Students Work with Acclaimed Poets During Writing Workshop

About 100 high school students gathered in the school library on Monday to welcome three award-winning poets to Bexley High School. Their visit to Bexley was part of an in-school collaboration that included The Ohio State University, Denison University, and Otterbein University.

Bexley High School was the only high school participating in the collaboration when the poets conducted a hands-on introductory writing workshop for students throughout Monday afternoon. Five students volunteered to share their poetry work during the gathering, which was funded by the Bexley Education Foundation’s Grimes Family Student Opportunities Fund.

Pictured (from left): Poets Cynthia Amoah, Roger Robinson, and Peter Kahn. Photos by Mike Nolan.

Three Bexley students  ?  junior Owynn LaFollette, freshman Nico Ronis, and junior Max Myser  ?  were invited to a poetry showcase tomorrow evening, April 5, at the Urban Arts Center, at 50 W. Town St. in Columbus, where they will share their poems along with other students during the event called “Portable Paradise: An International/Intercultural/Intergenerational Poetry Celebration.”

Monday’s in-school event featured acclaimed poet Roger Robinson – winner of the prestigious T.S. Eliot Prize and headliner of the Friday evening event. He met with and interacted one-on-one with the students during afternoon class periods.

Joining him were Columbus natives Cynthia Amoah and Peter Kahn. Ms. Amoah is a popular and in-demand poet and performer. She is a recent college graduate and currently is working with several schools on interactive poetry experiences. Mr. Kahn, who is an accomplished poet, has taught English and poetry programs in high schools and colleges across the country and beyond, including in Columbus, throughout the Chicago area, and in England.

Mr. Robinson, a British Trinidadian poet, is known for his prominent voice in the spoken- word poetry scene in London. During his time at BHS, he captivated students with stories about Trinidad and England and, along with Mr. Kahn, facilitated a discussion with the students who analyzed his work called “A Portable Paradise,” the poetry collection for which he earned the T.S. Eliot Prize.

“He listened to their observations and insights, and he willingly peeled back the layers for them to see how he developed his ideas,” said Laura Moore, Bexley Schools’ Leader of Experiential Learning and Community Engagement. “When the bell rang, students didn’t leave; they remained, continuing to ask for feedback.”

Monday Is Solar Eclipse Day, Half Day of Classes

As a reminder, Bexley Schools will release all students at noon this coming Monday, April 8, so that students and families have time, if they choose, to travel to areas within the rare total solar eclipse.

Reminders for April 8:

• Classes start at their regular time and regular breakfast service will be available
• Cafeteria lunch service will be provided prior to dismissal
• Regular bus service will be provided at dismissal
• All afternoon and evening activities for Bexley Schools are postponed for the day, and all buildings will close beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Bexley students have been learning about the solar eclipse in classes. Middle school science students have had mini lessons for several weeks and this week is Solar Eclipse Spirit Week in the elementary schools, with themed lessons and activities each day. High school news shows have been covering facts leading up to the eclipse and the district technology department compiled interactive resources for teachers to use in class.

Teaching students how to safely view the eclipse has been a priority during lessons. All Bexley students and staff members will receive NASA-approved solar glasses by North American Eclipse Glasses prior to the event.

Monday’s total solar eclipse may be a once-in-a-lifetime event for the majority of Ohioans.

Facts:

• The last total solar eclipse to pass through Ohio was in June 1806, and the next one covering parts of Ohio will be in 2099
• A total solar eclipse will be visible in the continental U.S. in August 2045, but Ohio won’t be part of it
• Ohio experienced a partial solar eclipse in 2017.

> Click on the image to see

additional information,

including safety tips

on the solar eclipse.

Bexley to Hold Local Eclipse Event

Join the “Total Eclipse in the Park” viewing party on Monday, April 8, from 12:30-4 p.m. at Jeffrey Mansion and Jeffrey Park. The event is hosted by the Bexley Public Library and Bexley Recreation and Parks Department.

Attendees are encouraged to hang out in the park to watch the eclipse from 2:30-4 p.m. Maximum coverage of the eclipse will take place at about 3:12 p.m.

Activities from 12:30-2:30 p.m. include inflatable games, air rockets, music, and library activities. Food trucks will be GLS Truck, Turo Turo, and Johnson’s Ice Cream. The hosts encourage families to take eclipse glasses if you have them. Limited supplies of the glasses will be available.

Registration for Summer Session Classes Ends Tomorrow

Tomorrow, April 5, at 3 p.m. is the deadline to register for Summer Session classes. 

Please note that each course has a minimum number of students in order for the class to be held. Currently, there are several courses that may not be held due to low registration.

Scholarships to attend summer enrichment classes are available for families and students in need of extra support. Please indicate your interest in scholarship assistance on the registration form.

Families will receive communication of class confirmation on Friday, April 12, and full payment of class fees is due on April 26 at 4 p.m. Details regarding payment procedures will be provided upon class confirmation.

Full refunds will be given if a student’s enrollment in Summer Session classes is withdrawn by May 15, at 4 p.m. More information on how to withdraw enrollment after payment will be provided.

If you have questions about registration or classes, contact either of the Summer Session principals, Jamel Johnson or Brian Lowery.

Jostens Features Assistant Principal’s Work in Middle School

Bexley Middle School and Assistant Principal Jerome Price recently were featured in an online article by Jostens Renaissance. The company is long known for its memorabilia products, but it also has an educational component to help support character development and academic achievement in schools and support educator morale and retention. The online article features Mr. Price, who talked about his experience with Jostens going back to his time as a member of his high school yearbook staff. He also discusses how he applies what he learned through the Jostens Renaissance program at Bexley Middle School. > Click the image below to access the article.

BE A CHAMPION

Maryland Teacher Recognized for ‘Champion’ Efforts

This week we recognize our newest “champion” staff member, Maryland 5th-grade teacher Cynthia Throckmorton.

Ms. Throckmorton, who was nominated by a colleague, wasted no time covering for another teacher who experienced a family emergency by preparing lessons and materials and assisting substitutes with managing their classrooms.

At the same time, when others were also out due to illness, she brought all of the 5th-grade students together to deliver lessons to ensure that their preparation for a big project didn’t fall behind. “Sometimes being a Champion is measured by the mounting weight of small acts,” her nominator wrote. 

Pictured are Maryland 5th-grade teachers Margaret Cieply, Cynthia Throckmorton, and Jon Bunker.

In her nomination, Ms. Throckmorton was cited for embodying several of Bexley Schools’ stated values: Empathy, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Well-being. Demonstrating Kindness – the first pillar of our mission – also was cited. Way to BE Ms. Throckmorton!

FACILITIES PLANNING

The Present & the Future: Tour Our Buildings and Join Next Week’s Learning Environment Summit

Join our Learning Environment Summit next week when our architects will offer virtual tours and photos of the types of learning options we could consider within our schools as part of our District Facilities Planning initiative. This information will be presented during two identical Community Engagement meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10. 

We hope you will attend one of the meetings to learn how this process may affect the Bexley community and property owners. Next week’s meeting schedule is:

• Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. at Maryland Elementary School
• Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. in the Bexley Public Library Auditorium.

We welcome your interest and participation in this work and hope you will join us on April 9th or 10th!

Community Tours of Bexley School Buildings

Learn more about the state of our school facilities during community tours on April 15 and 16. Please RSVP for tours in advance at bex.fyi/tour. The schedule is:

• April 15 (Mon.) – Montrose Elementary, 6-6:45 p.m.
• April 15 (Mon.) – Maryland Elementary, 7:15-8 p.m.
• April 16 (Tues.) – Cassingham Elementary AND Bexley Middle School, 6-7 p.m.
• April 16 (Tues.) – Bexley High School, 7:15-8 p.m.

Reminders!

‘Educator of the Year’ Nominations Due Tomorrow

Nominations for the Bexley Education Foundation’s 2024 Glick Family Bexley Educator of the Year Award are due Friday, April 5. Submit your nomination via an online form.

BRAVO! Online Auction Open Now

The Education Foundation’s annual BRAVO! event is Saturday, April 6. Don’t miss bidding on exciting opportunities, like a Johnson’s Sundae Bar, Bexley Beat service, restaurant gift certificates, and more. The auction is open now (you don’t have to attend BRAVO! to bid) at auctria.events/bravo.

Athletic Boosters Mulch Sale Deadline

Monday, April 8 is the deadline to order mulch as part of the Bexley Athletic Boosters’ annual Mulch Madness Sale. Mulch will be delivered by athletes beginning Friday evening, April 19, and continuing on Saturday, April 20. Order mulch or gift cards online. 

‘Friend of Education’ Award Nominations Due Next Week

Nominations are due Friday, April 12 for the Board of Education’s annual Friend of Education Award. Nominations are encouraged and should highlight the dedication of someone you believe has made a profound impact on Bexley Schools. The 2023-2024 school year nomination form is available online.

Bexley Minority Parents Alliance

Annual ‘Circle of Excellence’ Ceremony Will Be April 28

The Bexley Minority Parents Alliance (BMPA) will host the 2024 Circle of Excellence event on Sunday, April 28, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Schottenstein Theatre.

Families are invited to attend, as the annual Circle of Excellence ceremony recognizes graduating 5th, 8th, and 12th graders in Bexley and highlights contributions of minority students to their schools and community. The BMPA will also present scholarships to high school seniors that can be used for college or post-high school vocational training.

There will be a career fair and refreshments in the Cassingham Complex cafeteria afterward.

Join Us for the Annual State of the Community Address

The annual State of the Community event is Monday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles Preparatory School. This event was rescheduled from earlier in March.

Hear from Bexley Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine and School Treasurer Kyle Smith, as well as Mayor Ben Kessler and Bexley Public Library Executive Director Ben Heckman, as each gives an update on the many projects and initiatives going on in Bexley.

The event will be in the new Convocation Center on the St. Charles campus at 2010 E Broad St. in Bexley. Please RSVP online if you plan to attend. We hope to see you there!

PTO Corner

Cassingham PTO

April 11, PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Thursday, April 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the Cassingham Theatre.

Diverse Learning PTO

April 9, PTO Meeting – The Diverse Learning PTO will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library on Tuesday, April 9. Please note the correct meeting start time. Parents are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear Director of Student Services & Accessibility Barb Gentille Green talk about the district’s goals and progress. 

April 12, Maryland Display Case – April is Autism Acceptance month and the DLPTO is excited to create Maryland’s April display case. Check it out when you’re at Maryland.

April 15, Coffee Meet Up – The DLPTO April coffee meet up is Monday, April 15, at 8:30 a.m. at the Bexley Starbucks. 

May 14, Annual Cookout – Save the date for the DLPTO’s Annual Cookout on Tuesday, May 14, at 5 p.m. at the Jeffrey Mansion Pavilion. 

Update – Members of the DLPTO are grateful for the support of the Maryland PTO, which provided a generous grant in March. It will be an annual gift.

Maryland PTO

April 16, PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Maryland PTO is Tuesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Middle School PTO

April 23, PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Tuesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Montrose PTO

April 16, PTO Meeting – The Montrose PTO will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, in the school library. The meeting also will be available via Zoom.

Important Dates

April 6 – This Saturday!

BRAVO!, presented by the Bexley Education Foundation, 7-11 p.m., Jeffrey Mansion

April 8

Students & Teachers AM Only; District Closes at 12:30 p.m.

April 9

Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session,

PM - 7 p.m., Maryland Elementary School Cafeteria

April 10

Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session,

AM - 9 a.m., Bexley Public Library Auditorium

April 10

Bexley Board of Education Regular Meeting,

6 p.m., Bexley City Hall

April 11-13

High School Musical, Xanadu,

Schottenstein Theatre; Tickets at the door or online

April 15

Community Tour of Bexley Schools, 6 p.m., Montrose Elementary AND 7:15 p.m., Maryland Elementary

April 15

State of the Community,

6:30 p.m., St. Charles Preparatory School Convocation Center

April 16

Community Tour of Bexley Schools, 

6 p.m., Cassingham Elementary & Bexley Middle School AND 7:15 p.m., Bexley High School

April 18

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

April 19

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

Registration Is Open for Summer Session Enrichment Classes

Registration for Summer Session classes is open! Like the past three years, Bexley City Schools are offering summer enrichment classes for students who are currently enrolled in the district.

There will be six weeks of classes during June and July, including the weeks of June 10, June 17, and June 24. There will be no classes on Wednesday, June 19, in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. In July, classes will run the weeks of July 8, July 15, and July 22. All classes will be held at the Cassingham Complex.

New this year is the need to charge families for the classes because federal grant funding is no longer available to fund Bexley’s Summer class program. The fees will cover supplies and staff salaries. The course catalog lists all fees associated with each course.

Scholarships to attend summer enrichment classes are available for families and students in need of extra support. Please indicate your interest in scholarship assistance on the registration form.

Limited transportation assistance may be provided. Please indicate your need for transportation on the registration form.

Each course has a minimum number of students in order for the class to be held. Classes also have a maximum enrollment number. If enrollment interest in a course exceeds the maximum capacity, then an electronic lottery system will be used to generate the class enrollment list. Waitlists will be generated and used as necessary. For high-school credit classes, priority will be given to high school seniors, followed by juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.

The following timeline applies:

• The registration deadline is Friday, April 5, at 3 p.m.
• Families will receive communication of class confirmation on April 12.
• Payment in full is due on April 26, at 4 p.m. Details regarding payment procedures will be provided upon class confirmation.
• Full refunds will be given if enrollment in Summer Session classes is withdrawn by May 15, at 4 p.m. More information on how to withdraw enrollment after payment will be provided.

In addition to Summer Session enrichment classes, intervention courses are available by invitation only, based upon assessment criteria and teacher recommendation. Parents/guardians of students who are recommended for intervention classes will be notified separately. There are no fees for intervention courses.

BRIGHT Fellow administrator interns Jamel Johnson and Brian Lowery will be principals of the Summer Session program. Both have worked with students in Bexley Schools throughout this school year.

Treasurer Gives Board of Education Update on District Finances

During the March 13 meeting of the Bexley Schools Board of Education, district Treasurer/CFO Kyle Smith reported on a recent financial evaluation of the district that was completed per Board policy DBDA. The evaluation included input from the Finance Advisory Council and Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine, as well as Mr. Smith. 

The financial evaluation and report to the Board was initiated by policy after Mr. Smith presented the district’s Five-Year Forecast during the November 2023 Board meeting. The November forecast predicts the district will have 81 days of operating cash in Fiscal Year 2026 and 14 days in Fiscal Year 2027, which is the fourth year of the forecast. 

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, then the Treasurer shall report such a finding, which Mr. Smith did via the November forecast. 

As part of the new evaluation, Mr. Smith convened two meetings of the district’s Finance Advisory Council in December and February, when members reviewed the financial situation and the five-year forecast again. They also reviewed other data that indicated Bexley Schools’ financial situation is similar to other school districts’ current condition.

Mr. Smith told Board members during the March meeting that inflation is part of the reason that the district’s cash-balance reserve will decrease by fiscal years 2026 and 2027 without additional funding by the community. He said this is the natural cycle of school funding in a school district like Bexley, which is affected by House Bill 920 – legislation that keeps revenues relatively flat. 

School District Earns Highest Achievement for Sunshine Law Compliance

Bexley Schools recently received the highest achievement rating for open and transparent government by the Ohio Auditor of State. The district received 4 out of 4 stars in Fiscal Year 2023 for compliance and excelling at implementing the recommended best practices.

Using a star system, the state auditor grades government entities on whether they follow the auditor’s seven best practices in regard to the state’s Sunshine Law requirements that promote transparency in government.

Bexley Students to Be Released at Noon on April 8, Prior to Solar Eclipse

Bexley Schools will release all students at noon on Monday, April 8 so that students and families have time, if they choose, to travel to areas within the rare total solar eclipse that will pass through large parts of Ohio that day.

The day’s schedule calls for all students to arrive at their regularly scheduled time on the morning of April 8. Breakfast will be available as normal, cafeteria lunch service will be provided prior to dismissal, and regular bus service will be provided at dismissal. Additionally, all afternoon and evening activities for Bexley Schools are postponed for the day. All buildings will close at 12:30 p.m.

All students and staff members will receive NASA-approved solar glasses by North American Eclipse Glasses prior to the event. These glasses are different from regular sunglasses or tinted glasses and contain premium eclipse filters, creating the sharpest solar images with a natural orange color. 

The northwestern part of Franklin County and into the Delaware and Marysville areas are the closest areas to Bexley that will be in the totality path of the eclipse. Bexley and most of Columbus sit just outside the area of totality but will still experience noticeable periods of darker skies.

Resources about the upcoming eclipse are available on NASA’s eclipse website, the American Astronomical Society’s eclipse page, and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Eclipse 2024 webpage.  

FACILITIES PLANNING

Plan Now to Attend Our Next Community Engagement Session!

The third Community Engagement Session for our District Facilities Plan is coming up soon. It will include a Learning Environment Summit where our architects will offer virtual tours and photos of the types of learning options we could consider within our schools. Plan now to join us on April 9, an evening session, or April 10, a morning meeting.

These identical meetings will be:

• Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. at Maryland Elementary School
• Wednesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. in the Bexley Public Library Auditorium.

Your attendance at one of these meetings is critical to ensuring that Bexley residents understand our work and the impact potential changes to Bexley School facilities may have on the community and property owners.

To date, we have hosted two Community Engagement Sessions in January and mid-March, when our architectural design partners from Perkins&Will and Moody Nolan shared information on how the planning process will work and current assessments of our five school buildings.

We welcome your interest and participation in this work and hope you will join us on April 9th or 10th!

Community Welcome for School Building Tours on April 15 & 16

Are you only familiar with your student’s current school building? All of Bexley’s five schools are being assessed and we encourage family members to see our facilities when we host community tours. The schedule is:

April 15 (Mon.) – Montrose Elementary, 6-6:45 p.m.

April 15 (Mon.) – Maryland Elementary, 7:15-8 p.m.

April 16 (Tues.) – Cassingham Elementary AND Bexley Middle School, 6-7 p.m.

April 16 (Tues.) – Bexley High School, 7:15-8 p.m.

Please RSVP for tours in advance at https://bex.fyi/tour to RSVP.  

Stay in the Know on Bexley’s District Facilities Plan!

Information on our Facilities Planning work, including previous community engagement videos, assessment diagrams, and more, is always on the district website at https://bex.fyi/dfp. You can also access our Facilities Planning Community Feedback form on the site at any time to share your input into this work.

High School to Present the Musical ‘Xanadu’ in Two Weeks

High school theatre and music students will take the stage in just two weeks in four performances of Xanadu. The high school musical will be performed April 11-13 in the Schottenstein Theatre. Opening night is Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. Three performances will follow on Friday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available online and at the door.

The Story:  This Tony Award-nominated, hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure about following your dreams despite the limitations others set for you, rolls along to the original hit score composed by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, Xanadu is hilarity on wheels for adults, children and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired.

Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980, on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first ROLLER DISCO! (Hey, it’s 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds.

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 2024-2025 school year.

The program costs $185 per month for 2 ½ hours of preschool instruction per day. Morning and afternoon classes are available and every classroom has a licensed early intervention specialist and a trained paraprofessional. > Click to read more information.

Bexley Athletic Boosters

It’s Mulch Madness! Place Your Mulch Order Now

Remember to place your mulch order by Monday, April 8, and support the Bexley Athletic Boosters’ annual Mulch Madness Sale!

The minimum order is 10 bags, with the option to have two stacking locations per property during mulch delivery. Gift cards also are available for purchase to use now or later.

Proceeds from the mulch sale support all Bexley Middle School and High School sports and help pay for uniforms, equipment, scoreboards, facilities, and transportation needs.

Mulch will be delivered by our athletes beginning Friday evening, April 19 and continuing on Saturday, April 20 during the morning and through early afternoon. Gift cards will be delivered on or before April 24.

Order online at bexleylions.org/mulch.

NOTES!

Friend of Education Award Deadline Approaching

The Bexley Board of Education recognizes one or more community members with its Friend of Education Award each year. Nominations are due by Friday, April 12 and you are encouraged to nominate someone you believe has made a profound impact on Bexley Schools. The nomination form is available online. 

Foundation’s March Newsletter Highlights Events

The Bexley Education Foundation’s latest online newsletter has information about next week’s BRAVO! event, as well as information on how to nominate a Bexley Schools’ staff member for its 2024 Glick Family Bexley Educator of the Year Award. Check out the newsletter for this and other information soon.

A Message from the District Groundskeeping Staff

New trash bins were placed on school properties throughout the district this winter. Everyone is encouraged to help put litter in its place to help keep the grounds clean, as well as preventing litter from blowing into the community. These new bins are for trash only. Please do not put pet waste bags in them. 

PTO Corner

Cassingham PTO

April 11

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Thursday, April 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the Cassingham Theatre.

Diverse Learning PTO

April 9

PTO Meeting – The Diverse Learning PTO will meet at 7 p.m. in the high school library on Tuesday, April 9.

Maryland PTO

April 16

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Maryland PTO is Tuesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Middle School PTO

April 23

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Tuesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Important Dates

March 29 - Tomorrow!
No Classes | District Closed

April 6

BRAVO!, presented by the Bexley Education Foundation, 7-11 p.m., Jeffrey Mansion

April 8
Students & Teachers AM Only; District Closes at 12:30 p.m.

April 9
Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session
PM - 7 p.m., Maryland Elementary School Cafeteria

April 10
Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session
AM - 9 a.m., Bexley Public Library Auditorium

April 10
Bexley Board of Education Regular Meeting
6 p.m., Bexley City Hall

April 11-13
High School Musical, Xanadu
Schottenstein Theatre

April 15
Community Tour of Bexley Schools

• 6 p.m., Montrose Elementary,
• 7:15 p.m., Maryland Elementary

April 16
State of the Community
6:30 p.m., St. Charles Preparatory School Convocation Center

April 16
Community Tour of Bexley Schools

• 6 p.m., Cassingham Elementary & Bexley Middle School
• 7:15 p.m., Bexley High School

Junior Earns Bexley’s First State Wrestling Title Since 1985

Congratulations to Marius Garcia, who won the 106-pound weight class during the OHSAA Division II state wrestling meet last weekend! The championship ended the junior’s perfect 51-0 season.

Marius, who also is the reigning district champion, earned a 5-4 decision over his opponent, sophomore Aiden Ohl of Ontario High School. He is the first state wrestling champion Bexley has had since 1985.

Two other BHS wrestlers, senior Muhammad Jallaq (190 lb.) and junior Anthony LaVerdiere (144 lb.), also earned spots in the Division II state wrestling competition.

Marius Garcia won the title over Ontario’s Aiden Ohl.

Board of Education Approves New Cassingham Principal

Yesterday evening, the Bexley Schools Board of Education approved the hiring of former Cassingham teacher David Schottner to be the new leader of Cassingham Elementary School. Mr. Schottner will become principal next school year and will start in August.

Mr. Schottner taught 3rd and 5th grade at Cassingham during his time in Bexley Schools from 2014 to 2020. He currently serves as principal of French Run Elementary in Reynoldsburg Schools, a position he has held since 2020. 

Before joining Bexley, he also taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Reynoldsburg at the school he now leads, and taught 1st grade at Summit STEM Elementary. He began his teaching career at Seipelt Elementary in Milford Exempted Village Schools near Cincinnati.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine made the recommendation to the Board for Mr. Schottner’s hiring. In messages to faculty and staff and to Cassingham parents announcing his recommended candidate, Dr.  Fine said Mr. Schottner is passionate about teaching and learning, innovative in his approach to educational leadership, and a strong supporter of equity and inclusion. 

Mr. Schottner earned his Master of Educational Administration from The Ohio State University in 2019 and his K-12 principal license the same year. He completed his Master of Education degree from Xavier University and is licensed in gifted education. He is also a licensed attorney in Ohio and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2009. He received his Juris Doctorate from Capital University.

Dr. Fine said the district was eager to add student voice to the search process and asked members of the Cassingham student council to talk with final candidates. The students, along with their student council teachers/advisors and counselors, met with the finalists on March 6 and 7, and their feedback was an important part of the consideration in making a final decision.

“We learned that the students found Mr. Schottner to be friendly, energetic, and willing to listen to student suggestions,” Dr. Fine said. “The students said he was not intimidating, that they would feel comfortable talking to him about a problem. They also said he was someone who would make them feel excited to go to school!”

Bexley Schools uses a robust and collaborative process when hiring new administrators. A total of 27 completed applications were received for the Cassingham principal position. Those applications were screened by Human Resources for current elementary principal licensure, credentials, and professional conduct. Thirteen candidates were asked to respond to a writing prompt, which were reviewed by a Resume Review Team, consisting of 30 Cassingham staff members, parents/guardians, and administrators.

Following those steps, five candidates rose to the top and participated in Zoom interviews with administrators and other staff members. Two final candidates, then, were selected to interview with administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians and meet with the Cassingham student council. After those steps, Dr. Fine met with the final candidates.

We want to thank the many teachers, family members, students, and staff members who dedicated time to helping find the next Cassingham leader. Your work to review resumes and responses to writing prompts and participate in interviews is incredibly valuable and important to our work and mission of learning with curiosity, demonstrating kindness, and embracing equity.

Eight BHS Field Hockey Players Named Academic All Americans

Congratulations to eight members of the Bexley High School field hockey team who recently were named Academic All Americans by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association!

In late February the organization recognized about 2,800 students nationwide who achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher through the first semester of the current school year. Among those awardees are more than 1,250 student-athletes who also were named Scholars of Distinction for achieving a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.9 out of 4.0.

Coached by High School teacher Kara Whitlatch, Bexley High School’s eight honorees are:

• Shannon Gonzalez, Scholar of Distinction
• Spencer Helvie
• Samara Kahan
• Sophie Kossoff
• Ava McCoy
• Madeline Merzel, Scholar of Distinction
• Wren Ruckel, Scholar of Distinction
• Masha Shonia, Scholar of Distinction.

“This is a well-deserved honor available only to juniors and seniors who meet the GPA requirements,” Coach Whitlatch said. “Younger players, this should be your goal!”

Pictured Front Row (from left): Sophie Kossoff, Shannon Gonzalez, Samara Kahan, and Ava McCoy.

Back Row: Coach Kara Whitlatch, Spencer Helvia, Maddie Merzel, Wren Ruckel, and Masha Shonia.

Watch for Extra Traffic Around Montrose on Election Day, March 19

Ohio will hold its primary election on Tuesday, March 19, and Montrose Elementary will again serve as a polling place. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Since the election falls during Spring Break, no students or staff will be working in the building.

Sign Up Now!

District to Offer Community Tours of Schools on April 15 & 16

As part of Bexley City Schools’ facilities-planning work, we will provide tours of our school buildings to Bexley community members on April 15 and 16. Please register for the tours in advance.

Community Tours

• April 15 (Mon.) – Montrose Elementary, 6-6:45 p.m.
• April 15 (Mon.) – Maryland Elementary, 7:15-8 p.m.
• April 16 (Tues.) – Cassingham Elementary AND Bexley Middle School, 6-7 p.m.
• April 16 (Tues.) – Bexley High School, 7:15-8 p.m.

Architects’ Assessments of Bexley School Buildings Shared During Tuesday’s Community Engagement Meetings

Bexley Schools hosted the second Community Engagement Session this week as part of our Facilities Planning work.

Two meetings were held on Tuesday, March 12, when leaders from our architectural design partners Perkins&Will and Moody Nolan shared information on physical and educational assessments completed on each of our school buildings.

Dr. Jason Fine kicked off both meetings by briefly recapping the district’s Strategic Plan goals that led to our Facilities Planning work. He emphasized to attendees that while our facilities planning work focuses on attributes of each of our buildings, devotion to the teaching and learning of Bexley students is always the top priority of the district.

The presentation of building assessments for each school wraps up Phase 1 of our Facilities Planning work. Phase 2, which will consider options for each facility begins in April and is expected to be completed in October. Phase 3 – the Decisions phase – is expected from November through March 2025.

During the meetings, Brent Wilcox, an architect from Moody Nolan, presented an overview of the physical assessments of each building, such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing, lighting, doors and windows, and drainage.

The next part of the presentation focused on an educational analysis of the buildings, using diagrams of the Middle School/High School building as an example. The diagrams showed circulation, daylight availability, room size, and more. Following the presentation part of the sessions, attendees were invited to view assessment diagrams for each building. Each building’s principal was available to answer questions.

This part of the meeting also focused on the differences in learning options and opportunities today compared to when the buildings were built decades ago, and also compared the size of each school’s site area to what the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission recommends for today’s school facilities.

Toward the end of the formal presentation, Bexley Schools Treasurer/CFO Kyle Smith explained that schools typically pay for facilities-related projects through bond issuances. Bexley Schools last issued $27 million in bonds for school projects in 2000. That revenue funded the addition of the Maryland gymnasium, classrooms at Cassingham, a new arts wing for the Middle School/High School, and a new shared entry for the Cassingham Complex. That debt expires in 2027, he said.

Mr. Smith also shared potential maintenance costs based upon the physical assessments that were conducted by Perkins&Will and Moody Nolan. He emphasized that while no decisions have been made regarding potential remodeling or refurbishments of our facilities, the potential cost he discussed represented only the possible funding needed to fix and maintain facilities over the next 15 years.

