Hudson Connects
District Newsletter from Hudson City Schools
November 2021 Edition
Governor Mike DeWine Visits Hudson City Schools
The clinic for the second dose of the vaccine will take place on Friday, December 10.
Governor DeWine Visits Clinic
Hudson Middle School Clinic
DeWine Talks with Phil Herman
McDowell Kindergartners Experience "Forest Fridays"
There's no disputing the benefits of nature – fresh air, birds singing and exploration are good for the mind, body and soul.
It was the love of the outdoors that quickly bonded incoming kindergarten teachers Lauren Fenimore and Jonathan Shaw in 2015. Early on, this dynamic duo spearheaded an initiative to incorporate nature-based learning within the district’s curriculum. The team began by taking their classes outdoor seasonally to explore and learn. Seasonally soon turned into monthly, and monthly into weekly. It was then that Forest Fridays was born.
Every Friday, rain or shine, Mrs. Fenimore, Mr. Shaw and parent volunteers take the children to explore the McDowell Arboretum or the Bicentennial Woods. So far this year, the children have raised and released over 40 monarch butterflies. They are now focusing on the aspects of the season by studying leaves. The next unit will key in on animal tracking and migration.
Forest Fridays is supported by local arborist Curt Van Blarcum, who not only donates his time to join the team each month, but also his skill. Mr. Van Blarcum helped clear a section of McDowell Arboretum for an outside classroom complete with tree stump seating.
H2BE Heads to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Earlier this month, freshman students rolled up their sleeves and took to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as part of their environmental service project.
The Honors Biology and Honors English class, H2BE, allows students to work closely with CVNP rangers to plant indigenous trees or remove invasive species. The experience lends itself to hands-on learning as the teens explore topics beyond most traditional classes and continue to build leadership and real world decision-making skills.
In addition to servicing CVNP in the fall, the students continue their nature exploration through field trips and projects, including several hiking excursions. Honors teachers Jessica Stiffler and Sue Conroy work to foster class community and stewardship of the land through their project-based learning program.
Ellsworth Hill Students Learn About Native American Culture
November is American Indian Heritage Month, and second graders at Ellsworth Hill had the amazing opportunity to attend a pow wow to learn more their culture and rich traditions.
Cathy “Sweet Owl” Hupcej met with students in Ms. Kelly Thrane’s class to help them understand the culture that is “near and dear to her heart.” Hupcej became enamored with Native Americans in high school, and immersed herself in learning more about the Indigenous people. It was through her exploration that she was adopted Cherokee 12 years ago.
During her pow wow, Hupcej spoke on the different culture, presented artifacts and lead the children in a Friendship Dance. “It is heartwarming to see their eyes light up,” Hupcej says of her teaching.
Hupcej has been employed with the Hudson City School District for 22 years, and is currently the Assistant Head Custodian and Custodial Leader at Hudson High School.
Custodial Leader Cathy Hupcej
Native American Artifacts
Learning a Pow Wow
Holiday Sharing Program Helps Community
Students at East Woods Intermediate (shown below) collected boxed desserts, such as cake and brownie mixes.
Holiday Wellness Tip
About Us
Email: reecej@hudson.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.hudson.k12.oh.us/
Phone: 330-653-1495
Facebook: facebook.com/hudsoncityschools
Twitter: @hudsonohschools