Greetings Open Doors Fans,
March has traditionally been the kickoff to our two busiest months of the year, April and May; and this year is no exception! Geared up and ready to go, we have started our weekly rehearsals for the May Variety Show and Comic Parody, we are in the depths of building entrepreneurial businesses, selecting participants for Leadership Training Weekend, and developing a student led documentary on life as a teenager in today's society.
We started a new partnership this month with the Cleveland Foodbank's Kid's Cafe Program. Starting in March, students began receiving hot meals each day at Open Doors and for the first time, students began saying they had too much food! In addition, the Cleveland Foodbank will be partnering with Open Doors on our health and nutrition initiatives and in planning our annual End of the Year Cookout in June!
Read on to learn more about what the students working on and what great accomplishments our students are working towards!
Sincerest Regards,
Annemarie M. Grassi, M.S.Ed.
Executive Director
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The Weather Finally Breaks!
. This past week we finally received a much needed break from the cold winter weather. With a few warm days under our belt, the students enjoyed the opportunity to get outside and release some pent up energy! Thanks to a generous gift from Bill Welsh, the boys were eager to get outside and try out their new basketball hoop, a team was quickly compiled for dodgeball, some students took a walk down to Coventry playground, and some kids were just eager to sit in the sun and talk. It was a much needed time for kids to be kids and to enjoy the break in the weather.
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Victoria Taylor, 6th grader, Cornelius Pewu, 8th grader, and Joy Mitchell, 8th grader, enjoy the first warm afternoon of spring outside.
Devin Cox, 7th grader, Cameron Mack, 6th grader, Julian Willis, 7th grader, and J'havon Goldsby, 6th grader, finally enjoy their new basketball hoop at St. Paul's Church, thanks to a generous donation from Bill Welsh. |
 What's Happening at Open Doors?
March begins a busy month as students begin preparation for several spring projects!
Leadership Training Weekend - Applications were solicited and students studiously prepared to fill them out as they compete to attend the 7th annual leadership training weekend in May. Only 15 students are selected annually to attend an intense weekend long leadership training academy at Cedar Hills Conference Center. Students must submit an application and move through an intense interview process before being selected. The weekend is designed to stretch the students to think more intently about their decisions, how to work as a team, and how to serve as a peer leader. Upon completion of the weekend, students earn the title of peer leader and receive both recognition and responsibilities in the upcoming program year.
Junior Achievement's It's My Business - Students recently completed their business plans for the 2009 program year and are now preparing to start up their companies! Students seek to establish their businesses and raise money to help them get to their end of the year trip to Kalahari Waterpark. Businesses ideas include selling the popular French Candy, Bon Bons, Bake Sales, Car Washes, and Pancake Breakfasts. As a group students need to raise $3,000 to make it to Sandusky in June! The project encourages and requires team work, leadership, and innovative ideas.
Teen Life Documentary - As part of a grant received from the Brush Foundation, students are in the process of developing a documentary that reflects their lives as middle schoolers in today's society. Students are interviewing peers, classmates, teachers, and their families as they piece together a unique piece of work that will reflect their interests, concerns, issues, and overall plans for the future. The documentary premiere is expected to take place in June, 2009.
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LIVE FROM OPEN DOORS...
IT'S "CITY OF SOUND"
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 Enjoy the Musical Talents and Comic Parody
of Late Night Entertainment in the Big City
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
6:30pm
Roxboro Middle School, Cleveland Heights
Open Doors Academy presents "City of Sound" as its
7th Annual Musical/ Comedy Show and Chinese Auction.
"City
of Sound" is a comedy parody of late night television in
New York City
and the diverse stylings of music that can be seen
in the city that
never sleeps! It is a show not to be missed!
Tickets: $6 pre-sale/ $10 at the door
To order tickets pre-sale, please call (216) 229-1900
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 Gary Montfort, 8th Grader
What is your favorite Open Doors Snack? Macaroni and Cheese
What is your favorite thing to do after school? Getting on the computer at Open Doors
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Go to the Trading Cards Shop
What is your favorite subject in school?
Science
If you could be a superhero, who would you be?
Nightcrawler
What is your favorite cartoon/ cartoon character?
Involdelzim Girand Naruto
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My Mom, because she pushes me to do my best
What is your greatest challenge or biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to become a doctor.
What do you like most about Open Doors?
The field Trips
Anything else you would like to share?
I really like video games
 Kate Miller, 8th Grader
What is your favorite Open Doors Snack? Macaroni and Cheese
What is your favorite thing to do after school? Hang out with my friends
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Sleep
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math
If you could be a superhero, who would you be? Spiderman
What is your favorite cartoon character? Spiderman
Who is your greatest inspiration? Annemarie, because she is awesome!
What is your greatest challenge or biggest dream? My greatest challenge right now is track... it hurts to walk!
What do you like most about Open Doors? The Snacks
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2009 Open Doors Academy
Kickball / Dodgeball Tournament
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD, 2009
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Check out More on Open Doors
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THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO
HELPED FILL OUR POT WITH
GOLD IN THE MONTH OF MARCH!
Mary A. Gibson
Kevin Petru
Linda Macklin
Beverly A. Wilson
Lynne Ramsey and Jeffrey Irvine
John and Betsy Feighan
Peter and Jane Anagnostos
Emily C. Parkman
Holly B. Henry
David and Judie Perelman
Marty Resnik and Sherri Appleton
William and Dallas Schubert
Clarke and Whitney Jones
William and Susan Vodrey
Richard C. Ruggles
Kimberly and Brian Haring
Mary E. Stone
Thomas A. Nobbe
Dr. Serpil Ezurum
Christine M. Sumner
Diane Gent
Kathleen Mooney and Tim McCoy
David and Julie Given
William and Barbara Collins
David B. Crouch
Brian and Cythia Murphy
Gerald Zahler
James and Jeanne Stephens
Hugh Williams
Andrew B. Gunn
Gary Walters
Parker Hannifin Foundation
Roy A. Hunt Foundation
Nord Family Foundation
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Cliff Sweeney
Organizational Coordinator
Where did you graduate from?
Tri-C, and I am completing my education degree at Cleveland State University
I Live.... in Cleveland Heights
Favorite Food: Fried Chicken
If you could be a superhero, who would you be? Batman
Favorite Cartoon and/or Cartoon Character? T.J. Deturylen
Favorite Quote? "Those who say they can and those who say they can't are both usually right."
Favorite Middle School Memory?
Going to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with my friends without parental supervision
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Barack Obama, because with all of his accolades he still is focused on helping the little people that make this Country what it is.
What do you like most about Open Doors? The relationships I have built with the students, their families, and the staff.
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Donate today to
Open Doors Academy!
CLICK HERE.
All donations are tax deductible.
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DO SOMETHING SIMPLE...
DO SOMETHING POWERFUL...
VOLUNTEER!
GET INVOLVED! MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
One on One Tutoring - Tuesday Evenings from 6pm
to 7pm. Work one on one with a student who need additional academic
support. 12 week commitment requested. No prior middle school
experience needed!
Share a Skill, Story, or Talent - Do you
have a law background and would love to teach the art of debate? How
about a financial advisor who can share the importance of understanding
money? Are you a good cook? Creative Artist? We need your talent!
Our middle school students seek out the opportunity to develop
relationships with mentors and strong adult role models. You can be
that role model! Even If you can come in and give of your time even
just once a month, we would welcome you!
If you would like more
information on volunteer opportunities, contact,
Paul Theodore, Program
Director,
at (216) 320-9563 or ptheodore@opendoorsacademy.org
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