OCSD Newsletter

Dear Oberlin School Families,

There is energy in our hallways this April, fueled by the warmer weather and the exciting momentum of our spring programs and academic milestones. As we navigate this busy month together, I want to express my gratitude for the unwavering dedication of our educators and the resilience of our families in making this year a success.

Here are a few highlights from the previous days as well as events coming up:

• Drama Club: A HUGE shout-out to Mr. Austin Smith and the entire cast/crew of “Mamma Mia!” for delivering a truly breathtaking performance that lit up our OHS stage. Your tireless hard work and unwavering dedication were evident in every note and scene, making this a production our community won't soon forget.

• New Building Construction: - The new Oberlin Middle School project is officially underway, staying on budget and on track for an August 2027 opening! Crews are currently building a construction access road on Pleasant Street, which will include a wash station to keep local streets clean. For safety, the Memorial Garden will be fenced off but remains open to the public. Additionally, the old bleachers have been removed and saved for future use. Want a first-hand look at the construction site? The Site Camera is now up and running! To view the live stream, access is at http://construction.oberlinschools.net/ We are in the process of planning our Groundbreaking Ceremony starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 on the District campus, behind the current high school at 281 North Pleasant Street.

• Join Us - Open Enrollment: It is an exciting time for Oberlin Schools as we watch both our students and our new facilities grow side-by-side! Do you know someone who is looking to enroll their child into the District? Oberlin City Schools is pleased to announce that Open Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year will be available now through May 29, 2026. We welcome families residing outside of the Oberlin City Schools District to apply for enrollment and become part of a District committed to academic excellence, student-centered learning, and strong community partnerships. Families interested in applying can access the application on the District website or contact the Board of Education Office for assistance.

Contact Information:

Oberlin City Schools Board of Education

Phone: (440) 774-1458

Website: www.oberlinschools.net

We encourage families to explore what makes Oberlin City Schools a unique and welcoming place for students to learn, grow, and succeed!

As we look toward the final stretch of the school year, please keep in mind that the month of May is always packed with activities, ceremonies, and final milestones. We encourage you to stay tuned to our calendar as we navigate this busy and rewarding time together. Thank you for your continued partnership in making this school year so memorable!

Sincerely,

Dr. David Hall

Superintendent

dhall@oberlinschools.net

The annual egg hunt was a success, with local children enjoying a beautiful day of searching for hidden treasures thanks to the Rotary Club of Oberlin and the City of Oberlin. It was wonderful to see our community come together for such a joyful tradition, filled with bright smiles and plenty of treats!

Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students are officially stepping into the role of published creators as they prepare for this spring’s annual Young Authors event. It has been inspiring to watch these young writers dive deep into the creative process, honing their craft with the focus of seasoned professionals.

The classrooms are buzzing with effort as students work diligently to:

• Capture Vivid Detail: Learning how to "show, not tell" to bring their settings and characters to life.

• Master Grammar: Polishing their mechanics to ensure their message is clear and impactful.

• Narrative Voice: Finding unique ways to tell their stories and share their perspectives with the world.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work and imagination they are pouring into their manuscripts. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to celebrating their final pieces this spring!

Pre-K is all about the joy of discovery. In the classroom, having fun is the foundation of every lesson taught. Students learn naturally as they move throughout their day, turning playtime into a series of meaningful milestones. By exploring and staying curious, our youngest learners grow through every activity and interaction.

We are proud to announce that Langston Middle School has been officially honored with the Momentum Award by the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional academic growth reflected on the 2024-2025 Ohio School Report Cards.

To qualify for this award, Langston Middle School met rigorous state standards, including:

• Performance Index Growth: Improving the overall score by 3 or more points from the previous year.

• Value-Added Rating: Achieving a rating of 4 or more stars, signifying significant progress across the student body.

This achievement is a direct result of the "all-in" attitude displayed by our students, teachers, and staff. Congratulations to Principal Sheila Hicks and the entire LMS team for their dedication to excellence. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the final months of the school year.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 30, as Langston Middle School hosts its 4th Annual Literacy Night from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This evening is a celebration of reading and community, featuring a variety of interactive activities connected to themes from our latest One School, One Book selection.

While the specific book title remains a surprise for the students, the evening’s activities will center on the powerful themes of perseverance, resilience, and belonging. We are thrilled to welcome many of our local community partners who will lead various stations, including:

• Oberlin Public Library

• Oberlin Heritage Center

• Oberlin College’s Philosophy in the Schools (PHITS)

• The MAD Factory

• Lorain County MetroParks

In addition to the activities, families can browse a curated selection at the Scholastic Book Fair, enjoy light refreshments, and enter for a chance to win several raffle prizes. We look forward to seeing our students and families come together for this night of discovery and fun!

Congrats to Max for winning FIRST place at the Power of the Pen competition! Good luck at the state competition in May!!!

This spring, students at Langston Middle School have stepped behind the lens for a unique intergenerational project. Through the Preservation Pictures film company, our students are collaborating with Oberlin College students and residents of Kendal at Oberlin to produce original documentaries.

Participation in this eight-week afterschool club has required immense dedication and determination. Throughout the process, students have gained hands-on experience in the technical and creative aspects of film production, learning what it takes to bring a story to life on screen.

You are invited to view the final documentaries at two upcoming screenings:

• The Apollo Theater: Stay tuned for specific showtime details.

• OHS Spring Music and Arts Festival: A special screening will be held on Saturday, May 2.

We are incredibly proud of these student filmmakers for their commitment to capturing the voices and history of our community.

Before the long weekend, our IB Environmental Systems and Society students got the inside scoop on sustainability from a pro! A huge thanks to Mr. Bob Schanz from Barnes Nursery for visiting OHS to talk all things composting

Youth Basketball

OES basketball is ready for its final showcase game. Student athletes from LMS and OHS helped coach the team all season. The big game is April 30 at 6:00 PM in the OHS Gym.

OHS Flag Football

The flag football season is off to a great start. Our girls are working hard in their first year of the league.

OHS Track/Tennis

The OHS track team competes in the LCAAA County meet this Friday, April 17, at 2:30 PM.

Tennis season also kicks off this Friday at Avon High School at 4:00 PM.

Mentorship & Marinara: A Great Day at Lorenzo’s!

Before we headed off for spring break, Mr. Jay Nimene’s Mentoring Group took their learning on the road—and by "road," we mean right down the street to an Oberlin favorite! The group enjoyed a special lunch at Lorenzo’s Pizzeria, celebrating a semester of growth, hard work, and community building.

Ohio SUN Bucks: $120 for Summer Groceries

Ohio is participating in Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) for 2026! Even if your child gets free meals at school, you must apply or be approved for free/reduced-price meals to receive this specific benefit.

The Benefit: A one-time $120 payment per eligible child.

Eligibility: Households with income below 185% of the federal poverty level.

How to Use: The funds arrive on a card in the mail for use at grocery stores and farmers markets.

How to Get It:

Apply Online: Visit https://ow.ly/USHK50YIg9A.

Deadline: You must apply by August 14 to receive benefits this summer.

Need Help? Call the SEBT Helpline at 1-866-244-0071 (Option 1).

Financial Outlook & Board Updates

At our upcoming Board of Education meeting, we will formally approve the District tax rates. While we continue to collaborate closely with the county auditor to navigate how recent legislative changes may impact our long-term projections, I am pleased to share that the District remains in a strong financial position. Because of this stability, we are not facing any staffing cuts for the upcoming year, allowing us to maintain the high level of support our students deserve.

Important Dates & Reminders:

• Upcoming Board Meeting Please join us for our next meeting starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 in the OES Cafeteria, 210 North Park Street.
• Vote in May: Please remember to head to the polls this May; your participation is vital to our community’s future.
• Finance Committee Meeting: Our next session is scheduled for June 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the Board of Education Office. We encourage you to attend to stay informed on our fiscal planning.

~As always, please remember to vote in all upcoming elections!~

Are you an alumni of Oberlin City School District? Consider joining the Oberlin Schools Alumni Association! For more information, visit the website by clicking HERE!