Bay Village schools earn PBIS awards: Short Takes on the Westshore – cleveland.com

Bay Village, Ohio

Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important in school, but so is being a good human.

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is an acronym many school districts value and is a proactive approach schools use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior.

For the first time, each of the five buildings in the Bay Village City Schools have participated in and received PBIS awards from State Support Region 3 for the 2023-24 school year. Glenview Center for Child Care and Learning, Bay Middle School, and Bay High School received Bronze in the first year; Westerly Elementary School received Silver in its second year, Normandy Elementary School earned Gold after its third year.

PBIS is an evidence-based framework designed to enhance school climate and promote positive behavior among students. By prioritizing supportive strategies, Bay schools have created environments where academic excellence flourishes alongside social and emotional development, according to information submitted by the school district.

“I am beyond proud of our students and staff for achieving this incredible district recognition,” said Scot Prebles, Bay Village City Schools superintendent. “This accomplishment reflects our collective efforts in modeling good behavior and fostering a culture of respect and responsibility. Our commitment to PBIS has not only enhanced the culture of learning in our district, but has also significantly contributed to the overall success of our students.”

BAY VILLAGE

School board schedule: A Bay Village Board of Education Meeting Schedule for the 2025 calendar year will be voted on at the Jan. 6 Organizational Board Meeting at the Bay Village Board of Education Office, 377 Dover Center Road. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and the regular Board Meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m.

Board Officers (president and vice president) will also be voted on during the Organizational Board Meeting.

Blood drive: A Blood Drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Bay Village Branch Library, 27400 Wolf Road.

For more information or to make an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call the American Red Cross at 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

ROCKY RIVER

State of the Schools: The Rocky River City School District State of the Schools will be presented at the Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Board of Education Building,1101 Morewood Parkway.

The State of the Schools will include updates from each department and school building in the district. The presentation will be shared digitally on the district’s social media platforms, as well as the district’s website.

Chili cook-off: Support the Chili Cook-Off winter fundraiser for the Rocky River Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Senior Center, 21014 Hilliard Blvd. Enter your best pot of chili. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges. Purchase a $15 ticket to sample the chili recipes. For more information, call 440-333-6660.

Shout-out: Congratulations to Sergeant Stephanie Troha for successfully completing the Ohio Law Enforcement Foundation Supervisors Training and Education Program (STEP). The transition from patrol officer to supervisor can often be difficult, and this intensive three- week program is designed to help officers change and adapt to meet the challenges of the new position, according to information posted by the police department.

STEP is the first of a three-part police leadership series offered by the Ohio Law Enforcement Foundation (LEF), followed by the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) and the Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) program.

WESTLAKE

Library anniversary: The Westlake Porter Public Library celebrated its 140th anniversary last week (Dec. 15).

The library was founded in 1884 when Leonard Porter bequeathed $1,000 and his personal book collection to form a library in Dover Township (now Westlake), according to the press release. Over the decades, the library has grown alongside the community, relocating in the 1950s and 1970s before moving to its current location in 1986.

In 1999-2002, the library expanded its building to about 70,000 square feet to accommodate continued growth. In 2023, the addition of a Makerspace and the Friends Programming Pavilion further enhanced the library’s services and offerings.

For more information regarding the library, go to westlakelibrary.org.

Sweet move: ZuZu Chocolates recently moved to a new location (across the plaza from its former location), 26910 Center Ridge Road.

Santa Claus will be at the shop from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Bring your camera for a free photo opportunity and capture the magic of the season. The first 50 kids to visit will receive free chocolate!

Shout-out: Congratulations to the Westlake High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble on being invited to perform at the Ohio Band Directors Conference at the University of Akron Dec. 7.

Each year, only three school ensembles are selected to perform and collaborate with the Guest Composer in residence at the event. This year, the honor went to Julie Giroux, who visited the high school prior to the performance, to work with the students and conduct her piece, “Carnaval!”, during the performance.

Merry Christmas: I wish you and yours the very best this holiday season. However you choose to celebrate, may it be joyous and peaceful.

If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com. Read Short Takes online at https://www.cleveland.com/topic/westlake. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jshortavon.