A message from Dr. Jarred Zapolnik, Superintendent of Schools
Dear South Range Local School District Community,
Can you believe it’s already time to end the 2024-2025 school year? Time truly flies when you're deeply committed to a mission rooted in excellence. As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made together and share our excitement as we prepare for 2025–2026. This year, we made tremendous strides in advancing our Raider Way goals across all four pillars: Student Performance, High Expectations, Communication & Collaboration, and Resources & Safety.
Student Performance
We’re proud to share that students have already enrolled in our new Building Trades course for the 2025–2026 school year—a key step in preparing students for real-world success. Additionally, we’ve invested significantly in academic success by adopting new K–6 Reading and Math curricula and aligned assessments designed to support enrichment and intervention. These tools will better equip our educators to personalize instruction and meet the needs of every learner.
This curriculum adoption was driven by meaningful collaboration with teachers who participated in site visits, planning meetings, and pilot programs to ensure we selected the best resources. We’re thrilled to implement Amplify Desmos (grades K–2 and 5–6) and i-Ready Math (grades 3–4) in the upcoming school year.
High Expectations
Through the Raider Way, we continue to foster opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and creatively. Some of our most exciting enrichment offerings include:
Middle School:
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Rock Band
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eSports
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Math 24
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Book Club
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(Potentially launching) Archery Club
Elementary School:
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Art Club
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Storybook Stretches
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Expanded Math 24 (grades 3–5)
These programs help us meet our vision of cultivating excellence and encouraging students to pursue their passions.
Communication & Collaboration
This year, we launched several new initiatives to strengthen two-way communication and community engagement. These include:
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Second Cups of Coffee
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Fall Forum
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District-wide surveys
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Weekly all-calls, emails, and text messages
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Celebrations and updates on social media
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The Raider Ambassadors, a group of key communicators dedicated to bridging our schools and the broader community
These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to transparency, listening, and building strong relationships across the district.
Resources & Safety
We’ve continued to invest in tools that support both safety and learning. This year, we purchased 240 new Chromebooks, and after gathering parent feedback, we’ve revised our Technology Fee Structure and Device Usage Model for 2025–2026. For Safety and Security, the District is pursuing multiple safety grants to enhance student and staff safety.
Looking Ahead: Master Facilities Five-Year Plan
We are also excited to share progress on our Master Facilities Five-Year Plan, developed and discussed throughout the 2024–2025 school year. This plan outlines a strategic vision for facility development and long-term infrastructure forecasting. It includes clear objectives, actionable steps, and financial planning to support sustainable growth. Most importantly, this initiative reflects our continued commitment to the Raider Way—with a focus on safety, resource optimization, and long-term sustainability—as we look to address the evolving needs of our aging campus infrastructure.
As we wrap up this school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every member of our South Range team. From teachers and aides to drivers, secretaries, counselors, custodians, and administrators—your daily efforts are the heartbeat of our schools. Together, we are fulfilling our mission to be the community centerpiece building on excellence. A special congratulations to our graduating seniors—we are proud of you and excited to see what the future holds!
Thank you for continuing to embody the spirit of GBED – Get Better Every Day. Please visit https://www.southrange.k12.oh.us/ for updates throughout the summer.
With great enthusiasm and appreciation,
Jarred
Dr. Jarred Zapolnik
Superintendent
South Range Local Schools
📑 Keep Up to Date with All Board Policies 📑
South Range Schools works each month to revise, update, and adopt several NEOLA policies.
Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these policies, as they play a critical role in guiding the district's operations and decision-making. All board policies are available for review on our website at BoardDocs.
Attention 2023-2024 Graduates of South Range
If you are a parent of or a student who graduated in 2023-24, please scan the QR code to complete an Exiting Student Survey so we know how you have been doing since graduation. The survey should only take about five minutes. Thank you for your feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/169EyTFjjoqOXjQBHEKJJLzR05rm70CeMdaAzFbSuqjQ/preview
Student Fees for 2025-2026 - Please do not send in any student payments until an invoice is received from the building for your child. Any money given before an invoice is received will be returned to you.
