Welcome back and Happy New Year. Our first week back brought a renewed sense of energy across our schools as classrooms came back to life and routines settled in. I have enjoyed visiting schools and seeing students reengaged in their learning, supported by our families and staff.
I also want to welcome our new Akron Board of Education members Nathan Jarosz, Karmaya Kelly, and Phil Montgomery, and thank our returning members Summer Hall, Reverend Gregory Harrison, Rene T. Molenaur, and Barbara Sykes for their continued service. The first board meeting of the year will take place on January 12, and I look forward to the work ahead as we continue serving our students and community together.
This week’s update highlights the strength of our APS community. From the Toys for Tots giveaway at East CLC that supported more than 2,100 families, to the generosity shown through the Buchtel AFJROTC Angel Tree, the Akron Association of Classified Personnel (secretaries) annual toy drive, and our Human Resources team’s fundraiser for Project Rise, these moments reflect a deep commitment to caring for students and families beyond the classroom.
We are also proud to celebrate our people and programs. Congratulations to educator Todd Martin on being named a 2025 Buck Martin Award recipient, and thank you to Yvonne Culver for 28 years of dedicated service to Akron Public Schools as she prepares for retirement. Our students continue to shine through achievements in STEM, the arts, service to others and opportunities that connect learning to real world experiences.
As we look ahead, please note several upcoming days with no school, including Records Day on January 16, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19 and our All Staff Professional Development Day on January 20. I encourage families to review the calendar and stay connected through our weekly updates.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we begin the new year.
With appreciation,
Mary B. Outley
Jan. 16 - Records Day (NO SCHOOL)
Jan. 19 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)
Jan. 20 - All Staff Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Marines and Akron Public Schools Bring Holiday Cheer to More Than 2,100 Families at Toys for Tots Giveaway
East Community Learning Center, part of Akron Public Schools, hosted a Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots giveaway on December 20, spreading holiday joy to thousands of local children and families. Local area Marines, with the support of the community, collected approximately 45,000 toys for distribution. The event served more than 2,100 families from across the region, ensuring children received gifts this holiday season.
The large-scale effort was made possible through the dedication of dozens of volunteers, including JROTC high school cadets, veterans, civilians and active-duty Marines, who came together to sort, organize and distribute the toys throughout the day.
Culver: A Career of Caring, Commitment - After 28 years of dedicated service at APS and 33 years as an educator, APS stalwart Yvonne Culver is retiring. Read more.
STEM EXPO opportunities - APS is looking for judges, STEM-related booths, volunteers and sponsors for the 70th Annual STEM EXPO taking place Jan. 31.
Construction Projects - APS posts regular updates on construction and renovation work across the district. The Construction Projects page includes timelines, design updates, and progress photos so families and the community can see what is happening now and what is coming next. Find it under Facility Services or through the Construction Projects link on the main page.
APS Educator Todd Martin Named a 2025 Buck Martin Award Recipient
Congratulations to Akron Public Schools educator Todd Martin on being named a 2025 Buck Martin Award recipient by the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This honor recognizes his outstanding commitment to mathematics education and the impact he continues to make for APS students.
APS Human Resources Department
Fundraiser for Project Rise
The Human Resources Department at APS successfully raised $410 for Project Rise, which supports homeless students in Akron by providing resources for education, stability and essential needs, helping them stay on track in school despite housing instability.
14th Annual Buchtel AFJROTC Angel Tree
The 14th Annual Buchtel AFJROTC Angel Tree community service project took place on Dec. 17, 2025. The Angel Tree is decorated by AFJROTC cadets with angels from our Arnold, Crouse and Schumacher elementary schools. 25 K-3 graders from each school fill out an angel with their holiday gift wish and the gifts are purchased by the Buchtel CLC staff. Once wrapped and sorted by the cadets, they are delivered to each school annually the week before holiday break. Read the full story.
More APS in the news
APS 5th Grader Served as NFL Cleveland Browns Kickoff Kid - Rimer Community Learning Center 5th-grade student, Kylon Solomon-Elston, was selected to represent the district as the Cleveland Browns Kick-Off Kid during the Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game on Dec. 28. Read more.
APS Students from NIHF STEM High School Earn First and Third Place in Congressional App Challenge - Akron Public Schools is proud to announce a major achievement by its Computer Science program. Under the leadership of instructor Sam Appleby, a team of APS students earned both First Place and Third Place honors in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, hosted by U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes. Read more.
Firestone CLC Shatters the Fourth Wall with Immersive Production of Ayn Rand's The Night of January 16th - Firestone CLC Theatre is proud to announce its upcoming production of Ayn Rand’s provocative courtroom drama, The Night of Jan. 16, running for four shows from Jan. 22-25, 2026. This unique high school staging will transform the black box theatre into an active, high-stakes judicial setting where the audience holds the power. Read more.
Seiberling Fifth Grader Delivers Holiday Cheer - Ella Kosher is an empathetic, intelligent fifth-grader who finds joy in others' smiles and happiness. She is spreading plenty of joy at Akron Children’s Hospital during this holiday season. The 11-year-old spent the past few weeks weaving together 18 beanies for patients at the hospital. Learn more.
Rise and Shine: Getting Back in the School Groove
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
As students returned to school this week after two weeks of winter break, families may notice their children experiencing some adjustment challenges with early wake times, classroom routines and academic expectations. It might be helpful to maintain patience over the next few days as children reacclimate, perhaps offering earlier bedtimes, preparing school items the night before and creating opportunities for children to share their feelings about being back in the classroom. With a little extra grace and perhaps an extra cup of coffee for the grown-ups, everyone could find their rhythm again within the next week!
Elevating Possibility Scholarship Program - Akron seniors pursuing excellence in arts or athletics are encouraged to apply for the Elevating Possibility Scholarship Program, a new initiative by Akron native and musician Kofi B. Apply here.
Tuesday Musical Scholarship - Tuesday Musical is accepting online applications through Sunday, Feb. 1, for its 2026 scholarship competition. Music performance and music education majors who are Ohio residents or studying with a music teacher at an Ohio college are invited to apply. Learn more.
Home Fire Campaign - This safety resource, available at no cost to APS families, allows you to receive a free smoke alarm and a free carbon monoxide detector, both professionally installed in your home. You can set up an appointment by calling Amanda at the Akron Fire Department, (330) 375-2197. Learn more and request help through the American Red Cross here.
CodeRED Mass Notification System - Akron residents can now stay informed about non-emergency events. Sign up for free to get updates about water advisories, road closures, warming center openings, snow and ice removal, and more. Learn more and register.
Spring 2026 Driving Scholarship Opportunity - APS is pleased to award 25 Partial-Tuition Scholarships to active APS students. Click here for more information about the Spring Scholarship Opportunity with Myers Driving School.
MLK Weekend Youth Symposium - Akron Public Schools students and families are invited to attend the MLK Weekend Youth Symposium: The Power of Infinite Hope – Comfortable in Your Skin on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at John R. Buchtel CLC. Learn more.
Theme Skate Thursdays at Lock 3 - Join Downtown Akron Partnership for themed ice skating nights at Lock 3 on Thursdays through Feb. 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Find weekly themes here.
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.
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Akron Public Schools, 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308, United States, 330.761.1661
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