Message from Superintendent Deborah Houser:

As we approach the much-anticipated spring break, I want to take a moment to emphasize the significance of this time for our school community. Spring break is a vital opportunity for students, teachers, and families to recharge, rejuvenate, and reflect on the accomplishments of the past semester. It is a time to step away from the rigors of academia and embrace the beauty of leisure, relaxation, and personal growth.

For our students, spring break represents more than just a hiatus from classes; it is a chance to explore new interests, spend quality time with loved ones, and engage in activities that foster holistic development. Whether it's embarking on a nature hike, delving into a captivating book, or simply enjoying the warmth of the sun, spring break offers countless avenues for self-discovery and enrichment.

Equally important is the opportunity for our dedicated educators to rest and replenish their spirits. Teaching is a demanding profession, and our teachers devote countless hours to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students. Spring break allows them to step back, recharge their batteries, and return to the classroom with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

As superintendent, I encourage each member of our school community to make the most of this well-deserved break. Whether you choose to embark on an adventure, connect with loved ones, or simply indulge in some much-needed rest, remember that embracing the joy of spring break is not just a luxury—it's an essential component of maintaining balance and well-being in our lives.

I'm wishing you all a safe, relaxing, and joyous spring break!

#MiddieRising

Dates to Remember:

3/25 - 4/1 - No School, Spring Break

April is School Library Month

4/8 - No School, Total Solar Eclipse

District Calendar

Celebrating Regular Attendance:

Here's a by-the-numbers look at the donut celebrations behind our #MiddieMinutesMatter attendance campaign:

21 classrooms
Across all 10 schools
293 students
24+ dozen donuts

Attendance is fundamental to a successful educational journey. That importance is magnified during crucial times like state testing. Every day, being present in class ensures students don't miss out on valuable learning opportunities. Being present allows them to actively engage with lessons, interact with teachers, and collaborate with peers, all of which contribute to their academic growth.

However, during state testing, attendance takes on added significance. Student attendance during these assessments ensures that students have the chance to showcase their knowledge and skills, providing a fair opportunity for all. Moreover, consistent attendance during state testing helps maintain the integrity of the assessment process, ensuring accurate and reliable results that allow us to cater our instruction to the needs of our students. In essence, regular attendance lays the foundation for academic success, while being present during state testing ensures that students can demonstrate their abilities and contribute to the overall assessment process.

Curriculum Department Update:

As we enter the last quarter of school, it's time to begin the testing season. Testing in elementary grades provides valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement within our schools. It helps us identify where our students excel and where additional support may be needed, ensuring that every child receives the quality education they deserve. Our elementary students will be taking the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) test, which measures reading and math, and DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). Students in grades 3-5 will be taking the state test in ELA (English Language Arts), Math, and Science.

Our secondary students have been diligently preparing for this opportunity to showcase their learning and growth. To ensure their readiness, we have implemented common assessments that mirror the format and assess the tested standards, providing valuable practice and familiarity with the test structure and content.

With great instruction in our classrooms, we are confident that our students are well-prepared to excel in these assessments and demonstrate their academic achievements. Parents and guardians, your support and encouragement during this time are invaluable in helping our students perform at their best.

Important testing dates to remember:

OST (Ohio State Tests) window: 4/9 - 4/29
MAP testing window: 4/22 - 5/10

Partnership with Adopt A Class:

Envisioning what tomorrow's careers look like for today's students.

Click the video above to see how Adopt A Class is helping expose students to various career experiences, so they can unleash their full potential.

Middies in the News:

Experiential Learning Day:

While juniors at Middletown High School took the ACT late last month, freshmen, sophomores, and seniors visited either a museum, college, or local business during our first Experiential Learning Day, designed to broaden students' horizons, enrich their educational experience, and provide career and college opportunities.

Read and watch coverage of theday from WCPO here.

More District News

In Case You Missed It on Social Media:

Sodexo's Future Chefs Challenge:

Sodexo's Future Chefs Challenge returned this month for the first time since 2019. The six finalists cooked up a storm and showed off their creativity and talent to the judges!

Congratulations to Jace from Rosa Parks Elementary who took home first place for his Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls!

Now his recipe will be entered into the Sodexo National Future Chef Challenge and he'll have the opportunity to win more prizes.

See more photos

Middie Music Bus:

The new Middie Music bus was unveiled earlier this month. Now the Middletown High School Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Color Guard can travel in style wherever they go! Thank you to our transportation services partner Petermann Bus for their help with this project.

See more photos