State Assessment Scores
There was a recent law change (see HB33) in which parents are to be notified of State Assessment Scores by June 30. These scores will be posted on the secure ParentAccess portal. Please set up your child's account now so that you will be able to view their scores using a Web Browser or Mobile App (make sure your phone has been updated to the latest IOS). Scores will be posted prior to June 30, 2025. You will be notified once scores have been posted to ParentAccess.
Click here on how to set ParentAccess on your mobile App: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CCypxTrMYIzzqnHDgn-k46cY42fgT4O4/view?usp=sharing
Click here on how to set ParentAccess via web Browser: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WX4sE4Ju4l0sUAeB_cZhrSgAMI8RuJ4l/view?usp=sharing
Did you recently move? This is a reminder that a Change of Address form must be completed within 30 days of moving. This form can be found on our website under District Forms and must be returned to the Board Office with all required documentation.
As we progress through the month of May, this time of year is dedicated to our seniors and their successful graduation from South Range High School.
Celebrating Excellence: Honoring High School Seniors
It is with boundless excitement and pride that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Seniors. More seniors will receive acknowledgments and awards at the various end-of-the-year celebrations!🌟
Cum Laude Students (3.5-3.699 GPA)
Zac Amedia
Hayden Carey
Heath Crouse
Julian Dispenza
Jessa Flowers
Peyton Hines
Griffin Pahanish
Luke Rohan
Andrew Shandor
Emmitt Slabach
Derek Stratton
Tristan Toy
Shaun Updegraff
Magna Cum Laude Students (3.7-3.899 GPA)
Andrew Brian
Ella Crumbacher
Riley DeCiancio
Jade Dillon
Hannah Gettemy
John Gialousis
William Humphrey
Hayden John
Lilly Johnson
Ashlyn Less
Nathan Meyers
Gaven Nagy
Avery Petruzzi
Emma Rains
Alaina Shehan
Kayla Wine
Summa Cum Laude scholars (3.9 or higher GPA with an Honors Diploma)
🎉👩🎓👨🎓
Michael Chadbourne
Hunter Cooper
Zander DiMuzio
Ceci Foster
Michael Garwacki
Nathan Lewis
Gloria McCabe
Julia Meli
Asher Moorefield
Giada Pauline
James Powell
Toby Sell
Jonathan Shank
Luke Starkey
Zaeda Stiles
Ethan Viano
Ava Ward
Alex Wellington
Payton Zwingler
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
Mandy Joy Allman
Zakarie Zuriel Amedia
Veda Jayne Barbush
Andrew Scott Brian
Zachary Nicholas Cardinal
Hayden Jean Carey
Danica Ellen Carolus
Michael Anthony Chadbourne
Abigail Kate Colla
Troy Howard Combs
Hunter Ross Cooper
Daryan Landon Coulter-Seeger
Elyanna Marie Elizabeth Cremeans
Heath Leeland Crouse
Ella Lane Crumbacher
Lucas Benjamin Davidson
Riley Rose DeCiancio
Madelyne Ann Decker
Jacob Fredrick Deer
Adam Andrew DiBacco
Jade McKenzie Dillon
Zander Joseph DiMuzio
Lucy Ann Elaine Dispenza
Aidan Alexander Dominguez
Caleb Amanuel Duncan
KayCee Jo Duris
Benjamin Aiden Carter Farrow
Jessa AnEstelle Julia Flowers
Cecillia Rose Foster
Landon Thomas Frank
Patrick Joseph Gaia, III
Michael Christopher Garwacki
Hannah Grace Gettemy
John Anthony Gialousis
Morgan Alexis Gleckler
Steven Baxter Grandon
Matthew Graham Heikkinen
Coy William Heineman
Brooke Carson Herchik
Peyton Elizabeth Hines
Gerald Carl Hively
Landon Mitchell Hoffman
Morgan Madeline Hollister
William Edward Humphrey
Elias Thomas Jackson
Hayden Michai John
Lilly Grace Johnson
Alexander Kenneth Kelly
Patrick Daniel Lally
Ashlyn Paige Less
Nathan Scott Lewis
Chloe Marie Louk
Addison Frankie McBurney
Gloria Reagan McCabe
Evan Patrick McGrath
Julia Michelle Meli
Nathan Albert Meyers
Asher Hayes Moorefield
Kaleigh Jade Morrow
Ella Ann Nagy
Gaven William Nagy
