Life Skills Center of Cleveland has released its 2007-2008 calendar.
Download calendar here
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Car wash promotes school
Life Skills Center of North Akron students held a car wash earlier this week at a Cuyahoga Falls McDonalds."We were able to educate and inform the public about the Life Skills Center program by washing approximately 20 cars," said administrator Beth Ferguson.
The following students participated:Jameesha Blakely
Kirsten Bowser
Courtney Claassen
Rodney Davis
Danica Hampton
Jessica Lee
Britina Maughan
Alan Miskar
Summer O'Brien
Charles Riley II
Anthony Robinson
Jennifer Searcy
Michael Wallace
Friday, July 27, 2007
Ready to serve
Life Skills Center of Akron Vocational Specialist Hilda Poore, left, stands with Keyona Evan during a breakfast held July 27 at the school.The menu included eggs, pancakes and sausage. Evan was in charge of the egg station during the event.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Meet the president of Life Skills Centers
Charles Parsons has over thirty-five years of experience in education serving in numerous leadership and administrative positions at the local and state levels.He joined Life Skills Centers as President in the fall of 2006.
Life Skills Centers are alternative education charter schools which accommodate students ages 16-22 who are seeking alternatives to the routines of traditional public schools.
Immediately prior to becoming president of Life Skills Centers, Parsons was assistant to the Dean of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at the University of Akron where he was responsible for developing online educational materials for our nation’s K-12 schools as well as electronic resources for Ohio’s polymer workforce for the Akron Global Polymer Academy.
From 1986-2001, Parsons was Superintendent of Schools for Wadsworth City Schools. During his tenure, Wadsworth City Schools was named by Money Magazine as one of the top 100 school districts in the United States.
He received the 2001 Exemplary Leadership Award for Medina County Superintendents, the 1999 Distinguished Education Alumni Award of the University of Akron, the Exemplary Leadership Award of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, and the Administrative Leadership Award of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.
Parsons is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital. He is a former director of the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce, the Alumni Board for the University of Akron, the Salvation Army, and Buckeye Association of School Administrators.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Kent State University and a Master of Arts in School Administration from Akron University.
New table for Trumbull school
Students with the Youth Build program of Trumbull County recently completed a picnic table for Life Skills Center of Trumbull County.
The project took one week to complete.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Helping out
Life Skills Center of Trumbull County science teacher Albert Beltz works with student Michael Stallman, 18, of Bristol, recently at the school. Beltz is a Vienna Township resident.
Sky Show tickets given away
Life Skills Center of Cleveland hosted a Van Hit for the Southwest Airlines Sky Show, which will be held July 27 at Cleveland's Music Hall.
Life Skills Centers of Lake Erie and Northeast also were in attendance.
Answering a question
Life Skills Center of Youngstown Master Teacher Paul Furman works with Tracy Mead, of Niles, and DeAndre Jennings of Youngstown, recently at the school. Furman is a Boardman resident.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Answering a question
English teacher Mary Chamberlain of Willoughby works with Durand Ferebee, 18, of Cleveland, recently at Life Skills Center Northeast.
School to hold free promotional car wash
WHAT: Staff and students from Life Skills Center of North Akron will hold a free car wash to promote the school
WHERE: McDonalds, 482 Howe Ave., Cuyahoga Falls
WHEN: 3-5 p.m., Monday, July 30 (The event was rained out Friday, July 27)
WHERE: McDonalds, 482 Howe Ave., Cuyahoga Falls
WHEN: 3-5 p.m., Monday, July 30 (The event was rained out Friday, July 27)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Life Skills alumni graduate from Kaplan
Two graduates from Lake Skills Center of Lake Erie recently graduated from Kaplan Career Institute.
Shelesmarie Rodriguez and Samnang Chamroeun each graduated with honors. Both are Cleveland residents.
Shelesmarie and Samnang both graduated in 2006.
Shelesmarie Rodriguez and Samnang Chamroeun each graduated with honors. Both are Cleveland residents.
Shelesmarie and Samnang both graduated in 2006.
Teacher took part in Amsterdam trip
Life Skills Center of Lake Erie ESL Teacher Mia Nottoli recently returned from a 10-day cultural/educational exchange trip in Amsterdam.
She was chosen by the Case Western Reserve University Language Department to participate in the all-expense paid program.
She has been sending daily e-mails which update the staff and students about the daily activities.
“This is a well-deserved honor (given) by the university for this very talented, creative and knowledgeable teacher,” school administrator Joe Czerwien said, adding she adeptly instructs the school’s large Hispanic/Latino population and also the growing Eastern European, Russian, West African and Arabic populations as well.
Nottoli is also proficient in both Hungarian and German.
“Having taught in the Middle East, Nottoli is truly a global teacher and with such an eclectic background and wealth of experience, is very much an asset to our school and its diversity of cultures,” Czerwien said.
She was chosen by the Case Western Reserve University Language Department to participate in the all-expense paid program.
She has been sending daily e-mails which update the staff and students about the daily activities.
“This is a well-deserved honor (given) by the university for this very talented, creative and knowledgeable teacher,” school administrator Joe Czerwien said, adding she adeptly instructs the school’s large Hispanic/Latino population and also the growing Eastern European, Russian, West African and Arabic populations as well.
Nottoli is also proficient in both Hungarian and German.
“Having taught in the Middle East, Nottoli is truly a global teacher and with such an eclectic background and wealth of experience, is very much an asset to our school and its diversity of cultures,” Czerwien said.
Grad who served in Iraq visits school
Cleveland native Jaime Flores, a 2006 graduate of Life Skills Center of Lake Erie, recently visited the school during a break from the U.S. Army.Flores had served a tour of duty in Iraq
Biography of Life Skills Spring 2007 grad Rafael Saavedra III
Rafael Saavedra is wise beyond his twenty years. Rafael is soft spoken but leaves you with a powerful message. Rafael enrolled in Life Skills Centers – Lake Erie in October of 2005 along with his brother.
Rafael started his high school career at Cleveland Central Catholic high school. Rafael’s family faced financial struggles with the tuition and he was enrolled in Horizon Science Academy just in time for his sophomore year. At the end of the year Rafael was again ready to transfer. I asked why? His response was “I wasn’t comfortable with all the teachers.” “Some teachers were cool but the others talked with accents and I couldn’t understand them.” “ It wasn’t good for my academics, I couldn’t learn.”
The Saavedra family wanted Rafael to finish high school but needed a public school option. Rafael decided to attend his local high school, John Marshall. The family was apprehensive about Rafael and his younger brother Erik attending. Rafael told me that several of his cousins had attended Marshall and the Saavedra name had a certain reputation. Rafael also had the support of his uncle, which just happened to be the school’s truancy officer. Despite all efforts, Rafael and Erik both withdrew from Marshall High School.
Life Skills Center of Lake Erie was his Plan B. I asked Rafael what were his expectations of Life Skills? He said, “ To graduate, and get ready for the real world. We need to be prepared.” While attending the school Rafael commented on the differences between traditional public school and Life Skills. He likes knowing his teachers and smaller classes. Does it bother you that you are twenty in high school? “No, I know what I’ve been through in the past. I have a younger brother and I need to model what should be done in order to succeed. There are a lot of negative things on the streets, which can overwhelm you and your loved ones easily. My goal is to not let those things harm us. We both want to succeed.
Rafael is scheduled to graduate in our winter 2007-2008 commencement ceremony. Determined to succeed, Rafael has applied for and won a $9,600 scholarship to the Ohio Business College in Lorain, Ohio. He plans to complete the Medical Office Specialist program.
Rafael’s progress in Life Skills wasn’t always smooth. He has had attendance issues here as well. Rafael was working a job when he enrolled. Rafael became an active participant in his education when he noticed he was falling behind academically. Being responsible, Rafael gave his job two weeks notice and focused more on his schoolwork. Rafael has also participated in a variety of activities: Life Skills Intramural Basketball team, volunteered as a cook for the summer cookouts and has become an activist for immigrant’s rights by attending the International Worker’s Day rally.
We wish him luck in the future and she has promised to stay in touch.
Rafael started his high school career at Cleveland Central Catholic high school. Rafael’s family faced financial struggles with the tuition and he was enrolled in Horizon Science Academy just in time for his sophomore year. At the end of the year Rafael was again ready to transfer. I asked why? His response was “I wasn’t comfortable with all the teachers.” “Some teachers were cool but the others talked with accents and I couldn’t understand them.” “ It wasn’t good for my academics, I couldn’t learn.”
The Saavedra family wanted Rafael to finish high school but needed a public school option. Rafael decided to attend his local high school, John Marshall. The family was apprehensive about Rafael and his younger brother Erik attending. Rafael told me that several of his cousins had attended Marshall and the Saavedra name had a certain reputation. Rafael also had the support of his uncle, which just happened to be the school’s truancy officer. Despite all efforts, Rafael and Erik both withdrew from Marshall High School.
