THE RETURN OF THE EYE

By: Aiden Nelson, Laila Schwin, Alisha Bains, and Ariana Rojak

October 2, 2020

With the recent switch from an all-remote schedule into the hybrid schedule, everyone has been dealing with the sudden change in scheduling and routine. While some may be finally enjoying being back in school, there are some students who are still on remote and others who are concerned or fearful about being back at school for in-person learning.

The principals and staff members came up with a very diligent plan on how to keep staff and students safe from getting sick. 

Students will only go to four classes (maximum) a day, and after every class, the staff is required to wipe down the desks and tables to prevent the spread of any viruses. 

Additionally, students and staff members are required to wear face masks and keep their six-feet distance as best as they can.  The principals also have hand sanitizer stations put up throughout the school building. 

Finally, tape is on the floors going up and down the hallways to direct the students as to which way they are supposed to travel to get to their next class. 

Due to the different stances on this new hybrid schedule, we interviewed a teacher, Mr. Sedlacek (American History), and a student, Alanys Rodriguez (junior), about how being back in school is affecting them. 

Mr. Sedlacek was asked how he felt about coming back to school, this time with students in the classroom. He replied by saying that he is glad that students are back in class and that he has wanted them back in the classroom ever since all of this started (back in mid-March). While he recognizes the risk of having students in the school, he believes it is a risk worth taking for the students to get a quality, educational experience.

He was also asked whether he preferred virtual learning or in-person learning. He was quite confident in his answer, saying that while both are different and have to be balanced, he ultimately prefers in-person learning because of the energy and fun aspects of school, along with the ability to guarantee attentiveness. 

Mr. Sedlacek is hopeful for our near future and wants everything to be back to normal as soon as possible.

Rodriguez was asked how she feels about coming back to school. She replied by saying that she feels pretty good about it but remains skeptical due to the ongoing pandemic. 

She was also asked about her preference, online classes or in-person classes: “I personally prefer in-person because I understand instructions better, and I get more help.” 

While there is currently no end in sight, we hope that everyone is holding onto hope and the normalcy that being back in school brings. 

Remember to wash your hands, wear your masks, and be confident in tomorrow!

By: Valery Warner, Morgan Blechschmid, and Ella Fowler 

September 15, 2020

Back where he belongs, Dr. Theodore Caleris has returned to the Brooklyn City Schools as the new superintendent. 

Before leaving seven years ago, Dr. Caleris was previously the principal of the Brooklyn Middle School.  He also served as a science teacher, as well as the athletic director, at Brooklyn High School. 

His many hopes for Brooklyn this year include a number of ideas.

“I am very glad to be back in the district. With the current uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, I am hopeful that we will have some consistency this year and be able to master remote learning but to also get our students back to class.”

One main area of focus that Dr. Caleris is passionate about revolves around our successes.  

“I think that as a school district, we need to define what success means to our Brooklyn community, staff, and students! I am hopeful that our stakeholders will be able to tell me what success looks like in our district.”

Dr. Caleris described what influenced him to be a superintendent.  

“I have always enjoyed every job that I have done in a school district. I think this was the next progression for me as an educator. Most of all, I am thankful to be back in Brooklyn. This was my dream job for a long time!”

Outside of work, what else does Dr. Caleris enjoying doing to stay balanced? 

“I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children. Also, one of my passions is being a professor at local universities. This is a great way for me to interact with teachers and to stay true to why I originally became an educator.”

There have been a number of jobs and experiences that have led Dr. Caleris to his job position today.  In addition to his previous experience here in Brooklyn, he was a science teacher/coach in Elyria for three years, a high school principal in Sandusky for two years, and an assistant superintendent in Cuyahoga Heights for the past five years.

On the Brooklyn City Schools’ website, Dr. Caleris states the following: “With the continued uncertainty to begin this school year, our staff, faculty, and administrators have been collaborating to reopen our school year, both remotely and in-person. I am confident that the collective power of our Hurricane Nation will allow us to keep moving forward despite the obvious challenges our society is now facing.”

When we are all back in school, make sure to stop by his office to give him a warm welcome.

Dr. Caleris is so thankful to be a Hurricane once again, and his leadership is exactly what we need! 

Hurricane proud!

By: Ariana Rojak and Danielle Shehee

September 11, 2020

Welcome back to all BCSD administration, staff, students, and families.

Although this year presents numerous challenges, we are confident that all of us together will persevere and make this academic year positively-memorable. 

We are glad and thrilled to introduce BHS’s new assistant principal, Mr. Matthew Larson. 

Larson was a teacher in Bedford, Ohio, for six years in the social studies and government classrooms.  He then left Bedford and became an administrator at Lorain High School. 

After working in Lorain for two years, he is now BHS’s assistant principal, and many have welcomed him into the Hurricane family.

Switching from a larger district to a much smaller district is a bit challenging, especially during this current pandemic, but with fewer students, Larson sees it as an opportunity to get to know his students and feels that getting to know his them is deeper than simply names and faces. 

“I’m hoping we can get through this year safely, and I’m hoping to make this year fun for everyone, especially the seniors during such a hard time,” stated Larson in a recent interview.

His personality is what he plans on bringing to the table in order to make BHS more unique.

“I want students to be recognized for what they accomplish, whether they’re introverts or extroverts.”

Larson is very happy with his decision on joining the BCSD district and has a great feeling about what this school year has in store for everyone.  

As for the students of Brooklyn High School, we are excited to see what he has to offer us this year, too.

Mr. Larson, welcome to the Hurricane family!

By: Savannah David, Destiny Cannon, and Izabella Hotz

May 29, 2020

This year’s senior class had an eventful year. They were unable to have a “normal” graduation, prom never happened, and spring sports were canceled, just to name a few. 

Knowing this, three seniors were asked about their four years of high school, their biggest influences, fondest memories, regrets, and advice for the upcoming seniors.

Gavin Supek, Alexandra Nieves, and Jaden Walz gave great responses.

 

When asked about his biggest influence, Supek said, “Jordan Beltfor because he did whatever he wanted, was rich, and was a savage.” 

He also added that his fondest memory was, “When we went to Bowling Green for hockey, and in the first five minutes in the hotel, we broke the bed.” 

As for him, he has no regrets because he did what he wanted and accomplished everything during his interesting, four years. 

Supek also gave some advice to the upcoming seniors: “Do whatever you can and get involved.”

When it comes to influences, Nieves replied, “Mr. Holko was my biggest influencer because he taught me so many life lessons, to make sure you don’t let anyone get in the way of following your dreams. No matter how hard it gets, keep trying; he helped me build up my self confidence.” 

What about her favorite memory?

“Being a part of the basketball team, it was always fun going to practice and being with people I enjoyed being around.” 

Unlike Supek, Nieves did have a regret, and it was when she did not go on the Europe trip in the Spring of 2019 because she thought it would have been a fun experience to learn and see new things. 

Her advice for the incoming seniors is simple: “Don’t take high school for granted; do everything and anything you want because it goes by fast. Just have fun!” 

Finally, family was Walz’s biggest influence because they always were supportive and had her back, no matter what.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and guidance,” stated Walz.

She has been part of a lot during high school, but what will she miss the most?

“During my senior year, when all the senior class got together for the sunset, we were all just hanging out and having fun. It really made me cherish every moment because I knew at that point that I would be graduating early.  One thing of advice I would give to the upcoming seniors is cherish every single moment you have with your teachers and classmates. This year was definitely unprecedented, but you never know what could happen. So, really take in every moment, focus on school, and most importantly, have fun!” 

Most students have a chance to be a part of extracurricular activities, Polaris, clubs, and even college-credit classes. This is exactly what these seniors did throughout their four years in Brooklyn High School and why they have so many, fond memories.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!  Your hard work paid off, and now, you start the next chapter of your lives.

Go make the world a better place, and always remember your roots.

Hurricane proud!

By: Normeze Rivera, Delaney David, Anayah Flowers, and Serena Barile

May 27, 2020

Brooklyn High School’s Mr. Bill Wingler has stepped down as principal for the same position at Strongsville High School.  Wingler’s assistant principal for two years, Mr. Brian Hare, will become BHS’s head principal on July 1.

“The community and the support we have for our students and staff [is amazing],” Hare stated as he is looking forward to opening the front doors and getting to see all of our great students and staff again. 

With a new principal, there could be some changes, and there is one positive change that Mr. Hare wants to implement immediately.

“I would like to provide more opportunities for our students to get internships in high school.  The plan to implement those changes is to work with local community members and businesses to provide these opportunities.” 

Of course, not everything will change, so Mr. Hare hopes that Brooklyn High School will remain positive and energetic. 

