Ruffing Wins American Heart Assoc. Contest
Browns Defensive Back Nick Sorensen Visits

(May 27, 2009) Physical Education Director Francine Barnett entered Ruffing's Middle School students in a challenge sponsored by the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland branch of the American Heart Association to assess vigorous physical activity. The What Moves U Challenge compared time spent in daily vigorous physical activity by school students and Ruffing's very active Middle School students ranked first in northeast Ohio. First Prize was a vist to the school on May 14 by Browns Defensive Back Nick Sorensen who discussed healthy nutrition and lifetime fitness, as well as answered questions about his career, professional football team training routines and shared inside information about the 2009 Browns. He demonstrated some exercises and showed students proper form for others. In addition to the Browns banner presented to Francine by the Heart Association and a signed football for the school, every student received a bag of gifts promoting health and physical activity. At the end of his presentation, Nick signed autographs for every student. Click here for photographs of the visit

Ruffing PA's Green Initiative Recognized in PTO Today

(March 2009) Ruffing’s unique  environmental emphasis has led to the conscious expansion of green practices in Parent Association event planning.  During the 2008-2009 school year, the Parent Association, the  important link with the families in the school, adopted a creative vision for its activities to emphasize green living  and raise awareness about practical practices that increase sustainability.  Click here to read an article written for PTO Today magazine, a national publication, by 2007-2009 Parent Association President Sarah Routh.

Seidman Wins Science Teacher Essay Competition
National Award to be presented in Chicago in February

(December 19, 2008) Cary Seidman, Middle School Science teacher, wass elected to win an award form the American Association for the Advancement of Science in their Suburu Essay Competition. Cary's topic, The Vibrational Nature of Sound, showed how students' conceptual understanding was enhanced by the use of inquiry-based teaching. His award will be presented at the association's national conference and includes travel and conference fees, professional subscriptions and the opportunity to have the essay published in other professional publications. This is a great honor and demonstrates Cary's enthusiasm for the art of teaching, his understanding of the most effective teaching methods and the whole-hearted commitment he makes to his students and his professional peers. Most significantly, Cary's national awards recognize the high level of excellence in the Ruffing science program he has designed and refined.

Science Grant from First Energy
Fuel Cell Technology Experiments and Projects

(December 17, 2008) Cary Seidman has been awarded a professional development grant from First Energy through its Mathematics, Science and Technology Grant program. With the funds, Cary will present a unit for all 40 Middle School students that expands the study of electrolysis leading to advanced study of reversible fuel cell technology and the concepts behind solar powered vehicles. The hands-on experiments use fuel cell car and hydro car kits to demonstrate the underlying science of these technologies. Unique to this project is the plan to have Middle School students demonstrate and explain the technology to Upper and Lower Elementary students. This project fits within the school's green curriculum, providing opportunities for students to more fully understand renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and technology. This grant, as well as the recent grant from the McGinty Foundation, add materials that update and expand the science program in exciting new ways.

PA Toolbox Podcast Available
October 14 PA Toolbox Presentation available for download

(October 17, 2008) The PA Toolbox presentation on Sensory Integration, is available for those who misssed it or want to enjoy it again! On October 14, JoAnn Grenke OTR/L, from Metro Health Medical Center gave an excellent presentation based on the observations of A. Jean Ayers PhD OTR. She explored practical strategies for organizing and integrating the neuromotor system and discussed how those strategies were successfully implemented in two Montessori classrooms. Click here to download Toolbox.

Channel 3 and Kim Wheeler Visit our "Green" School
Students lead a tour of eco-friendly practices

(November 14, 2007) Chanel 3 News Kim Wheeler visited Ruffing Montessori School! Kim was very impressed with our no-waste lunch guidelines, recycling and composting practices, our green cleaning policy, and the many high performance building features (solar panels, geothermal system, sun tubes, daylighting, living roof, etc.) that make our school unique. Click here to view photographs of her visit.
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