April 2025: Updates from the principal's desk

Dear JH & HS Tiger Families: 

Dear Newton Falls Families,

As we spring into April, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of our students and staff throughout the month of March, and share some exciting events we’re looking forward to in the weeks ahead.

🌟 Celebrating March Highlights

March was a busy and exciting month at Newton Falls!

🎨 Congratulations to senior Veronica Hanzes, who placed in the Top 300 at the Ohio Governor’s Art Exhibition—an incredible achievement recognizing her outstanding artistic talent!

⚾ Over spring break, our boys' varsity baseball team traveled to Tennessee to compete in the Viking Classic Tournament, gaining valuable experience and representing Tiger Pride on the road.

🎶 Several of our junior high band students performed at the OMEA District 5 Solo and Ensemble Event. Shoutout to Alayna Bayless, Macy Haidet, Kacie Kovach, and Elliot Thompson-White for their hard work and dedication!

🎓 Our National Honor Society Induction Ceremony took place in March, welcoming a new group of outstanding students committed to scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

🧑‍🏫 A special congratulations to Mr. Gross, who was honored as a Mahoning Valley Educator of the Year nominee and received the Young Educator of the Year Award. We’re proud to have him on our team!

🎨 Seniors Lillian Sait and Veronica Hanzes were recognized for their sculptural work at the Trumbull County Art Show—well done!

📚 Our March Madness Reading Challenge, in partnership with the Newton Falls Public Library, was a slam dunk! Congratulations to our winner, Peyton Estes, for leading the pack with a love of reading!

⚾ We’re proud to announce that senior athlete Ethan Powell has signed his commitment to play baseball at Westminster College—way to go, Ethan!

💜 April is the Month of the Military Child

As an ODEW-designated Purple Star District, we take great pride in supporting the children of our military families. April is the Month of the Military Child, and throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of our military-connected students and families. We also will be hosting a district-wide Military Spirit Week during the week of April 14th (see below for more info). Thank you for your service and commitment! 

📅 Looking Ahead

🎓 Preparations for graduation are already underway! Save the date: Graduation will be held on May 18 at 3 PM as we celebrate the Class of 2025 and their achievements. Please click HERE to access our Senior Class Newsletter with important dates and upcoming events for our Class of 2025 students. 

📝 State testing season begins next week. We encourage all parents to help their children get a good night’s rest and eat a nutritious breakfast to set them up for success. Please reach out to your child's teacher for more resources to support your child's achievement at home. You can also find out more information on state testing by clicking HERE. A detailed schedule of our testing dates are below!

As always, thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We are proud of all that our Tigers have accomplished and look forward to a strong finish to the school year.

Yours in Education, 

Mrs. Rankin, Principal & Mr. Bauman, Assistant Principal

✅ Easter Break– There will be no school on Friday, April 18th and Monday, April 21st for Easter break. 

✅ Senior Class Breakfast, Awards, & Send Off– Parents, mark your calendars for May 13th as this will be our annual Senior Class breakfast, Awards Ceremony, and send off! 

✅ 6th Grade Washington DC Trip– Our 6th Grade will be traveling to the Nation's capital from May 19-21st! 

✅ Physicals / Immunization Clinic– We will be hosting another health physicals/immunization clinic here at the school with One Health Ohio on May 21st for students in need of shots or physicals for sports. Stay tuned for more info coming soon on this opportunity! 

We want to emphasize to all of our Tiger families that if you find yourself lacking resources and are in need of help, please do not hesitate to reach out. If your children clothes, shoes, or you need help with food, we are here to help. There's zero judgment--it takes a village to raise a child and we at Newton Falls Junior High and High School are part of your village. Please email rankinr@nfschools.org if you ever need additional support and we will utilize all our resources available to take care of our Tiger families!

Have a question? Please email Mrs. Rankin at rankinr@nfschools.org or Mr. Bauman at baumanr@nfschools.org!