District All News

Congratulations to the seven Eastwood Middle School and high school students selected by audition for the 2026 Ohio Music Education Association District 1 Honors Bands! View the article from The Press. Picture credit: presspublications.com

1.15.26

Eastwood Students & Families,

Today marks our fifth calamity day so far this school year. As we are in the heart of winter, we anticipate the possibility of additional weather-related concerns over the next few months.

Should we experience additional calamity days beyond today, we will begin making up school days through virtual learning. This process will mirror what we have successfully implemented in previous years. Specifically, calamity days 6, 7, and 8 will be completed using online lessons.

For students in grades 6–12, virtual learning days will include live, online meetings with teachers from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Building principals will share detailed schedules, and attendance will be taken and is mandatory. Students are encouraged to check their email regularly for communication from their principals and teachers. This format has been in place since the 2020–21 school year and has proven to work well. While this approach may feel new to some students and families, it is a model with which we have significant experience.

At the elementary level, procedures will differ between the grade levels. Elementary administration and staff will provide families with an overview of expectations and what learning will look like should it be needed.

For our Eastwood preschoolers, preschool teachers will communicate directly with families regarding plans and expectations for any additional calamity days.

After we reach calamity day 8, any additional days may be added to the end of the school year in June.

If questions arise, we encourage families and students to reach out directly to their building administration for guidance and support.

We appreciate your continued flexibility and support as we navigate winter weather together. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring continuity of learning for our students.

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1.9.26

Eastwood Families and Community,

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. With our first full week back behind us, students and staff have quickly returned to the rhythm of learning, activities, and connection across the district. We appreciate your continued partnership and would like to share several important updates.

2026-2027 School Calendar (Attached)

The 2026–2027 school year calendar has been finalized and includes an important update: the school day will be extended by 15 minutes for all students.

The District Calendar Committee collaborated throughout the fall to develop a calendar that best supports student growth, family schedules and staff planning. In reviewing data from surrounding districts, the committee noted that Eastwood’s school day was among the shortest in the region. Accordingly, the committee recommended increasing the school day by 15 minutes and decreasing the school year by five days.  The additional daily instructional minutes result in more total instructional time over the course of the year than in previous school years. This change results in a shift from 178 to 173 total school days overall.

Calendar Priorities:

• First day of school: Scheduled to begin after the 2026 Pemberville Free Fair (Aug. 19–22)

• More instructional time before spring testing

• Added professional development time without relying on two-hour delays

• Increased opportunities for parent-teacher conferences

• Traditional Christmas and spring break schedules remain in place
   

2026–2027 Daily Schedule:

• Middle and high school: 7:40 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

• Elementary school: 8:47 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Middle School Leadership Update

As I shared prior to the break, Mr. Dwight Fertig, Middle School Principal, has announced his intent to retire effective February 22, 2026. The district plans to rehire Mr. Fertig at the February Board of Education meeting so that he may continue serving as Middle School Principal through the end of the 2025–2026 school year. This decision will ensure stability and continuity in leadership for our students, staff, and families.

As planned, the district is adding an interim Middle School Assistant Principal to support the building through the remainder of the school year. I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Sarah Frank will serve as Interim Middle School Assistant Principal for the remainder of the school year. Mrs. Frank has worked in our middle school for the past three years as an intervention specialist and has been in education for a total of ten years. She has also served as our head volleyball coach. Mrs. Frank is a certified administrator and is well known to our students and staff. We are confident she will provide strong support and leadership during this transition.

 

Administrative Positions Update

I also wanted to share an update regarding the posting timelines for upcoming administrative positions in the district.

• The Assistant Superintendent position has already been posted, with an application deadline of January 23.

• The Middle School Principal position is expected to be posted on January 9.

• The Middle School Assistant Principal position is expected to be posted on January 30.

Each posting will include additional details and timelines for the respective positions.

Assistant Treasurer Position

We are pleased to announce that Nichole Brown has been hired as our new Assistant Treasurer. Please join us in congratulating Nichole as she begins this role with Eastwood Local Schools.

