Spring is bringing a lot of meaningful opportunities for our students and families, and it is encouraging to see the continued engagement across our schools and community.
Enrollment is now open for preschool, pre K, and kindergarten for the upcoming school year. These early learning experiences are an important first step in building confidence, friendships, and a strong foundation for future success. I encourage families to take advantage of these opportunities and get their children connected early to the supports and experiences that set them up to thrive.
Our students continue to represent Akron Public Schools with excellence. From the NIHF STEM Middle School chess team earning top honors at the state level to North High School students leading efforts that support workforce development and celebrate cultural diversity, we see daily examples of what is possible when students are supported, challenged, and inspired.
We also remain focused on supporting the whole child. As testing season begins, it is important to remember that student well being matters just as much as academic preparation. Creating calm, supportive routines at home and reinforcing that one test does not define a child can make a meaningful difference in how students approach these moments.
There are several ways to stay connected in the weeks ahead. I hope you will join us for our Community Conversations on April 23 at East CLC as we continue to listen, share updates, and work together to strengthen our district. We also invite families to attend the Communities United Rally at Firestone CLC on April 21. This is an opportunity for educators, families, and community partners to come together in support of public education and its future.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you support our students each day.
With appreciation,
Mary B. Outley
May 5 - Employee of the Year Ceremony
May 5 - All Staff Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Now Enrolling For Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten
Help your child build confidence, friendships, and a love for learning from day one. Enroll in preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.
APS is now offering both half-day and full-day pre-K options.
Goodyear STEM Career Day for Middle School - Students in grades 6-8 are invited to join us for a day of hands-on discovery and career exploration. Apr. 25 from 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Firestone CLC. Learn more.
Summer Youth Employment Program - Youth ages 16-18 are eligible to earn up to $2,400 this summer while gaining real-world job experience. A parent or guardian must apply. Spots are limited. Learn more.
Community Conversations Listen and Learn Tour - Superintendent Outley is hosting Community Conversations throughout the district. Join us from 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. on Apr. 23 at East CLC to learn about district progress, goals, and updates. Learn more.
STEM Students Make All The Right Moves
The NIHF STEM Middle School chess team excelled during the Ohio Elementary State Championship in March. The team won first and third place trophies along with multiple individual honors. Read more.
More APS in the news
North High School DECA Youth Philanthropy - Students awarded a $1,500 grant to Jobs for Ohio's Graduates (JOG) to support local workforce development. Learn more.
Bridging the Cultural Divide - North High School students share their culturally rich diversity at the North Cultural Fair. With over 20 linguistic backgrounds, students trade interpreters for dance, fashion, and shared meals to create a unified community. Read more.
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 Melissa Frymyer, Director of Special Education for Akron Public Schools. Watch now.
What If the Most Important Conversation Isn't About the Test?
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
As spring testing season gets underway, the most powerful thing families might do for their children may have nothing to do with studying at all. Research suggests that how a child feels going into a test may matter just as much as how prepared they are. Over these next few weeks of assessment, consider shifting the conversation at home from grades and scores toward noticing your child's stress signals, validating their feelings, and reinforcing the simple but profound message that one test does not, and could never, measure everything they are. Small acts of connection, a good meal, movement, and a calm morning routine may turn out to be the most evidence-based test prep of all.
Community resources
Foodbank Pop-Up Pantries - In partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, these pantries provide families with free, nutritious food. Learn more and see the schedule below for community locations:
Buchtel Cluster at the Ed Davis Center (730 Perkins Park Dr.) from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month through Jun. 2
North Cluster at North High School (985 Gorge Blvd.) from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month through May 26
East Cluster at East CLC (80 Brittain Rd.) from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month through May 30
Clean Slate Juvenile Expungement Services - Summit County Juvenile Court will be holding expungement services on Apr. 18 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Juvenile records may show up in background checks for employment or housing and are not automatically sealed. Learn more.
Things to do!
Disney's The Little Mermaid - Akron School of the Arts' upcoming show is running Apr. 16-19 in the Linda B. Kersker Auditorium. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Tea Under The Sea - Meet the cast of The Little Mermaid Apr. 19 at 1:00 p.m. in the Firestone CLC Commons before the final show. Tickets are $5 and available at hometownticketing.com
Communities United Rally at Firestone CLC - The community-wide rally will bring together educators, community leaders, and partners to support public education and protect its future. Join the event Apr. 21 at 6:00 p.m. Learn more.
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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