The Euclid Board of Education met on November 6, 2024, in the Board Room at the Fordyce Administration Building at 7:00 pm.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Board President Gabrielle Kelly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All Board Members were present.
The Board reviewed, amended the agenda to add an Executive Session, and accepted the agenda for the evening.
The Board adopted the minutes for the October 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 28th, 2024 Board Meetings.
Bluestone Elementary School Recognitions and Presentation
Two outstanding Bluestone Students were recognized as Students of the Month at the meeting. These students are both part of the Autism Learning Centers at Bluestone.
Santana Johnson has demonstrated
remarkable growth since the beginning of the school year. He has developed independence in navigating the classroom, actively engages in morning and afternoon group activities, listens attentively and follows directions, making him a valuable presence in the classroom.
Daniel Wynn has shown positive growth in attitude and learning readiness, consistently contributing as a classroom helper and bringing joy to those around him.
Intervention Specialists Jessica Chmura, Dakota 
Ms. Tateanna Walker, mother of Kyron and Kameron, was named Family Member of the Month for exemplifying an active and engaged parent. She ensures her children’s daily attendance, advocates for their and other students’ needs, participates in summer training to support the Autism Learning Centers, and volunteers in school events and activities.
Following the recognitions, Principal Cherree Mason and Assistant Principal Mario Snowden presented about the many things happening at Bluestone Elementary.
The presentation focused on the building theme of “Together We Glow” through four topics: Attendance, Academics, Autism Learning Centers, and Climate & Culture.
Attendance
Bluestone has made significant progress in reducing chronic absenteeism this year, achieving an 5+% decrease in the first quarter. Building-wide attendance procedures, such as weekly meetings, follow-up phone calls, and using ParentSquare to communicate with students and their families about the importance of attendance. Students have taken ownership of their attendance using color-coded calendars, while incentives like weekly trophies, monthly attendance parades, and grade-level competitions encourage consistent attendance.
Academics
Bluestone is applying strategies they’ve found successful in promoting attendance to academics by recognizing students who excel, with bulletin boards, academic parades and breakfasts. Family engagement has been a priority in regards to academics and Bluestone has hosted Family Nights to help inform parents about testing and how to support their children’s academic success. The Bluestone staff has also focused on building their repertoire to help support academic achievement through Teacher Based Teams and Professional Development.
Autism Learning Centers
This year, Bluestone became the home to six autism learning centers. The Learning Centers emphasize fostering independence through the TEACCH method, focusing on structured, individualized environments with visual and sensory supports. The program also promotes family engagement through parent meetings and provides sensory spaces and real-world learning experiences, such as the new Soda Shop the students operate to build social and motor skills.
Climate and Culture
Bluestone has seen overwhelming success in behavior management this year. Behavior referrals decreased from 90 during the first quarter last year, to just 8 during the first quarter this year. The combination of returning teachers, new PBIS and classroom management techniques and responsive classroom practices have helped students manage their behavior in more appropriate ways. The school has also restructured lunch and recess periods with age-appropriate activities to engage students during down time. Whether they’re playing Connect-4 against Mr. Snowden, listening to a story or completing fun challenges, the Bluestone team has created a more positive and engaging environment for students during lunchtime.
There were no visitor comments.
Reports and Recommendations of the Superintendent
Personnel
The Board approved changes to Certified and Classified personnel in the form of resignations, terminations, retirements, permanent substitute appointments, non-teaching appointments, non-teaching assignments, extra duty, athletic duty, athletic duty resignations, and suspensions.
Curriculum/Instruction
The Board approved the adoption of the Brainfuse Online Tutoring program for third, fourth and fifth grade students at Bluestone Elementary. Brainfuse aligns with district curriculum and aligns with District math philosophy to help close the achievement gap.
Routine Business
The Board approved four out-of-district field trips for Junior and Senior students at Euclid High School. Two of these field trips are to send CTE students to conferences in Columbus and New York City. One field trip is to Washington D.C. for the Real World Historical Application of Government Course. And the final field trip is a Senior Class Trip to Chicago for 50 EHS seniors.
Superintendent’s Informal
Superintendent Papouras discussed the democratic system and how all Americans are far more similar than they are different through their shared humanity. Through that same lens, Mr. Papouras invited the Euclid Community to join three discussions hosted by the Euclid Hope Task Force to talk about ways to build a better, safer Euclid. The sessions will be hosted:
Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 PM at Euclid Public Library
Monday, November 18, 7:00 PM at Bluestone Elementary
Saturday, November 23, 11:00 AM at Cathedral Worship Center
Mr. Papouras reminded everyone to listen to the first episode of Season 3 of the Panther Pawdcast. This episode features Dr. Donisha Bailey, Director of Exceptional Students; Cherree Mason, Principal of Bluestone Elementary; and Gina Rashad, Principal of ChanceLight, as they engage in a thoughtful discussion about Autism Education in Euclid Schools. Stay tuned for more episodes throughout the year!
Mr. Papouras discussed the upcoming Thanksgiving break and explained that students need to focus on their academic responsibilities heading into break because there will only be three quick weeks until the end of the second quarter and first semester.
Mr. Papouras also discussed the importance of good attendance habits, especially as the weather starts to turn toward winter.
Mr. Papouras wished the Winter Sports teams good luck as their competition season begins in the coming weeks.
Executive Session
The Board entered into an Executive Session at 7:54 pm.