Titan Talk

Titan Families,

We are approaching fall break, a much-needed pause in the year when everyone can take a breath, slow down and find some space to rest. There will be no school for students from November 24 to November 28. Buildings will remain open with limited staff from November 24 through November 26, and the entire district will be closed on November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving.

Breaks matter — not just for students who need a reset, but also for the adults who show up for them every day. So, this week's Titan Talk focuses on recharging, reconnecting and taking care of ourselves and each other.

Please know that we are grateful for all of you. We can't wait to see our Titans when they return to school after the break, rested and ready to finish the semester strong.

Breaks can feel peaceful for some families and challenging for others. If someone you love is in emotional distress or having thoughts of self-harm, 988 is always available. This national lifeline connects you directly to trained counselors who can listen, support and guide you through the next steps.

Call or text 988 anytime.

No judgment. No questions about insurance or cost. Just help.

Strong attendance is one of the biggest predictors of student success. Missing just two days a month makes it harder for students to learn, stay connected and stay on track to graduate.

A new Ohio law (House Bill 96) now sets statewide requirements for how schools respond to absences — excused or unexcused:

• 30 hours absent: Schools send a warning letter and offer support.
• 60 hours absent: A required Intervention Plan meeting (in person, phone or virtual).
• Habitual truancy: Schools must file with Juvenile Court (30+ consecutive hours unexcused, 42/month unexcused, or 72/year unexcused).

Families can help by calling in absences early, getting students to school on time, keeping them in school all day and staying in touch with teachers — our shared goal: 9 or fewer absences a year.

For full details, visit our attendance webpage. HERE!

Lorain High has opened a brand-new Staff Wellness Room, providing teachers and staff with a peaceful space to relax, recharge, and refocus during the school day.

The idea originated from social workers Laura Gooch-Brown and Amy DiTullio, who collaborated with community partners to fully fund the project. The space features comfortable seating, grounding tools, a massage chair, and a coffee and tea station — all designed to give adults a few minutes to breathe so they can continue supporting students with patience and care.

Thanks to American Legion Post 30, IAV Post 1, the IAV Women's Auxiliary, and the Ohio State Eagles for supporting this project through donations. READ MORE!

General Johnnie Wilson Band Director Shelli Boes wants to get those unused instruments back into students' hands. If you have a flute, clarinet, trumpet or any other band instrument tucked away at home, consider donating it to help our young musicians start their journey.

We support a lively and growing fine arts program, and no student is turned away who wants to find their rhythm in Lorain City Schools. So, don't let those old instruments sit unused.

EMAIL SHELLI WITH QUESTIONS.

The Lorain Historical Society recently announced the successful completion of a dynamic and engaging partnership with PBS Ideastream and Garfield Elementary School in Lorain to offer the Work it Out Wombats! Family & Community Learning Workshop Series, according to a news release. READ MORE IN THE LORAIN MORNING JOURNAL.

Alison Warfield, a longtime Longfellow Middle School teacher, has started creating low-cost “meal-in-a-bag” kits inspired by Dollar Tree Dinners and placing them in local Blessing Boxes to help neighbors facing food insecurity. With the help of her son and donations from friends, she continues to stock boxes in Lorain and Elyria, reminding us that even small acts of care can make a big difference. READ MORE IN THE ELYRIA CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM.

On November 4, staff took part in training focused on suicide prevention and early intervention—tools and knowledge that can save lives. Throughout the day, educators from across the district engaged in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training at Lorain High School led by Safety Officer Santiago Ruiz.

The same program, which was offered to bus drivers last year, is now expanding to reach the adults who spend their days in classrooms, hallways and cafeterias with students. READ MORE ON CLEVELAND.COM.

Admiral King Elementary wrapped up the week with something a little fun — turkey bowling! Students earned this incentive through their hard work and positive behavior, and they made the most of it. It was silly, loud and exactly the kind of joy that makes school feel like a community.

Our Stevan Dohanos Elementary preschool friends got an early start on Thanksgiving this week by preparing their very own classroom feast — and they took their chef duties seriously. The best part? Sitting together to enjoy the meal they made themselves.

Toni Morrison Elementary brought the holiday spirit to life with a schoolwide “Reverse Thanksgiving Day Parade,” where each grade recreated a classic Macy’s-style parade element — from floats and balloons to dance routines and turkeys. Families were invited to walk the parade route during morning meeting time, ending with a special visit from Santa himself.