The District takes a

comical time-out to

celebrate the heroes

who keep the District

moving forward!

PHSC Senior Class

president Mallory

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We need more time, proclaimed the elders of PLSD! The students have spoken, and the District listened. The high schools are moving to an eight-period day.

Under the new schedule, each period will be 45 minutes in length and students will have a dedicated lunch period.

“This year we had a seven-period day with 50 minutes of class time,” said PHSC Principal Zack Howard.

“The eight-period day will allow for more flexibility in course scheduling in addition to a dedicated lunch period, ” he said.

The District hopes the change will be a success for all.

“This adjustment allows us to weigh the pros and cons throughout the year and continue to tweak the schedule until we find the one that allows for maximum student achievement,” Howard continued.

There will be a newly formed committee involving many stakeholders to analyze these pros and cons in an effort to tweak the schedule on an ongoing basis to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our students.

This change will take effect at the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

HigH ScHoolS Move to eigHt-Period dayWow, what a year it has

been in the Pickerington

Local School District

(PLSD)! We set ambitious

goals and the students

and staff of PLSD met and

exceeded expectations.

We began the year

by reclaiming

the Excellent

with Distinction

banner and

ended with,

well, take

a look

inside...

tHiS iSSUe

Simply Marvelous

My life at PlSd

What a year, what a season. Coaches raised trophies, students wore medals and the

community gleamed, as the PLSD student-athletes ignited a path rooted in perseverance, poise and excellence that will be retold for decades to come.

On May 24, The Pickerington High School Central (PHSC) Boys Basketball Team won Division I state title defeating Toledo Whitmer 45-40. Pickerington High School North (PHSN) junior Brittany Beeghley bowled over the competition to take home the Division I Girls State Bowling championship, and PHSC junior Maddie Martin won her third consecutive 100-meter butterfly.

A record-breaking 43 student-athletes signed letters of intent to pursue sports at the collegiate level. That

solidifies 2012 as a season to remember. Here is a brief synopsis of what PLSD student-athletes accomplished in 2012 as of May 22, 2012.

PHSc• Boys Basketball- OCC, District, Regional and State Champs• Football- OCC and Regional Champs, State Runner-up• Boys Lacrosse- OCC Champs

PHSc cont.• Girls Softball- District Champs• Girls Tennis- OCC ChampsPHSn• Cheerleading- OCC Champs• Boys Cross Country- OCC Champs• Girls Golf- Sectional Champs• Boys Golf- OCC Champs• Girls Lacrosse- OCC Champs • Boys Swimming- OCC Champs• Boys Tennis- OCC Champs• Boys Track- OCC and District Champs• Girls Volleyball- OCC and District

Champs, Regional Runner-up *OCC- OHIO CAPITAL CONFERENCE

WE ARE PICKERINGTON: Using education to impact the local, national and global community!

Making HiStory

The School Bell[ S P E C I A L E D I T I O N ]

A Pickerington Local School District Publication

Spring 2012Issue 3

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve the Pickerington Local School District and the community. My goal is to continue the tradition of excellence in all areas while striving to be fiscally responsible.

rob Walker, next SUPerintendent of PlSd

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Maddie Martin

brittany beegHley

Making HiStory Haseeb

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Jim Sotlar,Interim Superintendent

As we conclude another successful school year,

I would like to express my admiration and appreciation for the commitment to excellence shown by our students, staff, parents and community. I am so proud of the accomplishments of our students, from academics to extracurriculars.

Most notably, our District was home to state champions in swimming, bowling and boys basketball. Please take a moment to reflect on this year’s outstanding achievements highlighted throughout this publication.

With planning for the 2012-13 school year already underway, we will continue to move forward and take PLSD to the next level of excellence in education.

Please join me in welcoming Rob Walker as our new superintendent. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to focus on preparations for the upcoming school year and beyond. Exciting things are happening in the areas of instruction and implementation, giving our students the best educational opportunities possible.

In closing, I extend my sincere thanks to the Board of Education, administration, staff, parents, students and community for working with me this past year as interim superintendent. It has been an outstanding experience and I marvel at collective passion and dedication to excellence. I firmly believe that strong schools begin with a strong community. Thank you for your continued support of PLSD. Have a safe, restful summer and remember: We are Pickerington.

What a Year!

