Game cancelled

Tuesday's Life Skills Center of Summit County's basketball game was cancelled due to the weather.

Blood drive works for Toledo school

Life Skills Center of Toledo staff and students gave 16 pints of blood during its recent blood drive.

"Our students really enjoyed the drive and several of them had given blood during past blood drives," Vocational Specialist Darcel Elliott said. "We have already scheduled our fall blood drive."

Blood drive planned

Life Skills Center of Akron will hold a blood drive 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 26 at the school, 80 W. Bowery St., Ste. 400, Akron.

The school's goal is to collect 25 pints. No appointment is necessary to donate blood.

For information, call 330-376-8700.

Helping out

Life Skills Center of Columbus North Administrator Joe Buckalew reported a successful Pennies for Patients campaign this year.

"We are extremely proud of our students who have donated approximately $700 to this organization which is devoted to helping children with leukemia," Buckalew said.

He promised his students that he would shave his head if they reach a goal of $1,000.

For information about the drive or to make a pledge, call 614-891-9041.

Showing support

Blog backs Life Skills Center of Denver.

Read story here

Three in a Row!!!

The Life Skills basketball team of Summit County won a low-scoring game, 41-33, against the All-Stars.

Damarious Wells led Life Skills (4-2) with 12 points and ten rebounds, while Cornel Jett added eight points.

"In the beginning, we were beating ourselves with mistakes,” Coach Robert Garnett said. Through adversity, we came together and got the victory. It wasn't pretty, but I'll take it."

The next game is next week against the Spurs.

Story about Trumbull County featured graduate

Tabitha Spithaler found the tools she needed at Life Skills Center of Trumbull County to build her career.

"I have the ability to work at my own pace here," she said. "I feel the teachers care more here and work with me."

Spithaler, 18, a Weathersfield Township resident, has attended the school for a little over a year after leaving the Trumbull County Career and Technical Center over an attendance dispute.

She also works with the school's YouthBuild program and is eyeing a construction career after she graduates.

"She's great," said her teacher Scott Davis. "She's married and has worked at two jobs. She also recently raised over $100 over the past two months by selling candy through the school's Operation First Response program to helping the military. She's also one of the people who helps interview YouthBuild applicants. She's managed to get a lot done in a short time."

"He'll help me figure it out without telling me the answer," Spithaler said of Davis.

"She has a willingness to learn in the classroom," Davis said. "She doesn't want the answer, she wants to learn on her own and really learn, not just going through the emotions."

Story about Springfield featured graduate

Megan Layton credits Life Skills Center of Springfield for giving her a second chance.

After dropping out of ECOT and being on drugs, becoming pregnant and having her boyfriend kick her out of her house, Layton said she couldn't live her life the same way.

"I looked at my life and thought I needed to make some changes," she said.

Layton said staff members at the school have been a major help.

"The teachers support me and allow me to work at my own pace," she said.

"The fact that she hasn't given up when she's had the opportunity to give up says a lot about her," said Administrator Edward Haskins.

After graduation, Layton said she's planning on attending Clark State College in Springfield to study journalism and mortuary science.

Story about LSC Hamilton County featured graduate

After having a hard time with instructors at previous schools, Deanna Walker of Cincinnati has found success at the Life Skills Center of Hamilton County, where she plans on graduating in January.

"I like the class sizes here," she said. "They're not too big and the teachers know what they're talking about."

"She likes to be left alone and keep to herself," said her teacher Tim Bowman. "She's a miniature teacher who likes to keep order and the lab to be disciplined."

Bowman said Walker, 18, who is expecting her first child in February, has adjusted well at the school since first arriving in August.

"Despite the obstacles she has had with her pregnancy, she works hard and takes it seriously here," he said.

After graduation, Walker said she wants to attend college and study nursing and culinary arts.

Story about LSC Dayton featured graduate

Danielle Stokes said she doesn't like traditional schools and loves the flexibility of Life Skills Center of Dayton.

"I never liked sitting in class seven hours a day," she said. "I have the option here to do what I need to do and go about my day."

Stokes, 17, came to Dayton from a charter school in Florida and plans on graduating in January.

"It's an intimate setting," she said. "The flexibility is what I like here. The teachers care about you and check after you. There's no drama like public schools."

"I appreciate her consistency and her ability to work on her own," said
her American Literature teacher Chris Massey. "She takes the ball and runs with it.
She takes her work seriously here."

Story about Columbus Southeast graduate

A desire to graduate and get a high school diploma drove Sherrick Echols
off the couch and to Life Skills Center of Columbus North.

"I had dropped out of school," he said. "It wasn't important to me. But
I wanted to graduate and get that diploma, so I went back to school."

Echols, 20, of Columbus, has attended the school for 18 months.

"The teachers here helped me out better than a (traditional public
schools," he said. "They were there for me. The smaller classes helped
me get more attention."

"He started off kind of slow, but in the last three months he got
serious, quit playing and blew everything away," said enrollment
specialist Jordonna Wood. "It finally clicked in his head."

Wood said Echols' attitude toward education had progressed from apathy
to happiness.

"He was excited when he passed his OGT's," she said. "he went screaming
down the hallway."

After graduation, Echols plans to attend massage therapy school and
eventually attend college to study sports therapy.

Story about LSC Columbus North graduate

A friend's encouragement is what Ali Oakes needed to go
back to high school to finish her diploma.

"Emilie told me this was my last chance," Oakes said.

So after moving to Columbus from Alabama, Oakes took
the opportunity and enrolled last June at Life Skills
Center of Columbus North.

"A high school diploma is pretty important to me," she
said. "It gives me the opportunity to get a better
job."

Oakes said she likes the pace of the school.

"She's a pretty hard worker," said her teacher Felicia
Smith. "She really puts in the time."

After graduation, Oakes said she wants to enroll in
community college and eventually pursue a career in
sports coaching.

Getting practice

Life Skills Center of Youngstown teacher Paul Furman said students from the school were recently selected to take part in a field practice Ohio Graduation Test which was held on Friday.

"This is designed to see how students around the state answer certain questions," he said.

The Ohio Graduation Test will be held March 3-21.

Hockey time in Youngstown

Life Skills Center of Youngstown Master Teacher Paul Furman said 14 students and four staff members attended the recent Youngstown SteelHounds hockey Youth Day game.

"The kids had a great time," Furman said.

He added that students were eligible to go with good school attendance, behavior and earned credits.

Orange County commencement exercises

Here are several pictures from the recent event.

Basketball team improves to 3-2

Life Skills Center of Summit County won its second straight game with a 50-47 decision over the Pistons Thursday night.

The game was close with many lead changes.

Matt Harris led Life Skills (3-2) with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Tim Phillis Jr. added 13 points.

"Once again, defense was the big factor of the game because for the most part we shut down their best player," said Coach Robert Garnett.

The team's Tuesday game was postponed due to the weather.

Life Skills will next play the All-Stars on Tuesday.

North Akron school taking part in program

Life Skills Center of North Akron is participating with the North Horizons Computer Learning Center in Cleveland.

According to Vocational Specialist John Stack, students are eligible to take advantage of a program held at the Jobs Center in Akron where 31 full-ride grants in medical billing and coding as well as information technology.

“These (students) can graduate from here and have a nice job ten months later,” he said.

For information, call 330-633-5990.

Hard at work

Students work on their lessons Thursday afternoon during an open house at Life Skills Center of North Akron.

Youngstown students enjoy hockey game

Life Skills Center of Youngstown students cheer during a recent trip to a Youngstown SteelHounds game Feb. 5 at the Chevrolet Centre.

The SteelHounds defeated the Texas Brahmas, 4-1.

Elyria open house postponed

Life Skills Center of Elyria has postponed its open house this week due to inclement weather.

Administrator Kim Sweigart said she hopes to reschedule the event for March.

Middletown school names top Feb. student

Lab 1 student Lacey Cummins has been named February’s Student of the Month at Life Skills Center of Middletown.

Lacey, 17, came to Life Skills in September from Monroe High School.

“Lacey is a student who has shown consistent hard work and dedication to her academic success during the six months that she has been enrolled,” Administrator Charles Hall said. “She is on task and works steadily and efficiently towards completing her courses while maintaining a 97 percent attendance rate.”

He added that Lacey is nice and extremely respectful towards both staff and her peers.

“Every morning, Lacey arrives at school with a smile on her face and a positive attitude,” Hall said. “She is never a disruption in the lab. Lacey also volunteers after her session time assisting staff with various duties. Our staff finds her to be attentive and hard working and always putting in extra effort when necessary. Lacey is a positive role model for her peers to look up to as well as demonstrates leadership qualities.”

Chess tournament planned

Life Skills Center of North Akron is looking at scheduled a chess tournament for students in March.

"Several students talked to me about setting up a date," Title One Tutor Mick Rogers said.

Rogers said the date of the tournament will be announced soon.

Middletown graduation video

Processional from January 2008 event

Elyria students complete Lego project

Students at Life Skills Center of Elyria have recently completed a 1,000 Lego building that resembles the school.

"We did this in honor of the 50th anniversary of Legos," Administrator Kim Sweigart said.

College presenter offers job advice

Mary Kazmir, High School Presenter for Ohio Technical College, came to Life Skills Center of Akron to speak to students about the various programs & opportunities available at the school.

She said OTC Offers programs in Automotive Technology, BMW Training, PowerSport Technology, Custom Paint & Graphics, Generator Power Systems, Diesel Equipment Technology, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology, Classic Car Restoration Technology, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, High Performance & Racing Technology.

The school offers Associate Degrees in just 18 months with classes Monday-Thursday, and tutoring available on Fridays, Kazmir said, and also assists with part-time job placement and career placement opportunities

To learn more about Ohio Technical College, students, and their parents are invited to attend an Open House on April 25.

"The presentation was interesting and informative, to those who know everything about cars, and to those who don't even have an interest," School Vocational Specialist Morgan Domokos said.

Kazmir's afternoon presentation will be rescheduled due to the weather.

Elyria school takes in pet rats

Life Skills Center of Elyria now has rats - pet ones that is.

Administrator Kim Sweigart said the pets were obtained to help celebrate the Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rat.

'They are helping teach responsibilty to students," she said.

Columbus Southeast graduation

Slide show from the event

Students paint room

Life Skills Center of Elyria students have painted an offline room to represent the journey of a student through graduation.

"The students drew and painted," Administrator Kim Sweigart said. "They really took ownership of the project."

The theme of the room was based on the Dr. Seuss book "Oh, the Places You'll Go."

Miami school featured in Spanish newspaper

Read story here

Bloodmobile planned

Life Skills Center of Toledo, 1830 Adams Street, Toledo, will host an American Red Cross bloodmobile 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 20.

For information, call 419-241-5504.

Slide show from Northeast graduation

Middletown school reaches out

Life Skills Center of Middletown Administrator Charles Hall recently met with officials from the Middletown Municipal Court, above.

"It was a very positive visit and they're very optimistic in forming a partnership with the school," Administrator Charles Hall said. "They feel Life Skills is a good way of getting people on the right track."

