To ensure full accessibility of the email and included links, you must open or tap the image to view the complete newsletter, interact with the newsletter content, such as links and videos, and access translation options in your browser.
17419 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023-2730
Phone: 440-543-9677 Fax: 440-543-8634
Dear Kenston Families,
Welcome back to campus after a hot, rainy summer! While the quiet months gave us time to have some fun and relax, nothing compares to the energy of fall when the campus starts buzzing again. From athletes hitting the fields and trails, to the sounds of band camp, the Bomberettes in formation, and students adding their own flair by painting parking spaces, it’s a reminder of how vibrant our Kenston community truly is.
Last year brought so many great achievements for our students both in and out of the classroom. We celebrated academic growth, artistic accomplishments, athletic victories, and countless examples of our students demonstrating character, perseverance, and leadership. These successes remind us of why we are all here: our students.
This year, we have challenged our staff to be creative and data-driven in their work, but with a clear starting point: relationships first. When we truly know and connect with our students, everything else, learning, growth, and achievement follows.
We are fortunate to have a strong community filled with wonderful families and dedicated supporters who believe in our schools and students. We appreciate your patience as we wrap up the last of our summer projects, focus on making our campus even safer, and adjust to new bus routes.
Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to another amazing year at Kenston!
Dr. Bruce R. Willingham Jr.
Superintendent
Welcome to Kenston
The Kenston Local School District welcomed new staff members to the Kenston family this year. They filled positions created by retirements, resignations, or extended leaves. Pictured are several of the new staff who have joined our team.
Bomber Elite Update
At the August 11, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Ken Abbarno, representing the Bomber Elite Club, provided an update on the organization's activities and mission.
Founded in 2012, the Bomber Elite Club is a parent-led organization dedicated to supporting the entire Kenston football program. The club oversees extracurricular events and expenditures while fostering long-term support for players, families, and the community.
Mr. Abbarno highlighted the club’s mission to develop students of character and strengthen community involvement. One example is their support of the Friday Night Lights Tailgates, which bring families and community members together for pregame events featuring food trucks and activities.
The Bomber Elite Club’s initiatives include:
Teacher recognition during pregame ceremonies
Equipment and fieldhouse upgrades
Scholarships for student-athletes
Community-building events and outreach
Through these efforts, the Bomber Elite Club continues to play a vital role in enriching the Kenston football experience and building strong community connections.
For more information about Bomber Elite, please visit https://www.kenstonbombereliteclub.com/
Transportation Update
At the August 11, 2025, Board of Education Meeting, Christine Illner, Director of Transportation, shared an update for the start of the school year. This year, with the changes to the schedule for Kenston Middle School, route adjustments were required. There will be 9 high school routes, 12 middle school routes, and 22 elementary routes, each designated for specific grades.
Beginning Monday, August 18, there will be several road closures in the Kenston District. If your route is affected by the Bainbridge Road or Haskins Road closures, you will receive a message this weekend with detailed information about pickup and drop-off times.
Parents can use the Stopfinder app for real-time bus updates and notifications. To receive an invite, please email transportation@kenstonapps.org and include your student's first and last name. Please allow 24 hours for accounts to be activated after you receive the invite. We are also introducing the Wayfinder program to help with bus attendance and notify substitute drivers of stops.
Now Hiring! The Transportation Department is actively seeking drivers, aides, and substitute drivers. If you’re interested in joining our team or have questions about applying, contact Christine Illner, our Director of Transportation.
Thank you for your patience as we start the new school year, and drivers familiarize themselves with routes. We appreciate your support!
Reminder of Cell Phone Policy
As a reminder, the use of cell phones in Ohio schools during instructional times is prohibited. Cell phones and other electronic devices present distractions and disruptions to the learning process. This means there will be no student use of cell phones during the day. Student phones shall be turned off and stored away. If you have any questions regarding the policy, please contact your child's school office directly.
Expectations of Football Game Attendance
As the football season is upon us, the Kenston School District would like to share with you the expectations for students who attend football (both home and away) games for safety and supervision purposes. We appreciate your help as we implement these expectations and rules that ensure student and fan safety, all while providing a positive experience for all those in attendance. Kenston Schools and the Board of Education will not be responsible for students who attend without an adult chaperone.
Click Here to Read the Expectations of Football Game Attendance
Honoring First Responders Tailgate
It's Friday Night Lights Tailgate Time! Kenston Schools, along with the Bomber Elite Club, invite the Kenston Community to attend the Friday Night Lights Tailgate on Friday, August 22, before the football game against Solon. Pre-game activities and food sales begin at 5 pm. The Kenston community will recognize our area first responders and encourage everyone to wear red, white, and blue to show support and gratitude for their dedication.
Kenston Foundation
PTO Kalahari Celebration
Kenston Local Schools
www.kenstonlocal.org
17419 Snyder Road
Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
Phone: 440-543-9677
Email: kenston@kenstonapps.org