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 transition into March, the days are getting longer, and the promise of spring is in the air. This month brings a renewed sense of energy and excitement, as we continue to nurture and inspire our students. I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering dedication, passion and hard work. Every day, you make a difference in the lives of our students, shaping their futures and empowering them to reach their full potential.
March often brings a flurry of activity, from preparing for assessments and productions to welcoming spring break. Your flexibility, creativity and commitment to excellence are truly appreciated, as we navigate these busy times together. Remember to take time for yourselves amidst the hustle and bustle. Your well-being is just as important as the well-being of our students.
This month, let’s celebrate the small victories, the moments of connection and the progress we see in our students each day. Your positive impact resonates far beyond the classroom walls, creating a supportive and enriching learning environment for all. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our school community. I am incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team. Here’s to a productive and joyful March!
Wendy Rydarowicz
EEG Founder
“I believe success is achieved by ordinary people with extraordinary determination.”
-Zig Ziglar
Instructional Insights
Proven instructional strategies are essential for effective teaching. These evidence-based methods have a positive impact on student learning. This month, we are highlighting two powerful examples.
Think-Alouds in the Reading Classroom
Think-alouds have been described as “eavesdropping on someone’s thinking.” With this strategy, teachers verbalize aloud while reading a selection orally. Their verbalizations include describing things they are doing, as they read to monitor their comprehension. The purpose of the think-aloud strategy is to model for students how skilled readers construct meaning from a text.
I Do, We Do, You Do
The “I Do, We Do, You Do” framework provides a structured approach to effective instruction, gradually transferring responsibility from the teacher to the student. Initially, the “I Do” phase involves direct instruction, where the teacher models the skill or concept, explicitly demonstrating the process and thinking aloud. Next, the “We Do” stage fosters collaborative learning, with the teacher and students working together to apply the knowledge, allowing for guided practice and immediate feedback. Finally, in the “You Do” phase, students independently practice the skill, demonstrating their mastery and applying what they have learned to new scenarios, solidifying their understanding and building confidence. This progressive release of responsibility ensures students are supported throughout the learning process, moving from guided participation to independent application (Fisher & Frey, 2013).
Take a look at the provided link to view the basics of this method. You may also click the reference provided.
Did you know that you play a vital role in student enrollment and retention? As school leaders, you are the face and the brand of our schools. Your positive representation in the community is key to cultivating a strong and appealing school brand. Here are a few tips to help you shine:
Define Your Unique Identity
What sets your school apart? Perhaps, it is specialized programs, strong community ties or innovative teaching methods. Let’s consistently highlight these unique features in all of our communications, from newsletters and social media to our websites.
Develop a Consistent Message
Ensure all communications, from casual conversations to formal announcements, reflect the school’s core values and mission. A unified message reinforces the school’s identity and stance.
Create a Visually Appealing Presence
A clean, welcoming environment speaks volumes. Combining a great school atmosphere with consistent branding contributes to creating a positive and lasting impression.
A strong school reputation depends on aligning the school’s environment with its messaging. We are proud of the collaborative spirit between our school leadership and marketing teams. They are dedicated to working together to build positive community perceptions and showcase the amazing things happening in our schools.
Riverscape Prioritizes Teacher Well-Being for Student Success
Riverscape High School is investing in its teachers to better serve its students. Through a grant funded partnership with EdSolutions Group’s Joyful Leadership program, educators are gaining tools to manage stress, prevent burnout and rediscover their passion for teaching, ultimately benefiting students entering demanding fields like construction. “The program has given me clarity on my goals and a system to ensure they don’t slip through the cracks,” says Director Carter.
Through the Partnership, RCT staff are engaged with the following:
Targeted CTE PD: Training aligned with Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Skills and a construction-focused speaker series.
Holistic Support: Activities promoting staff and student well-being, crucial for those entering demanding fields like construction.
Key Modules: Workshops on topics like “Uncovering Your Why” and “Creating Happiness Habits.”
Personalized Plans: Development plans aligned with school and personal goals.
At Riverscape, supporting teacher well-being is now a key to student success. The Joyful Leadership program is building a stronger school community, inspiring CTE students in construction and other fields and driving positive outcomes. This initiative offers a model for other schools seeking to empower educators, transform their culture and improve student achievement.
Stark Students Craft Culinary Innovation for Ohio Grown Chef Showcase
The culinary arts students of Stark County recently demonstrated their passion and skill by submitting a creative and delicious entry to the Ohio Grown Chef Showcase: Charcuterie Skewers with a Hot Honey Dipping Sauce! The students poured their hearts into crafting a dish that showcases both their talent and Ohio’s bountiful harvest ingredients.
The team, under the guidance of Mr. Farley and Ms. Ashley, spent weeks perfecting their recipe, carefully selecting ingredients and experimenting with flavor combinations. Their dedication was evident in the final presentation, a visually appealing and thoughtfully crafted dish.
These Charcuterie Skewers were more than just a tasty snack; they were a testament to the students’ commitment to utilizing local ingredients and adhering to the Showcase’s guidelines. The students expertly incorporated locally grown basil along with other harvest of the moth ingredients like berries and tomatoes, highlighting the rich agricultural resources of our region. They also took care to provide a detailed nutrient and cost analysis, as well as a high quality photograph of their work.
Submitting an entry to the Ohio Grown Chef Showcase provided Stark students with valuable learning opportunities:
Recipe Development and Refinement: They honed their skills in creating and perfecting a unique and balanced recipe.
Ingredient Sourcing and Knowledge: They deepened their understanding of local agriculture and the importance of supporting regional producers.
Nutritional Analysis and Costing: They gained practical experience in analyzing the nutritional content and cost of a recipe.
Presentation and Photography: They learned the importance of visual appeal and how to effectively present their dish.
Adherence to Guidelines: They practiced following specific rules and requirements, a valuable skill in any professional setting.
The Stark students’ dedication and creativity in crafting and submitting their Charcuterie Skewers with Hot Honey Dipping Sauce are a source of pride for the school and community. We applaud their efforts and look forward to seeing their continued growth in the culinary arts.
High School Seniors Shaping Their Futures
Senior, Jermontrez Harvey from OCA, has launched his career with a pre-apprenticeship at Marker Construction, one of our valued community partners. He will spend his senior year gaining real-world experience on the Central Ohio Transit Authority project at the Rickenbacker Area Mobility Center. Jermontrez’s starting wage is an impressive $30 an hour, and because this is a prevailing wage job, his earning potential is even higher.
Castle East senior, Johnathan Grier, has shifted into high gear, earning acceptance into the prestigious Matrix Trade Institute in Beachwood, Ohio. Johnathan will be honing his skills to become a top-notch auto technician, and with the Matrix Trade Institute’s impressive placement record, he’s on track to land a coveted position at one of Ohio’s leading auto dealerships. Keep an eye on Johnathan as he accelerates towards a bright future in the automotive world.
Simulation Teaches Steel Students Financial Skills
Steel Academy students recently gained valuable financial literacy skills through a partnership with Ohio State University Extension’s “Real Money. Real World.” (RMRW) program. Over five weeks, 11th and 12th graders learned about budgeting and money management before participating in a hands-on simulation. The simulation immersed students in real-life financial scenarios, assigning them jobs, salaries and families. Students were then required to make budgeting decisions and experience the consequences. School board members, staff and EEG team members joined the students for the simulation. Volunteers were impressed by the students’ respectful behavior and thoughtful approach to budgeting, noting that many sought financial advice to avoid debt. Students themselves called the experience “eye-opening” and requested another simulation before the end of the year, with some even rethinking future financial choices like car purchases and family planning.
Main Prep Celebrates Black History & STEM, Fosters Positive School Climate
Main Prep students recently brought Black History to life with a vibrant Living Wax Museum. Students across all grade levels researched and portrayed influential African Americans in the arts, athletics, literature and more, creating an engaging and educational experience for the entire school community.
