Greenfield Exempted Village School District

January is School Board Appreciation Month! This week, we are going to recognize our members and give you an opportunity to learn some REALLY unique facts about them. Today we are recognizing Mrs. Marilyn Mitchell 🎼 What song would make the best theme music for you? I’ll Be There 🫣 What is the most irrational superstition you have? Don’t open an umbrella inside a building. ☂️ 😋 What is the weirdest food combination you enjoy? Sloppy joes on chips 🤝 If you could swap lives with someone for one day, who would it be? King Charles 👑 ✔️ What is one item on your bucket list? I would like to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 🇫🇷 🤔 What is your earliest memory? My earliest memory is when I received my first babydoll. I remember playing in the candy case at our store in South Salem. 😱 Would you shave your head for $100? No. 💡 What is the most fascinating fact you know? Your ears never stop growing. 👂 ✨ What is one trend you wish would come back in style? Manners 💜💛 What do you enjoy about being a GEVSD School Board member? I enjoy helping to make decisions on the Building and Grounds Committee and taking care of our district. ❤️ Thank you to Marilyn for sharing! Our district appreciates her dedication as a Board member! 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

January is School Board Appreciation Month! This week, we are going to recognize our members and give you an opportunity to learn some REALLY unique facts about them. Today we are recognizing Mrs. Sandy Free. 🎼 What song would make the best theme music for you? All She Wants to Do is Dance 🫣 What is the most irrational superstition you have? I knock on wood, and if I can’t find something made of wood, I knock on my head! 🪵 🍅 What is the weirdest food combination you enjoy? Eggs over easy with home fries and ketchup over them; tomato slices with sugar 🤝 If you could swap lives with someone for one day, who would it be? A race car driver! 🏁 ✔️ What is one item on your bucket list? I would like to own a Corvette convertible and ride around selling houses as a realtor. 🤔 What is your earliest memory? My earliest memory is when I received my first babydoll. I got a Thumbelina doll and a high chair, and I still have the Thumbelina doll in my cedar chest! 😱 Would you shave your head for $100? No, not hardly! 💡 What is the most fascinating fact you know? No two people have the same fingerprint. God made us all unique. ✨ What is one trend you wish would come back in style? A good old-fashioned barn square dance! 💜💛 What do you enjoy about being a GEVSD School Board member? I enjoy helping to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students in our district. I always strive to make the best better for many years to come and to be a good spokesperson for our community. 😊 Thank you to Sandy for sharing! Our district appreciates her dedication as a Board member! 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

January is School Board Appreciation Month! This week, we are going to recognize our members and give you an opportunity to learn some REALLY unique facts about them. Today we are recognizing Mrs. Rachel Fraley. What song would make the best theme music for you? Knee Deep - Zac Brown Band What is the most irrational superstition you have? I’m not really superstitious, but I guess I do sweat a little when I break a mirror. What is the weirdest food combination you enjoy? I won’t even consider drinking white milk unless it has ice cubes in it. If you could swap lives with someone for one day, who would it be? Jaime Schmidt, the founder of Schmidt’s natural products, to learn how she scaled her small business (which is similar to mine) to become one of the leading all natural companies in the country. What is one item on your bucket list? Visit New Zealand What is your earliest memory? When I was three years old, I stepped into Paint Creek Lake and went under water. I vividly remember being under water and raising my arms up. My mom grabbed an arm and pulled me out. Would you shave your head for $100? No way! What is the most fascinating fact you know? An adult body contains about 100,000 miles of blood vessels. What is one trend you wish would come back in style? I loved stirrup pants back in the day. What do you enjoy about being a GEVSD School Board member? I enjoy meeting our students and hearing about their achievements, being an advocate for students, and making informed decisions and suggestions to continue to improve of our district. Thank you to Rachel for sharing! Our district appreciates her dedication as a Board member! #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Important information regarding our youth cheer clinic -

Information from the 1-12-23 4:15 all-call: There will be no school on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. On Thursday, January 19, we will be hosting the annual State of the District at 6:30PM in the McClain High School Auditorium. This is an opportunity to hear about the good things happening in the district, ask questions, and tour McClain High School. This event is open to anyone in the community and not just parents and guardians. We would love to see you there!

