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
We have entered a new school season which signifies a clean slate. At the beginning of football season, college and professional football coaches perceive the beginning of the year as a time to show theworld of sports that they are a different team. The offense is unstoppable; the defense is impenetrable. The teams have added new, incredible talent to their rosters, and opponents should take them very seriously. Each year is another chance to come out fighting and shift the mindsets of those who think the teams are an easy defeat. Coaches are conveying to their athletes and coaching staff that this year, their team names will be synonymous with victory.
You are the head coaches for your schools, and I challenge you to motivate your staff and students to think beyond business as usual. This year, every staff member and student you serve should be inspired to give 100% effort. We will perform beyond academic expectations and defy the thought of failure. It’s a new year and a new day, and we will not settle for mediocrity but pursue greater! Welcome to success; it is at your fingertips!
Wendy Rydarowicz
EEG Founder
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vince Lombardi
The EleVate Education Summit
Motivation, collaboration, networking, targeted professional development and camaraderie all occurred at EEG’s 2nd Annual EleVate Education Summit. All EEG school staffs and team members unified to learn strategies to enhance practices to better serve our students.
Keynote speaker, Chris Singleton lit a fire in the hearts of participants with his message of love, hope and unity, and school leaders were honored for exemplifying an elevated experience in their respective schools. Further, EEG’s 10-year anniversary was commemorated, which is an indication that we have accomplished much, but our story is just beginning! We continue to write our story by adopting and emulating practices which will affect positive change in the lives of our students and families.
Tom Rydarowicz recalls how EEG began and shares triumphs and challenges his wife, Wendy faced, as she set out to “Do what was best for kids.”
Autumn Rydarowicz reflects on growing up and
witnessing the formation of EEG. She recounts the tenacity and persistence of her mother. She stands among staff she considers family.
These wonderful ladies, Maria, Kate and Autumn enjoy our 10th Anniversary Celebration, which was filled with fun and memories.
Wendy has a heart for children, and there are many more successes on the horizon.
What’s Good?
2023-2024 Award Recipients
EEG has amazing leaders who consistently go the extra mile in ensuring our students and schools are successful. Administrators of the month are exceptional principals who relentlessly pursue the accomplishment of their school’s mission by reflecting the following:
High student attendance
Low out-of-school disciplinary events
Successful implementation of the RCA House System and Emulation
Favorable ratings on the EEG Elevate the Experience building walkthroughs
On-Time submittals
Quality social media posts
Successful implementation of academic programming
Maintaining and surpassing enrollment targets
Facilitating an overall elevated experience for students, staff, parents and stakeholders
The 2023-2024 recipients of the Administrator of the Month Award are as follows:
September – Zena Vaughn, Cincinnati Achievement Academy
October – Michael Zografos, Middlebury Academy
November – Sherwin Ealy, A+ Arts Academy, Maybury Campus
December – Lisa Lewis, East Bridge Academy of Excellence
January – Randall Printup, Bridge Gate Elementary School
February – Brian Willmott, CASTLE High School, Parma Campus
March – Carly Hart, Stark High School
April – Monica Jones, Innovation Academy West
May – Victoria Carter, Riverscape Career Tech High School and Matt Demosky, Ohio Construction Academy
Administrator of the Year
The Administrator of the Year Award recognizes principals who embody all of the criteria for Administrator of the Month and display exceptional leadership, positive school culture, academic growth and community presence. Congratulations to Principal Randall Printup for achieving this award! Through his leadership, we have witnessed improvements in enrollment, staff retention, student academics and community involvment. We are proud of your accomplishments and anticipate more great things happening at Bridge Gate Elementary School.
Teacher of the Year
When you walk into Ohio Construction Academy, you will always see Mr. Kevin Ford capturing the attention of the students through his engaging instructional delivery methods. The students see him not only as a teacher, but a mentor. The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate dedication to their students and the teaching profession. Candidates for this award reflect the following:
Commitment to students by fostering student growth, achievement and well-being
Professionalism by exhibiting integrity, ethical conduct and conscientiousness
Innovation by implementing creative, effective teaching methods
Collaboration by building positive relationships with students, colleagues and parents
Leadership by serving as a role model and mentor within the EEG network
This award celebrates a teacher who inspires and empowers students to reach their full potential. Congratulations to Mr. Ford for being the award recipient for Teacher of the Year! It is well deserved.
Staff Member of the Year
If you want to know where the heartbeat of South Side Academy lies, look no further than Dean of Students, Ms. Marquita Dixon! She has served in multiple capacities to contribute to the success of students, staff and the overall operation of the school. She has also served many of our sister schools.The Staff Member of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional employee who consistently demonstrates remarkable performance, positivity, dedication and commitment to our organization’s mission, vision and goals. The candidate exhibits these qualities:
Exemplary work ethic by demonstrating reliability, punctuality
Teamwork and collaboration by building positive relationships with colleagues and contributing to a positive work environment
Problem-solving and initiative by identifying and resolving challenges and taking ownership of tasks
Servant leadership qualities by providing exceptional service to all stakeholders;
Leadership by motivating and inspiring others
Congratulations to Marquita Dixon for achieving this award! Your exuberance is an asset to the students and parents we serve.
Back to School
Faculty and staff warmly welcomed our students back to school, and we were there to capture the moments. Our students are back and ready for action!
Here are more photos from our Marketing Coordinators: Michelle Shaw, Taylor Getz, Michael Dorris and Love’Yah Stewart
School Highlights
Partnering in Success
Not only did OCA students build an entrance sign post for East Bridge Academy, they delivered and assembled it. Do you recognize the superhero who accompanied the students?
We are proud of our OCA students and impressed with the partnership between the schools. Collaboration is a key factor in realizing success.
Riverscape College Tours
Our RCT high school students will get a snapshot of what college is like, as they set out to tour Sinclair College, the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University and Miami University. Kudos to Principal Carter and the RCT team for preparing our students for success in high school and beyond.
East Akron Labor Day Parade
EEG was well represented at the East Akron Labor Day Parade! The Steel Academy staff had a float which offered live entertainment. Our students impressed with their abilities on the steel drums. Akron Career Tech High School cheerleaders brought school spirit and excitement. Principal Brock and Dean Ferguson brought the heat from Middlebury Academy, and Principal Mathie of Main Preparatory Academy showed up with her favorite friend, the school mascot, to enjoy the festivities. We appreciate our staff for promoting our schools within the Akron community. Special kudos to Brooke Yost and the Northeast Quadrant for organizing and coordinating the schools’ participation!
The Health Corner
When was the last time you checked your cholesterol? A vast number of people are unaware of the fact that they have high cholesterol. This month’s health newsletter offers tips on how to manage your cholesterol and how to prepare for unexpected emergencies. Take a look:
Volume 28 | December 2024 EEG News & UpdatesMissionThe mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders…
