South Range Local Schools

Dear South Range Local School District Community,

Can you believe it's already mid-May? Time truly flies when you're dedicated to our mission of serving our students with excellence. As we wrap up another month, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for your unwavering commitment and hard work. From the 8th graders relishing their experiences on the DC trip to our high schoolers diligently preparing for their co-curricular and extracurricular events, it is evident we are making significant strides in realizing our Raider Way goals of setting and achieving high expectations. Your dedication to fostering an environment of growth and learning does not go unnoticed.

I want to extend my appreciation not only to our teachers but to every member of our team - aides, counselors, cooks, custodians, drivers, secretaries, principals, and directors. Each team member plays a vital role in shaping the educational experience of our students, and their contributions are invaluable. As we head into the last few weeks of the 2023-2024 school year, I encourage you all to take some well-deserved time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments of relaxation with your loved ones this summer. The community's hard work and dedication are truly commendable- It is the Raider Way! I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an exceptional team in implementing the four key pillars of the Raider Way :

1. High Expectations
2. Communication & Collaboration
3. Student Performance
4. Safety & Resources

Thank you for embodying the spirit of GBED (Get Better Every Day) in everything you do. Together, we are unstoppable. A special shout-out to our seniors. As soon-to-be graduates, we wish the best of luck on your future endeavors! As always, I encourage you to visit our district's website at https://www.southrange.k12.oh.us/ for important updates and information.

With great enthusiasm and excitement, let us continue to embody the spirit of the Raider Way and strive for excellence in everything we do.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jarred Zapolnik

Superintendent

Brian Bagwell, President

Terri Lally, Vice President

Liz Johnson, Member

Tyler Bates, Member

Dr. Jack Dawson, Member

2022-23 Graduates of South Range

If you are a parent of or a student who graduated in 2022-23, please scan the QR code to complete an Exiting Student Survey so we know how you have been doing since graduation. The survey should only take about five minutes. Thank you for your feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8Qcs0XKfBiKwvn76CruwGkTahxMX4lS7zUn9L_MVM55_BiQ/viewform

Student Fees for 2024-2025 - Please do not send in any student payments until an invoice is received from the building for your child. Any money given before an invoice is received will be returned to you.

State Assessment Scores

There was a recent law change (see HB33) in which parents are to be notified of State Assessment Scores by June 30. These scores will be posted on the secure ParentAccess portal. Please set up your child's account now so that you will be able to view their scores using a Web Browser or Mobile App (make sure your phone has been updated to the latest IOS). Scores will be posted prior to June 30, 2024. You will be notified once scores have been posted to ParentAccess.

Click here on how to set ParentAccess on your mobile App: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CCypxTrMYIzzqnHDgn-k46cY42fgT4O4/view?usp=sharing

Click here on how to set ParentAccess via web Browser: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WX4sE4Ju4l0sUAeB_cZhrSgAMI8RuJ4l/view?usp=sharing

Low Assignment Marks or Missing Assignment Marks Notifications

You can now receive notifications via ParentAccess if your child has a low assignment mark or missing assignment mark. You can set this up using a Web Browser or the Mobile App. This notification, if applicable, will be received at 6:00 pm the day the grade is posted.

Click here for information on "Subscribing to Alerts using your Web Browser or Mobile App (make sure your phone is updated to the latest IOS):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CCypxTrMYIzzqnHDgn-k46cY42fgT4O4/view?usp=sharing

As we progress through the month of May, this time of year is dedicated to our seniors and their successful graduation from South Range High School. Check out the end-of-year events:

• Senior Locker cleanout May 14 at 1:20 pm.
• Senior Class trip to Cedar Point on May 17 all day.
• Senior Exams: May 20 odd periods, May 21 even periods
• May 20- Senior sunset starting at 7:30 pm at Rominger Stadium
• May 22- Senior awards at MCCTC at nine am at the Powers Auditorium in downtown Youngstown.
• May 23 at 9:00 am Senior Awards in the auditorium
• Commencement practice- May 24 8:30 am in Gym
• Commencement- Sunday May 26 at 5pm

Celebrating Excellence: Honoring High School Seniors

It is with boundless excitement and pride that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to a few of our Seniors. Gretchen Bartels has been awarded the prestigious JL Francis Scholarship and was acknowledged at the 30th Annual YWCA Young Women with Bright Futures award. Next, Brooke Neilsen and Madison Dado were selected among numerous tri-county applicants to receive the Edward J. DeBartolo Scholarship. Both seniors will receive $10,000 toward their future endeavors. The achievements of Gretchen, Brooke, and Madison not only reflect their exceptional academic prowess but also underscore their remarkable character and resilience. More seniors will receive acknowledgments and awards at the various end-of-the-year celebrations!🌟💖

Summa Cum Laude scholars

🎉👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 Congratulations to the remarkable scholars who have achieved the highest academic honor, summa cum laude! 🌟 Your dedication, passion, and hard work have truly paid off. 📚💡 Bethany Witmer, Jonathan Staffeld, Logan Baxter, Kylie Sykes, Clara Carrocce, Sydney Penick, Madison Dado, Konner Brogan, Megan Justison, Cameron Ward, and Maya Johnson, your achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. 🏆✨ May this incredible accomplishment be just the beginning of a lifetime filled with success and fulfillment. We applaud your outstanding academic excellence! 🎓👏

Congratulations to the Class of 2024

+Laude Recognized @ Honors Diploma

Ayden Agee

Kamron Joseph Aquisto + @

Gretchen Joy Bartels +

Abigail Ann Baun + @

Logan Scott Baxter + @

Dakota McKenzie Bedenik + @

Maverick Thomas Birkmire

Joshua Glen Brockett

Konnor Vincent Brogan + @

Mason Tyler Brown

Olivia Renee Burchell

Brady Davis Burke + @

Logan Allen Butcher

Carissa Suzanne Byler + @

Ian Michael Campbell

Steven Paul Carlile

Blake Edward Carosella

Cameron James Carr

Clara Marie Carrocce + @

Kylie Taylor Crank

Brady J. Crumbacher +

Adam Michael Cushman

Madison Victoria Dado + @

Noah Jaden De La Torre

Lillian Ivy Deak + @

Alaina Paige DuPont

Ryan Joseph Eicher

Kendall Ann Ellenberger

Peyton Elizabeth Emch + @

Nathan McGuire Engle + @

Abigail Everly

Austynn Faith Everson

Blake Ashton Ewert

Jay Jeffrey Farrow

Matthew James Fryfogle

Luke Joseph Gehring + @

Adriana Leona Habeger + @

Joseph Michael Hackstedde + @

Hannah Michelle Holisky +

Maya Rose Johnson + @

Megan Leanne Justison + @

Rogan Thomas Kelly

Allyson Marie Knapik

Sarah Anne Kuhns + @

Mason Drake Landis

Miranda Rae Lucas + @

Anne Marie Lumsden + @

Kaitlyn Nicole Mariano

Grayson Frank Martz + @

Caden Jacob McConnell

Alyssa Rose McElroy

Olivia Nicole Meli +

Ellayna Dale Meloy

Zander Ray Mercer

Madison Jolee Mook + @

Landon Lewis Moore

Nicholas Andrew Moore

Hudson Laurentz Moorefield + @

Brooke Marie Neilsen + @

Talan James Nenichka

Eden Grace Newell +

Ashley Elizabeth Niemla

Lyla Sue Orr

Sydney Marie Penick + @

Emily Dawn Phelps

Colin Joseph Polombi

Chloe Ann Puhl +

Emma Celine Purton + @

Jayden Charles Rains

Lucas Jackson Regule + @

Charles Edward Reigrut III

William David Richardson

Laci Ann Ricketts

Devin Christine Sauerwein

Julia Grace Schuler + @

Samuel Shannon

Matthew Joseph Singleton + @

Brian Ray Spencer III

Johnathan Thomas Staffeld + @

Angela Elaine Stratton + @

Kylie Elizabeth Sykes + @

Julia Louise Tunno

Dylan Parker Turvey + @

Nicholas William Usis

Gus Patrick Valentine

Cameron Jerry Ward + @

Sean Tyler Wardle

Cheyenne Elaine Watters

Kayden Charles Wilcox

Bethany Grace Witmer + @

Olivia Grace Yeagley + @

Students In The Spotlight

Our South Range Middle School students continue to perform beyond expectations both in and out of the classroom!

