From the Desk of the Superintendent: A Year Worth Celebrating

As we close the 2025-2026 school year, I want to thank our students, staff, families, Board of Education, and community for another successful year in Nordonia Hills City Schools. The end of a school year always brings a chance to reflect. This year was filled with growth, achievement, service, and opportunities for students across our district. While test scores, awards, and recognitions are important, what stands out most is the daily work taking place in our classrooms, on our stages, on our athletic fields, and throughout our community. At Nordonia High School, the Class of 2026 graduated with more than $6 million in scholarship offers, over 17,700 community service hours, and plans that include colleges, military service, apprenticeships, trade programs, and careers. Students showcased their talents through the spring musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Spring Art Show, the French pop-up restaurant, and countless academic and extracurricular activities. Our Girls Flag Football Team made school history by winning the inaugural OHSAA State Championship. Graduation also reminded us of the bright future ahead for our students as they leave Nordonia prepared for the next chapter. At Nordonia Middle School, students continued a strong tradition of achievement. The school earned the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Momentum Award, Science Olympiad students earned state medals, and music students excelled in performances and competitions throughout the year. Our boys track team captured the Suburban League Championship, and the 4×800 relay team won a state title while several student-athletes established new school records. Lee Eaton Intermediate School once again demonstrated what can be accomplished when students and staff focus on learning and growth. Lee Eaton earned a second consecutive Overall 5-Star Building Award and was again designated as a Purple Star School for its support of military-connected families. Students excelled at the Future Problem Solvers State Bowl, earned recognition in creative writing competitions, and achieved impressive academic results, including 17 perfect Ohio State Test scores and 41 perfect writing responses. Ledgeview Elementary School continued to build a culture of service and learning. Students raised nearly $3,000 for Caring for Knights through Penny Wars, celebrated Southeast Asian New Year traditions, distributed more than 4,800 books to encourage summer reading, and participated in activities that connected learning with community and culture. Northfield Elementary School continued its tradition of excellence with another 5-Star rating. Students celebrated the tenth year of One School, One Book, participated in Acts of Kindness activities, and experienced opportunities that strengthened connections among students, staff, and families. The district art collaboration between Northfield kindergarten students and Nordonia High School ceramics students highlighted the creativity and partnership that exist across our schools. Rushwood Elementary School provided students with opportunities to grow through academics, the arts, and school traditions. Students participated in Playhouse Square experiences, performances, art showcases, One School, One Book activities featuring Gooseberry Park, and enjoyed new playground equipment designed to support inclusive play for all students. Across the district, our students benefited from outstanding opportunities in music, art, athletics, leadership, service, and academics. Nordonia Hills was once again recognized as a Best Community for Music Education, marking the third consecutive year receiving this distinction. Our staff continued to focus on improving instruction, strengthening support systems, and helping students achieve success at every level. As we look ahead, summer work is already underway. Roofing projects at Nordonia High School and Ledgeview Elementary, curriculum development, professional learning, safety improvements, and continued work on our Master Facilities Plan will help prepare us for the future. While much has been accomplished this year, what makes Nordonia special is not any single award, championship, or recognition. It is the people. It is the students who work hard each day, the staff who support them, the families who partner with us, and the community that continues to invest in our schools. Thank you for your support throughout the 2025-2026 school year. We are proud of what we accomplished together and look forward to welcoming everyone back on August 20 for another great year in Nordonia Hills City Schools. With appreciation, Casey G. Wright Superintendent Nordonia Hills City Schools