Greenfield Exempted Village School District

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 9 - The 1940s What happened? Lulu Theodosia Johnson McClain passed away on June 12, 1947 at age 79. She is buried in Greenfield Cemetery. Just like in the 1950s, there were athletic and club/organization pictures, but there weren’t many “extra” pictures of students. In addition to the Class History, Will, Gifts, and Knocker, one can also find the Class Poems, Prophecies, Obituaries, and Degrees. An example of a 1940 degree is: Roseann Wilson is just swell to everyone, so she deserves E.S. Everyone’s Sweetheart. In 1941, the first Student Council was established. During their first year, they sold $852.15 worth of magazine subscriptions, operated the refreshment stand at the home football games, and made plans to build a trophy case on the first floor by the gymnasium. In 1945, the Student Council established a system in which there would be one cheerleader for each class. Every year one freshman would take the place of the graduating senior based on the vote of the student body. In 1949, the marching band participated in the Sesquicentennial “Million Dollar Parade” along with the bands of ten neighboring schools. At the dedication of the General Duncan McArthur Highway during the Sesquicentennial, a group of McClain band members played for Honorable Frank J. Lausche, Governor of Ohio. Based on ORC 5533.11, the road known as state route number twenty-eight, running in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction, commencing at the village of Milford in Hamilton and Clermont counties and extending through the counties of Clermont, Warren, Clinton, Highland, and Ross to a point of junction with United States route number fifty, and through the municipal corporations of Blanchester, Martinsville, New Vienna, Highland, Leesburg, and Greenfield shall be known as "General Duncan McArthur highway." Today’s pictures show: 1. The Aviation Club of 1941 - The club began in 1940, but there was no picture in the 1940 Dragon. 2. Dedication pages for those students who served in the military, some of whom entered the military before graduating 3. “The most good for the greatest number” - found in the Dragons of this decade 4. The McClain High School Code was found only in the 1943 Dragon. 5. The 1949 FFA Quartet was quite accomplished and even met movie stars, Judy Canova and Roy Rogers. 6. Prior to the system for selecting cheerleaders developed in 1945, there was an all-male group of sophomores in 1943. Check out the cheers they used. 7. The 100-Mile Club was organized for the first time in 1945. 8. The unveiling of the portraits of Edward and Lulu, donated by their daughter Helen McClain Young, and commemorative service was held on December 5, 1947. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 8 - The 1950s What happened? During the 1950s, a significant change in the Dragon occurred. In comparison to the 1960s and beyond, the only individualized pictures were those of the seniors. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were shown in a class photo. Also included in the Dragon were the names of junior high school students in a list with no pictures. There were athletic and club/organization pictures, but there weren’t many “extra” pictures of students until the end of the decade. Much work went into the Class History, Will, Gifts, and Knocker. In 1955, the Dragon transitioned to having a hardback cover instead of the previously used softback cover. During the 1950-1951 school year, there was a female drum majorette for the first time in the history of the high school. In 1952, track resumed as a sport after a lapse of several years. The 1953-1954 issue of the Dragon was the 50th anniversary issue. In 1956, the fourth of five Superintendents Emeriti retired. Benton Raymond Duckworth began his career as a teacher in 1909. In 1957, swimming was revived as a varsity sport after an absence of about 20 years. Today’s pictures show: 1. A different aerial view 2. Ivy cascading down the high school in addition to many other shrubs and trees surrounding it 3. Rieta Sagar, First Female Drum Majorette - It is also interesting to look at the ways in which they raised money for new uniforms as they aren’t so different from some of the fundraisers of today. 4. 1951 - The first year for the Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Awards 5. Big Bill Uhl 6. 