District AchievementPickerington local ScHoolS iS back on toPThe Pickerington Local School District (PLSD) has earned an Excellent with Distinction rating on the 2010-2011 State of Ohio Report Card. The Excellent with Distinction rating is the highest achievement a school district can receive.

congratUlationS to tHe 2012 PlSd eMPloyeeS of tHe year! District teaching and support staff were recognized for their achievements during the May 7, 2012, Board of Education meeting. Gail Clark of Toll Gate Middle School received District Teacher of the Year honors. 2012 Teachers-of-the-Year: Anthony Elkins, Fairfield Elementary; Kelli Saksa, Heritage Elementary; Kate Whitt, Pickerington Elementary; Susan Schneider, Sycamore Creek Elementary; Cory Gueth, Toll Gate Elementary; Victoria Cooper, Tussing Elementary; Jessica Mackey, Violet Elementary; Barbara Shaffer, Diley Middle; Kathryn Nageotte, Harmon Middle; Gail Clark, Toll Gate Middle; Eric Koch, Lakeview Junior High; David Gauthier, Ridgeview Junior High; Kevin McChesney, PHS Central and Matthew Huland, PHS North. 2012 Support Staff-of-the-Year: Pamela Burgess, instructional assistant; Doug Ledgett, custodial/maintenance; Cindy Tolford, secretary and Tracey Ferrall, food services.

tUSSing eS teacHer receiveS “a day Made better” SUrPriSe Viki Cooper, an educator at Tussing ES received a surprise visit from OfficeMax representatives where she was recognized for her work in the

classroom with the “A Day Made Better” award and $1000 worth of school supplies. The national program is designed to provide economic relief and encourage national support for teachers. Nationwide, principals nominate a teacher who exemplifies passion, dedication and innovation in the classroom.

treaSUrer’S office receiveS State aUditor aWardThe PLSD Treasurer’s Office received the Auditor of State Award from State Auditor Dave Yost’s office for the fiscal year 2010 audit report. The Auditor of State Award is presented to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a “clean” financial audit and the timely

Pickerington 2011-2012A year in review

The School Bell is a community newszine dedicated to providing in-depth coverage of the Pickerington Local School District. Its staff is comprised of District staff and students.

For more information about the School Bell, contact: The Communications Department, Pickerington Local Schools, 90 East Street, Pickerington, Ohio, 43147; Phone: 614-833-2110; www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

2011-2012 School Bell Staff

Editor: Lee Cole

Copy Editors: Diana Myers

Production Team: Lee Cole, Alyx Glass, Aysha Goodwin, Laura Iacobel-lis, Brandi Lust, Madeline Meglich

Photographers/Artist: Lee Cole, Ben Barnes, Adam Cairns, Ewart Da-Souza, Haseeb Farooqui

Contributing Writers: Lee Cole, Jim Sotlar, Brittany Williams

Contributing Writers: Mallory Wyrick, the students of Toll Gate elementary and middle schools

PLSD Board of Education: Lori Sanders, president; Cathy Olshefski, vice president; Jim Brink, Clay Lopez, Lisa Reade, members

Interim Superintendent: Jim Sotlar

Treasurer: Dan Griscom

The School Bell

2012 teacHerS of tHe year

gail clark, teacHer of tHe year

Achievement continued on pg. 3

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3

filing of an annual financial report in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

tranSPortation PrograM getS HigH MarkS froM tHe StateOnce again, the Pickerington Local School District’s Transportation service is among the elite. The District’s bus transportation program is one of the most efficient large bus fleets statewide, according to a recent study conducted by The Ohio Department of Transportation.

oUr coMMUnity, oUr ScHoolS: k-8 coUnSelorS give backThe counselors who never stop enriching the lives of Pickerington students and residents did it again. During the month of March, the K-8 school counselors offered four different parenting programs – to meet the specific needs of students, parents and the community-at-large. Norman Shub, renowned parenting expert and clinical director of the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio, will present the parenting series.

ridgevieW JHS Honored by national coUnSelor aSSociationOn June 25, Ridgeview Junior High School will officially receive the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. School counselors, Eileen McGarvey and Kris Owen will be honored for establishing the outstanding school counseling program. The RAMP designation recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and creating an exemplary educational environment.

PHSc MUSic edUcator receiveS colUMbUS SyMPHony 2012 MUSic aWardThe Columbus Symphony named John Long as the 2012 Music Educator Award winner in the category of secondary education. The award honors individuals who make a difference in the community through a dedication to music education, and their efforts to promote a greater understanding of and appreciation for music education.

Student Achievement diley MS StUdentS forM a neW cliQUe The students of Diley MS (DMS) created a new clique; a group that stands up against bullying. Twice a month, before school, the group lead by staff members Kristen Clark and Tina Farbizo hosted meetings and events to educate and discuss the impact of bullying. The goal: to help spread the word and reinforce the idea that bullying is not an acceptable behavior.

PHSc Senior U.S. PreSidential ScHolar candidateMayuran Ravindran, a PHSC senior, was named as a candidate for the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholar award. It is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. The program recognizes up to 141 of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors.

PlSd PreSentS tHe “fab five” to oSU The Ohio State University welcomed PLSD’s fabulous five seniors during its first Ohio State Excellence in Engineering Signing Day. They are Ryan Knight, PHSC; Jayson Perkins, PHSN; Nolan Rudolph, PHSN; Trevor Stockert, PHSN and Johnathan VanCourt, PHSN.

forty-tHree atHleteS State tHeir “intent” As of May 20, 2012, 43 student-athletes signed letters of intent to pursue sports and education at the collegiate level.

diley Middle ScHool takeS a Stance

Achievement from pg. 2

Achievement continued on pg. 4

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Mallory Wyrick, PHSCSenior Class President

When I look back on the last thirteen years of my

life, one thing is constant: I was always a Tiger. I am a child who was born and raised here in Pickerington.

Though that era technically ends in a month or two, I am always going to remember and cherish the ups and downs I’ve had in this town and in these schools.

I don’t think it’s possible to write down all the good memories I’ve had here, but “Fun Day” in elementary school, Fall Festival, Outdoor Ed, Sunny Side Up, National Honor Society induction, and Soccer Senior Night rank in the top few.

And of course, Tiger football games. Who could ever forget about those?

However, I might want to forget about all the homework and all-nighters I pulled throughout my high school career, even though there will be a lot more in college.

The thought of that is scary, but I know the teachers I have had in the past thirteen years have successfully prepared me for the next chapter in my life. I know I will thank them for their tough love some day. Maybe not now, but some day.

As I move on, I will take what I learned in the classroom and in the halls and apply it to the real world. Pickerington Local Schools has given my classmates and me so many opportunities to grow. I am eternally grateful. As my classmates and I approach the bittersweet end, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we’re always going to be Tigers.

Reflecting on My PLSD Experience

art StUdentS Make a Scene Eleven PLSD art students received honors in the prestigious 2012 Central Ohio Regional Scholastic Art Awards exhibition at Columbus College of Art & Design’s (CCAD) Canzani Center Gallery.

tHree PHSn SeniorS noMinated to Service acadeMieSU.S. Rep. Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) recently nominated three PHSN students to attend military service academies. They are Tanner Barnes, Paul Hintz and James Ross. Barnes received a nomination to the Naval Academy, Hintz and Ross received nominations to the Air Force Academy.

diStrict art and integrated tecHnology StUdentS rack UP tHe HonorSTwenty-six District high school art and integrated technology students advanced to the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. Scholarship money is awarded to the top twenty-five artists. The Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, now in its forty-second year, is dedicated to the educational and artistic advancement of talented young people in Ohio.

PHSc’S Science olyMPiad teaM QUalifieS for State toUrnaMentThe PHSC Science Olympiad team finished in fourth place at the regional Science Olympiad tournament held at Grandview Heights HS.

foUr PlSd art StUdentS Selected for governorS art exHibition Rachel Karn, PHSC; Alex Rickrich, PHSC; Ashley Hull, PHSN and Ian Houser, PHSN had their paintings selected for the 2012 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. The student works were displayed in the Rhodes State Office Tower on Broad Street in Columbus, OH.

tHe State HonorS tUSSing eS’S Perfect gentleMenTussing ES received the Ohio Department of Education’s 2011 Asset Builder Award for its Young Gents program. The Asset Builder Award recognizes outstanding people who represent Ohio’s greatest resources in creating and sustaining prevention and intervention efforts. The Young Gents program began during the 2010-2011 school year to motivate, encourage and boost the confidence levels of young males.

diStrict HigH ScHoolS are off to a MeritorioUS StartPickerington Local Schools has six National Merit Semifinalists in the 57th annual National Merit Scholarship Program: Ryan Knight, Sanjeev Kolli, Michael Morris and Mayuran Ravindran of PHSC; and Janelle Holmes and Kelly Turpin of PHSN.

foUr HUndred voiceS Sang for Peace and goodWillThe District’s High School Choirs and the Singing Buckeyes combined

for the Christmas Show Voices of the Season. The Singing Buckeyes Christmas show was presented at the Performing Arts Center at PHSC on December 10, 2011. In addition to barbershop style holiday classics, the show featured the choirs of both PHSC and PHSN. In total, the grand finale boasted over 400 singers!

PHSn MarcHing band SalUteS tHe victiMS of 9/11On September 8, 2011, the PHSN band performed at the David Johnston Memorial Post of the American Legion, 7725 Refugee Road, during a community ceremony that commemorates and honors the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

rock, PaPer, SciSSorS; lakevieW JHS StUdentS teSt engineering SkillS Students in the LJHS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics class were assigned the task of building a structurally sound bridge. Using their knowledge of engineering, the students were divided into teams to design, build and test the construction of the bridges using manilla folders and various adhesives. During the competition, the students gradually loaded their bridges with sand to its failing point to test the efficiency of the bridge. This was science by inquiry at its finest.

StUdentS’ art diSPlayed at tHe WildS conServation centerThe art students at Ridgeview JHS painted an elaborate mural that will be on display at The Wilds conservation center in rural eastern Ohio. Their art teacher, Cheryl Knox forged the relationship with the preserve. Knox’s classes also will produce another 4-by-8-foot mural and 3-D metal sculptures for The Wilds.

Senior “acHieveMentS” receive national recognitionTwo District seniors were named as Semifinalists in the National Achievement Foundation Scholarship program. Janelle Holmes of PHSN and Lauren Jackson of PHSC where among the more than 1,600 African American high school seniors to receive this honor.

coMPoUnding SUcceSS, eigHt diStrict StUdentS naMed aS coMMended StUdentS in national Merit PrograMKaitlyn Haynes, Lauren Jackson, Andrew Kovaleski, Tyler Kunkel, Emily Sersain and Jasmine Singh of PHSC; and Siyu Liu and Michael Van Fossen of PHSN received letters of Commendation from their respective high school principals and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program.

PHS central’S engineering teaM deliverS a record-Setting PerforMance The PHSC Tigers won the 2011 Ohio Pumpkin STEM Throwing Machine Design Challenge, with a record-setting throw of 216.5 feet. The Ohio Technology and Engineering Educators Association event is for students

Achievement from pg. 3

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Brittany Williams, PHSNSenior Class President

My experience in PLSD has been amazing! I have

always enjoyed going to school and have always been pushed and encouraged to work hard. I have always felt safe in my school and school has been like my second home.

I have gone to Pickerington since kindergarten and have always had amazing teachers; these teachers have inspired me to become a teacher myself. I am not sure I would be the person I am today if I went to another district.

In Pickerington, students are driven and motivated to succeed. I couldn’t have asked for a better district to grow up in. Pickerington gives students a place to grow into the person they want to be whether it is in arts, sports, student leadership or drama.

Clay Bedford once said, “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” This quote is a true representation of our schools; our teachers make learning fun and always go above and beyond their duties as educators.

At every school, teachers and staff make you feel welcome, are always friendly and helpful. I am going to miss the friendly staff, the supportive administration and, of course, my fellow students. I will always call Pickerington my home and I hope to return to someday teach in such an amazing school district. Thank you PLSD for creating such a wonderful learning environment for me and giving me the first steps in my education.

Reflecting on My PLSD Experience

in kindergarten through college. Introduction to Engineering seniors Patrick Fluty, Austin Ladd, Richard Linek, Ryan Schmeltzer and Nick Wilson were on the award-winning team.

tWo PHS nortH art StUdentS Place in congreSSional art coMPetitionLaura Kageorge and Kevin Krznar, two PHSN students were honored in Congressman Steve Austria’s seventh congressional district 2012 Fairfield-Franklin County Art Competition. Kageorge earned second place for her charcoal drawing and Krznar, third place for his computer graphics artwork.

toll gate MS Join forceS WitH tHe aMerican red croSS for blood drive The need for blood donors is urgent, and the students and staff of Toll Gate Middle School wanted blood! They were able to roll up their sleeves to help those in need!

oUr coMMUnity, oUr ScHoolS: diStrictWide food driveThe District’s elementary and junior high schools joined forces to help the residents of Pickerington. February 1-14, the elementaries conducted a “We Love Our Community” food drive and March 1-16, the junior highs held a “March Madness” drive to benefit the PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington.

Pelotonia to Make a Pit StoP in PickeringtonPelotonia is a grassroots bike tour with one goal: to end cancer, and on Saturday, August 11, PHSN will serve as a refueling station (water and restroom breaks) for the more than 5,000 participants.

rob Walker naMed SUPerintendent of tHe Pickerington local ScHool diStrictOn March, 28, 2012, the PLSD Board of Education named Rob L. Walker as the sixteenth superintendent of Pickerington Local Schools effective August 1.

“The Board is excited to welcome Rob Walker as the next superintendent of Pickerington Schools,” said Board of Education President Lori Sanders. “We believe the leadership team the Board has assembled, will position this District towards continued excellence in educating the students of our community.”

Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Toledo and master’s degrees from Wright State University, education administration; and Miami University, exercise physiology.

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The early settlers traveling in Ohio followed the trails made by animal herds and the Native Americans. Toll Gate Road was first a path and eventually a gravel road until it was paved in the 1940s. Running north from Refugee Road, Toll Gate led to a toll road at Route 40 (Main Street).

The toll was paid to enter Route 40 during the day, but it was free to enter at night because the toll collectors did not work that late. Electricity was installed to the homes along Toll Gate in the mid 1930s. Taylor Bridge was a covered bridge on the road until the 1970s when it was severely damaged by a heavy truck. Materials salvaged from the accident were used to rebuild the bridge across a stream on a property along the road.

Through the years there have been several churches on Toll Gate Road. The oldest church was originally named Trinity and sat at the corner of Toll Gate and State Route 204. A church still stands on this site.

Mrs. Wavalene Woolever was interviewed for the majority of the information in this article. Mrs. Woolever was born a Zeller and has lived on Toll Gate Road for 80 years. Her family’s original home still stands. She now lives on a farm just north of her childhood home. The land is leased to others for growing crops. Mrs. Woolever remembers when the road was first paved and electricity was installed.

Additional facts were taken from Violet Township…Through Two Hundred Years, written by John T. Ricketts and Trigve R. Skarsten. Thank you to all who provided information for the article.

