District Update - March 1

Superintendent's Message
Happy first day of March, Middies! Spring will be here before we know it, and so will our fourth academic quarter.
While students continue to focus on their studies and activities, our school administration and staff are already well into planning for the upcoming school year.
Currently, we are in the middle of the course request process and scheduling. We have taken great care in reviewing our middle and high school course guides and look forward to continuing to offer students a well-rounded education that includes an array of options when it comes to their studies. They can select core classes required for graduation and then round out the rest of their schedules with elective courses that align with their interests and future aspirations.
An additional component of the course request and scheduling process includes carefully considering how factors like class sizes and new program offerings impact personnel. Our number one goal is to meet the diverse needs of our students. To do so, we must review and make staffing adjustments each year. This involves verifying teacher qualifications to teach CTE and high-level courses, addressing vacancies in departments, and ensuring appropriate support services are available for our students' social and emotional well-being.
Continuing on the topic of planning for the year ahead, I would also like to share an update regarding new and returning open enrollment. As many of you know, recent changes in state funding have altered our approach to open enrollment at Midview Local Schools (learn more at the 45-minute mark of this address).
Our class sizes and staffing are determined based on serving Midview residents first. Open-enrolled students are accepted to maintain grade-level capacities, with priority given to returning families.
Families interested in open enrollment are encouraged to visit the Enrollment & Registration web page for more information on the application process, which is open from May 1 to May 31 for BOTH returning and new families.
As always, please visit us at midviewk12.org for more updates and upcoming events. Thank you for your continued support!
Take care,
Dr. Willingham
Successes, News, and Updates
Midview Local Schools Social Worker Honored with Ohio School Social Worker of the Year Award
Midview Social Worker Samantha Hess was recently announced as the Ohio School Social Worker of the Year by the Ohio School Social Work Association (OSSWA). This accolade, along with the Association’s other distinguished awards – Friend of School Social Work and Champion of Children – is presented annually to individuals who make a difference in students' lives, specifically within the field of school social work.
Hess’ passion for school social work stems from her dedication to forming strong relationships and fostering positive interactions with students to ensure they feel cared for and supported. Read more about her role as a social worker and how Midview Local Schools continue to support our families.
February Athletics Recap
Check out the following monthly Athletics Recap for team and student highlights, alumni stories, youth sports updates, and upcoming important dates!
Teams and students featured:
- Boys wrestling: Hunter Anderson (senior), Gabe Borror (senior), and Austin Dye (senior)
- Girls wrestling: Skye Price (freshmen) and Mackenzie Kirkpatrick (senior)
- Swimming: Grace Henley (senior)
- Boys Basketball: Jacob Gregory (senior)
- Girls Bowling: Adriana Fedyszyn (freshmen)
- Boys Bowling: Aiden Salkiewicz (sophomore)
- Girls Basketball: Leah DiFranco (sophomore)
- Indoor Track: Leah McKay (freshmen), Savannah Holcomb (freshmen), Cora Vance (freshmen), and Cameron Hostacky (sophomore)
- Game Day Cheerleading
Congratulations to all of our winter athletes on successful seasons. We look forward to the start of spring sports!
Preschool & Kindergarten Registration
Do you have a child who will enter preschool or kindergarten next school year? Visit our enrollment web page for more information about registering and save the following dates:
Little Middies Preschool Peer Model Interest Form Opens: March 8 at 7 a.m.
Kindergarten Registration Opens: March 13
Kindergarten Welcome Night: Join us on March 14 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at North Elementary! During this event, families will learn about registration procedures as well as meet administrators and teachers. Guided tours of the school will also be available to those who wish to learn and see more. It is a can’t-miss event for parents of new students!
Youth Art Month
Across the country, art and art education are celebrated and promoted during Youth Art Month in March.
We extend our congratulations to sixth-grade student, Gabi Cooper, who was selected as one of thirteen recipients to receive an award for her artwork as part of the OAEA Northeast Regional Youth Art Month show! Gabi’s artwork, along with other selected pieces, will be on display at Case Western Reserve University from March 10 to March 15, 2024.
More Middie artwork can also be viewed at the Grafton-Midview Library as part of their Youth Art Month display. Stop by to admire our students' talent and creativity!
Champions Childcare Summer Program
Midview Local Schools partner with Champions to offer child care for our K-6 families, housed at Midview North Elementary! By combining fun and learning together with the safety and convenience of a high-quality program right inside our school, Champions is a great solution for busy working families.