1951 “Good Will Ambassador” 7. All of the awards the Dragon received in its first 50 years 8. B.R. Duckworth 9. Before there was clip art… #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 7 - The 1960s What happened? The consolidation of New Petersburg School with the Greenfield Exempted Village School District occurred at the start of the 1960-1961 school year. Approximately 75 students attended school in New Petersburg. The General Duncan McArthur Primary Building opened in the 1960-1961 school year. There were approximately 240 first and second grade students who attended there. Because the building did not have its own lunchroom, food was prepared in the central kitchen and transferred in thermo-port-a-teria equipment to a multipurpose room where the children would eat. The golden anniversary of the laying of the McClain High School cornerstone was on May 20, 1964. Also in 1964, the 120th anniversary of the Old School Bell was celebrated. The erection of the bell tower was sponsored by Superintendent Emeritus F. R. Harris, who served as the bell boy from 1896 through 1898. The bell was cast in the C.W. Hanks Foundry in Cincinnati in 1844, making it the oldest fixture on our main campus. Now as it celebrates year 179, it continues to play an important role in events such as athletic accomplishments and senior celebrations. Members of the MHS Class of 1966 welcomed students from Buckskin their senior year. Those students, having experienced their junior year at Buckskin, identified that last year there as a “most exciting and satisfying year.” Today’s pictures show: 1. An aerial view from the decade 2. Celebrating the General Duncan McArthur Primary Building 3. Important people behind the scenes 4. A twist on the typical class photo - 1965 5. 1967 Seniors Supreme 6. Superintendent Emeritus Thomas Doyle is the third of five Superintendent Emeriti. He began his career as a teacher in 1931 and retired as superintendent in 1968 after serving nine years in that role. 7. There were MANY organizations in which students could participate in the 1960s. The Projectionists, School Boy Patrol, Gym Leaders, and the McClain Movement are only a few. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 6 - The 1970s What happened? The 100th class of the Greenfield school system graduated in 1971! The first commencement ceremony of what was then called the Greenfield Union Schools was held at the M.E. Church on Friday, May 26, 1871. A celebration was held with a cake made in the shape of a large 100. As part of the celebration, the district recognized the oldest living graduate at that time, Mrs. Forrest Moomaw. The day of the week for the commencement ceremony has changed in the history of the school system. Other ceremonies were held on Thursday and Sunday. It’s interesting that we now hold the ceremony on the same day of the week that it was originally held. The Class of 1971 also initiated and sponsored the idea of the renovation of the fountain. McClain High School students attended classes at Laurel Oaks for the first time in the 1973-1974 school year. The first basketball game was held in the New Gym on November 26, 1974. The boys basketball team took on Miami Trace and won with a score of 57-54. Today’s pictures show: 1. Unique yearbook covers - We would LOVE to know who is on the 1975 cover! 2. More off-campus class shots - Classes of 1976 and 1977 3. This picture gives an interesting view of the wooden seats that existed in the auditorium. 4. Another interesting view - A high school game in the old gym 5. The New Gym dedication ceremony 6. Cream of Lion Soup! 7. The Rand 8. Our very own Jo Ellen (Streitenberger) Gossett received the Secretary of the Year award in 1974. Our students are fortunate to have been instructed by her during her career as a teacher and now supported by her in her role as guidance secretary. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

The Greenfield Rotary Club hosted senior guest, Addison Smith, during their last meeting. Senior guests share about their family, hobbies, high school activities, and future plans. 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 5 - The 1980s What happened? 1982 - The old maintenance houses were torn down in preparation for building the new vocational building. Construction started on June 1. In November, welding sparks ignited a large quantity of styrofoam causing a fire. Construction was able to continue though, and completion of the building occurred on March 1, 1983. The metal shop became the new band room, and the old band room became guidance and work program offices. The old vocational agriculture space became the central office area, and the second floor of the old vocational building became used for business classes. Also that school year, the McClain residence and the American Pad and Textile Company were demolished. 1986 - The auditorium renovation was completed, and a dedication ceremony was held on April 27. The renovation included expanding the stage, building an orchestra pit, adding a light and sound control booth, rebuilding the pipe organ, and adding new curtains, seats, rails, and carpet. 