It has been such a joy visiting our schools and seeing the excitement surrounding our new APS Community Showcases. Each event has been filled with energy, connection, and pride in our students and staff. I continue to be inspired by the creativity and teamwork that bring these celebrations to life. It was wonderful to meet families, alumni, staff, local leaders, and city council members who came out to support our schools. These events truly reflect the heart of Akron — a community that shows up for its students. I encourage everyone to check the schedule and find time to visit. Even a short stop gives you a glimpse into the incredible learning and innovation happening every day across Akron Public Schools.
This week’s update also features stories that highlight the passion and talent of our students, from hands-on learning at the I Promise School to our newest APS Athletics Hall of Fame inductees and the upcoming performance of Macbeth at the Akron School for the Arts. These are wonderful reminders of the diverse strengths that make our schools shine.
As we look ahead to next week, I encourage everyone to take part in the upcoming election. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can shape the future of our community and support our public schools. With no school on Election Day, it is a wonderful opportunity to take students with you to the polls and help them see the voting process firsthand. It is a simple but meaningful way to teach civic engagement and the importance of participating in our democracy.
Thank you for being part of this exciting time in Akron Public Schools. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Community Showcase as we continue to celebrate our students, our schools, and the community that believes in them.
Open Enrollment Update: Miller South Open House November 6
Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts is accepting open enrollment applications for grades 4 and 6. See the arts in action and learn what this specialty school has to offer for students interested in an arts-based education. Visit an open house Nov. 6 from 5-7 p.m. Open enrollment deadline is Dec. 15.
Note: Miller South has some additional application requirements. Learn more.
Akron Public Schools Launches Community Showcases with Huge Success at Garfield CLC
Akron Public Schools (APS) successfully launched its inaugural 2025 Community Showcase series on Thursday, October 23, drawing hundreds of students, families, alumni, and neighbors to the Garfield CLC event. Read more.
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. 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.
Three East Graduates Among APS Hall of Fame Inductees
By Ralph Paulk, APS Storyteller
Michael Buckner couldn’t hold back the tears when introduced as one of 10 new members in the fourth class of the Akron Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame this past Saturday night at Guy’s Party Center. Read more.
I Promise Cultivating Young Student Farmers | 8th Graders Learn to Plant, Grow and Eat What They Harvest
By Marilyn Miller Paulk, APS Storyteller
Learning how to grow things from the earth is how one Academy Prep class is spending this semester at the I Promise School. The hands-on class has six eighth-grade students who are learning the basic needs of planting vegetables and fruits. Read More.
More APS in the news
Akron School of Arts Presents Shakespeare's Macbeth - The Akron School of the Arts (ASA) theatre group is proud to announce its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Macbeth. The play will be performed at The Linda B. Kersker Auditorium from November 13 to 16. 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.
Boo-tiful Balance: Making Halloween Fun for Every Child
Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education
Halloween can be thrilling for kids (and grown-up kids, too), but it's important to balance the fun with everyone's comfort level. Let children set the pace, appreciating some love spooky decorations while others prefer friendly pumpkins and silly costumes.
When choosing costumes, opt for age-appropriate options that avoid graphic violence, gore, or overly mature themes. Classic superheroes, animals, and favorite characters are often great choices that let kids use their imagination without exposure to frightening or inappropriate content. Watch for signs of anxiety like clinging or trouble sleeping, and reassure them that scary things are just pretend. If your child seems overwhelmed, it's okay to skip haunted houses or intense decorations and focus on candy, crafts, and costume parades instead. Some additional guidance from the Child Mind Institute:
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 Dr. Gus Farmakidis, LRC Specialist at Jennings CLC.
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? 📣
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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