To better understand the assessment information, information on bond issuances, and example costs, you are encouraged to watch the video of the Community Engagement Session. 

>>>> Assessment Diagrams

View the architects' assessment diagrams for each school on the district website. > LINK

Did You Miss This Week’s Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session? Meeting Video Is Available Now

Families and community members are encouraged to watch the video of the morning session of our Community Engagement Session #2. Learn about the facilities assessment information from our architects, as well as how school facilities are funded from Bexley Schools Treasurer/CFO Kyle Smith. The video is available below and on the school district’s YouTube channel.

BE A CHAMPION

Foreign Language Teacher Celebrated as ‘Champion’

English Language Learners teacher Nate Maier (left) joins in the recognition of his colleague, David Kozy.

This week we celebrate French teacher David Kozy, who teaches both high school and middle school students. Mr. Kozy was recognized by a colleague for his “champion” efforts and supporting the first pillar of our mission, “Learning with Curiosity” when he worked quickly to accommodate a request from the Ohio Department of Education for the school to host students and educators from the Académie de Normandie at the last minute. The French delegation was visiting Central Ohio schools to develop relationships with prospective sister-school partners.

Thanks to Mr. Kozy’s efforts and those of Middle School French teacher Julie Aldrich – who was recognized separately – BHS students and teachers welcomed their new friends from France into their classrooms and in tours of the building, where they shared information about the culture of Bexley schools and the community.

Thanks to the warm hospitality of Mr. Kozy, Ms. Aldrich, and others, BHS French students will visit their new friends next week at the Académie de Normandie during their Spring Break trip.

Way to BE Mr. Kozy!

Summer Session Registration to Open on March 26

Registration for Bexley Schools’ Summer Session enrichment and intervention classes will open on Tuesday, March 26.

There will be six weeks of classes during June and July, including the weeks of June 10, June 17, and June 24. There will be no classes on Wednesday, June 19, in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. In July, classes will run the weeks of July 8, July 15, and July 22.

BRIGHT Fellow administrators Jamel Johnson and Brian Lowery, will be principals of the Summer Session program. Both have worked with students in Bexley Schools throughout this school year.

For the previous three years, Bexley’s summer programs were paid for by federal grant money, which covered supplies and teacher salaries. As we shared with families last October, those grant dollars are no longer available.

For that reason, there will be fees associated with classes this year and those costs are being finalized now. Students who are recommended for intervention classes, however, will not incur summer-class fees. Additionally, scholarships to attend summer enrichment classes will be available for families and students in need of extra support.

We also will be adding a lottery system for any classes that have more registrants than can be accommodated. If a class fills up during registration, then an electronic lottery system will be used to generate the names of students who may take the course.

We’re Hiring! 

Go to our Employment Opportunities webpage to see immediate openings for positions for this school year. Positions for the 2024-2025 school also are posted, including a school counselor for Bexley High School.

There Was Fun for All!

Everyone had fun at the annual Montrose Fun for All on Saturday, March 9, when the Montrose community welcomed students and families from throughout the district to join in carnival games, food, face painting and more!

Many thanks to the Montrose PTO members and volunteers who hosted a spectacular event! Photos by @DerksWorks

PTO Corner

Diverse Learning PTO

Spirit Wear – The DLPTO is selling spirit wear until next Sunday, March 24. “Bexley Is Kind” spirit wear can be purchased online at the following link: https://http-theawesome-com.printavo.com/merch/bexley-dlpto-store/. 

Maryland Elementary PTO

March 26

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Maryland PTO is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library. A Zoom link will be available. 

Middle School PTO

March 26

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library.  

Montrose Elementary PTO 

March 26

PTO Meeting – The Montrose PTO monthly meeting is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

March 27

Skate Party – Mark your calendars for the Montrose Skate Party on Wednesday, March 27, from 6-8:30 p.m. at United Skates of America, located at 3362 Refugee Road.

Important Dates

March 15 - Tomorrow!

No Classes for Students | Teacher Workday

March 18-22

Spring Break | No Classes for Students & Teachers

March 19

Ohio Primary Election Day

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

March 29

No Classes | District Closed

Facilities Planning

Don’t Miss Tuesday’s Community Engagement Sessions

Bexley City Schools will host community engagement session #2 this coming Tuesday, March 12, when our architectural design partners will share relevant data related to our facilities planning work. We hope you will join us at either of our two identical sessions:

Data Sharing (AM) – Tuesday, March 12, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Bexley Public Library Auditorium (Lower Level)

Data Sharing (PM) – Tuesday, March 12, 2024 | 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Montrose Elementary School.

For assist those who may be unable to attend, please note that the morning session will be videotaped and uploaded to the district website and Bexley Schools’ YouTube channel for viewing.

Maryland Hosts Community ‘Difference Maker’ Kumi Walker

Maryland Elementary’s 4th and 5th graders were sharp and already acquainted with how technology informs and assists our lives when Kumi Walker, a Maryland parent, talked with them recently as part of the school’s Difference Makers program.

Mr. Walker’s sons, 5th grader Bo and 4th grader Ellis, introduced their tech guru dad at the beginning of the program. The Walkers, including his wife, Dr. Joy Walker, also are a host family of Bexley sophomore Diego Rembado Ruiz Del Arbol, a visiting exchange student from Spain.

Showing students a photo of himself at the same age, Mr. Walker shared that he grew up with interests much like them. A big Washington football fan, his favorite films were Return of the Jedi and Transformers the Movie. He also loved playing soccer – he was a four-year starter on Brown University’s varsity soccer team – and his favorite Nintendo game (it was the ‘90s) was called Goal.

He showed students video of Goal and its simple graphics from the 1990s, then compared it with video of a current video game. The improvement in graphics and user interaction, of course, was tremendous and the students had an loud audible reaction to the difference in games.

After graduating from Brown University, Mr. Walker went on to study at King’s College in London and earned his MBA from Stanford University. He has extensive business development experience in technology industries, including Twitter and PayPal. He also served for four years as the chief business development officer and strategy officer of Root Insurance in Columbus and now is the managing partner at Embedded Capital, a company he co-founded.

“Technology changes the way we live,” he said, explaining that when he was a child, newspapers, radio, and television were the only sources for news. Today, he said, 32% of people get news from TikTok.

The Walker family moved from San Francisco to Bexley in 2018. “We specifically chose Bexley primarily because of the schools,” he told the students. “You all are very lucky to have the staff, administration, and teachers in this building and in other buildings in this community.”

From technology, he moved to talk with the children about the importance of community in everyone’s lives. He cited his involvement in the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA) as a source of support and budding friendships when he first moved to Bexley. He now serves as the school liaison for the BMPA.

Mr. Walker also has served on the board of the Bexley Education Foundation and was a member of Bexley Schools’ Strategic Planning Steering Committee. He is a current member of One Bexley and a member of the Superintendent’s Futures Advisory Council.

“One Bexley came together after a school incident and we wanted to do more than voice out what happened and reprimand people that were involved,” Mr. Walker explained. “We saw it as an opportunity to actually be very mindful of and thoughtful about the community we wanted to build going forward.”

To relate, he discussed allyship with the students – “You don’t have to be friends,” an astute student pointed out. “That’s right. You don’t have to be friends, but you treat someone like you want to be treated. An ally is like a partner,” he responded.

“I believe the mark of a great community is what you do to solve problems. It’s not what you talk about. It’s not even just acknowledging that you have problems. It’s what you are actually going to do.”

Mr. Walker explained that none of his jobs in technology existed when he was the students’ age. “I say that with enthusiasm and excitement because so much changes in such a short period of time,” he said, “So many people asked when I was young, ‘what do you want to be?’ I always defaulted to maybe a lawyer because that’s what my parents were. But so much is going to change, especially in technology, so whenever someone asks you that, say ‘I’m going to stay curious. I don’t know what I’m going to do.’”

BE A CHAMPION

Middle School Student Recognized as ‘Champion’

This week we celebrate champion middle school student Braeden Schmidt! Braeden is a 6th grader who was nominated by one of his teachers for his incredible kindness.

Braeden’s teacher shared that he always is looking out for his classmates and doing kind things for others. The nomination cited that Braeden embodies the school district’s values of Empathy, Inclusion, and Integrity, as well as Demonstrating Kindness, which is the second pillar of our mission statement.

Way to BE Braeden!

Pictured (from left): Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine, middle school teacher Brooke Smith, Braeden, and middle school paraprofessionals William Bowman and Dina Williams.

Middle School Salutes Students, Staff of the Month

Congratulations to Bexley Middle School’s latest Students and Staff of the Month award recipients, who were recognized this week.

Those recognized for the month of February are Cate Diehl (6th grade); Kate Tague (7th grade), and Elena Diez (8th grade), as well as English/Language Arts teacher Kim Ranft.

Each month the school’s PBIS committee recognizes a staff member nominated by students, as well as a student from each grade who are nominated by faculty and staff members. Students make their nomination in consideration of a teacher or staff member who has made a difference in their lives. Students are nominated for being safe, respectful, and responsible throughout the month.

Pictured (from left): Cate Diehl, Kate Tague, Ms. Ranft, and Elena Diez.

Tonight’s State of the Community Event Postponed Until April 15

The State of the Community event, originally planned for this evening, has been postponed and rescheduled for Monday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles Preparatory School. You may register for the event online.

BMPA Art Auction, Open House Are This Sunday

Don’t miss the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA) annual art auction and open house this Sunday, March 10, from 2-4 p.m. in the Bexley Public Library auditorium (lower level).

The artwork of more than 20 middle school students from Rachelle Howland’s middle school art classes is on display at the Bexley Public Library now. The art show and auction also feature donated artwork from professional artists in the Bexley community.

The art auction is the organization’s major fundraiser and all proceeds from the sale of the donated artwork fund scholarships for minority high school seniors in Bexley.

‘Friend of Education’ Award

Plan Now to Submit Your Nomination

The Bexley City Schools Board of Education has a proud tradition of presenting one or more community members with its Friend of Education Award, which is given annually.

Nominations are open now for this prestigious award and you are encouraged to submit information for someone you believe has made a profound impact upon Bexley Schools. The 2023-2024 school year nomination form is available online.

More information about the Friend of Education Award may be viewed on the district website.

Your nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 12, 2024, by sending the completed nomination form 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.

New Public Health Guidelines Change Schools’ COVID-19 Requirements 

Bexley Schools will now follow FCPH (Franklin County Department of Public Health) revised guidelines for managing COVID-19 illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) changed its guidance last week.

Specifically, a student with a confirmed case of COVID-19 no longer must remain out of school for five days after the start of symptoms. Rather, it is now recommended that students with COVID still isolate while sick but may return to normal activities after symptoms have improved and the child has not used fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.

When returning to normal activities, the student should take extra precautions for the following five days to help ensure the safety of people around them. This includes wearing a mask, distancing, frequent handwashing, and testing when available. This new guidance aligns with other respiratory illnesses such as influenza and RSV. 

Also, the FCPH now requests families self-report positive home tests by completing an online form.

Additionally, every U.S. household can order four free at-home tests online from the CDC. If you did not order tests this past Fall, then you may place two orders for eight tests total. These COVID tests are free – you won’t even pay for shipping.

Reminder!

Tools to Report Safety, Security Concerns Available Online 24/7

Bexley City Schools utilizes three online incident reporting tools for students and families to report safety and security concerns. Each tool can be accessed on the school district’s website, located in the top banner of all web pages.

The “Stay Safe. Speak Up! Student Safety Reporting System,” powered by PublicSchoolWORKS, can be used to report issues of concern, including bullying, harassment, intimidation or threats, alcohol or drug abuse, physical or mental abuse, bomb threats, discrimination, hacking or cyber vandalism. Other concerns that can be reported are self-abuse, HIV and AIDS, suicidal behavior, suspicious behavior, theft, tobacco possession, use or distribution, vandalism, violence or fighting, weapons, or other dangerous items. 

The second application is for “Harassment & Bullying Reporting.” Anyone who is aware of harassment, hazing, or bullying within Bexley School sports, clubs, classrooms, or other organizations is highly encouraged to report the information. Please see harassment and bullying definitions and related Board policies online.

The school district also has an Equity Incident Reporting tool, which is located in the top banner of the district’s web pages. This tool provides an easy and efficient way to report incidents related to discrimination based upon the following protected classes: Disability, Sexual Orientation, Religion, National Origin, Race/Color, Gender Identity, Sex or Age. All reports generated from the Equity Incident Reporting tool are sent to Dr. Stephen Lewis, Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

All reported concerns are investigated, and we are committed to the highest level of confidentiality regarding these reports. What is discovered upon investigation and any consequences that are imposed are confidential in order to protect the privacy of all persons involved.

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

March 13

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Wednesday, March 13, at 5:30 p.m. Please note the date and time change. 

Spirit Wear Sale – The Cassingham PTO is hosting a spirit wear sale through this Sunday, March 10, with toddler, youth and adult items available, including new designs and old favorites. All proceeds will go back to the school and are tax exempt. You may shop at: https://cassingham-pto-sale-2024.square.site/. Send an email  to [email protected] if you have questions.

Diverse Learning PTO

PTO Meeting – NOTE THE CORRECTED DATE!

March 12 – On Tuesday, March 12, the Diverse Learning PTO will welcome guest speaker Kimberly Erskine, co-founder of Conscious Community Collectives, during its monthly meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library. Her organization offers FREE services to connect families with local resources they need. 

Maryland Elementary PTO

March 12

Mallard Fun Run & Waddle – Don’t forget to sign up your student for the annual Mallard Fun Run & Waddle, taking place Tuesday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m. A signed waiver is required for participation.

March 26

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Maryland PTO is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library. A Zoom link will be available.

Middle School PTO

March 8

Spring Dance – The Bexley Middle PTO and the Middle School Student Council are hosting the school’s Spring dance tomorrow evening, March 8, from 7:15-8:15 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The event is only for current Bexley Middle School students. The theme is Wave Rave, with a tropical/beach vibe. Students are asked to refrain from wearing bathing suits and from wearing high heels to protect the gym floor. Admission is free.

March 26

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library. 

Montrose Elementary PTO 

March 9

Montrose Fun for All – Don’t miss Montrose Elementary’s annual Fun for All event on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Everyone in the Bexley community is invited to join in carnival games, prizes, food, and fun! Visit https://www.montrosepto.com/fun-for-all to buy your discounted wristbands today!

March 26

PTO Meeting – The Montrose PTO monthly meeting is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

March 27

Skate Party – Mark your calendars for the Montrose Skate Party on Wednesday, March 27, from 6-8:30 p.m. at United Skates of America, located at 3362 Refugee Road.

