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As we enter the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and most importantly, extend heartfelt appreciation to our incredible educators and staff. Each day, our teachers, administrators, support personnel, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria teams, and countless others go above and beyond to support the students and families of our district. Their dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment make our schools not just places of learning—but places of growth, inspiration, and care.

In classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, and offices, the impact of our staff is evident. Whether it’s helping a student master a new skill, offering a listening ear, or simply greeting children with a warm smile, our staff all create a culture of excellence that defines who we are as a district. I encourage everyone—students, parents, and colleagues—to take a moment to thank the educators and staff members who make a difference. A simple word of thanks or note of encouragement can go a long way.

As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, let’s take pride in all that we have achieved together. From academic milestones to athletic victories, from musical performances to community outreach events—this year has been one of resilience, collaboration, and joy. I am especially proud of the ways we have embraced innovation and supported one another through challenges. We have seen growth not just in test scores or graduation rates, but in relationships, engagement, and school spirit. These successes belong to all of us.

While summer is a time for rest and renewal, our work doesn’t stop. Planning is already underway for a strong start to the 2025–2026 school year, and we will continue to seek your input and ideas as we shape the future of our district. Let’s finish this year strong—celebrating our staff, supporting our students, and embracing the community that makes this district a great place to learn and grow.

"A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops." -Henry Adams

The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center is partnering with local school districts in its second annual reading festival themed "Reading is Out of this World". The event will be held at the Ohio Valley Mall on May 3 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will be filled with engaging activities for students of all ages. Come out to see some of our St. Clairsville teachers and elementary school principal at the event. We hope to see you there!

Preschool kicks off our graduation season on Thursday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. where our youngest students will "Roar" into kindergarten! Students in fourth grade will "clap out" their time at the elementary school on May 22 at 9 a.m. Eighth grade graduation will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium. Finally, high school graduation will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 23 at the ECO Center. Congratulations to all students!

The St. Clairsville Elementary Music Makers will be performing their spring musical The Jungle Book Kids on Thursday, May 15th and Friday May 16 at 6 p.m. at the ECO Center on the OUE campus. Tickets will be sold at the door both evenings (cash or check only) for:

• $8 per individual ticket
• $20 for up to four immediate family members (parents/guardians/siblings)

Upcoming Events

• May 1 - State Testing - 4th Grade Math, 5th Grade Science, 6th Grade Math, & 7th Grade Math
• May 2 - State Testing - 5th Grade Science
• May 1-3 - High School Theater presents Mary Poppins - 7 p.m. in MS Auditorium
• May 5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 6-7 - State Testing - 3rd Grade Math
• May 7-9 - 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
• May 8 - Preschool Graduation - 9:30 a.m.
• May 13 - Spring Band Concert - 6:30 p.m. in Gymnasium
• May 14 - BOE Meeting - 5:00 p.m. in Administration Building
• May 14 & 15 - Sports Physicals - MS/HS Cafeteria
• May 15 - Band Banquet - Wise Building
• May 16 - Kindergarten Last Day of School
• May 22 - 4th Grade Clap Out - 9 a.m.
• May 22 - Middle School Awards Ceremony
• May 22 - 8th Grade Graduation - 6 p.m.
• May 23 - Last Day of School for Students and Staff
• May 23 - High School Graduation - ECO Center - 7 p.m.

The Middle School Scholastic Challenge (quiz bowl) team took first place in the annual Belmont County competition, bringing home the coveted traveling trophy pictured below. Students answered Jeopardy-like questions in the core subject areas via several rounds of often intense questioning. These stellar students include from left to right, Aidan Everson, Michael Paul, Jamison Young, Alex Norman, Reid Pack, and Greigh Schnelle. Each year, the first-place team is honored with their names engraved on the traveling trophy. Congratulations on bringing the trophy back to St. C!

A HUGE thank you to the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley, Belmont County Enrichment Fund for their generous donation to purchase Lego Prime Spike Kits for our Middle School STEM program. The lego kits will allow hands-on learning opportunities for our students through the use of building and coding.

Students in first grade enjoyed a trip to Holub's! Students learned first hand the work that goes into a greenhouse and how plants grow and survive. Thank you to Holub's for providing this hands-on experience for our students!

The eighth-grade students are eagerly preparing for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., marked by a special visit from an interpreter portraying Abraham Lincoln. During the event, students engaged in a dynamic question-and-answer session, gaining deeper insights into Lincoln's life, leadership, and enduring legacy.

The annual Academic Awards Banquet was held on April 30. Our students were recipients of over $200,000 in scholarships from local organizations. Best wishes to all of our graduates on their next endeavor!

The St. Clairsville Concert Band achieved state superior! They performed three prepared pieces and a sight reading piece for a panel of judges, earning the highest distinction at the state level for the third consecutive year! Congratulations to these dedicated musicians!

The St. Clairsville Baseball team won their third consecutive OVAC title! Congratulations to the players and coaches for bringing home another championship!

After earning top honors for creativity, teamwork, and innovation in regional and state tournaments, St. Clairsville’s high school team has secured a spot at Destination Imagination’s Global Finals. The competition will take place May 22-25 in Kansas City, Missouri, bringing together the most innovative young minds from around the globe. Among 600 teams from more 13 countries, the St. C High School team earned their spot at Global Finals by excelling in the Scientific, Worlds Beyond, Challenge. Their solution required them to apply skills in STEM, the arts, and more while collaborating to develop a unique and engaging presentation.