This week, we are celebrating student achievement and continued progress across Akron Public Schools.
Congratulations to Imira, an eighth grade student at Litchfield CLC, who won the 2026 District Spelling Bee on February 24. Her accomplishment reflects the preparation, focus, and support happening in classrooms throughout our district. We also extend our congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s competition. Their hard work, courage, and commitment to excellence make us proud.
We are also excited about the Greater Akron Chamber becoming a named academy partner for Garfield CLC. Through the Greater Akron Chamber Academy of Innovation and Industry, students will gain hands on learning opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing, Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, and Patient Care. Partnerships like this help connect learning to real career pathways for our students.
On March 19, we will break ground for the new Pfeiffer and Miller South schools. Two buildings will be constructed on the lot, one serving Pfeiffer Elementary students in grades PreK through 5 and the other serving Miller South Middle School students in grades 4 through 8. This investment represents our commitment to providing high quality learning environments for years to come.
With many difficult stories in the news, children may be picking up on more stress than we realize. I encourage families to review the guidance shared this week by Dr. Erich Merkle.
I am looking forward to sharing more about our progress, priorities, and the road ahead during my State of the Schools address on March 3 at the Akron Press Club. Thank you to the Akron Press Club for the invitation to speak at this event. It is an opportunity to reflect on where we are as a district and to outline the work still ahead. I hope to see many of you there.
Superintendent's Community Conversations Listen and Learn Tour
Superintendent Mary Outley will be going on a Listen and Learn Tour throughout the Akron Public Schools district to speak about district progress, goals and updates. All families are welcome to join the conversation at any of the events.
2026 Akron Public Schools District Spelling Bee Championship
Students across the Akron Public Schools district came together to compete in the 2026 District Spelling Bee on Feb. 24. We are proud to announce Imira, an 8th grade student at Litchfield CLC took home the championship! See photos.
More district news
Pfeiffer/Miller South Groundbreaking Ceremony - The Groundbreaking Ceremony for Pfeiffer/Miller South schools will be held on March 19 at 11:00 a.m. Two schools will be built on the lot: one serving Pfeiffer Elementary students (grades PreK-5) and the other serving Miller South Middle School students (grades 4-8). Learn more.
Greater Akron Chamber To Become Named Academy Partner For Garfield CLC
The Greater Akron Chamber (GAC) will be partnering with Garfield CLC to provide instructional support and real-world learning opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing, Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, and Patient Care through the newly established Greater Akron Chamber Academy of Innovation and Industry. Learn more.
ATHENA Akron Honors Established Women Leaders
On Feb. 17, ATHENA Akron recognized Mary Outley, Wanda Lash, and Carla Chapman for taking on new positions in recent years. These women empower their teams and manage complex projects with strong attention to detail, bringing valuable expertise and knowledge to Summit County.
Imira Wins 2026 District Spelling Bee Championship
We are proud to announce Imira, an eighth grade student at Litchfield CLC, took home the District Spelling Bee Championship! No matter what Imira does, she excels and does it with pride and authenticity. See what her teachers have to say about her:
Mrs. Leasure & Mrs. Dachtler share:
"Imira is exactly the kind of student you love to have in class. She’s a total perfectionist who takes immense pride in her work, but what really stands out is her creative spirit. She has this wonderful way of looking at the world through a lens of pure imagination. You can see her personality shine through in everything she does—whether it’s her writing, her artistic projects, or her personal style. No matter what, Imira is always 100% herself, and her self-expression is just as impressive as her academics!"
Ms. England adds:
"Imira is a quiet but fierce learner. She has been my student for 2 years now and I honestly don't think she's ever missed an assignment. She is responsible and self motivated. I am so proud of her!"
Mrs. Callihan says:
"Imira is a kind and hardworking scholar. She excels at whatever she puts her mind to and cares about trying her best. I am incredibly proud of her!"
Safe Harbor: Helping Your Family Stay Mentally Healthy When Headlines Are Hard
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
With recent news cycles bringing many unsettling headlines, mental health experts note that children and teens are absorbing more stress than many families realize, often picking up on adult worry even without fully understanding the issues. Research suggests that the single most important factor in how a child reacts to difficult news is their caregiver's own reaction, and that how adults handle their feelings will strongly shape how children process the world around them. Keeping conversations brief, honest, and age-appropriate, while limiting news and social media exposure, may be among the most reassuring things any family can offer a child right now, regardless of where they stand on the issues.
Elevating Possibility Scholarship Program - Seniors pursuing excellence in arts or athletics are encouraged to apply to the program initiated by Akron native and musician Kofi B. The application deadline is Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. Apply now.
Spring 2026 Driving Scholarship Opportunity - APS is pleased to award 25 partial-tuition scholarships to active students. Apply before March 2. Learn more.
Free Tax Preparation - United Way of Summit & Medina is offering free appointments to help families prepare state and federal taxes. Learn more and schedule online or call 211.
Things to do!
Year of Literacy - Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., a guest reader brings stories to life for our Pre-K to 3rd grade students. This week, our reader was Mayor Rocco Yeargin, Mayor of the City of Green, Ohio. Watch now.
Black History Month Events in Akron - February is Black History Month, and Akron-area organizations and groups have programming planned throughout. View details.
Downtown Akron Lunar New Year - Downtown Akron Partnership is hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration at the Akron Civic Theatre on Feb. 28 from 3:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Experience cultural performances, local vendors and more. Purchase tickets here.
Stricklands of Akron 90 Years Celebration - Stricklands of Akron will be celebrating their 90 years of business with 90 cent ice cream cones on March 6, starting at 11:00 a.m. Learn more.
STEM EXPO - The 70th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) EXPO will take place March 7 at Ellet CLC. Learn more.
Decade of Play - Visit the Crafty Steere (222 S Main St) on March 7 from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. to celebrate 10 years of the Akron Children's Museum. Buy tickets directly.
St. Patrick's Day Parade - The 43rd annual Akron St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place March 14, at 1:00 p.m. The parade will feature school bands, floats, non-profits and more as part of the city’s Irish heritage celebrations. Learn more.
Paul Tazewell Costume Design Presentation - Paul Tazewell, Oscar, Emmy, and two-time Tony Award-winning designer renowned for his work in theater, film and fashion (and an APS graduate!), will be presenting at the John S. Knight Center (77 E Mill St) on Apr. 7. Reserve a seat.
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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