The countdown is officially over—tomorrow is the first day of the 2026–2027 school year!

Whether you’re stepping into the classroom for the very first time or starting your senior year, our halls are ready for you. Rest up tonight, and let’s make this a wonderful year together!

Brown and white pride is shining bright tomorrow morning!
about 11 hours ago, Allison Oltmann
back to school
📣 Transportation Communication Update Our Transportation Director has been diligently working to resolve issues with our new transportation communication system, StopFinder, and has just reloaded and sent out email invitations. 📧 Please check your email inbox and your junk/spam folder for the StopFinder invitation. If you still do not see the necessary email, please contact Annette.Vanhorn@myepschools.org for assistance. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to get everyone connected!
about 16 hours ago, Allison Oltmann
bus
School is almost back in session, and we owe a huge shoutout to our incredible custodial and maintenance crews! They spent the summer deep cleaning, making repairs, and prepping our buildings so we can welcome everyone back to a safe, beautiful environment. Thank you for your hard work!
1 day ago, Allison Oltmann
thank you
FAST FACT FRIDAY

Approximately 70% of our high school students participate in at least one extracurricular activity!

That's nearly 7 out of every 10 Bulldogs getting involved beyond the classroom—whether through athletics, music, clubs, organizations, or other activities.

Extracurricular activities give students opportunities to discover their interests, build friendships, develop leadership skills, and create memories that last a lifetime.

We're proud of the many ways our Bulldogs get involved!
2 days ago, Allison Oltmann
fast fact friday
The stadium is looking sharp and ready for the season!

Our reserved seating just got an upgrade! Check out these sleek new labels. We are incredibly grateful to ALL our Bulldog Supporters - your dedication enhances the game-day experience for our entire community.

Have you secured your reserved seats for this season? We can’t wait to see you there!
3 days ago, Allison Oltmann
reserved seats
Get ready, Bulldogs!

The Bulldog Blitz is TOMORROW, and we’re kicking off the fall season together starting at 5:00 p.m.! Bring the whole family out for an evening packed with fun, community spirit, and Bulldog pride.

Here’s what’s in store:
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Community Fun Zone (bounce house fun & activities for the kids!)

5:00 – 9:00 p.m. | EPHS Battle of the Classes Food Truck War (Note: No concession stand will be open at the game, so bring your appetite for the food trucks, which will be set up on West Grant Street!)

6:00 p.m. | Athlete & Performer Introductions — come cheer on our fall athletes and performers as they take the field!

7:00 p.m. | EP Bulldog Football Kick-Off vs. Shadyside


Let’s fill the stands and show what it means to have Bulldog Pride. See you there!
4 days ago, Allison Oltmann
bulldog blitz
Today was all about helping our newest middle schoolers feel ready, comfortable, and excited for the year ahead! Our 5th graders had the opportunity to meet their teachers, get familiar with the layout of the halls, learn where they need to be, and ask questions before the first official day of school. Starting middle school can feel like a big transition, and we loved giving our students a chance to get to know their new surroundings and take away some of those first-day jitters. We hope they walked away today feeling a little more confident and a lot more excited for what’s ahead! We can’t wait to officially welcome our 5th graders on Day One!
5 days ago, Allison Oltmann
5th grade
5th grade
5th grade
5th grade
5th grade
5th grade
5th grade
What You Need to Know Before They Go…… Breakfast & Lunch Info!

Making sure our Bulldogs start the day ready to learn is important—and breakfast is FREE for ALL East Palestine students!

Here’s what families need to know about morning breakfast:
EPMS/EPHS: 7:30 a.m. in the EPHS Cafeteria
EPES: 8:20 a.m. in the EPES Cafeteria

And don’t forget—breakfast and lunch are FREE for ALL students again this school year!

Want to see what’s being served? Check out the daily menus:
🔗 http://myepschools.nutrislice.com/
6 days ago, Allison Oltmann
know before you go breakfast and lunch info
FAST FACT FRIDAY

934 students walk through our doors every day across the East Palestine School District. From our youngest Pre-K learners taking their first steps in the classroom to our high school seniors preparing for college, trades, or the workforce, our district works every day to ensure each child receives a safe, well-rounded, and supportive education right here at home.

Fast Fact Friday is our way of helping our community learn more about East Palestine Schools—one fact at a time.
9 days ago, Allison Oltmann
fast fact friday
What You Need to Know Before They Go… School Hours & Bell Schedules!

Before the first bell rings, make sure you know when the school day starts and ends. Our school hours and bell schedules are a little different this year, so now is the perfect time to take a look, plan ahead, and get those morning routines ready!

**Middle & High School: 7:45 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.
**Elementary: 8:45 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
**Preschool: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Bell schedules are also available: myepschools.org/page/bell-schedules

One less thing to figure out on the first day = one more step toward a great start!
10 days ago, Allison Oltmann
school hours and bell schedules
The first day of school is getting closer, Bulldogs! Before we officially kick off the 2026–2027 school year, we have a few opportunities for students and families to get ready, find their way around, and meet our staff on August 20th!

OPEN HOUSES — 4:00–6:00 p.m.
All East Palestine School District buildings

FRESHMAN & NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION — 4:00 p.m. in the EPHS Auditorium

PRESCHOOL ORIENTATION — 5:30 PM in the EPES Media Center

MEDICATION DROP-OFF & HEALTH INFO
Staff from the Akron Children’s Clinic will be on-site during Open Houses for medication drop-off.
Please Note: If your student has asthma, seizures, diabetes, or major allergies, an up-to-date action plan signed by a doctor is required.

These events are a great chance to get familiar with the school, connect with teachers and staff, and make sure everyone feels ready for day one. We can't wait to see you!
10 days ago, Allison Oltmann
before you go
Friday, August 21st is just around the corner, and so is The Bulldog Blitz!

Come out and support your class while enjoying some incredible local eats from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Get ready for the EPHS Battle of the Classes – Food Truck War!

Freshmen – What’s Grandpa Smokin’
Sophomores – Kip’s Tacos
Juniors – Frytanic
Seniors – Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches
All 4 Classes – The Ice Box

Mark your calendars and bring your appetite. Let’s make this Bulldog Blitz one to remember! And when the Food Truck War wraps up, stick around and head into the stadium to cheer on our Bulldogs as they take on Shadyside!

Which class are you rooting for?
11 days ago, Allison Oltmann
food truck war
What You Need to Know Before They Go…
Bus Routes & Transportation!

Getting to school is an important part of getting ready for the first day! Families can now find the 2026–2027 bus route information on our website.

NEW THIS YEAR: Stopfinder!
East Palestine is introducing Stopfinder, a new all-in-one app that gives families easy access to their student’s transportation information. Stopfinder also includes a private messaging feature that allows families to communicate directly with our Transportation Department.

Stopfinder invitations have been sent to the primary email address currently on file with the district (be sure to check your spam folders). Families will need an invitation and registration before accessing their student’s transportation information. Look for an email from no-reply@stopfinder.com.

Find bus routes & transportation information: myepschools.org/page/bus-routes
11 days ago, Allison Oltmann
know before they go - bus information
What You Need to Know Before They Go...
We're counting down to the first day of school!

Over the next two weeks, we'll be sharing the information that East Palestine families need to start the 2026–2027 school year prepared and ready to go!

First up: THE CALENDAR
Save this post for quick reference on upcoming important dates, and visit our website for the most up-to-date district calendar throughout the school year.
https://www.myepschools.org/events

13 days ago, Allison Oltmann
dates
Welcome to the Bulldog family!
We’re excited to welcome our newest staff members to the East Palestine School District, Ms. Copestick & Dr. Brown. Today’s New Staff Orientation included getting to know our district, our community, and the people who make it special.
We’re so glad you’re here! Please join us in giving them a warm East Palestine welcome!
14 days ago, Allison Oltmann
new hire orientation
FAST FACT FRIDAY

The East Palestine School District serves a community that spans 31 square miles.

Every school day, our team is dedicated to serving students and families across that entire area—providing transportation, educational opportunities, and the support our Bulldogs need to succeed. It's all part of our commitment to serving every student, every day.

Fast Fact Friday is our way of helping our community learn more about East Palestine Schools—one fact at a time.
16 days ago, Allison Oltmann
fast fact friday
Looking to make the most of Ohio's Tax-Free Weekend?
Now's the perfect time to check off those back-to-school shopping lists! Find your student's school supply list below and get ready for a great start to the school year.

Elementary School Supply Lists:
https://www.myepschools.org/o/epes/page/supply-lists

Middle School Supply Lists:
https://www.myepschools.org/o/epms/page/epms-supply-lists

Happy shopping, Bulldogs!
18 days ago, Allison Oltmann
school supply lists
We're excited to share that breakfast and lunch will once again be FREE for all East Palestine students during the upcoming school year!

Providing healthy, nutritious meals helps our students start each day ready to learn and gives them the energy they need to succeed. We're proud to continue offering this benefit to support our students and families, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back for another great year!
20 days ago, Allison Oltmann
Free Breakfast & Lunch for 2026-2027 School Year
Are you ready for some football!?
Meet the 2026 Bulldog Football Team & Coaches on Monday, August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. in Reid Memorial Stadium!

Then.....on Friday, August 21st during our Bulldog Blitz event, you'll have the chance to meet our other fall athletes at 6:00 p.m. in Reid Memorial Stadium!

Come on out and let's show our Bulldog Pride!
26 days ago, Allison Oltmann
2026 football meet the team on august 3
meet the team
Let’s go Bulldogs!

Are you ready to cheer on our athletes this fall.....What better way to enjoy all the events than with an athletic pass? Mrs. Cindy Dunn will be available on August 8th and August 13th at the Board of Education Office, located at 200 West North Ave., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Passes will also be available at the first home volleyball game and the first home football game.
28 days ago, Allison Oltmann
atheltic passes
atheltic passes