wanted to reach,” Lily explained.

She’s now working with teachers and community leaders to continue performances of the song, thus spreading its message of positivity and keeping the significance of diversity and inclusion alive.

“I taught them all what my song was about, the importance of diversity, and why our physical differences should not contribute to how we view our friends,” Lily wrote for her project.

Further, she also surveyed a number of the young students, asking them to rank how much they knew about diversity and inclusion before and after her work with them. In the end, her project presentation showed that “100% of students agreed that this song spreads a good message, liked the song, and ranked the importance of diversity and inclusion a 10 out of 10.”

Other Bexley juniors used their Take Action project opportunities to study and tout waterway clean-up, reading buddies, senior citizens support and engagement, food waste recycling, healthcare staffing crisis, and many more relevant and timely topics.

Alissa presents her Take Action project at Otterbein University this Spring.

Alissa S. used her Take Action project to advocate and encourage an interest in STEM among young girls. Calling out gender inequality in STEM, she targeted middle school-aged girls and held after-school workshops for four weeks, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday for 90 minutes each time.

Fifteen girls participated in the workshops, where she introduced sphero robots and taught coding, explored chemical reactions with “elephant toothpaste,” used statistics to analyze experiments, and built an “egg protection device” to simulate engineering.

Alissa sets up an obstacle course for sphero robots during one of her after-school STEM workshops.

It’s not lost on Alissa that she is one of few girls taking advanced STEM courses in high school and she said she hopes her project helps to change the mindset for young girls. “It’s definitely hard to develop an interest in (STEM) if not from an early age,” she said.

She said she believes her project was impactful on the students she worked with and her survey of the 15 participating girls showed a leap in the girls’ interest in STEM topics. Up from 25% before the workshops, Alissa’s post-workshop survey showed 2/3 of the participants were committed to taking honors or AP STEM-related courses in high school!

BE A CHAMPION

Five Staff Members Recognized 

To end the school year, we recognize five more champion staff members from throughout the school district. Each person was lauded for always putting our students first!

Congratulations to Montrose Elementary building substitutes Nikki Barden, Lameshia Conley, and Kasey Shaw; Maryland Elementary guidance counselor Megan Reeve; high school building substitute Logan Pelphrey; high school social studies teacher Nancy Mallory; and business manager John Eikenberry!

This school year nearly 100 students and faculty and staff members were recognized as champions. We believe championing others is important and it’s why we highlight those working hard to support and encourage each other, whether student or staff member.

Way to BE everyone!

Pictured: 1 (from left) – Montrose building substitutes Nikki Barden, Kasey Shaw, and Lameshia Conley are recognized by Montrose principal Nyesha Clayton (right); 2 (from left) – Superintendent Jason Fine joins Maryland teacher Margaret Cieply, principal Rachel Niswander, guidance counselor Megan Reeve, teacher Cynthia Throckmorton, and teacher Jon Bunker for Ms. Reeve’s recognition; 3 – Bexley orchestra director Steven Spangler (left) and band director Andy Johnson (right) recognize high school building substitute Logan Pelphrey for his work with the music department; 4 - High school social studies teacher Nancy Mallory (left) is recognized by colleague Janet Mulder; and 5 – Dr. Harley Williams, director of operations and facilities (left), recognizes business manager John Eikenberry.

Bexley Juneteenth Community Celebration:

Celebrating Freedom, Food & Friendship!

The annual City of Bexley Juneteenth celebration is Monday, June 19, at Jeffrey Mansion Shelter House, from 6-8 p.m. Hosted by the Bexley Celebrations Committee, Bexley DEI, Culture People You, Bexley Minority Parent Alliance, Bexley Public Library, and the City of Bexley, the event will feature special musical performances, author spotlights and more. The city will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian options, while families are asked to bring a favorite side dish to share.

2023-2024 School Calendar Highlights

August

• August 17 (Thurs): First day of classes for students | Kindergarten staggered start 

September

• September 4 (Mon): Labor Day | No classes | District closed
• September 25 (Mon): No classes for students and teachers

October

• October 20 & October 23 (Fri & Mon): No classes for students

November

• November 7 (Tues): No classes for students
• November 22-24 (Wed-Fri): Thanksgiving Break | No classes for students and teachers | District closed November 23 & 24

December

• Students and teachers have classes through Friday, December 22
• December 25 (Mon): First day of Winter Break | District closed

January

• January 9 (Tues): Students return to classes
• January 15 (Mon): Martin Luther King Jr. Day | No classes | District closed

February

• February 16 (Fri): No classes for students
• February 19 (Mon): Presidents Day | No classes | District closed

March

• March 15 (Fri): No classes for students
• March 18-March 22 (Mon-Fri): Spring Break | No classes for students and teachers
• March 29 (Fri): No classes | District closed

May

• May 26 (Sun): Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony
• May 27 (Mon): Memorial Day | No classes | District closed
• May 30 (Thurs): Last day of classes for students and teachers

PTO Corner

Maryland Elementary PTO

Summer Kindergarten Playdates

The Maryland PTO will host three kindergarten playdates this summer. These are optional, casual opportunities for incoming kindergarten families to play and socialize on Maryland Elementary’s front playground (corner of Remington and Maryland). School staff will not be in attendance and the building will not be open, but it will be a great opportunity to meet new Maryland friends. Join the fun on Wednesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Middle School PTO

School Supply Kit Sale

The Middle School PTO is selling school supply kits for students in grades 6-8 next school year. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a head start on next school year. Use the following link to order by the July 1 deadline: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=79838.

Montrose Elementary PTO

Backyard PTO Parent Mixer, June 22

Hang out with Montrose PTO at an open-house event and learn about opportunities to support the Montrose school community. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at 824 S. Remington Road. RSVP via the Montrose PTO Facebook page.

Special Education PTO (SEPTO)

Back-to-School Ice Cream Social, August 15

Mark your calendars for SEPTO’s Back-to-School Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 15. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Schneider Park. Plan now to stop by and meet key staff members and reconnect with friends.

May 25, 2023 | NEWSLETTER

Today Is National Missing Children’s Day

The Bexley City Schools are committed to the safety and security of all of our students. It is important to raise awareness of possible risks children face daily and how to prevent a potential crisis situation.

Click on the image to view information to assist in the prevention and reporting of missing children.

Please Take a Short Survey

Family Input Needed on Universal Free Breakfast Program

Families, please complete a short survey and share your opinions regarding the schools’ universal free breakfast program that has been available to all Bexley students since January. We need your input into the value of program, so that our Board of Education can make an informed decision this summer on the program’s success and its future. Please take a couple of minutes to complete the short survey soon!

Bexley Seniors Recognized During Annual Awards Celebration

Nearly 50 Bexley High School seniors were honored on Monday afternoon, May 22, during the annual Senior Recognition Celebration. The program, which included many family members in the audience, as well as award presenters from the Bexley community, was held in the Schottenstein Theatre.

A full list of the award recipients recognized during the ceremony is available online.

2001 Bexley Alumna to Address Graduates 

Bexley High School alumna Taylor Sharp Harris is the keynote speaker for this Sunday’s 101st high school commencement. The 2001 Bexley alum is a writer whose debut memoir won acclaim after its publication in 2002.

Ms. Harris lives in Virginia and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s of art in writing from Johns Hopkins University.

Her work has appeared in Time, O Quarterly, The Washington Post, Longreads, The Cut, Romper, Parents, McSweeny’s and other publications. Her debut memoir This Boy We Made: A Memoir of Motherhood, Genetics and Facing the Unknown was a finalist for the 2023 Southern Book Award in Nonfiction and was named one of the best memoirs of the year by Vulture. The Washington Post named her memoir one of the best nonfiction books of 2022.

Reminders

Student Verification Needed for Returning Students

Parents/guardians of students returning to Bexley Schools for the 2023-2024 school year will need to complete the annual “Student Verification” form. Watch for an email with a link to your student’s PowerSchool Registration information.

Bexley Education Foundation Shares Latest Grant Awards

Don’t miss the Bexley Education Foundation’s latest newsletter and read about the Foundation’s latest grant awards. Read the newsletter online now!

Middle & High Schools Dismissing Early on June 1

Next Thursday, June 1 is the last day of classes for all Bexley students. High school students will be finished at 11:30 a.m., after the first exam period ends.

The middle school is dismissing early at 2:37 p.m.

‘Difference Maker’ Event

Bexley Police Chief Shares ‘Pillars of Success’ with Montrose Students

More than 80 Montrose 4th and 5th graders signed up to hear from Bexley Chief of Police Gary Lewis, Jr. last Friday, during the school’s last “Difference Makers” event of the year. Chief Lewis spent much of his time talking about service and his belief in four “pillars of success”: attitude, purpose, motivation and legacy.

Attitude. “You always have an option and an opportunity to always have a positive attitude,” Chief Lewis said. “Sometimes things happen that are not in our control. How we adjust to that change, how we modify, is so important to maintaining that positive attitude.”

Purpose. “What is your purpose? Have any of you thought of what your purpose is?” he asked the students. “To love my family,” and “keeping my younger sister safe” were some of the students’ answers. “You need to find your reason. Purposeful motivation is so important to keep that positive energy.”

Motivation. Chief Lewis said his family is his motivation. He encouraged the students to know and understand their motivation. “It’s so important to me to be an example to my children, to be an example in the community, to be an example to young people like you  ?  future leaders. That’s my motivation.”

Legacy. “The last pillar is legacy,” he said, and spoke of those he’s mentored through the years, including a Cleveland State student about eight years ago who is now a Cleveland police officer. He also spoke of a young man he mentored in Louisville and the honor of pinning the young man’s badge when he was sworn in as a police officer in Florida just last year. “I’m so honored to build upon the legacy of the next generation of law enforcement,” he said.

He shared, too, that his grandfather, who was born in the early 1900s, was one of the first African Americans to work in Bexley. “I have a really close tie to Bexley,” Chief Lewis said. “His legacy lives on through me.”

He also spoke of his mentor, Ohio Highway Patrol Lt. Colonel Gilbert Jones, who once told the young Highway Patrol Officer Gary Lewis, “If you lead with your heart, your feet will always be in step.”

Chief Lewis talked about his path to becoming Bexley’s police chief, which started with his serving 28 years on the Ohio Highway Patrol. He also served as chief of police for Cleveland State University for three years, before moving on to the University of Louisville, where he was both chief of police and associate vice president of operations. That was his last stop before becoming the head of Bexley’s police department in 2022.

In between Cleveland State and Louisville, Chief Lewis spent two years at Ohio State. He’s a master communicator and served as the university’s senior director of media and public relations from 2013-2015. He earned his master's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State, his bachelor’s degree in public safety management from Franklin University, and also graduated from the FBI National Academy.

The students’ biggest – loudest – reaction was to a slide showing Chief Lewis with four U.S. presidents. “In my career, I’ve met a few famous people,” the Chief said.

“Why did I show you this slide?” he asked. “I showed you this to show that if you have positive attitude, if you have motivation and purpose, if you do things the right way and build a legacy, that you too, no matter where you come from, have the potential to rise to heights to stand beside some of the most powerful people in the world. I have been blessed to do this job. I’ve been blessed to stand by them, and I’m blessed to stand by you.”

11 Bexley Seniors Signed to Play College Sports

Front row, from left: Celeste N., Maddy K., Bea M., Max E., and Rylee B. 

Back row: Jonathan S.,. Mikayla W., Sydnie S., Mason L., Keira M., and Zeke P.

Last week, Bexley High School celebrated 11 student athletes who signed to compete in college sports.

Signing with their respective schools last Thursday were:

• Rylee B., who will compete in track and field at Baldwin Wallace University
• Max E., who will play lacrosse at Otterbein University
• Maddy K., who will play field hockey at Wittenberg University
• Bea M., who will play field hockey at Earlham College
• Keira M., who will compete on the competitive cheerleading squad for Wagner College
• Celeste N., who will compete in women’s wrestling at Indiana Tech (Indiana Institute of Technology)
• Zeke P., who will compete in men’s wrestling at Muskingum University.

Four other athletes were recognized last week who signed their national letters of intent last Fall to play Division I sports.

They are:

• Mason L., who will compete in track and field at The Ohio State University
• Sydnie S., who will compete in track and field at the University of Iowa
• Jonathan S., who will play baseball at Marshall University
• Mikayla W., who will play lacrosse at the United States Naval Academy.

BE A CHAMPION

Senior Student, Staff Members Recognized

Our students and staff members continue championing for others!

We celebrate them, their good deeds, and the many ways they encourage students and colleagues. This week we share champions in the high school, Cassingham Elementary, and the district office.

Photo 1, from left: Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine joined senior James M., high school science teachers Brandon Bright and Scott Logsdon, and their champion nominator, Amy Poling, who is a nurse in the Cassingham Complex.

Photo 2, from left: Business Manager John Eikenberry; Athletic Director Eli Goldberg; Dr. Jason Fine; champion Kevin Brashear, who is a custodian on the maintenance staff; Director of Facilities & Operations Harley Williams; Maintenance Office Manager Brett Santantonio; and Maintenance Supervisor Bobby Moore.

Photo 3, from left: High School Assistant Principal Craig McMillen, High School Spanish teacher Lauren Robbins, High School French teacher David Kozy, who nominated his colleagues; and High School English Learners teachers Alison Nakasako and Nate Maier.

Photo 4, from left: Dr. Fine joined members of the Cassingham staff to salute the allied arts teachers. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Fine; art teacher Ben Pinciotti; music teacher Bill Manchester; guidance counselor Erica Hecker, who nominated the team; librarian Sheera Feeny; and physical education teacher Jeff Landis.

Bexley Library Summer Reading Kick-Off Party is June 2

Bexley families, don’t miss the Bexley Public Library’s kick-off party for its Summer Community Read program! The event is Friday, June 2, from 3-5 p.m. Stop by to sign up for the library’s summer reading program, enjoy fun activities, crafts, and games and maybe win door prizes. The Bexley Public Library’s Summer Community Read program runs from June 2 to August 6. Go to bexleylibrary.org/SummerRead for more information.

Preschool Available for Children 3-5 Years Old Who Can Be Peer Models

Bexley residents seeking a preschool experience for their 3- to 5-year-old children may consider a half-day preschool program hosted at Montrose Elementary School. The program is seeking peer models for the coming school year. Click the image below for more information.

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

School Supply Kit Sale

Cassingham families, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase “Back to School” kits for next school year. The PTO’s sale ends June 4. Go to myschoolsupplykit.com/school/cassingham-elementary to order.

Maryland Elementary PTO

Parent Social, Today, May 25 

Gather with fellow Maryland families for a casual social to celebrate the school year! The open-house event is today at the Bexley Senior Center, 420 N Cassady Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Summer Kindergarten Playdates

The Maryland PTO will host three kindergarten playdates this summer. These are optional, casual opportunities for incoming kindergarten families to play and socialize on Maryland Elementary’s front playground (corner of Remington and Maryland). School staff will not be in attendance and the building will not be open, but it will be a great opportunity to meet new Maryland friends. Join the fun on Wednesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Middle School PTO

PTO Meeting, Today, May 25

The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is today, at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.

School Supply Kit Sale

The Middle School PTO is selling school supply kits for students in grades 6-8 next school year. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a head start on next school year. Use the following link to order by the July 1 deadline: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=79838.

Montrose Elementary PTO

Backyard PTO Parent Mixer, June 22

Hang out with Montrose PTO at an open-house event and learn about opportunities to support the Montrose school community. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at 824 S. Remington Road. RSVP via the Montrose PTO Facebook page.

Special Education PTO (SEPTO)

Back-to-School Ice Cream Social, August 15

Mark your calendars for SEPTO’s Back-to-School Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 15. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Schneider Park. Plan now to stop by and meet key staff members and reconnect with friends.

Important Dates

May 26 - Graduation Rehearsal, 10 a.m., High School Gymnasium (Senior Celebration follows on the football field)

May 26 - Maryland Elementary Memorial Day Observance, 11 a.m., Front Lawn

May 26 - Montrose Elementary Fun Run & Dash, 2 p.m.

May 28 - Class of 2023 Graduation, 10 a.m., Carlton Smith Field

May 29 - Memorial Day, No Classes; District Closed

May 30 - Middle School Laurel Honor Society Ceremony, 2:30 p.m., High School Gymnasium

May 31 - Cassingham Elementary Field Day, AM Grades K-2, PM Grades 3-5

May 31 - Montrose Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., Gymnasium

May 31 - Maryland Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up Ceremony, 1:45 p.m., Gymnasium

June 1 - Maryland Elementary, Grades K-4 Field Day

June 1 - Cassingham Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up Ceremony, 9 a.m., Cassingham Theatre

June 1 - 5th-Grade Students Visit to Bexley Community Pool, 11:15 a.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students

May 18, 2023 | NEWSLETTER

Bexley Education Foundation

High School Art Teacher Named ‘Educator of the Year’

Three community members took part in the award announcement on May 12 in Ms. Groot’s art classroom. Pictured, from left, are: Beth Sauer, Ms. Groot, Olga Shonia, and Michelle Hall.

Congratulations to Bexley High School art teacher Helma Groot, who was named the 2023 Glick Family Bexley Educator of the Year!

Ms. Groot was surprised last Friday when family members, administrators, colleagues, community members, and members of the Bexley Education Foundation arrived at her classroom to make the announcement in front of her students.

According to the Bexley Education Foundation, Ms. Groot’s nominator said, “She loves her students, meets each individual at their own level and gives her whole heart to her job.”

Community member Michelle Hall shared the following: “The amount of kindness in the Bexley Schools grew exponentially in 2013 when Helma Groot joined the staff at Bexley High School.

Since joining the high school staff, Ms. Groot has become a beacon for acceptance and encouragement. Her classroom provides a safe space where all students are welcome. For budding artists, she provides gentle guidance, expert advice and mentoring as she helps them to develop their identities as artists. For those students for whom art provides an emotional release and outlet for creative expression, she is ever patient and encouraging.”

Ms. Groot is a graduate of Columbus College of Art and Design and received her master’s in fine arts from Ashland University in 2021. Before joining the high school staff in 2013, she served as a student teacher at Montrose Elementary and a visiting artist at all elementary schools and at Bexley Middle School.

The Bexley Educator of the Year Award is sponsored by the Glick Family Fund at the Columbus Jewish Foundation and is facilitated by the Bexley Education Foundation. Ms. Groot will formally accept her award at the school convocation in August. 

Ms. Groot’s art students were happy to take part in the celebration during class!

Attention Families of Returning Students!

Parents/guardians of students returning to Bexley Schools for the 2023-2024 school year will need to complete the annual “Student Verification” form.

Starting later next week, families will receive a link in their email to complete the process in PowerSchool Registration. The email address the message will be sent from is [email protected]. The subject line will say, “Student Verification for (Firstname Lastname).”

Bexley Schools’ Five-Year Forecast

Projections Show No Additional Revenue Needed in Immediate Future

During the May 10 meeting of the Bexley Board of Education, Treasurer Kyle Smith provided a report on the school district’s five-year forecast. The five-year forecast, which is updated and submitted to the Ohio Department of Education each May and November, is the primary document used to assess the financial health of the district.

According to the latest forecasted projections and assumptions, the district will have a positive cash balance through Fiscal Year 2027. However, the district is expected to spend into the cash reserves/balance as early as Fiscal Year 2024.

Prior to last week’s Board meeting, Mr. Smith met with the schools’ Finance Advisory Council to discuss the forecast. He said everyone on the advisory council was in agreement that the district had sufficient revenues and would not need to seek additional revenue before the end of the 2023 calendar year.

According to Mr. Smith, “Two key factors have kept us from deficit spending this far past our 2019 levy: the one-time federal dollars related to the COVID pandemic and sizeable increases in School District Income Tax payments.”

Mr. Smith also went into detail about many of the unknowns of future revenue projections, which include flat funding of state support, potential income tax anomalies, and an upcoming property tax reappraisal from Franklin County.

“While it is rare for Bexley to see a reduction in property tax collections and state aid payments, we have experienced reductions in the School District Income Tax payments,” he explained.

In 2022, the Bexley Board of Education passed a cash-reserve policy stating that if the schools’ five-year forecast should have less than 70 days of operating cash within the first four years, the Treasurer shall report such a finding. The forecast presently shows 96 days of operating cash in Fiscal Year 2026, but 33 days in Fiscal Year 2027.

The complete five-year forecast document is available on the district’s website.

Seven Seniors Recognized in Annual Arts Signing Day

Seven Bexley seniors were celebrated on Wednesday morning during the high school’s annual Arts Signing Day. Each senior, who plans to study visual or performing arts, took their turn signing Bexley High School’s Arts Signing book in front of family members, friends, and teachers while Principal Kristin Robbins shared their college of choice and future area of study.

Those recognized were:

Ryan B., who will attend Ohio University to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre performance. Ryan said his future aspirations include performing on stage or at a higher level.

Rylee B., who will attend Baldwin Wallace University to pursue a Bachelor of Music Education in vocal performance. She plans to become an elementary school music teacher.

Pictured from left: Rylee B., Kieran M., Jillian S., Claire D., Ryan B., Olivia L., and John B.

John B., who will attend Capital University to pursue a Bachelor of Music Education in instrumental music education. His future plans include a career in music education or becoming a professional musician.

Claire D., who will attend Columbus College of Art & Design to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation. She said she hopes to grow her skills to prepare for her future career.

Olivia L., who will attend Ohio University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in viola performance. She plans to double-major in music and neuroscience.

Kieran M., who will attend Savannah College of Art & Design to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and television. Her future aspirations include becoming part of film-making teams to create movies, motion graphics, and visual art.

Jillian S., who will attend Long Island University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in musical theatre. Her future aspirations include performing in musicals and plays as an actor, dancer, and singer and to also choreograph musicals.

Singer-Songwriter Encourages Maryland Students through Music

“I wanna be brave! I wanna be courageous!” Those were the lyrics Maryland Elementary’s kindergarteners and 1st-graders sang when acclaimed singer-songwriter Randy Preston visited the school on Tuesday.

All Maryland students enjoyed Mr. Preston’s music and interactive songs in three sessions by grade throughout the school day.

Mr. Preston is an singer-songwriter, author, educator, and storyteller, whose work has been enjoyed worldwide and throughout the U.S in more than 700 schools.

A former English literature teacher, Mr. Preston has collaborated with celebrated author Kwame Alexander in recent years, including on a Kennedy Center-commissioned national tour for young children of Mr. Alexander’s musical Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie: Starring Indigo Blume. The show is based on two of his beloved children’s books, Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume. Mr. Preston created the original musical score for the production.

Sharing video from Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie: Starring Indigo Blume, Mr. Preston’s message to Maryland students followed the musical’s story. The students interacted on each song as Mr. Preston encouraged them with various melodies, “Thanks for stopping by,” “If something’s out of place, pick it up,” and “I wanna be brave.”

Thank you to the Maryland Elementary PTO, which funded Mr. Preston’s visit.

21 Bexley Juniors Named ‘Commended Scholars’ 

Pictured front row, from left: Charlotte S., Annabel L., Addison H., Olivia R., Cecelia B., Alissa S., Eloise L., Alex D., Riley W., and David L.

Pictured back row, from left: Alden L., Eli A., Ethan N., Oscar R., Owen P., Nathan S., Siddarth S., Lucas L., Lucia B., and Nikolai V.

Not pictured: Karan R.

Congratulations to 21 Bexley High School juniors who were named National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Program!

High school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), usually during their junior year. The program, which has about one million students participating each year, is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. 

‘Ruling Our Experiences’

ROX Program Helps Build Confidence in Cassingham Girls

Cassingham Elementary counselor Erica Hecker learned about ROX – Ruling Our Experiences – about 10 years ago and knew she wanted to bring the program to the school. She now is a certified ROX facilitator and hopes the program empowers and builds confidence in girls.

Last week, about two dozen girls, 4th and 5th graders at Cassingham, took part in a year-end celebration in the school theatre. Many parents were in the audience as well.

Also on hand for the celebration was ROX founder Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, a nationally recognized researcher, speaker, and author who is an expert on educating and empowering girls.

Cassingham counselor Erica Hecker speaks during the celebration.

The ROX program began in Columbus Schools in 2006, and today delivers evidence-based programming, research, education, and training focused on critical issues impacting girls. 

Sharing that she wants girls to learn how to communicate and stand up for themselves, Dr. Hinkelman said, “Being a girl is hard and it’s only gotten more complicated. There’s so much pressure on girls to look a certain way and act a certain way to keep up with other people’s expectations.”

The ROX program is a 20-week program for girls in grades 4 and 5. The organization also offers a middle school and high school program. ROX is in 18 states and works with about 5,000 girls each school year.

Cassingham girls gave up some recess time this school year to participate in activities about team building, personal safety and verbal self-defense, conflict management, and leadership traits.

ROX founder Dr. Lisa Hinckelman explains why she started the program and also offers encouragement to the girls.

Other ROX activities focused on learning empathy, setting boundaries, navigating friendships and difficult peer relationships, developing supportive and collaborative peer relationships, developing a positive outlook, coping skills and healthy ways to manage stress, body image, media influence, and redefining beauty.

Thank you to the district’s School Climate Committee and the Cassingham PTO for providing grants to cover the cost of the program.

‘Champion’ Staff Members Recognized

Five Bexley Schools staff members recently were recognized for their efforts to champion others.

Our latest staff champions were Melanie Newman, 2nd-grade teacher at Maryland Elementary and Megan Shook, special education aide at Cassingham Elementary.

Also recognized were Lizzie Kiser, intervention specialist at Bexley High School; Amy Blosser, director of choirs for Bexley Schools; and Kimberly Podolski, Bexley bus driver.

Bexley Schools are blessed to have such nurturing and engaged faculty and staff members who carry out their work with great love for our students.

Way to BE everyone – Ms. Newman, Ms. Shook, Ms. Kiser, Ms. Blosser, and Ms. Podolski! Thank you for championing Bexley students!

Pictured 

1: Superintendent Jason Fine recognizes Maryland teacher Melanie Newman.

2: Kari Mahuren, Cassingham intervention specialist (left) takes part in the 

    recognition of Megan Shook.