Tap Into Toll GateServing PLSD Since 2009

[ W E A R E T O L L G AT E ] T H I S I S S U E WA S C R E AT E D B Y T H E T O L L G AT E S T U D E N T S K - 6 U N D E R T H E G U I D A N C E O F T H E G L O B A L I N T E G R AT I O N T E A M

Spring 2012Issue 1

We Were Here!

6

Before We Were Here…

J. Lyndel P

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The students interviewed two very special teachers, Mrs. Loeffler and Mrs. Holland. Mrs. Loeffler is in charge of the Pillars of Character Committee at Toll Gate Middle School (TGMS), and Mrs. Holland leads the Make A Difference in Education Committee at Toll Gate Elementary School (TGES). These teachers help the students learn to support and care for people in our community. Together, these are the ways Toll Gate makes a difference:

• Food drives.

• One Meal at a Time.

• Pickerington Food Pantry.

• Byron Saunders Foundation.

• Veteran’s Day Stars - over 1,300 stars were displayed with names of family members who served or are currently serving.

• Toy drive for Firefighters.

• Adopt-a-Family – Seven families in Fairfield county were adopted.

• Abbington of Pickerington received homemade gifts.

• Share the Warmth – Over 600 coats, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves were donated to Children’s Services of Fairfield County.

• Pennies for Patients.

• The Village Mountain Mission.

• Pop tabs were collected for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The Toll Gates Make a Difference

A Few Things You Didn’t Know about the Toll Gates

• There are 3,362 feet of hallways in both buildings.

• Toll Gate Elementary serves an average 1,600 lunches a week, while Toll Gate Middle serves an average of 1,800 lunches a week.

• The fastest fire drill evacuation time is one minute two seconds.

• 467 kids ride a bus to the elementary; 465 ride to the middle school.

• The elementary teachers have been teaching for an average of 15.82 years, while the middle school teachers have an average of 16.73 years of experience.

• There are a total of 1,010 students on the Toll Gate campus.

• There are 117 teachers and support staff on the Toll Gate campus.

• It takes a total of 18 hours to mow and weed the grass at Toll Gate.

• Total of 80 light bulbs are replaced each year at Toll Gate.

• 70 mops are used throughout the school year at Toll Gate.

• The strangest thing found at Toll Gate Middle School was the blob from the inside of a broken lava lamp.kdg

Chicka Chicka Boom BoomDavid Shannon’s ‘David’ booksHenry and MudgeArthur’s UnderwearOscar the Cat

1StDon’t Let the Pigeon…Junie B. Jones seriesKnuffle BunnyThe Foot BookFancy Nancy

2ndTough to TackleReady Freddy and the Pumpkin Elf

2nd cont.Garfield Makes it BigJunie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly BusA to Z Mysteries Absent Author

3rd FudgeThe Westing GameI Survived…..series Tale of DespereauxBecause of Winn Dixie

4tHCharlotte’s WebBig Nate Strikes AgainFrindle

4tH cont.The Landry NewsInvention of Hugo Cabret

5tHPercy Jackson and the OlympiansWonderstruckNo TalkingMalice Everybody Hates Chris

6tHDark LifeMillion Dollar ThrowTouching Spirit BearFootball HeroTracker

Summer Reading Recommendations

7

The Global Integration Team worked with groups of students

from first through sixth grade to create this newspaper. With the

guidance of Cristy Stephenson, Diann Fish, Sue Gumm and Sandy

Brown, students from both Toll Gate buildings met to brainstorm

ideas, write questions, interview, research history, type and edit

copy, photograph, layout and design this insert. We have learned

that despite our differences, the two schools share many aspects of

daily life.

TAP INTO TOLL GATE SPECIAL GLOBAL INTEGRATION

TEAM EDITION

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Did you ever want to go back in time or want to see what the

future holds for you? Well, some of the students at TGES and TGMS had that opportunity through an experience called “trading places.”

For example, Mrs. Kemmerer’s fifth grade students spent 30 minutes with Mrs. Gear, a Kindergarten teacher while Mrs. Gear’s kindergarten students experienced Mrs. Kemmerer’s fifth grade classroom. The majority of the teachers traded lesson plans.

We asked the teachers “What did you enjoy the most?” All of the teachers said they had a great

time doing the switch.

The students were energetic, respectful, humorous and open. The majority of the teachers said they would like to do it again, but would like to have more time with the switched class.

Even though the teachers liked switching classes, they preferred to teach their own grade level.

When asked the question, “Were you nervous?” Mr. Ward said, “I was unsure

what to expect. They were a good class and I enjoyed my time with them all.” Mrs. Cieply said, “No, I was excited to work with older students with more advanced learning skills and lessons. It was fun to be with some students I had four years ago.”

Here are the 12 teachers who participated: Mrs. Gear (K) Mrs. Lanier (1) Mrs. Cieply (2) Mrs. Baugh (4) Mrs. Sensabaugh (4) Mrs. Starkey (4) Mrs. Kemmerer (5) Mr. Coffman (6) Mr. Hiebel (6) Mrs. Kuenzli (6) Mrs. Watkins (6) Mr. Ward (6).