Life Skills Center of Lake Erie was his Plan B. I asked Rafael what were his expectations of Life Skills? He said, “ To graduate, and get ready for the real world. We need to be prepared.” While attending the school Rafael commented on the differences between traditional public school and Life Skills. He likes knowing his teachers and smaller classes. Does it bother you that you are twenty in high school? “No, I know what I’ve been through in the past. I have a younger brother and I need to model what should be done in order to succeed. There are a lot of negative things on the streets, which can overwhelm you and your loved ones easily. My goal is to not let those things harm us. We both want to succeed.
Rafael is scheduled to graduate in our winter 2007-2008 commencement ceremony. Determined to succeed, Rafael has applied for and won a $9,600 scholarship to the Ohio Business College in Lorain, Ohio. He plans to complete the Medical Office Specialist program.
Rafael’s progress in Life Skills wasn’t always smooth. He has had attendance issues here as well. Rafael was working a job when he enrolled. Rafael became an active participant in his education when he noticed he was falling behind academically. Being responsible, Rafael gave his job two weeks notice and focused more on his schoolwork. Rafael has also participated in a variety of activities: Life Skills Intramural Basketball team, volunteered as a cook for the summer cookouts and has become an activist for immigrant’s rights by attending the International Worker’s Day rally.
We wish him luck in the future and she has promised to stay in touch.
Life Skills Centers are on iTunes
A new podcast has been created on iTunes called "Life Skills Center."
The podcast will feature radio interviews and news about Life Skills Centers.
You can access the podcast two ways.
Link to iTunes podcast (iTunes must be installed on your computer)
Podcastpeople.com site
The podcast will feature radio interviews and news about Life Skills Centers.
You can access the podcast two ways.
Link to iTunes podcast (iTunes must be installed on your computer)
Podcastpeople.com site
Friday, July 13, 2007
Trumbull students contribute to book
Life Skills Center of Trumbull County students recently contributed to the "Celebration of Young Poets" book Fall 2006 edition.
Here are samples of their work.
Here are samples of their work.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Student wins contest
Meghan Meek, 18, of Akron, recently won a 20-inch color television as part of an attendance/requirement contest at Life Skills Center of Akron.According to teacher Mick Rogers, Meek’s name was selected in a drawing out of 22 students to exceed 80 percent attendance and earn at least ½ a credit in May.
Examining a problem
English teacher Jill Coppola, left, of Manchester, works with student Chanel Lewis, 20, of Akron, during a lab session at Life Skills Center of Akron.
Busy at work
Math teacher Rachel Palomo of Cuyahoga Falls works with student Steven Bailey, 20, of Springfield Township during a lab at Life Skills Center of North Akron.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Students help with Braille book
Life Skills Center of Canton students wrote poetry which was included in a Braille book which was donated to the main branch of the Stark County Public Library.Submissions consist of poetry, short stories and a haiku.
The Massillon Lions club funded the book project and the Canton Philomatheon Society printed the poems into Braille.
The project was handled by English teacher Polly Ainsworth, a Tuscarawas Township resident.
Story from The Repository
Monday, July 9, 2007
June 2007 grad shares her story
My Life At Life Skills
By Amy Alpaugh
I was sixteen when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Deziray.
I was a freshman at Vermilion High School.
I was told about Life Skills, but never really considered it because it didn’t seem like reality that I was having a baby until she was born.
On Dec. 1, 2004, I started Life Skills. I was kind of scared, and kind of nervous, but I just kept to myself and did my work.
School became more helpful after I got to know my teachers, Mrs. Butcher and Miss Rouse. They are the ones that made this happen. I had found out that I was pregnant with my son, Antonio, in January 2006.
I withdrew myself June 2006 to move to West Virginia with my mom.
Then I came back in July, but had to be on bedrest until I had my son on August 28.
I was supposed to graduate last December.
I came back Dec. 14 and I was a senior, but I didn’t have enough credits to graduate.
I have had my problems in the past, with not being able to come to school because of my kids or other reasons, but they have always understood my situation.
I am 19 with two kids- there is only so much I can do, but whatever it was, school always came first. I am so glad I made my choice of coming here.
If I were in regular school, I don’t think I would be able to make it.
This is the year I am supposed to graduate.
One of my goals was to graduate the year I’m supposed to or before, and I made it.
So for anyone who says they can’t do it, but you can tell them. I did.