Griffin James Pahanish
Giada Lynn Pauline
Avery Jackson Petruzzi
Jessyka Lyn Philips
James Weston Powell
Emma Marie Rains
Luke William Rohan
Hayley Jayne Romano
Caleb James Ruthrauff
Kylie Dee Scarpitti
Tyler Schultz Schultz
Toby Mitchel Sell
Connor Michael Sepe
Andrew Joseph Shandor
Jonathan Edward Shank
Alaina Grace Shehan
Jacob Owen Shumate
Emmitt Michael Slabach
Dylan Steven Smesko
Luke Anthony Starkey
Zaeda Angeles Stiles
Derek Robert Stratton
John Michael Tomaino III
Tristan Samuel Toy
Shaun Michael Updegraff
Ethan James Viano
Ava Cecilia Ward
Jacob Ross Watkins
Lilyanna Claudette Watson
Kayden Lee Welker
Alexandria Grace Wellington
Jaylianna Rose Wilt
Kayla Marie Wine
Xavier Bradley Winner
Anwar Nicholas Zaid
Tristan Alexander Zinn
Payton Marie Zwingler
Wow! Where has this past year gone? I just want to take a moment to thank all of our middle school families for their support throughout the year. A special thank you is extended to our Middle School PTO and the South Range Schools Foundation for “being there” for our students and staff, behind the scenes, supporting our academic needs and co-curricular programs.
I would also be remiss if I did not thank Mrs. Brenda Petit for her years of service to our students and staff. Mrs. Petit has been a dedicated counselor who continually supported the needs of our students! Her guidance and expertise will be greatly missed. Best of luck, Mrs. Petit, in your retirement!
As we bring the 2024-2025 school year to a close, the middle school would again like to recognize the successes and achievements of our students both in and out of the classroom:
April Spotlight Students
Grade 5 - Chloe Johnson
From Choe’s teachers - “Chloe is an outstanding student whose positive attitude and joyful spirit brighten every classroom she enters. Her enthusiasm for learning is matched by her insightful contributions during discussions. Chloe has an eye for style and creativity, which she expresses through her interest in fashion and nail art - quiet reflections of her confidence and individuality. Chloe leads by example - she’s respectful, kind and always ready to lend a helping hand to both her peers and teachers. Her natural leadership and genuine care for others make her a true role model and an invaluable part of our school community.”
Grade 6 - Elisha McCoy
The 6th grade team had this to say about Elisha: “ Elisha demonstrates stewardship as a 6th grade student by taking responsibility for his actions and showing care for his school environment. He helps keep shared spaces clean and organized, often without being asked. Elisha looks out for others by lending a hand when classmates need support or encouragement. He uses classroom materials wisely and encourages other to do the same. Through his thoughtful choices and leadership, Elisha sets a positive example for his peers.”
Grade 7 - Sam Scenna
The 7th grade staff said, “Sam has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. He sets a great example, works diligently and is not afraid to ask for help when needed. Sam is always someone you can count on and he will always say hello. His kindness, politeness and respectfulness make him an excellent leader to follow!”
Grade 8 - Ryan Nicholson
Ryan’s teachers state that “Ryan demonstrates several qualities of a leader but he really stands out for his scholarship. Ryan’s commitment to his academics is an admirable quality. He works hard across the board in all of his core classes but also never shies away from a challenge. He’s always extremely well-mannered and respectful in his interactions with adults. He’s an asset to the classes he is a part of and an all-around great kid.”
