District eNEWS

July 28, 2023

In this Issue

Elementary Facilities Project Milestones

Back-To-School Celebration

Bryden and Hilltop New to District Family Orientations

Annual Update Form

School Start and End Times

Fall Sports Practices

Department Spotlight: Human Resources

Electronics Recycling Event

Social Scene: Throwback Thursday

Message from the Board of Education

Megan Walsh

As the District prepares to wish treasurer Michele Mills a happy retirement on Monday, she had one final significant task to complete in St. Louis prior to her departure. Ms. Mills was present for the sale of $65 million in bonds that will fund the elementary facilities master plan approved by voters on May 2.

On Tuesday, July 25, the District sold its voter-approved bonds in the amount of $65 million. Strong demand for the Aaa-rated bonds resulted in an average interest cost of 4.36% – well below the estimated interest rate of 5.25%. If interest rates decrease after seven years, the District can “call the bonds” and reissue them at a lower rate. The funds will be remitted to the District on August 15.

Several early milestones are underway as we enter the design phase. The Board recently approved the hiring of Project Management Consultants (PMC) to continue serving as the owner’s representative. PMC will coordinate all aspects of the master plan and act on the District’s behalf to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget. Discussions are in progress to extend a contract with ThenDesign Architecture. In addition, the Board recently approved a request for qualifications to hire a construction manager at-risk to direct the pre-construction and construction phase. After a thorough vetting process, the Board will vote on a recommendation in September.

As we continue to put together the pieces and parts to carry out the elementary facilities master plan, we will look to you – our community, staff, and students – to provide input in the design phase. Your involvement is critical to our success in bringing new buildings and improved grounds that will serve our entire community.

Thank you for your partnership,

Megan Walsh

President, Beachwood Board of Education

Important Dates

AUG 14

Board of Education Meeting

24601 Fairmount Blvd.

7 p.m.

AUG 20

Back-to-School Celebration

25100 Fairmount Blvd.

3 p.m. - 5 p.m

AUG 28

Board of Education Meeting

24601 Fairmount Blvd.

7 p.m.

Beachwood Schools Calendar

Announcements

Back-To-School Celebration

Salute the end of summer at the Beachwood Schools back-to-school celebration! Enjoy free hot dogs, chips, and ice cream provided in partnership with the Athletic Boosters, Beachwood PTO, and Beachwood Schools Foundation. The festivities include student performances, roller skating, and more outdoor fun as we ring in the 2023-2024 school year. Community members are invited to support the Bison Opportunity fund by bringing school supplies; non-perishable, individually packaged snacks; and clean, “like new” Bison apparel. Following this event, the City of Beachwood will show their last summer film “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The back-to-school celebration takes place Sunday, August 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Beachwood High School (25100 Fairmount Blvd.)

Bryden and Hilltop Elementary Host Orientations

for New Families

Beachwood Schools warmly welcomes new families to our community! New families with children enrolled in Bryden and Hilltop Elementary are invited to “New to District” family orientations to learn more about their child’s education at Beachwood Schools. Hilltop Elementary is hosting its “New to District” orientation on Tuesday, August 15, at 1 p.m. (24524 Hilltop Drive). Bryden Elementary will greet new families on Thursday, August 17, at 1 p.m. (25501 Bryden Road).

Complete Your Child’s Annual Update

It is time for all families to complete the Annual Update for the 2023-2024 school year. All students are required to have this form completed and on file. The Annual Update ensures that each child's and parent/guardian's information is up to date and accurate. Please complete all sections by August 23. Families with students participating in fall sports are required to complete the annual update by August 1 in order to participate. To complete the form, log into Infinite Campus.

2023-2024 School Start and End Times

Beachwood Schools is excited to welcome students back to school on August 23. The school start and end times for the 2023-2024 school year have been posted to the Back to School Center as well as on each school’s webpage. In the coming weeks, we will begin sending important updates about your child’s return to school.

Registration is open for Beachwood Middle School and Beachwood High School clubs and activities. To sign up, please visit FinalForms. The website will guide you through the registration process at your child’s school and give you access to the required forms. Both the parent/guardian and the student must complete the registration process. Information about clubs and activities offered at the high schools and middle school is available below:

Beachwood High School clubs and activities

Beachwood Middle School clubs and activities

Practices for Fall Sports Begin August 1

Practices for fall athletes in grades 7 through 12 begin next week! Please sign up for Bison Athletics on FinalForms. All student athletes must have an updated Physical Examination Form and completed Annual Update on file prior to participation in any practices or games. For more information about fall sports, please review the Bison Athletics email.

Department Spotlight

Featuring updates from the different departments that make

Beachwood Schools thrive

Human Resources: Summer Hiring

in Full Swing

We hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for the upcoming school year. As we gear up to welcome our students back, we are thrilled to announce that we continue to make significant strides in ensuring an exceptional educational experience for each and every child.

We are delighted to inform you that our commitment to excellence remains steady, as we have been actively hiring new, talented educators, and staff members to join the Beachwood City School District. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to their respective roles, which we are confident will enrich the learning environment for all our students. Our continuous efforts in recruitment reflect our determination to provide the best possible resources and support to our students.

As we prepare for the new academic year, we look forward to the opportunities and positive impact these exceptional individuals will have on our school community. Together, we will create a memorable and transformative learning journey for each and every student. We hope you are able to meet our new staff members and welcome them to the Beachwood Family.

News & Highlights

Accurate IT Services driver holding boom box

Information Technology Department Hosts Community Electronics Recycling Event

The Beachwood Schools Information Technology department hosted an electronics recycling event on Thursday, July 27, in partnership with Accurate IT Services, a Columbus-based firm specializing in electronics recycling and refurbishment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate more than two million tons of e-waste each year. Recycled materials from electronics sustain the earth’s natural resources by helping eliminate e-waste and conserving energy in the manufacturing process. Special thanks to all the community members who stopped by to help White & Gold make green!

Social Scene @BeachwoodBison