October News and Updates

School Spotlights & Updates

Our Great K-8s

Growing Through Discovery

Innovation Academy West — IAW is proving that active, immersive learning drives real academic success. Fresh off earning an impressive 4 out of 5 stars on the Ohio State Report Card, a testament to its unique, hands-on learning model, classrooms recently took learning outdoors for an interactive STEAM activity.

Students traded traditional textbooks for small hand shovels and magnifying glasses during a living and non-living scavenger hunt across the school’s garden grounds.The hands-on project challenged learners to differentiate between biological specimens, such as native plants and busy insects, and inanimate objects found within the ecosystem.

The assignment was designed to cultivate critical thinking and a lifelong passion for science through direct observation. By engaging with their natural environment, students were able to connect classroom concepts to real-world phenomena.

STEAM initiatives will continue to be a core component of the curriculum, offering students dynamic ways to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, as the school builds on its stellar state report card success. We extend kudos to Dr. Monica Jones and the IAW leadership team for inspiring such exciting learning!

Students Receive Winter Gear

Bessie Sherrod Price Preparatory Academy — Smiles filled the halls at BSP, as students received brand-new coats and shoes through a generous donation from Operation Warm. The nationwide nonprofit partnered with the school to ensure that every single BSP Owl is fully equipped for the colder months.

Beyond offering physical protection from the cold winter weather, this donation creates a positive emotional and academic impact, ensuring students step into the classroom feeling at ease, self-assured and prepared to learn. Faculty and staff expressed heartfelt appreciation for community collaborators who continue to invest in the well-being and success of our youth. By easing the burden on families, initiatives like this empower students to focus on their education with renewed dignity and assurance.

THANK YOU Operation Warm for wrapping our Owls in warmth, confidence and hope!

Students Learn the Importance of Community

The Brilliance School – Compassion took center stage at The Brilliance School as students, local firefighters and community health advocates united for a hands-on service initiative. In a recent collaboration with HealthCorps Cleveland and the Garfield Heights Fire Department, The Brilliance School students packed and distributed thoughtful care packages designed to support vulnerable members of the local community. Students had the unique opportunity to meet directly with Garfield Heights firefighters, handing off the finished packages to local first responders who will help distribute them where they are needed most.



This event aligns with holistic youth development. Being brilliant is not just about what you know but how you serve, how you care, and how you make a difference. What a great way to transform empathy into meaningful civic action!

High School Happenings

Celebrating Excellence in EEG High Schools

Dedication, passion and visionary leadership took center stage as EEG proudly announced its 2025-2026 EEG High School Staff of the Year recipients. These standout educators and staff members were honored for embodying our core mission and values through an unwavering commitment to student success. Across multiple schools and campuses, honorees were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their local school communities and EEG as a whole. The exceptional educators and staff members earning top honors for the 2025-2026 school year include:

• Principal of the Year: Alex Kolb (CASTLE East High School) and Carly Hart (Stark High School)
• School of the Year: Southern Ohio Career Academy (SOCA), led by Principal Gabriel Chaney
• Academic Coach of the Year: Chastity Moore (CASTLE Parma High School)
• Success Coach of the Year: Ja-Mae Hall (Engage High School)
• Teacher of the Year: Joe Farley (Stark High School)
• Enrollment Specialist of the Year: Melissa Ford (Ohio Construction Academy)
• Instructional Aide of the Year: Velma Davis (Ohio Construction Academy)
• Intervention Specialist of the Year: Angel Huffman (Steel Academy)
• Custodian of the Year: Jermaine James (Akron Career Tech)

We invite everyone to join us in congratulating these inspiring individuals. We express deep gratitude for their hard work, leadership and lasting impact on the lives of our students.

Students Learn a Lesson on Civic Engagement

The Steel Academy — Classrooms buzzed with civic pride recently as students prepared to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Jacob, a representative from Northeast Ohio Voter Advocates (NOVA), visited the school to guide eligible seniors and young adults through the official voter registration process.

During the interactive session, students successfully registered to vote, located their designated neighborhood polling places and received a comprehensive walkthrough of election-day procedures.

The visit emphasized the practical aspects of participating in local and national democracy. With registration completed, students are now looking forward to casting their ballots and actively participating in the democratic process this November.

A Celebration of Record Growth 

Akron Career Tech High School — A thriving school culture starts at the top, and at ACT, leadership is driving an inspiring wave of momentum.

Under the guidance of Principal Michael Williams, the school has cultivated a welcoming, student-centric environment that continues to attract families from across the region.

Marking a major milestone for the campus, Akron Career Tech recently welcomed record-high student enrollment for the academic year.

To honor the hard work, flexibility and positive energy that fueled this successful start, Principal Williams treated the entire student body and staff to a celebratory pizza party. The festive gathering served as both a reward for a smooth transition into the busy school year and a testament to the tight-knit community spirit fostered by the administration.

School leadership expressed deep appreciation for the school community’s collective dedication during this period of expansion. As Akron Career Tech High School looks ahead, the combination of visionary leadership, strong student engagement and a supportive campus culture ensures that this year is shaping up to be one of their best yet.

Emphasizing Optimal Health

Are you ready for flu season, the upcoming time change, and curious about calorie burning? Explore our latest wellness newsletter for essential tips to help you stay healthy and informed. Take a look: