Fairview Fast 5
District News from the Fairview Park City Schools
Dear Fairview Park City Schools Community,
Thursday, March 20, marked the first official day of spring and the last day of the third marking period for students. We are now headed into the home stretch of the 2024-2025 school year. It is a great time to reflect on all we have accomplished this year and celebrate the creativity, connection, and care that makes our school community thrive.
In this month’s edition of the Fairview Fast Five, you will learn about the Sources of Strength program at Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School. Through small group conversations, team-building games, and hands-on activities, students explored the eight strengths that promote resilience. It is a powerful reminder of how vital student voices are in helping to create a culture of belonging.
We also spotlight our food service team and their success with International Food Wednesdays, where students explore international cuisine, sparking dialogue, curiosity, and connection during lunch.
Finally, we highlight our visual and performing arts programs in the Fairview Park City Schools. We take you inside the Creativity in the Community classroom, where high school art students use their artistic skills to collaborate with local organizations and city leaders to create public art projects that beautify and support the Fairview Park community.
Students across Fairview Park City Schools filled March with music, connection, and inspiration as they celebrated Music In Our Schools Month through concerts, live performances, and districtwide musical experiences that showcased the lasting impact of music education.
As always, I thank you for your continued support of the Fairview Park City Schools and wish you and your families a spring season filled with growth, renewal, and happiness.
Sincerely,
Keith Ahearn
Superintendent, Fairview Park City Schools
March came alive with music across the Fairview Park City School District as students of all ages took center stage in celebration of Music In Our Schools Month, a national initiative highlighting the importance of music education in student development.
The month began with three days of concerts in the Frank W. Barr Auditorium at Fairview High School, featuring students from grades 5 through 12. The concerts, held March 4-6, are traditionally performed each quarter throughout the academic year.
On March 7, one of the month’s key signature events brought Fairview High School musicians to Gilles-Sweet Elementary, where they performed live for students in grades 1 through 5. Members of the Fairview High School band, orchestra, and choir presented selections from their recent concert, giving younger students a glimpse into the future of their musical education.
A group of fifth graders from Gilles-Sweet Elementary visited Fairview High School recently — not for a class or a tour, but to learn about resilience, connection, and mental wellness through the Sources of Strength program.
The peer-led orientation event was designed and led by high school and middle school students active in Sources of Strength, a national program that promotes mental health and well-being by building protective factors like mentorship, positive friendships, and healthy activities.
“From the moment they walked in, they were excited to be here,” Sources of Strength Advisor and Middle School English Teacher Janice Frygier explained. “Being up at the high school gave them a glimpse of what’s to come and made it a more impactful experience.”
While exploring creative expression in Fairview High School’s Innovation Center, students are also discovering the power of art to connect and serve others.
Creativity in the Community is a service-learning art class that combines student creativity with real-world collaboration. This new, semester-long class empowers students in grades 10-12 to apply their artistic skills to projects that serve the city of Fairview Park, the Fairview Park Schools, and its surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
“What we’re trying to do is mix the learning of art skills and integrate it with service learning and merging the two experiences together with community members,” Fairview High School art teacher Ryan Graff explained.
At Fairview Park City Schools, lunch is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of culture, as students explore global cuisines on International Food Wednesdays.
Throughout the school year, the Food Services team in the district has brought globally inspired meals to students at Fairview High School, Mayer Middle School, and Gilles-Sweet Elementary.
“We started it the first week of school,” Fairview Park City School District Food Services Coordinator Holly Berg explained. “As a matter of fact, it was our very first meal of the year."
Fairview Stagecrafters and International Thespian Troupe 8671 present Disney's The Little Mermaid
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements.
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Dive under the sea with Fairview High School’s Stagecrafters and Thespian Troupe 8671 as they bring The Little Mermaid to life March 28–30 in the Frank W. Barr Auditorium at Fairview High School.
SHOWTIMES:
- March 28 & 29 at 7 PM
- March 30 at 2 PM
TICKETS:
- $8 for seniors & students
- $13 general admission
In this episode of The Fairview Advantage Podcast, we sit down with students and staff involved in Fairview High School’s 2025 spring musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Cast and crew members Aubrey W. (10th grade), Lillian C. (11th grade), and Emma C. (8th grade) join Director Mrs. Jessica Atwood to share behind-the-scenes insights and reflections on this year’s production.
From innovative set designs to the challenges of dancing while singing iconic songs, students discuss how the show has pushed them creatively and technically. The episode also highlights the unique bonds formed between middle and high school students, the leadership growth among cast and crew, and the passion that drives the entire Stagecrafters team. With nearly 90 students involved, The Little Mermaid exemplifies collaboration, resilience, and community.
Cell-Phone Free Schools Policy Information
At the March 18 Board of Education meeting, the Fairview Park City School Board of Education introduced Policy 6.61 – Student Use of Cell Phones in Schools. I. In compliance with House Bill 250, our district is required to implement new guidelines to minimize distractions, support student focus, and promote overall well-being.
Click here for more information about the Cell-Phone Free Schools Policy
2025 Summer Programs & Activities
Many fun and engaging programs are available this summer in Fairview Park and Northeast Ohio for children of all ages, including Fairview High School Summer Sports Camps.
Click here for more information about Summer Programs in Fairview Park and Northeast Ohio
Sign up for the Derby Dash on May 10
Join us at the 2025 Derby Dash to support the students at Gilles-Sweet Elementary. The 5K race and 1-mile Fun Walk begin at 7:30 AM at the James B. Daley Stadium at Fairview High School on Saturday, May 10.
Click here for more information and to register for this year's Derby Dash
Kindergarten & New Student Registration
Kindergarten Registration and New Student Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! The registration process is easy and 100% online.
Find everything you need, including:
General information
Required documents
Frequently asked questions
Link to begin registration
Do you have a student who is new to the Fairview Park City School District next year? Do you have additional questions? Visit our website for more information and to begin the process today.
Fairview Park PTA Easter Egg Hunt
Come get ready to celebrate the Easter season with the Fairview Park PTA. We are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at Gilles-Sweet Elementary School on Saturday, April 12, 2025. We will hold two sessions: 9:30am and 11:00am. Cost is $10 per child and includes a donut; juice, hot chocolate or water; and a fun, supervised egg hunt on the playground of Gilles-Sweet.
City of Fairview Park Recycling Calendar Contest
2026 Calendar Theme: The Dos and Don’ts of Recycling Recycle Right: Know What to Toss, What to Recycle!
The City of Fairview Park is holding its 8th annual citywide calendar artwork contest designed to capture what this theme means to residents and families! Winning artwork will be featured in the 2026 Recycling Calendar.
Click here for more information on how to submit artwork to the contest.