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Students spotlighted: living wax museum, Purple Star award, colony cupboard and Unified Sports showcased at board meeting
Summary
Elementary and high-school programs took center stage at the May 20 board meeting: second-graders presented a living wax museum, the elementary school earned a Purple Star designation for supporting military-connected students, a new elementary "colony cupboard" pantry was announced, Unified Sports participation and neurodiversity activities were reviewed, and high-school students were honored for raising more than $150,000 for Blood Cancer United.
BRECKSVILLE — The Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Board of Education devoted a large portion of its May 20 meeting to student presentations and program highlights from across the district.
Pauline Toth introduced second-grade teacher and students who staged a living wax museum tied to the CKLA curriculum; children presented researched biographies and recited short speeches portraying historical figures. "I brought some students ... I wish I could have filled the entire room with our students," Toth said as she introduced the showcase that families attended.
Elementary staff described earning a Purple Star designation that signals school supports for military-connected students. Presenter Hallie Holt described the three-year designation process and said the school will expand districtwide activities tied to the award.
The elementary's new "colony cupboard," described by Lauren Sostakowski and Kimra Batten, will provide confidential access to supplies, clothing and pantry items via a QR-code request form; families can choose pickup or discreet distribution through students. Staff said community partners (PSO, Broadview Heights Rec Center, North 41 Athletics and others) have already contributed donations, and the program expects to assemble 30–40 summer resource bags for families in need.
Morgan Colas summarized April's Neurodiversity Month, an art installation and related classroom resources, and highlighted the Unified Sports showcase supported by Special Olympics Ohio. Colas said the elementary program served 34 students this year with rotating stations and high school volunteers, and district staff plan to increase peer inclusion next year.
High-school students Madison, Nikita and Alexis were recognized by Savannah Durdek of Blood Cancer United for raising well beyond their initial goal — the team ultimately raised more than $150,000 and earned an "impact award" and regional placement. "They set a goal and they crushed it ... they set a goal to raise $75,000 and crushed that and raised $150,000," Durdek said.
Board members praised staff and student leaders for the programs and the community partnerships that supported them.
Sources: School presentations and Blood Cancer United recognition during the May 20 board meeting.