Important Dates

March 12

AM Meeting - Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session #2 (Data Sharing), 9 a.m., Bexley Public Library Auditorium (Lower Level)

March 12

PM Meeting - Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session #2 (Data Sharing), 7 p.m., Montrose Elementary School Library

March 12

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

March 13

Bexley Schools Board of Education Regular Meeting, 6 p.m., Bexley City Hall

March 15

No Classes for Students | Teacher Workday

March 18-22

Spring Break | No Classes for Students & Teachers

One Bexley Update

Dear Bexley Families:

As we approach a year since the launch of the One Bexley program, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been accomplished and what is yet to come. A collaborative initiative of the City, the Bexley City School District, and the Bexley Public Library, One Bexley is designed to more deliberately and comprehensively bolster a community culture that ensures that Bexley is welcoming and provides a sense of belonging for all community members and visitors.

This initiative, still in a formative process, has already engaged in pivotal conversations on racism, equity, and inclusion. Emerging out of the context of a racist incident last year that was tragically only the latest of many in the history of our community, One Bexley is designed to be a beacon of hope and to foster sustainable cultural growth centered around its mission.

The work of One Bexley, fueled by workshops, insightful author visits, and the unity of our community dinner on Drexel Avenue, has begun to weave a new tapestry of understanding and respect among us. It has challenged us to look inward, to confront our biases, and to question the societal norms that have, for far too long, marginalized many among us.

We feel encouraged by the progress we’ve made as a team as we reflect on the significant journey we’ve taken with One Bexley. As Black History Month closes out, our Steering Committee met with renewed vigor to lay out the course for this vital program. With an unwavering commitment to a community where every individual is seen, heard, and empowered, we continue to lay the groundwork for a future free from discrimination and full of belonging. 

The appointment of Lachandra (La) Baker as One Bexley’s Project Coordinator marks a pivotal step in this initiative. Under her leadership, we will delve deeper into this journey of intellectual and emotional learning, fostering a community where empathy and service go hand in hand. We feel energized as we anticipate the year ahead because of the potential it holds to advance these essential discussions and deepen our ties with one another. 

We extend gratitude to all who have joined us thus far and invite more hands, hearts, and minds to help advance this transformative vision for our community. Together, let’s continue to strengthen a Bexley that is built on a foundation of inclusion, understanding, mutual respect, and a deep sense of belonging for all. 

In service,

Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine, Library Director Ben Heckman, and Mayor Ben Kessler

Bexley Freshman Takes State Diving Championship!

Congratulations to Bexley freshman Jackson Monus, Ohio’s Division II state diving champion!

Jackson scored 483.05 points during the championship, more than 63 points ahead of the 2nd-place finisher from Bay Village.

Girls Swim Team Places 4th

in State Competition

The Bexley girls swim team finished 4th overall in state competition last week. The diving and swimming state competition was last week at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton.

The ladies team had podium finishes in six events.

Millie Evans finished 2nd in the 100-yard butterfly and Bethany Spangler finished 5th in the 200-yard freestyle and 7th in the 500-yard freestyle.

Three Bexley relay teams also finished in the top eight podium finishers. Millie, Bethany, Anja Hoy, Hadley Langolf, Annabel Long, Charlotte Holzhall, and Owynn LaFollette took part in the relay teams.

Work of Five BHS Students Recognized in Regional Art Competition

Art entries of five Bexley High School students were selected for top awards recently during the regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD).

Congratulations to senior Gabe Adler who won two Gold Key Awards and one Silver Key Award for his photography submissions. He also earned one Honorable Mention award. Gabe won two Silver Keys during last year’s regional competition.

Pictured: Gabe Adler's award-winning photography pieces

Congratulations also to junior Lydia Burger, who won a Silver Key Award for her digital art submission, and to senior Mitchell Cohen, who won a Silver Key Award and an Honorable Mention Award for photography. Last year, Lydia won an Honorable Mention Award for her art entry.

The artwork of all Gold Key and Silver Key recipients will be submitted to the national competition. 

Two other students earned Honorable Mention Awards for their work. Maggie Arace, a junior, was recognized for her digital art and junior Carly Hanin was recognized for her photography submission.

The art competition hosted by CCAD included more than 1,350 individual pieces and 116 portfolios submitted by students in grades 7-12. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition is the nation's longest running program for teen artists and is considered the most prestigious program for creative students in grades 7–12.

Pictured (left) - Senior Mitchell Cohen and his Silver Key Award-winning photo titled, "A Welcoming Path"; (right) - Junior Lydia Burger and her Silver Key Award-winning digital artwork titled, "What Was That?"

The Bexley City School District has immediate openings for intervention specialists at Montrose Elementary, as well as a part-time cook at the Cassingham Complex. 

We also are hiring for open faculty positions at Bexley High School for the 2024-2025 school year.

Learn more about all of our open positions on our Employment Opportunities web page and apply now!

New Student Enrollment Is Open for Next School Year

New student enrollment, including kindergarten and others new to Bexley Schools, is now open for the 2024-2025 school year. Students currently enrolled in Bexley Schools do not need to re-register before each school year.

Bexley offers all-day kindergarten for all students who turn 5 years-old by August 1 of the year of enrollment.   

Bexley Schools’ policy requires all enrollees to reside within Bexley City School District boundaries. To enroll a student, a parent/guardian must create an account in the registration system (or log in to the system if used before to enroll another student). Once the online enrollment section is reviewed, you will receive an email describing the next steps in the enrollment process.

Required Documents
Parents/guardians will be asked to upload the following required documents during online registration. The documents will be maintained at the child’s school.

• Child’s original birth certificate or other evidence of birth;
  Certified copy of any child custody order or decree;*
  Written evidence of required immunizations (or written evidence to indicate in process of receiving immunizations, to be completed no later than the first day of school);**
  Completed rental, lease, or proof of ownership, including contact information for verification (i.e., tax bill, mortgage payment or county auditor property information); all rental agreements must include new enrollees in addition to their parent/guardian.
  Utility receipt or utility-deposit receipt;
  Driver’s license or state-issued ID reflecting a Bexley address. (If an ID does not reflect a current Bexley address, then a Voter Registration form must be completed.)

* If applicable, provide court-placed or foster-care documentation.
**The district maintains an immunization record for each student. Students failing to complete immunizations within 14 days after attending are not permitted to return to school.
 
Contact Melissa Klosterman-Lando, Director of Employee Relations, if you have questions regarding the student registration process.

Informational Meeting on March 7

Time to Talk about Middle School for Rising 6th Graders

It’s time to start talking about middle school! Families of rising 6th graders are encouraged to attend an informational meeting about transitioning to Bexley Middle School on Thursday, March 7, at 6 p.m. in the Cassingham Theater.

Some of the topics include:

• PTO - How to get involved
• What is a Middle School?
• Transition to BMS
• Lunch, Recess
• Daily Operations
• Scheduling (Course Descriptions Available Here).

Students are welcome but the meeting is geared toward parents/guardians. Students will have their own presentations in the spring with their 5th-grade classes.

The meeting presentation will be recorded and made available to anyone who cannot attend. Presentation slides also will be available after the meeting.

There will be a separate meeting on Thursday, March 7, from 5:15-5:45 p.m. for parents/guardians of students with IEP and/or 504 plans. 

BE A CHAMPION

New Middle School Teacher Recognized as ‘Champion’

Pictured (from left): Middle School Spanish Teacher Maria Zeman and Middle School French Teacher Julie Aldrich.

This week we salute our newest champion, Julie Aldrich, who teaches French at Bexley Middle School.

Ms. Aldrich is new to Bexley Schools this school year and was cited by her colleague, Middle School Spanish Teacher Maria Zeman, for the energy, passion, collaboration, and care she brings to the middle school’s world language program.

In fact, in her nomination, Ms. Aldrich was lauded for embodying each of the school district’s seven values and the three pillars of our mission statement. Way to BE Ms. Aldrich!

Application for Early Kindergarten Entrance Is March 31

Early entrance to kindergarten for children who turn five after August 1 in the year of enrollment may be a way to meet the needs of an exceptional child who is both academically and developmentally mature when compared with other children of the same age.

The deadline to apply for kindergarten early entrance for the 2024-2025 school year is Sunday, March 31.

Ohio law requires school districts to evaluate a child for early kindergarten entrance upon request of a parent/guardian. Early entrance to kindergarten is considered a whole grade acceleration and few children meet the requirements for early entrance. 

Please review the information provided and, if applicable, complete the application and submit it to the elementary principal of your child’s prospective school. 

March 10

Plan Now to Attend the BMPA Annual Art Auction, Open House

The work of more than 20 middle school student artists is on display at the Bexley Public Library now, as part of the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA) art auction.

The annual event and open house are on Sunday, March 10, from 2-4 p.m. in the Bexley Public Library auditorium. The art auction is the organization’s major fundraiser and all proceeds from the sale of the donated artwork fund scholarships for minority high school seniors in Bexley.

This year, student art pieces from Rachelle Howland’s middle school art classes are featured in the event, as well as donated artwork from professional artists in the Bexley community.

Annual State of the Community Event Is Next Thursday

Hear from Bexley Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine and School Treasurer Kyle Smith during next week’s State of the Community address on Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles Preparatory School’s new Convocation Center at 2010 E. Broad St. 

Mayor Ben Kessler and Bexley Public Library Executive Director Ben Heckman also will be featured speakers. Please RSVP online by March 1 if you plan to attend.

Get Tickets for the Education Foundation’s Annual BRAVO! Event

Tickets are on sale tomorrow for the Bexley Education Foundation’s annual BRAVO! fundraising event.

Don’t miss the fun on Saturday, April 6, at Jeffrey Mansion in Bexley. The event is from 7-11 p.m. This year’s theme is a pajama party, so comfy clothes are in order to enjoy catering by Cameron Mitchell and music of DJ Mark Dantzer.

BRAVO! sponsorships are available, as is an online silent auction, which opens on March 29. For more information go to auctria.events/bravo or call (614) 338-2093. 

PTO Corner

Cassingham Elementary PTO

March 13

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Cassingham PTO is Wednesday, March 13, at 5:30 p.m. Please note the date and time change. 

Spirit Wear Sale

The Cassingham PTO is hosting a spirit wear sale through March 10, with toddler, youth and adult items available, including new designs and old favorites. All proceeds will go back to the school and are tax exempt. You may shop at: https://cassingham-pto-sale-2024.square.site/. Send an email  to [email protected] if you have questions.

Diverse Learning PTO

PTO Meeting

March 13 – On Wednesday, March 13, the Diverse Learning PTO will welcome guest speaker Kimberly Erskine, co-founder of Conscious Community Collectives, during its monthly meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library Her organization offers FREE services to connect families with local resources they need. 

Maryland Elementary PTO

March 1

Mallards Got Talent – The annual Mallards Got Talent event is tomorrow, March 1, at 6 p.m. in the Maryland gymnasium. 

March 12

Mallard Fun Run & Waddle – Don’t forget to sign up your student for the annual Mallard Fun Run & Waddle, taking place Tuesday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m. Watch for the link to submit your signed waiver, which is required for participation.

March 26

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Maryland PTO is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library. A Zoom link also will be available.

Middle School PTO

March 26

PTO Meeting – The next meeting of the Middle School PTO is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library. 

Montrose Elementary PTO 

March 9

Montrose Fun for All – Don’t miss Montrose Elementary’s annual Fun for All event on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Everyone in the Bexley community is invited to join in carnival games, prizes, food, and fun! Visit https://www.montrosepto.com/fun-for-all to buy your discounted wristbands today!

March 26

PTO Meeting – The Montrose PTO monthly meeting is Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

March 27

Skate Party – Mark your calendars for the Montrose Skate Party on Wednesday, March 27, from 6-8:30 p.m. at United Skates of America, located at 3362 Refugee Road.

Important Dates

March 3

Middle School/High School Choral Festival, 2 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre, with Composer Sydney Guillaume

March 4

“Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Your Teachers,” Middle School One-Act Play, 7 p.m., Cassingham Theatre

March 5

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

March 7

Middle School Information Meeting for Families of Rising 6th Graders, 6 p.m., Cassingham Theatre

March 7

State of the Community, with Presentation by Bexley Schools, 6:30 p.m., St. Charles Prep School Convocation Center

March 12

AM Meeting - Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session #2 (Data Sharing), 9 a.m., Bexley Public Library Auditorium (Lower Level)

March 12

PM Meeting - Facilities Planning Community Engagement Session #2 (Data Sharing), 7 p.m., Montrose Elementary School Library

March 12

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

March 13

Bexley Schools Board of Education Regular Meeting, 6 p.m., Bexley City Hall

Reminders

March 15

No Classes for Students | Teacher Workday

March 18-22

Spring Break | No Classes for Students & Teachers

March 29

No Classes | District Closed

One Bexley’s New Project Leader Is Proven Change Manager

Lachandra Baker

One Bexley is now fully staffed and the steering committee and staff members are working hard to plan events and initiatives to support its mission to create a welcoming community for residents and visitors.

Lachandra Baker, who goes by La, joined the One Bexley project earlier this year as the project leader. An accomplished and award-winning speaker, business leader, and consultant, La holds an MBA from the University of the Southwest and two certifications in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from Cornell University.

She also is the founder and lead consultant for LBB Edutainment, a company with more than 30 years of helping businesses – including Fortune 20 companies – create environments where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered. Ms. Baker has a track record of helping companies and organizations strengthen their employee engagement, culture, communication, and DEI efforts. She was recognized as one of Columbus’s Future50 leaders, was a Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) honoree, and was selected for the Harvard Young American Leaders program.

“The community can expect a series of actions from the One Bexley project, including community engagement through workshops, storytelling sessions, and cultural events,” Ms. Baker said. 

One Bexley also will present educational programs on cultural proficiency, collaborate on community-school projects, and provide restorative practices like community mediation. The staff also is consulting on the inclusive design of public spaces and events.

“All of our efforts are designed to enhance community cohesion, increase participation in community and school initiatives, and develop sustainable inclusive practices, ultimately strengthening community-school relationships,” she said.

Steve Shapiro

Joining her as a consultant to the project is Steve Shapiro , a longtime Bexley resident and community advocate, who also served as the schools’ Leader of Experiential Learning. He is a former teacher who has a passion for experiential and authentic learning and is the host of a podcast called Experience Matters.  Mr. Shapiro also is a keynote speaker and professional development coach, and has served as a college professor. His work includes civic education projects with teachers in newly emerging democracies including Poland, Ukraine, and South Africa.

“La has a strong passion for this work and we are excited to work with and have her help build the bridges needed to fulfill our mission,” said Dr. Jason Fine, Bexley Schools Superintendent and a founding member of One Bexley. “Steve is the perfect complement to La. He knows our community and many who reside here. We’re hopeful that his involvement will help provide a comfort level for our work within the community.”

Ultimately, Ms. Baker said, “The One Bexley initiative aims to create a community environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging and dignity. It focuses on nurturing a culture of respectful and meaningful connections, allowing community members to engage deeply with each other.”