1987 - On May 17, the McClain Athletic Foundation dedicated the new McClain Alumni Fieldhouse. Mcclain High School became a topic of interest when Greenfield was selected for the WBNS Channel 10 program “Heart of Ohio”. The segment aired on November 23 Fashion - The return of the mini skirt, punk rock clothing and hairstyles, stonewashed jeans, unlaced shoes, and numbers shaved into the heads of football players Today’s pictures show: 1. At the end of the 1987-1988 school year, the Board bestowed upon Dr. Ronald Vaughn the designation of Superintendent Emeritus. He is the second of five whom we will recognize in our posts. Check out the picture for just some of his many accomplishments. 2. Popular animals of the decade 3. Barney Beaver returned for an encore. As explained by Margaret “Barney” Beaver Arnold, “An Alma Mater is not a fight song. It is a love song. Love for your school.” 4. The days when your senior group picture was taken off campus…1980 and 1981 5. 1982 demolition 6. A decade for basketball 7. An iconic picture #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 4 - The 1990s What happened? Levy Passage - On November 4, 1997, after the hard work and dedication of the Building Assistance Levy Team, citizens voted yes for a levy that would lead to the renovation of our school buildings. See below for an excerpt from the Society of Architectural Historians. Following a lawsuit from economically disadvantaged school districts, the State of Ohio passed a funding initiative in 1997 to replace aging school facilities and the Greenfield Campus was designated for total replacement. The Board of Education and the community were forced to decide between all new schools or maintaining their beloved but aging facilities. Clyde Henry of TRIAD Architects, working closely with Phil Cornett, the district’s superintendent, developed a plan that met all of the state’s requirements, while maintaining and restoring the historical facilities at a lower cost than new construction. While the state was initially skeptical of the plan, it had the community’s overwhelming support, and was ultimately accepted. The renovation maintained the open corridors, high ceilings, and grand stairs; it also hid all the new ductwork for the new heating and air conditioning systems and the electrical and computer network cables, while adding hidden indirect lighting, elevators, and other code requirements. A second floor was added to the Duncan McArthur Primary Building and the existing first floor was covered in matching brick. The fenestration, details, and scale of the building were brought into line with the other buildings on the campus. The high school was also expanded at this time, with an addition that covered the north facade of the 1970 gymnasium and brought it into conformity with the campus. The project proved that historical buildings could be renovated to serve current and future needs without sacrificing either the historical fabric or the required educational programming. The project won the National Trust Preservation Award of Excellence for renovation, and has served as an example of award-winning school restoration/renovation. Desert Storm - The students and staff members in the district showed support for troops fighting in Desert Storm in 1991 by displaying orange ribbons, attending community events, and holding patriotic performances. Konneker Scholarship - Dr. Wilfred Konneker was born Feb. 20, 1922 and grew up in Greenfield, graduating from McClain High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Ohio University. Dr. Konneker was a founder of the Manasseh Cutler Scholar program at Ohio University. Following the program’s founding, Dr. Konneker began funding scholarships to McClain High School students pursuing higher education at OU. He passed away on January 7, 2016 at age 93. Even after his death, the scholarship remains funded today. The first scholarship recipient was Bill Doan in 1990. Dr. Konneker was the commencement speaker during the ceremony that year. Today’s pictures show: 1. 1990s change - The wood shop was turned into the TV and radio studio, the original principal’s office on the third floor of the high school library became a computer lab, and the old gym became a study hall and cafeteria space. Per the yearbook, teachers went from sporting the hippie look to wearing reading glasses and being distinguished members of society. 2. Pictures from the 1990 Commencement ceremony 3. Desert Storm support 4. 1990s hair! 5. Levy support came in a variety of ways from many people. 6. School life during the renovation #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

December breakfast and lunch menus 😊