Hall also met with officials from the Middletown School District to discuss a partnership for receving transcripts for students who enroll in Life Skills.

Summit County basketball team slide show

Marine Parents thank Canton students

Life Skills Center of Canton teacher Polly Ainsworth and her students were thanked by Marine Parents for their project in writing cards and letters to Marines.

They were delivered last month as part of care packages.

Marine Parents will send another set of packages on March 15.

Visit the Marine Parents' Web site

Watch Ainsworth talk about the project last October.

Pre-grad student/parent luncheon held

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie held a pre-grad student/parent luncheon for 31 who are identified as possible June graduates.

"It was well-received by parents," Administrator Joe Czerwien said. "It updated everyone on their status."

Life Skills Center of Youngstown students published

Poetry from the following Life Skills Center of Youngstown students was recently published in Creative Communications.

They include:

Dion Artis
Autumn Bender
Joe Bennett
Terrance Edmonds
Tracy Mead
William Oliver
Anthony Rodriguez
Jasmaine Shepherd
Jennifer Tejeda

Five new students

Life Skills Center North administrator David Pannell reported that five new students were enrolled during Thursday's open house.

Feature about Life Skills Center of Broward County

The Broward Times wrote a story about recent graduate Roger Brown.

Read story here

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie Vocational Specialist serving in Iraq

Nicole Gardner, a Life Skills Center of Lake Erie Invention Specialist who is being deployed to Iraq, recently wrote this e-mail from overseas.

Hello everyone,

How is everyone doing? I would like to thank everyone who has sent e-mails. It's always nice to hear from home.

Well, after two long weeks of being promised that I'm leaving "tomorrow" I finally got on a helicopter late last night for Mosul. It was a Chinook, which is a
transport helicopter, which has 30 seats but 31 people flying.

Yep, I got to sit on a crate of boxes in the the rear ramp half-way open so I had a really nice view of the stars as we flew north over the desert.\

It's amazing how many you can actually see once you get away from lights and cities.

I've heard a lot of good things about the base here in Mosul. It's called FOB (forward operating base) Marez and is pretty well built up as far as housing and
facilities.

Marez is pretty much across the street from another base called FOB Diamondback. You can take a shuttle bus between the two bases if you want.

Mosul is the furthest north I've ever been in Iraq.

It's in the mountains and I'm told it stays cooler here in the summer. How much cooler I don't know. Maybe it only gets up to 110 degrees instead of 140.

It's nice to have the mountains to look at though. I've never actually seen scenery in Iraq before this morning. The disturbing part is how great of a view I
have of an Iraqi freeway. I'm not worried about noise, I'm worried that if I can see outside of the base that well, they can see inside just as easily.

Yesterday, before I arrived, the base was hit with 7 mortar attacks. I'm told that I'll be changing rooms soon though.

That makes me feel better:) I'll have to send pictures.

Well, it's time for lunch and I have to find the chow hall before it closes.
Talk to everyone soon,

Nicole

Bring a Friend Week

Life Skills Center of Youngstown is continuing its Bring a Friend Week through Friday.

For information, call 330-743-6698.

Job help offered

When it comes to work, it pays off to dress for success.

That was the message from makeup artist Sue Prosser, right, who spoke Wednesday in the first presentation in Life Skills Center of Akron's job-readiness series.

"Our image starts with how we perceive ourselves," Prosser said. "It's unfortunate, but people do judge us on how we appear. If you look better, you will feel better."

Prosser gave two presentations to about a dozen students at the school.

She said it's good to have a proper attitude during interviews.

"They can be scary," Prosser said. "There is nothing wrong with being nervous. You just don't want to be intimidated."

Vocational Specialist Morgan Domokos, who helped organize the event, said she was happy to provide the presentations for students.

"When I was younger, no one sat me down like this (to talk about job-readiness skills)," she said.

Open house held

Above, Life Skills Center of Canton teachers Michele DiFiori, left, and Polly Ainsworth talks with parents Wednesday night during an open house held at the school. Below right, teacher Shannon Kauffman calls a student during the event.

Carrying on 'The Dream'

Life Skills Center of Denver was asked to be a participant in the city's Martin Luther King Jr. Marade.

The Denver Marade has been recognized as the largest in the United States.

Students, staff and families braved the 8 degree weather to be a part of such a historical event and march to carry on "The Dream".

The school also sponsored an information booth to hand out information to potential students, possible volunteers, and supporters.

The event started at Denver's City Park, where before the event, many Civic Leaders and dream supporters spoke to a massive crowd. The Marade ended at Denver's Historic Civic Center Park where the celebration continued with entertainment, speeches, and cake in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Akron school holds open house

Life Skills Center of Akron held its open house Tuesday.

"We had several parents attend and we discussed student progress," Master Teacher Cindy Steinel said. "It was encouraging. (Several) students also came in to enroll today."

Job-readiness speakers

Life Skills Center of Akron will host several job-readiness speakers for students.
Sessions are held 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the school.

The schedule is as follows:

Feb. 6, March 5 and April 2 --- Professional makeup artist Sue Prosser

Feb. 12 --- Representative from the Ohio Technical College

Feb. 28 --- Representative from the Akron Institute

3 p.m. March 11 and 11 a.m. March 12 --- Representative from Brown Mackie College

For information, call 330-376-8700.

Student Appreciation Week

Life Skills Center of Akron is continuing its Student Appreciation Week through Friday.

The school will hold Food Day today, Game Day on Thursday and Mystery Day on Friday.

For information, call the school at 330-376-8700.

