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Celebrating Our Teachers: Ross Local Schools Honors Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

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At Ross Local School District, we know that the heart of our schools lies in the passion, dedication, and care of our teachers and staff. Every day, our educators pour their energy, creativity, and compassion into the lives of our students—preparing lessons, building engaging classroom environments, offering support and encouragement, and going far beyond the job description to help our children grow and succeed.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to express our deepest gratitude to every teacher and staff member who works with students each day. You prepare tirelessly, worry endlessly, care deeply, and teach exceptionally. Our students are better because of you—and so is our entire community.

Recognizing Teachers of Excellence

In addition to honoring all educators, our district also took time this spring to recognize several outstanding staff members as Teachers of Excellence—those who exemplify what it means to serve students, support colleagues, and represent Ross Local Schools with integrity and heart.

The process began with nominations from building principals and administrators. Each building nominated one or two educators who consistently go above and beyond in their service to students and colleagues. The district team then voted to select one nominee to represent Ross Local School District in the Ohio Teacher of the Year program, and we proudly selected Ross Middle School’s Mrs. Holly Vining as our 2025 nominee.

In April, the Ross Local Schools leadership team visited each of these educators' classrooms to surprise them in front of their students and colleagues, presenting them with a certificate and reading aloud the powerful words of their nomination letters. These moments were filled with emotion, joy, and heartfelt appreciation.

Later that month, each Teacher of Excellence was also recognized at the Ross Board of Education meeting, where they were honored for their contributions and impact.

2025 Ross Local Schools Teachers of Excellence

Ross Intermediate School: Catherine Wormus & Nichole Green
“Ross is fortunate to have these two amazing ladies working with our students and families here at RIS. Not a day goes by where they are not going the extra mile for our students. They are beloved by the kids and they are the true definition of what it means to be a teacher at the Ross Local Schools. I admire the passion and care in which they advocate for their students and our school.” – Mr. Rettinger

Ross High School: Jennifer Harrison
“Jennifer is an exceptional team player, always willing to lend a hand to colleagues without hesitation. She understands the delicate balance between caring for students and pushing them toward excellence—a balance that is difficult to strike, yet one she navigates masterfully.” – Mr. Martin

Elda Elementary School: Jessica Jackson
“Jessica makes time for each individual student, including the resource room students in her classroom. I have witnessed Jessica consistently working one-on-one with our students to help them with their letters, letter sounds, and now these specific students are reading sentences.” – Mr. Hull

Elda Elementary School: Jessica Merkhofer
“Jessica has created and implemented behavior supports for specific students in her classroom, created engaging lessons for students, and has stayed after hours to create individual lessons and activities for students and families to use at home. Jessica allows students to be part of the classroom management plan and offers student voice when it comes to rules and procedures. I love that she cares so deeply for her students and treats all of them with respect and kindness.” – Mr. Hull

Morgan Elementary School: Jen Chuhak
“Jen is an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond in the classroom. Her ability to engage students, foster a love of learning, and create a supportive environment that demonstrates extreme growth in her students, emotionally and academically. She consistently implements innovative teaching strategies, ensuring that every student, regardless of their learning style or background, has the opportunity to succeed.” – Mr. Perry

Ross Middle School: Holly Vining
“Holly is a true champion of education, teaching Life Skills courses that equip students with essential abilities they will carry throughout their lives. From sewing and cooking to financial literacy, she ensures that her students are prepared for the real world, fostering independence and confidence in every lesson. Her classroom is not just a place of hands-on learning but a nurturing environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.” – Mr. Saylor

Mrs. Vining was also selected to represent Ross Local School District as our nominee for Ohio Teacher of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for her incredible impact on students and education.

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To all of our teachers and staff—thank you. You are shaping lives, building futures, and making a difference every single day. We are proud to celebrate you not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but all year long. 💛

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at Ross Local School District!

Public schools play a critical role in shaping the future of our communities, and at Ross Local School District, we’re proud to deliver an exceptional educational experience for every student who walks through our doors. During Public Schools Week, we celebrate the distinct advantages of public education and why choosing Ross Local Schools is the best decision a family residing in our district can make.

High Standards for Teaching and Learning

Ross Local Schools is a 5-star district, as recognized by the Ohio State Report Card. This distinction reflects our commitment to academic excellence and accountability. Only public schools are held to rigorous state standards, ensuring transparency and measurable outcomes. Our state report card offers families an objective tool to evaluate our effectiveness and success, proving that Ross Local Schools consistently meets and exceeds expectations.

Our goal is to provide students with opportunities and experiences that will better prepare them for their future. We also believe students deserve exemplary educational experiences which will allow them to succeed and excel in our ever-changing world. Our goal is to meet every child where they are and provide them with what they need in order to find their success. To deepen the learning experience for our highest achieving students, we currently offer 32 AP and College Credit Plus courses at Ross High School. 

At the high school level, teachers and administration have the ability to propose new courses and are encouraged to look for courses that match the needs of our students, the community, and the current and future workforce. We are also exploring opportunities for internships, co-ops, and work-study programs that give our students hands-on experiences in a multitude of fields. We would like to increase our business partnerships with local and area businesses to provide a deeper learning experience for all of our students at Ross Local Schools.

Welcoming and Serving All Students

One of the cornerstones of public education is inclusivity. At Ross Local Schools, we take immense pride in serving every child who resides in our district, regardless of their background, abilities, or economic status. Our schools:

• Serve 793 students (33.6%) who are economically disadvantaged, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and resources.
• Support 350 students (14.8%) with disabilities, offering specialized services tailored to their unique needs.
• Provide advanced learning opportunities for gifted students, ensuring they are challenged and inspired to reach their full potential.

This commitment to inclusivity reflects our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive environment.

Licensed and Highly Qualified Teachers

The success of our students begins with our dedicated teachers. At Ross Local Schools, 99.7% of our teachers are teaching in the subject or field for which they are certified or licensed. Additionally, 69.7% of our educators hold a master’s degree, demonstrating their commitment to professional growth and excellence in education.

Our highly qualified teachers ensure that students receive instruction from experts who are passionate about their subjects and dedicated to helping every child succeed. This level of expertise is a hallmark of public education, where stringent certification requirements guarantee that only the best educators lead our classrooms.

Comprehensive Support for the Whole Child

Education at Ross Local Schools extends beyond academics. We understand that students’ success depends on addressing their physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Our support staff includes:

• School counselors who assist with course selection, college and career planning, and emotional well-being.
• Licensed school psychologists who provide evaluations and interventions to support students’ learning and mental health.
• Specialists in physical and occupational therapy who help students overcome challenges and thrive in the classroom.

By focusing on the whole child, we create an environment where students feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals.

Why Choose Ross Local Schools?

When families choose Ross Local Schools, they are choosing a district that is held accountable, staffed with highly qualified professionals, and committed to serving every student. As a public school district, we don’t select our students – we serve them all. This distinction is what makes public schools the heart of every community.

During Public Schools Week, we invite our community to celebrate the impact of public education and the ways Ross Local Schools prepares our students for success in life. By choosing Ross Local Schools, you are choosing excellence, equity, and opportunity for your child.

All report card data shared here can be found on our State Report Card linked here.

 

Ross Local School District invites parents and guardians to attend a Family Information Night to preview and ask questions about the upcoming Kindergarten through 3rd grade curriculum adoption. This event will take place on Thursday, February 20, from 5:00–6:00 PM at Ross High School, just before the Board of Education meeting.

Families will have the opportunity to explore curriculum resources firsthand and engage with teachers to learn more about the instructional materials being considered. This is a great chance to ask questions, gain insight into the selection process, and understand how these resources will support student learning.

We encourage all K-3 families to stop by and take part in this important conversation about their child’s education. We look forward to seeing you there!

At Ross Local School District, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and celebrated. True Strength, an initiative founded by a visionary group of RLSD students and staff in partnership with Headlines Sportswear in early 2024, embodies this commitment. This extraordinary event unites students of all ability levels, highlighting the beauty in our differences and the power of our similarities.

We are thrilled to invite the entire Ross community—students, families, and community members alike—to join us for the second annual True Strength basketball game at 7:15 PM on Friday, January 24 (freshman and junior varsity games at 4:30 and 5:45pm). The event will take place at Ross High School, where our Rams will face off against Monroe in a game unlike any other.

This is more than a basketball game—it’s a celebration of inclusion, community, and the unique opportunities public schools like ours offer to welcome and support ALL students. True Strength reminds us that every student, regardless of ability level, contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our school and community.

 

Why True Strength Matters

True Strength began with a simple yet profound goal: to create an event that celebrates diverse abilities and builds connections. Through this effort, our students have inspired peers, staff, and families to embrace the values of empathy, inclusion, and collaboration.

The game itself is a joyful and heartwarming experience, a chance to enjoy competition of the game while raising money for the two schools’ Special Services Departments. From cheers in the stands to the camaraderie on the court, the True Strength game demonstrates what it means to support one another and stand together as a community.

 

A Celebration of Public Education

Public schools like Ross are uniquely positioned to provide equitable opportunities for students of all backgrounds and abilities. True Strength underscores the mission of public education—to serve ALL students and to prepare them to thrive in an interconnected world. Events like this serve as a reminder of the important role public schools play in creating inclusive spaces where every child has a chance to shine.

 

Be Part of the Celebration

We hope you will join us on Friday, January 24, for this meaningful community event. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a local business owner, or a longtime supporter of Ross Local Schools, your presence matters. Together, we can show what it means to truly support one another and celebrate the strength in community.

Let’s fill the stands with love, encouragement, and the energy that makes Ross a special place to live and learn. Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and help us make this True Strength game a night to remember.

 

💛 Ross Rams: True Strength, True Community 💛

Get game tickets at our Box Office.

Order shirts (by Sunday, January 19) at this link.

 

Together, we can show what it means to celebrate ALL students of ALL abilities. We’ll see you on January 24!

 

Ross Local School District is proud to announce that we have once again been recognized as a 5-Star District on the recently released Ohio School Report Card. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our students, families, and staff members who strive for excellence every day.

 

School Highlights:

• Ross Middle School made impressive strides, raising its rating from 4.0 to 4.5 stars.

• Ross Intermediate School reached the highest rating, moving from 4.5 to 5.0 stars.

• Ross High School continued its strong performance by maintaining its 4.5-star rating.

• Both Elda Elementary and Morgan Elementary continued to excel, each maintaining their 5.0-star ratings.

 

Superintendent Dr. Bill Rice shared his pride in the district’s accomplishments, saying, “This rating reflects the outstanding commitment of our students and families, and the resiliency and dedication of our staff members. We are fortunate to have a community that values education and works together to create an environment where students can thrive.”

The Ohio School Report Card evaluates school districts across several important categories, including academic achievement, progress, gap closing, graduation rate, and early literacy. The 5-Star rating is the highest designation, signifying exceptional performance across the board.

At Ross, we believe in fostering a community of learning where students are supported both academically and personally. The progress seen across our schools this year highlights our shared commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education.

We are incredibly proud of the entire Ross Local School District community and look forward to building on this success in the years to come. Thank you to our students, families, staff, and community members for their hard work and unwavering support.

Go Rams! 🐏

Read the full overview of our report card at https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/district/overview/046144.