Tiffany Gruen selected to lead Howell Elementary School
Lloyd Energy Team receives state, national awards
Local business owner goes above and beyond
Tichenor welcomes Ms. Grace Frecke
Lloyd grad recognized for heroics on the job
Arnett fifth graders move up to middle school
Miles spreads apraxia awareness
Bartlett students lend a hand
Lots of fun at Lindeman
Summer service hours available
Kenton County Library Summer Reading Program
Hidden in Plain Sight
Get Out the Vax
Your voice matters: 2021 Child Health Survey
Get paid to play!
Save the date for Festival of Hope
Tiffany Gruen selected to lead Howell Elementary School
The Site-Based Decision-Making Council (SBDM) at Howell Elementary School has unanimously selected Ms. Tiffany Gruen as the school’s new principal. She will transition to the role from her current position as the Instructional Coach at Miles Elementary.
Ms. Gruen has spent 15 years in Northern Kentucky elementary schools. She began her career in the Covington Independent School District before coming to Erlanger-Elsmere in 2016 to teach at Howell Elementary. She has undertaken a number of leadership roles throughout her tenure, including service on Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt's Accountability Steering Committee, as well as the Kentucky Department of Education Social Studies Standards Review and Development Committee.
“We are excited to have Ms. Gruen rejoin the Howell family”, said Mr. Chad Molley, superintendent. “She brings to her new role a vast knowledge of curriculum and instruction, a student-centered and data-driven approach to decision making, and a collaborative spirit. Her calm and steady leadership will highlight the strengths of the Howell Elementary culture, invigorate a growth mindset, and renew family and community involvement in the school. Ms. Gruen will strive to support and empower the Howell staff and families so that every child can realize their dreams.”
A lifelong learner, Ms. Gruen is currently continuing her studies at Northern Kentucky University, where she also earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, Tommy, and 10-year-old son, Trey. They enjoy spending their free time kayaking or on the soccer field.
Lloyd Energy Team receives state, national awards
Lloyd Memorial High School’s Energy Team was recently recognized by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project for an outstanding energy education project: Can I Get a Watt Watt - The Year of the Pandemic. Lloyd Memorial High School was selected as Kentucky Senior School of the Year and National Senior School of the Year.
The team will be recognized at the 41st Annual Youth Energy Conference and Awards this summer.
Secretary Rebecca Goodman, KY Energy and Environment Cabinet, shared her pride in the accomplishment. In a recorded message of congratulations:
https://youtu.be/MenKw2ymg-8.
Great job to the Lloyd Energy Team, and sincerest thanks to Mrs. Melissa Stolz for her leadership!
Local business owner goes above and beyond
Ms. Michelle Willoughby, a teacher at Lindeman Elementary, recently received quite a pleasant surprise when she took the school’s fifth-grade students to the AmeriStop on Erlanger Road for ice cream to celebrate the end of elementary school. Mr. Jerry Cox, proprietor, generously donated all of the students’ treats free of charge, allowing them to get whatever they wanted — including full-sized Icees and large cups of ice cream.
“Mr. Cox went above and beyond to honor the students of this community,” Ms. Willoughty said. “We are very grateful.”
Tichenor welcomes Ms. Grace Frecke
Tichenor Middle School is delighted to welcome Ms. Grace Frecke to its teaching staff for the 2021-2022 school year.
Not only did Ms. Frecke serve as a student-teacher at Tichenor during this past school year, she was also named Student Teacher of the Year in her class at Northern Kentucky University.
Ms. Frecke is a member of NKU’s Class of 2021, where she majored in Middle Grades Education - Math and English/Language Arts. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Candidate Award for Middle Grades Education. In addition to her student teaching, she also completed her Professional Semester at Tichenor.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Ms. Frecke moved to Northern Kentucky when she was 17, and graduated from Conner High School.
Ms. Frecke will teach sixth-grade math at Tichenor during the upcoming school year.
“I'm excited to work at Tichenor because I know, without a doubt, that this school has a welcoming community, the most supportive staff, and the kindest students,” Ms. Frecke said. “I am so honored to be a part of this team where I know that the goal will always be to positively impact students' lives.”
Lloyd grad recognized for heroics on the job
Officer Alexis Day, a 2010 graduate of Lloyd Memorial High School and member of the Elsmere Police Department, and her partner, Officer Brian Evans, were recently celebrated for their heroics saving a three-month-old baby.
The two used teamwork when responding to a call of a baby not breathing. Officer Evans’ training kicked in as he cleared the baby’s airway, then Officer Day took the baby to calm her down.
The story aired on Fox19 and WLWT News 5, but for Officer Day, it was just another opportunity to do the job she loves.
“I love being able to serve the community I grew up in. I love Erlanger and Elsmere. I want to ensure the community is safe, much like it was when I was growing up,” Officer Day said. “I have a lot of ties to this area and I care a great deal for this community and the people who live here. I run into people I know all the time and it’s so nice being able to catch up with them. Given the way the world is right now with regard to law enforcement, it’s reassuring to know that our department has a great relationship with our citizens. Since I know a lot of these families, I hope that when I show up to a scene they have a sense of relief when they see me. I got into law enforcement because I’ve always been interested in the profession and I want to be able to help people. I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else.”
Great job, Officer Day! We’re proud to call you a Juggernaut.
