Tuesday, April 16, 2024

April 2024

Eighth grade FFA member Logan Inbody showcases his auctioneer skills during the annual FFA banquet.

April 2, 2024 marked 75 years since the consolidation of the Mount Cory and Rawson Local Schools to create what is known today as “Cory-Rawson Local Schools”. We look forward to celebrating the past and future throughout the 2024-2025 school year!


In late March, our teachers spent part of their day experiencing mini-externships with employers across the area. The goal was for us to better understand how the attributes of our Portrait of a Hornet come to life for our graduates in the workplace. Thanks to Alvada Construction, Mennonite Memorial Home, DNC Hydraulics, Grob Systems, Findlay Warehousing, Legacy Farmers Cooperative, Beltz Home Service, and Valgroup for their hospitality!


Below, I am proud to share just a few celebrations of our students and staff from the last month:

  • The HS play, "Alice @ Wonderland" and ES musical "The Granny Awards" were both terrific!  
  • Robotics students earned their Fanuc industry credentials through Rhodes State.
  • The district was awarded a $10,850 Stitt Early Literacy Mentoring grant from the Community Foundation to support our Reading is RAD intervention program.
  • Dale Hoffman and Hannah Reese were recognized for their leadership at the Ohio Middle Level Association's Breakfast of Champions.
  • 24 CRHS student-artists had work included in the Marathon Center for Performing Arts' advanced art show.  Three earned awards including Joey Nelson (3rd place - 3D), Carson Reese (honorable mention - 3D), and Loren Brooks (Legg-Rieck's award).
In our hearts, the Green and Gold,
Jay Clark
Superintendent

Friday, March 15, 2024

March 2024

Cory-Rawson builds great readers!  We had record-breaking attendance at Family Literacy Night!  Thanks to our families for spending the evening with us and to our staff and HS student volunteers!


Noteworthy dates:

  • 3/22/24:  HS Play (7:00pm)
  • 3/23/24:  HS Play (2:30pm) 
  • 3/26/24:  End of Third Quarter
  • 3/27-3/29/24:  No school - PD Day/Easter break
  • 4/5/24:  FFA Banquet (6pm)
  • 4/8/24:  No school - Eclipse
  • 4/10-14:  8th Grade Washington, DC Trip
  • 4/12/24:  HS Cabaret (7pm)
  • 4/20/24:  HS Prom

CRHS presents Alice@Wonderland

Junior High and High School students have been working hard on this year's play, Alice@Wonderland. It's a fun and whimsical adventure featuring all the classic and beloved characters with a few funny, modern updates that viewers of ALL ages will enjoy! The cast will present a short preview to elementary students the week of the play, and performances will be on Friday, March 22nd at 7PM, and Saturday, March 23rd at 2:30PM. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults, and can be purchased in the high school office the week before the play, and at the door. Many thanks to Joey Nelson, Elizabeth Snavley, and Art Club for creating fantastic promotional materials for the show!

hilty@cory-rawson.org

Safety Center releases Social Media alert

The Ohio School Safety Center shared a report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the escalation of "financial sextortion" of teenagers - someone tricking a minor into sending them sexually explicit photos or videos which are then used to blackmail the minor into sending them money or gift cards to prevent the release of the images or videos to family and friends.  A few recommendations from the FBI:
  • Don't assume your child is safe online - children affected by sextortion are as young as 8 years old
  • Know that all forms of social media, gaming and digital platforms can pose a risk to children
  • Review internet and social media use and settings by checking your child's apps, keeping their profiles private, and consider banning the use of connected devices in bedrooms.
For the complete bulletin, click here.


CREA Scholarship applications being accepted

The Cory-Rawson Education Association is now accepting scholarship applications.

A one-time grant of $500 will be issued to a Cory-Rawson graduate who has successfully completed a minimum of one semester of college credit and is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university as an education major.

Applicants must provide the information below along with a brief essay explaining his or her particular interest in education and plans for a career in teaching.
  • Name
  • Address
  • College/ University
  • Semesters completed
  • Approximate GPA

All applications must be received by Mrs. Wendi Davis (davis@cory-rawson.org) no later than April 23, 2024.






Tuesday, February 13, 2024

February 2024



2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductees and committee members.

We welcomed our 2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductees
 back to Cory-Rawson on Friday, February 9.  Melana Maxie ('83), Jason Searfoss ('90), and Tara Smith ('94) were celebrated during the school day and at that evening's basketball game for their amazing accomplishments.

Thanks to our committee for their work in shaping this wonderful recognition and to our sponsors:  Anderson Tractor Service, Citizens National Bank, DNC Hydraulics, Lori Collins, and Masterpiece Signs.  We're hoping to expand the display in the CRHS commons (old HS cafeteria) with a heritage wall featuring memorabilia.  If you're interested in helping make this a reality, please contact me or our district office.

In our hearts, the green and gold,

Jay Clark, Superintendent


Noteworthy Dates

  • Sunday 2/18/24 - All County Festival Concert - McComb High School (3:00pm)
  • Monday 2/19/24 - Presidents Day (No School)
  • Wednesday 2/28/24 - Elementary School Spring Picture Day
  • Wednesday 3/6/24 - Elementary School Literacy Night (4:30-6:00pm)
  • Thursday 3/7/24 - 5-12 Band Concert (7:30pm)
  • Tuesday 3/12/24 - 7-12 Choir Concert (7:30pm)
  • Friday 3/15/24 - Elementary School Musical (6:30pm)

2024-2025 Preschool and Begindergarten/ Kindergarten Information

Cory-Rawson is excited to welcome our youngest Hornets for 2024-2025!

Open Enrollment for 2024-2025

The Cory-Rawson Local School District is accepting applications from those interested in attending through open enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year.
Students living in any Ohio school district may apply and enroll at Cory-Rawson tuition-free.
Applications are approved annually on a first come, first served basis and approval is subject to grade level enrollment and educational programs. Applications are available in our school offices and online at https://www.cory-rawson.org/page/new-student-enrollment

Our staff looks forward to meeting with any potential families to provide information about our district and programs. Call the district office at 419-963-3415, option 3 or email April Sybert at sybert@cory-rawson.org to schedule a meeting and tour.


From the Nurse:  Dental Services

*Consent form was sent home with CRES students.  Extras are available in the office or here.


Cory-Rawson Builds Great Readers!

Right to Read week activities March 4-8, 2024

Right to Read Week, in conjunction with our Scholastic Book fair, will be celebrated March 4 through 8 here at Cory-Rawson Elementary. The theme for the week is Cory-Rawson Builds Great Readers. STEAM activities will be incorporated during this week and prior to this week in order to build excitement for reading. The cafeteria is planning a special construction theme menu and cafeteria worker Barb Barnett is again crocheting themed items that will be given away as prizes during the week. Administrative staff and Board of Education members will be featured guest readers in classrooms throughout the week. Literacy Night will be held on Wednesday, March 6 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the elementary gym and cafeteria. This will include games and activities. Pizza, chips, drink, and dessert will be provided at no cost for those who RSVP to wilson@cory-rawson.org by March 1. The book fair will be open during the literacy night as well.


Tuesday, January 16, 2024

January 2024

 



Many Cory-Rawson fourth and fifth grade students spent their Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at STEM camp. Our school partnered with the Bowling Green State University College of Education and Human Development for a day full of engineering, mathematics, and science.


Noteworthy Dates

  • Thursday 1/18/24:  End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
  • Friday 1/19/24:  Inservice Day - No school
  • Friday 2/9/24:  Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame induction
  • Monday 2/19/24:  Presidents Day - No school


2024-2025 School Calendar

Families can find the 2024-2025 school calendar here.  The calendar was approved by the Board of Education at their January meeting.


County Transportation Survey

HHWP Community Action Commission was awarded a $70,000 grant through ODOT for a Transit Development Study focused on Hancock County. The purpose of this study is to ensure that all of Hancock County is being served in the best way possible with public transportation.

The Community Action Commission asks that Hancock County residents complete the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HancockTDP


From our Nurse




Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Inducts Three


Cory-Rawson Local Schools will induct the inaugural class of its Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame on Friday, February 9, 2024.  The purpose of the district’s Hall of Fame is to recognize graduates of Cory-Rawson, Mount Cory, or Rawson High Schools whose achievements have impacted the region, state, nation, and world.  The three 2024 inductees include Melana A. Maxie (class of 1983), Jason E. Searfoss (class of 1990), and Tara C. Welch Smith (class of 1994).

