As we close out my first year as your superintendent, I want to thank our students, staff, families, and community partners for the care, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the year. Together, we have celebrated achievements, worked through challenges, and continued creating opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and succeed.
This week, we proudly congratulate Forest Hill CLC Principal Juanita Rogers on being named Akron Public Schools Principal of the Year for the 2025 to 2026 school year. Her leadership and dedication reflect the strong commitment happening in schools across our district every day. We also celebrate the many accomplishments highlighted throughout this weeks newsletter, including national recognition earned by Buchtel's AFJROTC Cadet Captain Althea Humbert, the creative talents showcased during the APS Festival of Colors, and the educators across our district who received GAR Foundation grants to support innovative opportunities for students.
As summer begins, we encourage families to stay connected with Akron Public Schools through our Summer Experience programs, free summer meals, wellness resources, and community events available throughout the city. Summer can be a time to recharge, explore new interests, spend time with loved ones, and prepare for another successful school year ahead.
To our graduating seniors, congratulations on this important milestone. We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited for the future ahead of you. To all of our students and families, thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey this year.
I hope everyone has a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall for another great year at Akron Public Schools.
August 27 - First Day of School (1st - 12th grades)
August 31 - First Day of School for Kindergarteners
Forest Hill Principal Named Principal of the Year
Congratulations to Forest Hill CLC Principal Juanita Rogers on being named APS Principal of the Year for the 2025-26 school year!
Thank you for your leadership, dedication and continued commitment to creating a welcoming school community where students, staff and families feel supported. Learn more.
More District News
Preschool & Kindergarten Registration - Visit the Akron Board of Education building (10 N. Main St.) to register your student for preschool or kindergarten Jun. 17, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. See flyer for details. Note: Students must be five (5) years old by August 31 to enroll for kindergarten.
Seiberling CLC Named Lighthouse School - Seiberling CLC has been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education, recognizing the school’s strong leadership culture and student outcomes. Learn more.
2026 Summer Experience Registration - Enrolled APS students in grades PK-12 can explore, create, design, and learn with a variety of camps and programs this summer. Register here.
Buchtel Senior Selected as 2026 Cadet of the Year
Buchtel AFJROTC (Unit OH-942) is thrilled to announce a historic milestone for one of our finest leaders.
Cadet Captain Althea K. Humbert has been officially selected as the Headquarters AFJROTC Regional Director's 2026 Cadet of the Year for Region 3, Sub-Region 7! Read more.
More APS in the News
RubberDucks Mascots Visit Firestone CLC - Akron RubberDucks mascots visited Firestone CLC to help spark excitement around reading through the “Quack Open a Book and Read!” initiative. Learn more.
North High School Film Festival - North High School AVID students showcased culture and identity through film during their second annual film festival. Learn more.
APS Festival of Colors - APS students celebrated music, dance, song, and art during the district’s 99th annual May Festival. Learn more.
APS Educators Receive GAR Foundation Grants
Congratulations to the APS educators and schools selected for GAR Foundation’s 2026 Educator Initiative Grant program. APS winning projects include classroom, wellness, arts, STEM, literacy, media, and student engagement initiatives across schools including East CLC, Ellet CLC, Firestone CLC, Garfield CLC, Hatton CLC, Hyre CLC, I Promise School, Innes CLC, NIHF STEM, North High School, and more. Learn more.
Bright Days Ahead: Nurturing Your Child's Wellbeing This Summer
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
As sunny days and slower mornings arrive this Friday with summer vacation, summer may offer a wonderful opportunity for children and families to reconnect, recharge, and grow together, and with a little intention, it could be one of the most nurturing seasons of the year. Families might find it helpful to maintain loose daily rhythms, encourage open conversations about feelings, limit excessive screen time, prioritize outdoor play and physical activity, and foster social connection through playdates or community activities. If mood or behavior changes seem to persist beyond two to three weeks, reaching out to your child's pediatrician or a behavioral health professional could help. Best wishes for a peaceful and revitalizing summer!
Wellness Wednesdays - Akron Children’s School-Based Health is providing students with yearly well checks, sports physicals, or needed immunizations throughout the summer. To schedule an appointment, call 330-543-7242.
June 3 - East CLC
June 10 - Garfield CLC
June 17 - North High School
July 8 - Firestone CLC
July 15 - Buchtel CLC
July 22 - Ellet CLC
Aug. 12 - Garfield CLC
Aug. 19 - North High School
Foodbank Pop-Up Pantries- In partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, these pantries provide families with free, nutritious food. The final pantry of the school year will be at Ed Davis Center (730 Perkins Park Dr.) on June 2, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Free Summer Meals - Free meals will be available for eligible children 18 and younger at community centers, parks, school sites, and other locations across Akron this summer. Meals are prepared by APS, and the program runs Monday through Friday, June 8 through July 31, excluding June 19 and July 3. Learn more.
Things To Do!
Gather for GRAD Events - Raising meaningful support for Project GRAD Akron and the students it serves, upcoming events include Lakeside Sunday Brunch on May 31 and Monday Night Out at The Winery at Wolf Creek on June 8. Learn more.
Polymer Palooza Community Day - Explore the world of polymers with hands-on activities, interactive displays, and engaging demonstrations at Akron Children's Museum and Lock 3 on June 6 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Learn more or visit Akron Children's Museum's website.
Downtown Akron Juneteenth Kick-Off Celebration - Downtown Akron will kick off its Juneteenth celebration on June 7 with family-friendly activities, community programming, and opportunities to celebrate culture and history. Learn more.
Stan Hywet Summer Events - Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens offers summer events for students and families, including the 68th Annual Father’s Day Car Show on June 21. 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.
What Stories Interest You? 📣
What kinds of stories do you want to see in our district newsletter? Do you want to hear more about classroom innovations? Student achievements? Staff spotlights? Community partnerships? Let us know what matters most to you! Click here.
Weekly Update is sent to individuals who have opted in to receive it. Subscribe.
Akron Public Schools, 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308, United States, 330.761.1661
.jpg?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=Mary%20Outley%202%20(3).jpg)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=520&upscale=true&name=GAR%20Two%20Color%20(Blue%20Background).jpg)
