Fairview Fast 5
District News from the Fairview Park City Schools
December is a very busy month in our schools and our students have worked hard both inside and outside of the classroom. Whether it was preparing for one of our outstanding holiday concerts, engaging in community service projects like food, clothing, and gift drives, preparing for and competing in a winter sport, keeping up with their academic studies while holding part-time employment, preparing for a career at Polaris, or acquiring new skills by participating in diversity and leadership training.
Students are at the center of our District's mission and vision and their success is the fulfillment of our stated vision, “A community united, empowering each other to learn differently, care deeply, and aspire to excellence.”
Of course, none of this would be possible without the skill, dedication, and care of the entire Fairview Park City Schools staff. Every single employee has the power to positively impact the learning environment of our students. I am grateful to work alongside such hardworking and caring professionals.
In the new year, I will be announcing opportunities to engage with students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders to gather input as the District works to prepare a new strategic plan. Please make sure your voice is heard.
Finally, during this busy time of year, I wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. I hope you make time to rest, reflect and recharge for the opportunities and challenges ahead in 2023.
Sincerely,
Keith Ahearn
On Dec. 6, Fairview High School science teacher Colleen Sliwinski was recognized by civic leaders in Northeast Ohio for her leadership and advocacy.
Sliwinski was recognized with the 2022 Diversity Education & Citizenship Leadership Award at the 68th annual Humanitarian Award Celebration hosted by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.
For over 15 years, Sliwinski has served as an advisor and advocate for several FHS student groups, including the Mosaic Club, Fairview Pride GSA, and, most recently, leading the district’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force.
Celebrating the holiday season is still a thrill for Fairview Park residents, young and old.
Students at Gilles-Sweet Elementary spent time this holiday season creating gifts, cards, and special memories for residents of O’Neill Healthcare in Fairview Park.
“Kids don’t always know that these types of places are in their community,” Meredith Schulte, a counselor at Gilles-Sweet explained. “We talked about how a lot of the people at O’Neill Healthcare are grandparents or great-grandparents. Many of them have families that come visit them, but some of them don’t. These projects give our students the opportunity to brighten someone’s day.”
The Fairview Park Athletic Club is hosting the first annual Warrior Wellness Summit for Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School students on Monday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 PM in the Fairview High School auditorium. The summit will focus on discussing how today's students and athletes face pressure, stress and anxiety juggling increasing amounts of commitments and responsibilities with a wide range of expectations from their teachers, coaches, parents, peers, and themselves.
Professional speakers and session leaders include:
- The Effective Leadership Academy
- The John C. Haney Foundation
- Ellie Mental Health
- Limitless Minds
Registration is required.
At Gilles-Sweet Elementary, one program helps students understand and develop better behaviors and expectations throughout the school year.
The Warrior PRIDE program is part of the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports initiative. PBIS initiatives are evidence-based programs that support students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. They are designed to “create positive, equitable, and safe learning environments where everyone thrives,” according to the Center for PBIS.
Lewis F. Mayer Middle School student Chloe Hall once again was recognized for honoring Armed Services veterans and those currently serving.
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Hall was recognized by Fairview Park Mayor Patrick J. Cooney for her letter to Armed Forces service members. It was the second consecutive year that Hall was named a winner of the "God and Country" writing contest, a first in its 46-year history. The city of Fairview Park and the Fairview Park Women's Club organize the contest.
