As we move further into the spring semester, I am encouraged by the focus and determination our students are showing across the district. This is a time of year when learning becomes especially visible through performances, competitions, and important academic milestones. These moments reflect the daily support students receive from their teachers, families, and the broader community.
This weekend, four APS students will represent our district at the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee. Their accomplishment speaks to the preparation and persistence that are taking place in classrooms every day. We are also proud to see students at North High School preparing to open their first full musical production in many years. Experiences like these help students build confidence, express creativity, and strengthen their connection to school.
Later this month, we will take an important step forward as a district when we break ground on the new Pfeiffer Elementary and Miller South facilities on March 19. This project represents a long term investment in modern learning environments designed to support student success and reflect the pride our community has in its schools. I hope you will consider joining us as we celebrate this milestone together.
I also encourage families to stay engaged through our ongoing Community Conversations as part of the Listen and Learn Tour. These gatherings continue to provide meaningful opportunities to share updates, hear your perspectives, and strengthen the partnerships that help move our district forward.
Thank you for your continued support of Akron Public Schools and for the many ways you contribute to the success of our students.
With appreciation,
Mary B. Outley
March 19 at 11:00 a.m. - Pfeiffer Miller South Groundbreaking Ceremony
Four APS Students Qualify For the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee
We are excited to share that four APS students will be moving on to the Regional Spelling Bee. These students are:
Amelia from Miller South CLC
Naomi from Buchtel CLC
Imira from Litchfield CLC
Zoey from Hyre CLC
The Regional Scripps Spelling Bee competition will be held at the Akron-Summit County Public Library on March 15 at 1:30 p.m. Congratulations and good luck to our talented spellers! Learn more.
Superintendent's Community Conversations: Listen and Learn Tour Continues
Join Superintendent Mary Outley as she continues her Listen and Learn Tour throughout the district. Learn about district progress, goals, and other updates. All families are welcome to join the conversation through April 21 at any of the events.
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.
7th Grade Experience at Firestone CLC - Current 7th grade students are invited to explore the school and learn more about its programs on March 26 from 8:45–11:15 a.m. Participation is limited to 40 students. Registration closes March 23. Families are responsible for transportation to and from the event. Learn more or register.
North CLC Building Project - The North High School campus principal envisions a state-of-the-art school that highlights its diversity. Read the latest construction updates here.
North's First Musical in 20 Years - Little Shop of Horrors
Theater students at North High School are excited to be hosting their first musical in 20 years: Little Shop of Horrors! Twelve students have been practicing four days a week for the past three months to perfect the show. Opening night is March 12. Learn more about the production.
Free Prom Dresses for APS Students
Girls attending prom across Northeast Ohio are invited to find the dress of their dreams at Altrusa's 25th Annual Princess Night Project. Visit E.J. Thomas Hall (198 Hill St.) from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on March 28 for a free shopping experience. Learn more.
More APS in the news
Young Drivers Facing Stricter License Requirements - Ohio is now requiring applicants under the age of 21 to complete a driver education program at a licensed driver training school. Read more about the new requirements.
Virginique Whitmore Selected as a 2026 Outstanding Teacher of Financial & Economic Education
Virginique Whitmore has been selected as a 2026 Outstanding Teacher of Financial & Economic Education by the H.K. Barker Center for Economic Education at The University of Akron.
For over three decades, Virginique Whitmore has been a driving force behind the business, entrepreneurship, and marketing programs at both Central Hower High School and at Buchtel CLC. As a 20 year Marketing Education Coordinator at Buchtel, she has equipped students with the practical skills, strategic thinking, and financial literacy necessary to thrive in the modern business landscape.
Virginique will be recognized for her impact on local economic education at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility in Berea on April 1, 2026.
"Worry Warts Welcome: Helping Kids Manage Spring Anxiety"
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
As the school year enters its final stretch during March, many children may begin to experience heightened anxiety around testing, transitions, and what comes next, whether that means moving to a new grade, a new building, or simply finishing out a busy school year. Research continues to show that nearly one in five children experiences a mental health disorder each year, yet many never receive professional support, making it all the more important for families to recognize the signs of worry early and talk openly at home. Simple strategies like maintaining predictable routines, validating children's feelings without dismissing or amplifying them, and encouraging kids to name their worries might go a long way toward building the emotional resilience they need to finish the year strong.
Project Learn GED Preparation - Project Learn will be providing free comprehensive reading, writing, math, and GED® classes on March 16, March 18, March 23, March 25, and April 6 from 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. To register or learn more and register, click here, or call Project Learn at (330) 434-9461.
Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship - APS Seniors planning to study journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations in college can apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Applications are due March 20. Learn more and apply.
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 Tuesday, a 6th grader at Miller South VPA in Margaret Zapp's class. Watch now.
St. Patrick's Day Parade - The 43rd annual Akron St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on 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.
Black Family Wellness Expo - Families are invited to this free expo on March 21 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Buchtel CLC (1040 Copley Rd). The event will feature more than 40 exhibitors, free health screenings, a blood drive, children’s activities, raffles, and wellness resources for all ages. Learn more.
Community Conversations Listen and Learn Tour - Superintendent Outley is hosting Community Conversations throughout the district. Join us on March 30 (Garfield CLC), April 8 (Firestone CLC), April 9 (Buchtel CLC), or April 23 (East CLC) to learn about district progress, goals, and updates. 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.
Akron School of the Arts Presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid - Akron School of the Arts at Firestone CLC will stage a modern reimagining of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in the Linda B. Kersker Auditorium. Performances are April 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased online or at the Firestone CLC Box Office.
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Akron Public Schools, 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308, United States, 330.761.1661
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