The start of a new school year changes the rhythm of the entire community. Buses are back on the roads, stadium lights are on again, and our school buildings are full of students and staff.
Even if you do not currently have children or grandchildren in our schools, I want you to know what is happening inside them. Our schools belong to the entire Nordonia community, and the support of our residents makes this work possible.
At Ledgeview Elementary, staff members are strengthening reading support for our youngest students. Teachers and support staff have received additional training in early literacy and are working together to identify students who may need extra help.
Rushwood Elementary students returned to find new interactive designs painted on the playground. The project was donated by Big Happy’s LLC and gives students another way to play and learn together. Rushwood also started its Role Models program, which recognizes students for being responsible and treating others well.
Northfield Elementary welcomed Deputy Cutright as its new school resource officer. Northfield staff members are also helping several new students and families adjust to the district.
Lee Eaton welcomed the Class of 2034 as fifth graders. The staff is spending the opening weeks getting to know students, establishing routines, and making sure help is available for those who need it. Hearing and vision screenings have also been completed for fifth-grade students.
Nordonia Middle School used its staggered opening again this year. Seventh- and eighth-grade students started on separate days, giving them time to learn building procedures, receive their Chromebooks, take school pictures, and become comfortable with their schedules before everyone returned together.
Nordonia High School welcomed freshmen with a day designed to help them adjust to high school. The school also held its first orientation for the Digital Knights Academy, our online learning option. Student clubs are beginning their activities, including new student interest groups focused on public speaking and dance.
Fall activities are also underway. More than 300 high school students are participating in a fall sport, and those students began the semester with an average GPA of 3.73. Our marching band is the largest it has been in more than five years. I hope community members will join us at a concert, athletic event, play, or other school activity this year. Our students appreciate seeing the community there to support them.
A great deal of work also took place while students were away. The district completed nearly $789,000 in roof work at Ledgeview and Nordonia High School. Our custodial and maintenance employees spent the summer cleaning classrooms, maintaining our buildings, and preparing them for another year.
We also recently updated the district’s five-year financial forecast. Last fiscal year ended nearly $900,000 better than projected. Revenue came in $314,000 above the forecast, while expenses were $583,000 below it. We still need to watch expenses in the later years, but the district is in a better position because of decisions made over the past several years.
Our theme this year is “Stronger Together.” That includes everyone in our community, not just those who currently have students attending Nordonia. Strong schools help maintain a strong community, and we take seriously the responsibility that comes with your support.
Thank you for continuing to support Nordonia Hills City Schools. I look forward to keeping you informed throughout the year about our students, staff, finances, and future plans.
