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I originally posted this blog in the Behind the News-Herald section, but thought it fit well here. I'll look to bring updates to this blog in the future as well.

I wanted to take a minute to reintroduce myself to our NH readers. I've been writing about Cuyahoga County for the past year or so, and have recently been given a new assignment.

You'll see my byline in a familiar, yet different place, bringing you your Lake County school news.

Covering education is nothing new for me, as I followed Euclid, Richmond Heights, Mayfield and South Euclid-Lyndhurst districts avidly.

I had also covered the city government for those areas, most recently highlighting Euclid's sewer system upgrades, and the financial woes in Richmond Heights.

My focus will now be within the nine districts in Lake County. Please always feel free to reach out to me with a good education story, and say hi if you see me at a board meeting.

I'll be at Willoughby-Eastlake's meeting tonight for a follow up on the outsourcing of busing. http://bit.ly/KtMUTT

Tonight, Mentor schools will also officially appoint their new superintendent, Matt Miller, and I'll bring you a story on that soon.

I look forward to continuing to bring school news to you, just from a few different schools.

Caitlin Fertal
Education Reporter
CFertal@News-Herald.com
@NHCaitlin

I got a note last week from Chad VanArnhem, principal at McKinley Elementary School, which after 90 years will be closing its doors for good in June. The school has planned a "Farewell Celebration" for 4:30 p.m. May 18. He writes:

All current and former staff and students are invited to attend. The local historical societies will be present to display memorabilia. There will be a video providing a look into our school's past and present. We will have a balloon release for each year the building was open. There will be inflatables and a DJ. A photo booth will be present with the picture of the school in the background. Food, drink and handouts will be available. We will have visits from local mascots. The night will conclude with the current students signing the McKinley song that was created by our children this year. I estimate that we will have around 500 people show up for this event.
I believe that this will be a very fun and emotional night for many.

Sounds like it will be a good event for anyone who attended McKinley or who had friends or family at the school.

McKinley Elementary School is at 1200 Lost Nation Road.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl