Rebel Review
September 26, 2026
South Families,
It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the end of the first quarter. The opening weeks of this school year have gone quickly, and I continue to be impressed by the energy, involvement, and pride our students bring to South each day.
There is a lot to be excited about right now. Our fall athletic teams are having tremendous seasons, our students continue to represent South incredibly well both in and out of the classroom, and throughout this edition of the Rebel Review, you will see examples of our students getting involved, giving back, and taking pride in their school. From athletics and activities to our Start With Hello efforts and the everyday moments that help students feel connected to South, there is a great deal happening in our building.
We also have one of the most special traditions of the school year just around the corner. North-South Week is October 12–16, and there really is nothing quite like it. For generations of students and families, this week has been about much more than a football game. It is a celebration of school spirit, community, tradition, and what it means to be a Rebel. Our students will spend the week participating in activities, building school spirit, and raising money for local charities before we finish the week with the North-South football game at North.
At the same time, we cannot lose sight of our most important work. Thursday, October 15, marks the end of the first quarter. I encourage every family to take some time now to sit down with your child and review PowerSchool. Look at grades, missing assignments, and areas where there may still be opportunities for improvement. There is still time to make a difference, but now is the time for students to communicate with their teachers, ask for help when they need it, and finish the quarter strong.
As you read through this edition of the Rebel Review, please take a few minutes to look at the important dates, celebrations, and opportunities ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of South High School. There is a lot to be proud of at South right now, and even more to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
Every two weeks, I'll continue sharing The Rebel Review to keep you informed about important dates, upcoming events, and the many great things happening throughout our school. As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are off to a fantastic start, and I look forward to all that this school year has in store for our Rebel community. You can visit our website anytime for the latest news and information. And, of course, if you need direct assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the main office at 440-975-3648.
Go Rebels!
Sincerely,
Mr. Suttell
Principal
Mark your calendar for these important events during the first few weeks of school:
September 28 Senior Class Meeting (3rd Period) Cap and Gown Information
October 9 NEOEA Day - No School
October 12-16 North/South Spirit Week
October 16 South at North Football Game 7:00pm
October 16 End of First Quarter
South High Administration
The administrative team at South is eager to work with you and our students to support student success. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the appropriate grade level administrator:
Mr. Andy Suttell, Principal: andrew.suttell@weschools.org
Mr. David Miller, 11th and 12th Grade Principal: david.miller@weschools.org
Mr. James Mrozek, 9th and 10th Grade Principal james.mrozek@weschools.org
Mr. Jeff Fox, Athletic Director: jeffrey.fox@weschools.org
Senior Class Meeting - Cap and Gown Information - September 28
Is it really time to start thinking about graduation? Maybe it feels a little early, but preparations are already beginning for our graduation ceremony on May 27!
Our Jostens representative will be at South to meet with the senior class and explain the process for ordering caps, gowns, and other graduation items.
Seniors should plan to attend the class meeting on Monday, September 28, during 3rd period (9:25 a.m.). Our representative will review what students need for graduation, important ordering information, and next steps.
Please make every effort to be at school and attend this important meeting. More information regarding graduation will be shared throughout the school year as we get closer to the big day!
October 9 - No School - NEOEA Day
As a reminder, October 9th there will be no school for Students as it is NEOEA Day.
October 12-16 - North/South Spirit Week
There are certain traditions that make the high school experience special, and North-South Week is truly one of them. October 12–16 will mark one of the most anticipated weeks of the year at South, as generations of Rebels have celebrated the rivalry, school spirit, and sense of community that make this week so unique. The building comes alive with activities, friendly competition, and plenty of Rebel pride, all leading up to the annual North-South football game. But what makes this tradition even more meaningful is that our students use the excitement of the week to give back, raising money for local charities and demonstrating that North-South Week is about more than a rivalry. It is about tradition, belonging, community, and creating the kinds of memories our students will carry with them long after they leave South. We cannot wait to celebrate another great North-South Week together!
October 16 - North-South Football Game at North
North-South Week culminates on Friday, October 16, with the North-South football game at North. This year’s matchup will be the most anticipated games in the history of this great rivalry, as both teams are currently 6-0 and could enter the game undefeated. We expect an incredible atmosphere and a tremendous turnout from both communities for what promises to be a very special night. Come out, wear your Rebel blue, and be part of one of our community’s greatest traditions!
October 15 - End of First Quarter
Thursday, October 15 marks the end of the first quarter. With the quarter quickly coming to a close, now is an important time for you and your child to check PowerSchool together and review current grades, missing assignments, and any work that still needs attention. Please encourage your child to communicate with their teachers and take care of any outstanding academic responsibilities. Let’s finish the first quarter strong!
October 16 - No School - Teacher Records day
There will be no school for students on Friday, October 16, as our teachers will be participating in Records Day to finalize grades and complete end-of-quarter responsibilities.
News from Our Guidance Department
Please see the South Guidance Newsletter for information, Updates and Quick links that provide information about the Guidance department and process
Additional Reminders from our Guidance Department:
ELIGIBILITY
Make sure your child looks at power school for his/her schedule. Athletes or any students who need eligibility, MUST be carrying 5-6 credits in order to remain eligible. Help them earn eligibility by reminding them that they must pass 5 credits in the 1st quarter. Physical Education does not count toward eligibility.
SCHEDULE CHANGES:
We have completed schedule changes at this point.
If you have any questions, please contact guidance.