Become a Youth Soccer Referee

If you have ever been interested in becoming an Eastwood Soccer Club referee—or if you have experience and would like to enhance your skills—this is a great opportunity. If you complete one of the referee courses or are interested in officiating this spring, please email eastwoodyouthsoccer@gmail.com to be added to the contact list.

Additionally, 4U–14U soccer registration opens at midnight on January 8 through the Eastwood Soccer website. Please reach out through the website or via email with any questions.

Thank you for your continued support of Eastwood Local Schools. We look forward to a strong and successful second half of the school year.

Go EAGLES!

 

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12.17.25

Eastwood Families and Community,

As we approach the end of the final week of school before Christmas break, I want to take a moment to reflect, share updates, and thank our Eastwood community for your continued support throughout the first half of the school year.

Back in August, in my opening letter, I shared that “I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to the district—this time, to listen, to learn, and to lead.” Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to do just that. I have spent time in our buildings, in classrooms, and in conversation with staff, students, families, and community members, learning more about what makes Eastwood special and where we can continue to grow.

That learning process led to conversations about how we can better support our staff and students—starting with the structure of our leadership team. We identified an opportunity to strengthen the alignment and effectiveness of two key administrative roles: the Director of Student Services/Curriculum/Preschool and the Director of Human Resources.

Moving forward, these positions will be titled Director of Student Services & Preschool and Assistant Superintendent. The Assistant Superintendent position, which replaces the Director of HR role, is not an additional administrative position. It will focus on leadership in curriculum, personnel, and professional development. We are confident that these adjustments will strengthen our leadership structure and continue to move the district forward.

At our December 15 Board of Education meeting, the resignations and retirements of several long-serving colleagues were formally approved. Together, these transitions represent decades of dedicated service to our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for the positive impact each of these individuals has made on our schools:

• Jody Eaton, High School Secretary – retirement effective July 2, 2026
• Gary Gardner, Director of Human Resources – retirement effective June 5, 2026
• Dwight Fertig, Middle School Principal – retirement effective February 22, 2026. The district intends to rehire Mr. Fertig at the February Board meeting so that he may continue serving as Middle School Principal, ensuring continuity in leadership through the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
• Jodi Zunk, Middle School Assistant Principal – resignation effective January 2, 2026

To maintain continued support for students, staff, and building operations during the second half of the school year, the district plans to add an interim Middle School Assistant Principal. Our goal is to have this individual in place when students return from winter break.

The district will conduct a full search to hire a new Middle School Principal and a new Middle School Assistant Principal, with the new hires beginning at the start of the 2026–2027 school year. The search process for these positions will begin in early 2026. The Assistant Superintendent position will be posted later this week, and the search for the High School Secretary position will begin in early 2026.

As part of the district’s ongoing facilities planning process, the Board also heard presentations from four architectural firms outlining their services for a master planning project focused on exploring potential new middle school and high school facilities. This step represents the continuation of the process to determine how to best meet the district’s future facility needs.

After careful consideration and discussion, the Board voted to enter into a contract with Garmann Miller. The initial phase of work with Garmann Miller will allow the district to make informed decisions before committing to detailed architectural plans or construction. The focus is on understanding needs, options, and implications by assessing current facilities, exploring design options, and developing a clear plan that includes cost estimates, visual concepts, and a timeline.

As we shape the future of our district, we’re committed to honoring the feedback shared by community members during the Facilities Task Force meetings held throughout 2023 and 2024. This is an exciting opportunity to collaboratively envision facilities that will support and inspire Eastwood students, staff, and families for years to come.

As we head into winter break, I want to thank our staff for their dedication, our students for their hard work, and our families and community for their continued partnership. I wish you all a restful and joyful holiday season, and I look forward to continuing this important work together in the new year.

Administrative Changes Q&A

Why are there several administrative changes happening at the same time?
The recent resignations and retirements represent transitions by individuals who have served Eastwood for many years. While the timing overlaps, these decisions were made independently.

Why is the district restructuring administrative positions now?
As part of a thoughtful review of district systems and leadership functions, we identified an opportunity to better align responsibilities to support staff, students, and long-term district goals. The restructuring allows for clearer focus on curriculum, special education, gifted education, preschool, personnel, and professional development.

