THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Foley

*Teacher: 1st Grade*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

December 11, 2020

Mrs. Lisa Foley is a first grade teacher at Brooklyn School. She has been teaching in the district for nine years and is remembered by her old students for always being able to help students enjoy class and by using interactive activities to make learning fun for all. For this, she was selected as this week’s staff spotlight.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: “The thing I like most about my job is seeing the students learn something new and getting excited about the learning they’re doing. I love seeing the pride they have in mastering something new.”

Q: How was your high school experience? Where did you go to school?

A: “I attended Trinity High School. My high school experience was good. I loved my school, and I had great friends. I learned a lot from my teachers and felt prepared for college.”

Q: If you were able to choose a different career, what would it be? Why?

A: “If I could choose a different career, I would love to do something that involves cooking and baking. Maybe teaching people how to cook and bake or owning my own bakery. I get a lot of joy out of preparing meals for others and baking yummy treats.”

Q: How would your students describe you?

A: “My students would describe me as nice and fun but strict.”

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: “My own children inspired me to become a teacher. I was a stay-at-home mom to my two daughters, and seeing them learn new things fascinated me. I enjoyed teaching them and seeing the learning process unfold before my eyes.”

Q: What is a typical day like for you?

A: “A typical day for me is getting up and getting ready for work. Packing my lunch. Taking care of my dog. Going to work and teaching my students. Coming home and taking my dog for a walk. Visiting with my dad. Making dinner and relaxing by watching TV or reading before bed.”

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: “Some of my hobbies are reading, training my dog, gardening, cooking, and taking walks.”

Q: What is your greatest achievement?

A: “My greatest achievement is getting my masters degree and teaching license while raising my two young daughters.”

Thank you, Mrs. Foley, for everything that you do. Even though we are in high school now, we will not forget the path that you carved for us years ago!

Virtual Spirit Week

By: Valery Warner, Brittney Corrado, and Alisha Bains

December 11, 2020

With the Brooklyn City School District transitioning back to a full remote schedule for the month of December, the Student Council is determined to find a way to stay in the holiday spirit and to keep an annual tradition alive.

With the help of Mrs. Jacinta Bader (Student Council Coordinator), the team decided to, yet again, conduct a spirit week, this year virtually.

Each day next week, it is encouraged that students participate and submit photos to Mrs. Bader at jacinta.bader@bcshurricanes.org. When you submit a photo, you will be entering to win a $10 gift card to Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Panera Bread, etc.

These photos will be posted on the Brooklyn Instagram page and will also be included in this year’s yearbook.

Spirit Days are as follows:

*Monday, December 14: Blue and Gold Day (Show your school spirit!)

*Tuesday, December 15: Snowman Day (Wear white and your snowman accessories!)

*Wednesday, December 16: Homemade Holiday Treats Day (Make your favorite holiday treat!)

*Thursday, December 17: Ugly Sweater Day (Wear your ugliest, holiday sweater!)

*Friday, December 18: PJ Day (Wear your comfy holiday PJs!)

Hope to see everyone participating and staying safe as we move into our last week of school before the holiday break!

Lucky Paws Animal Rescue

By: Laila Schwin, Aiden Nelson, and Ariana Rojak

December 8, 2020

Pets for Adoption at Lucky Paws Animal Rescue, in Independence, OH | Petfinder

Covid has caused a lot of places to struggle all around the world, but perseverance has been shown, and in this case, it is evident by both people and cats.

Lucky Paws is just one of the many animal rescue centers that has struggled during this pandemic, but they ultimately pulled through with the same hard work and dedication that they have shown for years.

They have done this through the process of their TNR program for stray cats, ensuring that more cats can be kept from a life on the streets. They are able to do this through the many cat-feeding stations that volunteers maintain and check regularly all across the Cleveland area to help out stray cats that are in need of shelter, food, water, and other essential items.

Lucky Paws has many extremely-devoted volunteers who have truly built this rescue into a whole community. They focus on fostering, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats. It is truly a community effort that keeps Lucky Paws running and allows so many cats to go on to better lives, whether this is through fostering, finding adopters through online means such as their Facebook page, or through events and adoption options through places like PetSmart, which currently has cats waiting for adoption.

However, because Lucky Paws is a nonprofit organization, this pandemic has hit them hard in terms of funding, as their major fundraising event for the year was canceled, so the group solely runs off of donations.

