The Middie Monthly Newsletter

May 2026

middletowncityschools.com

Featured in this Newsletter:

Message from the Superintendent
Message from the Treasurer
Curriculum Department
Celebrating the Class of 2026
Student Services: Leader in Me
Attendance Campaign Updates
Dates To Remember
Kindergarten Registration Information
Kindergarten Camp Dates
Strategic Vision Video Series
In Case You Missed it on Social Media

Message from Superintendent Deborah Houser

The Joy of Serving Middletown

Forty years ago, I walked into a classroom as a kindergarten teacher with a simple belief: children learn best when learning feels real, joyful, and connected to the world around them. That belief guided every step of my career and eventually led me to this role as superintendent. Now, as I write my final newsletter message and prepare to retire, my heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity to spend 18 of those years serving Middletown City Schools, including the last three and a half as superintendent.

I always wanted students to experience learning that reached far beyond worksheets and classroom walls. Great schools do more than teach standards and content. They help students discover who they are. They open doors to new experiences, new ideas, and new possibilities. Some of the moments I treasure most came from watching students collaborate on a field trip, serve their community, explore career pathways, and realize they were capable of more than they ever imagined. Those moments reminded me every day why our work matters so deeply.

The hardest part of retirement is knowing how much I will miss the people. I will miss greeting students in the hallways. I will miss conversations with staff members who love our children every single day. I will miss the pride, resilience, and compassion that make this district special. Middletown became so much more than a workplace to me. It became home. The relationships, memories, and shared purpose we built together will stay with me forever.

As my last school year comes to a close and retirement begins, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, challenging me, and allowing me to serve Middletown. Public education changes lives, and I feel blessed to have spent my life doing work that mattered alongside people who care so deeply about children. I leave with immense pride in what we have accomplished together and complete confidence that the best days for Middletown City Schools are still ahead. I will carry this community in my heart always. Once a Middie, Always a Middie! 💜

#MiddieRising

Message from Treasurer Randy Bertram

Honored to Serve, Proud of What We Built Together

Building a Strong Foundation

Over the past twelve years, Middletown City School District has experienced a period of tremendous growth, transformation, and investment in students, staff, and the community. Serving as Treasurer/CFO from August 1, 2014 through July 31, 2026 has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career.

When I joined the district in 2014, our focus was clear: strengthen financial stability, improve operational systems, and position Middletown City Schools for long-term success. At that time, the district’s general fund balance stood at approximately $385,000 on a $70.5 million operating budget. Through careful planning, responsible budgeting, and collaborative leadership, we steadily strengthened the district’s financial foundation while continuing to invest in educational opportunities for students.

Investing in Middletown’s Future

Those efforts helped create the foundation for some of the most transformational projects in district history. Over the course of my tenure, Middletown City Schools successfully managed approximately $96.4 million in capital improvement projects, including the full renovation of Middletown High School, construction of a new middle school, the addition of a quad baseball complex, and development of a state-of-the-art basketball arena.

These projects represented far more than new facilities. They reflected a long-term investment in creating safe, modern, and future-ready learning environments for generations of Middie students. During this same period, the district also implemented strategic debt refinancing efforts that generated more than $4 million in taxpayer savings.

Innovation Beyond the Classroom

One of the most meaningful initiatives during my time with the district was the creation of the Middie Meal Machine. Purchased in 2018 and launched in 2019, the mobile food truck was designed to combat childhood hunger and expand access to nutritious meals throughout the community during summer break and extended school closures.

What began as an innovative outreach effort quickly became an essential resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools across the state closed in 2020, the Middie Meal Machine allowed Middletown City Schools to continue serving students and families during one of the most challenging periods in public education. Today, it continues serving students each summer and remains a powerful example of the district’s commitment to supporting the whole child.

Leading Through Challenges

Like districts across the nation, Middletown City Schools faced extraordinary challenges during the pandemic years. Through flexibility, teamwork, and careful planning, the district continued supporting students, staff, and families while maintaining operational stability and long-term financial stewardship. Investments in technology, health and safety, and operational continuity helped position the district to emerge stronger moving forward.

