South Range Local Schools

Dear South Range Local School District Community,

Can you believe it’s already time to end the 2024-2025 school year? Time truly flies when you're deeply committed to a mission rooted in excellence. As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made together and share our excitement as we prepare for 2025–2026. This year, we made tremendous strides in advancing our Raider Way goals across all four pillars: Student Performance, High Expectations, Communication & Collaboration, and Resources & Safety.

Student Performance

We’re proud to share that students have already enrolled in our new Building Trades course for the 2025–2026 school year—a key step in preparing students for real-world success. Additionally, we’ve invested significantly in academic success by adopting new K–6 Reading and Math curricula and aligned assessments designed to support enrichment and intervention. These tools will better equip our educators to personalize instruction and meet the needs of every learner.

This curriculum adoption was driven by meaningful collaboration with teachers who participated in site visits, planning meetings, and pilot programs to ensure we selected the best resources. We’re thrilled to implement Amplify Desmos (grades K–2 and 5–6) and i-Ready Math (grades 3–4) in the upcoming school year.

High Expectations

Through the Raider Way, we continue to foster opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and creatively. Some of our most exciting enrichment offerings include:

Middle School:

• Rock Band

• eSports

• Math 24

• Book Club

• (Potentially launching) Archery Club

Elementary School:

• Art Club

• Storybook Stretches

• Expanded Math 24 (grades 3–5)

These programs help us meet our vision of cultivating excellence and encouraging students to pursue their passions.

Communication & Collaboration

This year, we launched several new initiatives to strengthen two-way communication and community engagement. These include:

• Second Cups of Coffee

• Fall Forum

• District-wide surveys

• Weekly all-calls, emails, and text messages

• Celebrations and updates on social media

• The Raider Ambassadors, a group of key communicators dedicated to bridging our schools and the broader community

These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to transparency, listening, and building strong relationships across the district.

Resources & Safety

We’ve continued to invest in tools that support both safety and learning. This year, we purchased 240 new Chromebooks, and after gathering parent feedback, we’ve revised our Technology Fee Structure and Device Usage Model for 2025–2026. For Safety and Security, the District is pursuing multiple safety grants to enhance student and staff safety.

Looking Ahead: Master Facilities Five-Year Plan

We are also excited to share progress on our Master Facilities Five-Year Plan, developed and discussed throughout the 2024–2025 school year. This plan outlines a strategic vision for facility development and long-term infrastructure forecasting. It includes clear objectives, actionable steps, and financial planning to support sustainable growth. Most importantly, this initiative reflects our continued commitment to the Raider Way—with a focus on safety, resource optimization, and long-term sustainability—as we look to address the evolving needs of our aging campus infrastructure.

As we wrap up this school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every member of our South Range team. From teachers and aides to drivers, secretaries, counselors, custodians, and administrators—your daily efforts are the heartbeat of our schools. Together, we are fulfilling our mission to be the community centerpiece building on excellence. A special congratulations to our graduating seniors—we are proud of you and excited to see what the future holds!

Thank you for continuing to embody the spirit of GBED – Get Better Every Day. Please visit https://www.southrange.k12.oh.us/ for updates throughout the summer.

With great enthusiasm and appreciation,

Jarred

Dr. Jarred Zapolnik
Superintendent
South Range Local Schools

South Range Local School District received the Ohio Auditor of State Award for our clean audit of

FY2024. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our employees for their ongoing commitment to hard work. A special thank you goes to Keri Munson and Amy Centofanti for their efforts in implementing and maintaining the procedures and policies that support our strong financial practices.

Brian Bagwell, President

Terri Lally, Vice President

Liz Johnson, Member

Tyler Bates, Member

Dr. Jack Dawson, Member

South Range Schools works each month to revise, update, and adopt several NEOLA policies.

Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these policies, as they play a critical role in guiding the district's operations and decision-making. All board policies are available for review on our website at BoardDocs.

As we progress through the month of May, this time of year is dedicated to our seniors and their successful graduation from South Range High School.