Congratulations to all of our Spotlight Students!
YSU English Festival
Congratulations to all of our middle school students who competed at the YSU English Festival. Special recognition goes to the following:
Not So Trivial Pursuit - Zac Judin (2nd Place), Adrianna Ware (3rd Place)
Connections - Gabrielle Lucente (1st Place)
Writing Games - Emily Sepe (Honorable Mention)
Impromptu - Jack Martinez (Honorable Mention), Zac Judin (Honorable Mention)
Mahoning County Green Team
It is with great pleasure that we recognize 7th grader, Mia Bergagna, for being selected as the winner of the Mahoning County Green Team Earth Day billboard contest. Mia’s hard work and creativity in designing such inspiring art led to her selection as the seventh grade winner. Her artwork was displayed at 8034 Market Street near King’s Collision.
Congratulations Mia! Great job!
Raiders Rise
Finally, special mention goes out to our middle school PBIS team and Mrs. Michelle Lydic for successfully implementing our two-month-long “Raiders Rise” initiative. Through instructing Random Acts of Kindness lessons in our classrooms and recognizing respectful behaviors from our students, we hope to promote an environment of kindness and respect that will continue well beyond the end of this school year. Thank you, also, to the community members and families who contributed to this campaign. Your support is greatly appreciated.
PTO End-of-Year Events Recap
Every spring, the Elementary PTO helps wrap up the school year with three big events. This year was no exception!
First, the PTO Enrichment Committee planned two exciting field trips for all of our K–4 students. The first trip took place on Friday, May 9th, for the School Day Scrappers Game, a special event designed for students to enjoy a fun and educational day at the ballpark. Our students had the opportunity to watch the YSU Penguins men’s baseball team play Oakland University.
The second trip occurred on Wednesday, May 14th, when our staff and students traveled to Canton to participate in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Get Fit Training Camp. This interactive program promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. We were thrilled to have the South Range High School football team join us to help lead drills and football-themed activities and guide our students through the Hall of Fame museum.
Next, the PTO hosted the annual Spring Fling on Saturday, May 3rd, from 12:00–3:00 pm. This indoor carnival was packed with games, food, face painting, activities, and prizes for our students and families to enjoy. It took many volunteers to make this event a success—from behind-the-scenes preparation to game setup, event supervision, and cleanup.
In addition to Spring Fling, our school proudly hosted its first K–3 Art Show, presented by Mrs. Stewart and our talented K–3 students. The theme was “The Four Seasons,” and each part of the elementary hallways represented either winter, spring, summer, or fall. Thank you to everyone who helped with the Spring Fling and Art Show and to all who came out to support our PTO and the arts!
Finally, the PTO closed out the year with its biggest event: K–4 Field Day, which took place on the last day of school, Thursday, May 29th. This year’s Field Day featured both indoor and outdoor activities, including events led by On Target and Athletix. Students spent the day celebrating with fun, movement, and laughter.
We also honored our 4th grade students with the traditional Clap-Out at 1:45 pm, beginning at the main elementary doors and wrapping around to the E2 doors, to mark the end of their elementary journey.
Awards Days
We celebrated our K–4 students and recognized their accomplishments during our Awards Day programs held in the auditorium:
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Friday, May 16th:
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Kindergarten @ 8:15 am
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1st Grade @ 9:30 am
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2nd Grade @ 11:45 am
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Tuesday, May 20th:
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4th Grade @ 8:45 am (including a special recorder concert)
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3rd Grade @ 12:00 pm
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Congratulations to all of our students on their achievements! Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your continued support and dedication throughout the 2024–2025 school year. On behalf of the entire Elementary Staff, thank you for another great year!
Grade Level Spotlight – Kindergarten
The end of the year is always an exciting time as students prepare for what’s next. For our kindergarten teachers, it is especially meaningful to see their current students prepare to become 1st graders—and to meet their incoming students during Kindergarten Screening.
