At Newton Falls High School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door – it extends into the community. This fall, students enrolled in our Career-Based Intervention (CBI) program have taken on a hands-on project that blends real-world skills with civic pride: maintaining and landscaping a section of village property, specifically, the Newton Falls Police Department’s 40-acre training and shooting range.
Under the guidance of Assistant Principal Robert Bauman and CBI Teacher Jody Kays, students are learning valuable trade and life skills, from mowing in defined patterns and edging walkways to string trimming, raking, and using manual hand tools to perfect the details of professional landscaping.
“Our students are getting a real taste of what it means to take ownership of their work,” said Assistant Principal Robert Bauman. “They’re learning the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and pride in a job well done, and they get to see the direct impact of their efforts in our own community.”
This partnership represents a mutually beneficial collaboration between the Village of Newton Falls, the Newton Falls Police Department, and Newton Falls Schools. Students gain practical, employable skills while the city benefits from well-maintained grounds at a vital public safety facility, a true win-win that demonstrates what workforce development can look like when schools and local agencies work together.
“This program has been a tremendous help to our department,” shared Police Chief John Barco. “The property is used for officer training and qualification, and keeping it in good condition is essential for safety and professionalism. These students are doing meaningful work that directly supports public safety operations in our city.”
For CBI Teacher Jody Kays, the benefits go far beyond landscaping.
“We’re building well-rounded kids,” said Kays. “They’re learning real, transferable skills, not just how to use tools, but how to manage time, communicate, and take initiative. For at least two of my students, this experience has even led to summer employment with the district. It’s a direct pathway from classroom learning to real-world opportunity.”
Superintendent Dr. Andreas Johansson emphasized how this kind of experiential learning aligns perfectly with the district’s mission.
“This is a perfect example of how public education and local partnerships can come together to create authentic learning experiences,” said Dr. Johansson. “Our students are gaining job readiness skills and confidence, and our city benefits from their dedication and service. Everyone wins: the students, the district, and the community.”
Through this initiative, students are not only learning the mechanics of landscaping, they’re developing work ethic, problem-solving, and communication skills that will serve them for life. Whether they pursue careers in landscaping, construction, maintenance, or beyond, the experience reinforces what Newton Falls Schools stands for: real-world learning, practical skills, and community connection.
“It’s teaching life skills in a practical setting,” said Bauman. “They’re learning how to work with their hands, follow through on a project, and take pride in what they accomplish. That’s what education is all about.”
For more information, contact:
Andreas Johansson, PhD
Superintendent | Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools
ajohansson@nfschools.org | (330) 333-5100
909 ½ Milton Blvd., Newton Falls, Ohio 44444