🌟 April Raider Spotlight🌟

April Raider Spotlight Students…

We would like to congratulate the following students on being recognized as our “Raider Spotlight Students of the Month” for exemplary performance in the area(s) of scholarship, leadership, mentorship, friendship and/or craftsmanship.

Grade 5 - Andrew Hanek

Andrew embodies the true spirit of scholarship across all his classes. He demonstrates a desire to succeed by asking insightful questions, being an active learner and completing all assignments thoroughly. Beyond his academic achievements, Andrew sets an example of positivity and leadership for his classmates.

Grade 6 - Jeffrey Crouse

Jeffrey is a caring and kind friend to all of his classmates. He is supportive when any student needs help and he always encourages his peers to do their best inside and outside of the classroom. Jeffrey is empathetic and considerate to students and staff and a very reliable friend!

Grade 7 - Ella Monroe

Ella shows scholarship and takes immense pride in all of her schoolwork. She is an avid reader and loves to share her passion with others. Ella also demonstrates friendship with her optimistic, outgoing and very friendly personality.

Grade 8 - Abby Lencyk

Abby radiates positivity and always has a smile on her face. She is a diligent student, a great friend and a positive peer role model. She embodies all the positive qualities we expect to see in a Raider therefore she is nominated for her citizenship.

Power of the Pen

We are happy to announce that Harper Bailey’s regional story, “Maddie’s Surge,” has been chosen from thousands of stories to be included in the 2024 Power of the Pen Book of Winners. In addition to the publication, she will be recognized at the state tournament with a Regional Platinum Pen award.

End of Year Dates

May 21, 2024 - Grade 8 Awards Ceremony - 8:00 am

• Grade 7 Awards Ceremony - 9:30 am

May 22, 2024 - Grade 6 Awards Ceremony - 8:30 am

• Grade 5 Awards Ceremony - 10:00 am

May 23, 2024 - 8th Grade Farewell Dinner/Dance - 6:30 pm

PTO

Every Spring, the Elementary PTO helps wrap up the school year with three big events. First, on Friday, April 26th, the PTO joined forces with our first grade teachers and students, along with our music teacher, Mrs. Hvizdos, to put on our first grade Grandparents’ Day program. This patriotic show recognized our veterans and our military as our boys and girls performed various songs about our country and said, “Thank You” to their grandparents for being a part of their lives. After the show, the students enjoyed a special treat with their grandparents in the cafeteria that was hosted by our PTO.

Next, the PTO organizes the annual Spring Fling for our students and families to enjoy. The Spring Fling is an indoor carnival that has games, activities, food, face painting and prizes. This year the Spring Fling took place on Saturday, April 27th, from 1:00-5:00 pm. It takes many volunteers to make the Spring Fling a success, from all of the behind the scenes preparation before the event, to the set-up of the games and various other activities, running the event and of course, tear down and clean-up at the end of night. The highlight of the Spring Fling is seeing which staff member gets pied in the face at the end of the night. This year, Mr. Matos was the lucky winner! Thank you to everyone who helped with any part of the Spring Fling and thank you to all of you who came out to help support our PTO.

Finally, as we approach the end of the year, the PTO is organizing their biggest event of the year, our K-4 Field Day. Field Day for the elementary school is on the last day of school, which is Friday, May 24th. This year there will be both indoor and outdoor events including activities from On Target and Athletix. Our students will also have many other fun activities throughout the day to celebrate the end of the school year! For our 4th grade families, we will have our annual Clap-Out to recognize our 4th grade students and the end of their time at the elementary school starting at 1:45 pm outside of our main elementary doors.