The induction events include an assembly introducing the inductees to the high school students and staff and a presentation during halftime of the high school varsity basketball game that evening.  The generosity of various donors made the Hall of Fame possible.


Melana A. Maxie graduated from Purdue University in 1987 with a B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Her career in the aerospace defense industry focused on structural analysis, store certification, and weapons integration on the F-16 and F-35 aircrafts. When Melana retired in 2017 she was the F-35 Weapons Integration and Certification Manager, where she ensured all required data was gathered and submitted to the U.S. Government to support certification that all weapons could be safely loaded, carried, and employed on all three variants of the F-35. 

Melana also served her community by coaching volleyball at the YMCA, was a Girl Scout leader, and supported middle school theater productions in set and costume design. During her retirement Melana established a Quilt of Valor Group in Clarendon County. Melana is the Governor and Assistant General for the Society of Mayflower Descendants in South Carolina, and serves the General Society of Mayflower Descendants on several committees and was awarded the Governor General’s Commendation Award in 2023.


Jason Searfoss is a recognized leader in the financial services industry. He has held leadership positions at some of the world’s leading investment managers and banks, as well as at various startups and growth-stage companies. In these capacities, he has built and led finance and investment functions, managed portfolios of alternative assets, and been instrumental in tens of billions of dollars of capital transactions.

Mr. Searfoss co-founded a technology startup accelerator and venture capital firm with more than 200 portfolio companies. He is also an active personal investor in and advisor to dozens of startup- and growth-stage technology companies. 

Jason received a MBA with concentrations in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from Kenyon College, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. After completing his undergraduate studies at Kenyon, Jason was one of 40 people selected worldwide to receive a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, and spent 15 months in New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, India, and Nepal during the fellowship. 

In his spare time, Jason is a competitive ultramarathon runner, having completed single-stage races of up to 122 miles and self-supported adventure runs of up to 175 miles in distance. 


Dr. Tara Smith is a Professor of Epidemiology at the Kent State University College of Public Health  She previously held leadership roles at the University of Iowa College of Public Health Department of Epidemiology where she directed the College’s Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and attained the rank of associate professor with tenure. While at Iowa, she also obtained a Certificate in Agricultural Safety and Health. She completed post-doctoral training in molecular epidemiology at the University of Michigan prior to beginning her professorship at the University of Iowa. She obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Toledo, investigating the pathogenesis of the Group A Streptococcus, and her B.S. in Biology from Yale University. 

Tara was the first to identify livestock-associated strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the United States, and has pioneered the investigation of this organism in the United States. Dr. Smith has published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. She has received significant funding to carry out these studies. She has presented her research at numerous national and international platforms, including talks on Capitol Hill on the topic of agriculture and antibiotic resistance. Her work has been profiled in many major publications. She served as a subject matter expert during the pandemic for Kent State University and was interviewed hundreds of times by various international news organizations.

Dr. Smith is also very active in science communication and outreach. She maintained a science blog for 11 years, has written a number of books and writes for a number of online news sites. 

The Cory-Rawson district marks its 75th anniversary of the consolidation of Mount Cory and Rawson school districts, making 2024 a milestone year.


Monday, December 18, 2023

December 2023

Warm wishes this holiday season to all Cory-Rawson families!

Upcoming Dates

  • Tuesday 12/19/23:  BK-4 Holiday Concert (auditorium, 6:00pm)
  • Friday 12/22/23 - Tuesday 1/2/24:  Christmas break
  • Wednesday 1/3/24:  School resumes
  • Monday 1/15/24:  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No school
  • Thursday 1/18/24:  End of Second Quarter/End of First Semester
  • Friday 1/19/24:  PD Day - No school

2024-2025 School Calendar Feedback
Can graduation be moved from Memorial Day weekend?
We appreciate the feedback provided on the proposed 2024-2025 school calendar. Over the last two years, we've investigated alternatives to Memorial Day weekend for graduation.  Below are the options:
  • Start the school year earlier or end later.  The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce allows seniors to excused from no more than 3 days related to graduation, so unless we change when the last three days of the school year fall, we cannot hold graduation the week prior.
  • Hold graduation a week later.  If we hold graduation on the weekend after Memorial Day, the school year would have already concluded the Thursday prior.  That makes it difficult to have underclassmen students involved (junior class officers, choir, and band) and removes seniors from the school for over a week before they graduate.
  • Hold graduation on the Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend.  This option limits the disruption to the long weekend, but there could be potential conflicts with OHSAA regional track and field and we do not want to put graduating seniors in the position to choose one over the other.
  • Hold graduation on a weeknight.  This alternative limits family members able to travel in.