Celebrating Excellence: Honoring High School Seniors

It is with boundless excitement and pride that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Seniors. More seniors will receive acknowledgments and awards at the various end-of-the-year celebrations!🌟

Cum Laude Students (3.5-3.699 GPA)

Zac Amedia

Hayden Carey

Heath Crouse

Julian Dispenza

Jessa Flowers

Peyton Hines

Griffin Pahanish

Luke Rohan

Andrew Shandor

Emmitt Slabach

Derek Stratton

Tristan Toy

Shaun Updegraff

Magna Cum Laude Students (3.7-3.899 GPA)

Andrew Brian

Ella Crumbacher

Riley DeCiancio

Jade Dillon

Hannah Gettemy

John Gialousis

William Humphrey

Hayden John

Lilly Johnson

Ashlyn Less

Nathan Meyers

Gaven Nagy

Avery Petruzzi

Emma Rains

Alaina Shehan

Kayla Wine

Summa Cum Laude scholars (3.9 or higher GPA with an Honors Diploma)

🎉👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

Michael Chadbourne

Hunter Cooper

Congratulations to the Class of 2025

Mandy Joy Allman

Zakarie Zuriel Amedia

Veda Jayne Barbush

Andrew Scott Brian

Zachary Nicholas Cardinal

Hayden Jean Carey

Danica Ellen Carolus

Michael Anthony Chadbourne

Abigail Kate Colla

Troy Howard Combs

Hunter Ross Cooper

Daryan Landon Coulter-Seeger

Elyanna Marie Elizabeth Cremeans

Heath Leeland Crouse

Ella Lane Crumbacher

Lucas Benjamin Davidson

Riley Rose DeCiancio

Madelyne Ann Decker

Jacob Fredrick Deer

Adam Andrew DiBacco

Jade McKenzie Dillon

Zander Joseph DiMuzio

Lucy Ann Elaine Dispenza

Aidan Alexander Dominguez

Caleb Amanuel Duncan

KayCee Jo Duris

Benjamin Aiden Carter Farrow

Jessa AnEstelle Julia Flowers

Cecillia Rose Foster

Landon Thomas Frank

Patrick Joseph Gaia, III

Michael Christopher Garwacki

Hannah Grace Gettemy

John Anthony Gialousis

Morgan Alexis Gleckler

Steven Baxter Grandon

Matthew Graham Heikkinen

Coy William Heineman

Brooke Carson Herchik

Peyton Elizabeth Hines

Gerald Carl Hively

Landon Mitchell Hoffman

Morgan Madeline Hollister

William Edward Humphrey

Elias Thomas Jackson

Hayden Michai John

Lilly Grace Johnson

Alexander Kenneth Kelly

Patrick Daniel Lally

Ashlyn Paige Less

Nathan Scott Lewis

Chloe Marie Louk

Addison Frankie McBurney

Gloria Reagan McCabe

Evan Patrick McGrath

Julia Michelle Meli

Nathan Albert Meyers

Asher Hayes Moorefield

Kaleigh Jade Morrow

Ella Ann Nagy

Gaven William Nagy

Griffin James Pahanish

Giada Lynn Pauline

Avery Jackson Petruzzi

Jessyka Lyn Philips

James Weston Powell

Emma Marie Rains

Luke William Rohan

Hayley Jayne Romano

Caleb James Ruthrauff

Kylie Dee Scarpitti

Tyler Schultz Schultz

Toby Mitchel Sell

Connor Michael Sepe

Andrew Joseph Shandor

Jonathan Edward Shank

Alaina Grace Shehan

Jacob Owen Shumate

Emmitt Michael Slabach

Dylan Steven Smesko

Luke Anthony Starkey

Zaeda Angeles Stiles

Derek Robert Stratton

John Michael Tomaino III

Tristan Samuel Toy

Shaun Michael Updegraff

Ethan James Viano

Ava Cecilia Ward

Jacob Ross Watkins

Lilyanna Claudette Watson

Kayden Lee Welker

Alexandria Grace Wellington

Jaylianna Rose Wilt

Kayla Marie Wine

Xavier Bradley Winner

Anwar Nicholas Zaid

Tristan Alexander Zinn

Payton Marie Zwingler

Wow! Where has this past year gone? I just want to take a moment to thank all of our middle school families for their support throughout the year. A special thank you is extended to our Middle School PTO and the South Range Schools Foundation for “being there” for our students and staff, behind the scenes, supporting our academic needs and co-curricular programs.

