Tallmadge High showcases athletics, PBIS, STEM and community service at board meeting
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Summary
At its Dec. 18 meeting at Tallmadge High School, district leaders used a regular board meeting to highlight student and staff achievements, including fall athletic honors, a PBIS program update, a new STEM/coding class and civic engagement projects.
Tallmadge Board of Education members and district staff on Dec. 18 held a special “Good Stuff” segment at Tallmadge High School to recognize student and staff accomplishments across athletics, academics, behavior supports and new STEM programming.
The presentation, led by Tallmadge High Principal Mike Horner and Superintendent Mr. Wood, assembled athletic awards, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) updates, a Heart of Gold staff recognition, and demonstrations from a newly formed robotics program and an upcoming introduction to Python course.
The event mattered because it publicly highlighted several district initiatives that affect student engagement and curriculum choices: competitive athletics with state-level qualifiers, a PBIS effort aimed at school climate, the launch of STEM and coding courses, and an applied civic-engagement class that organized community service events.
Athletics and scholar-athlete results were a focal point. Athletic director Coach Johnson told the board that boys soccer player Brett Goodell was named Suburban League American Conference player of the year and the first Tallmadge athlete named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team. Sophomore runner Michaela Martuccio was named suburban league American conference runner-up for the second straight season and finished 27th at the state meet to earn All-Ohio honors. The board also recognized freshman cross-country runner Donovan Noah for qualifying for the Division II state meet.
Johnson highlighted academic success among athletes: of 297 fall-season student-athletes, 215 (about 73 percent) earned Suburban League scholar-athlete status (a minimum 3.5 GPA during the season), and 135 of those students had GPAs above 4.0.
PBIS and student recognition: Assistant principal Mrs. Poole described PBIS activities at the high school, including monthly “fun Fridays,” gold-card lunches prepared by culinary classes, monthly behavior-data reviews focused on tardiness, and a Heart of Gold recognition program for students who demonstrate kindness and responsibility. Several students — Zaire Davis, Kania Verdin, Justin Greathouse, Sneha Remo, Zay Caldwell, Shay Trammer and Maggie Richter — were called forward as Heart of Gold honorees. The board also announced Ruth Anne Francis as the Heart of Gold staff recipient.
STEM, coding and robotics: Teacher Mr. Day told the board an introductory Python class will begin next semester and was at capacity; new computer desks and machines are scheduled for January. He also said three high-school robotics teams have formed, competed in their first event and will continue through the season. Students brought robots for demonstration.
Civic engagement and community service: AP and civic-engagement teacher Mr. Osborne summarized student-led projects this semester, including a Field of Flags fundraiser that raised more than $1,000 for Disabled American Veterans, a Toys for Tots drive that collected seven large boxes of toys, veterans’ events, and visits to a local senior facility in Danbury. Mr. Osborne said the class emphasizes budgeting, outreach and hands-on organization by students.
Advanced Placement outcomes: The board heard that 99 students took 113 AP exams this past year; 83 percent of those exams earned scores of 3 or higher, a level that may qualify for college credit.
The board and district leaders used the occasion to thank custodial and cafeteria staff, PTSA and community partners (including the mayor’s office and local businesses) for contributions to holiday-support efforts for families.
“On purpose for purpose” was a phrase Principal Horner used repeatedly to frame the district’s presentation of student achievement and service; Superintendent Mr. Wood described public school meetings as the “ground floor of our democracy,” emphasizing transparency and public participation.
The board returned to routine business after the presentation and moved on to agenda items.
Ending: The recognition segment closed with photos, brief applause and an invitation for families to attend upcoming events, including a district career-technical showcase at Kent State University on Jan. 7.
