
Fairview Fast 5
District News from the Fairview Park City Schools

June 5, 2023
A Message from Superintendent Keith Ahearn
Welcome to the final edition of the “Fairview Fast Five” newsletter for the 2022-2023 school year. This “Fairview Fast Five” issue has stories celebrating our students' amazing accomplishments across all grade levels.
This issue focuses on our students' many accomplishments and accolades over the last school year, especially with the Class of 2023. Events like Commencement, Scholars’ Reception, Performing Arts Awards Night, Athletics Awards Night and the annual Polaris Senior Recognition Dinner were just a some of the ways the Class of 2023 was honored this year. You will also see stories about a few graduating seniors whose dedication and hard work paid off with additional scholarship funding from other organizations.
This issue also focuses on how a group of sophomores used this entire year to learn and grow as leaders in the First Ring Student Leadership Institute. These hand-picked students developed solutions over the year to an important issue at Fairview High School - increasing school spirit.
We also examine two new initiatives in the district that will enhance experiences for students and families next year. A recent partnership with ENGAGE Ohio will become a valuable resource for families whose students struggle with regular attendance. And thanks to a grant from the Ohio EPA, the Fairview Park City Schools will work over the summer to install new bottle-filling stations at various water fountains in our schools.
Although this is an extensive issue, we hope this edition of the Fairview Fast Five adequately showcases the great things happening here. We hope you and your family spend time together this summer to recharge and enjoy this well-deserved break. Although summer sometimes seems like it may never end, we know that August and the beginning of the school year are right around the corner. We look forward to welcoming you and your children back to school at that time as we continue to aspire for excellence in all that we do.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
93rd Commencement of Fairview High School celebrates the Class of 2023
On May 23, 121 seniors from the Class of 2023 walked across the stage at James B. Daley Stadium to receive their diplomas and begin the next chapter of their lives.
Click here to read more about this year's commencement ceremony.
Class of 2023 earns over $87,000 in scholarships at the annual Scholars' Reception
Each year, Scholars’ Reception recognizes Fairview High School seniors who were awarded scholarships. This year, 33 seniors from the Class of 2023 were selected for scholarships totaling $87,850.
146 Fairview High School students honored at Performing Arts Awards Night
On May 11, 146 Fairview High School students were recognized for their artistic talents and leadership at the school's Performing Arts Awards Night.
Fairview High School Athletic Awards Night recognizes Warrior Student-Athletes
On Monday, May 15, Fairview High School honored students for their accomplishments in both athletics and academics at the school, at the 2023 Athletic Awards Night.
Six FHS seniors named outstanding students fort Polaris Career Center Class of 2023
On Tuesday, April 18, six Fairview High School students were recognized at the Polaris Career Center's 2nd Annual Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner.
Fairview Advantage Podcast: Class of 2023
Join us for our latest episode of the Fairview Advantage Podcast! In this episode, we take a closer look at the Class of 2023 before they walk across the stage for their commencement ceremony on May 23.
Pottorff Scholarship awarded to graduate who wants to make difference in education
For the Class of 2023, the final week of school was filled with excitement and pride as students completed their high school careers. But, for Alice Chambers, the week also had one final surprise for her and her family.
Northeast Ohio scholarship covers first year tuition costs at Ohio University for FHS grad
When visiting colleges last year, Fairview High School senior Elizbeth Krischan fell in love with Ohio University. What happened next solidified OU as her college choice and created local connections for one of its newest students.
FHS graduate, already a college junior, wins prestigious scholarship at CSU
Six FHS sophomores seek solutions to improve school spirit
Working to improve school climate and culture is not only a job for staff at Fairview High School but students as well.
Six FHS sophomores served all year as members of the First Ring Student Leadership Institute. FRSLI students use scientific research techniques to identify school issues and then develop solutions for building and district leadership to consider. The FRSLI is a collaborative effort between the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland State University.
This year, FHS students examined school spirit and ways to increase it across all grade levels. The adult leaders from Fairview Park helping them along the way were Mayer Middle School Physical Education teacher Ryan Barry and Intervention Specialist Andy Slack.
“It was a really streamlined approach to problem-solving,” Barry expressed. “Since it was a broad thing like school spirit, they identified how it’s a problem and what actually affects school spirit. They keyed in on those things to help improve it instead of just complaining about problems. It really allowed them to figure out a process that was more deliberate and analytical.”
New partnership with ENGAGE Ohio assists students struggling with attendance
The Fairview Park City School District recently announced a partnership with ENGAGE Ohio, a program offered to help students address the issues and challenges associated with chronic absenteeism, students disengaged from learning or academically at-risk. ENGAGE Ohio is a free resource for Ohio school districts, funded through the ODE.
“We want all students to be on track to graduate when they are supposed to graduate,” Fairview Park City Schools Coordinator of Special Education Janice Price explained. “What happens with students who are excessively truant is that they can become disengaged. In the upper grades, they become credit deficient. Once students become credit deficient, there are limited options for them to get back on track, succeed academically, and graduate with their classmates. Sometimes, students need to stay for a thirteenth year, go to summer school, or enroll in credit recovery classes.
“[ENGAGE Ohio] is really a proactive way of keeping our students on track to advance with their peers and graduate with positive post-graduation outcomes,” Price added.
Ohio EPA grant promotes sustainable solutions and healthier lifestyles
Promoting healthy lifestyles in school is an important part of a child’s well-being. With a new Ohio Environmental Protection Agency grant, additional hydration options will now be available to Fairview Park City School District students, in addition to benefitting the environment.
In November, the district applied for a Recycle Ohio grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. In April, the district was notified it received $9,875 to install or retrofit existing water fountains in schools with bottle filling stations.
“I would say the greater majority of kids bring a water bottle just about everywhere they go,” Michael Matthews, director of operations at the Fairview Park City School District explained. “Especially at Gilles-Sweet, it will be a huge improvement, simply because we haven’t had the access to do it.”
Upcoming Calendar
- June 19
- Juneteenth - District Closed - Daycare Closed
- June 27
- Board of Education Regular Meeting, Warrior Room, 6:30 PM
- July 4
- Independence Day - District Closed - Daycare Close
- July 18
- Board of Education Regular Meeting, Warrior Room, 6:30 PM
- July 28-31
- 2023 Summerfest at Bohlken Park
- Come and say hello and join us at the Fairview Park City School District tent! Our marching band will kick off the festivities on Friday, July 28.
- August 15
- Board of Education Regular Meeting, Warrior Room, 6:30 PM
- August 22
- First Day of School for Grades 1-12
- August 24
- First Day of School for Kindergarten
- September 4
- Labor Day - No School - District Closed - Daycare Closed