I would also be remiss if I did not thank Mrs. Brenda Petit for her years of service to our students and staff. Mrs. Petit has been a dedicated counselor who continually supported the needs of our students! Her guidance and expertise will be greatly missed. Best of luck, Mrs. Petit, in your retirement!

As we bring the 2024-2025 school year to a close, the middle school would again like to recognize the successes and achievements of our students both in and out of the classroom:

April Spotlight Students

Grade 5 - Chloe Johnson

From Choe’s teachers - “Chloe is an outstanding student whose positive attitude and joyful spirit brighten every classroom she enters. Her enthusiasm for learning is matched by her insightful contributions during discussions. Chloe has an eye for style and creativity, which she expresses through her interest in fashion and nail art - quiet reflections of her confidence and individuality. Chloe leads by example - she’s respectful, kind and always ready to lend a helping hand to both her peers and teachers. Her natural leadership and genuine care for others make her a true role model and an invaluable part of our school community.”

Grade 6 - Elisha McCoy

The 6th grade team had this to say about Elisha: “ Elisha demonstrates stewardship as a 6th grade student by taking responsibility for his actions and showing care for his school environment. He helps keep shared spaces clean and organized, often without being asked. Elisha looks out for others by lending a hand when classmates need support or encouragement. He uses classroom materials wisely and encourages other to do the same. Through his thoughtful choices and leadership, Elisha sets a positive example for his peers.”

Grade 7 - Sam Scenna

The 7th grade staff said, “Sam has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. He sets a great example, works diligently and is not afraid to ask for help when needed. Sam is always someone you can count on and he will always say hello. His kindness, politeness and respectfulness make him an excellent leader to follow!”

Grade 8 - Ryan Nicholson

Ryan’s teachers state that “Ryan demonstrates several qualities of a leader but he really stands out for his scholarship. Ryan’s commitment to his academics is an admirable quality. He works hard across the board in all of his core classes but also never shies away from a challenge. He’s always extremely well-mannered and respectful in his interactions with adults. He’s an asset to the classes he is a part of and an all-around great kid.”

Congratulations to all of our Spotlight Students!

YSU English Festival

Congratulations to all of our middle school students who competed at the YSU English Festival. Special recognition goes to the following:

Not So Trivial Pursuit - Zac Judin (2nd Place), Adrianna Ware (3rd Place)

Connections - Gabrielle Lucente (1st Place)

Writing Games - Emily Sepe (Honorable Mention)

Impromptu - Jack Martinez (Honorable Mention), Zac Judin (Honorable Mention)

Mahoning County Green Team

It is with great pleasure that we recognize 7th grader, Mia Bergagna, for being selected as the winner of the Mahoning County Green Team Earth Day billboard contest. Mia’s hard work and creativity in designing such inspiring art led to her selection as the seventh grade winner. Her artwork was displayed at 8034 Market Street near King’s Collision.

Congratulations Mia! Great job!

Raiders Rise

Finally, special mention goes out to our middle school PBIS team and Mrs. Michelle Lydic for successfully implementing our two-month-long “Raiders Rise” initiative. Through instructing Random Acts of Kindness lessons in our classrooms and recognizing respectful behaviors from our students, we hope to promote an environment of kindness and respect that will continue well beyond the end of this school year. Thank you, also, to the community members and families who contributed to this campaign. Your support is greatly appreciated.

PTO End-of-Year Events Recap

Every spring, the Elementary PTO helps wrap up the school year with three big events. This year was no exception!

First, the PTO Enrichment Committee planned two exciting field trips for all of our K–4 students. The first trip took place on Friday, May 9th, for the School Day Scrappers Game, a special event designed for students to enjoy a fun and educational day at the ballpark. Our students had the opportunity to watch the YSU Penguins men’s baseball team play Oakland University.

