The Weekly Update #4
August 19th, 2025
Welcome to the first edition of “Tuesdays with Mr. Knoll” for the 2025-26 school year! Starting today, and every other Tuesday, we will be sending this newsletter to keep you informed about student and staff achievements along with important district events. We hope this keeps you connected with all that’s happening at Canfield Schools.
In Canfield, everything we do is grounded in our mission to educate, motivate, and innovate for individual lifelong success. Whether it’s a teacher igniting curiosity in a student, a coach instilling confidence, or a community member lending support, these everyday moments shape the culture that defines us.
That culture is visible across our district—in the care we show one another, the high standards we hold, and the way we inspire each student to reach their fullest potential. It’s in our commitment to nurturing the whole child and creating a school environment where every student can thrive.
What sets Canfield apart is not just what we do — it’s how we do it. That shared sense of purpose, pride, passion and perseverance is what we call The Cardinal Way. It’s the heart of who we are and it will guide us forward through another successful year.
Feel free to submit your staff and student achievements at CanfieldUpdate@canfieldschools.net. Wishing everyone a fantastic school year!!
REMINDER ...
Parents, please remember to complete your student’s FinalForms as soon as possible. These forms provide us with important information needed for your child’s safety, health, and participation in school activities. Keeping your FinalForms up to date ensures that we have accurate emergency contacts, medical details, and permissions on file. If you have already completed your forms, thank you! If not, we ask that you log in and finish them at your earliest convenience so your child is fully prepared for the school year. If you are not receiving emails from FinalForms, please contact your building secretary to verify your email address.
Powering down: District is now “cellphone free”
The 2025-26 school year will mark a new step forward in reducing distractions and supporting student well-being, as the district adopts a new cell phone policy. As required by law, this policy states that students will no longer be permitted to use cell phones, smartwatches, or other devices that send or receive messages and/or phone calls during the instructional day. The goal of this change is to create a more focused learning environment, minimize classroom disruptions, reduce disciplinary issues, and support lower stress and anxiety levels for both students and staff. Exceptions will be made for students who require a device to monitor a health condition with a written statement from a doctor or for approved educational purposes, as determined by school officials.
Keeping Safety Our Top Priority
Canfield Local Schools is always looking for ways to make our schools even safer. This year, we are adding a new tool called ZeroEyes, advanced AI security software that helps identify and report potential threats faster.
We are the first district in Mahoning County to use this technology which will allow our security cameras to detect a gun, if brandished, and alert law enforcement in seconds.
It will work alongside our existing safety measures, including secure buildings, close collaboration with the Canfield Police Department, and our three dedicated school resource officers.
“Safety is our top priority,” said Superintendent Joe Knoll. “ZeroEyes gives us another layer of protection and helps us respond quickly in partnership with local law enforcement if a threat ever arises.”
MSC Chemical Spill Update
Interim Measure efforts to address impacts in the adjacent ditch are nearly complete. Final work—including installation of the liner, recovery systems, and supporting infrastructure—is expected to be finished this month. The goal of the Ditch Interim Measure is to help protect stormwater quality as it flows through the ditch next to MSC and downstream to Sawmill Creek. MSC will continue to operate and maintain this system as required by the Ohio EPA until it is no longer needed.
In response to community feedback about fencing along Sawmill Creek, MSC and the Ohio EPA are pursuing an alternative approach to limit access. Instead of a fence, the proposed plan calls for posting signage along Sawmill Creek near the northern boundary of the Canfield High School property. This approach has been reviewed with the Ohio EPA, Canfield Local School District, and the Mahoning County Health Department. MSC is also coordinating with the City of Canfield to ensure all zoning and permitting requirements are met before submitting the final plan to Ohio EPA for approval. Signage will be installed once all necessary approvals are in place.
Please share your fair photos with us!
Email: CanfieldUpdate@CanfieldSchools.net.
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ANNUAL COMMUNITY TAILGATE!
The Canfield PTA invites you to this big event!
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📆 Friday, Sept. 5, Before the Varsity Football Game vs. Cardinal Mooney
📍 Canfield High School
100 Cardinal Dr, Canfield, OH 44406
Join us on the outdoor basketball courts for:
🌭 Free hot dogs, chips, and water
🎉 Bounce houses for the kids
🎶 A live DJ spinning tunes
📣 Special performances from the Canfield Marching Band and Cheerleaders
Let’s show our Cardinal Spirit and celebrate the new school year together! ❤️🖤