Sustaining Momentum

Today, Middletown City Schools stands on a far stronger financial foundation than when this journey began. The district’s general fund balance has grown to more than $30.2 million on an operating budget approaching $80 million. The district also implemented a long-term 20-mill floor strategy designed to provide sustainable local revenue while reducing the need for future operating levies and established a Permanent Improvement Fund to support ongoing facility and equipment needs.

Along the way, Middletown City Schools earned national recognition for financial excellence, including 10 consecutive years of both the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Association of School Business Officials Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, as well as four Ohio Auditor of State Awards with Distinction.

With Gratitude and Pride

While these accomplishments are significant, the true success of Middletown City Schools has always been its people. None of this progress would have been possible without the dedication of our Board of Education, superintendent leadership, administrators, teachers, support staff, students, families, and community members.

As I prepare to conclude my service on July 31, 2026, I do so with immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this community. Thank you, Middie Nation, for your trust, partnership, and support throughout this incredible journey.

Curriculum Department

Wrapping Up a Strong Year, Middies!

As we close out another incredible school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished together. From innovative learning experiences and student showcases to performances, competitions, service projects, and everyday classroom successes, this year was filled with meaningful moments that highlighted the spirit of Middie pride.

We are especially proud of the many initiatives that continued to grow across the district this year. Whether through hands-on learning opportunities, career exploration, arts, athletics, academics, or community partnerships, our students have continued to rise to every challenge and opportunity placed before them.

As one school year ends, we are already excitedly preparing for the next! Kindergarten Camp dates for August have already been set at each elementary building, and families should be on the lookout for information from their child’s school. These camps are a great opportunity for our newest Middies to become familiar with their school, meet staff members, and begin the year feeling comfortable and excited.

Last Thursday, we celebrated one of the most important milestones of the year — graduation. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished during their time at Middletown City Schools. This graduating class has earned an impressive amount of scholarships and awards, a reflection of their hard work, determination, and bright futures ahead. We cannot wait to see the impact they make in the world beyond Middletown.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this school year a success. Let’s finish strong, celebrate together, and carry our Middie momentum into summer.

Way to end strong, Middies!

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Middletown High School proudly celebrated its 152nd Annual Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2026

This year, 441 students graduated, the largest graduating class since 1976, earning an incredible $14,082,353 in scholarships, including more than $1.5 million in academic and service scholarships and more than $12.5 million in athletic scholarships.

The Class of 2026 represented excellence across academics, leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement. Nine students graduated with associate degrees through the Early College Academy in partnership with Miami University, while 39 students completed three or more College Credit Plus courses. The class also included 44 National Honor Society members, 14 Honors Diploma recipients, and six students committing to military service.

Academic achievement was strongly represented, with 45 students graduating Summa Cum Laude, 31 Magna Cum Laude, and 33 Cum Laude. Additionally, 243 seniors were recognized as “Heart of a Middie” students, honoring those who spent all four years of high school at Middletown High School.

Principal Donetrus Hill reminded graduates and families that “tonight is more than a graduation, tonight is a celebration of perseverance, hope, unity, and purpose,” adding that the Class of 2026 demonstrates that “goodness still exists, excellence still matters, and community still has power.”

Four students addressed their classmates during commencement. Class President Peighton Roberts reflected on the challenges and growth experienced throughout high school, sharing that the class “learned how to push through uncertainty” and discovered that “resilience matters more than test scores ever could.”

Student Government President Geronimo Thomas thanked district leadership and shared a heartfelt tribute to Orchestra Director Corey Hall, saying, “She taught me a passion that I never thought would be so impactful on who I am now.”

Sierra Hartman reflected on the meaning of being a Middie and the significance of the new “Heart of a Middie” recognition, sharing that “being a Middie means carrying the place that raised us into every room we walk into after this one.”

Dayra Rivas Villegas encouraged graduates to appreciate those who supported them along the way, reminding classmates that “today is not just about individual accomplishments, it is also about the people who stood beside us along the way.”

Congratulations to all graduates as they begin their next chapter!

Congratulations to the Middletown High School Class of 2026!

You can view photos of the ceremony on the district's Facebook page or find the full album here.