Student has poetry published

Life Skills Center of Columbus North student Christin Johnson had a poem recently published in the "Teen Speak" section of The Columbus Dispatch.

Christin, 17, has attended the school since July. Her interests include sign language and singing.

Her poem, "My Morning," was dedicated to her mother.

Here is her poem.

My Morning

Morning woke me up today.
Singing the most exquisite song,
Nothing can compare
To such beauty
My Morning

The pureness of this tune is irresistible
Adoration knowing no distress
And agony now a stranger
Few to give thanks to
One being
My Morning

Mesmerized by the compassion she has for me
Her empathy being never forgotten
The existence of morning,
For eternity…a blessing
Fallen and picked up
Taken such care of
By one I want to thank
My Morning

To my bewildered mind:
The tender love that you hold
No longer destructed

Misery forever terminated
The troubled living days of my past
No longer a part of me
Torn into pieces
From one I care so deeply for
My Morning

What a joy it is to me
To live this serene life
All possible by you
My Morning

My recognition of love for you
Believing to be
Unfathomable

My days all to be continued
Because of you
My Morning

Giving you the respect
I know you deserve
Much more love
From me to you
Many more thanks
I say to you
Forever a pleasure
To have met you
Forever mine
My Mother
My Morning

Written and composed by Christin Johnston
Copyright 2007

Pictures from Life Skills Center of Trumbull County talent show

Life Skills Center of Summit County evens record

Life Skills Center of Summit County basketball team evened its record at 2-2 with a 55-36 win over the Spurs Thursday night.

Jermar Simmons scored 15 points for Life Skills, while Cornel Jett added ten points.

"Overall, the whole team played great defense as a unit, which was the determining factor of the game," Coach Robert Garnett said.

Life Skills will play One Time on Tuesday.

Talent show discussed

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County teacher Larry Brown talks in this podcast about a talent show recently held at the school.

Listen to podcast here

State visit successful

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie Administrator Joe Czerwien reported that Thursday's visit from officials of the Ohio Department of Education as well as various state legislators was successful.

"I believe that it went well," he said. "I had some very positive comments. They afforded us an hour and a half visit when it was scheduled for 40 minutes. A few people actually stayed nearly an hour after that as well."

The visit was coordinated by Ron Adler, president of the Ohio Coalition for Quality Education.

Life Skills Center of Dayton list of January 2008 graduates

Harold A. England, III ---- Dayton

Latitia Janee Barlow ---- Dayton

Storm Denier Smith ---- Dayton

Shaphan Jeshaiah Leavell ---- Dayton

Danielle Alexandria Stokes ---- Dayton

Staresha Leann Moore ---- Dayton

Demetrius Lynn Garrett ---- Dayton

Cameron D. Dolphin ---- Dayton

Jermaine De'Angelo Williams ---- Dayton

Aujanea Marae Zaquanna Lacking ---- Dayton

Marcus Dewayne McCoy ---- Dayton

Vernetta Ann Blanton ---- Dayton

Breanna Latrese Hagans ---- Dayton

Danielle Marie Tucker ---- Dayton

Timothy Allen Days ---- Dayton

Cedric Leon Williamson II ---- Dayton

Mark Anthony Dalton ---- Dayton

Jaytron Cooper ---- Dayton

Shalamarr Monae Evans ---- Dayton

JacQuilla L. Peterson ---- Dayton

Bryant Terrell Hamilton ---- Dayton

Tauruss Andrew Berry ---- Dayton

Ashley Marie Combs ---- Dayton

Khyanne Shanetta Vernnita Burns ---- Dayton

Ty-Anna Marice Simmons ---- Dayton

Takeshia Elaine Gardner ---- Dayton

Phillip Sutherland ---- Dayton

Shaqueena Elaine Owens ---- Dayton

Dakona Kai Twe ---- Dayton

Shantella Renee Young ---- Dayton

Laura Marie Huffman ---- Huber Heights

Andrea Michelle Goodson ---- Miamisburg

Chandra Nicole Scott ---- Miamisburg

Cody S. Magato ---- Tipp City

Anthony Mosley ---- Trotwood

Curtis Dontae Gilbert ---- Trotwood

Kristyn Deserey Danielle Myles ---- Trotwood

Andrew A. Mason ---- Trotwood

Kodiaz Jovern Williams ---- Trotwood

Talent show held

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County hosted a talent show Thursday for its students.

Teacher Larry Brown said seven students participated with magic, singing, dancing and rap.

"It was successful," Brown said. "Not only for the students, but (I was impressed) by the amount of help from staff and other students."

School holds fund-raiser for fire victims

Life Skills Center of Youngstown Vocational Specialist JoAnn Collier says the school raised $160 for the family of six victims of a recent fire in Youngstown.

One of the victims, Jennifer Crawford, 23, was a former student at the school.

View Jennifer's obituary here

Listen to the podcast here

Basketball team loses defensive battle

The Life Skills Center of Summit County boys basketball team lost a defensive battle Tuesday night to the All-Stars, 40-37.

Damarious Wells lead the team in scoring with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Life Skills (1-2) will play the Spurs 8:15 tonight at Mason Park CLC.

Life Skills Center of Youngstown open house

The school, located at 3405 Market St., will host an open house 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

For information, call 330-743-6698.

Life Skills Center of Toledo open house

The school, located at 1830 Adams St., will host an open house 4-6 p.m. Feb. 26.

For information, call 419-241-5504.

Life Skills Center of Summit County open house

The school, located at 2168 Romig Road, will host an open house 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 330-745-3678.

