District All News

The Eastwood HS Eagle Marching Band will be performing at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida on March 31 starting at 10:35am. They will complete a mile route through the park starting in Hollywood between Mel's Diner and the Horror Makeup Show. The route continues to Minion Land, New York City, Dreamworks Land, Springfield and ends at Men in Black. A map is attached. If you are traveling to Orlando for spring break, we hope to see you there! Safe travels!

Join us March 20-22 as our talented students bring the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof to life on stage!  Visit the EHS theater page to purchase tickets. 

3.5.26

With today’s closure, we have now used eight calamity days for the school year. Beginning with our next cancellation, any additional days will need to be made up at the end of the school year. Make-up days will be added to the calendar starting June 4.

The decision to cancel school is never easy. Please know that student and staff safety remains my top priority, and we will continue to make decisions with that in mind.

Administrative Updates for 2026–2027

After much conversation and valuable input, we are moving forward with several administrative adjustments for next school year.

As previously shared, we conducted an unsuccessful search for the open Assistant Superintendent position. In response, we have posted a Director of Curriculum and Personnel position. This role will focus on curriculum, instruction, professional development, and portions of personnel oversight. The position was posted earlier this week.

With the hiring of Scott Sorg as Middle School Principal, we are now in the unique position of having both the Middle School and High School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director roles open. After significant discussion, we have decided to separate the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director duties at both levels.

For the 2026–2027 school year, we will hire:

• One Middle School Assistant Principal
   

• One High School Assistant Principal
   

• One 7–12 Athletic Director
   

Through this restructuring, we aim to provide clearer role definitions and improved services to our students, staff, and community — all with little to no additional cost to the district. These positions will be posted in the coming days.

Assistant Principal responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Daily building operations
   

• Teacher evaluations
   

• Student discipline and attendance
   

• 504 and IEP oversight
   

• Continued improvement of gifted services and career technical programming
   

• Supporting athletics through event coverage
   

Athletic Director responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Oversight of the entire 7–12 athletic program
   

• Personnel management
   

• Financial oversight
   

• OHSAA compliance
   

• Event operations
   

• Captains meetings
   

• Overall leadership and development of athletic programs
   

Tech Drive

It’s time to dust off your devices and join our CLC STARS Tech Drive!

From now through April 24, we are inviting families to donate old, broken, or unused electronics — including phones, tablets, laptops, and more — instead of tossing them away.

Every donated device helps in two powerful ways:
 It keeps harmful waste out of landfills and gives old tech a new purpose.
 A portion of the proceeds will support a local Wood County charity, showing our students the true meaning of giving back.

Thank you for helping us make a positive environmental and community impact!

 

Eastwood High School Blood Drive

Eastwood High School will host a Blood Drive in the high school gymnasium on:

Friday, March 13, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The more units collected, the more scholarship funds we are able to award to our students. We currently have several open appointment slots. Please see the attached flyer for scheduling information.

Kindergarten Screening – Class of 2039

It is hard to believe, but our future Class of 2039 is getting ready to begin their journey!

Kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is approaching, and we are excited to welcome our newest Eagles to Eastwood Elementary — where friendships begin, confidence grows, and a lifelong love of learning takes flight.

If your child will be five years old on or before August 25, 2026, you may begin pre-registration in FinalForms starting March 1.

Please see the attached flyer for screening dates and additional registration details. We look forward to partnering with you from screening day to that very first bus ride.

 

 

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2.27.26

As many of you are aware, the Pemberville Elementary building experienced significant flooding in January. Since that time, our maintenance team has worked diligently to gather information and fully assess the condition of the building. At Monday’s Board of Education meeting, we shared an update on where things currently stand.

At this point, we know the overall condition of the building presents serious concerns. The estimated cost to restore the building to a point of re-entry begins at approximately $850,000. The largest projected expenses include:

• Roof replacement – approximately $325,000

• Drainage improvements – approximately $150,000

• Plumbing – approximately $113,000

These figures do not include potential additional repairs to plumbing within the walls once water service is restored. As you can see by the cost estimates below, the costs escalate quickly.

 

The issues are real, and we are faced with difficult decisions as we determine what is best for Eastwood’s students, staff, and community. We remain committed to making thoughtful, responsible decisions and will continue to keep you informed as discussions progress.

Please see the presentation link for a visual overview of the current conditions.

 

Kindergarten Screening – Class of 2039

It is hard to believe, but our future Class of 2039 is preparing to spread their wings!

Kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is just around the corner, and we are excited to welcome our newest Eagles to Eastwood Elementary. This is where friendships begin, confidence grows, and a lifelong love of learning takes flight.

If your child will be five years old on or before August 25, 2026, we are ready to welcome you.

Families residing in the Eastwood School District may begin pre-registration in Final Forms starting March 1. From screening day to that first bus ride, we look forward to partnering with you every step of the way.

Please see the attached flyer for clickable links, screening dates and registration information.

 

“The Eagle Way” Hall of Fame Celebration

March 7, 2026
Honoring the Class of 2025:

• Janet Metzger Knape

• Jan Oberhouse McLaughlin

• Dennis Mock

Location: Eastwood High School
4900 Sugar Ridge Road, Pemberville, Ohio
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
Induction Ceremony: 6:30 p.m.
Light refreshments will be provided.

Please register as soon as possible. We look forward to celebrating these outstanding individuals.

 

 

Grand Rapids 250th Lecture Series

The Grand Rapids Historical Society has organized a historical lecture series in celebration of the community’s 250th anniversary. The series is free to the public and features professors from the University of Toledo, Lourdes College, Defiance College, and Princeton. The presentations are designed to be appropriate for all educational levels.

 

Board of Education Meeting

The next scheduled Board of Education meeting will be held at Eastwood Elementary School in the cafeteria on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

After Prom Fundraiser

The After Prom Committee will host a Chipotle Fundraiser on March 3.

Please see the attached letter regarding donation opportunities. Thank you in advance for your support in helping provide a safe and memorable evening for our students.

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2.20.26

As we move through an exciting and busy time of year, I would like to take a moment to share several celebrations, updates, and upcoming events happening across our district. There is much to be proud of at Eastwood, and we are grateful for the continued support of our families and community.

Mary Conkle – CORAS Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award

We are excited to share that Mrs. Mary Conkle has been honored as the recipient of the CORAS (Coalition of Rural and Small Schools) Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award.

This recognition is not just about one moment—it reflects years of dedication, compassion, and the countless lives she has impacted in her classroom. Her passion for teaching, her genuine care for every student, and the steady difference she makes each day truly define excellence in education.

Congratulations, Mrs. Conkle! Thank you for the heart, purpose, and unwavering commitment you bring to our students and our community. You are the very definition of an Exceptional Eagle.

Pictured (L-R): State of Ohio Superintendent Paul Kraft; State of Ohio School Board President Paul LaRue; Eastwood Elementary Principal Joe Wank; Mrs. Mary Conkle; Eastwood Superintendent Brian Hughes; Bowling Green State University President Rodney Rogers; and former Chancellor of Higher Education and former Ohio House and Senate member Randy Gardner.

 

Middle School Principal

I am pleased to share that, pending Board approval on February 23, Scott Sorg has been selected as our next Middle School Principal.

Following a thorough interview process, it was clear that Mr. Sorg is the right person to lead the middle school. He brings strong experience, a student-centered approach, and a genuine commitment to building positive relationships with staff, students, and families. Just as importantly, he is enthusiastic about continuing to strengthen the excellent work already taking place at Eastwood.

Mr. Sorg is eager to get started and to partner with our middle school team in supporting students and families. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Sorg and welcoming him to this position.

 

Board of Education Meeting

As a reminder, the next scheduled Board of Education meeting will be held at Eastwood Elementary School in the cafeteria on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

NBC Champions!

Congratulations to our girls bowling team on claiming the inaugural NBC Bowling Championship! We are proud of their hard work and outstanding accomplishment.

 

It’s Tournament Time!

• Girls Basketball – The team will open tournament play tomorrow as they host Edison in the Sectional Final at 2:00 p.m.

• Boys Basketball – The team will begin tournament play next Friday, hosting Huron in the Sectional Final at 7:00 p.m.

• Wrestling – Tournament season begins next week as well, with girls sectionals starting next Friday at Defiance High School and boys sectionals beginning February 28 at Oak Harbor High School.

Best of luck to all of our teams and athletes as they begin tournament competition!

 

After Prom Fundraisers

The After Prom Committee has two upcoming fundraisers:

• Red Robin Fundraiser – February 25

• Chipotle Fundraiser – March 3

Please see the attached letter regarding donation opportunities for the After Prom Committee. Thank you in advance for any support you are able to provide to help make this a memorable and safe evening for our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Eastwood Local Schools.

Go Eagles!

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2.13.26

Eastwood Community,

What a busy two weeks it has been since the flood at Pemberville Elementary. While the challenges have been significant, this experience has also been a powerful reminder of how incredible our staff, students, families, and community truly are. The phrase “It takes a village” has never felt more accurate. We are extremely grateful for the support, flexibility, and encouragement shown across our entire district and community.

Here are a few updates:

Pemberville Building
We are continuing to gather information and assess the necessary repairs at the Pemberville building. Our goal is to provide a full update and hold discussion at the February 23 Board of Education meeting, which will take place in the Eastwood Elementary cafeteria. We appreciate your patience as we work through this process thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Preschool Relocation
Preschool has successfully transitioned to the elementary media center, where two classrooms have been established. We passed inspection on Monday, hosted an open house for families on Tuesday, and welcomed preschool students back to class on Wednesday.

This was a tremendous accomplishment in a very short amount of time. There were many obstacles along the way, but our staff persevered through every challenge to ensure a smooth return for our youngest learners.

The Board Office has also been temporarily divided between two locations. The Treasurer’s Office is now housed in the Transportation Building, while the remaining central office staff is located at the high school.

None of this would have been possible without the collective effort of so many individuals—from preschool staff, elementary staff and administration, secretaries, maintenance and custodial teams, transportation, and staff across all buildings. This was truly a team effort.

I would also like to recognize Nick Hannan, Bob Strow, Matt Bostdorff, and Missy Wagoner for their leadership and steady guidance throughout this process. Their work behind the scenes has been invaluable.

Assistant Superintendent Search
Our recent search for the Assistant Superintendent did not conclude as we had hoped. It is important that we find the right individual for Eastwood—someone who is highly qualified and a strong fit for our culture and community. I will not settle for anything less. We will be retitling the position and reposting it, with the new posting expected sometime next week. We remain committed to finding the right person for this important role.

Cameron Brinker – OMEA All-State Orchestra
Eastwood High School is proud to congratulate senior bassoonist Cameron Brinker on his outstanding performance in the 2026 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) All-State Orchestra.

Cameron was selected through a highly competitive audition process among students from across the state—an incredible achievement. The prestigious ensemble performed on Saturday, January 31, at the OMEA Professional Conference in the Greater Columbus Convention Center under the direction of Helen Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts (New Jersey).

We are incredibly proud of Cameron and look forward to seeing where his talent takes him next.

 

After Prom Fundraisers
If you are attending tonight’s game, please be on the lookout for the After Prom “Dash for Cash” fundraiser at halftime. Students will be collecting donations throughout the stands, and the student who collects the most will receive a free After Prom ticket. Thank you in advance for supporting this great event.

 

The After Prom Committee also has two upcoming fundraisers:

• Red Robin Fundraiser – February 25

• Chipotle Fundraiser – March 3

Please consider participating and supporting our students.

Hometown Heroes Memorial Walk
The Pemberville 150th/America 250th Anniversary Committee is planning a “Hometown Heroes Memorial Walk.” Signs honoring past and present service members and first responders (they do not need to be from the Pemberville area) will be displayed at Pemberville Veterans Park along Memorial Drive from May 24 through May 31.

More information about the Hometown Heroes Program and the full list of 2026 events can be found on the Pemberville 150th Anniversary website. Applications are available at the Pemberville, Luckey, and Stony Ridge libraries. Assistance with applications and photo scanning will also be available at the Pemberville Public Library meeting room on February 18 and March 23 from 4:00–6:30 p.m.

Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools. Together, we will continue moving forward—stronger than ever.

Go Eagles!

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2.1.26

Eastwood Families and Community,

I want to share an important update regarding the Pemberville building. Yesterday, a waterline break occurred, resulting in significant damage to the facility. Multiple crews have been working around the clock and will continue throughout the weekend to address the situation.

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. As a result, the Pemberville building will remain closed until further notice while cleanup efforts continue and a full assessment of the damage is completed. District leaders are working closely with contractors and service providers to determine next steps.

At this time, our plan is to temporarily relocate Pre-K classes to the elementary school. After carefully reviewing preschool licensing requirements and available space within the district and surrounding facilities, the elementary school media center (library) will be used as the temporary preschool classrooms.

At this point, we do not know how long this arrangement will be needed. We need to be prepared for the possibility that this temporary location could remain in place for the remainder of the school year. This decision applies to the current school year only, and if longer-term plans become necessary, the district will re-evaluate options and communicate accordingly.

We understand that this situation is disruptive for students, families, and staff, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. It is during times like this that the strength of our district and community truly shows. While this is not an easy situation, we are grateful for the flexibility and support shown by our school community as we work through these challenges together.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.

Additional Community Updates

NHS Spaghetti Dinner & Boys Basketball
Please join us for the annual NHS Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, February 6, as Eastwood takes on Fostoria in boys basketball.

• Time: 4:30–7:00 p.m.

• Cost: $8 for adults / $6 for children

• All-you-can-eat; carryout is available

The “Eagle Way” Hall of Fame Celebration
March 7, 2026
Honoring the Class of 2025

• Janet Metzger Knape

• Jan Oberhouse McLaughlin

• Dennis Mock

Location: Eastwood High School
4900 Sugar Ridge Road, Pemberville, Ohio
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
Induction Ceremony: 6:30 p.m.
Light refreshments will be provided.

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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.

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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