The second trip occurred on Wednesday, May 14th, when our staff and students traveled to Canton to participate in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Get Fit Training Camp. This interactive program promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. We were thrilled to have the South Range High School football team join us to help lead drills and football-themed activities and guide our students through the Hall of Fame museum.

Next, the PTO hosted the annual Spring Fling on Saturday, May 3rd, from 12:00–3:00 pm. This indoor carnival was packed with games, food, face painting, activities, and prizes for our students and families to enjoy. It took many volunteers to make this event a success—from behind-the-scenes preparation to game setup, event supervision, and cleanup.

In addition to Spring Fling, our school proudly hosted its first K–3 Art Show, presented by Mrs. Stewart and our talented K–3 students. The theme was “The Four Seasons,” and each part of the elementary hallways represented either winter, spring, summer, or fall. Thank you to everyone who helped with the Spring Fling and Art Show and to all who came out to support our PTO and the arts!

Finally, the PTO closed out the year with its biggest event: K–4 Field Day, which took place on the last day of school, Thursday, May 29th. This year’s Field Day featured both indoor and outdoor activities, including events led by On Target and Athletix. Students spent the day celebrating with fun, movement, and laughter.

We also honored our 4th grade students with the traditional Clap-Out at 1:45 pm, beginning at the main elementary doors and wrapping around to the E2 doors, to mark the end of their elementary journey.

Awards Days

We celebrated our K–4 students and recognized their accomplishments during our Awards Day programs held in the auditorium:

• Friday, May 16th:

  • Kindergarten @ 8:15 am

  • 1st Grade @ 9:30 am

  • 2nd Grade @ 11:45 am

• Tuesday, May 20th:

  • 4th Grade @ 8:45 am (including a special recorder concert)

  • 3rd Grade @ 12:00 pm

Congratulations to all of our students on their achievements! Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your continued support and dedication throughout the 2024–2025 school year. On behalf of the entire Elementary Staff, thank you for another great year!

Grade Level Spotlight – Kindergarten

The end of the year is always an exciting time as students prepare for what’s next. For our kindergarten teachers, it is especially meaningful to see their current students prepare to become 1st graders—and to meet their incoming students during Kindergarten Screening.

This year, screening took place on May 6th and 7th, with around 80 future kindergarten students participating. It was a great opportunity to welcome many new families to our school community.

We were also proud to once again partner with United Way for the Success by 6 summer program. This free program gives a select group of incoming kindergarten students a jumpstart in academic and social development. The program ran for three weeks, June 9–27, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.

If you have questions about the program or would like more information, please contact the elementary office at 330-549-5578.

As of this newsletter's publication, the District has not yet received final information regarding Title I funding for the elementary school for the 2025–2026 school year. Despite this uncertainty, we are proud to announce a proactive plan that provides every K–8 student with access to strategic support and meaningful enrichment. Through creative scheduling, available technology, committed staffing, and thoughtful planning, South Range is prepared to support both academic intervention and enrichment across the district.

📘 Plan for Intervention & Enrichment: 2025–2026 (Grades K–8)

Aligned with High-Dosage Tutoring & Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies

Our Mission

South Range Local Schools continues to build on its mission to serve as the community’s centerpiece of excellence. We remain steadfast in supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students. Our 2025–2026 Plan for Intervention & Enrichment establishes a multi-tiered framework with High-Dosage Tutoring (HDT), targeted mentoring, and proven instructional practices.

Elementary School (Grades K–4)

📚 High-Dosage Tutoring & Enrichment:

💬 Social-Emotional Support:

- 30 days of service from trained school social workers

- Group and individual sessions plus classroom consultations

Middle School (Grades 5–8)

📘 Tutoring:

- Three tutors (ELA & Math), One Reading Specialist

Looking Ahead

Whether through enrichment opportunities or individualized intervention, South Range students will continue to receive the support they need to thrive. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in educating the next generation of Raiders!

Congratulations to the Boys Track Team for winning the NE8 Championship. We had outstanding performances this meet. Congratulations to Gabby Spooner for breaking the school record in the Long Jump. Taylor Dado and Emmitt Slabach for the High Point Earners of the meet. Taylor and Emmitt are the NE8 Track Players of the Year.

We are proud to celebrate our South Range Baseball, Softball, and Track & Field teams for their incredible accomplishments this season in the NE8 Conference!

Baseball

First Team Infielders:

• Julian Tranovich

• Gavin Hiscox

Second Team

• Pitcher: Brennen Klasovsky

• Infielder: Gaen Nagy

• Outfielder: Lincoln Cleevely

Softball

First Team

• Pitcher: Ashley Rupert

• Infielder: Jayli Wilt

• Outfielder: Solena DeJesus

Second Team

• Outfielder: Giada Pauline

Track & Field

NE8 Team Track Champions:

South Range Raiders – Your hard work and dedication brought home the championship!

Boys NE8 Track Player of the Year:

Emmitt Slabach

Girls NE8 Track Player of the Year:

Taylor Dado

First Team Honors – Boys

4x800 Relay

• Anthony Berry

• Hunter Bruner

• Xavier Winner

• Emmitt Slabach

1600 Run – Emmitt Slabach

400 Dash – Tristan Toy

800 Run – Emmitt Slabach

Second Team Honors – Boys

4x200 Relay

• Troy Combs

• Heath Crouse

• Aidan Dominguez

• Tristan Toy

4x100 Relay

• Aidan Dominguez

• Collin Kay

• Vincent Pulido

• Tristan Toy

3200 Run – Emmitt Slabach

4x400 Relay

• Tristan Toy

• Heath Crouse

• Aidan Dominguez

• Jaxson Kosik

High Jump – Luke Rohan

200 Dash – Troy Combs

Long Jump – Tristan Toy

Discus – Asher Moorefield

First Team Honors – Girls

400 Dash – Taylor Dado

Long Jump – Gabriella Spooner

Shot Put – Cassandra Habeger

Second Team Honors – Girls

100 Dash – Taylor Dado

200 Dash – Taylor Dado

4x200 Relay

• Haylie John

• Willow Mungai

• Abigail Lencyk

On May 21, 2025, the South Range Raiders softball claimed their sixth straight District Championship with win over Wooster Triway Titans! Great job girls, coaches, and fans!

Summer Meal Benefits

This summer, the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), which provides cash grocery benefits to households with children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, will be in effect again. The Summer EBT program provides children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals with SNAP benefits. Each eligible child will receive a one-time $120 benefit for the summer. If your student qualified for free or reduced meals this 24/25 school year, be on the lookout for a plain white envelope addressed to the student. The envelope will have a card inside similar to a Visa card preloaded with $120. Please note- If you received benefits on a card previously, then the dollar amount for your student will be loaded onto your already existing card & you will not be receiving a brand new one.

Five Healthy Meal Incentive Awards

South Range Cafeteria received Five Healthy Meal Incentive awards this spring through the Action for Healthy Kids, Chef Ann Foundation, and RMC Health. The awards focused on innovative strategies to provide healthy meals and nutrition education to our students. A huge thank you to the cafeteria for their continuous hard work to provide great meals for our students and staff!

As the School Resource Officer at South Range Local Schools, it has been a privilege to work closely with students, staff, and families throughout the year to support a safe and respectful school environment.

The Raider Way: Safety & Security

One of the major initiatives this year at South Range Middle School has been our continued focus on preventing and addressing bullying. Alongside Middle School Principal Mr. Szolek, we launched a proactive program at the beginning of the school year aimed at promoting kindness, respect, and positive peer interactions. Throughout the year, we have met with numerous students—both those who have been affected by bullying and those involved in causing harm—addressing situations involving verbal, social, and cyberbullying. These efforts are part of our commitment to improving the overall culture at South Range and ensuring that every student feels safe and supported.

Outside the classroom, the Beaver Police Department remains active in monitoring school zone speeds and school bus red light violations throughout the township. Unfortunately, numerous citations have been issued this year for failing to stop for school buses—an issue we take very seriously. Our officers will continue to remain vigilant at all bus stops to help ensure the safety of our students.

D.A.R.E.