Arnett fifth graders move up to middle school
The end of the school year is a time of transition, and Arnett recently found a creative way to celebrate its graduating fifth-graders at a “Moving Up” celebration. Students and their families were invited to drive up to greet their teachers, receive a certificate, and snap a souvenir photo. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate each student’s accomplishments and the milestone of transitioning from elementary to middle school.
Miles spreads apraxia awareness
Dorothy Bechtold, a student at Miles Elementary, and her family are passionate about spreading awareness about apraxia of speech.
Apraxia of speech is a motor planning speech disorder. With apraxia of speech, a child knows what they want to say, but unlike children who do not have this speech disorder, their brain does not innately tell their mouth the precise movements required to say it. They must learn these movements via frequent and intensive speech therapy. It is considered a rare disorder, with only one or two of every 1,000 children diagnosed.
“It is my hope that by spreading awareness, our journey may get a little easier with each passing year. That, maybe, it makes the journey easier for the next child,” said Dawn Bechtold, Dorothy’s mother. “That the next time a parent receives an apraxia diagnosis for their child, they aren’t overwhelmed by the unknown, because they know that everything will be okay. That they are not alone in this journey.”
On, May 14, Apraxia Awareness Day, Dorothy — along with many Miles Elementary staff members and students — wore blue in honor of apraxia awareness.
“Teachers love to teach, but we also love to learn,” said Ms. Lauren Parker, Family Resource Coordinator at Miles. “Dorothy and her family have taught us so much about apraxia.”
To learn more, check out Dawn Bechtold's piece published by the Northern Kentucky Tribune...
Bartlett students lend a hand
Three students from Bartlett Educational Center recently assisted at the Kenton County Cooperative Extension’s Durr Educational Center, clearing trails and helping to create outdoor learning stations.
We’re so proud of Austin Boden, Peyton Funston, and LJ Lancaster for their willingness to help and their contributions to our community!
Lots of fun at Lindeman
Students at Lindeman Elementary closed out the school year with a number of fun activities and events…
Lindeman celebrated Earth Day with an opportunity for students to pot plantings, create illustrations, and enjoy time outdoors on a beautiful day!
Lindeman students made some original jewelry in art class. Students in Grades 2 - 5 used shrink plastic and permanent markers to design their own necklaces. After students created their original art on the plastic piece. Ms. Amanda Greenwald, Lindeman’s art teacher, used a heating tool that caused the plastic to shrink down. They then turned the plastic pendants into necklaces. Kindergartners and first graders got into the fun, making necklaces out of melted plastic cups. First, they designed their plastic cups with permanent markers, then Ms. Greenwald helped melt them down.
Students at Lindeman also had a fantastic field day! Everyone participated in a variety of fun activities and enjoyed some fun in the sun. Thanks to Mr. Jeremy Crigler for organizing such a fun event.
Summer service hours available
Stormcell’s Teen Think Tank provides opportunities for middle and high school students to help local charities, learn leadership skills, connect with peers, and more!
Opportunities are available throughout June on Sundays for high school students and Saturdays for middle school students at the First Church of Christ in Burlington. The program supports the Chelsea Ryann Festival of Hope.
For more information, click here www.stormcells.org/the-teen-tank or text 859.640.4177
Kenton County Library Summer Reading Program
The Kenton County Public Library’s Summer Reading program is now underway, with fun events, activities, and prizes planned throughout the next few months.
This year’s theme reminds everyone that “Reading Colors Your World.” Find out more here, https://www.kentonlibrary.org/src or visit the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library!
Hidden in Plain Sight
If your teen’s stash was right in front of your eyes, would you know it?
The Alexandria Police Department is sponsoring Hidden in Plain Sight, an interactive experience that helps adults to identify at-risk behaviors in teens on June 1 and 29 at 6 p.m. at the Alexandria Community Center. Come walk through a simulated bedroom to see and learn more about common signs of substance use.
Let's join together to...
GET OUT THE VAX!
Get Out the Vax is a region-wide collaborative effort to energize and mobilize around vaccines – and towards a healthy, thriving 20’s for our community – by getting 80% of eligible people 16 years and older in our region vaccinated by the 4th of July.
What’s more, students 16 and over that can provide proof of vaccination would no longer have to quarantine as close contacts in school, athletics, or extracurriculars once they are considered fully vaccinated (two weeks past final dose) and are asymptomatic.
Learn more and schedule your vaccine…
https://www.erlanger.kyschools.us/News/535#sthash.OekfFeFK.X33pfJK9.dpbs
Your voice matters!
Child Health Survey
Cincinnati Children’s is inviting parents and guardians within its primary service area to participate in the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment.
Why is this important?
As a member of our community, your opinions and ideas are valuable. The information from this assessment will identify key health needs of children, youth, and families in our community and how best to address these needs.
How do I participate?
Scan the QR code above or click this link to complete the survey: redcap.link/Child-Health-Survey
After completing the 10–15 minute survey, a link will be provided to enter a drawing for a $20 cash card. 80 cards will be raffled.
If you have any questions, please contact CommunityRelations@cchmc.org or 513-636-9327.
Get paid to play!
Our learning partner, Learning Gove, is now hiring staff members for its before and after-school programming in the fall. Schedules are flexible and include no weekends or holidays! Competitive pay and sign-on bonuses offered.
For more information or to apply, visit www.learning-grove.org.
Save the date!
The Westwood family has announced the annual Chelsea Ryann Festival of Hope will be held on Sunday, October 17 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Scheben Gymnasium on the campus of Lloyd Memorial High School.