Is the Assistant Superintendent position a new or additional role?
No. The Assistant Superintendent position will replace the Director of Human Resources role and is not an additional administrative position.

How will these changes affect students and daily operations?
Our priority is maintaining stability and continuity for students and staff. Day-to-day operations will continue as usual, and interim plans will be in place as positions are filled.

When will the district begin hiring for these positions?
We will look to add an interim middle school assistant principal asap. The Assistant Superintendent position will be posted later this week. Searches for the new Middle School Principal, Middle School Assistant Principal, and High School Secretary positions will begin in January and February.

12.10.25

I hope this message finds you well as we fully embrace the holiday season—a time filled with celebration, reflection, and the joy of coming together. Between concerts, athletic events, and classroom activities, the energy in our buildings is unmistakably festive.

As we move through this busy and meaningful time of year, I want to share a few noteworthy updates and highlights from around the district.

A Remarkable Discovery: The 1999 Time Capsule

As many of you may have already heard, an unexpected piece of Eastwood history was uncovered at the high school. On Wednesday, November 5, high school science teacher Mr. Keith Madaras noticed that some old documents had fallen and were trapped behind a cabinet in his storage room.  He dug them out, and among the collection of papers, he found a blueprint. It was from 1999, when construction for new segments of Eastwood High School were underway. This room had previously belonged to former science teacher Mr. Dave Derr, who also served as the project manager for the expansion. As staff reviewed the blueprint more closely, they noticed a handwritten note indicating that a time capsule had been placed inside the wall near the entrance to the boys varsity locker room—a detail no current staff members were aware of.

With curiosity sparked, High School Counselor Mr. Andrew Hemminger and Technology Director Mr. Matt Bostdorff began investigating. Over the next several days, equipped with a drill, borescope, and a lot of patience, they carefully searched the marked area—ultimately making 14 small holes in the wall before uncovering the capsule. What they found was a 3-inch PVC pipe, 24 inches long, placed vertically inside the concrete block. It had been sealed since 1999 by the Class of 2005, who were seventh graders at the time. The blueprint also hinted at the possibility of a second capsule, though none was found despite extensive searching.

What Was Inside

On Friday, November 21, about 75 students and several teachers gathered as the contents were carefully opened and sorted. Inside were several fascinating artifacts from 1999:

• Personal letters
   

•   An American flag
   

• A cassette tape featuring popular songs from 1999 (Will Smith, Cher, Backstreet Boys, and others)
   

• A Polaroid class photo
   

• A Toledo Blade newspaper dated December 20, 1999
   

• Student signatures and coins
   

These items offer a unique snapshot of life at Eastwood in the late 1990s and provide a memorable connection between past and present Eagles.

What’s Next? A New 2025 Time Capsule

Inspired by the discovery, the Class of 2026 is preparing a new time capsule to represent today’s Eastwood students. In the coming weeks, the 1999 capsule and the new 2025 capsule will be placed together in a clearly documented and marked location. Both will be scheduled to be opened in 2050, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

See the Display

All recovered items from the 1999 capsule will be on display in the trophy case outside the high school gym through December 20. Community members are encouraged to stop by during any of the upcoming events:

• December 10: MS & Varsity Wrestling – 4:30pm MS & 6:00 pm HS

 

• December 12: Boys Varsity Basketball – 5:30 p.m.
   

• December 15: High School Band Concert – 7:30 p.m.
   

• December 19: Boys Varsity Basketball – 5:30 p.m.

In addition, WTOL will be airing a feature story about the time capsule tonight. We encourage you to tune in!

 

Student Honors & Achievements

Please join us in congratulating several Eastwood musicians who auditioned and were selected for the 2026 OMEA District 1 Honors Bands, representing schools across six counties:

Middle School Honors Band:
• Jameson Myers
• MacKinzie Wolf
• Jackson Wolf

 

High School Honors Band:
• Tyler Bengry
• Cameron Brinker
• Maddy Mohn
• Leah Sholey

 

These students will perform at the District 1 Honors Festival on Sunday, January 18 at the Stranahan Theater. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and outstanding musical accomplishments.

