School news you can use

Contact: Jill Moberley, Public Information Officer
Jmoberle@dps.k12.oh.us
For Immediate Release

• Attendance Matters: Cleveland PreK-6 students skate to celebrate

More than 160 students who attend Cleveland PreK-6 School will attend a free skating party to celebrate classroom attendance. The party is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14 at Skateworld of Kettering, 1601 East David Road, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Students who met a 94 percent or higher attendance rate during the first semester were eligible to attend. “We’re already planning another skating party in April, so we hope even more students will qualify,” Principal Laura Busse said. For more information, contact Busse at 542-4340.

•     Stivers dance troupe selected for prestigious festival

PHOTO CAPTION: Dancing talent earns Stivers troupe trip to national festival in Denver. (front row on floor from left) Kennedy Chase, Anabelle Smith, Jasmin Hines, Victoria Whisman; (back row standing from left) Mercy Spencer, Brittany Coleman, Tony White, Allyia Nelloms, Alicia Cleveland (Photo/DeShona Pepper Robertson, Stivers School for the Arts)

The dance troupe at Stivers School for the Arts was selected to perform at the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference and Festival in Denver, Colorado, Jan. 20-24, 2016. They were selected based on their submission of a work performed last spring that celebrated Dance Director DeShona Pepper Robertson’s 10^th anniversary with Stivers. They will perform during the youth performance at the historical Paramount Theatre Thursday evening, Jan. 21. “It took a lot of hard work to get here. It’s a privilege for these kids to attend,” Robertson said. She says a trip to the festival means exposure to professional dancers and teachers that will supplement the students’ studies. For more information, contact Pepper Robertson at 542-7414. (photo attached)

• Belmont’s Navy JROTC shines during inspection

Belmont High School’s Navy JROTC received high marks during a recent performance evaluation. The unit received an “above average” overall grade and an “outstanding” grade for the school district’s support of the program. Retired Cmdr. J. W. Hankins, Navy JROTC unit manager, inspected the program in December 2015, reviewing cadet performance and accountability. At that time, cadets marched and were required to dress in full uniform. Program administration, academic performance and mentoring efforts were also evaluated. For more information about Belmont’s Navy JROTC, contact Principal Melanie Walter at 542-6460.

• Ponitz CTC students must be “In it to Win It”

Ponitz Career Technology Center is revving up its annual “In it to Win It” contest. One student who maintains perfect attendance gets good grades and stays out of trouble this school year will win a car. Voss Auto Network donated a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt for the contest. Students in the automotive department are now reconditioning it to look like new, racing stripes and all. DPS knows that Attendance Matters. Research shows that students, who regularly attend school, get better grades and higher test scores. Keep a close eye on our district Facebook page during the upcoming months for updates on the contest’s progress. To learn more, call Ponitz Principal Ray Caruthers at 542-7180.

• Boys Prep Academy draws up several calendar winners

The Dayton Boys Preparatory Academy is celebrating students whose artwork was chosen for three different 2016 community calendars. First-grader Shane Hopkins was one of twelve students countywide to win a spot in the Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schulz: 2016 Tiger Safety Calendar Art Contest. His creative artwork won him $250 and prizes. The law firm also rewarded the school a $1,000 honorarium. You will see sixth-grader Fahiym O’Berry’s illustration in the 2016 Family Services’ My Modern Family: New Vines and Strong Roots calendar. He was awarded a gift card and plaque. Skylar Vigay and John Bernard both won a spot in the 2016 Montgomery County Environmental Services’ calendar. Teacher Anthony Walton helped lead all the students to their accomplishments. Contact Mr. Walton at the Dayton Boys Preparatory Academy at 542-5340.

• Educator selected to nationally recognized leadership academy

Mortenous A. Johnson, associate director, career and technology education, was selected as a member of the nationally recognized National Career Pathways Network Leadership Development Academy. The year-long academy gives Johnson the opportunity to collaborate with national educators and leaders from around the country. In addition, the program will support his contribution to the broader goals of Dayton Public Schools, the community and local stakeholders. He currently sits on the 2016 conference organizing committee to be held this October in Indianapolis. To learn more about the impact of this program on the district, contact Johnson at 542-3543.

• Administrator wins SCLC’s Coretta Scott King Award

Toni Perry-Gillispie, director of Family and Community Engagement and Student Enrollment for Dayton Public Schools, was among the top honorees at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Banquet. She was bestowed the Coretta Scott King Award. The award is given to a person committed to social change and making a difference in the world. Interestingly enough, Gillispie has portrayed Coretta Scott King at various events around Dayton. Her responsibilities at DPS include engaging community partnerships, engaging parents and advancing enrollment. For more information, contact Perry-Gillispie in the office of Family and Community Engagement at 542-3013.

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