Future-focused learning in action!
Our EPMS 7th-grade students and around 40 EPHS students spent time this week exploring careers and gaining hands-on experience at the 2026 Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo.
From trying new skills to learning about career opportunities, our students had the chance to see where curiosity and hard work can take them. We couldn't be more proud of the way they represented East Palestine!
Our EPMS 7th-grade students and around 40 EPHS students spent time this week exploring careers and gaining hands-on experience at the 2026 Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo.
From trying new skills to learning about career opportunities, our students had the chance to see where curiosity and hard work can take them. We couldn't be more proud of the way they represented East Palestine!




Wrapping up our State Report Card series with East Palestine High School and an overall 3.5 Star Rating! This year’s results show meaningful growth across several areas at EPHS:
⭐ Progress increased by 1 star
⭐ Gap Closing reached 5 stars, showing that we significantly exceed state standards, with a 36.4% increase
⭐ College, Career, Workforce & Military Readiness increased to 4 stars, exceeding state standards
⭐ Graduation Rate increased to 4 stars (94.3%)
But growth like this doesn’t happen by accident. It is built through the programs, opportunities and supports we have intentionally put in place for our students—programs that set the tempo, establish the groundwork for success and help our students continue moving forward.
We’re proud of the progress happening at East Palestine High School—and even more proud of the students and staff who make it possible!
⭐ Progress increased by 1 star
⭐ Gap Closing reached 5 stars, showing that we significantly exceed state standards, with a 36.4% increase
⭐ College, Career, Workforce & Military Readiness increased to 4 stars, exceeding state standards
⭐ Graduation Rate increased to 4 stars (94.3%)
But growth like this doesn’t happen by accident. It is built through the programs, opportunities and supports we have intentionally put in place for our students—programs that set the tempo, establish the groundwork for success and help our students continue moving forward.
We’re proud of the progress happening at East Palestine High School—and even more proud of the students and staff who make it possible!

Our Senior Citizen Breakfast was so well received last year that we’re excited to bring it back for Year 2!
Join us on Thursday, October 22 for breakfast, conversation and an opportunity to hear updates about what’s happening throughout East Palestine Schools.
📍 Elementary Gymnasium
🕤 Doors open: 9:30 a.m.
🕚 Event concludes: 11:00 a.m.
SPECIAL NOTE: NEW LOCATION!
We’re still at the Elementary School, but this year’s breakfast will be held in the Gymnasium!
Registration is required by October 15th
Register here: https://bit.ly/4Av584u
or by contacting Allison Oltmann at (330) 426-5302 or allison.oltmann@myepschools.org
We hope you’ll join us for another great morning in Bulldog Country!
Join us on Thursday, October 22 for breakfast, conversation and an opportunity to hear updates about what’s happening throughout East Palestine Schools.
📍 Elementary Gymnasium
🕤 Doors open: 9:30 a.m.
🕚 Event concludes: 11:00 a.m.
SPECIAL NOTE: NEW LOCATION!
We’re still at the Elementary School, but this year’s breakfast will be held in the Gymnasium!
Registration is required by October 15th
Register here: https://bit.ly/4Av584u
or by contacting Allison Oltmann at (330) 426-5302 or allison.oltmann@myepschools.org
We hope you’ll join us for another great morning in Bulldog Country!

One piece at a time, our EPES students have helped to create something that tells a bigger story. Each contribution comes together to create this visual reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.
Our Bulldog Promises keep us on the path:
Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be Cooperative. Be Responsible. Be Kind.
When we each do our part, the bigger picture comes into focus. That’s the power of being part of our pack!
Our Bulldog Promises keep us on the path:
Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be Cooperative. Be Responsible. Be Kind.
When we each do our part, the bigger picture comes into focus. That’s the power of being part of our pack!

Now we’re celebrating growth at East Palestine Middle School for receiving an overall 3-Star Rating ⭐⭐⭐
This year, EPMS saw a one-star increase in both Achievement and Progress, reflecting continued growth in student learning and performance.
We’re proud of the hard work happening every day in our classrooms and grateful to our students and staff who continue to move us forward!
Keep growing, Bulldogs!
This year, EPMS saw a one-star increase in both Achievement and Progress, reflecting continued growth in student learning and performance.
We’re proud of the hard work happening every day in our classrooms and grateful to our students and staff who continue to move us forward!
Keep growing, Bulldogs!

We’re kicking off our building-by-building look at the 2025–2026 Ohio State Report Card with East Palestine Elementary School, where our students and staff earned an overall 4-Star Rating — Exceeds State Standards! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
These results reflect the daily work happening in our classrooms — students learning, teachers pushing growth, and staff working together to help every child move forward.
Congratulations to our EPES students, teachers and staff on this outstanding achievement!
These results reflect the daily work happening in our classrooms — students learning, teachers pushing growth, and staff working together to help every child move forward.
Congratulations to our EPES students, teachers and staff on this outstanding achievement!

Congratulations to the 2026 Fall Homecoming King & Queen - Braydon Plum & McKenna Paparella!
Photo Credit: Looking at Lori's View
Photo Credit: Looking at Lori's View

We love to honor extraordinary milestones in education!
We are incredibly grateful to celebrate two outstanding team members for their lifelong commitment to our students and schools:
25 Years - Mr. Lewis – Elementary School Teacher
30 Years - Mrs. Hogan – Middle School Teacher
A combined 55 years of patience, encouragement, and exceptional teaching! Thank you both for shaping generations of learners and making such a profound impact on our district!
We are incredibly grateful to celebrate two outstanding team members for their lifelong commitment to our students and schools:
25 Years - Mr. Lewis – Elementary School Teacher
30 Years - Mrs. Hogan – Middle School Teacher
A combined 55 years of patience, encouragement, and exceptional teaching! Thank you both for shaping generations of learners and making such a profound impact on our district!

FAST FACT FRIDAY
East Palestine Schools earned a Performance Index score of 81.3 points on the latest Ohio School Report Card.
That’s our highest Performance Index score since 2019!
Behind that number are students putting in the work, teachers and staff pushing learning forward, and a school community committed to continued growth. A measurable sign of progress across Bulldog Nation.
East Palestine Schools earned a Performance Index score of 81.3 points on the latest Ohio School Report Card.
That’s our highest Performance Index score since 2019!
Behind that number are students putting in the work, teachers and staff pushing learning forward, and a school community committed to continued growth. A measurable sign of progress across Bulldog Nation.

The Ohio Department of Education has officially released the 2025-2026 State Report Cards, and East Palestine City Schools is proud to have earned an overall 3-Star Rating, indicating we are meeting state standards across the district!
This year's results reflect meaningful progress in several key areas, including three areas earning 4 stars, exceeding state standards:
Gap Closing: Our rating doubled, with annual performance goals increasing from 25.6% to 46.6%.
College, Career, Workforce & Military Readiness: 75.7% of high school students are demonstrating readiness for post-secondary success — an increase of nearly 9% from last year.
Graduation Rate: A 94.3% four-year graduation rate earned another 4-star rating.
Academic Growth: Our Performance Index increased to 81.3 points, reflecting student performance on state assessments.
While we celebrate this progress, we remain focused on what's next. Strengthening early literacy in grades K-3 continues to be a priority, and through targeted reading tools and specialized instruction, we are committed to helping every young Bulldog build the skills needed for long-term success.
We are proud of the progress our students, teachers and staff are making, and grateful for a community that continues to support our schools as we move East Palestine forward.
Unleashing Potential.
Learn more about the 2025-2026 State Report Card on our website.
This year's results reflect meaningful progress in several key areas, including three areas earning 4 stars, exceeding state standards:
Gap Closing: Our rating doubled, with annual performance goals increasing from 25.6% to 46.6%.
College, Career, Workforce & Military Readiness: 75.7% of high school students are demonstrating readiness for post-secondary success — an increase of nearly 9% from last year.
Graduation Rate: A 94.3% four-year graduation rate earned another 4-star rating.
Academic Growth: Our Performance Index increased to 81.3 points, reflecting student performance on state assessments.
While we celebrate this progress, we remain focused on what's next. Strengthening early literacy in grades K-3 continues to be a priority, and through targeted reading tools and specialized instruction, we are committed to helping every young Bulldog build the skills needed for long-term success.
We are proud of the progress our students, teachers and staff are making, and grateful for a community that continues to support our schools as we move East Palestine forward.
Unleashing Potential.
Learn more about the 2025-2026 State Report Card on our website.

SAVE THE DATE!
One Night. Three Great Opportunities to Discuss Your Student's Future!
*College & Career Readiness Night at EPHS*
November 3rd, starting at 6:00 p.m.
One Night. Three Great Opportunities to Discuss Your Student's Future!
*College & Career Readiness Night at EPHS*
November 3rd, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday is our 1st Pick-Up Day—Register Today!
Boxes are being packed, and our dedicated volunteers are getting everything ready! If your family could use extra support, registration remains open for the East Palestine Schools Family Food Support Program.
First Pickup: Thursday, September 17th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Who It’s For: Available district-wide to all EP School District families
Sign Up Here: https://www.myepschools.org/page/family-food-support-program
We love our Bulldog community and are proud to support our families.
(Please note: Details about the EPES Weekend Backpack Program will be coming at a later date.)
Boxes are being packed, and our dedicated volunteers are getting everything ready! If your family could use extra support, registration remains open for the East Palestine Schools Family Food Support Program.
First Pickup: Thursday, September 17th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Who It’s For: Available district-wide to all EP School District families
Sign Up Here: https://www.myepschools.org/page/family-food-support-program
We love our Bulldog community and are proud to support our families.
(Please note: Details about the EPES Weekend Backpack Program will be coming at a later date.)

