A new year is like a refresh button; it’s a chance to shed old habits and embrace new mindsets, practices and patterns – a perspective that’s equally relevant in education.
We’ve had a fantastic start to the year in Elyria Schools.
In August, we welcomed a new transportation provider, GG&C Bussing, and while there are always challenges with something new, the transition has gone well—students are riding new beautiful busses, and parents appreciate GG&C’s robust app that tracks buses in real-time along with other features for parents of bus riders.
Earlier this school year, the district kicked off free meals for all students through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Now, more students are enjoying breakfast and lunch at school each day. Our dedicated foodservice team has prepared and served more than 550,000 school meals since July!
Our facilities are genuinely beautiful, and we owe this to our residents for making new schools a reality, and to our dedicated maintenance and custodial crews of Elyria Schools who make sure our facilities always look their best. The team works diligently to keep these environments clean and safe, dedicating much thought and time to preventative maintenance practices. I also must highlight our stunning sports complex, Elyria Charities Field at Ely Stadium. This world-class facility compares with any college arena—right here in our own backyard! It’s our maintenance team that keeps this complex looking its best, ensuring a fantastic experience for all fans. The stadium is a sought-after venue for high-stakes events, as well, including state championship games. If you haven't yet attended an event at Ely Stadium, I encourage you to visit this spring—you won't be disappointed!
In the classrooms, students and staff create magic daily. This column doesn’t have the space to highlight all the diverse programs and opportunities available to our students— preschool to high school—both academically and holistically. And the co-curricular programs—from sports fields and courts to concerts and theatrical stage (and everything in between), are unmatched and with no participation fees.
We wrapped up 2024 earning a bronze award as a district for exceptional work in PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. This framework puts responsibility, respect, kindness, positivity and safety front-and-center in schools. Elyria Schools is the first district in the region to earn this distinction, a testament to our inspirational district and building-level PBIS leaders and teams who motivate students to embrace these lessons and values.
We often say, “It’s a great day to be a Pioneer.” This feeling resonates throughout the year and with an entire semester left to go, there is so much more to accomplish!
Ann Schloss
Superintendent
It's always a great day to BE A PIONEER!