Medina City Schools Minute

To keep our community informed, here is the latest update about things happening around the District, including important dates to remember.

Wednesday, May 22, marked the end of an era for both Garfield and Heritage Elementary Schools as they held their annual fifth-grade send-off. This was also the last day of school for all students K-4.

The event was a bittersweet occasion, filled with student awards, cherished memories, and heartfelt farewells. As these young students prepare to embark on their next academic adventure at Claggett Middle School, they leave behind the halls where they grew, learned, and made lasting friendships.

Garfield Elementary, a cornerstone of the district since 1912, will transition to house the District's Technology Department beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Though its role in the community is changing, its legacy of shaping young minds will forever be remembered. Plans for additional District uses of the building are still under discussion, ensuring that Garfield’s rich history will continue to be honored.

Heritage Elementary, too, will see significant changes. Over the summer months, it will undergo renovations funded by the District's sales tax dollars and will transform into Helping Hands Preschool at Heritage beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. This new beginning for Heritage ensures that its spirit of nurturing young learners will live on, now serving the District's youngest Bees.

The fifth-grade send-off was an emotional gathering, highlighting the achievements of the students while acknowledging the close-knit community that Garfield and Heritage have fostered over the years. Teachers, parents, guardians and students alike reflected on the unforgettable experiences that have defined their time at these schools.

As these students move forward to Claggett Middle School, they carry with them the support and love of their elementary school communities. Garfield and Heritage have been more than just schools; they have been homes where students learned the value of friendship, resilience, and the joy of discovery. The send-off ceremony was a testament to the lasting impact these schools have had on their lives.

The transition of Garfield and Heritage marks a new chapter in the Medina City School District’s story. While change is often accompanied by nostalgia, it also brings the promise of new beginnings and opportunities honoring the legacy of these schools while looking forward to the bright futures of all its students.

THERE IS STILL TIME to register for summer athletic camps. Information for registration is on Flyer Central. To view all of the currently available registrations, click here or on the Flyer Central image.

For specific camps, please click on the link below for more information or to register.

Girls Youth Soccer Camp-June 3-June 6

Boys Youth Soccer Camp-June 3-June 6

Girls Volleyball Skills Camp-June 17-June 19

Youth Football Camp-Jun 11-June 13

Boys Basketball Skills Camp May 28-May 30

Boys Middle School Basketball Camp-May 28 & May 29

Youth Running Camp-August 6-August 8

Girls Basketball Youth Skills Camp-June 10-June 12

Girls Lacrosse Camp-July 8-July 12

Youth Tennis Camp-May 28-June 5

Nicole Gregory, gifted intervention specialist teacher at A .I. Root Middle School was recently recognized with the Going the Extra Mile Award. This award recognizes an exemplary work ethic, a great role model, going the "extra mile" serving on committees, assisting others, improving the culture within their building/department, spreading kindness, doing good deeds, and demonstrating pride and enthusiasm in the workplace.

Despite the steady rain that fell during the morning hours on Friday, May 17, the spirit of Medina High School's annual Strings in the Park event was undampened. For years, the event has been held in the scenic Uptown Park on the Square, with its charming gazebo providing a nostalgic backdrop for the school's talented orchestra thanks to partnership with the City of Medina. However, this year, Mother Nature had other plans.

The decision was made to relocate the performance to the Medina Performing Arts Center. Set to begin at 12:00 pm, the auditorium was buzzing with activity. Parents, guardians, friends, and community members filled the seats in the auditorium. The orchestra, comprised of talented Medina High School students, was joined by a few alumni and middle school students, making this year's performance even more special.

The program featured a diverse selection of pieces, showcasing the versatility and skill of the young musicians. Midway through the concert, the director, Shelly Jansen, took a moment to address the audience expressing her gratitude for their unwavering support and praised the resilience of the students and those in attendance, for adapting so gracefully to the change in plans.

As the final piece came to a close, the audience erupted into applause, a standing ovation that echoed through the hall. The students beamed with pride, knowing that their hard work and dedication had brought a bit of sunshine into an otherwise gloomy day.

After the performance, the lobby of the Performing Arts Center was filled with chatter and laughter as attendees mingled and congratulated the musicians. Despite the weather, the sense of community and the joy of shared music prevailed, making this year's Strings in the Park (or Strings in the PAC) a memorable and uplifting experience for all.

Each year, the Award Selection Committee selects a volunteer or group of volunteers to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award. Our partnerships with organizations and businesses throughout our community provide students with opportunities that have greatly enhanced their educational experiences. The thousands of hours of volunteer service help us achieve greater success.

The Just Write State Competition on Thursday, May 9th, hosted 300 of the State's best writers, with Medina High School proudly bringing nine exceptional students who had qualified for this prestigious event. These students were Alysia Aldea, Mason Cooper, Caitlyn Finn, Lucas Kennedy, Elizabeth Klinge, Alexa Prifti, Addison Sheetz, Lucy Yao, and Sophia Young.

Special congratulations to sophomores Elizabeth Klinge and Sophia Young , who delivered outstanding performances. Elizabeth Klinge earned an impressive 2nd place, while Sophia Young secured 6th place out of 150 Division I writers. Their achievements highlighted their remarkable talent and hard work.

The other Medina writers also performed admirably. In Division 1 (9-10 Grade), the rankings were as follows:

• Elizabeth Klinge: 2nd place

• Sophia Young: 6th place

• Addison Scheetz: 19th place

• Alexa Prifti: 26th place

• Caitlin Finn: 31st place

• Mason Cooper: 37th place

• Alysia Aldea: 70th place

In Division 2 (11-12 Grade), the rankings were:

• Lucas Kennedy: 23rd place

• Lucy Yao: 89th place

All the 9-10 grade students placed in the top 50% of writers, and seven out of nine writers in both groups placed in the top 25% of writers. This accomplishment reflects their dedication to the art of writing.

The day was a testament to these young writers' hard work and talent. Medina High School’s Just Write Team, is coached by Amy Hirzel, a language arts teacher at the high school.

The “Leading the Way” award recognizes an administrator for exemplary leadership, work ethic, ability to create an inspiring vision of the future, improving the culture within their building/ department, and engage those around them to share in that vision. This year, the honor was presented to Karen McGinty, principal of Garfield Elementary School.

Mrs. McGinty bases every decision on what is best for the kids. She greets students in the morning and sees them off after school whenever possible and makes it a point to know each one by name and a little something about them. Mrs. McGinty also excels in developing strong relationships with parents and guardians, always reaching out to create a supportive team for children and connecting with them in their “language.” Anyone attending an event with Mrs. McGinty outside of school is not surprised to see parents and students running up to her in neighborhoods or stores to hug her and say hi.

Bryce Young, the sole State qualifier to the Power of the Pen State Tournament from Claggett Middle School, was held at Ashland University on May 17. The Power of the Pen team is coached by Claggett Middle School gifted intervention specialist Kelly Mclaren-Olin.

One of the highlights of the event was a special address by author George Ebey who captivated the audience with his insights into the writing process. Each of the participants received an autographed copy of his book from the Helen of Mars series, providing a memorable keepsake for these budding writers.