We would love to see you on January 19!

Winter benchmark testing begins tomorrow for students in 3rd-8th grade and some high school courses. The testing schedules are available on the district website by clicking "menu" then click "students" or by clicking on the links below. Elementary: bit.ly/3Qosbrk Middle School: bit.ly/3GQvkgf High School: bit.ly/3vPq5HC If you have questions about testing, please contact your student's teacher. We cannot wait to share the awesome progress of your student(s) with you following testing! Go tigers!

See below for an exciting opportunity! Go Tigers! 💜💛 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

A historic moment for these Lady Tigers! Congratulations to the MHS Girls Wrestling Team! 💪🏼💜💛 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

We are looking forward to welcoming our students back for the second semester!

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. Even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that aren't often shared. Day 18 - The marble staircase - It seems appropriate to end the series by highlighting one of the most special things that students get to experience at the end of their high school career. Some may not know that the Jefferson Street door near the staircase was once the main entrance of the high school. As shared by a 1938 graduate, it was widely accepted that the stairs were sacred. As shared by a 1949 graduate, students knew that even touching the stairs would result in a crack. Current students understand and appreciate the rich tradition of the marble staircase and eagerly await the opportunity to descend it on the evening of Baccalaureate. One of the last things that students see as they near the bottom of the staircase are the portraits of Edward Lee and Lulu McClain. Prior to the addition of those portraits, not one portrait of either of them hung in McClain High School. Quite possibly that was even more evidence of the humbleness that they both exhibited. The unveiling of the portraits, donated by their daughter Helen McClain Young, and commemorative service was held on December 5, 1947. In his address, F. R. Harris talked of the strength that Edward Lee McClain had - strength of body, mind, and spirit. He said, “When you gaze upon his portrait, I am sure that you will be able to see strength in every feature.” The pictures show: 1. The displayed portraits during the December 5, 1947 ceremony 2./3. The portraits today 4. The Christmas tree adorned in purple and gold at the bottom of the staircase Thank you so much for following our countdown! We would like to give recognition and show appreciation to those who have been working behind the scenes. The posters/researchers - Quincey Gray, Superintendent and Matt Shelton, MHS Principal Those who have answered questions and shared pictures - Mrs. Sue Ann Baird, Mrs. Susan Thompson, Mrs. Susan Long, Mr. David King, and Mr. Jeff Pence - Thank you! Merry Christmas! #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

Today we celebrated two dedicated Tigers! Mrs. Candy Black and Mrs. Sue Ann Baird will officially retire December 31, 2022. We appreciate their hard work and dedication to our district. Thank you to everyone who came to wish them well! 💜💛 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Santa made a special appearance in Greenfield this morning!

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. Even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that aren't often shared. Day 17 - The bell tower - Many people may not know that the bell inside of the bell tower located in front of Greenfield Elementary is the oldest item on campus. The bell came from the C.W. Hanks Foundry in Cincinnati. Originally, the bell hung in the belfry that topped the Seminary Building on South Washington Street. When the Seminary closed, the Union Board of Education acquired the building and the bell. Over time, the building could not accommodate the needs of the community and was sold to Edward Lee McClain Manufacturing Company, later incorporated as the American Pad and Textile Company. At that point, the school system moved into the Central Building on Jefferson Street. It remained in the bell tower there until the building was razed in 1923 to make room for the new elementary school. In 1964, McClain High School celebrated its golden anniversary as it had been 50 years since the laying of the cornerstone. Superintendent Emeritus F. R. Harris donated the bell and the memorial bell tower to the school district. The donation held extra special meaning for Harris as he served as the bell boy for Greenfield High School in 1897 and 1898 earning $.25 per week for his service. As the Class of 1964 walked across the field, Harris rang the bell, commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Old School Bell. It is exciting that the bell is still in working order! Greenfield Elementary kindergarten students ring the bell when they start school and then again as seniors right before graduation. In addition, athletic teams ring the bell after achieving a win. F.R. Harris desired that the bell would offer glad tidings that all is well with the world, and it undoubtedly continues to do that today. The pictures show: 1. F.R. Harris and a close-up of the bell 2. Harris ringing the bell on Thursday, May 28, 1964. Yes, graduation occurred on a Thursday evening! 3. A view of the campus prior to the bell tower being constructed - The picture would have been taken between 1960 and 1964 as the Duncan McArthur Building (the building located where Greenfield Elementary is today) was constructed in 1960. 4. The plaque that is affixed to the bell tower still today #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

Information from the December 20, 2022 all-call -

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. Even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that aren't often shared. ***We apologize for the delayed post. It was a late night on campus, and there were technical difficulties with which to contend. Again, our apologies!*** Day 16 - Early activities continued - A really cool fact about the history of McClain High School is that there are quite a few groups and activities that have existed for many decades. There are also some that exist today having evolved from ones that existed in the past. For example, we may no longer have boys and girls glee clubs, but we do have the present day McClain Show Choir. Tonight we will look at three organizations that continue to exist today. FFA - The club was organized in 1920 under the name Clodhoppers. In 1928, the name was changed to Progressive Farmers. In the same year it became affiliated with the national organization, and thus took the name Future Farmers of America. The annual banquet was held in the cafeteria just as it is today! Hi-Y - The Hi-Y Club was organized December 14, 1928 under the leadership of James Larkin with eight members. Like today, students learned about community service and leadership. During the early years, only male students could join Hi-Y. Cadet Corps - The first McClain High School Cadet Corps was organized during the stress and excitement of World War I. The Cadet Corps program has returned to our high school in recent years, and the commonalities to the original program are incredible. Like today, joining the military was not a requirement. The desirable characteristics of past Cadets were bearing, carriage, alertness, responsibility, and self-control. Over 100 years later, those same characteristics are expected of today’s Cadets! The pictures show: 1. The FFA members of 1933 2. The Hi-Y members of 1940 3. The Cadet Corps of 1921 4. The Day 15 post brought a question about synchronized swimming. Before girls sports were organized and competitive outside of the school district, there was a Girls Sports Club. Based on the history, members of the club participated in a variety of sports activities. Such activities were driven by the interests of the club. The mystery of when synchronized swimming started remains a bit of a mystery at this point as even if it was occurring within the club, no pictures were placed in yearbooks. Early yearbook information was limited to those females who passed an American Red Cross swimming test (names only were listed - there were no pictures). Then later when the boys teams were competing, the Dolphinettes were pictured and described as “the girls who helped with swim meets”. Maybe there might be a Dolphinette out there willing to share about that experience! One of the discovered pictures of Dolphinettes working at a meet has a caption saying, “Girls at a swim meet!”. My how times have changed! The first picture of the synchronized swim team available is from 1971. The team was organized late in the year, but they were described as still being able to give a fine performance titled “Signs of the Zodiac”. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. Even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that aren't often shared. Day 15 - Early activities - Tonight we take a look at some of the early activities that were available to students at not just McClain High School, but also prior at Greenfield High School. One of the oldest student groups in the school's history is The Dragon staff. The oldest issue of The Dragon that our district has is from 1904. Before The Dragon was a yearbook, it was a newspaper that was published five times during the school year. A person could pay $.40 prior to January 1 each year to receive the five issues or $.50 after that date. When it was a newspaper, it contained many local advertisements. We have been told a couple of stories about why it was called The Dragon, but would love to hear any stories that our followers might have. For those who don't know, our high school yearbook is still called The Dragon today! Some of the other early activities available for students include: 1. Literary societies - These groups provided students with the training and experience in public speaking, debate, and parliamentary practice. 2. Musical organizations - The Girls' Glee Club was a long running organization, whereas other music groups - orchestras, choirs, quartets, etc. - would assemble when the need would arise. 3. Dramatics - Just like today, clear back to the times of Greenfield High School, dramatic productions were an important part of student life. 4. When McClain High School opened, a new course was added. It was called a lyceum course. Students in the course would be provided with opportunities to hear lectures, concerts, and various other forms of entertainment. 5. Athletics - Before the high school was involved in interscholastic athletics, inter-class athletics involving both girls and boys were available. The pictures show: 1. The Dragon Staff in 1914 2. This is a very interesting piece from Principal F. R. Harris that was in one of the 1914 issues of The Dragon. Athletics were not always as popular as they are now at McClain High School! 3. May Day - May Day was a huge celebration in the early 1900s. Besides the May Pole dance performed by senior girls, there were folk dances, field events, tug-of-war, military drills, gymnastic stunts, and horseshoe pitching. The whole community was involved. 4. Inter-class girls basketball teams of McClain High School #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. Even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that aren't often shared. Day 14 - Changes - Tonight we take a look at some of the changes that have occurred in the high school over the past 48 years. 1. The new gym - What we refer to as the new gym was completed in 1974. As one can imagine, high school teams and their fans outgrew the previous high school gym, which we refer to as the old gym. 2. The first game played in the new gym was a varsity boys basketball game on November 26, 1974. That year, the team's regular season record was 12-5. They went on to win the sectional and district tournaments, as well as the first game in the regional tournament. 3. The 1982-1983 school year brought many changes. The new vocational building was constructed in order to accommodate the agriculture program, industrial arts, and art classes. The offices that supported those programs in the old vocational building were removed and a central office was added. What was the metal shop became the band room, and the second floor of the old vocational building was converted to business classrooms. Finally, the natatorium was rejuvenated. We have been asked about why we are the Tigers? Up until the 1932-1933 school year, we were known as the Yellowjackets. Beginning during the fall sports season of 1933, we became known as the Tigers. We do not know why the change occurred, but we would love to hear from someone who might know! The pictures show: 1 and 2 - These pictures showing the new gym construction were taken by the Class of 1974 student photographer, Doug Daniels. 3. This picture from the 1983 Dragon shows the many changes that occurred during that school year. 4. The first McClain football team to play as Tigers - Their record that year was 3-3-2. Tomorrow and Monday, we will be showcasing some of the many types of athletic teams, clubs, and organizations that have been part of McClain High School over the years! #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

