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17419 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023-2730
Phone: 440-543-9677 Fax: 440-543-8634
October 17, 2025
Dear Kenston Community,
As we conclude the first quarter of the school year, I want to take this opportunity to share how proud I am of the progress and achievements our students have made so far. Their hard work, curiosity, and resilience have truly been remarkable, and it's been inspiring to watch them grow both academically and personally.
Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through extracurricular activities, our students demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and supporting one another. I also want to thank our dedicated teachers, staff, and families for their ongoing support, which makes this progress possible.
One of the highlights this quarter has been attending the tailgates and seeing our community unite in celebration, strengthening the bonds that make our school so special. Together, we are building a positive, engaging, and nurturing school community. Here’s to a successful second quarter, a strong finish to the semester, and continued success going forward!
Enjoy the weekend, and Go Bombers!
Dr. Bruce R. Willingham Jr.
Superintendent
Kenston Five-Year Forecast
At the October 13, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Treasurer Seth Cales presented the district’s Five-Year Financial Forecast. As required by state law, all public schools in Ohio must submit this forecast twice a year to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
The Five-Year Forecast provides an important financial planning tool, requiring districts to evaluate their General Fund and consider the long-term financial effects of current decisions. It helps guide the district in responsibly funding existing programs and services while planning for new initiatives. This multi-year budgeting process supports both short- and long-term strategic goals, ensuring the district remains financially stable and prepared for the future.
Click here to view the complete presentation of the five-year forecast.
Kenston Middle School Building Update
At the October 13, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Principal Adam Fender shared an update on Kenston Middle School’s continued efforts to support student growth across grades 4–7.
KMS is taking a data-driven approach to instruction, using assessment results and classroom performance to tailor learning experiences for each student. Whether through targeted interventions or enrichment opportunities, our goal is to ensure that all students are challenged, supported, and growing.
One exciting initiative is our “No New Instruction” (NNI) time, which allows teachers to group students flexibly based on academic or social-emotional needs. Earlier this year, we kicked off the Team Tressel Challenge, part of our effort to build connection and community.
Strong student-teacher relationships remain a priority at KMS. Teachers are focused on building rapport and increasing engagement, while school leaders conduct regular classroom walkthroughs to provide feedback and support continuous improvement.
We are also deepening our work with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Through our PEAK and RISE programs, students are recognized for being Respectful, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged. The “Upstander” recognition celebrates students who positively impact our school culture.
We are proud of the energy, growth, and positive momentum at Kenston Middle School this year! Students have already participated in a variety of enriching experiences, including the Peace Day photo and soccer game, a visit to the Geauga County Fair, the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, the PTO Lunchtime Competition, the PTO-sponsored Run-A-Thon, Nature Scopes, and the D.A.R.E. program.
Coming up, our sixth graders will head to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for an exciting learning opportunity.
These activities go beyond the classroom, helping build a vibrant and connected school community. Thank you for your continued support in making these experiences possible for our students!
District Report Card Update:
At the October 13, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Dr. Kathleen Poe, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update on the academic progress across the Kenston Local School District, including a recap of our District Report Card from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW).
We are proud to share that Kenston received a 4.5-star rating, recognizing us as a high-performing district. This rating reflects our district’s continued commitment to educational excellence and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
The Ohio Report Card evaluates districts across six key areas:
Achievement
Progress (Student Growth)
Gap Closing
Early Literacy
Graduation Rate
College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness
In addition to Dr. Poe’s district-level presentation, each building principal shared an overview of their school’s individual report card results. These updates highlighted building-specific strengths, growth areas, and the strategies being used to support continued academic excellence. Click here to view the complete presentation.
Kenston remains focused on using data to guide instruction, support all learners, and prepare students for success in school and beyond. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student success at Kenston!
Kenston PTO Update
At the October 13, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Kenston PTO Council Vice President Shannan Holodinski shared an update on the incredible work being done by our PTO. The Kenston PTO Council supports all three school buildings, working alongside individual PTO boards to serve our teachers, staff, and students.
With more than 750 members this year, the PTO continues to make a meaningful impact through fundraising and volunteer efforts. Their support helps fund teacher conference dinners, staff appreciation events, Family Fun Night at Timmons Elementary, AfterProm, senior scholarships, teacher grants, and much more.
This year, the PTO also co-hosted the Friday Night Lights Tailgate with Kenston Schools—bringing our community together in a fun and spirited way. One of their biggest ongoing efforts is managing the Bomber Hangar, the official spirit wear store, which is fully staffed and operated by dedicated PTO volunteers.
We’re incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart our PTO members put into supporting Kenston Schools and strengthening our school community.
Kenston Center Stage Fall Play - 12 Angry Jurors
Kenston Center Stage is proud to present “12 Angry Jurors”, an intense courtroom drama that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The show opens Thursday, November 13, at 7 pm in the Robert A. Lee Auditorium with additional shows on Friday, November 14, at 7 pm* (*will be moved to Saturday at 7pm if the football team is in playoffs), and then a 2 pm matinee on Saturday, November 15.
Tickets will be available in the coming weeks at kenstonlocal.org.
S'MORE Event
Residents of Auburn and Bainbridge Townships over the age of 60 are invited to the Kenston Center Stage Fall production of 12 Angry Jurors. You are invited to join us for dinner and the show. Dinner will be at 5 pm, with the show to begin at 6 pm.
Reservations are required:
Click here to RSVP
Kenston Nights at the Cavs
This year the Kenston Local Schools will have three nights at the Cavs with opportunities for student involvement. Click on each flier to find out more information.
Save the Date -Silver Bells Holiday Boutique
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
Regular Meeting - Monday, November 10, 2025, at 7 pm
Kenston High School - Auburn Bainbridge Room
Use the search feature in the upper right header.
Minutes are available after approval in the following month's agenda.
Kenston Local Schools
www.kenstonlocal.org
17419 Snyder Road
Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
Phone: 440-543-9677
Email: kenston@kenstonapps.org