There were a few years over the last decade in which graduation was held the weekend prior to Memorial Day weekend. However, our calendar was not in compliance as graduating seniors missed more than 3 school days after graduating.  Some of those years, the school year also started prior to the fair.

We will continue to investigate alternatives for the future, but as the calendar falls for 2024-2025, it will not be possible to make a change to the graduation date.


Helpful Hive

The Helpful Hive has gently used clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, healthy snacks/food, and socio-emotional resources for any student or community member in need. If you feel there is something in there that would help you, please call Mrs. Jamie Campbell, social worker, at 419-963-2611 and she will find an opportunity for you to visit the Helpful Hive OR gather items you need and deliver them to your car in front of the school at a pre-arranged time.  We hope that this will be an amazing resource for our Cory-Rawson students, staff and community!

If you are interested in supporting the Helpful Hive, please become a “Beekeeper” by filling out this link. Beekeepers will be sent occasional updates as to what is currently needed in the Helpful Hive. There is zero pressure involved–you simply help when you are able. You can also view our Helpful Hive Amazon wish list at any time. If you would like to shop for things on your own instead of using Amazon, please go into the wish list and mark the items as purchased. You can also “like” the Helpful Hive Facebook page for updates.


Wednesday, November 15, 2023

November 2023

CRES student Isla Deeds begins the elementary portion of the Veterans Day breakfast and program.


As Thanksgiving approaches, I am grateful for our people at Cory-Rawson: Our staff, students, families, and community members who all contribute to what makes our school great.

Below, you can learn more about the Helpful Hive.  A Cory-Rawson alum recently made a donation to this student and community resource and included a note with her donation: “Hopefully the funds will help keep the Helpful Hive stocked! The teachers and staff at C-R did so much for me when I was a student from a low-income household. I am so thankful to be in a position where I can help give back! Hopefully these students feel supported and can continue to work towards their goals.”

Small schools are part of small communities where the people take care of each other.

Our students and staff did an amazing job recognizing veterans last week.  We welcomed over 60 guests for the biennial Cory-Rawson Local Schools Veterans Breakfast on November 6. Our elementary student-leaders assisted with greeting, serving, speaking and performing. FFA officers escorted our guests to the high school program where our HS students, band and choirs led through speaking and performing. Thanks to all of our guests for joining us as we honored the service and sacrifice of veterans.


Upcoming Dates to Note:

  • Wednesday 11/22 - Friday 11/24:  Thanksgiving break
  • Thursday 11/30:  Cory-Rawson Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame nominations due
  • Tuesday 12/5:  University of Findlay Parent/Guardian Focus Group (7:00-8:00pm, 254 Winebrenner)
  • Wednesday 12/6:  MS Band & Choir Holiday Concert (7:30pm, auditorium)
  • Tuesday 12/12:  HS Band & Choir Holiday Concert (7:30pm, auditorium)
  • Tuesday 12/19:  K-4 Concert (6:00pm, auditorium)


UF Focus Group

The University of Findlay College of Education seeks input from parents and guardians on how the university can better prepare teachers.  They will host the focus group on Tuesday, December 5.  Participants will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.  If you cannot attend that evening, UF also has a virtual option.  More details and the reservation form link can be found here.  


Helpful Hive

We would like to introduce you to a new resource that we have available for you–the Helpful Hive. The Helpful Hive has gently used clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, healthy snacks/food, and socio-emotional resources for any student or community member in need. If you feel there is something in there that would help you, please call Mrs. Jamie Campbell, social worker, at 419-963-2611 and she will find an opportunity for you to visit the Helpful Hive OR gather items you need and deliver them to your car in front of the school at a pre-arranged time.

We hope that this will be an amazing resource for our CR students, staff and community!