Building Leadership Team

Throughout the months of April and May, our elementary students have been looking for ways to promote positive student relationships in their classrooms. Whenever they see someone doing something kind for someone else, they have been writing out these Random Acts of Kindness on different colored strips of paper along with the students’ names on each one. The strips have been displayed on the walls in the hallway to create a K-4 Friendship Bracelet. Our goal was to connect all of the classrooms, K-4, from the first floor to the second floor. While we didn’t get our bracelet all the way up and down the stairs, our students did stretch their bracelets out from one end of each hallway to the other and there were over 850 strips used to create the bracelet, which represents over 850 ways that our elementary students recognized and promoted positive relationships in their classrooms and within each other in just 6 weeks.

Awards Days

We celebrated our K-4 students at the end of the year and recognized their accomplishments during our Awards Day programs on Thursday, May 16th and Friday, May 17th. The 4th grade students had a special morning as they also performed their recorder concert before their awards program in the auditorium. Congratulations to all of our students on all of your achievements and thank you to our staff, students and parents for your hard work and dedication throughout the 23-24 school year! On behalf of the entire Elementary Staff, I would like to thank all of our elementary families for another great year!

Grade Level Spotlight - Kindergarten

The end of the school year is always an exciting time for all of our staff and students as they approach the completion of one year and look forward to the start of another. It is especially exciting for our kindergarten teachers as they see their current students prepare to become 1st graders and then meet their new students at Kindergarten Screening. This year, we had Kindergarten Screening on May 2nd and 3rd. About 80 of our new kindergarten students attended screening where we had the opportunity to meet each other for the first time and welcome many new students and families to our elementary school.

Success by Six

We are very fortunate to partner with the United Way once again to take part in the Success by 6 summer program for some of our new kindergarten students. This program is a jumpstart to kindergarten for both academic and social development. There is no cost to our families of the children who are invited to participate in Success by 6. The program runs for 3 weeks from June 10-June 28, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. If you would like more information about Success by 6, please contact the elementary office at 330-549-5578.

SUMMER MEAL BENEFITS

Beginning in the summer of 2024, Ohio has the opportunity to participate in a new federal permanent program called the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), also known as SUN Bucks, that provides cash grocery benefits to households with children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The Summer EBT program provides children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Each eligible child will receive a one-time $120 benefit for the summer.

If you think you may qualify, and haven't already completed an application, currently on SNAP or Medicaid, and your household income would qualify, please use the link to complete an application. Please do so as soon as possible so you don't miss out. The program deadline ends June 13, 2024.

https://www.southrange.k12.oh.us/departments/food-services-wellness

How is it the end of the school year already? This has been an amazing year and I am so proud to be a part of the South Range family. Myself, Officer Carl Frost, and the entire staff at Beaver Township Police Department want to wish this year’s graduating class nothing but success and happiness in life.

The School Resource Officers at South Range will continue to play a crucial role in maintaining safety and fostering positive relationship within all three schools. We are proactively addressing potential safety concerns both inside and outside of the building. We want everyone to be at peace and feel safe anywhere on South Range campus. Throughout the summer new safety measures will be put in place to further enhance the safety of our students. We will introduce these new measures at the open houses for the 2024-25 school year.

We are continuing to train and stay up-to-date on best practices in school safety and law enforcement. Through collaboration with other police departments and school resource officers, I want to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all. Multiple police departments and officers have been on South Range campus to assist with safety drills to participating in active shooter training. I believe the more officers are familiar with our campus and administrators, the better prepared we are in any event where we may need their assistance.

It has been a busy year as well investigating criminal activity on school campus when necessary. As mentioned in the last newsletter, the use of vaping and e-cigarettes in on the rise. This is especially the case in middle school. Any student caught possessing any devices will be charged through Mahoning County Juvenile Court. Additionally, once a student is found in possession of such, an investigation will begin to see who purchased and/or distributed the tobacco related products to that juvenile. If there is sufficient evidence, that individual will also be charged. I as well as school administrators have a zero tolerance for any types of vapes or tobacco on campus.