Life Skills Center of Springfield open house

The school, located at 1637 Selma Road, will host an open house 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

For information, call 937-322-2940.

Life Skills Center Northeast open house

The school, located at 12201 Larchmere Blvd., will host an open house noon Feb. 7.

For information, call 216-421-7587.

Life Skills Center of North Akron open house

The school, located at 1458 Brittain Road, will host an open house noon- 2 p.m. Feb. 14.

For information, call 330-633-5990.

Life Skills Center of Middletown open house

The school, located at 631 S. Breiel Blvd., will host an open house 12:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

For information, call 513-423-1800.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie open house

The school, located at 9200 Madison Ave., Cleveland, will host an open house 3-7 p.m. Feb. 20.

For information, call 216-631-1090.

Life Skills Center of Hamilton County open house

The school, located at 7710 Reading Road, Cincinnati, will host an open house noon-5 p.m. Feb. 15.

For information, call 513-821-6695.

Life Skills Center of Elyria open house

The school, located at 2015 W. River Road N., will host an open house 4-6:30 p.m. Feb. 12.

For information, call 440-324-1755.

Life Skills Center of Dayton open house

The school, located at 1721 N. Main St., will host an open house noon-1:30 p.m. Feb. 20.

For information, call 937-274-2841.

Life Skills Center of Columbus Southeast open house

The school, located at 2400 S. Hamilton Road, will host an open house 6-7 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 614-863-9175.

Life Skills Center of Columbus North open house

The school, located at 1900 E. Dublin-Granville Road, will host an open house noon Feb. 4.

For information, call 614-891-9041.

Life Skills Center of Cleveland plans open house

The school, located at 4600 Carnegie Ave., will hold an open house 4-7 p.m. Feb. 4.

For information, call 216-431-7571.

Life Skills Center of Cincinnati open house

The school, located at 2612 Gilbert Ave., has planned an open house 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 513-475-0222.

Life Skills Center of Canton open house

The school, located at 1100 Cleveland Ave. N.W., will host an open house 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

For information, call 330-456-4490.

Life Skills Center of Akron open house

The school, located in the fourth floor of 80 W. Bowery St., will host an open house 1-5 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 330-376-8700.

Life Skills Center of Springfield graduation pictures

Group to see "Romeo and Juliet"

Life Skills Center of Springfield teacher Kristina Jackson will take a group of Muse Machine students Wednesday to the Victoria Theatre in Dayton to see a production of "Romeo and Juliet."

Blood drive a success

Life Skills Center of Springfield officials reported that 22 participants took part in a blood drive which supported the Springield Community Blood Center.

Slide show from Life Skills Center of Dayton graduation

Collection held for students

Life Skills Center of Akron is collecting clean household goods and clothing to keep which will be distributed to students in need of help.

Items can be dropped off at the school, 80 West Bowery (fourth floor). between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For information, call 330-376-8700.

Talent show set

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County will host a talent show 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the school, 458 Franklin St. S.E., Warren.

For information, call 330-392-0231.

Coverage of Life Skills Center of Springfield graduation

From the Springfield News Sun

Read story here

Life Skills Center of Summit County wins first game of year

The Life Skills Center of Summit County basketball team was victorious Thursday night with a huge 68-35 victory over One Time.

Life Skills had four players that scored in double figures. Matt Harris led the team with 17 points, Jermar Simmons and Damarious Wells both scored 12 points with Wells adding eight rebounds and Michael Crockett Jr. added 10 points.

Zhontae Woolridge recorded ten assists for Life Skills (1-1).

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie book club discussed

Chandra Colton and Raven Dunn of Life Skills Center of Lake Erie talks about the school’s book club.

Listen to podcast here

Life Skills Center of Summit County's basketball schedule

Tues. 1/29 8:15 P.M. All-Stars vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Thurs. 1/31 8:15 P.M. Spurs vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)


Tues. 2/12 8:15 P.M. One Time vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)


Thurs. 2/14 8:15 P.M. Pistons vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Tues. 2/19 8:15 P.M. All-Stars vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Tues. 2/26 7:15 P.M. Spurs vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)


Thurs. 2/28 7:15 P.M. Pistons vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Tues. 3/4 8:15 P.M. Spurs vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)

Life Skills Center of Summit County basketball team loses opener

Life Skills Center of Summit County's basketball team lost a tough battle against the Pistons, 54-49, Tuesday night at the Akron Urban League.

Matt Harris led the team in scoring with 16 points, while Robert Pollard had ten rebounds.

Life Skills (0-1) will next play 8:15 tonight against One Time.

State officials to visit Life Skills Center of Lake Erie

Administrator Joe Czerwien reported that officials from the Ohio Department of Education as well as various state legislators will visit the school Jan. 31 as part of a tour of various Cleveland community schools.

The visit is cooordinated by Ron Adler, president of the Ohio Coalition for Quality Education.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie school store doing well

School administrator Joe Czerwien said the school store has done well since it first opened in October.

"The products have been selling well," Czerwien said. "We've expanded our items to include Hot Pockets. We're offering a service that's not overpriced for our students."

The store offers a mix of healthy snacks as well as candy and pop.

The administrator said although the school is still working on volunteers and the best hours of operation, students have embraced the store.

"It's been well-received," he said. "The kids have really enjoyed it."