If you are interested in supporting the Helpful Hive, please become a “Beekeeper” by filling out this link. Beekeepers will be sent occasional updates as to what is currently needed in the Helpful Hive. There is zero pressure involved–you simply help when you are able. You can also view our Helpful Hive Amazon wish list at any time. If you would like to shop for things on your own instead of using Amazon, please go into the wish list and mark the items as purchased. You can also “like” the Helpful Hive Facebook page for updates.

Do you know someone in our community who would benefit from some help? Feel free to refer them to this information as well.

About bees:  They cooperate in everything they do. They also behave as if individuals matter, while at the same time keeping the common good of the hive as their priority. If one bee is suffering or falling behind, the others step up and do the work, making sure that collective productivity is never reduced.


Notes from the Nurse

'Tis the season for illness. Mainly seeing colds with sore throats, cough, headaches and nausea/vomiting here at school preschool through 12th grade.. If your child is sick, please keep them home.

  • This week, the 7th grade health class will hear a presentation on vaping from Deputy Ewing.
  • Germs/ Handwashing lessons are being done with K-3rd grade and hygiene lessons for 4-6th grades this week. Ask your child what they have learned.
  • We're continuing vision and hearing screenings. Grades screened are Pre-K, K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th. Students with IEPs and all new students are also screened. If your child does not pass a screening, you will receive a referral in the mail. If you have concerns and would like your child screened, please contact me.
When to Stay Home Reminder that C-R students are to be fever free for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medication before returning to school. Students are to be free of diarrhea and/or vomiting for 24 hours prior to returning also.

How to contact Nurse Jamison:


YMCA ELC at Cory-Rawson Opens November 27

Later this month, the YMCA Early Learning Center at Cory-Rawson will open!  This child care center will serve infants, toddlers, pre-school-aged children and provide before- and after-school care for school-aged children on our school campus. The YMCA is now accepting registrations - details can be found online or can be picked-up at the YMCA Child Development Center at 231 E. Lincoln Street in Findlay. A grant secured by the Cory-Rawson Education Association helped make this a reality for our community.


Save the Date: College Credit Plus (CCP) & Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Night

Cory-Rawson will be hosting the annual College Credit Plus Evening on January 17th in the Elementary Cafeteria at 5:30pm. This is for any interested or participating 7th through 12th graders for the 24-25 school year.
On the same night, we invite our seniors and their parents/guardians to attend our Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) night. FAFSA night will be located in the Study Hall/Board Room at 6pm.

Friday, October 13, 2023

October 2023

CRHS students and staff "psych out" at our Homecoming pep session



Did you know that only 1 in 4 high school students graduate with a guaranteed personal finance course? Financial education nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance has recognized Cory-Rawson High School as one of 180 Gold Standard Schools in Ohio because we require a standalone personal finance course. Cory-Rawson has offered Financial Literacy as an elective in the past and the class of 2026 will be the first required to take the class, which covers budgeting, credit management, and more.
In addition to personal finance, we’re proud to provide a number of “real world” experiences to our students. At the foundation, our elementary school is a Leader in Me school. Students lear
n how to take responsibility, be proactive, how to set goals and track progress, manage their time, resolve conflicts, listen to understand, and to focus on self-improvement. 

Interview skills, ordering at a restaurant, presenting, collaborating with a team, and talking on the telephone are all taught to junior high students as part of our Thrive initiative. The “Amazing Shake” and “Shark Tank” events pull these skills together.

Our graphic design class partners with The Bluffton News to help produce advertisements and layouts - providing an authentic audience for our students’ artwork. Those with an interest in the outdoors and conservation utilize our school’s land lab, resources from the community and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in our environmental science classes. We consume a vast amount of data through different media - our data science class is dissecting real data, asking questions and learning how to best interpret and understand it.

This is all intentional - driven by our "Portrait of a Hornet", which was created by school staff, community members, parents, students, employers, and higher education personnel to determine what skills and attributes our students need to be successful in a rapidly-changing world. Communication, relationship-building, critical thinking, and resilience were all identified as the keys to success, no matter what pathway our graduates take as they move forward in life. 

In our heart
s, the green and gold,

Jay Clark

Superintendent

April 2024

Eighth grade FFA member Logan Inbody showcases his auctioneer skills during the annual FFA banquet. April 2, 2024 marked 75 years since the ...