Main Prep also continues to expand its STEM offerings through a successful collaboration with the OSU Extension. Students recently participated in a fascinating virtual learning experience exploring the world of molecules.
Furthermore, the school’s PBIS program is thriving, with teachers consistently recognizing students’ individual goal achievements and celebrating their emulation of positive character traits. This consistent reinforcement fosters a strong and positive school climate at Main Prep.
K-8 Schools Thrive Through Partnerships, Programs and Achievements!
Our K-8 schools are buzzing with exciting activity! From coast-to-coast connections to hands-on learning experiences, students are thriving thanks to successful partnerships and collaborative efforts. A+ Arts Academy-Maybury students are connecting with pen pals across the country, fostering friendships and building communication skills. At South Side Academy, a vibrant partnership with Westminster College and St. Patrick Church is blossoming in the community garden. Students are exploring the world of horticulture through STEAM activities, learning about bee hives and honey cultivation from Westminster experts. Students are engaging in hands-on learning by growing seedlings and building birdhouses, including models created through 3D printing for their green space.
Effective Program Implementation
South Side Academy recently hosted its District Amazing Shake Competition, engaging community partners for two days of enriching experiences. Students demonstrated poise and professionalism, as they tackled challenging simulations, showcasing their crucial soft skills and ability to navigate obstacles with grace.
Outstanding Academic Achievements
Our students are shining in a variety of academic pursuits! South Side Academy’s STEAM students recently dissected owl pellets and are busy rehearsing their podcast. At Bridge Gate Elementary School, 1st graders are cultivating their green thumbs by growing indoor veggies. A+ Maybury students are bringing literature to life, creating impressive dioramas based on novels they have read.
Enriching Field Experiences
A+ Maybury’s 5th and 6th graders are embarking on a special trip to the State Capitol Building, providing them with a firsthand look at how our government functions.
Our students are immersed in the learning process, and we are here to guide them through an unforgettable, elevated experience.
EAA’s “Meet the Principal” Event Highlights Community Partnerships
We’re thrilled to welcome Empowered by the Arts Academy (EAA), formerly DAMPE, to the EEG family! This promising K-8 school in Cincinnati, OH, led by Principal Twala Wills, is already making a splash. EAA recently hosted a successful “Meet the Principal” event, showcasing the school’s commitment to community engagement. The event featured valuable partnerships with local organizations, including Cincinnati Children’s Health Board, who provided health resources and a chance for families to earn $350. Marriage & Family Matters Inc. shared mental health resources and delicious treats, while the Cincinnati Vibrant Youth Project energized the crowd with a fantastic 3-hour dance session. Learn more about the inspiring work of the Cincinnati Vibrant Youth Project and their fight against childhood obesity in this article: [Price Hill woman fights back against childhood obesity with Xtreme Hip-Hop]. The collaboration between EEG and EAA is off to a fantastic start, and we are excited to see wonderful the feats we will accomplish together.
Did You Know? – Charter School Funding & Finances
While charter schools are publicly funded, they generally receive less per-pupil funding than traditional public schools. This disparity often stems from the fact that they don’t receive local tax levy dollars, which can be a significant portion of traditional school funding. Additionally, charter schools often struggle to find and fund suitable facilities. They may have difficulty accessing traditional school district buildings and often have to rely on loans or fundraising to secure their own spaces.
The Health Corner
March is here, bringing with it the promise of spring and the spring equinox on March 20 at 4:01 AM! We can’t wait for the longer days and equal balance of light and darkness.
This month’s newsletter shines a spotlight on the power of protein. Adults should aim for 10-35% of their daily calories from this essential nutrient. Many of us focus on protein to:
Build muscle mass and strength for those spring projects
Strengthen our bones
Aid in injury recovery
Reduce hunger
Form essential enzymes, hormones, and vitamins
With more sunlight on the horizon, let’s embrace the opportunity for daily walks! Even an 11-minute walk can lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, while also boosting creativity and productivity.
Check out the newsletter for tips on how to incorporate more walking into your day.
Volume 31 | March 2025 EEG News & UpdatesMissionThe mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders…