Trumbull County graduation slide show

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County Jan. 2008 graduation slide show

Life Skills Center of Columbus North Jan. 2008 graduates

Kristen Bauer --- Columbus

Porsche Black --- Columbus

Kendrell Chambers --- Columbus

Marrio Busack --- Columbus

Gail Hodge --- Columbus

Ali Oakes --- Columbus

Emilie Richardson --- Columbus

Stephanie Medina --- Columbus

Kadi Kamara --- Columbus

Wesley Vargas --- Columbus

Ashley Chapman --- Gahanna

Rachel Kaczmarek --- Westerville

Megan Morris --- Westerville

Marlon Byrd --- Canal Winchester

Kevin Thomas --- Reynoldsburg

Amber Wilson --- Washington Court House

Book club planned

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie's book club will meet Friday, Feb. 1 during session 1 (9-10 a.m.) and session 2 (11 a.m.-noon),

Club members are reading "A Child Called It" by David Pelzer.

"The students suggested the book and if they read three more books off the list and complete a test and report they will be eligible for 1/2 of credit," said teacher Chandra Colton. "So we are working closely with the master teachers to make sure we are in compliance with helping the students reach their goal. We are hoping to be able to pass out the sequel at that time for the next meeting if everything goes accordingly."

Life Skills Center of Youngstown graduates mentioned in Vindicator

Read story here

Video from Life Skills Centers of Akron, North Akron and Summit County graduations

Akron Life Skills Centers students graduate





Graduation processional





Akron Life Skills Centers graduation slide show





Life Skills Center of North Akron graduate does the split

Youngstown charter schools top Youngstown School District in performance

Charter schools operating in the city showed greater yearly academic growth than city schools last year, according to a report prepared by the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Read story from The Vindicator here

Quotes from Akron graduates

"It's a relief. I'm happy and ready to keep moving forward."

Terrence Clayton, 22, Akron
Life Skills Center of Summit County




"It feels good. It's finally over."

Michael Conley, 18, Akron
Life Skills Center of Summit County





"It feels wonderful. I'm so ready to go to college."

Summer O'Brien, 21, Akron
Life Skills Center of North Akron






"I'm excited to be done and not going back to high school."

Kayla Cervantes, 18, Copley
Life Skills Center of Summit County




"Education is the key to financial stability. Life Skills does work. I'm proof of that."

Franci McCray, 21, Akron
Life Skills Center of Akron




"We should be proud of what we've done, but we shouldn't lose sight. It doesn't end here."

Sarah Gibson, 19, Norton
Life Skills Center of Summit County

Life Skills Center of Youngstown graduates

Cierra Berry --- Detroit, Mich.

Domonique Boykin --- Youngstown

Matthew Clark --- Youngstown

Tabatha Cool --- Boardman

Brittany Gardner --- Youngstown

Monique Hubbert --- Youngstown

Paul Mallin --- Youngstown

Eric Mansfield --- Youngstown

Shene' McDowell --- Youngstown

Pamela Renda --- Youngstown

Lola Richey --- Youngstown

Sarah Rutushin --- Austintown

Raul Sandino --- Youngstown

Douglas Schneider --- Boardman

Valerie Sebastian --- Youngstown

Jasmine Smith --- Youngstown

Pamela Stanford --- Youngstown

Kaelyn Swegan --- Youngstown

LaDonna Taylor --- Youngstown

Tamrisha Teague --- Youngstown

James Vranches --- Boardman

Shaleda Whitted --- Youngstown

Ernest Willis --- Youngstown

Melanie Womer --- Youngstown

Potential Life Skills Center of Hamilton County January 2008 graduates

All graduates are from Cincinnati.

Joseph Ackerman
Courtney Alexander
Codey Becker
Blake Butler
Staci Caldwell
Matt Deffinger
Hally Eisbrouch-Schatz
Sharda Ellis
Emmanuel Hargrove
Phoebe Kellough
Leah Lewis
Leroy Maddox
Clance Milo
Kee’Shaun Milo
Braylen Myers
Zach New
Latonya Payne
Shevona Polk
Karlvellis Showes
Deanna Walker
Sergio Woodard
Christopher Valletti
Sarai Yisrael

School teams up with area high schools

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County is reaching out to area high schools in the hope of raising awareness about our program. Administrator Kerry Jupina met with Scott Brown of Bloomfield High School to talk about the school as an option for students ready to drop out.

Brown was very excited to hear about our program as he has some kids that he believed would be a good fit. Jean Kosobucki sent letters to all Youngstown and Trumbull County high school guidance counselors and has received several referrals to the school's programs as a result.

Life Skills Center of Arizona graduation photos

Photos from Covenant House Life Skills Center East graduation

New graduates

Here is a list of students who will graduate tonight from Life Skills Center of North Akron:

Summer O'Brien --- Akron

Willoam Garrett --- Akron

Christopher Gurganus --- Akron

Brittany Fish --- Akron

Anna Torday --- Streetsboro

Samantha Wade --- Clinton

Nicholas Powell --- Akron

Holly Hughes --- Akron

Joseph Willingham --- Tallmadge

Featured Life Skills Center Northeast graduate

After four years of high school, Kendra Taylor almost had everything she needed to graduate.

But she missed one thing - passing the Ohio Graduation Test.

"A lot of times I didn't think it was going to happen," Taylor recalled. "I wouldn't be able to pursue my future and my goals (of getting a good job)."

She kept pursuing her dream after she finished high school in 2005, even during a six-month incarceration in 2006.

"I was referred to Life Skills in August (2007) by a vocational program," Taylor said. "The teachers and staff members really helped me and was there for me. They made me feel that I was supposed to be there. They helped me pass the test and I was really excited (when I heard I passed)."

