The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has named Preston Elementary School a Purple Star School for the Class of 2025, recognizing the school’s exceptional dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families.The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that go above and beyond in serving students and families tied to our nation’s armed forces. To earn this prestigious recognition, schools must meet a rigorous set of criteria established by Ohio’s Purple Star Advisory Board. Preston Elementary has not only met, but exceeded these expectations.With this distinction, Preston Elementary joins Lincoln and Richardson Elementary schools as part of a growing network of Purple Star schools within the Cuyahoga Falls City School District—highlighting the district’s ongoing efforts to honor and support military-connected families.“We are incredibly proud to receive the Purple Star School designation,” said Principal Tamara Brown. “Our team is devoted to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all students, including those navigating the unique challenges that come with being part of a military family.”Military-connected students often face frequent moves and school transitions, and the Purple Star designation reflects Preston Elementary’s proactive approach in helping these students feel seen, supported, and set up for success—both academically and emotionally.“This award honors the work we’ve done to stand alongside our military families and help their children thrive,” added Peggy Whitcomb, the district’s military liaison. “We’re grateful to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for this recognition and remain steadfast in our mission to serve those who serve our country.”
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has named Preston Elementary School a Purple Star School for the Class of 2025, recognizing the school’s exceptional dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families.
The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that go above and beyond in serving students and families tied to our nation’s armed forces. To earn this prestigious recognition, schools must meet a rigorous set of criteria established by Ohio’s Purple Star Advisory Board. Preston Elementary has not only met, but exceeded these expectations.
With this distinction, Preston Elementary joins Lincoln and Richardson Elementary schools as part of a growing network of Purple Star schools within the Cuyahoga Falls City School District—highlighting the district’s ongoing efforts to honor and support military-connected families.
“We are incredibly proud to receive the Purple Star School designation,” said Principal Tamara Brown. “Our team is devoted to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all students, including those navigating the unique challenges that come with being part of a military family.”
Military-connected students often face frequent moves and school transitions, and the Purple Star designation reflects Preston Elementary’s proactive approach in helping these students feel seen, supported, and set up for success—both academically and emotionally.
“This award honors the work we’ve done to stand alongside our military families and help their children thrive,” added Peggy Whitcomb, the district’s military liaison. “We’re grateful to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for this recognition and remain steadfast in our mission to serve those who serve our country.”
Posted Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Cuyahoga Falls City School District (CFCSD) and local partners are proud to announce the 11th Annual CFCSD All-City Art Walk, presented in part by the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, Loud and Clear Music Music School, and Wayne Agency with the theme “The Art of Play!" This free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Thursday, April 24th, from 5-8 pm and will showcase the talents of Cuyahoga Falls artists in kindergarten through 12th grade.Creative displays for the Art Walk will stretch from The Workz to the Pavilion in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Attendees will enjoy a variety of creative art displays, make-and-take art activities, student music performances, professional artist demonstrations, and fun photo opportunities. Special featured activities include a variety of creative art displays, make-and-take art activities, student music performances, professional artist demonstrations, fun photo opportunities, student-created oversized interactive games including: Guess Who, Plinko, a giant kaleidoscope, and more, featuring a professional version of Giant Operation. Join in the Akron Children’s Museum activities, food trucks and more. The entire footprint of the Art Walk also features student art window clings with more than 900 playful game-related artworks displayed on over 55 storefront windows in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls from April 10th through April 24th. One of the highlights of this year’s event is a stunning "Barrel of Monkeys" display featuring a cascading chain of giant interconnected monkeys that towers over the event. Each of the District's elementary schools and middle schools contributed a monkey, representing their individual school's artistic vision. This playful chain, suspended from the Riverfront Pavilion's second floor, showcases the diverse artistic talents of students from every level of the district.The CFCSD All-City Art Walk is an outstanding opportunity to discover and support the talented young artists in the community while enjoying an evening of creativity and entertainment. Come and join your friends, neighbors, and colleagues in downtown Cuyahoga Falls on April 24th, from 5-8 pm for this fantastic event!For more information, a schedule of events, and the latest updates, visit cfallsartwalk.weebly.com and follow Instagram @cfalls_artwalk and Facebook @cfallsartwalk.
Cuyahoga Falls City School District (CFCSD) and local partners are proud to announce the 11th Annual CFCSD All-City Art Walk, presented in part by the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, Loud and Clear Music Music School, and Wayne Agency with the theme “The Art of Play!" This free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Thursday, April 24th, from 5-8 pm and will showcase the talents of Cuyahoga Falls artists in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Creative displays for the Art Walk will stretch from The Workz to the Pavilion in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Attendees will enjoy a variety of creative art displays, make-and-take art activities, student music performances, professional artist demonstrations, and fun photo opportunities. Special featured activities include a variety of creative art displays, make-and-take art activities, student music performances, professional artist demonstrations, fun photo opportunities, student-created oversized interactive games including: Guess Who, Plinko, a giant kaleidoscope, and more, featuring a professional version of Giant Operation. Join in the Akron Children’s Museum activities, food trucks and more. The entire footprint of the Art Walk also features student art window clings with more than 900 playful game-related artworks displayed on over 55 storefront windows in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls from April 10th through April 24th.
One of the highlights of this year’s event is a stunning "Barrel of Monkeys" display featuring a cascading chain of giant interconnected monkeys that towers over the event. Each of the District's elementary schools and middle schools contributed a monkey, representing their individual school's artistic vision. This playful chain, suspended from the Riverfront Pavilion's second floor, showcases the diverse artistic talents of students from every level of the district.
The CFCSD All-City Art Walk is an outstanding opportunity to discover and support the talented young artists in the community while enjoying an evening of creativity and entertainment. Come and join your friends, neighbors, and colleagues in downtown Cuyahoga Falls on April 24th, from 5-8 pm for this fantastic event!
For more information, a schedule of events, and the latest updates, visit cfallsartwalk.weebly.com and follow Instagram @cfalls_artwalk and Facebook @cfallsartwalk.
Posted Monday, April 7, 2025
Cuyahoga Falls High School proudly presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the CFHS auditorium. This spring production marks a significant milestone as it will be the final musical staged in the historic auditorium before the district transitions to the new Cuyahoga Falls 6–12 Campus, set to open in January 2026.First opened in 1961 with My Fair Lady, the CFHS auditorium has hosted countless student performances, community events, and cherished memories. To honor its legacy, alumni have been invited to return to the stage for a special appearance in the grand finale of The Music Man—a rousing rendition of the beloved number “76 Trombones.”The Music Man is a timeless musical comedy that follows charming con artist Harold Hill as he arrives in River City, Iowa, with plans to swindle the townspeople by selling instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he has no intention of organizing. But his scheme takes an unexpected turn when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, and begins to see the value of honesty and community. Full of heart, humor, and iconic songs, The Music Man is a celebration of music’s power to bring people together.Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at https://cfalls.hometownticketing.com/embed/all.Join us in celebrating a remarkable chapter of CFHS history with a performance that pays tribute to the past while looking ahead to a bright future.Help support the CFHS Choir Program and celebrate the legacy of the CFHS Auditorium with exclusive memorabilia! For a limited time, you can purchase apparel, tumblers, and ornaments that honor the memories made on this beloved stage. Whether you're a proud alum, parent, or community member, this is your chance to own a piece of CFHS history while supporting our talented student performers. Shop now: https://shop.youngprinting.com/cfhsfarewell/shop/homeThe Music Man is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Cuyahoga Falls High School proudly presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the CFHS auditorium. This spring production marks a significant milestone as it will be the final musical staged in the historic auditorium before the district transitions to the new Cuyahoga Falls 6–12 Campus, set to open in January 2026.
First opened in 1961 with My Fair Lady, the CFHS auditorium has hosted countless student performances, community events, and cherished memories. To honor its legacy, alumni have been invited to return to the stage for a special appearance in the grand finale of The Music Man—a rousing rendition of the beloved number “76 Trombones.”
The Music Man is a timeless musical comedy that follows charming con artist Harold Hill as he arrives in River City, Iowa, with plans to swindle the townspeople by selling instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he has no intention of organizing. But his scheme takes an unexpected turn when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, and begins to see the value of honesty and community. Full of heart, humor, and iconic songs, The Music Man is a celebration of music’s power to bring people together.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at https://cfalls.hometownticketing.com/embed/all.
Join us in celebrating a remarkable chapter of CFHS history with a performance that pays tribute to the past while looking ahead to a bright future.
The Music Man is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Posted Friday, April 4, 2025
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH (Date) – The Cuyahoga Falls City School District is excited to announce that beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the district will fully operate its half-day preschool program. This transition marks a significant step in enhancing early childhood education opportunities for our youngest Black Tigers.The preschool program will be housed at its current location within the Schnee Learning Center, where students will benefit from a high-quality early learning experience designed to foster growth and development.“This transition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional early education,” said Superintendent Andrea Celico. “We are eager to create an enriching environment where our youngest learners can thrive.”Over the summer months, the district will be updating the Schnee Learning Center with new furnishings and curriculum enhancements to ensure a top-tier preschool experience.Enrollment InformationFamilies interested in enrolling their child in the preschool program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to limited class sizes. To begin the application process, please visit the preschool enrollment website using this link.For questions regarding the program or enrollment process, please contact the Student Services Department at 330-926-3800 ext. 502040 or 502096, or email [email protected].
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH (Date) – The Cuyahoga Falls City School District is excited to announce that beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the district will fully operate its half-day preschool program. This transition marks a significant step in enhancing early childhood education opportunities for our youngest Black Tigers.
The preschool program will be housed at its current location within the Schnee Learning Center, where students will benefit from a high-quality early learning experience designed to foster growth and development.
