

Greenbriar Middle School
May 2025 Newsletter
Principal's Letter
TAG! You're it parents!! Have a wonderful summer Greenbriar Families! See everyone in August!
Jill Schissler
Principal
Greenbriar Middle School
UH Kid's Summer Lunch Program
Athletics - 2025-2026 Sports Participation
Attention any current 6th and 7th grade student who is interested in participating in sports during the 2025-2026 school year. An informational meeting for students and parents/guardians was held Monday, May 19th. Please click on the link for the Power Point information presentation from the meeting. Athletics Power Point
Art Department
CCPL Summer Resources for Families
Cuyahoga County Public Library
Click HERE for events at the Parma Branches for this summer
Summer Fun for Everyone: Fun Friday
-Drop in for reading, art, science, technology, engineering and math challenges. No registration required.
-Parma Branches
-Check dates & times
-Kids ages 18 and under can get a free lunch provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.
-Parma branches
-Check dates & times, Every day
-Play games, tinker, make art, and just hang out at our inclusive monthly meet-up. Registration and Release Form required - click on program title for more information. 6/14: Engineering challenges.
-June 14 3:00pm-4:00pm, Middleburg Heights
-Beat the summer slide and get a running start into next school year at Cuyahoga County Public Library.
-This summer we are expanding our FREE summer programs for students. Registration is no longer required. Just drop in and enjoy reading, science, technology, engineering, arts and math activities. It's summer fun for everyone!
-Parma branches
-Check dates & times
-Drop in to the KIC to explore robotics, coding, construction, stop-motion animation, writing and making books at your own pace. See branch calendar for weekly building challenges and special events.
-Parma branches
-Check dates & times
House 5X
House 5Y
House 5Z
STEM 5 Continues Its Habitat Heroes Citizen Scientist Project
In the spring of 2019, STEM 5 learners designed and installed a nest box trail along the perimeter of our Greenbriar’s back campus to attract native bird species. Each spring, we maintain and monitor the boxes about twice a week, cleaning out sparrow nests to deter this invasive species. We hope to attract the Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, Tree Swallow, and House Wren instead.
These STEM 5 students helped to launch the nest box trail project this year, (left to right), Dominic V., Evelyn V., Mikayla K., (holding a bucket of nesting material), and Emily W. Good job students!
April SOM STEM 5
Alex Wendelken a Quiet Inspiration to Others!
Soft smiles, honest work ethic and quiet kindness. That's what you'll find if you were to get to know dear Alex Wendelken. She is our STEM 5's April Student of the Month for these reasons! You can count on Alex to carry her positive attitude wherever she goes. You can count on her to bring her strong work ethic to class so that others can learn what it looks like to be responsible. You can count on Alex to maintain a quiet inner strength that makes everyone in her presence feel comfortable and safe. We are certainly lucky to have her in the STEM 5 Family for sure. Congratulations, Alex! We appreciate you!
Alex pictured here with her proud teachers, (left to right), Coach Good, Coach Wagner, Coach Kucera, and Coach Cossel.
Alex pictured here with her family!
Kaleb Gurkovich an OutSTANDing Addition to STEM 5!
It is difficult to choose a SOM among our amazing STEM 5 learners, so we had to choose someone who stood out among the rest. Who coped seamlessly with the mid-year transition to Greenbriar and our STEM program? Who modeled an enthusiasm for learning and a true respect for fellow peers? Who remained patient and productive during the organized chaos that comes with many STEM challenges? Who would any STEM learner appreciate having on their team? With so many that could represent these characteristics, it is the one-and-only Kaleb Gurkovich that stood out. Kaleb STOOD out because his outSTANDing character STANDs the test of time! We are lucky to have Kaleb as part of the STEM 5 family!
Kaleb, House 5 STEM Student of the Month for May, pictured with his teachers, (left to right), Coach Cossel, Coach Good, Coach Wagner and Coach Kucera.
Kaleb with his sister and Mom!