After graduation, Taylor she wants to study cosmotology as well as fashion design and attend either Kent State University or Virginia Marti College of Fashion in Cleveland.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie January 2008 graduate list

Ashley Strimbu - Cleveland
James Landriscina - Lakewood
Stacie Yurko - Cleveland
Brian Sullivan - North Olmsted
Sonja Johnson- Cleveland
Brian Adams - Brooklyn
Lamar Grant - Cleveland
Laura Sweet - Parma

Featured Life Skills Center of Summit County graduate

When Ashley Armbruster moved back to Ohio from Florida as a freshman in high school, she chose to attend Life Skills Center of Summit County so she could work more to support her father.

She hasn't looked back.

Armbruster, a Norton resident who will turn 19 on Dec. 23, is expected to graduate in January from the school.

"I like the teachers there," she said. "They were great to me. If I needed anything, they were always there. I used to be picked on, especially by the teachers. But Life SKills teachers cared about my education and that I came. That kept me at Life Skills. It helped improve my grades. I was an average student in middle school, but at Life Skills never got below a B."

She said the teachers helped her at the school.

"It was great," Armbruster said. "It wasn't overwhelming. They talked to you about real-life scenarios and opened our eyes. They made you look at real-life. At 16, it was a good thing to be taught responsibility. A lot of kids need that."

"When she came here, it was straight from the middle school," said Nick Rossler, a teacher at the school. "She stuck through it and finished all of her credits here. She has a great personality and she went the extra mile to make sure the assignments were done and done right. She communicated well with her parents and they supported her."

After graduation, she plans to work full-time at a daycare and earn enough money to buy a laptop and take online college classes in psychology.

"I've been through a lot in my life," Armbruster said. "I want to help others (who are going through the situation) since I've been through this before."

Congratulations graduates

The Cincinnati Enquirer profiled the school's graduation on Friday. Photos are courtesy of the paper.

Read story here

Life Skills Center of Elyria graduation slide show

Comments from January 2008 Life Skills Center of Canton graduates

Dillon Vincent, 17, Plain Township

"It felt good to be able to finish early."






Glenn Beck, 18, Canton

"It's sweet. It's about time. It's great knowing I'm done and I can get
that job."





Jonathan McGregor, 20, Plain Township

"I wasn't sure if I would make it, but I did and I'm proud of myself."






Destani Winn, 17, Canton

"I stand here today as a high school graduate. Some people thought I
would never make it. I didn't even think I would, but I'm up here."

Video of Life Skills Center of Canton graduation

Video of January 2008 graduates receiving their diplomas

Congratulations

Pictures from the school's recent graduation.

Canton school graduates

Here is a list of Life Skills Center of Canton graduates.

Bryson Barksdale --- Canton

Glenn Beck --- Canton

Lyndsey Burnworth --- Canton

Amanda Farhat --- Canal Fulton

Jonathan McGregor --- Plain Township

Jonathan Mencer --- Plain Township

Leah Pierquet --- Plan Township

Corey Thacker --- Plain Township

Jenifer Todich --- Perry Township

Dillon Vincent --- Plain Township

Keshia Washington --- Canton

Destani Winn --- Canton

Trumbull County school graduating class

Here is a group photo of the Life Skills Center of Trumbull County January 2008 graduating class.

Trumbull County school graduation coverage

The Tribune-Chronicle covered Friday's graduation.

Read story here

Life Skills Centers on display

White Hat Management is sponsoring a CDELA exhibit at the Denver Family and Kids Expo on Jan 26-27 in addition to a Life Skills Center exhibit.

Tim Spencer, CDELA staff members and Krista Wilkinson will be there to encourage families to find out more about the CDELA education opportunity.

Cincinnati, Hamilton County students learn to work together

Students from Life Skills Centers in Cincinnati and Hamilton County have been gathering at the African-American Cultural Research Center (on the campus of the University of Cincinnati) every Monday for the past several months.

"Pathways to Success," headed by Bluzette Marshall, is a program that allots students the opportunity to participate in structured, team-oriented activities after the school day has concluded.

Each Monday afternoon provided a different challenge for the Life Skills students.

From learning proper dining etiquette, to overcoming fears of public speaking, each component of the "Pathways" curriculum focused on improving the social skills of the program's participants.

This evolutional journey culminated in a celebration of the group's accomplishments. Friends, family, and school personnel gathered on UC's campus to enjoy a shared meal, and, more importantly, a shared journey.

Youngstown school thanks supporting agencies

Life Skills Center of Youngstown Administrator Ruth Ann Smith Harris had baskets of hot cocoa, cookies and candy delivered by Outreach Coordinator Jean Kosobucki thanking agencies for their support over the years.

Youngstown school helps others in song

Life Skills Center of Youngstown students and staff members recently sang at the Boardman Speciality Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Pontiac school holds holiday luncheon

On Dec. 21, Kenneth Jones, Administrator from the Life Skills Center in Pontiac, invited students and their parents to attend a very special holiday luncheon.

With the recent partnership with Costco nurtured by Rosemary Couser - Outreach Coordinator for Michigan and Toledo, and help from Kevin Monk, Marketing Manager at Costco of Bloomfield Twp., Mich., they were able to provide plenty of great tasting holiday treats for this event. The Life Skills Center staff, students, and parents had a grand time.

Rosemary Couser has also worked diligently to introduce the Life Skills program to over 60 organizations during the month of December. Youth Villages, the Federal Youth Services program, Michigan Works Job Link Center and Pontiac Area Transitional Housing have all invited Couser to make presentations about the schools.

School partners with Department of Drug Strategy

The Department of Drug Strategy has been very excited to partner with Life Skills Center of Denver.

