SOESC CONNECTION
Welcome to the July Edition of the SOESC Connection!
☀️ Summer Check-In: Are You Ready for a New School Year? ☀️
July is a month of preparation, anticipation, and a little bit of summer fun. Before we dive into another exciting school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate where we’ve been and look ahead to what’s coming next.
Take a moment to reflect:
📚 What is one accomplishment from this past school year that made you proud?
🌱 What is one thing you’re looking forward to in the year ahead?
⭐ What is one goal you hope to accomplish this school year?
Summer is a season of preparation and growth. Behind the scenes, our teams are learning, planning, and collaborating to strengthen our skills, expand our resources, and prepare to bring our very best to the schools and communities we serve. We believe that investing in ourselves allows us to better support others, and we’re excited to begin another year of learning, service, and impact together.
As we count down to the start of the 2026–2027 school year, we’re reminded that every new year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference.
We want to hear from you! Share your answers with us in the comments on social media, and let’s celebrate the excitement, goals, and possibilities ahead. 🌟
#Proud2BeSOESC #SOESCConnection
🎉 June MVP of the Month: 🎉
We are proud to celebrate Guy Chambers as our June MVP of the Month! 🎉
Guy’s nomination highlighted his dedication to helping share and celebrate the incredible work happening across the Southern Ohio ESC and the region we serve. Through his communications and marketing work, he helps shine a light on the accomplishments of our staff, students, and partner districts, making sure the people and successes behind the work get the recognition they deserve.
One of the things that makes Guy’s role especially meaningful is the opportunity to celebrate the many great things happening throughout SOESC. From big accomplishments to the everyday moments that make a difference, he enjoys finding ways to share those stories and help others feel appreciated for the work they do.
His nomination also recognized his willingness to lend a hand and support his teammates whenever needed. Whether behind the scenes or jumping in to help, Guy strives to be a positive and dependable teammate and a proud ambassador for SOESC.
We are grateful for the creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm Guy brings to his work each day. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Guy! And a special thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate him. 💙
👏 Keep the Recognition Going!
Who will be our next MVP? Help us continue celebrating the incredible people who make Team SOESC so special by nominating a colleague for our next MVP of the Month!
🗳 Submit your nomination: https://bit.ly/SOESCMVP
We’re excited to celebrate some recent recognition for Region 14! The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recently featured the 43rd Annual Exceptional Achievement Award Recognition Ceremony in a statewide spotlight, highlighting the incredible work happening across our region to support students with disabilities, educators, and families.
Held in April, this annual celebration brought together school districts, families, and community partners from Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, and Highland counties to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. Coordinated by Amy Luttrell, State Support Team Consultant, and Guy Chambers, Communications Specialist, the event honored more than 25 Exceptional Achievement Award recipients, Outstanding Students, an Outstanding Educator, and schools and districts recognized for their commitment to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
The event was also a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the dedication of individuals like Marvin “JR” Newberry (pictured above on left) of Western Brown Local School District, who received an Exceptional Achievement Award for his incredible 56 years of service supporting students with care, compassion, and commitment. JR’s story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact educators and community members can have on the lives of students.
This recognition from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is a wonderful reflection of the dedication, collaboration, and heart that exists throughout Region 14 and the work of Region 14 SST Director Jeff Royalty (pictured above on right) and the entire Region 14 State Support Team. From educators and families to community members, this celebration showcases what is possible when we work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
We are proud to see Region 14’s commitment to inclusion and student success recognized at the state level. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees and everyone who continues to make a difference each day! 👏
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! 🌟
SOESC Governing Board Meeting Dates
The upcoming SOESC governing board meeting will take place on
August 25, 2026- 7:00 pm at the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center: 3321 Airborne Rd. Wilmington, OH 45177.
For more information on our governing board, please visit soesc.org/GoverningBoard