LEAF (Lakeland Educational Assistance Foundation)
The LEAF representative, Mrs. Michelle Federer, is here every Wednesday. Please reach out at mfederer@leaf-ohio.org to set up an appointment or ask any question about the college process.
Please encourage your son/daughter to make an appointment with LEAF. You are welcome to attend with him/her.
If you are unable to attend a meeting on Wednesday’s, LEAF also has an office at Lakeland Community College.
Mrs. Federer is happy to help in all areas of post high school decisions.
Senior News:
- Counselors are beginning on Monday to meet with senior students.
- We will call them into the guidance department over the next couple of weeks.
- Encourage your child to create resumes and/or brag sheets.
- Teachers need two weeks to complete letters of recommendation.
- Please invite your child to speak to you about post high school plans.
- FYI: Early Decision is BINDING. Early Action is not BINDING.
Juniors News:
If your student is struggling with his/her classes, please have them reach out to guidance counselors immediately.
If your student is still having trouble finding the bus for their TECH program, please have them come see the secretaries in the main office. They are happy to help!
Encourage your student to make sure eligibility is attainable for Fall/Winter/Spring sports
Academically, this is a very important year for senior year applications next year.
Sophomore News:
Start strong, end strong.
Academically, this is a very important year because of End of Course Exams in Biology, ELA II, American History and Geometry
Reach out and let us know if your child needs support.
Freshman News:
Welcome Aboard.
If your child is having troubles finding classrooms, struggling with homework or school work or needs general support - please have him/her come see guidance.
Please reach out to guidance counselors, if you have any questions, comments, worries or concerns. We are looking forward to working with our families.
If your child is struggling personally or academically, please have him/her come to see counselors in guidance. We can help.
Thank you.
School Counselors:
Ms. Schmidt - students with last names: A-G mary-hope.schmidt@weschools.org
Mrs.Scripp - students with last names: H-O lindsay.scripp@weschools.org
Ms. Joyce - students with last names: P-Z virginia.joyce@weschools.org
PLC Wednesdays
Each Wednesday (beginning August 26) during the school year (unless otherwise communicated), South and North High Schools will be on our PLC Wednesday Schedule, with First period beginning and attendance being taken at 8:30am. Students do not need to be in the building until their first period class.
PLC Wednesday Key Reminders:
- Willoughby-Eastlake buses will run during their regular times. If students arrive prior to 8:30 am, they will attend a supervised, quiet study hall period in the Student Union.
- Students do not need to be in the building until their first period class.
- Attendance will be taken beginning at 8:30 in First Period Class
- Breakfast will be served, we will be extending the time students may get a breakfast until 8:15 am
- Dismissal will occur at normal 2:20 time
- Students arriving from AM Excel TECC programs will be excused for whatever minutes they miss upon arrival.
- CCP students will also be dismissed/permitted-to-arrive based on the start/end times of their CCP classes on Wednesdays and are excused for that time.
Smart Pass Information
SmartPass (a digital pass system) will be used at South High School to support fostering student accountability and responsibility during the school day. SmartPass supports limiting hallway time while making it a priority to keep students in class learning. Every minute counts and attendance matters! Ensuring our students are in class during instructional time is our top priority. The system helps to prevent off-task or unsafe behaviors in hallways and restrooms. Being able to know the destination of kids who are in the hallways helps teachers, support staff and administrators keep kids safe.
Students will be trained on SmartPass during our grade level meetings on August 21. Students will ask their teacher for permission to leave the classroom, start their pass on their Chromebook and then end their pass upon return to the classroom. The pass system allows students, teachers and administration to see how long they are out of class to help students in understanding better use of time. I want to emphasize that this not meant as a means to penalize students. It is simply a better pass system that will to help promote that our students are safe and spending more time in our classrooms learning.
If parents or guardians have any other questions about SMART PASS, please refer to their Parents and Families page.
South Clinic Reminder - Senior Immunization Information
Senior students are required by law to provide proof of MCV4/meningococcal meningitis vaccination (see district communication) It is very important that you submit updated immunization information to our clinic via fax (440-975-3645), or hard copy (return to clinic ). If you have any questions, please email them to our School Nurse at lisa.kovacic@weschools.org.
Reporting Absences
We’re excited to roll out SafeArrival, our new attendance reporting system designed to simplify how student absences are reported and tracked. This system will help reduce daily call volume, streamline the attendance process, and ensure accurate reporting,all while integrating directly with PowerSchool.
How SafeArrival Works
For Parents/Guardian
Absences can be reported via:
1. MyPowerHub Parent Portal ( look for Safe Arrival on the menu drop down)
2. Toll-Free Number: 855-612-7207 (all buildings) * Please Note: only guardians with registered numbers in their students account will be granted an absence. This will
take the place of our previous numbers that were used for attendance purposes.
- Absence types include: Full Day, Late Arrival and Early Release
- Parents can upload doctor’s notes directly through the SafeArrival app on MyPowerHub.
- Once submitted, absence information goes directly into PowerSchool, requiring no manual entry. Please allow the attendance office time to adjust anything that may be relevant to your absence until 9:30am . All attendance changes will be finalized daily by 2:30pm. If you do not report your students absence, multiple attempts will be made by the automatic system to contact you.
- For Early Releases, as long as we have a registered call and pre arranged release, there is no need for a guardian to come in to sign the student out. They may exit the building at the scheduled time.