By Amy Alpaugh
I was sixteen when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Deziray.
I was a freshman at Vermilion High School.
I was told about Life Skills, but never really considered it because it didn’t seem like reality that I was having a baby until she was born.
On Dec. 1, 2004, I started Life Skills. I was kind of scared, and kind of nervous, but I just kept to myself and did my work.
School became more helpful after I got to know my teachers, Mrs. Butcher and Miss Rouse. They are the ones that made this happen. I had found out that I was pregnant with my son, Antonio, in January 2006.
I withdrew myself June 2006 to move to West Virginia with my mom.
Then I came back in July, but had to be on bedrest until I had my son on August 28.
I was supposed to graduate last December.
I came back Dec. 14 and I was a senior, but I didn’t have enough credits to graduate.
I have had my problems in the past, with not being able to come to school because of my kids or other reasons, but they have always understood my situation.
I am 19 with two kids- there is only so much I can do, but whatever it was, school always came first. I am so glad I made my choice of coming here.
If I were in regular school, I don’t think I would be able to make it.
This is the year I am supposed to graduate.
One of my goals was to graduate the year I’m supposed to or before, and I made it.
So for anyone who says they can’t do it, but you can tell them. I did.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
White Hat donates $5,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit County
Nancy Brennan and John Morris, on behalf of White Hat Management, were formally thanked for the company's noteworthy donation to the Extravaganza 2007 auction for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit County.
The center's after-school programs reach over 870 at-risk youth each year with critical programs that stress leadership development, technology, the arts and education. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit County thanks everyone at White Hat Management for their support!
The center's after-school programs reach over 870 at-risk youth each year with critical programs that stress leadership development, technology, the arts and education. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit County thanks everyone at White Hat Management for their support!
Parents pleased with school
John and Lilly Cavanaugh of Columbus recently sent a letter to Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted about their son, Wesley, who just graduated from Life Skills Center of Columbus North.
Last year, he attended Life Skills Center of Dayton before his parents moved to Columbus.
"Wes struggles with a serious medical condition which had previously caused him to drop out of school," John said in his letter. "With the help of social workers at Kettering Medical Center, we learned about the 'Fast Forward Program' and enrolled him at Life Skills.
"As a result of this individualized attention and caring staff at Life Skills, Wesley passed his Ohio Graduation Tests and is on track to graduate this June. This has been a life-changing experience for him and we ask you to ensure that these centers remain open across the state of Ohio."
Last year, he attended Life Skills Center of Dayton before his parents moved to Columbus.
"Wes struggles with a serious medical condition which had previously caused him to drop out of school," John said in his letter. "With the help of social workers at Kettering Medical Center, we learned about the 'Fast Forward Program' and enrolled him at Life Skills.
"As a result of this individualized attention and caring staff at Life Skills, Wesley passed his Ohio Graduation Tests and is on track to graduate this June. This has been a life-changing experience for him and we ask you to ensure that these centers remain open across the state of Ohio."
School holds first Baccalaureate
Life Skills Center of Lee County held its first Baccalaureate for graduating seniors on June 17 at Broadway Community Church.
Six seniors and their families and friends were in attendance and the majority of LSC staff was present as well.
All seniors in attendance received a copy of The Message Bible presented by Pastor Chuck Smith of Broadway Community Church.
His message to the seniors was very encouraging and well received.
Following church services, lunch was provided for seniors, their families, friends and church members.
It was great to see the pride in the eyes of our graduating seniors, friends and family members.
Six seniors and their families and friends were in attendance and the majority of LSC staff was present as well.
All seniors in attendance received a copy of The Message Bible presented by Pastor Chuck Smith of Broadway Community Church.
His message to the seniors was very encouraging and well received.
Following church services, lunch was provided for seniors, their families, friends and church members.
It was great to see the pride in the eyes of our graduating seniors, friends and family members.
Article profiles school
This article ran in the Plantation/Sunrise Forum newspaper on June 20, 2007
By Dave Rossman
Forum Staff Writer
Broward County high school students at risk of dropping out are getting a second chance to earn a high school diploma through the Life Skills Center in Oakland Park.
Life Skills is a charter school funded by the Broward County School Board and caters to students who face special circumstances.
Students have the option of attending morning, afternoon or evening sessions that are designed to accommodate employment and family responsibilities.
Principal Laurel E. Moorehead-Suarez said students come to Life Skills for many reasons.