The most effective ways to donate are through their Facebook page or website. Donations support the veterinary and general costs of having cats. Also, the donation of food and supplies are always needed for the care of the animals, too. Their Facebook page and website both include lists of donation items they need, such as cat food, litter, toys, etc. for the continued care of their cats until adoption occurs.

On that note, perhaps a nice gift of kindness this holiday season would be to make a donation, whether that be supplies, money, or even signing up as a volunteer and offering your home to become a foster location.

Please help in order for the wonderful people over at Lucky Paws to ensure the continued care of some cute, furry friends that will be seeking shelter from the cold weather this winter season.

Wrestling Preview

By: Ella Fowler, Kelsey Bruzek, Tyler Elzholz, and Jaiden Basinger

December 8, 2020

With the season right around the corner, the varsity wrestling team is ready to get on the mat and show the work that they put in this past offseason. Leading the team is head coach Ray Mass with assistant coach Mike Keough.

Finishing last season pretty well, the expectations are high, and those involved in the program believe that this season could be a special one.

Senior Jimmy Gray believes that this team has the ability to flourish this year.

“During practices, everybody shows up every day and does their best at every practice; they’re gonna shine on the mat pretty soon,” said Gray.

He added, “Knowing that I have the opportunity to come back off an injury last season keeps me focused to do my best and have one last year with my wrestling coach that I have had since I was five. As a leader, I’m not pushing to make everyone a state champion wrestler, but I am pushing them to become better kids and soon-to-be adults.”

Due to covid, the wrestling team has a number of wrestlers who did not go out this year in fear of getting sick, so they only have seven wrestlers at this time, as a lot of other schools are having the same difficulty. Coach Mass is not worried about the number of wrestlers on the team because he believes that the group is skilled enough to go out there on the mat and show what Brooklyn wrestling is about.

He explained that all of the returning wrestlers are experienced and wrestled in pee wee, middle school, and high school.

Mass is also high on junior Sofia Collins: “She has been wrestling around with the boys in the wrestling room, so that will make her a lot tougher this year.”

Mass said that he is expecting many newcomers coming in with experience to win a lot of matches this year and the upcoming years. He said it also helps having Keough on the staff.

He stated, “We have a new assistant coach, Mike Keough, who was a two-time state-qualifier for Brooklyn in 2002-2003, as well as a wrestling for John Carroll for four years. That’s one improvement. We also need to improve with weight lifting on a regular basis, so we’ve been doing a lot of that this year.”

In the upcoming years, Mass will focus on trying to get more kids to come out at all levels.

“It’s a brutal sport and is not for everybody; that’s why the numbers are low at times. It takes four-to-five years to build a program, and we are starting from scratch. We just have to get the word out.”

Coach Mass and Coach Keough are looking forward to getting the season underway.

The Hurricane family is excited to see the team succeed and wish them the best of luck.

“Be Kind”

By: Valery Warner, Brittney Corrado, and Alisha Bains

December 4, 2020

With the ongoing pandemic, the Brooklyn City School District lost some fundraisers that assist with funding, scholarships, etc.

Due to this, Brooklyn High School lost one of the biggest fundraisers, but the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce wanted to do something to help ensure our ability to continue with the scholarship and education fund, so they came up with the “Be Kind” fundraiser. This fundraiser will help all students in Brooklyn.

Jessica Cliff, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce stated, “The ‘Be Kind’ fundraiser will be going directly back into our scholarship and education fund to help benefit the students and teachers of Brooklyn City Schools”.

This is a fundraiser that can be done online with no in-person contact, but if you would like, you can pick up your yard sign at multiple locations. When your sign is available for pick up, you will be sent a location via email.

Because the purchase of signs is available in multiple locations and available for delivery, the hope is that “Be Kind” will be successful.

Who can donate? Anyone can because there are no requirements. You do not even have to be a Brooklyn resident.

If you are interested in donating, click here.

Your support is much appreciated. A little bit can go a long way!

Staff Spotlight: Ms. Barber

*Teacher: English Language Arts*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

December 4, 2020

Ms. Jamie Barber has been a teacher at Brooklyn High School for six years. She teaches English Language Arts 9 as well as Reading and Sports Literature. Barber is well-known by her past students and fellow teachers for having a fun and outgoing personality. When it comes to her students, she makes it a top priority to try and assure that her students are understanding information and are in a comfortable, learning environment.

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration?

