Independence Schools Invest in the Next Generation

Bridges in Mathematics Curriculum Delivers Strong First-Year Results

As the 2025–26 school year concludes, Independence Local Schools is celebrating a successful first year of implementing the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum for students in grades PreK–5. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving and conceptual understanding, helping students build confidence while developing strong math skills.  

“Students look forward to math each day as they search for patterns, share their strategies and learn from classmates,” says the district’s third-grade teachers. “The program has strengthened not only math skills, but also speaking, listening and critical-thinking abilities.”

Natalie Matthews, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessments, highlights the curriculum’s long-term benefits. “Skills intentionally build from one grade to the next, creating a logical progression of learning that improves student achievement over time,” she says.

The curriculum also aligns with the district’s broader instructional goals of fostering critical thinking, inquiry, collaboration and real-world problem-solving skills. Teachers across the district have embraced the opportunity to shift from rote memorization toward helping students truly understand and apply mathematics.

“Math classrooms across our district look different today,” says Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “Students are talking through problems, working together, using hands-on tools and developing confidence in their abilities.”

Building on this success, the district will implement the Amplify Math Desmos curriculum in grades 6 through Algebra 1 beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Rooted in Independence

When Carolyn Noll Sorg graduated from Independence High School in 2002, she never imagined that one day she would lead one of Northeast Ohio’s most respected universities. Yet on June 1, 2026, Sorg officially became the 27th president of John Carroll University — the first woman and only the third layperson to hold the position in the institution’s 139-year history.

For Sorg, the achievement is rooted in the values and experiences that shaped her while growing up in Independence.

A lifelong resident, Sorg grew up surrounded by family and community. Her grandparents lived just down the street, and today she and her husband are raising their own children in the same neighborhood. She remembers spending summers riding bikes with friends, gathering at the pool and celebrating Home Days.

That close-knit community also influenced her understanding of education.

“Being in the Independence schools, which were small and where I always felt known, really shaped my point of view on what education should be and should feel like,” Sorg says.

Several teachers left a lasting impression. Sorg remembers junior high history teacher Mr. McGuinness for making learning exciting. She also credits her AP English teacher, Mr. Walchanowicz, with challenging students to reach beyond what they thought possible.

“That AP English class was probably the hardest class I ever took,” she says. “But it built confidence, and I went into college feeling like I could achieve anything.”

Now, as she steps into her historic role, Sorg hopes her appointment demonstrates what is possible for the next generation. Inspired by the words of her “very wise” 9-year-old son, she offers simple but powerful advice to all young people growing up in Independence today: “You should always be moving forward.”

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

Through the City of Independence’s support of the Dale Carnegie Gen Next program, local students have the opportunity to develop confidence, communication skills, leadership abilities, relationship-building skills and strategies for managing stress and worry. The eight-week program, typically held on a weekday evening at Independence High School, helps students navigate the challenges of college, careers and adulthood.

Jeanne Wiedt, area manager and certified senior trainer for Dale Carnegie Training of Northeast Ohio, says one of the most noticeable transformations she sees throughout the eight weeks is the growth in students’ confidence. Many participants begin the program hesitant to speak in front of others or unsure of their abilities. By graduation, they have confidence to communicate more effectively and the ability to reach out and build trust with others.

“You can hear it in their voices,” Wiedt says. “They’re ready to take on what’s next.”

The program reflects the City’s commitment to developing not only successful students, but future leaders. By investing in these essential life skills today, Independence is helping young people build a foundation for success that will serve them for years to come.

A Foundation for Success

When Catherine Rieger enrolled in the Dale Carnegie Gen Next program during her senior year at Independence High School, she already knew she wanted to pursue engineering. What she didn't realize was how important communication and relationship-building skills would be to her future success.

Today, Rieger is a junior at the University of Akron studying polymer engineering — a highly specialized field with only a handful of students in her program. She has already secured her first internship as a Quality Engineering Intern at Ohio Aluminum, where she works on aerospace castings and aircraft engine components.

“I realized early on that technical skills alone weren't going to be enough,” Rieger says. “You can be incredibly knowledgeable, but if you can't communicate your ideas or work with others, you’re limiting yourself.”

While she expected to gain communication skills through the program, Rieger says the relationships she built with her fellow participants became one of its most valuable aspects. The experience taught her how to create genuine connections and make others feel heard and valued.

Those lessons continue to serve her well in both college and the workplace. Whether she's collaborating with technicians, engineers, managers or professors, Rieger credits the program with helping her communicate confidently and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Looking back, she describes the program as life-changing.

“Dale Carnegie was the first step in getting over my fear of talking to others,” she says. “It helped me secure my first internship and opened up a whole new world for me.”

For students considering the program, her advice is simple: “Just do it." 

Colleges, Universities & Postsecondary Programs

University of Cincinnati

• Ohio University

• The Ohio State University

• Kent State University

• Norfolk State University

• Miami University

• Cleveland State University

• Ohio State University Newark

• University Hospitals Paramedic Program

• Tiffin University

• Cuyahoga Community College

• Loyola University Chicago

• Ohio Wesleyan University

• Great Lakes Maritime Academy

• Seattle University

• John Carroll University

• Rochester Institute of Technology

• United States Air Force

• Western Michigan University

• University of Akron

• Akron General Hospital Paramedic School

• University of Colorado Boulder

• Florida Atlantic University

• Ohio Technical College

• Cuyahoga Valley Career Center

• Walsh University

• Grove City College

• Bowling Green State University

• Kenyon College

• University of Tennessee