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 3 - The 2000s What happened? The 2000-2001 school year kicked off with many facility changes as the district was coming out of the renovation period. During that school year, K-2 students in town attended school on the first floor of the new Greenfield Elementary, previously known as the Duncan McArthur Primary Building. Students in grades three and four who resided in town attended school in Rainsboro at their new facility. Junior high students attended school on the second floor of Greenfield Elementary due to renovations occurring in the middle school building. The start of school was delayed that year until September 11. On September 14, a dedication ceremony was held for Rainsboro Elementary at 9:30 a.m., followed by a dedication ceremony for the renovated Buckskin Elementary at 11:00 a.m. A dedication ceremony was held later for the renovations on the main campus. More information regarding the 1990s portion of the renovation will be shared tomorrow. The Dragon turned 100! For a century, the Dragon faithfully recorded the doings of the old Greenfield High School, and then later, Edward Lee McClain High School. In 1904, the Dragon was born as a literary magazine. In 1917, it was transformed into a weekly magazine, which then evolved into a biweekly magazine in 1923. By 1941, the Dragon was discontinued as a newspaper but became a senior annual which was the forerunner of the high school yearbook that it is today. The only part of the Dragon that remains unchanged is the name. The 1954 annual celebrated the Dragon's 50th anniversary and revealed the profound secret of how the Dragon got its name (a topic that actually came up in the 2022 Countdown to Christmas posts). The first staff wanted an attractive title page and were dependent on the resources of the local print shop. From the printer's available stock, they selected a cut of a small dragon, which they felt would lend the desired touch of distinction to the title page. And this is how the Dragon got its name, simply a practical matter of choosing a functional design. As evidenced through yearbooks, popular items included Aeropostale clothing, Uggs, Vera Bradley, iPods, McDonald’s sweet tea, Twilight, and video games like Halo and Guitar Hero. Today’s pictures show: 1. Scenes from the renovation 2. TV and Radio class, which is still in place today - Look closely. You will see Mr. Drew Hamilton, the current teacher, as a student in the class! 3. Another yearbook reference to open lunches - We just might try to find out how long open lunches have been in place… 4. References to popular and beloved items and activities over the years 5. Paying homage to MTV #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 2 - The 2010s What happened? McClain High School turned 100 years old! In September 2015, a Centennial Celebration Weekend occurred filled with various activities such as a 5K, high school tours, a catered dinner and dance, an ice cream social, and a rededication ceremony. Then in July 2016, Larry “Rock” Roosa established, with the support of the McClain Alumni Association and staff members, Edward Lee McClain Day. Later in 2017, the busts of Edward Lee and Lulu McClain were placed alongside Ginevra in the first floor hallway as a result of the hard work and dedication of the McClain Alumni Association and generous donations from many supporters. Eddie the Tiger was born! The “roar was restored” with the rebirth of the Edward Lee McClain mascot lovingly named, Eddie. He was born on January 8, 2016 amidst a great celebration that included a birth certificate being developed for him! One of five Superintendents Emeriti who have worked in the district, Mr. Terrence Fouch, retired from the district in July 2013. We will share the names of the others as we work our way back through the decades. The SCOL (South Central Ohio League) disbanded, and our district would later join our current league, the Frontier Athletic Conference. The first MHS Day was held in May 2014. This day of community service provided by our high school students and staff continues today. Social media, cell phones, and pop culture - The growth and popularity of social media and cell phones expanded across the decade as evidenced throughout the yearbooks. Themes such as snapping and hashtags can be found over the years, and in 2010 it was apparent by a yearbook segment that cell phone use was problematic. Check out the picture below. Many of the most evident pop culture references over the years were to the show, Friends. Today’s pictures show: 1. Scenes from the Centennial, the 2015 class officers and the 1915 class officers, and the celebration event card 2. The cell phone rules of 2010 3. MHS Day 2015 4. 2013 survey results on the places that students went to for lunch - Open lunch is still in place today, but students must demonstrate good behavior and maintain eligibility in order to participate. 5. Coach Rick Van Matre and his wife Kathy - Coach Van Matre had 472 victories, 170 losses, and only one losing season in 28 years. 6. Just a couple of SO MANY examples of how our students and staff have continued to show support for other schools over the years 7. Friends 8. Eddie the Tiger #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

