The mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders that empowers success in our global society.
Vision
The vision of the Educational Empowerment Group is to elevate the experience for students and stakeholders by positively changing the landscape of charter school education.
A Message from the CEO
As we reflect on the first half of this academic year, I acknowledge the incredible strides we’ve made together. As the holiday season approaches, let’s maintain our momentum and unwavering commitment to excellence.
I urge you to continue inspiring our students, upholding the highest standards of classroom management, and embodying the spirit of Emulation and House Systems. Your leadership is the cornerstone of our school community, and our students rely on your guidance to unlock their full potential.
From my family to yours, I extend heartfelt wishes for a peaceful and joyous holiday season and winter break. May you cherish this time with loved ones, rejuvenate and return to school refreshed and ready to embark on a new chapter.
Wendy Rydarowicz
EEG Founder
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson
Middlebury Academy Hosts In-School Eye Exams
Middlebury Academy, in partnership with the Ohio Optometric Foundation’s iSee Program, recently hosted an in-school eye exam event to address a critical health concern. According to the Ohio Department of Health, a significant number of students referred for follow-up care after school vision screenings fail to receive the necessary treatment.
Dr. Samantha Zaczyk and Dr. Katie Greiner were on site to conduct free, comprehensive eye exams for students of both Middlebury Academy and Main Preparatory Academy. Students identified with vision problems will receive custom eyeglasses at no cost.
State Senator Kristina Roegner visited Middlebury Academy to show support for the initiative and meet with students and staff.
The Educational Empowerment Group is committed to providing holistic education that addresses the immediate needs of our students. By partnering with the Ohio Optometric Foundation, we are taking a proactive step to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed.
The event was made possible by the efforts of Sandy Calvert, Director of Community Engagement and Legislative Advocate, Principal Matt Borck, Maria Hejnal, Michael Zografos and the dedicated staff and students of both schools.
Main Prep Keeps Students Warm
Main Preparatory Academy has partnered with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free winter coats and shoes to children in need.
Through this partnership, Main Prep recently distributed much-needed winter coats and shoes to our students.
Operation Warm manufactures and distributes high-quality, brand-new coats and shoes directly to children in need. They collaborate with various partners, including government agencies, community organizations, and other nonprofits, to reach children who may otherwise go without essential winter wear.
By providing these essential items, Main Prep aims to ensure that students are well-equipped to face the winter months, both in and out of the classroom.
Stay in the Game
Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, can have a significant negative impact on student learning. To address this issue, the Educational Empowerment Group (EEG) has partnered with the Stay in the Game initiative.
Launched in 2019, Stay in the Game is a network dedicated to improving student attendance. The initiative is led by the Cleveland Browns Foundation, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Harvard’s Proving Ground.
Last month, eight EEG schools hosted Stay in the Game events to promote early intervention and prevention of chronic absenteeism. These events featured special lunches, drawings for Cleveland Browns spirit items, and grand prizes.
By aligning with Stay in the Game, EEG is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. The schools which participated are as follows:
The Steel Academy
Akron Career Tech High School
CASTLE High School, East Campus
CASTLE High School, Main Campus
CASTLE High School, Parma Campus
Lake Erie International High School
Liberty Prep School
Southern Ohio Career Academy
We extend our sincere gratitude to all school leadership teams for their invaluable contributions to the success of these events.
Career Technical Education
EEG is making strides in Career Technical Education (CTE). Under the leadership of our Director of Career Technical Education, Kate Travers and with the support of school leaders, students are gaining valuable skills to prepare for future careers. Additionally, more educators are achieving Certified Building Industry (CBI) certifications, further enhancing the quality of CTE programs. To read more about relevant updates, click here.
Safety and Security
EEG is committed to providing safe and secure learning environments for our students. Under the leadership of Troy Powell, our Director of School Safety, we are implementing new safety measures and training staff to ensure the well-being of our school communities.Take a look at the latest updates by clicking the following link.
FACT: The Educational Empowerment Group collaborates with six independent school treasurers to manage the financial affairs of our schools. These treasurers operate independently of EEG and are responsible for the following:
Financial Management: Developing and managing school budgets, maintaining accurate financial records, and overseeing cash flow.
Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and coordinating with external auditors.
Board and Stakeholder Relations: Providing financial advice to the board of directors and communicating financial information to all stakeholders.
By partnering with experienced school treasurers,EEG aims to maintain strong financial management practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of our schools.
The Health Corner
The holiday season, while often portrayed as a joyous time, can also be a source of stress and emotional strain for many. Here are some facts about emotional health during the holidays:
Increased Stress: The holiday season can be a significant source of stress, with factors like financial pressure, family gatherings, and unrealistic expectations contributing to feelings of anxiety.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Reduced sunlight during the winter months can trigger SAD, a type of depression that can worsen during the holiday season.
Loneliness and Isolation: For those who are single, grieving, or living far from family, the holidays can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Exacerbated Mental Health Conditions: The holiday season can worsen symptoms of existing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Substance Abuse: Holiday stress and loneliness can lead to increased substance abuse as people seek to cope with negative emotions.
The Impact of Social Media: Social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and social comparison, as people often present idealized versions of their lives.
In this month’s wellness newsletter, our Benefit Related Services dive into strategies to safeguard your emotional health during the holiday season. Further, they explore tips for managing stress and navigating through challenges. Additionally, healthy recipe alternatives and advice for improving your sleep habits are shared.
Volume 28 | December 2024 EEG News & UpdatesMissionThe mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders…