A: “I think my mom has always been my biggest inspiration. Things didn’t always come easy for her, but she has worked really hard for her entire life, and I know that she is where I got my drive and determination.”

Q: What is the favorite part about your job?

A: “I love how different each day is. I can plan my lessons, but I can never truly anticipate what students will say or do…which could be a positive or negative, depending on the day.”

Q: How would you describe yourself as a teacher using only three words?

A: “Caring. Honest. LOUD!”

Q: If you could choose another career, what would it be and why?

A: “I’m a full on cliche here…I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, BUT I think I would love to have a career as a travel guide. I think it would be so fun to learn about other cultures and share that knowledge with tour groups (Plus, just think of all the great food I’d get to eat!!).”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “Oh…I have so many…currently, I am annoyed by having to say, ‘Please pull your mask over your nose’ 9,246 times a day (an estimate-that number could be much higher!).”

Q: How do you think you’ve affected your students in the past?

A: “I hope they would say that they felt like they mattered and always felt heard in my classroom…and, maybe even, that they learned a thing or two as well!”

Q: How do you go about getting through a stressful situation?

A: “I’m a people-person, so I really rely on my community of friends to help me through everything. I do a lot of venting to them, and if that doesn’t work, there’s always raw cookie dough.”

Q: What will you decide to do once you’re ready to retire?

A: “It seems so far away, but I hope retirement finds me spending a lot of time on a beach relaxing in a place where the sun is *usually* shining! Maybe, I’ll open an outdoor coffee stand and just sip and tan all the rest of my days away.”

Thank you, Ms. Barber for all that you do. We appreciate you!

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium Is Going Remote

By: Laila Schwin, Aiden Nelson, and Ariana Rojak

December 1, 2020

Due to the constant spread of Covid, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is going remote by using Zoom. By doing this, people can see and watch the different types of fish in the aquarium right in their own homes.

The event is primarily a shark exhibit, but it also will explore other related species kept at the aquarium. It focuses on the care and keeping of the fish, their different habitats, and their place in individual food chains for different species which includes sharks, eels, stingrays, and other unique ocean fish.

Currently, available dates for this event are December 4, December 10, December 11, December 17, December 18, and December 31. This is an alternating schedule of Thursdays and Fridays for whichever day fits your preference. All shows begin at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets for these Zoom events cost $18 at a base level and $12 for aquarium pass holders. The event lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and will certainly be an interesting and engaging learning experience for anyone who “zooms” in. Make sure to come prepared with questions because staff personnel and experts will be answering them throughout the event.

Tickets can be found on the aquarium’s website.

Once a ticket is purchased, you will receive an email with a zoom link on the day before your scheduled time.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium | Venue, Cleveland | Price it out

Do not miss this awesome opportunity to see the different types of creatures in the ocean, right here in Cleveland, Ohio.

Along with this event, the aquarium also offers live views of their aquarium through its website, primarily of the shark exhibits. If you just cannot get enough of the sharks after this event, you can click on the Aquarium’s Website or their YouTube page and spend some more time watching the sharks and learning a bit about how they live and interact on your own.

The aquarium also offers other activities through the Events page on their website, such as the stingray and coastal fish exhibits.

With everything going on, we hope that you all stay safe and can still find some fun and family time with these aquarium events.

In the words of Dory, “Just keep swimming!”

Ice Hockey Preview

By: Ella Fowler, Kelsey Bruzek, Tyler Elzholz, and Jaiden Basinger

December 1, 2020

The Brooklyn varsity hockey team is ready to roll. Head Coach Mike Wrost is returning for his second season, following in the footsteps of former Brooklyn legend, Ryan Kelber. Alongside him are assistant coaches Josh Dress and Jason Supek.

The team is coming off of a 5-14-1 record with a 3-9 conference mark, but there is a lot of excitement with the new players joining the squad as well as the returners growing in their skills.

Senior Jed Williamson is hopeful for a memorable and successful season while fellow senior Luke Ridenour is simply hoping that hockey games will be played this year.

Not only are these players looking to be better as a team, but they also know that individual improvement will lead to greater team success.

“I want to become a better goalie and try my best to be better each and every practice/game,” stated Williamson.

According to Williamson, the strengths for this year’s squad will be chemistry and confidence. Also, Ridenour believes that teamwork and communication will be keys.

“The more we practice and learn how our teammates play, the better we will get,” added Ridenour.

This year, players are optimistic about doing well in the Blue South Division, which is a division that many Hurricanes believe that they can compete in.

