Fairview Fast 5
District News from the Fairview Park City Schools
This stretch of the school year can be especially demanding for students. The pace accelerates, with testing, performances, competitions, and decisions about what comes next. For many, it’s exciting. For others, it can feel overwhelming.
It’s a good moment for all of us to pause and remember that how students are doing matters just as much as how they are performing.
A quick check-in, a conversation without an agenda, or simply making space to listen can go a long way. Students don’t always ask directly for help, but they notice when adults are present and engaged.
In our schools, we remain focused on creating environments where students feel seen, supported, and connected. This work isn’t separate from learning. It is what makes learning possible.
As we move through the final stretch of the year, we encourage families to stay connected, reach out when something feels off, and remind students that they don’t have to carry everything on their own.
The Gilles-Sweet Derby Dash is off and running this Saturday, April 25, 2026, bringing Fairview Park residents together with each step.
Now in its 11th year, the Derby Dash has grown into one of Fairview Park’s most recognizable traditions, featuring a 1-mile run/walk and a 5K race. Registration and packet pickup begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 1-mile at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m.
The event is held each year at James B. Daley Stadium on the campus of Fairview High School.
The Derby Dash serves as the primary fundraiser for Gilles-Sweet Elementary, supporting a range of student-centered initiatives and enhancements throughout the building.
When the curtain rises in the Frank W. Barr Auditorium this Friday, a new tradition will officially take the spotlight in the Fairview Park City Schools.
Mayer Middle School Stagecrafters welcome audiences to the auditorium to see their first-ever theatrical performance, “The Day the Internet Died,” a comedy by Ian McWethy and Jason Pizzarello. Opening night for the production is on Friday, April 24, at 7:00 PM, with two shows on Saturday, April 25 - one at 2:00 PM and the other at 7:00 PM.
Mayer Middle School Stagecrafters, open to students in grades six through eight, began not with a single directive, but with a growing interest in expanding artistic opportunities beyond the high school level.
Gilles-Sweet Elementary School is taking a fresh approach to building school culture, launching a redesigned “house system” at the beginning of the year.
The updated model, part of the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, focuses on consistent classroom-based “House Huddles,” cross-grade “Village Visits,” and schoolwide assemblies, “Gilles Gatherings,” that bring the entire building together.
“So within the PBIS system, a very large part of that system is building a schoolwide community,” Gilles-Sweet Elementary Associate Principal Shanna Kovi explained. “Making sure everyone feels welcome, seen, and part of a team. Our house system is important because it does just that.”
The halls of Parkview Early Education Center were filled with color and creativity on Friday, March 27, as families gathered for the school’s annual Art Show and Ice Cream Social.
Featuring artwork from approximately 180 students, the event showcased projects from every classroom, including toddlers through pre-kindergarten. Each year, the show has a different theme for artists to base their work around. This year’s theme was “Colorful Creatures - Real or Imaginary.”
While themes vary from year to year, the goal remains consistent: to give every child the opportunity to create something unique while exploring different artistic methods and materials.
For many eighth graders at Lewis F. Mayer Middle School, the annual trip to Washington, D.C., has become a rite of passage. This three-day experience with a fast-paced itinerary, blends history, civics, and fun shared experiences for students.
“It is jam packed… but if we can squeeze as much as we can in there, I’m going to do that,” said Janice Frygier, an eighth-grade English teacher at the school, and the trip’s coordinator.
This year, approximately 90 students made the trip. They visit and experience famous landmarks, institutions, memorials, and museums, each offering unforgettable connections and experiences.
Returning Student Registration is NOW OPEN!
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Returning student registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open!
Take a few minutes now to complete registration and check it off your list for the summer. All returning students must be registered by August 14.
Log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal or find more information at fairviewparkschools.org/registration.
Derby Dash Basket Raffle Tickets Available Now
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Support the Derby Dash and take a chance to win! 🎟️
The Gilles-Sweet Derby Dash basket raffle feature a wide variety of themed prizes, from family fun experiences to gift cards and more. Purchase your tickets online today—no need to be present to win—and help support students and programs at Gilles-Sweet Elementary. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Learn More About Upcoming Summer Programs
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Summer is right around the corner! 😎 Many fun and engaging programs are available this summer in Fairview Park and Northeast Ohio for children of all ages, including Camp Invention at Gilles-Sweet Elementary, Fairview High School Summer Sports Camps, and programs at the Fairview Park Gemini Center and Library.
Gilles-Sweet Art Show Opening Night Celebration: May 6
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Gilles-Sweet Elementary will showcase student artwork throughout the first-floor hallways during the week of May 4, featuring pieces from every student at the school. Families are invited to an Opening Night Celebration on Wednesday, May 6, from 5–7 p.m., with interactive activities and a chance to explore the exhibit together.
The show will also be open to the public on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Creative Arts & Design Showcase Returns to FHS/MMS in May
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The Creative Arts & Design Showcase returns to FHS and MMS in May!
Join us for the 2026 Creative Arts & Design Showcase, featuring artwork, designs, and projects from Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School students.
🗓 Open to families: Saturday, May 16 | 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
📍 Fairview High School Innovation Center
Come explore a wide range of student art and design work and support our talented students!
Upcoming Spring Music Concert Information
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Make sure to join us this spring in the Frank W. Barr Auditorium for the final concerts of the 2025-2026 school year! Celebrate our student-musicians as they complete another wonderful concert season in Fairview! Check out the website for more information.
🎶 FHS/MMS Super Pops Choir Concert
Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM, Grades 5-12
🎺 FHS/MMS Super Pops Band & Orchestra Concert
Saturday, May 16 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Grades 5-12
🎵 Gilles-Sweet 2nd Grade Concert
Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 PM
We’re always working to improve how we communicate - and your input makes a difference.
Please consider taking five minutes to complete our district communication survey and let us know what’s working and what could be better. Responses are confidential and will help guide our next steps.
The survey will be open from Monday, April 13 through Friday, May 15. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us by email at communications@fairview.k12.oh.us.