“This transition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional early education,” said Superintendent Andrea Celico. “We are eager to create an enriching environment where our youngest learners can thrive.”
Over the summer months, the district will be updating the Schnee Learning Center with new furnishings and curriculum enhancements to ensure a top-tier preschool experience.
Enrollment InformationFamilies interested in enrolling their child in the preschool program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to limited class sizes. To begin the application process, please visit the preschool enrollment website using this link.
For questions regarding the program or enrollment process, please contact the Student Services Department at 330-926-3800 ext. 502040 or 502096, or email [email protected].
Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The Cuyahoga Falls City School District is excited to host Tiger Tapestries, a FREE community expo embracing diversity, belonging, and support on Saturday, March 15! ?? Saturday, March 15, 202511:00 AM – 2:00 PM Cuyahoga Falls High School | 2300 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221What to Expect:•Live performances & interactive breakout sessions•Community partners & cultural showcases•Delicious ethnic cuisine from local restaurantsBONUS: Complete your event passport & survey for a chance to win exciting prizes!Show Your Pride! We encourage guests to wear clothing representing their heritage and culture to celebrate our vibrant community.Plan Your Experience: Visit our event website for the full lineup of performances, sessions, and participating vendors!Tiger Tapestries Website
Posted Monday, March 10, 2025
Thanks to the dedication of Eagle Scout candidate Dennis Schaefer and the collaborative efforts of Security Supervisor Ben Gessford, every classroom in the Cuyahoga Falls City School District now has a safety bucket, an essential addition to the district’s emergency preparedness measures.Dennis, a former Preston Elementary student, sought to complete an Eagle Scout project that would benefit the school community. During a Board of Education meeting, Mr. Gessford highlighted the need for lockdown safety buckets in classrooms, inspiring Dennis to take on the initiative.The project required multiple levels of approval, including endorsements from his Boy Scout Troop 152, the school district, and the local Boy Scout Great Trail Council. Once approved, Dennis partnered with Mr. Gessford and District Nurse Krystal Nykaza to determine the contents of the buckets, which were designed as starter kits that schools could expand as needed.Generous donations enabled Dennis to purchase essential supplies, including buckets, bottled water, toilet paper, candy, and storage bags. Additionally, Mr. Gessford secured a grant that provided first aid kits valued at $25,000, ensuring that each bucket was well-equipped with critical emergency supplies.With the support of family and friends, Dennis dedicated significant time to preparing the buckets. Using the district’s bus garage as a workspace, the team thoroughly cleaned and dried repurposed pickle buckets before assembling and organizing them. The district’s maintenance team then distributed the completed buckets to classrooms across the district.Dennis is the son of Board of Education member Carrie Schaefer, who expressed her gratitude for those who supported the project. “Dennis could not have completed this endeavor without the guidance and encouragement of Mr. Gessford and Maintenance Supervisor, Mr. Woodard,” said Mrs. Schaefer. “Their patience and dedication were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.”This initiative not only fulfilled his Eagle Scout requirement but also made a lasting contribution to the safety and preparedness of the Cuyahoga Falls City School District.
Thanks to the dedication of Eagle Scout candidate Dennis Schaefer and the collaborative efforts of Security Supervisor Ben Gessford, every classroom in the Cuyahoga Falls City School District now has a safety bucket, an essential addition to the district’s emergency preparedness measures.
Dennis, a former Preston Elementary student, sought to complete an Eagle Scout project that would benefit the school community. During a Board of Education meeting, Mr. Gessford highlighted the need for lockdown safety buckets in classrooms, inspiring Dennis to take on the initiative.
The project required multiple levels of approval, including endorsements from his Boy Scout Troop 152, the school district, and the local Boy Scout Great Trail Council. Once approved, Dennis partnered with Mr. Gessford and District Nurse Krystal Nykaza to determine the contents of the buckets, which were designed as starter kits that schools could expand as needed.
Generous donations enabled Dennis to purchase essential supplies, including buckets, bottled water, toilet paper, candy, and storage bags. Additionally, Mr. Gessford secured a grant that provided first aid kits valued at $25,000, ensuring that each bucket was well-equipped with critical emergency supplies.
With the support of family and friends, Dennis dedicated significant time to preparing the buckets. Using the district’s bus garage as a workspace, the team thoroughly cleaned and dried repurposed pickle buckets before assembling and organizing them. The district’s maintenance team then distributed the completed buckets to classrooms across the district.
Dennis is the son of Board of Education member Carrie Schaefer, who expressed her gratitude for those who supported the project. “Dennis could not have completed this endeavor without the guidance and encouragement of Mr. Gessford and Maintenance Supervisor, Mr. Woodard,” said Mrs. Schaefer. “Their patience and dedication were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.”
This initiative not only fulfilled his Eagle Scout requirement but also made a lasting contribution to the safety and preparedness of the Cuyahoga Falls City School District.
Posted Monday, February 24, 2025