Molnar's Community Update
August 30, 2024
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
The Amherst Board of Education extends its deepest appreciation to the staff of the Amherst Schools for their unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence in education. Each day, they bring knowledge, creativity, and compassion into their classrooms, shaping not only minds but also the character and future of our students.
Their resilience, adaptability, and steadfast support — especially in the face of ever-evolving challenges — have not gone unnoticed. They serve as mentors, advocates, and role models, and the impact they have on our school community is immeasurable.
We are proud to stand beside such an exceptional group of educators whose efforts reflect the core values of the Amherst Schools: equity, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of academic and personal growth for every student.
Thank you to our staff for their tireless service and for being the heart of our school district!
Administrative Changes for 2025-2026
Andrew Hoffman Named Principal at Amherst Junior High School
Beginning next school year Amherst Schools is thrilled to announce Mr. Andrew Hoffman as the new Principal of Amherst Junior High School! With over a decade of experience in education — as a teacher, administrator, and most recently principal at Longfellow Middle School in Lorain— Mr. Hoffman brings strong leadership, a passion for student success, and a commitment to community. Originally from Bay Village, Mr. Hoffman is excited to join the Comet family and work alongside students, staff, and families to build on AJH’s tradition of excellence. Outside of school, he loves spending time with his wife Kelsey and their three young children, enjoying sports, soccer, and the great outdoors. We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Hoffman!
John Brown Named Assistant Principal at Steele High School
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, John Brown is slated to take on the role of Assistant Principal at Marion L. Steele High School. John has made a meaningful impact at Amherst Junior High School this year, earning the respect of students and staff alike. His strong leadership, professional experience, and commitment to student success make him an excellent fit for Steele.
Nick Doehr Named Assistant Principal at Amherst Junior High School
We are pleased to announce that Nick Doehr will be stepping into the Assistant Principal position at Amherst Junior High School. Nick brings valuable experience from his previous roles as Dean of Students at Walter G. Nord School (2022–2024) and as Junior High Principal in the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City School District this year. We are thrilled to welcome Nick back to Amherst and are confident he will make an immediate and positive impact on the AJH community.
These leadership changes are aligned with our district’s strategic goals and mission to educate, equip, and empower all students. We look forward to the continued growth and success of our school community.
Stadium Renovation Update: A New Era Begins
Exciting changes are underway at our stadium! Renovation began last week, and the construction crew wasted no time getting started. They quickly got to work removing the old green track, visitor stands, and the outdated — and unsafe — fence. The transformation continued as they began tearing up the field itself, making way for a fresh new foundation.
This past week marked another big step forward as the home stands and press box were taken down, leaving a clean slate ready for the future. It’s incredible to see such rapid progress, and we’re thrilled about what’s coming next.
A huge shout out to the hardworking construction crew for their dedication and effort, even in the early stages. We’re also deeply grateful to our supportive community — especially our neighbors close to the project—for your patience and encouragement throughout this process.
Stay tuned for the next update — we can't wait to share more as our stadium begins its new chapter!
Exciting News from Amherst Building Department
For more details on the exciting support behind our stadium renovation project, please take a moment to read the official letter from the Amherst Building Department. The city reduced permanent fees by 26.6% resulting in a cost savings of $20,800 on project fees — another example of our community coming together to make great things happen!
Nord 4th Graders go to Columbus
Our 4th Grade Comets had an unforgettable adventure in Columbus! Mrs. Mullen, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Stellwagen, Mrs. Antush, Mrs. Burman, and Mrs. Hershiser’s classes took part in a fun and educational all-day field trip to the Ohio Supreme Court, Statehouse, and Columbus Zoo!
At the Supreme Court, students stepped into the roles of attorneys and judges during a mock trial, bringing learning to life in a big way. At the Statehouse, students enjoyed touring the working government offices and taking in the magnificent sights and architecture — a true lesson in civic pride and Ohio history!
The excitement continued at the Columbus Zoo, where the animals were a hit — but petting stingrays might have been the highlight. What a great day of hands-on learning and exploration for our Comets!
Powers Elementary Celebrates PBIS with Energetic Assemblies!
This week, Powers Elementary brought energy and excitement to our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) efforts by hosting assemblies for our Kindergarten through 3rd grade students. The fun kicked off Monday morning and continued throughout the week as our Comets gathered in the AJH Gymnasium for a spirited assembly, warmly welcomed by Mrs. Glatz’s Wellness class—and a special appearance from Comet Man!
As part of the Big Comet, Little Comet program, students performed engaging skits that brought the Powers Super Powers to life:
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Calm Body
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Kind Words
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Right Thing, Right Time
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Our Building, Our Home
To close out the event, Powers Music Teacher Mrs. Krase led the entire class in singing the beloved Powers School Song — a crowd favorite! Keep an eye on our District Facebook Page for fun recap videos, like the one below, from each assembly. You won’t want to miss the highlights!
Celebrating the Excellence of the Amherst Class of 2025
The Amherst Exempted Village School District, in partnership with the Amherst Schools Educational Foundation, proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 during a special awards evening.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and presenters, this remarkable group of seniors was recognized for their academic accomplishments, scholarships, and military appointments. In total, the Class of 2025 has earned an impressive $2,654,708 in scholarships and awards.
Congratulations to all our award winners and scholarship recipients! Please join us in applauding the outstanding success of the Amherst Class of 2025.
Your 2025 SWC Champions!
Baseball SWC Conference Championship Win
Congratulations to our Boys Baseball team on their exciting SWC Conference Championship win! Your hard work, teamwork, and dedication throughout the season have truly paid off. Way to go, Comets!
AJH Track Shines at SWC Championships
The Amherst Junior High Track & Field teams had an impressive showing at the Ohio SWC Championships! The girls team captured first place, while the boys team earned a strong second-place finish. It was an exciting season filled with hard work, determination, and team spirit. Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches—Go Comets!
Upcoming District Events
This important panel discussion will feature local mental health professionals and community leaders who will talk about the causes, signs, and strategies for managing anxiety in children and teens. Learn about local resources and how we can build a healthier, more confident future for our youth. Bring your questions, connect with experts, and be part of the conversation. All are welcome!
Now Hiring Custodians!
Superintendent Mike Molnar
The Amherst Schools - A Community of Excellence
440-988-4406
The mission of the Amherst Schools is to educate, equip, and empower all students to choose their path and make a positive impact in our community and beyond.
Follow me on Twitter @TheCometSuper
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