PCSD Press
October 1, 2026
October 2026
From the Superintendent's Desk
Dear PCSD Families and Community,
As we settle into the school year, I’m proud of the learning, creativity and dedication taking place across our district. Our students are building new skills, our staff are helping them grow, and our families and community partners continue to play an essential role in their success.
This Fall, I look forward to opportunities to connect with you, celebrate our schools and discuss the work ahead. Listening to your questions and ideas is an important part of building a stronger district together.
With the return of PCSD Press, we’re pleased to share more of that work with you. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.
Dr. Scott J. Hunt
Superintendent
News & Announcements
PCSD Alumni Spotlight: Frank Oriti
For Frank, a proud Parma Senior High Class of 1984 graduate and owner of Mars Trucking, a passion for cars became the foundation for a career.
As an elementary student at Parkview, he would look over at Parma Senior High’s auto shops and picture his future: “Man, that’s me. I can’t wait to get there.”
Through the district’s Auto Mechanics program, he built his race car alongside classmates and his teacher—and had a crowd of Parma classmates cheering him on at the track. Watch as he reflects on the hands-on learning, supportive teachers and school pride that helped shape his future.
PCSD Earns a 4 Star Rating on Ohio School Report Card
Parma City School District (PCSD) earned an overall 4-star rating on the 2026 Ohio School Report Card, reflecting the continued commitment to student success across the district.
Highlights from the 2026 report cards include:
PCSD maintained its overall 4-star rating.
Career-technical education maintained its overall 5-star rating, the highest possible rating.
The Graduation component increased from 3 to 4 stars, with both the four- and five-year graduation rates rising by approximately three percentage points.
The district’s College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness score improved.
Proficiency rates increased in several tested grade levels and subjects, including math, English language arts, science and government.
The CTE Achievement component increased from 4 to 5 stars, while Technical Skill Attainment rose from 92.3% to 94.3%.
Parma Senior High Alumnus Frank Herda '66 Honored with Historical Marker
A historical marker honoring Parma Senior High alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient Frank A. Herda was unveiled September 25 at Parma Veterans Memorial Park. State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan led the ceremony, joined by Herda’s former classmates, local officials and community members. Valley Forge High School students participated by providing band music, leading the Pledge of Allegiance, reading Herda’s Medal of Honor citation and laying a wreath in his honor.
Two PCSD Teachers Earn Statewide Honors
Both of Ohio’s 2026 Outstanding Social Studies Teacher awards are coming home to PCSD! The Ohio Council for the Social Studies recognized Kelly Chismar of Pleasant Valley Elementary as Outstanding Primary Teacher and Robert Cyr of Normandy High School as Outstanding Secondary Teacher. These awards celebrate excellence in social studies instruction and dedication to students. Congratulations to both educators on this well-deserved recognition! Read more
Dentzler Student Scores a Super Bowl Surprise
Dentzler first-grader Amelia and her family are headed to the 2027 Super Bowl! After completing the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and Finn’s Mission, which teaches lifesaving skills such as Hands-Only CPR, Amelia was selected as one of five student winners nationwide. Her prize includes two Super Bowl tickets, flights and a hotel stay. Congratulations, Amelia—what an exciting reward for learning how to help others! Watch the video
A $10,000 Win for Shiloh School Spirit
Shiloh Middle School won FOX 8’s Back-to-School Showdown, earning $10,000 in spirit wear from 1st Place Spiritwear! Shiloh was one of 24 schools on the prize wheel before the final spin landed on our Raiders. FOX 8 later visited to capture the celebration. Thank you to everyone who nominated Shiloh and helped put our school spirit in the spotlight! Watch the video
Reminders & Important Information
Download Stopfinder
Your student’s bus information is right at your fingertips! Stopfinder lets families view bus stops and schedules, receive GeoAlerts and notifications about delays or route changes, and message the Transportation Department. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then follow your emailed registration invitation to get started. Need help? Call 440-885-2326 or learn more on our website.
Free Breakfast & Lunch for ALL Students!
School meals, both breakfast and lunch, are free for all students every day, with no sign-up or paperwork required! This month, we enjoyed local watermelon and peaches, and as the weather turns colder, we’re transitioning to Ohio-grown apples.
Students, join us for breakfast and start your day off right. Try our new housemade breakfast wraps, overnight oats, or peanut energy bites! View complete menus here.
Breakfast times:
Elementary: 8:55-9:25am
Middle: 7:30-8:00am
High: 7:00-7:30am
Attendance Reminders
PCSD Food Market
PCSD is partnering with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to offer fresh produce and baked goods to families and community members at no cost. Join us at Shiloh Middle School, 2303 Grantwood Drive, on Thursday, October 22, or Wednesday, November 18, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. No ID, registration or proof of income is required. Food will be pre-packed and brought directly to your vehicle. Enter the side parking lot and follow the posted signs; vehicles may begin lining up after 3:30 p.m. View flyer
Find School and Community Flyers on Peachjar
Looking for local activities, programs and events for your family? PCSD distributes school and approved community flyers digitally through Peachjar. Look for Peachjar emails in your inbox, or visit Flyer Central and select “View all Current PCSD School Flyers” to browse anytime.
Calendar
📅 10/13: Community Conversation
Location: Dentzler Elementary
Time: 6-8pm
Join us for a building tour, student work exhibitions, and a chance to connect with building & district leadership. This topic will be District Report Card/Ratings and Academic Progress.
📅 10/23: Celebrate the Battle of Parma!
Bring your school spirit on Friday, October 23, as Valley Forge takes on Normandy at Byers Field! Enjoy a tailgate from 4-7 p.m. and cheer on our schools and community partners in a 5 p.m. parade from Valley Forge High School to Byers Field.
Before the game, our kindergarteners will join graduating seniors on the field for the beloved Kindergarten & Senior Walk, celebrating the beginning and culmination of their PCSD journeys. Kindergarten families can sign up here.
📅 10/25: Parma Young Professionals Annual Senior Yard Clean Up
Help our senior neighbors stay safe at home! PCSD students, families and staff are invited to join Young Professionals of Parma for its annual Senior Yard Cleanup on Sunday, October 25, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers will meet at Old Brook High School’s Parma campus, 8555 Day Drive, before heading out to help clear leaves from local yards.
At-a-Glance
- 10/8: Board of Education Meeting
- 10/22: Board of Education Meeting
- 10/24: Parma Heights Frights
*Reminder that all Board of Education Meetings can be livestreamed on our YouTube page
Just For Fun: The Monthly Poll
Let’s tackle the big issues. Or at least the fun ones!
Candy corn: where do you stand?!
Parma City School District is proud to serve nearly 9,000 students across the communities of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills. Our district is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities that prepare every student for success, from preschool through graduation. With dedicated teachers and staff, outstanding academics, career technical education, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs, we are helping students learn, grow, and thrive every day. We are proud to be one district, united in supporting the future of our students and our community.