In general, the students said they were nervous because they didn’t know if the teacher was going to be nice, but in the end they all agreed it would be fun to do it again. Second grade students in Mrs. Cieply’s class said “It felt weird because their chairs are bigger” and “It was fun because it was something new to try.”

Trading Places

Tap Into Toll Gate reporters interviewed head cook, Karen Guse, about what it is like to work in the kitchen at Toll Gate middle and elementary schools. Karen has worked in food service since 1985, the past five years for Pickerington Local Schools. Not only does the kitchen serve Toll Gate elementary and middle schools, but also serves as the central kitchen for Violet and Heritage elementaries.

Q. HoW Many HoUrS a day do yoU Work?A. I work seven hours a day, although preparation time changes every day. Prep time depends on the food being served and what we send to the other buildings. Serving begins at 11:15 for elementary and ends at 1:00. It takes about 20 minutes to clean up after every grade’s lunch period. Middle school is served every fifteen minutes with seven minutes in between to wash, sanitize and clean.

Q. WHat kind of training/ScHooling did yoU need for tHiS Job?A. I received a degree in food service administration, and I’m also serve safe certified which requires recertification every five years.

Q. HoW Many Staff MeMberS doeS it take to rUn tHe kitcHen?A. Seven total, four cooks in the middle school and three in the elementary who rotate between schools.

Q. tHe MenU cHangeS for tHiS year. WHy did tHat HaPPen?A. There are many reasons for the changes in the menu, a lot having to do with nutrition and Senate Bill 210. Senate Bill 210 limits access to unhealthy foods and beverages in schools, hoping to create a healthy and supportive environment. Nutrition is key.

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?

Cooking continued on pg. 9

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Principal Favorites

The menu is written in March for the following year with approval from my boss followed by a nutritionist’s approval. Items from past years, like the gravy on the mashed potatoes, were removed because the sodium amount allowed for this particular age group was too high.

Q. WHy iS tHere Pizza every WedneSday?A. Almost everyone likes pizza. It is the most popular day in the elementary. Also, a parent always knows that Wednesday is pizza day, so it is parent-friendly. The middle school does offer choices because of “pizza burnout.”

Q. WHy do We Have Self-Serve? do yoU like it?A. This was a big change. Toll Gate was the pilot program for self-serve. At first it was a huge adjustment but it helped alleviate staffing issues. We would need double the staff if not for self-serve. Now we all love it.

Q. WHat’S yoUr favorite Part of yoUr Job and WHy?A. I like that it feels like two separate jobs. I get to spend my mornings doing prep work and my afternoons serving. Every day is different. My job is not boring.

Thank-you to Karen Guse for taking the time to answer our questions. Although we have always enjoyed our lunches, now we know how much work is really involved in our lunches.

T- O- L- L- G- A- T- E-

Twin Day- Dress like a friend!

Out Loud Day- Sing something out loud!

Literature Day- Start or finish a book!

Laugh Day- Tell a joke!

Get Active Day- 15 minutes of exercise!

Art Day- Create a special work of art!

Terrific Day- Be as awesome as you can!

Enjoy your last day of school!

May 30th

May 31st

June 1st

June 2nd

June 3rd

June 4th

June 5th

June 6th

Countdown to Summer FREEDOM! Cooking from pg. 8

ice creaMvacation SPot

PetreStaUrant

MoviePrinciPal QUote

MrS. JackSonMint Chocolate ChipKey West, Florida

dogLa Scala

Remember the Titans

“Education is the key to success.”

Mr. JoneSSpumoni

Glacier National Park

Saber Tooth TigerThe Pink Cricket

Dr. Zhivago

“The Pickerington kids are the best!”

MrS. MotScHNatural Vanilla and Pistachio

Salem, MA; Ireland and the beach

Yorkie PooIron Chef

Under the Tuscan Sun

“I believe that each child has special talents and can make

a difference in our lives.”

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Seniors Hannah Anspaugh and Weston Hunter pose for a picture on the football field after Hannah was selected Homecoming Queen. Hannah was also voted for the senior favorite “best dressed.”

The Road to the Top! The varsity football team takes a picture after a regional semifinal game at Ohio Wesleyan. The boys went on to place second in the state, playing Saint Ignatius for the title.

We’re Number One! The Varsity basketball team and coaching staff celebrate after defeating Toledo Whitmer and winning the State Championship game.

State Champs! The members of the Mock Trial team pose for a picture at the court house. The team won the 2012 State Competition.

Young Professional. Levon Thomas was named Ohio Technology and Engineering Educator Association’s Young Professional of the Year for his role in expanding STEM in Central’s Integrated Technology curriculum.

Congratulations to:

Central’s National Merit Scholarship Finalists

Ryan Matthew Knight

Sanjeev Kolli Michael E. Morris

Mayuran Ravindran

National Achievement Scholarship

Program Finalist

Lauren M. Jackson

Young Scholars. Central’s National Honor Society inducted seventy-eight new members in 2012.