3: Brooke Wojcik, high school special education aide (left) recognizes Lizzie Kiser.

4: Teachers Steven Spangler, director of orchestras (right/center) and Andy Johnson, director of bands (right), recognize

     Director of Choirs Amy Blosser, who is pictured alongside her husband, Andrew Blosser (left).

5: Bexley Schools Business Manager John Eikenberry (right) presents Kimberly Podolski with her recognition certificate.

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

PTO Meeting, May 25

The next meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Thursday, May 25, at 8:15 a.m. in Molly’s Garden.

Maryland Elementary PTO

Parent Social, May 25 

Gather with fellow Maryland families for a casual social to celebrate the school year! The open-house event is on Thursday, May 25, at the Bexley Senior Center, 420 N Cassady Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Middle School PTO

PTO Meeting, May 25

The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.

Special Education PTO (SEPTO)

Volunteers for Staff Appreciation

The Special Education PTO is looking for volunteers and donors to make staff appreciation a success. Every Spring SEPTO prepares gift bags for Bexley’s special education staff in appreciation for the hard work they do for our kids. If interested in helping  or donating some goodies for staff, go to the sign-up genius page for details.

Important Dates

May 18-20

“Circus Olympus” Play by Grades 4-5, Cassingham Theatre; Tickets

May 19

Bexley Middle School Dance, 7:30 p.m., Middle School Gymnasium

May 21

Middle School & High School Orchestra Concerts & Awards, 2 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 22

Senior Recognition Ceremony, 3:30 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 22

High School Choral Awards, 7 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 23

Theatre Awards, Grades 6-12, 5:30 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 24

High School Band Awards, 6:30 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 25 

Montrose Elementary Fun Day

May 26

Graduation Rehearsal, 10 a.m., High School Gymnasium

May 26

Senior Celebration, 11 a.m., Carlton Smith Field

May 26

Maryland Elementary Memorial Day Observance, 11 a.m., Gymnasium

May 26

Montrose Elementary Fun Run & Dash, 2 p.m.

May 26

Class of 2023 Graduation, 10 a.m., Carlton Smith Field

Reminder: May 29 - Memorial Day, No Classes; District Closed

Other End-of-School-Year Events

Cassingham Elementary

May 31 - Cassingham Elementary Field Day, AM Grades K-2, PM Grades 3-5

June 1 - Cassingham Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up Ceremony, 9 a.m., Cassingham Theatre

June 1 - 5th-Grade Students Visit to Bexley Community Pool, 11:15 a.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

High School

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

Maryland Elementary

May 31 - Maryland Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up  Ceremony, 1:45 p.m., Gymnasium

June 1 - Maryland Elementary, Grades K-4 Field Day

June 1 - 5th-Grade Students Visit to Bexley Community Pool, 11:15 a.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

Middle School

May 30 - Laurel Honor Society Ceremony, 2:30 p.m., High School Gymnasium

June 1 - Middle School students dismiss at 2:37 p.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

Montrose Elementary

May 31 - Montrose Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., Gymnasium

June 1 - 5th-Grade Students Visit to Bexley Community Pool, 11:15 a.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

May 11, 2023 | NEWSLETTER

Board Approves Two Assistant Principals for High School

Serving under Jason Caudill, the new Principal of Secondary Education when the 2023-2024 school year begins, will be Willie Cook, who currently serves as assistant principal at Copley High School near Akron, and Kristen Kearns, the current assistant principal and director of curriculum at West Jefferson High School and Middle Schools. Both were approved by the Bexley Board of Education yesterday.

“I am happy to recommend two highly qualified candidates,” Superintendent Jason Fine told the Board during Wednesday’s meeting. “Before making these recommendations, we utilized an extensive process involving dozens of faculty and staff members, family members and students.”

Mr. Cook received his high school diploma from the school he serves at now. As assistant principal for the past two years, he developed the school’s protocol to process attendance data and reduce tardiness and absences and also developed a task force to reduce tardiness and class-skipping. He is the co-founder of the high school’s Link Crew orientation program and advisor to the Black Student Union group.

Before joining Copley High School, he served as an administrator in the Akron Public Schools and began his education career as dean of students in the Canton Public Schools.

Mr. Cook received an engineering degree and an MBA from Ohio University and is currently working on his doctorate in education at Vanderbilt University.

Ms. Kearns has been the assistant principal and director of curriculum at West Jefferson High School and Middle School for three years. Jefferson Local Schools uses a 6-12 administrative structure, similar to what Bexley is moving to next school year. Ms. Kearns has worked for Jefferson Local Schools since 2013, serving first as a 5th-grade teacher and then as a technology integration specialist. 

Her first two teaching positions were in Florida, where she served as a 7th-grade reading and language arts teacher and as a 10th-grade reading teacher. She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Purdue University, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Ohio State.

There were more the 50 applicants for the two positions.

The search process included requesting input from high school students, faculty, and families regarding the qualities they hoped for in the two new assistant principals, as well as suggested questions they recommended for the interview process.

Twenty students, 23 family members, and 32 staff members participated in the process to select the assistant principal candidates. Some shared input formally through the input form, some served on the resume review team, and others served as members of the interview team.

“We are extremely appreciative of everyone’s work and the time they committed to helping us find our new assistant principals for the high school,” Dr. Fine said. 

Mr. Cook and Ms. Kearns will begin in August.

BE A CHAMPION

Two Bexley Students Recognized

Congratulations to junior Ethan N. and Walter E., a Cassigham 2nd grader, who are Bexley Schools’ latest student champions!

Like Ethan and Walter, Bexley Schools are full of students helping others, whether spending time serving as student peers or mentors or simply lending a hand to help a teacher, staff member, or classmate.

We’re grateful for students and staff members who champion the well-being of others and for high school teacher Karissa Kaide – pictured with Ethan – who shared Ethan’s good deeds.

We thank Ms. Ricarda Sarkar (pictured bottom, next to Walter), who recognized Walter for how he voluntarily stepped up to help her during a hectic time and for Mr. Jeff Pearl, Walter’s 2nd-grade teacher (pictured next to Walter), who took part in the recognition presentation.

Way to BE Ethan and Walter!

JOIN US!

One Bexley Public Workshop
Thursday, May 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Schneider Hall in Capital University Student Union, 745 Pleasant Ridge Ave., Bexley

What would it look like for us to redouble our efforts to ensure that each member of our community shares a deep sense of belonging? How can we be better neighbors to new residents and to those who have historically been denied access to Bexley and communities like ours? What if the best we had to offer – welcoming neighborhoods, a grounded sense of belonging, and dynamic opportunities for community members – was experienced equally by all members of our community?  

The One Bexley Project is a collaborative initiative of the City of Bexley, the Bexley City School District, and the Bexley Public Library, and will be a long-term, multifaceted program designed to more deliberately and comprehensively bolster a community culture that ensures Bexley is welcoming and provides a sense of belonging for all community members and visitors. The project aims to provide the information and tools necessary to create cultural transformation and foster a dynamic sense of belonging for all. This is an ambitious and exciting initiative, and one that will require the awareness and participation of the entire community.

One Bexley is currently in the planning phase, involving a series of leadership and community workshops to help define the scope, format, and desired outcomes of the project. In order for this to be successful, the program requires deep community participation in the planning stages, as well as the project launch. Our next workshop/session will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Schneider Hall in Capital University’s Student Union. 

We would love to have you join us and look forward to adding your voice to this important and meaningful conversation. In order to help us plan for small-group facilitation and meeting logistics, we ask that you RSVP in advance via this link.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jason Fine, Superintendent

Ben Kessler, Mayor

Ben Heckman, Executive Director, Bexley Public Library

Grade 4-5 Play

The Circus Takes the Stage in Bexley Next Week

Don’t miss one of the last theatre productions of the school year, when 4th- and 5th-grade students from Bexley elementary schools present “Circus Olympus” next week!

Circus Olympus will be performed May 18-20 in the Cassingham Theatre.

There will be four performances: Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m.; Friday, May 19, 7 p.m.; and Saturday, May 20, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

The Story: The circus has come to town! Well...sort of. There’s no elephant on a bicycle but there are the Greek Geeks and they have got a story or two to tell. More specifically they will be enacting myths including Persephone and the Underworld, Perseus vs. Medusa, Athena and Arachne, King Midas, Pandora’s Box, and don't forget the Mythapalooza Slam Jam!  

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. There is no cost to attend for those with a Golden Buckeye Card, staff ID, or Lion’s Pride Pass. Everyone must have a ticket, regardless of price point. Tickets must be purchased online.

Maryland Students Learn from ‘Difference Makers’

Before he ended his talk with Maryland Elementary 4th and 5th graders, Chris Igodan encouraged them to remember five things: be curious, work hard, be patient, be kind, and say, “I’m sorry.”

Mr. Igodan, a Maryland dad to 4th-grader Ifi, was the first “Difference Maker” to talk with Maryland students. Similar to the program that started at Montrose Elementary this year, “difference makers” share their encouraging messages and personal journeys with elementary students. Another “difference maker,” Alida Smith, also took part in the inaugural Maryland event.

According to Maryland Principal Rachel Niswander, more than 60 students chose to miss recess to hear from the speakers.

For Mr. Igodan, his journey began in Columbus, where he was born, but he moved to Nigeria with his family shortly after his father received his doctorate degree from Ohio State. He lived in Nigeria until he was 10 when his family moved to South Africa.

Mr. Igodan said he always loved numbers – “numbers came natural to me” – and he loved the stock market, which he said he began studying when he was in the 5th or 6th grade. “I got a newspaper every day and looked at different companies.”

Bexley father Chris Igodan talks with students in Maryland’s first “Difference Makers” event.

He said he also loved to learn about the world and was very curious, often wondering, “What else is out there?” He said he was a devoted follower of the BBC’s The Travel Show and dreamed of traveling the world.

When he was 18, he and his family moved back to Columbus. He began studying accounting and finance at Ohio State. 

Today he is a vice president and chief financial officer at Nationwide Financial, where he began in 2010 and rose through the company’s ranks. He began his career with Price Waterhouse Cooper. Mr. Igodan also is a certified public accountant (CPA) and is on the board of the Ohio Society of CPAs.

Alida Smith, whose children attend Bexley Schools, is one of Maryland’s first “Difference Makers.”

Difference Maker Alida Smith is Pelotonia’s chief marketing officer and shared her journey to the premier Central Ohio fundraising organization. She also is a Maryland mom to Bexley students Maya and Evan.

Growing up in Akron, Ms. Smith told the students that she never had a favorite subject – she liked them all! When she began college, she wasn’t sure what to study so she chose business and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a marketing degree. She also earned her MBA from Ohio State.

Before joining Pelotonia as its marketing officer in 2021, she was an associate vice president of marketing at Carnegie Mellon University and also served as senior director of marketing at Ohio State.

Pelotonia, she shared, raises money for scientists and researchers to help those who have cancer or help prevent the disease. Last year’s Pelotonia cycling event had about 6,800 riders, who together raised more than $20 million. All of the funds go to The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State.

Though she doesn’t get to ride in the annual event because she’s managing the event and thousands of volunteers at a rapid-fire pace, Ms. Smith said she enjoys her work. “I really love working at a place where the work I’m doing is making a difference.” 

Children must be 14 years old to ride in Pelotonia, but she explained that kids can help raise money.

“You don’t have to know what you want to do when you grow up,” Ms. Smith shared with the students. “You need to simply find joy in what you do!”

Ms. Niswander said the Difference Makers events will continue next school year. “Our goal is to inspire and empower our students by introducing them to exceptional individuals who have made a difference in their communities,” she said. “Through these events, our Mallards can gain valuable insights and perspectives that can help shape their own future paths.”

Pictured Left - Maryland Elementary Principal Rachel Niswander welcomes students and guests to the school’s first “Difference Makers” event; Right - More than 60 students skipped recess to hear from two impressive Maryland parents who are making a difference in the community.

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

PTO Meeting, May 25

The next meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Thursday, May 25, at 8:15 a.m. in Molly’s Garden.

Maryland Elementary PTO

Breakfast Buddies, May 18  

All Maryland community members are welcome to join the Spring Breakfast Buddies event from 7:30-8:10 a.m. on Thursday, May 18! Celebrating 20 years, Breakfast Buddies is an opportunity to come together and enjoy a free pancake breakfast, prepared and served by Maryland staff. The event will be outdoors on the playground. Limited seating is available or families can bring a blanket for a breakfast picnic!

PTO Parent Social, May 25 

Gather with fellow Maryland families for a casual social to celebrate the school year! The open-house event is on Thursday, May 25, at the Bexley Senior Center, 420 N Cassady Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Middle School PTO

PTO Meeting, May 25

The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.

Montrose Elementary PTO

Family Breakfast, May 16

The Montrose PTO will host a Family Breakfast event on Tuesday, May 16, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the school playground. Donuts, fruit, and juice will be provided. Families and students are encouraged to join in the fun!

PTO Meeting, May 16

The next meeting of the Montrose Elementary PTO is Tuesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the Montrose library, or by Zoom.

Special Education PTO (SEPTO)

Volunteers for Staff Appreciation

The Special Education PTO is looking for volunteers and donors to make staff appreciation a success. Every Spring SEPTO prepares gift bags for Bexley’s special education staff in appreciation for the hard work they do for our kids. If interested in helping  or donating some goodies for staff, go to the sign-up genius page for details.

Important Dates

May 14

Middle School Spring Choral Concert, 2 p.m., High School Outdoor Piazza (indoors in case of rain)

May 16

Montrose Elementary Family Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Montrose Playground 

May 18

Maryland Elementary Breakfast Buddies, 7:30 a.m., Maryland Playground

May 18-20

“Circus Olympus” Play by Grades 4-5, Cassingham Theatre; Tickets

May 19

Bexley Middle School Dance, 7:30 p.m., Middle School Gymnasium

Reminder

May 29 - Memorial Day, No Classes; District Closed

End-of-School-Year Events

Cassingham Elementary

May 31 - Cassingham Elementary Field Day, AM Grades K-2, PM Grades 3-5

June 1 - Cassingham Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up Ceremony, 9 a.m., Cassingham Theatre

June 1 - 5th-Grade Students Visit to Bexley Community Pool, 11:15 a.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

High School

May 21 - Middle School & High School Orchestra Concerts & Awards, 2 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 22 - Senior Recognition Ceremony, 3:30 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 22 - High School Choral Awards, 7 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 23 - Theatre Awards, Grades 6-12, 5:30 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 24 - High School Band Awards, 6:30 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 26 - Graduation Rehearsal, 10 a.m., High School Gymnasium

May 26 - Senior Celebration, 11 a.m.

May 28 - Class of 2023 Graduation, 10 a.m., Carlton Smith Field

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

Maryland Elementary

May 26 - Maryland Elementary Memorial Day Observance, 11 a.m., Gymnasium

May 31 - Maryland Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up  Ceremony, 1:45 p.m., Gymnasium

June 1 - Maryland Elementary, Grades K-4 Field Day

June 1 - 5th-Grade Students Visit to Bexley Community Pool, 11:15 a.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

Middle School

May 21 - Middle School & High School Orchestra Concerts & Awards, 2 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

May 25 - Middle School Improv Show, 7 p.m., Dargusch Black Box Theatre; Tickets available soon

May 30 - Laurel Honor Society Ceremony, 2:30 p.m., High School Gymnasium

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

Montrose Elementary

May 25 - Montrose Elementary Fun Day

May 26 - Montrose Elementary Fun Run & Dash, 2 p.m.

May 31 - Montrose Elementary, 5th Grade Rising-Up Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., Gymnasium

June 1 - 5th-Grade Students Visit to Bexley Community Pool, 11:15 a.m.

June 1 - Last Day of School for Students 

May 4, 2023 | NEWSLETTER

State of Ohio Program

Qualified Families Can Receive $1,000 for School-Related Expenses

Some Bexley families may qualify for a $1,000 credit per child for school-related expenses, including for tutoring, before- and after-school care, and school program trips. The funding is available through the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program.

Specifically, Bexley students can qualify is they reside in a household with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below 400% of the federal poverty level based on the household’s most recent federal income tax return. For a family of four, this equals a household income of just under $120,000.

Families must apply for the funding and can do so online. A number of other school-related activities are eligible for ACE funding. See the full list on the program’s website.

Please note that ACE account funds cannot be used for the purchase of electronic devices. 

Contact Bexley Schools’ Chief Academic Officer Casey Cosgray if you have questions.

Bexley Schools Receive Two School Safety Grants

Bexley Schools recently were awarded two safety grants totaling more than $350,000.

One grant totaling $341,792 was awarded in round 5 of Ohio’s K-12 School Safety Grant program. The other grant, awarded through the Ohio Attorney General’s office, totals $13,000.

Among the safety and security efforts for which the grant funds are earmarked is an upgrade to the schools’ door-access system in all buildings. Central to the new system is a “door-prop” notice, which will notify school staff if a door is not closed properly.

In addition, the schools will continue the installation of “quick-lock” door handles to interior rooms in the schools to increase the layers of protection. Classrooms already are equipped with the locks that allow staff to lock doors quickly from the inside of a room.

School officials are currently planning the work. 

Montrose ‘Difference Maker’ Event

‘Be the One’ Founder Encourages Students to Find Ways to Help Others

“Learn, love, lead!” That was message Dawn Heideman shared with Montrose Elementary’s 4th and 5th graders during a recent Difference Makers event.

A Bexley parent and longtime educator in the Columbus Public Schools, Ms. Heideman, in 2015, founded “Be the One,” a local foundation providing service and hope to students, as well as the tools to find success. She and co-founder Carla Hegyi took their efforts statewide in 2020, creating “Be the One Ohio.”

During her time with Montrose’s students, she talked about her love for her students, beginning with her first teaching position near Athens. A star student athlete at Ohio University and WNBA draftee, Ms. Heideman said she was eager to put her math brain to work teaching students, only to find that her students needed more to simply survive.

After witnessing a young student climbing out of a dumpster, she learned he went there to find food for his family. She said that was the first time she realized her job wasn’t just teaching students math: “I had to find shoes and coats!”

Often packing extra sandwiches for her students who had little to eat, Ms. Heideman’s loving heart took her to teaching positions in California and Michigan before returning to Ohio.  

She talked about her many efforts to help students – becoming a family presence some didn’t have – and the connections she still has with students she had many years ago.

Today, she teaches her students at Linden McKinley High School – some who are homeless or in foster care themselves – to “be the one” to help others, to make a difference in others’ lives, and make the world a better place.

“I ask my 100 kids to do things to help others,” she explained. Among the stories she told of her students’ efforts to reach others in need of help or an encouraging word, she shared how they reached out to a current Ohio State football player who is battling cancer. “My students, who didn’t even know him, made him a blanket and sent him notes of encouragement.”

Her students, too, recently provided 400 Christmas gifts to local foster children, as well as countless index card notes of encouragements and lollipop moments. “You can’t eat it yourself,” she said, “but you can pass it along to someone else with a short note of encouragement.”

Before answering her own question by listing ways to be kind, Ms. Heideman asked, “What does that look like?”

“That’s the kid sitting by himself,” she explained. “That’s someone dropping a pencil and you picking it up. I believe every substitute teacher needs you to step up and show them some kindness. That’s what we’re missing in this world. We’re missing random acts of kindness. Random means no one tells you to do it. You just decide to do something nice for someone else.”

She encouraged the young students to look for ways to brighten someone’s life. “I’m going to challenge you today,” she said, “because I think you can change the world. I believe you owe it to each other to give each other five seconds of happiness.”

BE A CHAMPION!

Maryland 4th-Grade Student Recognized

Congratulations to Bexley Schools’ latest champion, Jackson P., a 4th-grade student at Maryland Elementary!

Faculty and staff members love to recognize champions among our student body – those whose nature is to help others. From our kindergartners to our seniors, students like Jackson champion the well-being of their classmates!

Way to BE Jackson!

Pictured: Maryland teacher Stacy Bell joins Jackson for his classroom recognition.

Elementary Arts Festivals Are Next Thursday

Bexley Schools will celebrate the musical and visual arts in our elementary schools next Thursday, May 11, when Cassingham, Maryland, and Montrose each hold their arts festivals. Families and friends can stroll the hallways of each school and enjoy student performances at each building. Montrose and Cassingham also will hold book fairs.

Cassingham Schedule

• 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Food trucks
• 6-8 p.m. - Open house for art viewing in Cassingham hallways. 
• 6-8 p.m. - Musical group performances in the Schottenstein Theatre   
• 6-6:30 p.m. – Grades K-2 Performances, Schottenstein Theatre
• 6:40-8 p.m. – Grades 3-5 Performances, Schottenstein Theatre (includes choir & orchestra)

Maryland Schedule

All performances are in the Maryland gymnasium. Also, there will be treats available for purchase, benefitting the 5th-grade-class gift. 

• 6 p.m. - Orchestra performance
• 6:30 p.m. - 2nd Grade Performance
• 7:10 p.m. - Choir Performance
• 7:30 p.m. - 5th Grade Performance 

Montrose Schedule

Enjoy food trucks on location, from 5:30-8 p.m.

• 5:50 p.m. - Kindergarten performance, Gymnasium
• 6 p.m. - 4th & 5th grade orchestra Performance, Gymnasium
• 7 p.m. - 4th grade Performance, Gymnasium
• 7:20 p.m. - 4th & 5th Grade Choir Performance, Gymnasium

Bexley Education Foundation

BRAVO! Event Receives Generous Support

What a spectacular evening on April 22 when more than 300 people attended the Bexley Education Foundation’s BRAVO! event, raising more than $100,000!

Promising an epic ‘80s party, attendees, including families, alumni, and community members, took to the dance floor and participated in a silent auction, raffle, games, and a photobooth.

Photo Courtesy of the Bexley Education Foundation.

Proceeds from BRAVO! support Foundation projects and programs that elevate the educational experience for Bexley students across the district. Recent grants supported classroom and library technology, implementation of the Wit & Wisdom English Language Arts curriculum at all elementary schools, flex-time activities at the middle school, as well as author visits at all grade levels.

Join the Fun Tomorrow at the Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Festival

Make plans to stop by the Bexley Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Festival tomorrow evening, May 5, in the Bexley Public Library parking lot, from 6-8 p.m. The free event will highlight food, culture, and art and is co-hosted by the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance and the Bexley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion organization. 

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

Arts Festival Volunteers Needed, May 11

Volunteers are needed to help the Cassingham arts festival run smoothly. Families can sign up to volunteer for 30-minute shifts via an online form. 

PTO Meeting, May 25

The next meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Thursday, May 25, at 8:15 a.m. in Molly’s Garden.

Maryland Elementary PTO

Breakfast Buddies, May 18  

All Maryland community members are welcome to join the Spring Breakfast Buddies event from 7:30-8:10 a.m.!  Celebrating 20 years, Breakfast Buddies is an opportunity to come together and enjoy a free pancake breakfast, prepared and served by Maryland staff. The event will be outdoors on the playground. Limited seating is available or families can bring a blanket for a breakfast picnic!

PTO Parent Social, May 25 

Gather with fellow Maryland families for a casual social to celebrate the school year! The open-house event is at the Bexley Senior Center, 420 N Cassady Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Middle School PTO

PTO Meeting, May 25

The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.

Montrose Elementary PTO

PTO Meeting, May 16

The next meeting of the Montrose Elementary PTO is Tuesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the Montrose library, or by Zoom.

Special Education PTO (SEPTO)

Annual Picnic, May 9

The Bexley Special Education PTO will host its annual Spring picnic at the Jeffrey Park Memorial shelter, beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9. Hot dogs and hamburgers (including vegetarian options), drinks and plates/napkins/utensils will be provided. Families may bring their own side dishes. 

Volunteers for Staff Appreciation

The Special Education PTO is looking for volunteers and donors to make staff appreciation a success. Every Spring SEPTO prepares gift bags for Bexley’s special education staff in appreciation for the hard work they do for our kids. If interested in helping  or donating some goodies for staff, go to the sign-up genius page for details.

Important Dates

May 6

High School Prom, 7-11 p.m., Creekside, 101 Mill St., Gahanna

May 9

Special Education PTO Picnic, 6 p.m., Jeffrey Park Memorial Shelter

May 11

Elementary Art Festivals, Evening events at all elementary schools

May 14

Middle School Spring Choral Concert, 2 p.m., High School Outdoor Piazza (indoors in case of rain)

May 16

Montrose Elementary Family Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Montrose Playground (donuts, fruit, & juice)

May 18

Maryland Elementary Breakfast Buddies, 7:30 a.m., Maryland Playground

May 18-20

“Circus Olympus” Play by Grades 4-5, Cassingham Theatre; Tickets

May 19

Bexley Middle School Dance, 7:30 p.m., Middle School Gymnasium

April 27, 2023 | NEWSLETTER

Latin Students Excel on National Exam Amid ‘Fierce’ Competition

Congratulations to 13 Bexley Latin students for their achievements on the National Latin Exam!

The students took the national exam in early March, when they competed with more than 125,000 other Latin students throughout the country.

According to high school Latin teacher Jackie Hillman, the competition was “incredibly fierce.” “Our students performed admirably and I am incredibly proud,” Ms. Hillman said.

The following are Bexley students’ results on the exam:

Gold Medal, Awarded to Top Scorers

Rylee B. (senior), Theo B. (junior), and Trey W. (sophomore)

Magna Cum Laude, Awarded to Third-Place Scorers

John B. (senior), Morgan E. (senior), Paxton M. (freshman), and Ava W. (junior)

Cum Laude, Awarded to Fourth-Place Scorers

Nathan B. (junior), Bridget O. (senior), Gus P. (8th grade), Reagan S.(sophomore), Reed S. (sophomore), and Miles S. (senior).

Front Row (from left): Bridget O., Ava W., Paxton M., and Reagan S.

Back Row: (from left): Morgan E., Miles S., Trey W., and Reed S.

Not Pictured: Rylee B., Theo B., John B., Nathan B., and Gus P.

Input Needed on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader Position

The Bexley Schools recently posted the position for a new Leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, after current DEI Leader Marcelius Braxton announced he is departing later this summer. Mr. Braxton is leaving Bexley for a new professional opportunity.

We need your input into this position and encourage Bexley students, faculty, staff, and families to share their opinions and interest in helping select the new Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including interest in participating in resume reviews and interviews.

Links to the position description and input form are available via the buttons below.

Montrose 3rd Graders Learn ‘How to Be a Good Neighbor’ to Refugees

Third-grade students at Montrose Elementary School learned last week how to be a good neighbor to refugees , when two staff members from C.R.I.S. – Community Refugee & Immigration Services – spoke to them about how to help those who resettle in Columbus.

The students learned that many refugees leave their countries because of persecution for who they are or what they do. C.R.I.S. helps those who land in Columbus by assisting them in setting up homes, finding jobs, learning English, becoming citizens, and providing mentors for refugee children.

C.R.I.S. volunteer coordinator, Flannery Rokeby-Jackson, (left) and Anitha Kavuna, C.R.I.S. arrival specialist, discuss “How to Be a Good Neighbor” with Montrose 3rd-grade students.

More than 50 third graders attended the talk by Flannery Rokeby-Jackson, C.R.I.S. volunteer coordinator, and Anitha Kavuna, C.R.I.S. arrival specialist, who came from Congo about nine years ago.

“How can you welcome refugees?” the ladies asked. The students knew the answers: “Help them!” “Be nice!” “Be friends with them.”

During an activity simulating how refugees feel when settling in a new country, the students each received a colored sticker on their backs, but they weren’t told the color. Without speaking or whispering, the students had to find ways to communicate with each other to learn their sticker color and gather in groups by color.

The students performed well and were creative in how they determined their color and helped others learn theirs, sometimes pointing to different colored books on nearby shelves or the color of clothing they were wearing. Others used hand signals and still others took their classmates by the hand and walked them to their proper group.

Bexley senior John Lang assisted with the exercise and spoke with the students as well. John has worked with C.R.I.S. before, as his recent Eagle Scout project provided dozens of hand-made beds for refugees settling in Columbus, including more than 30 beds donated to C.R.I.S.

Left: Third graders help each other in a quiet activity simulating how refugees have difficulty communicating when they don’t know English. Right: Bexley senior John Lang puts colored stickers on students’ backs before exercise.

Nomination Deadline Is Tomorrow

‘Friend of Education’ Award Recognizes Champions Outside the Schools 

Bexley is blessed with many who work hard in support of our schools. Is your friend or neighbor a champion of Bexley students and teachers? Show your gratitude and recognize their efforts by submitting a nomination for the Bexley Schools’ “Friend of Education” award. The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to public education in Bexley. The person cannot be a current Bexley Schools faculty or staff member.

The deadline is tomorrow, April 28.

Please send your nomination by email to Karla Croswell at [email protected]. All nominations will be forwarded to the members of the Bexley Board of Education for their review and selection.

Did You Miss the Senior Art Show? See Their Work Online

A slide show of the seniors’ artwork is on the district website. Don’t miss their beautiful work!

BE A CHAMPION!

Staff Members Recognized

Two Bexley Schools instructional coaches were recognized recently by the staff at Maryland Elementary School.

Like other staff members in Bexley Schools, Katie Appel and Jana Clarke make a difference in students’ and teachers’ lives. In recognizing them, Maryland staff members wanted Ms. Appel and Ms. Clarke to know how much their work impacts the success of students in the classroom.

Way to BE ladies!

Pictured below left (from left): Jon Bunker, Jana Clarke, Cynthia Throckmorton, Margaret Cieply, and Katie Appel; Below, right: The Maryland Elementary faculty gathers to celebrate Ms. Clarke and Ms. Appel.

Bexley Minority Parent Alliance

‘Circle of Excellence’ Recognizes Students, Community

What a spectacular event last Sunday when the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance recognized students during its annual Circle of Excellence ceremony! The event, held in the Cassingham Theatre, was followed by a career fair in the cafeteria.

In addition to saluting students, a highlight of the event was a presentation by Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler, who proclaimed April 23 to be “Bryan Drewry Day,” in honor of Mr. Drewry whose roots in Bexley are many. A longtime champion of the BMPA and the Bexley Historical Society, Mr. Drewry was named executive director of the Bexley Chamber of Commerce in January.

See photos from the 2023 Circle of Excellence ceremony on the Bexleo website.

Pictured, from left: Bryan Drewry; BMPA executive member Peyton Peyton; and Mayor Ben Kessler. Photo: Mike Nolan/@Bexleo

PTO Corner

Maryland Elementary PTO

PTO Parent Social, May 25 

Gather with fellow Maryland families for a casual social to celebrate the school year! The open-house event is at the Bexley Senior Center, 420 N Cassady Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Middle School PTO

PTO Meeting, May 25

The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.

Montrose Elementary PTO

PTO Meeting, May 16

The next meeting of the Montrose Elementary PTO is Tuesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the Montrose library, or by Zoom.

Special Education PTO (SEPTO)

Annual Picnic, May 9

The Bexley Special Education PTO will host its annual Spring picnic at the Jeffrey Park Memorial shelter, beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9. Hot dogs and hamburgers (including vegetarian options), drinks and plates/napkins/utensils will be provided. Families may bring their own side dishes. 

Volunteers for Staff Appreciation

The Special Education PTO is looking for volunteers and donors to make staff appreciation a success. Every Spring SEPTO prepares gift bags for Bexley’s special education staff in appreciation for the hard work they do for our kids. If interested in helping  or donating some goodies for staff, go to the sign-up genius page for details.

Important Dates

April 28

High School Improv Show, 7:30 p.m., Cassingham Theatre; Tickets

April 30

High School Choral Concert, 2 p.m., First Community Church North, 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus

May 4

Band Concert, Grades 5-12, 7 p.m., High School Gymnasium

May 6

High School Prom

7-11 p.m., Creekside, 101 Mill St., Gahanna

May 11

Elementary Art Hop, at All Elementary Schools, includes Art Shows & Orchestra Performances

Board Approves Jason Caudill to Be Principal of Secondary Schools

The Bexley Board of Education this morning approved current Middle School Principal Jason Caudill to be Principal of Secondary Schools. In this new position Mr. Caudill will continue his leadership as Principal of the Middle School while also filling the vacant principal position at the High School beginning with the 2023-2024 school year. 

A similar leadership structure was used previously in Bexley Schools, back when Mr. Caudill originally was hired as assistant principal at Bexley Middle School in 2010.

“I feel fortunate to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable leader like Mr. Caudill in our district,” said Superintendent Jason Fine, who formally made the recommendation to the Board of Education this morning. “During the past 13 years, he has earned the trust and respect of countless people, not only in our schools, but also within the community and beyond. I believe he is the best person to continue to pursue our mission and vision in our secondary programs.”

Dr. Fine also points to Mr. Caudill’s instructional leadership and management skills as important in making this recommendation. The move, he said, also will bring stability and continuity to Bexley’s secondary staff, students, and families and Mr. Caudill’s knowledge of our schools, policies, procedures, and operations, as well as his commitment to equity, culture, and collaboration, are critical as work continues preparing for the future of Bexley City Schools.

In order to support Mr. Caudill and the return to a combined secondary-leadership structure, there will be a slight amendment in the leadership positions of both schools. 

First, Jerome Price Sr. has already been approved as the next Assistant Principal of Bexley Middle School. His hiring was necessary after Dr. Racquel Armstrong announced her departure back in January. She will depart after this school year for a new opportunity at Arizona State University.

Secondly, with two leadership vacancies at the High School after this school year, two new assistant principals will be hired to fill these positions.

The hiring process for the high school assistant principal position already was underway before Dr. Kristin Robbins’ announced departure. The interviews will progress over the next two weeks, and in-person interviews with candidates will be held on Tuesday, May 2 and will include participation by students, staff, and families.

“We are pleased with the quality of candidates and are optimistic we will find our assistant principals quickly,” Dr. Fine said.

If you are interested in being a part of the interview process, please complete the related online form as soon as possible. You also may provide input regarding the assistant principal positions on the same form. 

Dr. Fine said he couldn’t be happier to make the recommendation to the Board of Education to appoint Mr. Caudill to this new position. “It is my sincere belief that Mr. Caudill’s commitment to the district over the past 13 years, his fierce advocacy for students and staff, as well as his stellar leadership of several district initiatives, are precisely what our district students and families need in order to move forward in our next chapter of excellence,” he said.

Summer Session Update

Families, please be attentive to your email for updates on your student’s Summer Session class registration. Emails will be sent when a student is moved from the waitlist to the active course roster. In addition, there are five courses that are canceled due to low registration. Watch for emails about updated course information and rosters, if needed.

Also, there will not be a second round of registration because all remaining courses currently have waitlists.

Contact Summer Session Principal Gina Vehorn at [email protected] if you have questions.

Bexley Senior Awarded Art Cup During Opening of Art Show

Congratulations to Bexley senior Kieran M., who received the Art Cup award during yesterday evening’s opening of the 2023 Senior Art Show!

“This person is very dedicated to the arts,” said high school art teacher Mabi Ponce de Leon, before she named the award winner during the opening reception.

The Senior Art Show is presented in the high school arts wing and has more than 200 art pieces on display from 53 seniors, including more than two dozen pieces from award-winner Kieran.

Make plans to view these beautiful and creative pieces before the art show ends on April 26!

Pictured above: Kieran M. receives the Art Cup award from high school art teachers Mabi Ponce de Leon (left) and Helma Groot (right). Pictured right: Kieran stands before several of her art pieces that are on display.

Last Call!

‘Friend of Education’ Award Nominations Due Next Week

Don’t forget to submit your nomination for the Bexley Schools’ “Friend of Education” award by next Friday, April 28. The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to public education in Bexley. The person cannot be a current Bexley Schools faculty or staff member.

Please send your nomination by email to Karla Croswell at [email protected]. All nominations will be forwarded to the members of the Bexley Board of Education for their review and selection.

Date Change! High School Improv Show Moves to April 28

The next High School Improv Show is being moved from this week to next Friday evening, April 28. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Cassingham Theatre. Tickets will be available for online purchase soon.

BE A CHAMPION!

District Staff Member Recognized

Two of Bexley Schools’ instructional coaches recognized fellow staff member Art Banks recently, commending him for going out of his way to help colleagues.

Mr. Banks is the district’s logistics coordinator and his work “behind the scenes” – like so many others in our schools – makes a difference in helping Bexley Schools operate efficiently.

Way to BE Mr. Banks!

Pictured: Instructional coaches Jana Clarke (left) and Katie Appel surprise Art Banks with a Champion award.

Bexley Minority Parents Alliance

Career Fair Just One Highlight of Sunday’s ‘Circle of Excellence’ Event

A career fair held as part of the Bexley Minority Parents Alliance (BMPA) Circle of Excellence event this Sunday, April 23, will offer great opportunities for teens to talk to industry professionals about their careers. According to the BMPA, this is an open-conversation forum for students to ask questions and talk about life after high school.

The 2023 Circle of Excellence ceremony precedes the career fair. The ceremony, which begins at 4 p.m. in the Cassingham Theatre, will recognize graduating 5th, 8th, and 12th graders in Bexley and highlight contributions of minority students to their schools and community and also will celebrate community leaders and alumni. In addition, The BMPA will present scholarships to high school seniors, which can be used for college or post-high school vocational training.

The career fair and refreshments will be in the Cassingham Complex cafeteria after the ceremony.

The following individuals and/or businesses are scheduled to be available during the career fair.

• Steve Allan - Columbus Sheet Metal
• Kyle Barger-Vohnt - Oasis Hocking Hills/Make-a-Day
• Kevin Brown - Local 200 Carpenter
• Christina Dixon (Author) - Play Along Publishing
• Chelsea Golterman - Creating Central Ohio Futures
• Dean Hoffman (Mechanic Owner) - Avenue Auto Repair
• Jeff Hunley - Trade Skills Union
• Aaron Irwin - Irwin Real Estate
• Sean James (Entrepreneur) - Studio 6 Barbershop
• Dr. Sylvia Jones - Divine Family Eyecare
• Melissa Klosterman-Lando - Bexley Schools
• Gary Lewis - Bexley Chief of Police
• Brandi Muhammad - JNY Bakery
• Steven Murphy - JPS Printing
• Payton Peyton (Entrepreneur) - Culture People You
• Brandon Phillips - Central Ohio Transit Authority
• R.D. Stewart - Columbus Division of Fire
• Cherrelle Turner - Eastland Career Center
• Destiny Ward (Owner) - Browtique

Not Attending BRAVO?

You Can Still Take Part in Saturday’s Auction & Raffle

Not attending the Bexley Education Foundation’s BRAVO! event this Saturday? You can still support the Foundation’s work by bidding on great silent auction items and/or purchasing raffle tickets online. You don’t have to be in attendance at the event to take part in the auction or raffle.

Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Drawings will take place at 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.

Silent Auction

More than 150 items are in the silent auction, ranging from hotel stays, golf outings, restaurant gift certificates, spa treatments, family outings, and one-of-a-kind experiences. 

Raffle Packages

Take a chance to win one of three great party packages (Each is valued at more than $1,000):

• Backyard Barbeque: Includes a $500 gift card from Catering by Scott, live music from The Big Rockin Blues Band, and more.
• Ultimate Family Block Party: Includes Bexley Rec’s Bpak, entertainment by DJ Dr. Tiki Lava, awesome entertainment gift card, and Johnson’s Ice Cream sundae bar for 50 people.
• Date Nights in the City: Includes $500 Cameron Mitchell gift card, overnight stay at the Hotel LeVeque, tickets to BalletMet’s Swan Lake and tickets to the Short North Stage.  

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

Skating Party - Wednesday, April 26, 4 p.m.

The Cassingham PTO will host a skating party on Wednesday, April 26, from 4-7 p.m. at United Skates of America, 3362 Refugee Road.

Monthly Meeting - Thursday, April 27, 6 p.m.

The next monthly meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in the school library.  

Middle School PTO

Monthly Meeting - Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m.

The next monthly meeting of the Middle School PTO is today, April 20, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Important Dates

Now through April 26

Senior Art Show,

High School Arts Wing

April 20

Kindergarten Orientation, 6:30 p.m.; at All Elementary Schools

April 20

High School/Middle School Jazz Band Concert, 7 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

April 22

Bexley Education Foundation’s “BRAVO!,” 7 p.m., Valley Dale Ballroom, 1590 Sunbury Road, Columbus

April 23

2023 Circle of Excellence Ceremony & Career Fair, Bexley Minority Parents Association, 4 p.m.,

Cassingham Theatre & Cafeteria

April 28

High School Improv Show, 7:30 p.m., Cassingham Theatre; Tickets will be available online soon

April 30

High School Choral Concert, 2 p.m., First Community Church North, 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus

Two District Administrators Leaving after School Year

Dr. Kristin Robbins recently submitted her resignation after more than two decades serving as a building administrator at Bexley High School – the last five of which were as high school principal. Her departure will be after the end of this school year.

In addition, Marcelius Braxton, Bexley Schools’ leader of diversity, equity, and inclusion, recently notified the district of his resignation to pursue a new opportunity.

Dr. Robbins is leaving Bexley to become the Director of Secondary Education with the Upper Arlington Schools.

We’re happy for Dr. Robbins, who received her Doctor of Education degree this past December, as she takes the next step in her school administrative career. This opportunity allows her to work in the district where she not only lives, but also earned her high school diploma.

Dr. Robbins joined Bexley Schools in August 2000, serving first as assistant principal of the high school, before becoming high school principal in June 2018. Before joining Bexley Schools, she served in the Westerville Schools, both as dean of students and as a language arts teacher.

We are grateful for Dr. Robbins’ leadership of Bexley High School and the support she offered to the many students and staff members she led over her more than 22-year tenure.

Mr. Braxton is leaving Bexley Schools after two years leading the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He said he is departing in mid-summer.

His work and leadership were instrumental as the district addressed difficult issues earlier this year. At about the same time, Mr. Braxton also unveiled the schools’ first-ever Equity Plan, a document that gives district administrators the guidance to consider equity issues through thoughtful and deliberate analysis. The Bexley Schools’ Equity Plan was authored by Mr. Braxton, and it is one of the few such plans available in school districts today.

He also was part on the school district’s team that provided the data and recommendation to the Bexley Board of Education to provide universal free breakfast to all Bexley School students during this semester.

We thank Dr. Robbins and Mr. Braxton for their incredible dedication to Bexley Schools and the many students and staff members who benefitted from their leadership and support. We wish each of them great success and happiness in their new endeavors!

‘Brian the Comet’

Don’t Miss This Saturday’s High School One-Act Play

Bexley High School’s talented theatre students will perform “Brian the Comet,” a one-act play by Emily Hageman on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Schottenstein Theatre. 

The Story: Jude’s mom is an astronaut, 254 miles away on the International Space Station, so when her father is diagnosed with lung cancer, Jude is the only one who can take care of him. In the hospital, she meets a boy named Brian who suffers from aneurysms and, together, they learn about what they fear, what they know, what they believe, and what they hope for.

There is no cost to attend and no online tickets are needed. 

Reminder: ‘Friend of Education’ Nominations Due April 28

Nominations are welcomed for the next Friend of Education award recipient!

Submit your nomination for the Bexley Schools’ “Friend of Education” award, recognizing an individual who has made a significant contribution to public education in Bexley. The person cannot be a current Bexley Schools faculty or staff member.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, April 28.

Please send your nomination by email to Karla Croswell at [email protected]. All nominations will be forwarded to the members of the Bexley Board of Education for their review and selection.