On Aug. 21 during the Chagrin Falls Schools’ convocation meeting to welcome back staff, Director of Operations Chris Woofter presented the Ray Markuszka 20-Year Service Award to Chagrin Falls Intermediate School teacher Anne Wallenhorst, Chagrin Falls High School teacher Culler Stuart and bus driver Joseph Gorick...
Employee Recognition
On Aug. 21 during the Chagrin Falls Schools’ convocation meeting to welcome back staff, Director of Operations Chris Woofter presented the Ray Markuszka 20-Year Service Award to Chagrin Falls Intermediate School teacher Anne Wallenhorst, Chagrin Falls High School teacher Culler Stuart and bus driver Joseph Gorick.
Ray was a dedicated custodian on the 7-12 campus. He is best known as a loyal and hard-working man that put his heart into his daily job. In June 2000, Ray retired after 20 years of service to the district. Then shortly after his retirement, Ray suffered a heart attack that regretfully took his life.
“It is in Ray’s name that we show our appreciation to our staff members with 20 years of service,” said Woofter.
Teacher and Staff Employee of the Year
At the Aug. 21 staff convocation meeting, Chagrin Falls Schools surprised two staff members with one of the highest awards given by the district. Kathy Ohlrich, a sixth-grade math teacher at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School, is the Teacher of the Year. The Staff Employee of the Year is Gigi Kuper-Lewis, an administrative assistant at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School.
Principal Curtis Howell states, “Kathy Ohlrich’s legacy is evidenced by the multitudes of teachers, staff and especially students she has impacted. She is a celebrity. She is a rockstar. She is everything a Teacher of the Year should exemplify.”
He also commented, “Gigi Kuper-Lewis is a teacher at heart. Her character, morals and personality make me want to be a better leader in our building. She is loyal, honest and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”
New Preschool Playground
Gurney Elementary School has a new playground for preschoolers beginning this school year. On Aug. 12, the Chagrin Falls Dad’s Club installed all the equipment. Snider Recreation, Inc. of North Royalton removed the old equipment, prepared the base, installed a concrete surface, installed the rubber playground surface and furnished the equipment.
The new playground is located on the north side of the building adjacent to the new Gurney Preschool where the old swing set was located. The district purchased the playground and the Dad’s Club supplied the labor for the equipment assembly.
“A big thank you to the Dad’s Club volunteers,” said Principal Rachel Jones.“The new playground is bigger than before, surrounded by green space, and just a walk up the hill to their outdoor classroom in the woods.”
