Featured in this Newsletter:

Message from the Superintendent
Celebrating Attendance with "Stay in the Game!"
Dates to Remember
Middletown High School Redesign Update
Passport to Tomorrow Update
Building Security Update
By-the-Numbers Financial Update
In Case You Missed it on Social Media

Message from Superintendent Deborah Houser:

Every day counts! As we round out the month of September, Attendance Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to remind everyone just how important daily attendance is. Whether it's in the classroom, on the field, or in the arts, being present is the foundation of success. It's not just about completing assignments, but about building the habits that will lead to a lifetime of growth and achievement. Consistent attendance helps students stay engaged, build relationships, and seize daily opportunities. Every moment in school is a stepping stone toward the future!

Being present now is also about preparing for life as adults. The workplace values responsibility, effort, and reliability—qualities that begin to develop in the classroom. By showing up every day, students are not only investing in their education, but they're also learning essential life skills like work ethic, accountability, and perseverance. These are the habits that will serve them in whatever path they choose, shaping them into responsible and successful adults.

As John Legend wisely said, "The future started yesterday, and we're already late." The path to success begins with the simple act of showing up every day. Together, let’s make this school year one filled with commitment, growth, and positivity. We’re all in this together—so let’s show up, support one another, and make every day count!

#MiddieRising

Exciting News: MCSD Partners with FC Cincinnati for "Stay in the Game!" Attendance Network:

MCSD has joined the "Stay in the Game!" Attendance Network—an incredible statewide initiative aimed at improving student attendance and success. And we have even more exciting news: FC Cincinnati is now a proud partner in this mission!

Through this partnership, MCSD is teaming up with one of Southwest Ohio's favorite professional sports teams to energize and engage students in the importance of regular school attendance. FC Cincinnati will support our efforts throughout the 2024-2025 school year, inspiring students to show up, stay on track, and excel in their education. As part of the network, MCSD will have access to resources and fun, motivating opportunities to boost attendance.

Together with FC Cincinnati, we’re ready to make this school year the best yet, showing students that being in school every day is the key to unlocking their potential.

This exciting partnership aligns with our ongoing #MiddieMinutesMatter campaign and kicks off during September’s Attendance Awareness Month. With the help of our community, families, and now FC Cincinnati, we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every student is present, engaged, and achieving great things.

Dates to Remember:

October is National School Principal Month

10/4 - Homecoming Football Game, 7 p.m.

10/5 - Homecoming Dance, 8 p.m.

10/18 - No School, Professional Development

High School Redesign Update:

We are thrilled to share that we have successfully wrapped up the first week of our High School Redesign Experiential Learning pilot!

The level of student engagement was nothing short of extraordinary, with students diving into hands-on, real-world projects that sparked their curiosity and creativity.

Walking through the hallways, you could feel the energy—staff and students alike were buzzing with excitement!

Teachers brought their passion into every lesson, and it was clear that this new approach to learning is making a powerful impact.

We can't wait to see where this journey takes us as we continue to push the boundaries of education and create unforgettable learning experiences for our students!

Passport to Tomorrow Update:

This month, we had the incredible opportunity to host the Chamber of Commerce Climb class in our K-5 Passport to Tomorrow classrooms, showcasing how we're introducing career awareness and exploration at the elementary level. Our young students were eager to share their excitement and discoveries as they engaged in hands-on activities bringing real-world careers to life. It was inspiring to see community leaders witness firsthand how we’re laying the foundation for future career readiness from such a young age. Together, we're sparking curiosity and helping our students dream big about the possibilities ahead!

Building Security Update:

To increase the safety of students and staff, MCSD is using the Raptor Visitor Management System across all 10 school buildings to track visitors, students arriving late and students leaving early.

The new system will require all district vendors, substitute teachers, volunteers, and visitors including parents to present a valid, state-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID, before entering student-populated areas of buildings.

In addition, office personnel will confirm the identity of the adult by verifying with a state-issued ID before releasing a student to an adult who is listed as an approved contact for that student.

The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we thank you, in advance for your understanding and support of our enhanced school safety protocols for the district.

Please contact your student's school building main office for more information about the new procedures.

Changes to Ohio K-12 State Funding:

The recent increase in Ohio property values is significantly affecting local property taxes and school funding. In tax year 2023, some homeowners experienced a rise in their home's taxable value by as much as 45%, with the statewide average around 35%. While this can lead to higher local property taxes, the effect is not always directly due to Ohio's inflationary tax reduction factor. Nevertheless, for state funding purposes, districts with increasing local property values are considered wealthier per pupil. Since Ohio’s school funding model heavily relies on local capacity, primarily through taxable property values, this can shift the balance of funding.