"We have students who stopped attending classes and have fallen behind, children with attendance issues and teen parents." Moorehead-Suarez said.
She said often when people hear the words "alternative school," they wrongly envision a negative environment.
"Our students realize they have made mistakes, and they come to us dedicated and completely focused." Moorehead-Suarez said.
The curriculum is in full compliance with state standards, but there are additional requirements. Students must maintain employment for 90 days, and Employability Specialist Leutelia Sampson-Whitfield said the center also provides workplace instruction.
"We assist with job placement, but also help students with things like resume writing, cover letters and interview techniques," Sampson-Whitfield said.
Plantation resident Vanessa Lamarche, 16, said she came to Life Skills because she did not like the environment at her previous school.
"I was older than the other students there and really just didn't feel comfortable." Lamarche said.
She said that Life Skills has given her a second chance at a bright future and that she appreciates the individual attention.
"At other schools, you're just one student out of thousands, but here the teachers really spend time with you." Lamarche said.
Robert Albolino, 17, lives in Sunrise and said the school has helped him stay on the right track.
"They stopped me from slipping, helped me get on with my life, and they really treat us right." Albolino said.
Michelle Shew-A-Tjon, 17, of Plantation, came to Life Skills for different reasons.
"I model full time and travel. So, the school's flexibility allows me to stay current with my studies." Shew-A-Tjon said.
Chantae Jackson is the school's family advocate and said her role is vastly different from that of a typical guidance counselor.
"I come from a traditional guidance counselor background dealing with academic matters, but my responsibilities here are more rewarding." Jackson said.
She said she deals with students' personal issues or matters impacting classroom productivity.
"I help the students develop their own problem-solving skills and put them in touch with whatever assistance they may need."
By Dave Rossman
Forum Staff Writer
Broward County high school students at risk of dropping out are getting a second chance to earn a high school diploma through the Life Skills Center in Oakland Park.
Life Skills is a charter school funded by the Broward County School Board and caters to students who face special circumstances.
Students have the option of attending morning, afternoon or evening sessions that are designed to accommodate employment and family responsibilities.
Principal Laurel E. Moorehead-Suarez said students come to Life Skills for many reasons.
"We have students who stopped attending classes and have fallen behind, children with attendance issues and teen parents." Moorehead-Suarez said.
She said often when people hear the words "alternative school," they wrongly envision a negative environment.
"Our students realize they have made mistakes, and they come to us dedicated and completely focused." Moorehead-Suarez said.
The curriculum is in full compliance with state standards, but there are additional requirements. Students must maintain employment for 90 days, and Employability Specialist Leutelia Sampson-Whitfield said the center also provides workplace instruction.
"We assist with job placement, but also help students with things like resume writing, cover letters and interview techniques," Sampson-Whitfield said.
Plantation resident Vanessa Lamarche, 16, said she came to Life Skills because she did not like the environment at her previous school.
"I was older than the other students there and really just didn't feel comfortable." Lamarche said.
She said that Life Skills has given her a second chance at a bright future and that she appreciates the individual attention.
"At other schools, you're just one student out of thousands, but here the teachers really spend time with you." Lamarche said.
Robert Albolino, 17, lives in Sunrise and said the school has helped him stay on the right track.
"They stopped me from slipping, helped me get on with my life, and they really treat us right." Albolino said.
Michelle Shew-A-Tjon, 17, of Plantation, came to Life Skills for different reasons.
"I model full time and travel. So, the school's flexibility allows me to stay current with my studies." Shew-A-Tjon said.
Chantae Jackson is the school's family advocate and said her role is vastly different from that of a typical guidance counselor.
"I come from a traditional guidance counselor background dealing with academic matters, but my responsibilities here are more rewarding." Jackson said.
She said she deals with students' personal issues or matters impacting classroom productivity.
"I help the students develop their own problem-solving skills and put them in touch with whatever assistance they may need."
Monday, July 2, 2007
School collecting plastic bags for American Red Cross
Life Skills Center of Middletown will be collecting plastic bags starting July 9 for the American Red Cross local food pantry.
Administrator Charles Hall said the drive is expected to last a month.
Life Skills Center of Middletown is open 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
Call 513-423-1800.
Administrator Charles Hall said the drive is expected to last a month.
Life Skills Center of Middletown is open 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
Call 513-423-1800.
Schools take part in college tour
Students from Life Skills Centers of Elyria, Cleveland and Lake Erie took part June 28 on a college tour of Youngstown State University, Kent State University and the University of Akron.
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