Septmber Community Newsletter

Happy September, Wildcat families! 🐾 We’re kicking off the month with high energy at the Richwood Fair best of luck to all our North Union students showcasing their hard work!

Looking ahead, Homecoming Week starts September 14th. Mark your calendars and join us for the celebrations!

Upcoming September Events:

• September 2–4: Richwood Fair (No School)

• Monday, September 7: Labor Day (No School)

• Monday, September 14: Wildcat Power Hours (2 hour delay for students)

• Wednesday, September 16: Homecoming Snake Dance (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)

• Saturday, September 19: High School Homecoming Dance (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Monday, September 21: NU Board Meeting (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)

Dear North Union High School Families,

We want to share an important update regarding changes to Ohio’s school attendance laws that went into effect this year. Under Ohio House Bill 96, the state has shifted its focus toward early intervention for chronic absenteeism.

Key changes you should know:

• All Hours Count: The law now counts all missed time—including excused, medical, and unexcused absences—toward a student's total hours for the year.
• Chronic Absenteeism Threshold: A student is now considered "chronically absent" if they miss 10% or more of the school year (roughly 2–3 days per month) for any reason.
• Family Notification: Schools are now required to notify families in writing once a student has missed just 5% of the required school hours.

Why Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is the foundation for academic success. Students who attend school consistently develop stronger work habits and are significantly more likely to reach critical benchmarks, such as reading proficiency and graduation.

We Are Here to Help
We understand that life happens and some absences are unavoidable. Our goal is to partner with you to ensure your student has the support they need to stay in class and succeed.

If you have questions about these new regulations or need assistance with barriers to your student's attendance, please reach out to Mr. Burris, Assistant Principal, at the North Union High School office at 740-943-3012.

North Union High School has opened a food pantry for students and their

families, thanks to many generous donations from our community

and county partnerships. We are currently sending home food

once per week with students who have already requested

assistance.

If your family could benefit from this support, please click the button below to fill out the

following form or contact

Barbara Patterson at bpatterson@nu-district.org or

(740) 943-1806.

Contact Candace Hunt at chunt@nu-district.org with questions.

Applications can be turned into the high school office during the month of June M-F 9:00 - 2:00.

We are excited to partner with Muskingum Ohio Valley ESC Driving School to bring driver’s education closer to home. This does not mean that we have driver’s education classes back at North Union but it does, however, mean that we have staff at North Union who will be able to facilitate your child’s driver’s education through Muskingum Valley ESC Driving School. This was made possible through the CODE grant that several districts in Ohio applied for. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Did you know that students need to earn 2 diploma seals? There are 12 total, including the science and citizenship seal. Grades are important for those seals. Please remind your student to strive for great grades in their classes, especially if they are a student who typically does not "test well". Here are the requirements for each seal:

Citizenship - earn a B or better in both US History and Government

or score a 700 or better on the end of course exams for US History and Government or earn a B or better in a CCP US History and CCP Government class.

Science - score a 700 or better on the Biology end of course exam

or earn a B or better in an advanced science - such as Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry or earn a B or better in a CCP Science class

More information on diploma seals can be found here: Diploma Seal Resources

Fan Fair Play Code (OHSAA "Respect the Game" Message)

I will remember that young people play sports for THEIR enjoyment.

• I will have a realistic expectations and will understand that doing one's best is just as important as winning. I understand that ridiculing an athlete for making a mistake is not acceptable behavior.
• I will respect the official's decisions and will encourage others do the same.
• I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches and understand that they have given their time to provide sport activities for our young people.
• I will encourage athletes and coaches to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
• I will show respect for my team's opponents because I realize without them there would be no game.
• I will not use bad language and will not harass athletes, coaches, officials or other spectators.
• I will always show good sportsmanship. Young people learn by example.

Games get heated, we are passionate about our wildcats, and we love our kids. Let's show them our support every game by presenting ourselves as adults, parents, and staff that adhere to values and character that model positive behavior. Go Wildcats!

Website: https://www.n-union.k12.oh.us/northunionhighschool_home.aspx
Location: North Union High School, North Franklin Street, Richwood, OH, USA
Phone: 7409433012
Twitter: @NUHS_Principal