House 6X
House 6X student of the month for April is Callie Howard. Callie is a wonderful, kind girl who is always respectful, participates in classroom discussions, and is helpful to her peers. She is a hard worker, and she is always ready to work! Callie has a Growth Mindset and continuously strives to do her best. She likes to contribute to class with her thoughts and ideas, and is focused daily! It is a pleasure to have her in class, especially because she is a positive role model for his peers and House 6X. Way to go, Callie!
Callie pictured here with her proud parents and teachers, Mrs. Steimle (far left) and Mrs. Bohuslawsky (far right).
McKenna Hagglund is one of the sweetest students you will ever meet! She works hard, participates, and follows directions throughout the day! McKenna is a positive role model who comes to school with a great attitude. She is a wonderful addition to our sixth-grade class and our Greenbriar Community. We love having her each day! Way to go, MaKenna!
McKenna, House 6X Student of the Month for May, with her proud parents!
House 6Y
House 6Z
Congratulations to Harper Stapleton!
Harper has been chosen as the April Student of the Month for House 6Z.
She puts forth a lot of effort to excel in school and faces academic challenges
head-on. She asks questions when something is unclear and actively participates
in class discussions. Harper is always willing to assist her peers and shows respect
to both classmates and adults. With a consistently positive attitude, she remains
friendly and approachable. Over the course of the year, she has gained more
confidence in her abilities. There is no doubt that Harper will be successful in the
future!
Harper and her proud Mom!
Congratulations also go to 3 other 6Z students. These students were chosen for
their excellent work and effort in an academic area. Keep up the great work!
Language Arts – Emily Keck
Math – Avery Williams
Social Studies/Science – Jordynn Harper
Congratulations to Layla Diamond!
Layla has been chosen as the May Student of the Month for House 6Z.
Layla has maintained consistent effort and strong academic performance
throughout the year. Her grades are outstanding, as she consistently goes above
and beyond in her assignments. If she’s ever absent, she ensures all work is
completed before returning to school. Layla is eager to learn, diligent, and
hardworking. She actively asks questions and participates in small group
discussions, offering valuable insights during whole group conversations while
also listening attentively to others. She’s always willing to help her peers.
Teachers have observed a positive transformation in her over the year, from
being quiet and reserved to becoming more outgoing and self-confident. Layla
definitely has a bright future ahead of her, as she is sure to excel in whatever she
decides to pursue!
Layla and her proud Mom!
House 7X
APRIL
Math - Hazel Webb
L/A - Isabell Smolik
SS - Marichka Prykhodko
Science - Nathan Grabiec
Overall - Carter Piotrowski
MAY
Math - Adam Hamad
L/A - Darlene Harper
SS - Jordon Hughes
Science - Lorissa Nemes
Overall - Briella Miller
House 7X April Students of the Month
House 7X MAY Students of the Month
House 7Y
Mackenzie with her teachers, (left to right), Mr. Viening, Mr. Blaha, Mrs. Radd, and Mrs. Dapsis.
Kezang with her teachers, (left to right), Mr. McKee, Mrs. Bruno-Wickes and Mr. Beuther.
House 7Z
House 8X
“Ends are not bad things, they just mean something fantastic is about to begin.”
The hustle and bustle of these last few weeks has not stopped us from learning here in 8th grade. In fact, in English, we have been reading/performing Shakespeare’s play Midsummer Night’s Dream. One of my students, Andrea Brockwell, very enthusiastically shared with me that she encountered a reference to Shakespeare over the weekend and she was excited that she knew and appreciated what was being stated. When the classes finish our play, we will end the year writing, studying, and reading poetry.
In social studies, the students are learning about the events leading up to the Civil War.
Building and launching rockets and exploring electricity and magnets will be taking place in science class.
Getting an introduction to some algebra concepts is the plan for math class.
The following students are still putting forth their best effort as the year comes to an end. Our students of the month are:
Mr. Vandervort--Elijah Rzyczycki
Ms. Mangan-Aleecya Davis
Mrs. Layhew-Brianna Carroll
Mrs. Vangalio-Amaya Morgan
Mr. Phillips-Abdul Sadaat
Brianna Carroll- Superstar of the Month
April Students of the Month, Elijah, Aleeyca, Brianna, Amaya, and Abdul.
Super Star Student of the Month for April is Brianna Carroll!
These final weeks of the school year are filled with accomplishments and activities! We had some thrilling competitions involving our book Lord of the Flies and our studies of William Shakespeare. Also, the students are really having a wonderful time creating a Science ABC Book.
Elijah Santiago and Ameer Abuqbitta were co-champions in our Shakespeare competition.
Amaya, James, Jared, Noah, Ameer, Vincent, and Nathan enjoyed eating some treats reflecting the trials of characters in Lord of the Flies.
We have some spectacular scholars to celebrate for our students of the month.
Mr. Vandervort-Aubrie Boylan
Mrs. Layhew-Amaree Martin
Mr. Phillips-Valentina Rodriguez
Ms. Mangan-Jamaar Malone
Mr. Jaegers-Mikaela Menszyk
Mrs. Vangalio-Brandon Elliott
Spectacular students of the month, (left to right), Aubrie, Amaree, Valentina, Jamaar, Mikaela, and Brandon. Congratulations to Jamaar, House 8X Super Star Student of the Month for May!
House 8Y
House 8Z
Congratulations to our April Student of the Month for House 8Z Dragonz, Kaleb Kaufer! Kaleb is an extremely well-rounded student with so many positive characteristics: He is bright, friendly, cooperative, and dedicated to his schoolwork. Kaleb gets along well with his peers and is a role model for choosing to do the right thing! His work reflects intuitive thinking and sound reasoning. Most importantly, Kaleb is a considerate, kind human being! We are so proud of him!
House 8Z Teachers would like to recognize our final Student of the Month this year, Keegan Lenahan! One of our most improved students, Keegan has really shown tremendous growth this year! He is eager to participate in discussions and contribute to class debates. Keegan also is willing to revise his work according to standards and feedback provided. He strives to complete his work to the best of his personal ability. He is outgoing and brings an element of fun to the classroom. We are proud of you, Keegan, and congratulations on being the House 8Z May Student of the Month!
New Greenbriar Student Info
WELCOME TO GREENBRIAR MIDDLE SCHOOL: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SCHOOL START/END TIMES: 8:00-2:50 (Door open at 7:30 AM)
GREENBRIAR MIDDLE SCHOOL CALENDAR
GREENBRIAR MIDDLE SCHOOL WEBPAGE
You can translate into other languages by clicking on the “translate” button in the upper left corner
All students receive free breakfast and lunch
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT- BUSSING: Website for the Transportation Department. If you live 2.0 miles or more away you qualify for bussing. If you do not qualify, you can always fill out the “Space Available” form to see if there is room on a bus that may come close to your home. (Can take up to 10 days for new students). If you qualify for busing you will be able to view this information in Home Access.
HOME LIAISON : Works with students on attendance and also can provide resources to families in Need. (Food, Clothes, School Supplies, etc.)
- Greenbriar Home Liaison: Erica English 440-885-8792 englishe@parmacityschools.org
English as Second Language Teachers:
Patrick Byrne: byrnep@parmacityschools.org and Deb Vanek: vanekd@parmacityschools.org
ATTENDANCE LINE: To report an absence please call: (440) 885-2370
Email Doctor Excuses to: gbattendance@parmacityschools.org
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
STUDENTS WILL BE ISSUED A CHROMEBOOK TO USE AT SCHOOL AND HOME
GOOGLE CLASSROOM: Students will use google to check their email and join classrooms for each of their classes where work will be posted. CHECK EMAIL DAILY!
HOME ACCESS (CLICK) : View Grades, Report Cards, Test Scores, Attendance and Email Teachers
STUDENTS: It is the same Username (you don't need to put the @parmacityschools.org)
and Password you use for your Chromebook.
Parents/Guardians: You will receive in the mail a username and login for HOME ACCESS. You can
Also email this address and ask them for your username and password:
homeaccesscenter@parmacityschools.org
__________________________________________________________________________________________________STUDENTS: JOIN THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR'S GOOGLE CLASSROOM
(DISTRICT AND SCHOOL IMPORTANT INFORMATION)
WITH CLASS CODE: ccvirgx or, if full, join rj2m5zr (both are the same)