This year, screening took place on May 6th and 7th, with around 80 future kindergarten students participating. It was a great opportunity to welcome many new families to our school community.
We were also proud to once again partner with United Way for the Success by 6 summer program. This free program gives a select group of incoming kindergarten students a jumpstart in academic and social development. The program ran for three weeks, June 9–27, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.
If you have questions about the program or would like more information, please contact the elementary office at 330-549-5578.
NE8 Track Champions!
Congratulations to the Boys Track Team for winning the NE8 Championship. We had outstanding performances this meet. Congratulations to Gabby Spooner for breaking the school record in the Long Jump. Taylor Dado and Emmitt Slabach for the High Point Earners of the meet. Taylor and Emmitt are the NE8 Track Players of the Year.
😀🍲🥧😋🍚🍒🍩🥟🥨🌽🍐
Summer Meal Benefits
This summer, the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), which provides cash grocery benefits to households with children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, will be in effect again. The Summer EBT program provides children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals with SNAP benefits. Each eligible child will receive a one-time $120 benefit for the summer. If your student qualified for free or reduced meals this 24/25 school year, be on the lookout for a plain white envelope addressed to the student. The envelope will have a card inside similar to a Visa card preloaded with $120. Please note- If you received benefits on a card previously, then the dollar amount for your student will be loaded onto your already existing card & you will not be receiving a brand new one.
Five Healthy Meal Incentive Awards
South Range Cafeteria received Five Healthy Meal Incentive awards this spring through the Action for Healthy Kids, Chef Ann Foundation, and RMC Health. The awards focused on innovative strategies to provide healthy meals and nutrition education to our students. A huge thank you to the cafeteria for their continuous hard work to provide great meals for our students and staff!
Water Matters!
As a public water system, we must chemically treat, test, and monitor water usage in accordance with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The Ohio EPA recently updated its guidelines to reflect optimal water quality parameters. The complete monitoring schedules are available on our Technology Website.
Technology
Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, the South Range Local School District will implement updates to the Chromebook policy and usage model.
2025–2026 Technology Model
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Grades K–4: Cart model (devices remain at school)
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Grades 5–6: Cart model with individually assigned devices (devices stay at school)
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Grades 7–12: Individually assigned devices; students must bring devices to and from school fully charged
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Grades 5–12: Teachers will provide instruction on device etiquette and digital responsibility
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Grades 5–12: The District will purchase protective cases to increase device safety
Technology Fees
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Grades K–4: $20.00
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Grades 5–6: $50.00
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Grades 7–12: $50.00
Accountability
The district has revised the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), updated the repair fee schedule, and established a family invoicing system for device damages. There will be no first-time warnings under the new "no accidents" policy. Each student will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of their assigned device.
Students in grades K–6 will have devices assigned for instructional use during the school day. Students in grades 7–12 will use devices both at school and at home. Instructional staff will determine when and how devices are used during the school day. Technology fee increases will support service, replacement parts, and protective cases.
More information is available in the full Technology Initiative Form.
Master Facilities Plan
During the 2024–2025 school year, the district developed the Master Facilities Plan to guide long-term facility development and strategic forecasting. District leaders partnered with facilities experts to conduct comprehensive audits, which informed project prioritization for the next five years. These audits highlighted critical needs, including roof replacements and parking lot renovations across campus.
The plan outlines specific objectives, actionable steps, and financial projections to support sustainable infrastructure enhancement. It addresses the challenges of aging facilities while upholding the district’s commitment to the “Raider Way”—a philosophy grounded in safety, efficient resource use, and long-term sustainability.
Mrs. Laurie Strabala, Cafeteria staff
Laurie has worked in the cafeteria for 22 years and you may recognize this smiling face as one of the line server's in the cafeteria. Laurie's 3 grandsons Easton, Grayson, & Jaxon all attend South Range, and get to see her at lunch everyday. If you ever need help cleaning or organizing, Laurie is your go to person & is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever someone needs it, she is truly a team player. All students K-12 enjoy going through Laurie's lunch line and are always greeted with a smile and warm hello.
