January is a good point in the school year to pause, take inventory, and be clear about what is happening across Nordonia Hills City Schools.
From an academic standpoint, student growth and achievement remain strong. Instruction continues to focus on core learning outcomes, and we regularly review staffing levels and student supports to ensure resources are aligned with need. Our five-year Strategic Plan continues to guide these decisions, providing consistency across buildings and helping the district stay focused on long-term priorities rather than short-term fixes.
This fall, Nordonia student-athletes achieved a 3.913 average GPA. This is the highest quarterly GPA for student-athletes in the past twenty years. In addition to academic success, several teams and individuals advanced to postseason competition. Highlights included Girls Varsity Golf winning the Suburban League National Conference, Girls Varsity Volleyball finishing as OHSAA District Runner-Up, and Boys Varsity Football qualifying for the OHSAA State Playoffs. Two boys cross country runners qualified for the OHSAA State Meet, finishing 30th and 31st overall. Five seniors signed commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
At the elementary level, the district continues to strengthen instruction in early literacy and mathematics across grades K through 6. Teachers use Benchmark Advance as the core literacy program, supported by Fundations for phonics and POWER Writing for written expression. Instruction is reinforced through professional learning communities and assessment teams that review student data and adjust instruction as needed. This work focuses on foundational reading skills, conceptual understanding in mathematics, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Student learning also continues beyond traditional classroom instruction. At the secondary level, students participate in hands-on courses such as Networking Fundamentals, Biotechnology, Forensic Science, and Digital Fabrication. These courses emphasize lab-based learning, applied problem-solving, and technical skill development. Students configure and secure computer networks, conduct scientific experiments, analyze forensic evidence, and design and fabricate original products using industry-grade equipment.
Facilities and long-term planning remain a key focus as we move into 2026. The district includes buildings of varying ages, and maintaining safe and effective learning environments requires ongoing attention to infrastructure and core systems. We are currently creating a district facilities plan. Once finalized, the district will clearly communicate priorities, timelines, and next steps so the community understands both the plan and the process behind it.
Safety and preparedness continue throughout the year. The district conducts regular safety drills, works closely with local law enforcement, and uses established threat assessment protocols to support students and staff. Financial planning also remains an important part of this work. The district is monitoring an upcoming property reappraisal to ensure long-term decisions remain responsible and aligned with district needs.
Our students continue to demonstrate leadership and service within the community. Members of the Class of 2026 participated in Rake and Run, completing outdoor projects such as raking leaves and cleaning garden beds for local residents. During Unity Week, students across the district took part in service activities, classroom discussions, and unity projects focused on connection and belonging. Students at Nordonia High School also hosted a Red Cross blood drive that collected 36 pints of blood and volunteered with seniors at Summit Point in Macedonia.
January also brings recognition of staff excellence. This year, Ethan Nario-Redmond, a fourth-grade teacher at Rushwood Elementary, was named Nordonia’s Rookie of the Year. Carrie Mitchner, a sixth-grade math teacher at Lee Eaton Intermediate School, was named Teacher of the Year. Dr. Jacqui O’Mara, principal of Rushwood Elementary, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. All three will be recognized at the Summit County Educational Service Center Education Celebration on February 5, 2026.
As we move through January and into the second half of the school year, our priorities remain clear: strong instruction, safe schools, responsible planning, and transparent communication. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we do this work together.
Casey G. Wright
Superintendent
Nordonia Hills City Schools
Phone: (330) 467-0580
