SOESC CONNECTION

The pace of the school year has shifted, classrooms have quieted, and there’s finally a chance to pause and reflect on all that was accomplished over the past year. From academic achievements and personal growth to meaningful connections and memorable experiences, every success story started with the dedication of students, educators, staff, and families.

While summer offers opportunities for rest and renewal, it’s also a time for planning, learning, and preparing for what comes next. Across southern Ohio, school leaders and educators continue working behind the scenes to ensure students have the support and opportunities they need for another successful year ahead.

At the Southern Ohio ESC, we’re grateful for the partnerships that allow us to serve schools, support staff, and champion student success throughout the year. As we embrace the summer season, we look forward to continuing that work and celebrating the impact being made across our region every day. 🌟

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer!

#Proud2BeSOESC #SOESCConnection

We are proud to celebrate Amanda Ely as our May MVP of the Month! 🎉

Nominators highlighted Amanda's incredible work ethic, reliability, and unwavering commitment to supporting Team SOESC. As a Payroll Specialist, Amanda works diligently behind the scenes to ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, helping employees across our districts receive the support they depend on each pay period.

Amanda is known for her ability to manage multiple responsibilities with efficiency and professionalism. While balancing payroll timelines and supporting more than one district, she consistently delivers high-quality work and meets deadlines with remarkable attention to detail. Her quiet dedication and dependable nature make her an invaluable member of the team.

In addition to her own responsibilities, Amanda is always willing to assist others whenever needed. Colleagues recognize her as someone who consistently goes above and beyond, offering support across departments and helping teammates navigate challenges with a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit. Her willingness to step in, lend a hand, and contribute wherever she can has made a lasting impact on those around her.

Amanda's dedication, professionalism, and service-oriented mindset embody the very best of Team SOESC. She is a true example of our Portrait of an ESC and consistently demonstrates our three ESC Principles through her daily work and interactions with others.

Amanda, thank you for the hard work, positivity, and commitment you bring to SOESC each day. Team SOESC is incredibly fortunate to have you! 😊

👏 Who will be next? Help us continue celebrating the incredible work happening across SOESC by nominating a colleague for our next MVP of the Month.

🗳 Nominations are open now through June 30, 2026: https://bit.ly/SOESCMVP

Looking for ways to keep children engaged and learning throughout the summer? This helpful Edutopia article shares a variety of free and fun resources designed to combat the "summer slide" while making learning enjoyable. From reading programs and math games to hands-on science activities and family-friendly learning ideas, there's something for learners of all ages. It's a great reminder that summer learning doesn't have to look like school, it can be an adventure filled with exploration, creativity, and discovery! 📚🔬🎨🌳

Read the full article here: Fun and Free Summer Learning Resources

Summer learning opportunities can help students maintain academic skills while fostering curiosity and a love of learning all season long.

Looking for nutritious meals for children this summer? The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is once again sponsoring SUN Meals, a summer nutrition program that provides FREE meals for all children ages 1–18 at participating locations across Ohio. 🍽️

💳 Families may also qualify for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)! Eligible families can receive a one-time $120 grocery benefit for each eligible child to help purchase food throughout the summer. Benefits can be used at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.

✅ Participation in a SUN Meals program does not affect eligibility for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT—families may qualify for and participate in both programs.

📍 New meal sites are added throughout the summer, so be sure to check regularly for updated locations and information.

🔗 To learn more about SUN Meals, SUN Bucks eligibility, or how to apply, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's summer nutrition resources.

Together, we can help ensure children stay healthy, nourished, and ready for a successful school year! 🌟

The Southern Ohio ESC is proud to partner with the Fairfield County ESC to support and promote the Drive to Succeed program, made possible through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. Through this grant, our ESC consortium — with Fairfield County ESC serving as fiscal agent — has received funding to provide driver education scholarships for qualifying students and young adults.

Drive to Succeed aims to expand access to driver training for Ohio residents ages 15½ to 20 who may face financial barriers. Eligible participants can receive funding to cover the state-required driver education program, helping them prepare for school-to-work transitions, employment opportunities, college, or trade school pathways.

To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be an Ohio resident
• Be 15½ to 20 years old with a valid Ohio temporary driving permit
• Demonstrate financial need by providing proof of SNAP eligibility within the past 12 months
• If under 18, have a parent/guardian complete an online parent orientation

We encourage districts, school staff, and community partners to share this opportunity with students and families who may benefit.

👉 Learn more or apply: www.faircoesc.org/page/drivetosucceed
📧 Questions: DrivetoSucceed@fairfieldesc.org

For more information regarding hiring please contact Assistant Superintendent, Casey Enochs at cenochs@soesc.org | 937-382-6921 x 1039

The upcoming SOESC governing board meeting will take place on

June 23, 2026- 7:00 pm at the Southern Ohio ESC: 3321 Airborne Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177.

For more information on our governing board, please visit soesc.org/GoverningBoard