Volume 37 | October 2025

EEG News & Updates

Mission

The mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders that empowers success in our global society.
Vision

The vision of the Educational Empowerment Group is to elevate the experience for students and stakeholders by positively changing the landscape of charter school education.

A Message from the CEO


The transition from a warm September to the crisp, vibrant days of October always brings a renewed sense of energy to our schools. This is a dynamic time of year, with students fully immersed in their learning, and our STEAM, CTE and community programs shifting into full gear.


We are entering a season that truly tests our collective resilience, and I want to encourage everyone to remain proactive in elevating the learning experience. I applaud every teacher and staff member who thinks outside-of-the-box to engage our students.


Our schools are buzzing with positive momentum, and we need your help to share the amazing news. If you know families looking for an educational change, let them know this is the place to be.  Enrollment opportunities remain for those seeking a more engaging and fulfilling school experience. Encourage them to enroll today!


I invite you to stay connected and involved. Whether you are volunteering, attending a game, or simply ensuring our students are well-rested and prepared for the day, your commitment makes all the difference.


Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we are building a supportive, successful, and healthy environment for every student.




Wendy Rydarowicz

                EEG Founder 

        

Liberty Prep and OCA Shatter Standards

We are thrilled to announce a phenomenal achievement. A massive round of applause goes out to Liberty Preparatory School and Ohio Construction Academy for earning the prestigious Exceeds Standards rating on their latest school report cards!


This exceptional rating is a clear testament to the dynamic, high-bar culture established in both buildings. It reflects not just hard work, but a true commitment to excellence in every classroom and every program.


We proudly salute Principal Joseph Weisend and Director Matt Demosky for their outstanding leadership. Their vision has set the powerful tone for success, proving that when excellence is the standard, our students achieve beyond expectations.


This is a victory for every student, every family, every stakeholder and every dedicated staff member. Congratulations on setting the pace for academic achievement!


Columbus Police Visit K-3 Students at BSP

Last week, our K-3 Owls at The Bessie Sherrod-Price Preparatory Academy (BSP) had a special visit from the Columbus Police Department’s “Books with Badges” program.


Police officers spent time reading engaging stories and talking with our young students about the importance of safety. Every Owl left with a new book and their very own police badge. More importantly, the officers reinforced critical life lessons, teaching students the necessity of knowing their phone numbers and addresses.


It was a fantastic day of learning and connecting, strengthening the bond between our students and the community heroes who protect them every day. Thank you, Columbus Police Department, and special thanks to Director Tracy Carter for coordinating this event.


Fathers’ Walk 2025 at IAW

Innovation Academy West (IAW) held its annual Fathers Walk, and the grounds of IAW were buzzing with energy. The event was an overwhelming success! It was a beautiful testament to the strength of the school community and the indispensable role of male role models.


From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was charged with joy and connection. Students walked proudly, holding hands with their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and mentors, their smiles radiating pure pride. This tradition is more than just a walk; it is a powerful kickoff to the school year, demonstrating to our students that their support system is strong and fully engaged.


We celebrate every dedicated father, grandfather, uncle and role model who showed up, and we salute Principal Monica Jones and IAW for promoting the impact male role models can have in reinforcing the value of education and commitment in our students’ lives every single day.


Beacon Students Discover the Joy of Giving Back

The true education at Beacon Academy extends far beyond textbooks. This month, our students are learning the profound, heart-touching value of selflessness through the inspiring structure of our House System.


Principal Kelly Brodzenski and the dedicated Beacon staff have championed a powerful initiative: a Community Coin Drive. This is not just a collection, but it is a tangible lesson in civic responsibility. Each student House, now a team of philanthropic explorers, is engaged in a spirited drive to gather every penny, nickel, dime and quarter they can.


Every single coin collected will be a direct act of kindness, dedicated entirely to supporting EN-RICH-MENT, a vital non-profit organization in the Canton community dedicated to providing free fine arts and life skills education to underserved urban youth. According to Principal Brodzenski, “EN-RICH-MENT is a huge community partner for our students! They do so much for our kids!”


Our students are discovering that giving back is not just an assignment, but a deep, lasting connection to those around them. We are incredibly proud of the staff for cultivating these unforgettable, valuable life lessons in compassion and community stewardship. The House that collects the most coins will be celebrated with a House party.


STEAM Spotlight – Lego Math Madness

Empowered by the Arts Academy is sparking serious engagement again this month. Our middle schoolers traded their pencils for plastic bricks in an action-packed lesson that proved math can be a blast.


Using mini LEGO sets, students went head-to-head in a thrilling contest focused on real-world math applications. Teams of 6th graders battled combined 7th and 8th graders to see who could complete the build the fastest, all while tracking time, speed, and completion rates.


This was not just a speed challenge. The activity included a critical Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) component, emphasizing teamwork, communication and collaboration under pressure. It was a race against the clock where students had to calculate and cooperate to win. Kudos to Empowered by the Arts for showing us that learning truly is building. This activity cultivates crucial collaborative and problem solving skills that will be beneficial for life.


The ACT Media Team is Forging the Future of Journalism

Get ready to be impressed! The Akron Career Tech High School (ACT) Media Team, expertly guided by Mr. Darron Epps, is rapidly becoming a once-in-a-lifetime training ground for our next generation of creative communicators.


This Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway is a major highlight for ACT students, pushing them far beyond the textbook. Our students are not just learning theory; they are mastering powerful, real-world skills that will enhance their futures in broadcasting, journalism, digital media, and more.


They are learning to think on their feet, write with precision, and, most importantly, speak publicly with confidence and polish. These essential skills are transforming our students into confident, articulate leaders.


Want a front-row seat to their success? Be sure to tune in to the daily morning announcements to see the incredible work and professionalism of the ACT Media Team in action!


Proactive Health and Actionable Tips 

OCTOBER WELLNESS ALERT – Fall is here, and so is our vital guide to a healthy season. Inside, this month’s “Live Well, Work Well” issue, you will find: the HUGE flu season warning, a 15-minute immunity boost (your guide to speed walking), and a checklist for stocking your power pantry.


Plus, don’t miss our cozy pumpkin recipe and the latest health breakthroughs. Click the tab below for details.


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