Beyond providing before- and after-school care, they also offer care programs during school breaks (winter, spring, and summer), teacher PD days (non-school), and early release days!
Enrollment is easy and scheduling is flexible! Please click here to read more about Champions or enroll your child in their upcoming Summer Champ Camp.
Midview Special Olympics T-Shirt Fundraiser
Support Midview Special Olympics by purchasing a t-shirt ($15) or a hoodie sweatshirt ($27)! If you would like to make a monetary donation, please send it to Kara Kaiser at Midview West. All proceeds support the Midview Schools Special Olympics!
To Order:
- All orders must be placed ONLINE here.
T-shirts and sweatshirts are available in Youth sizes S-XL and Adult sizes S-4XL.
At checkout, choose “Special Olympics - Delivered to School”.
All orders will be printed and delivered following the order deadline.
The deadline to order is Thursday, March 28.
We would love for you to wear your shirt on the day of the track and field meet (May 10) to support our athletes who are participating!
The Harlem Wizards are Back!
The world-famous Harlem Wizards are returning to Midview to take on our staff! Don’t miss this action-packed night of basketball, comedy, and high-flying antics on April 19 in the MHS K-Gym.
Purchase pre-sale tickets online, starting at $12.
Thank you to our Midview PTA and sponsor, Goodness Gracious, for coordinating this event for our community to enjoy!
Midview Middle School Course Information Night
All rising 7th and 8th-grade students and their families are encouraged to join us on March 5 from 6-7 p.m. for an interactive course information night at the Middle School. Meet our dedicated and talented Middle School team, walk the building, and learn more about the courses and extracurricular opportunities that will be available to students during the 24-25 school year.
Feature Story - 2024 Academic M
Annually, we eagerly anticipate our Academic “M” Awards ceremony, where we shine a spotlight on our district's dedication to academic excellence. This prestigious award recognizes seniors who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher, highlighting not only our students' accomplishments but also the support of their families and our outstanding staff. Congratulations are in order for the sixty-six students from the class of 2024 who received this honor, as well as the thirty-three faculty members they selected as their inspiring role models:
Academic “M” Award Recipients: Hayden Bewley, Gabriel Borror, Austin Bucci, Steven Buckingham Jr, Cody Cales, Makayla Chapman, Giovanni Cross, Sabrina Crowley, Gianna Cruz, Lillian Depinet, Andrew DiFranco, Olivia DiFranco, Kalen Dougall, Colt Duke, Daniel Dular, Austin Dye, Christopher Elkins, Koner Ellison, Ashley Etzel, Katelynn Farr, Elizabeth Filipiak, Jacy Fuller, Kiley Graska, Sienna Hartley, Grace Henely, Kaitlyn Heuser, Savana Hollingsworth, Yelixza Ives, Zachary Janus, Zakery Jockel, Grace Kearney, Curissa Keating, Austin Kretovics, Noah Krych, Aubree Liller, Natalie Lisicky, Mateo Lopez, Erika Lottman, Susan Makowski, Matthew Marsh, Claire McKinney, Marissa Meade, Spencer Mueller, Ishan Patel, Samantha Pebworth, Charles Pinter, Mackenzie Pirkel, Isabelle Ramos, Dylan Robinson, Jared Robinson, Adriana Rose, Makenna Rowe, Madison Schade, Norah Sgro, Zakaria Shinnawi, Matthew Smith, Alana Stacey, Ella Strah, Hayden Strauss, Hailey Thompson, Morgan Timms, Lily Tomasheski, Benjamin Waddell, Dane West, Bobbi Wervey, Cecilia Young
Influential Educators: Jody Anderson, Jack Armstrong, Larissa Betka, Stacy Brandenburg, Don Caramell, Colleen Crayton, Amy Crum, Jessica Dembiec, Jason DiFranco, Anne Marie Eakins, Amelia Eastin, Alice Feldmann, Michael Filipiak, Thomas Gallucci, Kevin Gardella, John Green, Amy Guildoo, Lee Ann Jones, Benjamin Kendrick, Monica Mason, Erin McCreery, Melissa Morgan, Amanda Parris, Amanda Passerrello, Kevin Radigan, Karyn Rodems, Catherine Salva, Alicia Saxton, Bethany Shaw, Carissa Silva, Danelle Stover, Derek Townsend, Karen Weir