Seniors Kyle Hyer and Mallory Wyrick were selected Prom King and Queen.

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Bravo! The cast stands together after performing The Crucible for the student body. Some of the students have been a part of theatre for their entire high school career.

Best of Show! Photography students Bryce Bollinger, Zoe Cuccaro, Kay-Lynn Fulton, and Leah Allmandinger excelled at the Ohio Technology and Engineering Educators STEM competition, sweeping the Graphic Arts and Photography categories.

Let’s Get Hyped! The marching band plays “Iron Man” during a football game at Tiger Stadium. Marching Band scored a One in the State Competition at the University of Dayton in 2012.

Congratulations! Senior Bryana Szwalla displays her scratch board that earned her a Gold Key, American Visions Nomination and placed Best of Show. It continued to Regionals in Columbus and to National judging in New York.

Three-Peat! Junior Maddie Martin won the State Swimming Championship for the third time in a row during her high school career.

Workin’ Man. Central’s head custodian, Doug Ledgett, was selected PLSD’s custodian of the year.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! Senior cheerleader Maddi Kelly was selected to be a varsity cheerleader at Miami University.

Teacher of the Year. Science teacher Kevin McChesney was selected as Central’s Teacher of the Year by his fellow teachers and administration. McChesney teaches all Physics classes.

1 2 RememberPickerington High School Central

2012: A great year to be a Tiger!

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naMe: Mike MagerkobUilding: diStrict title: tecHnicianUnsung Characteristic: His reach is never confined to his wingspan, “Magerko” is known throughout the District as the techie with a heart. Whether helping distressed computer users, dissecting a virus, realigning a system or helping students improve their reading skills, Mike Magerko is Mr. Incredible.

naMe: rick knaPPbUilding: PHS centraltitle: caMPUS SecUrityUnsung Characteristic: The chameleon of Pickerington. There is nothing that Knapp cannot, will not, do for the students and staff of PLSD. He has been called invaluable, irreplaceable, dynamic and invincible. His value to the District, immeasurable. Now, they can call him a hero!

naMe: deanna gray bUilding: toll gate eleMentary title: cUStodian Unsung Characteristic: If things were as simple as black and white, there wouldn’t be a GRAY. DeAnna is known for doing the little things to ensure that the big things run smoothly. Gray works tirelessly to extend a hand to the students and staff of Toll Gate Elementary School (TGES). Gray is a beautiful addition to the TGES color palette.

naMe: Sandy kincaidbUilding: ridgevieW JHStitle: SecretaryUnsung Characteristic: Sandy Kincaid is the smooth operator of Ridgeview JHS. She is the professor, the historian, the great calm in a building of over 800 students and staff. A woman of

many titles, Kincaid’s duties often extended beyond the regular work day. Her response - It’s just a day in the life at Ridgeview JHS.

naMe: HerSHel grant bUilding: diStrict office title: cUStodian Unsung Characteristic: The “gentle one” who gets the job done. Sir Hershel is the soft spoken custodian who always has positive words of encouragement backed by a strong work ethic. There is no request too great or too small. He simply grants wishes. Hershel Grant completes the 2012 class of PLSD’s Unsung Heroes.

art by Ewart Da-Souza

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UnsUng Heroes

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TWe are limitlessPHSN Class of 2012

By Madeline Meglich, Laura Iacobellis and Mrs. Brandi Lust

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he kindergartners at Fairfield, Toll Gate, and Violet are likely not yet concerned with the day they will cross the stage to receive their high school diplomas. Their minds are more likely consumed with experiencing the world through crayons and songs about the alphabet. However, the seniors of PHSN planned ahead and linked themselves to the class of 2024 on one of the most important days of their lives. In twelve years, the graduating PHSN class will open a time capsule from the class of 2012, the first of its kind, and what will they find? Perhaps there will be evidence of excellence in the field of art. Graduates were awarded almost $280,000.00 in scholarships to the Columbus College of Art and Design alone. In addition, two seniors were featured in the Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. Maybe they will find evidence of athletic accomplishment. Nine students will go on to play a sport for a division one or division two school, including one graduate who will be representing Pickerington as a Buckeye. Future graduates might find a link to an award-winning video against bullying or blue puzzle piece pinssold at an Autism awareness event, which seniors helped

plan and implement. This year’s graduating class will feature two merit finalists, one of whom is also a National Achievement Scholar, and numerous other academic accolades, so perhaps the class of 2024 will find evidence of seniors’ intellectual curiosity and strong work ethic. There is no doubt that through all of their accomplishments, seniors have made the Pickerington community proud, and in twelve years, graduates will have a worthy legacy to follow when it is their turn to wear the cap and gown.

WE ARE PICKERINGTON

1. Youssef El-Barrad, 12, participates in an activity about density. Team Physics went to all the Pickerington Middle Schools to educate kids about how science works. Photo by Doug Forest2. PHSN’s Panther mascot and PHSC’s Tiger mascot pose together showing the cohesiveness of the Pickerington community. Photo by Kathy Lyons3. The art club volunteered to create this mural in the big study hall in 219. It was painted by Sebastian Inboden, 12; Jeremy Browne, 1; Ashley Hull, 12; Shannon Engle, 11 and Ryan Thiel, 12. Photo by Megan Seeds

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Austin Engle, 12, and Gabrielle Thacker, 12, pose for a picture after finding out they would compete in a state competition for their video “Stop the Bullying, Start a Movement.” Photo by Doug Rider.

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The class of 2012 comes together for one of their last group photos. Photo by Lifetouch.2Austin Kilgore, 12, and Ryan Kronk, 9, play a “Minute to Win It” challenge at the first ever Renaissance Pep Rally. Kilgore and Kronk competed for a prize of their choice. Photo by Beth Ritzenthaler.

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Ashley Lukacsko, 12, goes up for a header in their last game of the season against Watterson. Photo by Bev Fracassa.

4Students create a giant puzzle piece on the gym floor during half time of the Boys’ Varsity Basketball game against Gahanna for the Autism Speaks event which raised almost $2,000.00 for children with Autism. Photo by Lea Fisher.

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Hayden Wetmore, 9; Michael Lynch, 12; Julie Gallaugher, 11; Briana Keller, 12 and Caleb Winner, 12 perform in the spring play “Legally Blonde.” Photo by Sebastian Inboden.

6Cameron Huey, 12, and Bryan Jimenez, 12, run on the sidelines holding the “We Are North” flag after North scored at the Varsity Football game against Groveport. Students wore yellow to the game in support of Nellie’s Club, a group formed to increase awareness of childhood cancer. Photo by Nana Agyemang.

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Friday Night Flicks presented by:

Sycamore Park Amphitheater - Movies begin at dark. Approximate starting times are listed. Admission is FREE! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show.

For information, please call the Recreation Department at 614-833-2211.

June 8 – (9:20): Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World (PG)June 15 – (9:22): Muppets (PG)June 22 – (9:24): Puss in Boots (PG)June 29 – (9:23): Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom (PG)July 6 – (9:21): Zookeeper (PG)July 13 – (9:18): Happy Feet 2 (PG)July 20 – (9:13): The Smurfs (PG)July 27: No Movie - Violet FestivalAugust 3 – (8:48): Cars 2 (G)August 10 – (8:39): Dolphin Tale (PG)

June 10 - The British InvasionCalled “The Ultimate Tribute to 60’s British Rock,” the group recreates the era with amazing accuracy.

June 17 - Jacked Up Jacked Up is a well-known country band, which plays all of today’s popular country music.

June 24 - Floorwalkers Acclaimed as one of the most popular bands in Ohio, the sextet describes itself as “Bluesy, folky, groovy, and rocking.”

July 1 - Red Hot Rhythm Review The Red Hot Rhythm Review will perform energetic songs of rhythm and blues, funk, and classic dance tunes.

July 4 Band - Parrots of the Caribbean and Jake and Elwood’s Blues RevueWednesday, July 4th, 7:30- 10:00pm, Victory Park, - FREE! This is a holiday extravaganza, featuring the No. 1 Jimmy Buffet tribute band in the U.S.A., and an eclectic collection of Blues Brothers music from the 1970’s. Each group will perform for half of the show time, which will run from 7:15 until 10 pm. It will be a memorable night for Parrotheads, and for those who like funky blues music.

July 15 - Bon JourneyAll of the best music from two of the greatest bands, Bon Jovi and Journey, are presented by this talented group.

July 22 - MojoFlo This amazing band is one of the most notable current bands from Columbus. The MojoFlo experience consists of blazing horns, funk, and a sprinkling of hip hop.

July 29 - Chris Logsden Chris Logsden is a regular performer in the Series. Wildly popular, he entertains with acoustic rock standards from the 70’s and 80’s, mixing in musical yarns with charisma and wit.

August 5 - Woody Pines Woody Pines plays rousing roots music, which includes country, jazz, jug band, Dixieland, folk, and old-time country blues.

August 12 - Paradise Island One of the most popular acts from the 2011 Series, this powerhouse dance band has been invited back for this season. They specialize in music from rock classics to Motown to blues to current hits.

FREE ADMISSION!

“The Best Summer ConcertSeries in Central Ohio!”

GREAT SUMMER EVENTS FROM THE PICKERINGTON RECREATION DEPARTMENT!

JULY 4th CELEBRATION: Wed., July 4th, Victory Park, 4:00-10:30pmYOUTH FISHING DERBY: Sat., July 28th, Sycamore Park, 9:30-11:00am

PICKERINGTON COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOL

614-864-348311330 Stonecreek Drive, NW

Pickerington, OH 43147Please do not send mail to pool

Open daily: 12:00noon – 8:00pm2012 Season Pass Applications available online at

www.pickerington.net or at the Recreation Department, 100 Lockville Road VISIT WWW.PICKERINGTON.NET FOR MORE DETAILS!