 

Community Events & Fundraisers

Band Concerts & Holiday Performances

Our music programs are busy spreading holiday cheer throughout the district and community. We invite you to join us in celebrating the talents of our student musicians at the following upcoming events:

 6th & 7th Grade Band Concert
Thursday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
High School Auditorium

 8th Grade, HS Jazz, & HS Concert Band Christmas Concert
Monday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.
High School Auditorium

Before each concert, several items will be available for purchase, including:
• Frobose Market IGA Gift Cards
• Candy Cane Grams
• Tri-M World’s Finest Chocolate Bars
• 50/50 Raffle Tickets

These proceeds help support our music programs and student musicians.

Holiday Community Performances

The Eastwood HS Christmas Ensemble will be sharing the sounds of the season at two community events:

Saturday, December 13 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Salem Grace United Lutheran Church, Luckey

Sunday, December 14 | 3:00 p.m.
Solomon Lutheran Church Christmas Concert, Woodville

We encourage families to attend and enjoy these festive performances.

 

Live Nativity & Fundraiser Meal – December 13

Salem Grace United Lutheran invites our Eastwood community to attend a special Live Nativity on:

 Saturday, December 13, 2025
 6:00–8:00 p.m.
 216 Main Street, Luckey

In addition to the Nativity, Faith United Methodist Church will host a fundraiser dinner with soup, salad, and dessert:

 Dinner begins at 4:30 p.m.
 Donations support the Angel Fund at Otterbein Pemberville

Please see the attached flyer for additional details.

 

 

After Prom – Holiday Amish Goods Fundraiser

Craving some delicious Amish baked goods for the holiday season? Our Eastwood After Prom Amish Goods Fundraiser is now open! From breads and pies to sweet treats, there’s something for every holiday gathering — and 20% of all proceeds benefit our After Prom efforts.

 Order Deadline: Tuesday, December 16
 Pickup: Monday, December 22
 2:00–6:00 p.m.
 Eagles Nest

This is a great opportunity to stock up on holiday goodies while supporting a safe and memorable After Prom experience for our students.

 Place your order here:
https://tinyurl.com/ykncnndu

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11.25.25

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of our Eastwood students, families, and community members. I hope you enjoy time with loved ones and find moments of rest and gratitude.

I also want to share a few opportunities to support our students and families during the holiday season.

Join Us for the 7th Annual Eagle Family Fundraiser!

Wednesday, November 26th at Luckey Junction

Please join us at Luckey Junction for the 7th annual Eagle Family Fundraiser! Eastwood-alumni–owned Luckey Junction will be offering a special Smash Burger feature, with each burger cooked by The Burger Review Guy.

Over the past year, the Eagle Family Fund has made a significant impact by supporting Eastwood students and families through:

• Supplying the Eastwood Community Closet, which provides breakfast bars, toiletries, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other basic needs. The closet is accessed more than 100 times each month by elementary students.

• Purchasing or renting equipment to allow students to participate in sports and extracurricular activities.

• Providing Frobose IGA gift cards for families needing support during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other times of need.

• Covering field trip fees, school fees, and sports fees.

• Supplying bookbags, shoes, coats, and essential clothing.

• Assisting with deposits to several student lunch accounts.

FAQ

Who pays for the venue, food, and entertainment?
All costs not directly donated are covered by event organizers. 100% of all funds raised go directly to Eastwood students and families in need.

How are students identified for assistance?
Students are identified by Eastwood Local Schools faculty and staff.

Who manages the fund?
The fund is overseen by the Eastwood Administration.

How do I know who was helped?
All families and children remain anonymous to organizers and donors. A full accounting of expenditures is provided annually or upon request.

Where does the money go?
Funds are used exclusively to support student needs and reduce learning barriers in the classroom—without exception.

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After Prom Kalahari Fundraiser — Tickets on Sale Now!

It’s that time of year again for the After Prom Kalahari Fundraiser. The deadline to purchase tickets is December 1st.

