As we move through November, I continue to be inspired by the pride, kindness, and generosity that define our Akron Public Schools community. This week, we take time to recognize both Veterans Day and Homeless Awareness Month, two important reminders of service, compassion, and the strength of our community when we come together to support one another.
Across our schools, students in JROTC programs marked Veterans Day through meaningful lessons and tributes, honoring those who have served and learning about leadership and sacrifice. Their respect and gratitude reflect the very best of our district. I also want to extend my appreciation to all veterans in our APS family — students, staff, and community members — for your service and commitment to others.
This month, we also observe Homeless Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by families and youth experiencing housing instability. Through Project RISE and our community partners, APS continues to connect students and families to critical supports that ensure education remains a source of stability and hope. I encourage everyone to learn more about this important work and how each of us can play a role in lifting up our neighbors.
Our students continue to inspire us in many ways. Congratulations to the East CLC Dragons for another exciting playoff victory and to their coaches, families, and fans who proudly represent APS at every game. I also want to celebrate the creativity of our students performing this week in Miller South’s Soundscapes and Akron School of the Arts’ production of Macbeth. These performances are wonderful examples of how arts education brings our students’ talents and imagination to life, and I hope our community will come out to support them.
As part of our Year of Literacy initiative, this week’s Once Upon a Storytime features a very special guest reader ... LeBron James! We are so grateful to LeBron for sharing his love of reading with our students and families and for continuing to inspire young people throughout our community.
As we head toward Thanksgiving Break, I am filled with gratitude for our students, families, staff, and community partners who make Akron Public Schools such an extraordinary place to learn and grow. Thank you for the many ways you continue to show up, support one another, and believe in the promise of every child.
East CLC counting on defense to slow down powerful CVCA
By Ralph N. Paulk, APS Storyteller
The East Dragons celebrated only briefly after securing the first 10-win season in school history last Friday, an impressive 36-16 thumping of host Gates Mills Hawken in a Division III playoff game. Read More. Click here to purchase tickets.
APS ROTC Veteran Day Photo Gallery
Akron Public Schools JROTC cadets marked Veterans Day with special activities and reflections in their classes. Through lessons, discussions, and tributes, students honored those who have served while deepening their understanding of leadership and service. APS is proud of the commitment and respect our cadets show each day.
Open enrollment continues, applications due Dec. 15
The open enrollment period for the 2026-27 school year is still underway. Applications are due by Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m.
Open enrollment is required for:
Families wanting their students to attend a school outside of their neighborhood school. (All grades)
Out-of-district families wanting their student to attend an APS school or specialty program.
Specialty schools and programs including: Akron Early College High School, Akron School for the Arts, the International Baccalaureate Programme at Firestone CLC, Miller South for the Visual and Performing Arts (grades 4 and 6), NIHF STEM Middle School (grades 5 and 6) and NIHF STEM High School.
Several schools and programs have application requirements in addition to the open enrollment application. These requirements may include auditions and workshops (arts programs), letters of recommendation, writing samples, etc.
Community Showcase Events - Join us and discover what's happening at Akron Public Schools! Whether you're a current student (of any age), a former student, a prospective family, a neighbor, a friend, a community member, or a business partner — you're invited!
Nov. 20 - Community Showcase: Buchtel Harvest Festival Community Showcase, 5-8 p.m.
Once Upon a Storytime with LeBron James
This week’s Once Upon a Storytime features a very special guest, Akron’s own LeBron James. As part of our Year of Literacy initiative, LeBron joins us to share the joy of reading and inspire students across APS. Click here to listen to the story, and remember to tune in every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. to hear a special story and meet a new reader.
Golf Making Math Fun, Exciting STEM Students Crunch the Numbers to Generate Swing Speed and Distance
By Ralph Paulk, APS Storyteller
For most math teachers, it’s sometimes difficult to transform their passion with numbers to high school students juggling an array of course materials. It’s an awkward balancing act that sometimes cultivates a culture of disinterested math students.
Tanner Hughes, who teaches both geometry and algebra at NIHF STEM High School at Robinson CLC, unveiled a learning tool and method that seemingly piques the interest of his Algebra 2 students and engages them to tackle the complex problems of Quadratic Functions. Read more.
More APS in the news
APS Student Digs Into Engineering - One APS student spent the summer interning with the Northside Interceptor Tunnel project through the All-Akron Student Engineering Program, gaining hands-on experience and exploring real-world careers in engineering and construction. Watch video.
Fall Driving Scholarship Opportunity - Akron Public Schools is offering 25 partial-tuition scholarships for driver education classes through the Ohio Drive to Succeed Program. Read more.
Honoring Veterans' Mental Health
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
This week, we recognized Veterans Day on November 11, a time for us to appreciate not only the service of our military members but also the mental health challenges faced by veterans. Many veterans and their families navigate invisible wounds long after service ends, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment difficulties. For families with veterans, creating a supportive home environment means understanding that healing isn't linear, being patient with the transition process, and knowing when to seek professional support. Whether you have a veteran in your family or want to teach children about supporting those who've served, this week is an opportunity to have meaningful conversations about resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of mental health care for all who have worn the uniform.
Free METRO Rides for SNAP Recipients - Starting November 1, METRO RTA is waiving fares on all routes for Ohio Direction, SNAP, and EBT cardholders. More information.
Youth Basketball Registration - Akron Recreation & Parks Youth Basketball is back! Conditioning is free, and registration runs Oct. 1 - Dec. 1. Games begin Jan. 21 in partnership with the University of Akron. Players receive a jersey and a chance to attend a Zips game. More information.
211 Summit County - Call 2-1-1 or visit 211summit.org to find local food pantries and meal sites.
📆 Things to do!
Akron School of the Arts Presents Shakespeare's Macbeth - The Akron School of the Arts (ASA) theatre group is proud to announce its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Macbeth. The play will be performed at The Linda B. Kersker Auditorium from November 13 to 16. Read more.
Poetry on Purpose Book Review - Celebrate the life and legacy of James Woods at Poetry On Purpose, an evening of poetry, music, and community presented by The Arts Incubator, The Do It For James Foundation, and Poetry Is Life Publishing. Enjoy performances by local artists and support a meaningful cause that uplifts creativity and community impact. Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m. More information.
Miller South's Production of Soundscapes - Experience the “Magic of Miller South” through Soundscapes, a visually stunning, multi-disciplinary production that tells the story of Iris, a young artist with synesthesia who learns to embrace her unique way of experiencing the world. Featuring theatre, dance, live music, art, and live painting, this immersive performance brings Iris’s colorful perspective to life. Tickets are $10 at the door. Nov. 13 - 15, 7:00 p.m.
The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards - Join this inspiring celebration honoring eight local Black philanthropists whose generosity and leadership uplift Greater Akron. The event launches The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit and benefits The Black Giving Collective Fund of the Akron Community Foundation. Nov. 14, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. More information.
We’re always looking to spotlight the people, programs, and moments that make our district shine. Whether you are a parent, staff member, student, or community partner, if you've seen something inspiring, share it with us! Click here to share your story.
What stories interest you? 📣
What kinds of stories do you want to see in our district newsletter? Do you want to hear more about classroom innovations? Student achievements? Staff spotlights? Community partnerships? Let us know what matters most to you! Click here.
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Akron Public Schools, 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308, United States, 330.761.1661
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