Middletown City Schools Facebook Album

Full Album: 2026 MHS Graduation Photos

Student Services: Leader In Me

Leading the Way: Leader in Me Expands District-Wide!

Leadership took root across Middletown City Schools in a big way this year as Leader in Me expanded district-wide. Building on the strong foundation at Amanda Elementary, every school began bringing the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to life through classroom lessons, leadership roles, goal setting, student voice and service opportunities.

Throughout the year, students practiced leadership habits such as taking responsibility, setting goals, listening to understand others, and working together to solve problems. These experiences helped students grow in confidence, build strong character and recognize the leadership potential they bring to their classrooms, schools and community.

This exciting progress was supported by our Adult and Student Lighthouse Teams. Staff helped weave leadership practices into daily routines and schoolwide activities, while students stepped up to lead assemblies, support service projects, encourage their peers and shape a positive school culture.

We are especially proud of Amanda Elementary for completing the process to apply for Lighthouse status. Their years of dedication helped pave the way for this district-wide expansion and showed what is possible when leadership becomes part of everyday school life.

This year marked an exciting milestone for our district, and we are proud to see our Middie leaders continue to grow, lead and shine!

Show Up Stats: Attendance Update

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

May:

5/28- Last Day of School for Students!

June:

6/1- Middie Meal Machine Summer lunch schedule begins (check district website for calendar updates)

Kindergarten Registration for 2026-2027 School Year

Age Requirement:

To qualify for the following school year, students must be five years old on or before the first day of school that year (Aug. 14 for the 2026-2027 school year.)

Step 1: Online

Complete the online student enrollment application:

middletowncityschools.com/departments/enrollment

(Enrollment registration can be submitted before the in-person registration dates.)

Step 2: In-Person

Finish Enrollment:

Only a custodial parent/legal guardian can officially enroll a student.
Parent or guardian must be present at the time of enrollment. The student does not need to be present.

Step 3: In-Person

Document Verification

Original documents are required at the time of enrollment. Copies of the documents will be made and the originals will be returned immediately.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Student Birth Certificate
Student Immunization/Shot Record
Parent Photo I.D.
Proof of Residency Within Last 30 Days (Recent Utility Bill, Lease Agreement, etc.)
Custody Documents (If Applicable)

MCSD Enrollment Center Registration

One Donham Plaza, 4th Floor

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school begins

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. beginning March 2, 2026

Kindergarten Camp Information

Amanda Elementary: Aug 4 9:00-12:00

Central Academy: Aug 6 9:00-11:00

Creekview Elementary: Aug 3-5 9:00-12:00

Mayfield Elementary: Aug 4 9:00-3:00

Miller Ridge Elementary: Aug 5-6 9:00-11:30

Rosa Parks Elementary: Aug 4-5 9:00-12:00

Wildwood Elementary: Aug 5-6 9:00-12:00

Strategic Vision Video Series

Reflecting on Our Strategic Vision: Passport to Tomorrow

Our Passport to Tomorrow Strategic Vision (2021–2027) continues to guide the work we do every day across Middletown City Schools. As we move through this school year, we are taking intentional time to reflect on the four key goal areas that shape our vision—celebrating the success we’ve achieved and the meaningful progress we continue to make.

Throughout the spring, we will highlight one goal each month through a special video message featuring reflections and testimonials from our staff and students. These stories bring our strategic vision to life and showcase the dedication, growth, and opportunity happening in our schools every day. We invite you to follow along and celebrate with us as we share these updates.

At the heart of our vision is a powerful question: What does a successful Middie graduate look like tomorrow? Through the My Passport to Tomorrow pathways we’ve created, every Middie is prepared to be college, career, and life ready. We know that success does not look the same for every student. Each learner’s journey is shaped by the pathways they choose, their passions, and their goals.

In short, Passport to Tomorrow empowers our students to dream today so they can rise tomorrow. We are proud of the progress we’ve made—and even more excited about the future we are building together.

Goal 4: Readiness for College, Career and Life

Every student will successfully navigate the critical transitions in their Passport to Tomorrow plan, and will graduate from high school ready for enrollment, enlistment, or employment.