Our preschoolers enjoyed a special afternoon celebrating Grandparents Day at our Goodies with Grandparents event! Each student had the chance to invite two special guests to join them for a snack, craft, or story — creating some wonderful memories together!
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us to make this afternoon so special for our youngest Bulldogs!
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us to make this afternoon so special for our youngest Bulldogs!

The EPHS Class of 2027 is selling Pink Out shirts for just $20! Grab yours now and get ready to show your support during the Pink Out Game on October 2nd.
Orders & payment are due Wednesday, September 16.
See a Bulldog senior to order or email Miss Dawson at ashlee.dawson@epschools.k12.oh.us
Let’s fill Bulldog Country with PINK!
Orders & payment are due Wednesday, September 16.
See a Bulldog senior to order or email Miss Dawson at ashlee.dawson@epschools.k12.oh.us
Let’s fill Bulldog Country with PINK!

FAST FACT FRIDAY
Education is more than an investment in our students — it’s an investment in our entire community.
This week’s fact: East Palestine Schools spends an average of $16,131.12 per student each year.
That investment provides the instruction, programs, and opportunities our students experience every day — and helps prepare them for the future, whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, starting a business, or becoming an active and contributing member of our community.
Education is more than an investment in our students — it’s an investment in our entire community.
This week’s fact: East Palestine Schools spends an average of $16,131.12 per student each year.
That investment provides the instruction, programs, and opportunities our students experience every day — and helps prepare them for the future, whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, starting a business, or becoming an active and contributing member of our community.

Registration is now open for the East Palestine Schools Family Food Support Program.
This program is designed to provide additional food support to families in our school community. If your family could benefit, we encourage you to learn more and complete the registration process. The first Family Food Pantry pickup will be on Thursday, September 17th, from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
We’re here to support our students and families — because taking care of our Bulldog community matters.
To learn more & to register, please visit:
https://www.myepschools.org/page/family-food-support-program
**Information regarding the EPES Weekend Backpack Program will be released at a later date.

Twenty-five years later, we still remember.
Today, we honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the first responders who courageously put their own lives on the line to save others. We remember the heroes, the families, and a nation forever changed—and we carry their stories and sacrifices with us.
We will never forget.
Today, we honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the first responders who courageously put their own lives on the line to save others. We remember the heroes, the families, and a nation forever changed—and we carry their stories and sacrifices with us.
We will never forget.

Picture Days are just around the corner!
Be sure to check the graphic for your student’s building, picture date and ordering code so you’re ready when picture day arrives.
We can’t wait to see those Bulldog smiles!
EPMS • 9/15 | EPES • 9/16 | EPHS • 9/22
Be sure to check the graphic for your student’s building, picture date and ordering code so you’re ready when picture day arrives.
We can’t wait to see those Bulldog smiles!
EPMS • 9/15 | EPES • 9/16 | EPHS • 9/22

Over the past three school years, our DSP-U program has truly blossomed, creating meaningful opportunities for students seeking hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials as Direct Support Professionals.
Through our partnerships with Lighthouse Cove and Threshold Residential Services, our students are able to take what they learn and apply it in real-world settings—building skills, confidence, and a foundation for future careers.
We’re proud to see this program continue to grow and provide our students with opportunities that make a difference!
https://lighthousecove.org/educate/dsp-u/
Through our partnerships with Lighthouse Cove and Threshold Residential Services, our students are able to take what they learn and apply it in real-world settings—building skills, confidence, and a foundation for future careers.
We’re proud to see this program continue to grow and provide our students with opportunities that make a difference!
https://lighthousecove.org/educate/dsp-u/


Before the school year officially began, our Transportation Department joined transportation teams from other local districts for a collaborative safety training hosted by the Beaver Township Fire Department.
Train together. Learn together. Prepare together.
We’re proud of our transportation team for continuing to put student safety first and grateful to the Beaver Township Fire Department for helping our drivers be prepared for whatever the school year brings.
Keeping our Bulldogs safe is always our #1 priority!
Train together. Learn together. Prepare together.
We’re proud of our transportation team for continuing to put student safety first and grateful to the Beaver Township Fire Department for helping our drivers be prepared for whatever the school year brings.
Keeping our Bulldogs safe is always our #1 priority!