The team lost a big core of seniors from last year. One of those seniors, Aaron Wrost, is currently continuing his hockey career at Trine University, located in Indiana. With losing Wrost and other key seniors, this year’s team also gained some newcomers, especially on defense.

As Coach Wrost believes, “Defense is our main strength with seniors Jacob Pena and Alan Fernandez and freshman Matt Nicholson.”

Coach Wrost is looking forward to many aspects of this season but mainly watching the new players learn the game and their continued improvement throughout the season. Additionally, he is excited to see how the returning players grow into leadership roles by becoming less dependent on seniors. With smart and improved play, the coaching staff and team believe that they can indeed be Baron Cup qualifiers.

With hopes the season will start back up soon, the health of the players (on and off the ice) is most important at this point in time. Only time will tell when this pandemic permanently goes away, but all the information you will need on this year’s hockey season will be provided as soon as possible.

The Hurricane family wishes good health to all of you during these uncertain times.

Dig deep and press on!

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Goodwin

*Teacher: Automation/Robotics, Medical Detectives, and Design/Modeling*

By: Morgan Blechscmid and Danielle Shehee

November 20, 2020

Mr. Ronald Goodwin is a well-rounded teacher and person here in the Brooklyn City School District. Goodwin teaches seventh and eighth-grade students how to design functioning cars and robots, create models, how to 3D print different objects, and much more. He is a wonderful asset to the BCSD.

Q: What was your very first job?

A: “My very first job was being a paperboy for the Cleveland Press; the newspaper went out of business in 1982.”

Q: What hobbies are you interested in outside of work?

A: “Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, gardening, and playing golf.”

Q: What do you like most about your job here at BHS?

A: “The thing I like most about my job is working with kids. Usually, something funny happens everyday!”

Q: Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

A: “I was born and grew up in Berea, Ohio.”

Q: Where did you go to college, and why did you choose that school?

A: “For undergraduate college, I went to The University of Akron and earned a bachelor’s degree in English. I [then] earned my teaching license at Cleveland State University. I [also] have a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Baldwin-Wallace College [now University].”

Q: What influenced you to become a teacher?

A: “My father, aunt, sister, and brother were all teachers at one time or another, so it runs in my family. But mostly, it would be my father [who] influenced me most in becoming a teacher.”

Q: How would you describe yourself as a teacher, using only three words?

A: “Humorous, strict, and flexible.”

Q: If you could go back in time and choose any other job/career, what would it be?

A: “If I could choose another career, I would be a superintendent at a golf course. I have worked summers at golf courses on the grounds crew for most of the past 30 years, and I really love that job. I enjoy working outside all summer long.”

Q: How do you go about getting through a stressful situation?

A: “To get through a stressful situation, I try and examine the problem and then come up with a workable solution.”

Thank you, Mr. Goodwin, for your time. It was a pleasure interviewing you and getting to know more about you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

BHS Blood Drive

By: Valery Warner, Alisha Bains, and Brittney Corrado

November 20, 2020

Do you want to help others out, especially during the upcoming holiday season? Now is your opportunity to donate blood.

This year’s blood drive, run by The American Red Cross, will be held on December 2, 2020, in Brooklyn High School’s main gymnasium from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Anyone who is older than 16 years of age may sign up to donate blood. If you are exactly 16-years-old, you are still able to donate but only with a parent’s consent.

Before donating blood, there is a list of requirements that need to be met. The basic requirements are as follows: No cold or flu symptoms, moderate levels of iron (the common reason why many students are turned away), your weight must coincide with your height, and all tattoos must have been done professionally.

For a complete list of requirements, click here: Blood Donation Requirements.

Your blood gives to people in need, and it also helps earn community service hours and scholarship opportunities. For every 25 pints of donated blood, Brooklyn’s Student Council will receive a $500 scholarship for a senior who has either successfully donated three to five times.

Additionally, this year with the pandemic, hospitals are in dire need of blood, so The American Red Cross is giving out $10 gift cards along with T-shirts to anyone who donates.

For anyone interested in donating or participating in this year’s blood drive, please contact Mrs. Jacinta Bader (216-485-8100, ext. 8503).

It is the holiday season, so please donate your blood help others out. Remember, someone is always in need.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cleveland Winterfest 2020

By: Laila Schwin, Aiden Nelson, and Ariana Rojak

November 17, 2020

Starting on Saturday, November 28, downtown Cleveland will be merry and bright once again with its annual Winterfest; the tree lighting will start off the fest at 7:00 p.m. To avoid major crowds and risks, you can also watch the tree lighting through WKYC, Channel 3 News.

The events will continue until January 10, ending with ice skating at the Cleveland Foundation skating rink through Merwin’s Wharf. With a capacity of 50 percent, buy your tickets ahead of time because they will be gone quickly!

This year’s Winterfest boasts just as many events as prior years but on a bit more of a set schedule to keep social distancing and safety precautions in place. Many events require reserving spots or buying tickets in advance to ensure a safe time for any event you choose to participate in.

One of the main parts of the festivities is Riverfest at Merwin’s Wharf. This will be the place for events and activities such as ice skating, a festive garden with fire pits, festive light displays, shopping, and an igloo village. Admission is free; however, there are fees for ice skating ($5-$7 plus $3 for skate rental) and for igloo rentals (starting at $50 for two hours).

Holiday light shows will be going on daily in Public Square three times every hour from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. through January 3. There will also be horse and carriage rides on Saturdays through December 19 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ticketed rides are also available for the horse carriages for $40 on select dates through January 2. Ticketed rides are longer and more scenic than free rides, and they provide a fun opportunity to see our beautiful city. Advanced reservations are required for both options though, so be sure to schedule early if you are really wanting to experience everything at Winterfest.

Winterfest Kicks Off the Holiday Season in Downtown Cleveland | CoolCleveland

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will also be holding Winterfest events with family-friendly outdoor events that includes live music, extended museum hours, shopping, food and drink specials, and more. This will take place on every Saturday night from 5-8 p.m. throughout the month of December.

Additionally, there will be virtual visits with Santa (through a Zoom call) from the North Pole to help keep safe, social distances from other people. The free, online sessions will feature question/answer sessions, sing-alongs, and an opportunity to take a selfie with Santa. The calls will take place on November 28, December 12, and December 19 at 11 a.m. Advanced registration is required.

There are plenty more events that will be popping up throughout Winterfest, so we suggest that you check it out for some fun, Winter days this holiday season.

On the note of safety, Winterfest is being presented by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, which states that all events will be conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines. Simply, safety is a priority amongst all of this. For more information on the guidelines, how they will be enforced, and a schedule of programming/events, go to winterfestcle.com.

Have fun, stay safe this holiday season, and be sure to check out Winterfest this year!

We all need a little brightness in our lives.

Boys Basketball Preview

By: Ella Fowler, Kelsey Bruzek, Tyler Elzholz, and Jaiden Basinger

November 17, 2020

Coming off a 4-18 record, the boys’ basketball team is looking to bounce back this year as they begin their 2020-2021 season.

The coaching staff this year includes Mr. Jerrod Karl, who is returning for his fourth year as the head coach of the varsity team. Alongside Coach Karl is Mr. Matthew Mesuga, who is returning as the head junior varsity coach and assistant varsity coach.

With a lot of returning players and a little momentum from the end of last season, Coach Karl has high hopes for this upcoming season.

“We are looking to build off our two-game win streak that ended last season by continuing to play with intensity and that chip on our shoulder,” stated Karl. “Practices to begin the year have been very competitive, and there is an attitude present in the gym that has been absent over the past few years.”

He added, “I believe one of our strengths this year is going to be our athleticism and length. We plan on using this to our advantage in our press and half court defense. Our hope is that this will create a lot of turnovers and fast break points. Biggest thing we need to focus on right now is getting into basketball shape to be able to run a press and intense half court defense for all 32 minutes.”

The varsity team consists of three seniors, seven juniors, and one sophomore, and the majority of the team has varsity experience. Two of these seniors, Ryan Cutright and Stephen Chhan, have high hopes for this season and are looking to keep the positive, preseason vibes alive.

Cutright, a returning role player, stated, “I am looking forward to getting back on the court and playing the sport I love most. I am optimistic about trying to have fun this year as a senior and try to win as many games as possible.”

Chhan, also a returning role player, added that he’s looking forward to the victories and memories this season.

“Our strengths are going to be our energy; I can enhance it by always keeping a high intensity.”

The first look at this year’s squad will take place on December 4 at Cuyahoga Heights High School for the season opener against the Redskins.

With optimism that the season will go on during this pandemic, the Hurricane family hopes for a healthy, successful, and memorable 2020-2021 campaign.

Go Canes!