Important update for our Greenfield Elementary School families - Please note that the specific closure information applies ONLY to Greenfield Elementary School. We would encourage all parents/guardians to read the letter for general information pertaining to school closures. We are excited to welcome our Greenfield Middle School, Rainsboro Elementary, and Buckskin Elementary students to school tomorrow, Friday, December 16!

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. Even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that aren't often shared. Day 13 - The natatorium - Below are some of the facts about our beloved natatorium. 1. Even though the old vocational building opened for the 1924-1925 school year, the pool was not finished at that point. 2. The pool, 32 feet by 75 feet, was the largest ever to be installed in a public school at that time. 3. The water was kept purified by an ultra-violet ray machine, which was quite a sophisticated process for that time period. 4. The pool was equipped with a sun parlor filled with ferns and flowering plants, office space, shower rooms, lockers, and a nearby laundry room for taking care of bathing suits. The pictures show: 1 and 2 - These pictures would have been taken around 1927-1928. They were submitted to the Ocean Bathing Suit Company of New York. It is unknown if they were used in one of their advertisements. 3. The 1928 swim team - This team only competed in one contest, and they were described as "making a good showing, but earning no honors". 4. The 1929 swim team - This team is recognized in the Dragon as being the first official team in history. They won the silver trophy in the S.C.O.A.L. meet held in our natatorium. The team won first place in every event but one. The team scores were: McClain - 61, Washington - 22, Wilmington - 15, Circleville - 6, and Hillsboro - 2. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain