Today we celebrated an exciting milestone for our district with the groundbreaking for the new Pfeiffer and Miller South campus. Students, community leaders, Board members, and staff joined together to mark the start of a project that will serve families and strengthen learning opportunities for years to come.
The new campus will provide modern learning spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity, and academic growth. It reflects our commitment to serve every scholar by enriching talents and interests while fostering curiosity and a passion for learning. Construction will continue over the next several years, with the school scheduled to open in August 2028. Families can follow progress and updates on our website.
Across the district, we continue to see encouraging signs of academic progress. This week, four of our schools were recognized as Governor’s Science of Reading Champions, highlighting the focused work taking place to strengthen literacy and support student success. Students are also preparing for important next steps through middle school transition events and hands on career and technical learning experiences that help them explore future pathways.
As we look ahead to spring break and the final months of the school year, I am grateful for the continued partnership of our families, staff, and community supporters. Together, we are building strong foundations that will benefit our students today and for many years to come.
With appreciation,
Mary B. Outley
March 30 at 6:00 p.m. - Community Conversations, Garfield CLC
Students, families, community leaders, and district partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Pfeiffer and Miller South campus. This milestone marks the start of construction on a modern learning space that will serve Akron students for years to come. Read more.
Four APS Schools Named to 2026 Class of Governor's Science of Reading Champions
We're proud to announce that I Promise School, McEbright CLC, Voris CLC, and Windemere CLC have all been named to the 2026 Class of Governor's Science of Reading Champions. Learn more.
More district news
7th Grade Experience at Firestone CLC - Current 7th grade students are invited to explore the school and learn more about its programs 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 High School 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.
Marcus Brown Leads Buchtel Bowling Team to 14-1 Mark
By Ralph N. Paulk, APS Storyteller
STEM senior Marcus Brown recently led Buchtel CLC to a standout season, narrowly missing qualification for the state championship while earning district honors and recognition as a team captain. Marcus continues to prove his dedication on and off the lanes through his academic success, career plans, and dreams of going pro. Read more about his journey.
Senior Dylan Kerezsi is the Go-To Guy in Ellet's Engineering Program
By Marilyn Miller Paulk, APS Storyteller
Dylan is known for his problem-solving skills, advanced technical abilities, and willingness to help classmates. He is building a strong foundation for his future engineering career through hands-on work, competitions, and potential internships.Read more about how his talent is shaping what comes next.
Dawn Wilson, Fine Arts Learning Specialist at APS
Dawn Wilson, a Fine Arts Learning Specialist at APS, oversees the PK-12 Fine Arts Programs. Dawn has experience as a choral music teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Learn more about her inspiring journey.
It's All in Your Head and That's a Good Thing! Celebrating Brain Awareness Week
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
This week marks Brain Awareness Week (March 16–22), a worldwide celebration of the brain that might be a wonderful reminder that mental health is brain health. The brain science behind how children manage emotions, cope with stress, and build resilience is more relevant than ever and understanding it could help families have meaningful conversations at home. Whether your child is navigating friendship challenges, test anxiety, or big feelings, the brain is at the center of it all. The following resources may be helpful for exploring this topic further with your child or student:
Project Learn GED Preparation - Project Learn will be providing free comprehensive reading, writing, math, and GED® classes on March 23, March 25, and April 6 from 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Learn more and register 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 Toby Liechty-Clifford, Instructional Coach at Hatton CLC. Watch now.
A Fresh Cut & Style Poetry & Essay Contest - Students ages 5-17 have the opportunity to participate in the contest for a chance to win a free haircut and style. Poems and essays can be submitted from March 9 to June 5. Enter here.
Black Family Wellness Expo - Families are invited to the free expo 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, including a blood drive to combat opioid and other stimulant misuse. Learn more.
Altrusa's 25th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway - All girls who are planning on attending prom this year are invited to Altrusa's 25th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway at E.J. Thomas Hall (198 Hill St.) March 28 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Read more.
Downtown Akron Sakura Festival - The festival will be held on Apr. 4 from 1:00-7:00 p.m. along the towpath at Locks 2, 3, and 4. Experience live performances, sake tasting, tea ceremony, and more. See the complete list of activities.
Community Conversations Listen and Learn Tour - Superintendent Outley is hosting Community Conversations throughout the district. Join us March 30 (Garfield CLC), Apr. 8 (Firestone CLC), Apr. 9 (Buchtel CLC), or Apr. 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.
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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