Exciting back-to-school season offers opportunity for impactful learning

As summer winds down, Northridge Local Schools is gearing up for an exhilarating start to the new school year. With a renewed commitment to academic excellence, community engagement and student well-being, the district is all set to create a memorable and impactful learning experience for students.

The hallways are abuzz with anticipation as educators, administrators and staff members put the final touches on their plans to welcome students back on the first day of school Thursday. With the guidance of building administrators Tony Hiser (preschool through fifth grade) and Aaron Drakeford (grades 6-12), Northridge is prepared to embark on a journey of growth, learning and achievement.

“We are thrilled to open our doors once again and see the smiling faces of our students,” said Drakeford, the newly named building administrator for grades 6-12.

“Our dedicated team has been hard at work over the summer to ensure that Northridge Local Schools continues to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where every student can flourish,” added Hiser.

Northridge Local Schools takes pride in its commitment to academic excellence. This year, the district is introducing an array of innovative programs to enhance students’ learning experiences. From cutting-edge technology integration to hands-on project-based learning, students can expect a dynamic curriculum designed to ignite their curiosity and prepare them for the challenges of the modern world.

In order to support these innovative programs, Northridge Local Schools will be implementing a one-hour delay schedule every Friday.

“This new schedule will allow our staff time to successfully implement new and essential innovations that will allow us to continue to always improve for the purpose of student success,” Superintendent Dave Jackson said.

In addition to academic growth, Northridge Local Schools places a strong emphasis on the well-being and mental health of its students. The counseling department provides services to provide additional support and resources to students as they navigate their educational journey. With a focus on fostering resilience, emotional intelligence and healthy coping mechanisms, Northridge is dedicated to nurturing the whole student.

Parents and guardians are invited to play an active role in their child’s education through various engagement opportunities. Northridge Local Schools will be hosting open house Wednesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Our staff is hard at work planning more events, including parent-teacher conferences and community engagement events throughout the school year to promote a strong partnership between the school and families. These interactions aim to keep parents informed and engaged in their child’s academic progress. Please follow Northridge Local Schools on Facebook or check out our website (www.northridgeschools.org)

Community involvement is a cornerstone of Northridge Local Schools’ mission, and the district is excited to collaborate with local organizations, businesses and volunteers to create enriching experiences for its students. With newly developed career technical courses, career exploration programs to community service programs, Northridge aims to instill a sense of civic responsibility and a spirit of giving back to its students.

The faculty and staff of Northridge are looking forward to the 2023-2024 school year and can’t wait to serve your students and your entire family! It is an honor to serve Northridge families and community members. As the countdown to the first day of school continues, Northridge Local Schools invites everyone to follow their journey on social media and stay updated on school news, events and achievements on their website (www.northridgeschools.org).

For additional information, contact Andrea Townsend, director of human resources, special education, and communications, at 937-278-5885 ext. 101, or atownsend@northridgeschools.org.