Mr. Michael Dankovich, Custodian staff
Michael has filled a vital custodial position as part of our afternoon custodial team. Michael has the experience and education for this position. He also comes to use with 20 years experience as a Personal Care Assistant. Working in hospital and emergency care environments, Michael’s experience is an additional benefit of having someone with that skill-set on staff. Michael’s hobbies include being a clown - Boo-Boo - Seriously!
Mrs. Christy Pepperney, SRHS
Christy is hard-working and student-centered. She is continually looking for ways to grow in her profession, collaborate with her school team, and lead within her field. Christy is a trusted colleague and she works as an intervention specialist to support learners with diverse needs.
Christy has 12-plus years working in the field of special education. She earned her business degree from Youngstown State University and a teaching degree from Notre Dame College in Cleveland. She is currently working on her Masters and her Transition to Work endorsement. Christy lives in Poland with her husband Jim and they have three kids - Lauren, AJ, and Jack. She also has two dogs - Ryder and Rosie. Christy is truly an asset to the Raider Community!
Mr. Dan Crish, SRMS
In Mr. Crish's first year at South Range, he has had an extremely positive impact on our Physical Education department. Through implementing new programs and initiatives, our students have been exposed to currently popular activities which can be carried on for a lifetime. Mr. Crish is a wonderful addition to our staff and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Mrs. Debbie Spiese, SRES
Debbie is a 1978 South Range Alumni and has been a teacher at South Range Elementary for the past 31 years. She started her teaching career after graduating from Youngstown State University in 1982 with a degree in Elementary Education K-8. She taught 5th grade at Jackson Milton for 2 years before beginning her family. She returned to teaching when her daughter began Kindergarten at South Range and was grateful to teach at her alma mater. She obtained her Master's Degree from Ashland University in Curriculum and Instruction. Debbie taught first grade for 13 years, and has been teaching second grade for the past 18 years.
Debbie and her husband John, who is a commercial electrician and works for Shell Polymer, enjoy spending time with their grown children and grandchildren. Their son, Jordan (Taylor) and his wife Katie live in Struthers and have two boys; Calvin (8) and Carson (5). Daughter Julie (Taylor Gavin) and her husband John live in Texas and have a boy and a girl; Patrick (7) and Nora (3). Debbie enjoys bible study, the outdoors, traveling, reading, writing, playing with her grandchildren, and spending time with family and friends. She is looking forward to having more time for personal interests, loved ones, volunteering, pursuing hobbies and travel as she has decided to retire this year.
Debbie is grateful for an enriching and deeply rewarding career. She has appreciated the opportunity to serve the community where she grew up and still resides. She shares: “throughout my years at South Range Elementary, I have been blessed to work with an exceptional team of supportive, most generous, and inspirational staff members who have been invaluable to me. I have formed lasting and meaningful friendships. I’ve had the opportunity to help foster a positive school culture, while encouraging growth and leadership qualities in children. My colleagues, students and their families have left lasting imprints upon my heart. I will always cherish my time as an educator at South Range Elementary.”
Mrs. Madeline Caputo, Speech and Language Pathologist
Madeline earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, now known as PennWest Clarion, in 2015. She furthered my education at Ohio University and earned my Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2017. After graduating, Madeline accepted a position at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. South Range was one of the districts she served. In 2019, she graciously accepted a full-time position at South Range. Madeline loves our District- the students, staff, and families have welcomed me since day one. It is such a rewarding experience to watch the students grow and develop their speech and language skills in order to better access their education and gain confidence.
Madeline resides with her husband, two children, and our labradoodle. As a family, they enjoy taking walks, reading together, and playing bocce. In her spare time, Madeline enjoys dabbling in photography and taking courses to further her skills. While she is a novice, Madeline loves the creative process of capturing life's precious moments through the lens!
