_

It is hard to believe that the end of the first grading period is already right around the corner. The start of the 2025–2026 school year has been nothing short of outstanding, and I am incredibly proud of the energy and commitment displayed by both our staff and our students.

The recent facility upgrades across our district have made a tremendous difference. These improvements are more than just enhancements to our buildings—they are investments in the learning environment and overall experience for every student who walks through our doors. The excitement these changes have generated is evident, and it has been inspiring to see the positive impact on teaching, learning, and school pride.

Our staff members continue to go above and beyond to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students. Their dedication sets the tone for success, and their enthusiasm has been contagious. Our students have responded with great energy and engagement, making this a year filled with promise.

Beyond the classroom, our athletic teams have been performing exceptionally well, representing St. Clairsville-Richland City Schools with determination and sportsmanship. At the same time, our fine arts programs are flourishing—showcasing the creativity and talent of our students through music, theater, and visual arts. These opportunities enrich the educational experience and highlight the many ways our young people shine.

As close out the first grading period, I want to thank our families and community for their continued support. Together, we are building momentum for another successful year in St. Clairsville-Richland City Schools.

Our high school science lab renovations are nearing completion, and we are excited to share the progress with our families. Each lab has been thoughtfully redesigned with newly reconfigured spaces, updated water and gas lines, an emergency shut-off system in the Chemistry lab, brand-new casework, and ViewBoards in every classroom. These modernized spaces will allow our students to engage in richer, more hands-on learning experiences that better prepare them with the skills and knowledge needed for success after graduation. In addition, our science teachers are actively participating in training to maximize the use of these new resources, ensuring that every student benefits from a stronger, more engaging science education. This investment reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality opportunities that support both academic growth and future readiness.

Our auditorium is undergoing an exciting transformation, and we can’t wait for our community to see the finished results. The space is being refreshed with a full coat of new paint, an extended stage to better accommodate performances, durable epoxy flooring, modern lighting, and new fans to improve comfort. To make the renovation even more special, our auditorium will also feature brand-new seating generously donated by our local cinema. Once completed — anticipated in October — this revitalized space will serve as a source of pride for our district and an impressive venue for student performances, assemblies, and community events.

Students are already hard at work bringing this musical production of Willy Wonka Jr to life with colorful characters, catchy songs, and sweet surprises. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this fun-filled performance that’s perfect for the whole family! Show dates are as follows:

Wednesday, November 5th at 7pm

Sunday, November 9th at 3pm

Monday, November 10th at 7pm

Tickets are $8. Come out to see this amazing production from our middle school students!

October 3rd - Academic Field Day

October 8th - Board of Education Meeting - 5pm

October 9th - Elementary School Parent-Teacher Conferences - 3:30 - 6:30pm

October 13th - No School - Columbus Day

October 17th - End of 1st Nine Weeks

October 17th - Professional Development Day - No School

October 21st & 22nd - 3rd Grade Fall ELA Assessment

October 21st - Keynote Band Concert - Grades 6-12 - 6:30pm

A huge congratulations to Coach McLean on achieving his 200th career win! This incredible milestone is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and the lasting impact he’s had on our players and program. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement with him — here’s to many more!

The Elementary School PTA recently hosted a Fun Run, where students collected either one-time or per-lap donations to help support school field trips and special events. Even on a hot day, our students embraced the sunshine and gave it their all, making lap after lap with plenty of smiles along the way. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible PTA and all of the parents who contributed to this important cause — your support makes these opportunities possible!

Our boys and girls golf programs are on a remarkable roll this season. The boys captured the 4A OVAC team championship with Mavrik Malin claiming the boy's individual title and Olivia Baker claiming the girl's individual title for the second time in the event's three year history. This is a strong testament to the squad's depth, focus, and consistency. We are so proud of the entire team and coaching staff for their outstanding dedication and excellence.

Recently, our teachers participated in Sphero training to explore new ways of bringing coding and hands-on learning into the classroom. By integrating Sphero robots into lessons, students will have opportunities to strengthen problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills through interactive coding activities. We’re excited to see how this training will enhance student learning across the district!

Our elementary school STEM program has proudly embraced our school motto, Color the World with Kindness. As part of this initiative, every student in grades K–4 contributed to a vibrant sign that now brightens our school entryway. This collaborative project reflects the creativity, teamwork, and kindness of our students, with each child leaving their mark to remind us all of the importance of leading with kindness every day.

We are proud that our Boys Soccer Team has been crowned the OVAC 4A Soccer Champions! Their hard work, determination, and teamwork have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud of this outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations to our athletes and coaches on this well-deserved victory!

The St. Clairsville Marching Band had an amazing first show of their competition season, performing The Last Light. They received 1st place in Class B, Best Auxiliary and qualified for state with a superior rating. Congratulations to our Red Devil Marching Band!