We are proud to announce that the Beaver Township Police Department celebrated the graduation of our 26th class of D.A.R.E. students this year. The revamped D.A.R.E. program, delivered to our 5th grade students, focuses on teaching youth how to make safe and responsible decisions by following the R.E.A.L. strategy: Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave. This updated curriculum equips students with the tools they need to navigate challenges and peer pressure in a thoughtful and confident manner.

If you ever have questions or concerns about student safety on campus, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I can be contacted by email at mhassey@southrange.org or by phone at 330-549-2163, extension 39123.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping South Range a safe and positive place to learn.

Sincerely,
Officer Matthew Hassey

School Resource Officer
South Range Local Schools

Jaclyn DiSibio
Director Student Services
jdisibio@southrange.org
330-549-4071 ext. 39224

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

Every year, the District shall make all reasonable efforts to identify and locate every student who

resides within the District who may be a student with a disability under Section 504 in order to

determine possible eligibility for special education and/or related services or supplementary aids

and/or services in accordance with federal and state law and this policy and procedures manual.

The District shall notify parents of those students of the District’s Section 504 obligations. The

District may satisfy the notification obligation by advertising, by posting notices in places likely

to be visited by qualified students with disabilities and their parents, by including notices in

District publications and on its web site, and by directly contacting parents of those students who the District believes to be eligible.

Please see below for more information:

English Language Learners

May 12, 2025 the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment scores will be out, and we will be sending the notifications to the parents, and new English Learner Plans for the 2025-2026 year will be made to help teachers understand their student's levels and the goal for the year to comply with the Ohio English language proficiency standards.

Federal law requires Ohio schools to identify English learners, assess their English language proficiency, provide reasonable accommodations, monitor their academic progress, and implement accountability systems. South Range Local Schools provides these services to all identified students.

For more information please visit:

English Learner Programs

The English Learner Family Toolkit - Ohio's Statewide Family Engagement Center

Dear South Range Families,

As we continue working to improve efficiency and student safety, I wanted to share a few important updates from our Transportation Department:

🚌 Piloting a New Bus Dismissal Process
This spring, we’re testing a new bus dismissal procedure for the buses only to help streamline loading, improve supervision, and ensure timely departures. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we fine-tune this process.

📉 Route Reductions for 2025–2026
Due to changes in student ridership and staffing, we anticipate cutting at least one, possibly two, bus routes for the 2025–2026 school year. More information will be provided closer to fall, including updated route assignments and pickup/drop-off times.

📱 Introducing StopFinder:
Beginning next school year, we will implement StopFinder, a real-time parent communication app that provides alerts about route changes, delays, or emergencies. This tool will help keep families informed and confident about their child’s transportation each day.

As always, thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Transportation Department.

Warm regards,
Brenda Hammond

Transportation Director
South Range Local Schools

Water Matters!

As a public water system, we must chemically treat, test, and monitor water usage in accordance with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The Ohio EPA recently updated its guidelines to reflect optimal water quality parameters. The complete monitoring schedules are available on our Technology Website.

Technology

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, the South Range Local School District will implement updates to the Chromebook policy and usage model.

2025–2026 Technology Model

• Grades K–4: Cart model (devices remain at school)

• Grades 5–6: Cart model with individually assigned devices (devices stay at school)

• Grades 7–12: Individually assigned devices; students must bring devices to and from school fully charged

• Grades 5–12: Teachers will provide instruction on device etiquette and digital responsibility

• Grades 5–12: The District will purchase protective cases to increase device safety

Technology Fees

• Grades K–4: $20.00

• Grades 5–6: $50.00

• Grades 7–12: $50.00

Accountability

The district has revised the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), updated the repair fee schedule, and established a family invoicing system for device damages. There will be no first-time warnings under the new "no accidents" policy. Each student will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of their assigned device.

Students in grades K–6 will have devices assigned for instructional use during the school day. Students in grades 7–12 will use devices both at school and at home. Instructional staff will determine when and how devices are used during the school day. Technology fee increases will support service, replacement parts, and protective cases.

More information is available in the full Technology Initiative Form.