Both Karla Maraccini and Pedro Zabala from the Department of Drug Strategy visited the school, were able to discuss opportunities available to youth at the school and in the community. Krista Wilkinson has also built excellent referral relationships with the Denver Youth Area Services, Junior Achievement of Rock Mountain Gang Awareness Coalition (GRASP) and Compassion.

Outreach efforts

While assisting with Outreach efforts in Florida, Krista Wilkinson - Outreach Coordinator for Colorado, visited Blood Net USA. Krista donated a pint of blood and got three new student referrals in the process for Life Skills Center of Polk County.

All of the community organizations that she visited in Florida were interested in the Life Skills information to distribute and are happy to spread the word about the wonderful opportunities for youth at Life Skills. Krista was able to contact and discuss the Northern Florida Life Skills Center programs with over 45 organizations during her week there.

Outreach efforts

On Dec. 21, Kenneth Jones, Administrator from the Life Skills Center in Pontiac, invited students and their parents to attend a very special holiday luncheon.

With the recent partnership with Costco nurtured by Rosemary Couser - Outreach Coordinator for Michigan and Toledo, and help from Kevin Monk, Marketing Manager at Costco of Bloomfield Twp., Mich., they were able to provide plenty of great tasting holiday treats for this event. The Life Skills Center staff, students, and parents had a grand time.

Rosemary Couser has also worked diligently to introduce the Life Skills program to over 60 organizations during the month of December. Youth Villages, the Federal Youth Services program, Michigan Works Job Link Center and Pontiac Area Transitional Housing have all invited Rosemary to make presentations about the schools.

Life Skills Center of Elyria January 2008 graduates

Michelle Grandberry --- Elyria

Simone Jones --- Elyria

George Keller --- Elyria

Aaron Lambert --- Lorain

Naja Logan --- Elyria

Samoya Page --- Elyria

Megan Thompson --- Elyria

Lindsey Gill --- Berea

Life Skills Center of Elyria featured graduate story

Michelle Grandberry wanted to stop hanging out with people who she said weren't good for her.

She found help at Life Skills Center of Elyria.

"I'm not around a lot of kids who were a bad influence and I'm able to work at my own pace," said Grandberry, 17, an Elyria resident who started attending the school in March. "You don't have to worry about being in a rush to get your work done."

"When she first came to us, she had problems interacting with other students and fighting," Title One Reading teacher Crystal Garmon said. "She wasn't able to focus and keep track.

We didn't know what to expect. But she has really rebounded and separated herself from negative influences. She comes in, sits down and gets to work. She's becomes self-sufficient. After she leaves, she will take some of the spark out of my classroom."

School helps self-starter graduate

Keisha Slocum is able to reach her goal of graduating before she turns
18 through Life Skills Center of Cincinnati.

Slocum, who entered the school in February in hopes of graduating early,
is expecting to graduate in January, an amazing feat considering she
works at her home and has been living on her own after undergoing family
problems.

The 17-year-old Cincinnati resident has always been interested in
academics.

After sixth grade, she said teachers were so impressed by her academic
achievement that she skipped the seventh and eighth grades.

Slocum said she's impressed by the individual attention offered by
teachers at Life Skills Center of Cincinnati.

"You can have more one-on-one time with teachers there," Slocum said.
"They help you more there."

Master teacher Rebecca Smith says the student meets with her weekly to
discuss her academics.

"She was the one who pushed herself for her diploma and would call on me
for advice," Smith said. "Most would give up after what she's gone
through, but she really stuck with it."

After graduating, Slocum wants to enter hair stylist school and
eventually wants to pursue law school.

Life Skills Center of Toledo featured graduate

Having the flexibility to graduate early helped motivate Tiara Clayton
to start attending Life Skills Center of Toledo.

"(After moving to Toledo) I didn't have a ride to my school district
(Springfield)," said Clayton, 17. "It would be easier on my parents. I
also wanted to finish school before June."

Clayton, a Toledo resident, said she found her flexibility at Life
Skills Center of Toledo after starting to attend there in September.

"It's a great school," she said. "The faculty is nice. They help you
learn and stick with you."

After graduation, Clayton said she plans on working as a nursing aide
and attend college to pursue a career in social work.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie featured graduate

After being kicked out of two schools for fighting, Life Skills Center
of Lake Erie helped Brian Adams fight for his future.

And with help from his mother and teachers, the 18-year-old Brooklyn
resident is expected to graduate in January.

"The teachers helped make the classes easier to understand and I really
buckled down more," Adams said. "I didn't screw around. Time seemed to
go by quicker. The teachers took an interest in me. They always seemed
to be around."

"He's a hard-working kid," said Angelica Tovanche, his English teacher.
"His mom really helped support him in coming back to school. He wanted
to better support his girlfriend and child."

After graduation, Adams said he would like to attend college and pursue
a pilot's license.

Practical experience helps graduate

Practical experience at Life Skills Center of North Akron is helping
Summer O'Brien shape her career plans.

O'Brien, 21, of Akron, said she's attended the school since it opened in 2005.

She's worked at the front desk of the school for over a year.

"It was a great opportunity," O'Brien said. "What better job can you get
at the school. I know now how to do administrative duties and enrollment
as well as mailing, filing and faxing. I learned how to work with
people. I was kind of shy, but not anymore."

O'Brien said she also likes the teachers at the school and has learned
much better there after dropping out of Cuyahoga Falls High School.

"They're awesome," she said. "The staff is excellent and they pushed me
to get my work done. If I didn't go to Life Skills, I probably wouldn't
have graduated."

After graduation, O'Brien said she's interested in working as a
secretary or medical assisting.