Our first APS Community Showcase kicks off this week at Garfield CLC, and I could not be more excited to welcome families, alumni, staff, and neighbors to this new districtwide tradition. The Garfield Fall Fest will feature the grand opening of the Rooted Ram greenhouse, along with family activities, Trunk-or-Treat fun, and a chance to see learning in action through our College and Career Academies of Akron.
Each of our high schools will host its own showcase in the coming weeks, and every event offers something unique to experience. From student performances to creative hands-on displays, these gatherings are a wonderful way to see the pride, talent, and innovation that make Akron Public Schools so special. I encourage you to find a time to attend, even if just for a short visit, and see for yourself what our students are achieving. I will also be attending these events and look forward to connecting with families, staff, and community members.
Families considering open enrollment have many opportunities to see our schools in action and learn what they have to offer at upcoming open houses. The NIHF STEM Middle School open house takes place today, followed by Akron Early College High School on October 27 and 29, and Miller South on November 6. Families can also explore more of what APS has to offer by attending any of our upcoming Community Showcases, listed below in this week’s update.
This week also brings Red Ribbon Week, a time to join students and families across the country in promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Our Year of Literacy initiative continues every Wednesday evening with Once Upon a Storytime, featuring new APS guest readers who share stories that inspire a love of reading.
Thank you for being part of the excitement happening throughout our district. I look forward to seeing many of you at a Community Showcase soon as we celebrate our students, our schools, and the community that supports them.
Families considering open enrollment have many opportunities to see our schools in action and learn what they have to offer at upcoming open houses.
TODAY (Oct. 23): NIHF STEM Middle School open house, 5-7 p.m.
Oct. 27 & 29: Akron Early College High School, 5:45-7:30 p.m.
Nov. 6: Miller South open house, 5-7 p.m.
Families can also learn more about our schools at our community showcases listed below.
Note: Open houses for Akron School for the Arts and IB at Firestone CLC, and the NIHF STEM High School open house will take place during each school’s community showcase.
More district news
Community Showcase Events - Join us and discover what's happening at Akron Public Schools! Whether you're a current student (of any age), a former student, a prospective family, a neighbor, a friend, a community member, or a business partner — you're invited!
Oct. 23 - Community Showcase: Garfield Fall Fest including The Rooted Ram's Ribbon Cutting & Family Trunk or Treat, 5-6:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 - Community Showcase: East Fire Up the Future, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 - Community Showcase: Ellet Fall Community Showcase - A Kaleidoscope of Talent, Partnerships, and Fun!, 5-6:30 p.m.
Oct. 30 - Community Showcase: STEM HS Innovators of Tomorrow: STEM in Action, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Nov. 2 - Community Showcase: Firestone Falcon Family, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 5 - Community Showcase: North Community Showcase, 4-6 p.m.
Nov. 20 - Community Showcase: Buchtel Harvest Festival Community Showcase, 5-8 p.m.
On a Clear Day Rockets Flared:
Skies the Limit for Buchtel's JROTC Students
By Marilyn Miller Paulk, APS Storyteller
All eyes were glued to the makeshift launching pad on Buchtel’s football field by Air Force JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) cadets. Students had designed miniature rockets and were anxious to see their end results. Read more.
Akron Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Feature - Whitney Mercilus
By Ralph Paulk, APS Storyteller
On the heels of the Houston Texans’ gut-wrenching 30-23 setback to the Pittsburgh Steelers early in the 2014 season, Whitney Mercilus sat motionless near his Heinz Field locker contemplating what went wrong. Read more.
More APS in the news
Dr. Lisa L. Sims Elected to the OSCA Board of Directors - Akron Public Schools congratulates Dr. Lisa L. Sims, the district’s 2024 School Counselor of the Year, on her election to the Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA) Board of Directors for a three-year term from 2025 to 2028. Read more.
Fall Driving Scholarship Opportunity - Akron Public Schools is offering 25 partial-tuition scholarships for driver education classes through the Ohio Drive to Succeed Program. Read more.
Life is a puzzle, solve it drug free
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
Red Ribbon Week, the nation's largest and oldest drug prevention campaign, returns October 23-31! This year's theme is "Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free," reminding us that every positive choice we make helps build a stronger, brighter future. Throughout the week, your children can join in fun daily activities and dress-up themes that reinforce the importance of living healthy, drug-free lives. Let's come together as a family and community to empower our children with the confidence and tools they need to make smart choices. Talk with your kids about making positive decisions, and join us in wearing red on Friday, October 31st, to show your support!
Youth Basketball Registration - Akron Recreation & Parks Youth Basketball is back! Conditioning is free, and registration runs Oct. 1 - Dec. 1. Games begin Jan. 21 in partnership with the University of Akron. Players receive a jersey and a chance to attend a Zips game. More information.
Voting Information – Early voting is now underway in Ohio. For details on polling locations, hours, and ballot information in Summit County, visit the Summit County Board of Elections. More information.
📆 Things to do!
Once Upon a Storytime - As part of our Year of Literacy initiative, join us every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. for storytime with an APS guest reader. Click here to hear this week's story read by Karen Stepic, Instructional Technology and Library Media Supervisor.
Rooted Ram Ribbon Cutting - Oct. 23, 4:30 p.m. The grand opening of Garfield's Biodome followed by the CCAA Garfield Community Showcase. More information.
City of Akron’s annual Halloween Trick or Treat - Oct. 25. Participate in “Trick or Treat” by turning on your porch or front lights between the hours of 5 - 7 p.m.
Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival - Nov. 1, 12-7:30 p.m. Downtown Akron’s caffeine celebration is back and bigger than ever! Enjoy live music, local coffee vendors, art exhibits, and cozy seasonal vibes in Lock 3’s newly renovated venue. The festival is free. More information,.
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? đź“Ł
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.
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Akron Public Schools, 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308, United States, 330.761.1661
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