Please see the attached flyer and use the link below to purchase tickets. Sharing this with your family, friends, and community contacts is greatly appreciated.

Eastwood After Prom Kalahari Ticket Purchase 2025 – Fill out form
(Link and QR code also available on the flyer.)

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Thank you, as always, for your tremendous support of our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for everything you do.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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11.21.25

This season reminds us that even in the midst of challenges, there is much to appreciate—our families, our community, and the daily efforts that move us forward. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and meaningful Thanksgiving.  I also have several updates and highlights to share with you.

National Honor Society
Congratulations to the 27 new members who were inducted on Thursday evening. We are incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Congratulations to the following inductees:

Josie Appelhans, Sydney Bell, Cherylann Bembenek, Tyler Bengry, Charlotte Brown, Keira Buchman, Ben Buehler, MacKenzie Chaffee, Mason Chaffee, Morgan Cully,  Lauren Ellis, Lucas Firsdon, Camille Foos, Addison Goodlet, Grady Greulich, Casen Henline, Layla Newman, Raegan Russell, Jenica Rollheiser, Mae Scott, Brynn Sheets, Gracie Shultz, Noah Sikora, Billy Stark, Nolan Taylor, Jade Thornton, Hunter Wilson

 

Veterans Day Assembly
Our Veterans Day assembly was once again a meaningful celebration of service. We are especially proud of our ongoing partnership with the Quilting Eagles, a remarkable group of community volunteers who dedicate their time, talent, and hearts to creating Quilts of Valor for our veterans. Their generosity continues to make a lasting impact.

 

Radon Testing
As part of our standard safety procedures, the first round of radon testing was completed in May across all campus buildings. Mr. Welker previously shared those results and noted that a second round would occur in November. This next round is scheduled for November 26–28 in each building, with results expected in December.

Bus vs. Deer Incident
On Wednesday morning, one of our school buses struck a deer while transporting students on their regular route. Fortunately, the driver and all eight students on board were unharmed. The bus sustained only minimal damage. As a precaution, students were safely transferred to another bus to finish the route, and families were contacted directly. Our transportation staff responded quickly and professionally, ensuring student safety throughout the incident.

Pemberville’s Christmas in the Village
This wonderful annual event is right around the corner. Please see the image below for more information. 

 

Wreaths Across America – Eastwood Community Event
Help support the 7th Annual Eastwood Community Wreaths Across America event scheduled for December 13, 2025. We need 1,550 wreaths sponsored to ensure that every veteran’s grave across the district is honored with a wreath this holiday season.
Wreaths can be sponsored in two ways- Online or In Person. All sponsorships must be submitted by Monday, November 23, 2025.

Please see the attached flier for more information.

 

Support for Families – Dayspring Church Event
For our elementary students and their families: Dayspring Church in Bowling Green will host a free breakfast, offer kid-friendly entertainment, and provide parents an opportunity to shop for a free Christmas gift for their children. Please see the image below for details.

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10.3.25

Happy Friday! It’s a great day to be an Eagle! 

It’s Homecoming weekend—a time to celebrate the pride, spirit, and tradition that make Eastwood such a special community. We look forward to seeing a big crowd tonight as we cheer on our Eagles to victory over the Oak Harbor Rockets and celebrate together throughout the weekend!

This week also gave us the chance to recognize some outstanding people:

 National Custodial Workers Recognition Day
We celebrated the incredible individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our schools shining bright. From classrooms to hallways, cafeterias to gyms, our custodial team pours pride, care, and dedication into every space—ensuring our students and staff have a clean, safe, and welcoming environment to learn and grow.
We are so grateful for each member of our team:
 Eastwood Elementary – Kylie Hockenberry, Deb Miller, Zach Pease
 Eastwood Middle School – Janet Drake, Dave Apger, Maggie Wade
 Eastwood High School – Carol Dodd (Not Pictured: Nolan Tenney, Katie White, John Goetz)

Their hard work often goes unseen, but it is always appreciated. Thank you for supporting our Eagles each and every day!

 

 Congratulations to Savanah Stephens!
Senior soprano Savanah Stephens has earned a spot in the 2025 Bowling Green State University Falcon Choral Festival through a successful audition! On November 24, she’ll spend the day rehearsing at BGSU before performing in the final evening concert. This is an amazing opportunity for Savanah to showcase her talent and represent Eastwood at a prestigious event.

 Pass It On Challenge with Goodwill
Have leftovers from the Luckey Fall Fest garage sales?

Join us for the 13ABC Pass It On Challenge with Goodwill!
 October 6–9 |  2:00–6:00 PM daily
 Truck parked near Sugar Ridge Rd., between the high school and middle school
 Please avoid drop-offs between 2:25–2:35 PM during bus dismissal.
Every donation supports our community and gives Eastwood a chance to win a $500 scholarship!

Income Tax Renewal- November 4th-

Eastwood Local Schools will have an Earned Income Tax Renewal Levy on the November 4, 2025 ballot. This is not a new tax, but a renewal of the 1.0% earned income tax first approved by voters in 2006. If passed, the renewal would continue to generate approximately $2.5 million each year, representing about 10% of the district’s annual operating budget. These funds are critical to supporting the day-to-day operations of the district, including staffing, utilities, textbooks, and classroom supplies. The earned income tax applies only to income received from work, such as wages, salaries, and tips, and does not apply to Social Security, pensions, or unemployment compensation.

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9/24/25

Good Afternoon,

I received the latest water sampling results for lead and copper for the MS & HS buildings. All came back good, and attached are the consumer notices for each building. The elementary building was last done in June. There will be another round of testing for that building before the end of the calendar year.

We are required by the EPA to share these with you.

Thanks!  EHS  EMS

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9/19/25

Dear Eastwood Community,

Happy Friday! It’s a great day to be an Eagle! Every time I visit our buildings and peek into classrooms, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to be part of this community. From our energetic Pre-K rooms to our senior-level courses, I see outstanding teaching and learning in action. Across every subject, students are building the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills they’ll need to thrive in today’s fast-changing world. Guided by The Eagle Way, we’re preparing our students not only for careers and college, but also to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who will give back and make a lasting difference right here in the Eastwood community. I couldn't be more proud of the work our students and staff are doing each and every day!

 

Delay and Closing Decision-Making Process

One item I would like to touch on is the process to make the decision to delay or close school. Eastwood is a large district, around 105 square miles, and weather can differ drastically from one end of the district to the other. Our number one priority is student safety, whether they are on a bus or for students that drive to school. As we move into another unpredictable Northwest Ohio fall and winter, I want to share how we decide whether to delay or close school when weather conditions are questionable.

• Early Check (around 4:30 a.m.)
  Administration begin assessing roads and visibility, often driving bus routes to gauge conditions.
   

• Second Check (around 5:15 a.m.)
  We revisit key areas and continue monitoring weather updates.
   

• Decision Goal (by 6:00 a.m.)
  We aim to decide by 6:00 a.m. so families have time to plan, but we sometimes push a bit later. Our first buses leave at 6:25 a.m.
   

Even after buses are on the road, we stay in constant contact until every student arrives at school. If conditions worsen unexpectedly, we will not hesitate to delay the elementary routes if safety requires it.

A Recent Example:

This morning illustrated how quickly conditions can change. From 4:30 to 6:45 a.m. fog was light. By 7:00 a.m., dense patches developed along Routes 199 and 6, but by 7:20 fog in those areas had dissipated greatly. We made the best decision with the information available at the time, but sudden shifts can be challenging once we are in motion.

Parents’ Role:

Ultimately, you have the final say for your child’s transportation. If you feel conditions aren’t safe for your student to drive, please delay their trip until you feel it is safe. If that means they arrive late, that’s okay—safety comes first.

Looking Ahead:

Rain this weekend could mean more foggy mornings next week, and the rising sun can also create glare for eastbound drivers.

These decisions are never easy, but we will always do our best with the information we have and keep safety at the forefront. Please always encourage students to leave early to allow extra travel time so they can drive carefully. If you have concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

 

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