I want to continue to engage with parents, community members, and the South Range community to foster a sense of partnership to ensure school safety. Please know that I am always available to talk or meet if you have anything on your mind that you believe I could help with. My school extension is 39123 and my email is mhassey@southrange.org. Thank you to everyone for making my first year as your School Resource Officer truly memorable!

Ms.Patti Burns, Cafeteria staff

Patti has worked in the South Range Cafeteria for 12 years. She is a wonderful mom to her son and daughter and in her free time she enjoys cooking for her family and friends. She always goes above and beyond - anticipating our kids' needs and supporting other cafeteria staff when needed. Patti deserves to be recognized due to her pleasant demeanor, willingness to be flexible based on kitchen needs, and dedication to making lunchtime tasty, healthy, and fun! If you see Patti on the serving line, give her an extra big smile.

⭐Mr. Tom Foster, Custodian staff

Tom has worked for South Range Local Schools for 12 years. He is the center of our school community, often referred to by the students as Mr. Tom. Tom worked in HVAC installation for many years before coming to South Range Local Schools. We are honored to have such a hard worker who is always willing to go above and beyond. Tom enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and anything outdoors! He also looks forward to spending more time with family, friends, and his grandchildren.

⭐Have a healthy and prosperous retirement, Tom Foster!

Mrs. Christy Pepperney, SRHS

Christy is hard-working and student-centered. She is continually looking for ways to grow in her profession, collaborate with her school team, and lead within her field. Christy is a trusted colleague and she works as an intervention specialist to support learners with diverse needs.

Christy has 12-plus years working in the field of special education. She earned her business degree from Youngstown State University and a teaching degree from Notre Dame College in Cleveland. She is currently working on her Masters and her Transition to Work endorsement. Christy lives in Poland with her husband Jim and they have three kids - Lauren, AJ, and Jack. She also has two dogs - Ryder and Rosie. Christy is truly an asset to the Raider Community!

Mr. David Rach, SRMS

Mr. Rach is new to our staff this year as our 7th grade science teacher. He has made a positive impact on the students and our building throughout the '23-'24 school year. As a graduate of South Range, Mr. Rach had this to say about returning to his alma mater, "My first year as a teacher at South Range has reaffirmed the many reasons that I am so proud to call myself a Raider. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by an administration, staff, and students who continue to inspire, challenge, and encourage me to get better every day. Thank you Raider Community!" Thank you, Mr. Rach, for a wonderful school year and welcome home!

Mrs. Julie Liebig, SRES

This is Julie’s 1st year as an elementary and middle school physical education teacher at South Range. She started her teaching career after graduating from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies and a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education in May of 2009. Julie started her teaching career at Margaret Brent Elementary School in Stafford, Virginia. She taught there for 3 years teaching 5th grade for 1 year and then 1st grade. Julie then moved to Ohio in 2012 to teach in Akron at Imagine Romig Road Community School in their Title I Reading Intervention Program. Then, in 2013, Julie moved to Woodridge Intermediate School in Peninsula, Ohio, to also teach Title I. In the fall of 2023, Julie joined our South Range staff as our elementary and middle school physical education teacher.

Julie and her husband Chris, who is a Sports Medicine Physician at Akron Childrens’ Hospital, have 4 children who attend South Range Elementary. Twin daughters Eliza and Ellie (4th grade); Evelyn (2nd grade) and William (Kindergarten). Julie enjoys exercising and watching her children participate in sports. Julie and her family love to go camping in West Virginia and cheer on all of the Mountaineer sports teams. We are lucky to have Julie Liebig as part of our South Range Elementary family!

We have had a few families interested to host Dr. Zapolnik and a few members of the team for a meet and greet at the family's home. The purpose of the meet and greet is for the families to share their insights about the district: Wishes, wonders, and worries! Dr. Zapolnik and his team will spend time listening to learn from YOU how to Get Better Every Day (GBED)! If you are interested in hosting Dr. Zapolnik and a few BOE members, please complete the subsequent form. Thanks!

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