The Adena Health mobile unit will be at Buckskin Elementary tomorrow, November 28, 2023. Buckskin Elementary parents and guardians should have already received the consent form and information detailing the services provided. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Spring at Buckskin by calling 937-981-2673.😊🩺 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! 😀 Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but 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 haven’t been shared previously. Day 1 - The 2020s What happened? 🤔 ➡️ The Covid-19 pandemic - Masks, quarantine, isolation, contact tracing, temperature checking, COVID tracker, social distancing, virtual learning/meetings/events/ceremonies, meal delivery, and A LOT of sanitizing! It was a time of countless all-calls, emails, and Facebook Live sessions. No matter what happened along the way, the goal of our district was to BE IN SCHOOL. ➡️ Projects - A playground, additional parking, lobby addition, locker rooms, concession area, renovated restrooms, a new track, new paint and flooring, new boilers and chillers, practice field and multipurpose facility development, and plans in place for future projects - It has been a busy few years! ➡️ Celebrations - The return of what we consider normalcy for instruction, athletics, programs, events, etc., enhanced professional learning opportunities for staff and students through Visible Learning and new curriculum/technology tools, district pep rallies, groundbreakings, the addition of new programs and organizations such as DFCA and girls wrestling, and so many more! Today’s pictures show: 1. The original Imagination Kingdom - Deterioration over the years led to a quick demolition. 2. March 12, 2020 - The first day that students could play on the new Imagination Kingdom - When the picture was taken, no one knew that it would be the last day students would be on campus for the 2019-2020 school year. 3. Meals on wheels! During the spring of 2020, thousands of meals were delivered to different locations throughout the district since school was not in session.It was one of many collaborative efforts in our Village during that time period. 4. Our empty campuses brought such sadness for many. We missed our students! 5. Projects - An example of many areas with new flooring, the courtyard area during the locker room and lobby renovation, the beautiful sundial area, and one of our groups that participated in the March 2023 groundbreaking 6. A full house! District pep rally - March 2022 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Information from the November 21, 2023 4:00 p.m. all-call: We will be on Thanksgiving break beginning tomorrow, November 22 through Friday, November 24. Students will return to school on Monday, November 27. In looking ahead to December, there will be a two-hour early release on Wednesday, December 20. Christmas break will be held beginning Thursday, December 21 through Wednesday, January 3. Students will return on Thursday, January 4. On behalf of our district, we wish all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

The Greenfield Rotary Club hosted seniors guests, Taylor Pennington and Shawn Daniels, yesterday. Senior guests share about their family, hobbies, high school activities, and future plans. 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Please consider giving. ❤️ #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

TONIGHT AND TOMORROW! 💜 The McClain High School Drama Department will be presenting Humbug High: A Contemporary Christmas Carol on November 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the door. Our students have worked hard to prepare and are ready to entertain you. Come and join us! 🎭 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

The Greenfield Rotary Club hosted seniors guests, Haylee Havens and Kaitlyn Jett, yesterday. Senior guests share about their family, hobbies, high school activities, and future plans. 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Happy Veterans Day! ❤️🤍💙 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Veterans and their guests are welcome to attend. See the picture for details. ❤️🤍💙 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Practice field project days #140-152 - Be sure to follow the updates on our social media accounts, website, and app! It continues to be a busy time at 750 McClain Avenue. 🔧🔨 1. The primary and secondary steelwork will be finished in the section of the building where they are working in the next few days. 2. Framing of the exterior walls in that section is scheduled for next week. 3. The second concrete slab for the middle section of the building was poured last week. 4. The trees for the Seventh Street side and the parking lot "islands" have been planted. 5. The construction fencing has been adjusted to open up most of the parking spaces. We welcome questions and will continue to keep you updated. 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #GEVSDprojectprogress