“I appreciate all the students and staff for their hard work and smiles when they come into the building,” Hare added.

Due to COVID-19, our school year got cut short, and many events got canceled. With this affecting so much, how does Brooklyn High School plan on bouncing back from all of this?

“We are making plans to return to school in the best way possible,” Hare optimistically stated. 

He believes that because of this COVID-19 experience, it has made Brooklyn High School a stronger school. 

“This experience has enhanced our appreciation for face-to-face relationships. This has also given us experience with different technology platforms that we will continue to incorporate in our classrooms.”

Mr. Hare, including staff and students, are excited to see what the 2020-2021 school year holds for us and what kind of changes there will be.

Congratulations, Mr. Hare!

By: Lexi Jenkins, Ariana Rojak, and Danielle Shehee

May 26, 2020

As many students at Brooklyn High School may know, Mr. Bill Wingler has decided to take the head principal job at Strongsville High School for the next school year, meaning he will no longer be at our school.

When asked why he decided to take this new job opportunity, Mr. Wingler said, “I decided to go to Strongsville because I live in the community, and my daughters go to the high school. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to be able to hand my daughters their diplomas when they graduate.” 

Such a sweet reason because we are sure that his daughters will appreciate this sentimental gesture.

Any job transition is sure to have its difficulties, and moving schools is no different, but Mr. Wingler is up for the challenge.

“Strongsville is much larger than Brooklyn, so the transition will take me time to adjust to having many more administrators and teachers. I’m starting to plan on getting protocols to start working with the different groups. I expect it will take time to really learn about the staff and the way the school works.”

This new job is a large transition for Mr. Wingler, from the small school of BHS to the large school of Strongsville. Anybody would be right to be nervous about such a change. 

“I am nervous to go to Strongsville, and when I look at how big it is, I am both very excited and a little bit overwhelmed by how many people I will have to learn about and try to lead through this unique time in history.”

The community at BHS can no doubt be considered somewhat of a family, and Mr. Wingler completely agrees with this.

“Getting hired in Strongsville is bittersweet because of how much I loved working with the students in Brooklyn.”

Mr. Wingler was the principal at BHS for two years (previously spent one year as the assistant principal), so obviously over the years, many memories have been made.

“I have so many favorite memories of Brooklyn and the students who made me laugh so many times. I loved seeing our students at homecoming, prom, and graduation. Every day in the halls, students made me laugh out loud with their positive attitudes and great humor. I also loved the assemblies and the times that students had fun interacting with staff and other students.”

We are sure many students will miss him (We sure will!), but let us all wish Mr. Wingler good luck with his new job and send him all of our best wishes!

By: Daylun Armstrong, Jessica Strimpel, Alaysia Curry, and Morgan Blechschmid

May 25, 2020

Dr. Mark Gleichauf has been with the Brooklyn City School District for 14 years, and unfortunately, this will be his last year. 

Gleichauf is originally from Rochester, New York and came to Cleveland to attend John Carroll University.  After graduation, he stayed in Ohio with his wife (now of 23 years) and three children. Gleichauf has worked as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent in Brooklyn; he is currently finishing up his fifth year as superintendent.  

What is the reason for his move to the Lakewood Local School District in Licking County (just east of Columbus) to be their Superintendent?  

“The location and the opportunities ahead for Lakewood, including building a new elementary school are exciting and a challenge I am interested in pursuing. I feel I have helped Brooklyn pass four levies, improve its state report card, and build a strong-lasting, strategic plan.  Now, it is time to pass this on to someone else,” stated Gleichauf.

As he gets ready for his next, big move, he reminisces on his time in Brooklyn, remembering some of the fond moments including student spotlights.

“My favorite moments have been the student spotlights I have done on Twitter over the last couple years. It has been fun to talk with students personally about their school activities. I think the students thought I was crazy when I would say ‘It’s Hurricane Season!’ and they would laugh at me.” 

Even though Dr. Gleichauf will not be in the Brooklyn City School District next year, he has high hopes and expectations for the district in the years to come.

“I wish continued success, but my hope is that every student gets involved in one activity outside of the classroom.”

On behalf of everyone in the Brooklyn City School District, we thank you Dr. Gleichauf for your amazing leadership and positive change that you brought to Brooklyn. 

So, in honor of your famous and always remembered words, “IT’S HURRICANE SEASON!”