I get to see a lot of what happens in our schools, and I want to share some of it with you. Whether you have children or grandchildren at Nordonia, attended school here yourself, or are a neighbor who supports our schools, you are part of this community. There is more happening than I can fit into one column, but here are a few things from October. I hope they help you get to know our schools a little better. If something catches your interest or you have a question, please reach out. I’d be glad to hear from you.
At Nordonia High School, our BUDS program brings students with and without disabilities together through friendships and activities. The BUDS Trick-or-Treat event gave students, staff, and families a chance to enjoy Halloween together. I appreciate the students and staff who put time into this program and help everyone feel welcome. October also included the fall choir concert, Academic Challenge, and French Immersion Day. Our students have a lot of interests, and it is good to see them finding things they enjoy.
At Nordonia Middle School, eighth graders returned from Washington, D.C. We take this trip because seeing the places students have studied adds something a classroom lesson can’t always provide. They learn about our history and government, spend time with classmates, and practice being responsible away from home. They also make memories. Many adults still remember their own eighth-grade trip, and I hope our students will be talking about theirs years from now. Thank you to the staff and chaperones who took care of our kids along the way.
At Lee Eaton Intermediate School, sixth graders met their high school counselors as they prepared for Camp Fitch. There is plenty to learn at camp, but some of the learning comes from being away from home, trying something new, and figuring things out with other people. Our high school counselors have a responsibility, too. A younger student is counting on them to help, listen, and make sure they are included. That is a good experience for both groups.
At Rushwood Elementary School, the PTA had to move the Fall Festival indoors because of the weather. Anyone who has organized a school event knows that changing plans takes work. The volunteers made it happen, and families still got to spend the evening together. Thank you to everyone who helped set up, run activities, and clean up afterward.
At Northfield Elementary School, the Run 4 Fun raised more than $25,000 for the PTA’s work supporting students and teachers. That takes a lot of participation from families and donors, and we appreciate it. First graders also visited Playhouse Square to see The Ugly Duckling. Trips like this connect to what children are learning while giving them a chance to experience something they may not have seen before.
At Ledgeview Elementary School, students enjoyed fall parties and costume parades, including a parade for our preschoolers. Staff members also volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Trunk or Treat and the BUDS Halloween event at the high school. I appreciate seeing our staff take part in community events where they can spend time with children and families outside the classroom. Those connections help children get to know the adults in their school and feel comfortable around them.
Across all six schools, our Fill the Bus collection brought in more than 3,000 pounds of food and hygiene items for the Emergency Assistance Center. Students, families, and staff contributed, and football players volunteered to help unload and organize the donations. Thank you to everyone who helped get those items to neighbors who need them.
These are just a few examples from the past month. Every school has more stories to tell, and many involve someone giving a little extra time to help a child or family.
As we head toward Thanksgiving, thank you to our staff, parents, grandparents, volunteers, and community members for being there for our students. I hope you get some time to enjoy the holiday with the people you care about.
Superintendent
Nordonia Hills City Schools
