Northwestern Local Schools

Good Evening Northwestern Families,

We recognize that this has been a difficult and emotional week for our Northwestern community.
We understand the concerns, questions, and feelings that have arisen, and we want you to know
that we take them seriously. Our commitment remains to the safety, well-being, and trust of our
students, staff, and families.

We are continuing to address the events of this past week, and we are committed to learning
from this experience. The investigation that was performed by the Clark County Educational
Service Center did not substantiate reports that a formal lockdown or shelter-in-place directive
was issued. However, we recognize that asking individuals to remain in their classrooms without
communication of why creates confusion and concern, regardless of the terminology used. We
are listening carefully to those who experienced fear or panic during that time. We understand
that regardless of the words used, the experience was upsetting for the members of our school
community, and we do not want those concerns to go unheard.

We recognize the seriousness of the concerns raised regarding interactions with students during
this incident. These concerns have been carefully reviewed, and we remain committed to
ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, and supported in our schools. School
Counselors and Psychologists are available to any student that would like to talk with them.

While our investigation has clarified certain details, we are reviewing our procedures and
communication practices to identify opportunities for improvement. We know that trust is built
through our actions, and we will continue working to ensure that our procedures prioritize both
safety and the emotional well-being of everyone involved. We will continue providing
opportunities for students, staff, and families to share concerns. We will continue to
communicate findings and any resulting changes to the community.

At the same time, we must work together to maintain a safe and orderly school environment.
Clear communication and cooperation are essential during any safety-related situation. Keeping
hallways clear and following staff directions are important to ensuring the safety of all students
and staff.

Our administration and Board of Education care deeply about our students, staff, and the
Northwestern community. We recognize that rebuilding confidence takes time, listening, and a
willingness to learn and improve. Please know that we remain committed to doing that work.

In light of these events, many community members have asked about a special board meeting to
address the situation. We are currently working to establish a date for a public
meeting. Additional information, including the meeting date and details, will be shared as soon
as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Thank you for your continued partnership, patience, and care for our school community. Our
students deserve to feel safe, supported, and valued every day, and we will continue working
together toward that goal.

📢 School Announcement: Scheduled Two-Hour Delay

Attention Families and Students:

This is a reminder that there is a scheduled two-hour delay for all students on Monday, October 26th. Please note the following important schedule details:

*School Start Time: School will begin exactly two hours later than normal (9:25am for Jr/Sr High and 10:40am for Elementary). Dismissal times remain unchanged.
*Latchkey Program: Morning Latchkey is scheduled as normal.
*Preschool Schedule: Preschool hours for Monday will be adjusted to the following:
AM Session: 10:40 AM – 12:30 PM
PM Session: 1:40 PM – 3:30 PM
*Specialized Buses: CTC, STEM, and ESC buses will all operate on the two-hour delay schedule.
*Shuttle Departures: CTC and STEM shuttles will leave Northwestern at 9:05 AM.
*General Bus Pickup: Standard school bus pickup times are delayed by exactly two hours.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Good afternoon Northwestern Jr/Sr High School Families, An investigation was conducted by an independent investigation team regarding concerns shared from the phone search conducted on October 14. The investigation team interviewed both administrators regarding the practice that was conducted. The team also contacted the teachers of the classrooms to compare with the interviews that were conducted. The investigation team has shared that no unprofessional conduct took place. Thank you!

🎄✨ MARK YOUR CALENDARS! ✨🎄

Get your holiday shopping started early at the Northwestern Band Association Holiday Craft Show!

Discover unique gifts, handmade decor, and wonderful crafts from a variety of local vendors. Bring the whole family out for a festive day of fun!

📅 When: November 14, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Where: Northwestern Jr/Sr High School
📌 Address: 5780 Troy Road, Springfield, Ohio 45502
🎟️ Admission: $2 (Kids 3 & under are FREE!)

All proceeds benefit the Northwestern Band Association. Spread the word, share this post, and we'll see you there! 🎶❤️

Reminder: There is no school on Monday, October 19th. For students who attend STEM and CTC, there will be no transportation to or from home. All students must meet at Northwestern to use the shuttle that day. Thank you!

📢 House Bill 96: Attendance Matters!

Regular school attendance is essential to student success! House Bill 96 highlights the importance of understanding the difference between chronic absenteeism and truancy.

Chronic Absenteeism
• Counts all absences, excused and unexcused.
• Focuses on the academic impact of missed school days.
• Missing 10% or more of the school year—approximately 18 days—is considered chronic absenteeism.

