Isn't summer grand? I hope you're enjoying this beautiful weather and a more leisurely pace of things.
Summertime brings a different kind of work to the offices of Elyria Schools, all centered on back to school! (For important back-to-school information, including details on a staggered return schedule for K-8 students, read through to the end of this newsletter.)
Pupil Services
The Pupil Services Office is home to Central Registration, and new enrollments are in full swing.
If you have a little one three to five years old, now is the time to enroll in preschool or kindergarten.
The Central Registration Office is open all summer long, Monday through Thursday, 8a-4p, by appointment.
Even better...you can register online--start to finish--without ever leaving your home! Follow this link to get started or call 440-284-8220 to set up an in-person appointment.
Operations
During the summer, the Operations Department is busy shining up the facilities for the next school year. Their work has been magnified the last couple of years with moving out of old schools and into new ones. This summer is no exception.
In July, the Elyria Schools Administration Center will re-locate to the Westwood Campus at 42350 Adelbert St. This includes the offices of the Superintendent, Communications, Pupil Services (Central Registration), Academic Services, Operations, Human Resources and the Treasurer.
The Elyria Early Childhood Center is also moving to a new home at the former Crestwood Elementary School, 42331 Griswold Road. That building has been completely remodeled for state-of-the-art preschool education. Look for more information to come in August.
Academics
The summer months bring plenty of activity to the Academic Services Department, where the team heads up summer school learning, summer academic enrichment programs and professional development for teachers and certified school staff.
This department also establishes the courses of study for students in Elyria Schools at all grade levels, and much of the planning for the upcoming school year takes place during the summer.
Staffing
The Human Resources Office is charged with putting the right people in the right places so that we're off and running when the new year begins.
The Human Resources Office will welcome a new director: Shane Newark. Shane is an alumni of Elyria Schools. He was a teacher in the district and a principal for many years at the middle school and high school levels. Most recently he was the principal of the Early College program through Lorain County Community College.
We're pleased to welcome Shane back to the Elyria Schools!
Shane is replacing Kathi Maxwell, Interim Human Resources Director since January 2021. Thank you, Kathi, for your hard work and commitment to Elyria Schools.
On the subject of new employees, the district will hire a new Treasurer this summer, as well.
Treasurer Joy Clickenger is retiring after six years with Elyria Schools. Joy has been an exceptional steward of taxpayer dollars, earning multiple awards of excellence for financial management as the Treasurer of Elyria Schools. Thank you, Joy, for your dedicated service to Elyria Schools.
Communications and Superintendent
The Communications Office is your hub for all things Elyria Schools. The Communications Office recently earned recognition in the Digital Media Excellence Awards by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).
In the summer and throughout the year, you can keep up with the happenings of the district at the many online and social media sites the Communications Office manages: www.elyriaschools.org, Facebook, Twitter; PioneerTV YouTube, Instagram, Pioneer Press, Pioneer News and Petey Podcast!
If you missed it, please take a listen to Superintendent Ann Schloss in her State of the Schools address recorded at the end of last school year and linked below. During the interview, Superintendent Schloss updates the community on many timely topics and offers a look at things to come.
Back to School
The new school year kicks off for students on August 24, 2022, but there are important details to the schedule that are detailed in the Back to School article below, including staggered start dates for students in K-8.
You'll also find links to school supply lists and other essential information, so please read to the end of the article.
Thank you for reading this edition of Pioneer News. Wishing you a wonderful and safe Fourth of July holiday and a fun-filled summer. We're looking forward to seeing you in August!
Amy Higgins
Communications Director