Truancy
• Focuses on unexcused absences.
• May lead to court involvement.

Every school day counts! Working together, we can help our students build strong attendance habits and achieve success.

Every Day Matters!

The agenda for the October Regular Board Meeting has been posted online. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in the Athletic Complex. https://www.northwestern.k12.oh.us/page/the-board-of-education

October is National Principals Month, and we are kicking off a month-long celebration of the incredible leaders who guide our schools every day! ✨

Our principals set the tone for success, support our teachers, and build a safe, thriving community where every student can grow. We are endlessly grateful for their tireless dedication, vision, and leadership.

Join us in celebrating our amazing administrators:
👉 Mr. Everhart– Elementary Principal
👉 Mrs. Rebernak- Elementary Assistant Principal
👉 Mr. Roeth- Jr/Sr High Principal
👉 Mr. Bryant- Jr/Sr High Assistant Principal

Drop a comment below to leave a shout-out or share your favorite memory with your principal! 👇💙

🎃👻 TRUNK OR TREAT IS COMING TO NORTHWESTERN! 👻🎃

Get ready for a night of Halloween fun! 🍬🍭

Join us Monday, October 26, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Northwestern Student Parking Lot for our annual Trunk or Treat!

This event is proudly presented by the Northwestern Teachers Association, Northwestern Association of School Employees, Northwestern NHS, and Northwestern SADD.

🚗🎃 Want to host a trunk?
If you would like to decorate a trunk and participate in Trunk or Treat, please contact Mr. Cooke directly at cookep@nwlschools.org.

We can't wait to see all of our little ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses! 👻🦸‍♀️🍬

Come join us for a fun-filled evening of treats and Halloween fun! 🎃🕷️

WARRIORS, IT’S TIME TO SHOP! 💙❤️

Show your Northwestern pride with the latest Official Warrior Merch! 🏹

This merchandise is part of Warrior Made, the Entrepreneurship Class’s Junior Achievement Company Program, giving our students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship and business.

🛍️ New styles available
💲Featured items are just $16
📅 Shop through October 12, 2026

Check out the full collection and support our student entrepreneurs! https://store.ideal-images.com/northwestern_high_school

The October board meeting has been moved to Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:30pm in the Athletic Complex.

Thank you!

Get ready for the Northwestern Homecoming Parade! 🏈🎉

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, Sept 24th at 6:30 PM at the NW Campus to kick off our homecoming celebrations! Check out the map below for the full parade route and important logistics.

⚠️ Important Details to Keep in Mind:
Parking: Park in any of the green areas on the map and find a great spot along the route to watch! Please respect the "No Parking" zones marked in red.
Road Closures: Campus entrances will close starting at 6:25 PM until the end of the parade. Make sure to arrive early!

✨ HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES ARE HERE! ✨

Mark your calendars for tomorrow, September 24th, and join us for an unforgettable evening of school spirit! Here is the full lineup so you don’t miss a single moment:
🚚 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Food Trucks (Athletic Complex)
Grab dinner from some incredible local vendors:
Blended
JoJo's Concession
SSM Concessions
Whisk and Brew

🎉 6:30 PM: Homecoming Parade (NW Campus)
Participant Drop-Off: 6:00 PM

👑 7:30 PM: Coronation of King & Queen (Stadium)
Come cheer on our homecoming royalty!

🔥 8:00 PM: Bonfire (NW Softball Field)
End the night right with good vibes and a roaring bonfire.

Bring your family, your friends, and your loudest school spirit! See you all tomorrow! ❤️💙

📢 TWO-HOUR EARLY RELEASE – FRIDAY

Reminder, Northwestern Local Schools will have a two-hour early release this Friday.

Please note the following transportation times:

🚌 CTC Students
• Students will be released at 11:56 a.m.
• The bus will leave at 12:05 p.m.

🚌 ESC Students (Selma Rd Location)
• ESC students will be leaving the Selma Rd location at approximately 11:40 a.m.
• This applies to ALL Northwestern students who are at the Selma Rd location who use the bus for transportation home.

Please make sure you are prepared for these adjusted transportation times. If you have any questions, please contact the bus garage at 937-964-1672.

Thank you for your cooperation!

📢 EARLY RELEASE THIS FRIDAY!

Just a reminder that Northwestern Local Schools will have an early release this Friday, September 18th.

Please make sure your child has a plan for dismissal and transportation.

Thank you, Northwestern families!