Master Facilities Plan

During the 2024–2025 school year, the district developed the Master Facilities Plan to guide long-term facility development and strategic forecasting. District leaders partnered with facilities experts to conduct comprehensive audits, which informed project prioritization for the next five years. These audits highlighted critical needs, including roof replacements and parking lot renovations across campus.

The plan outlines specific objectives, actionable steps, and financial projections to support sustainable infrastructure enhancement. It addresses the challenges of aging facilities while upholding the district’s commitment to the “Raider Way”—a philosophy grounded in safety, efficient resource use, and long-term sustainability.

Mrs. Laurie Strabala, Cafeteria staff

Laurie has worked in the cafeteria for 22 years and you may recognize this smiling face as one of the line server's in the cafeteria. Laurie's 3 grandsons Easton, Grayson, & Jaxon all attend South Range, and get to see her at lunch everyday. If you ever need help cleaning or organizing, Laurie is your go to person & is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever someone needs it, she is truly a team player. All students K-12 enjoy going through Laurie's lunch line and are always greeted with a smile and warm hello.

Mr. Michael Dankovich, Custodian staff

Michael has filled a vital custodial position as part of our afternoon custodial team. Michael has the experience and education for this position. He also comes to use with 20 years experience as a Personal Care Assistant. Working in hospital and emergency care environments, Michael’s experience is an additional benefit of having someone with that skill-set on staff. Michael’s hobbies include being a clown - Boo-Boo - Seriously!

Mrs. Christy Pepperney, SRHS

Christy is hard-working and student-centered. She is continually looking for ways to grow in her profession, collaborate with her school team, and lead within her field. Christy is a trusted colleague and she works as an intervention specialist to support learners with diverse needs.

Christy has 12-plus years working in the field of special education. She earned her business degree from Youngstown State University and a teaching degree from Notre Dame College in Cleveland. She is currently working on her Masters and her Transition to Work endorsement. Christy lives in Poland with her husband Jim and they have three kids - Lauren, AJ, and Jack. She also has two dogs - Ryder and Rosie. Christy is truly an asset to the Raider Community!

Mr. Dan Crish, SRMS

In Mr. Crish's first year at South Range, he has had an extremely positive impact on our Physical Education department. Through implementing new programs and initiatives, our students have been exposed to currently popular activities which can be carried on for a lifetime. Mr. Crish is a wonderful addition to our staff and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Mrs. Debbie Spiese, SRES

Debbie is a 1978 South Range Alumni and has been a teacher at South Range Elementary for the past 31 years. She started her teaching career after graduating from Youngstown State University in 1982 with a degree in Elementary Education K-8. She taught 5th grade at Jackson Milton for 2 years before beginning her family. She returned to teaching when her daughter began Kindergarten at South Range and was grateful to teach at her alma mater. She obtained her Master's Degree from Ashland University in Curriculum and Instruction. Debbie taught first grade for 13 years, and has been teaching second grade for the past 18 years.

Debbie and her husband John, who is a commercial electrician and works for Shell Polymer, enjoy spending time with their grown children and grandchildren. Their son, Jordan (Taylor) and his wife Katie live in Struthers and have two boys; Calvin (8) and Carson (5). Daughter Julie (Taylor Gavin) and her husband John live in Texas and have a boy and a girl; Patrick (7) and Nora (3). Debbie enjoys bible study, the outdoors, traveling, reading, writing, playing with her grandchildren, and spending time with family and friends. She is looking forward to having more time for personal interests, loved ones, volunteering, pursuing hobbies and travel as she has decided to retire this year.

Debbie is grateful for an enriching and deeply rewarding career. She has appreciated the opportunity to serve the community where she grew up and still resides. She shares: “throughout my years at South Range Elementary, I have been blessed to work with an exceptional team of supportive, most generous, and inspirational staff members who have been invaluable to me. I have formed lasting and meaningful friendships. I’ve had the opportunity to help foster a positive school culture, while encouraging growth and leadership qualities in children. My colleagues, students and their families have left lasting imprints upon my heart. I will always cherish my time as an educator at South Range Elementary.”

Mrs. Madeline Caputo, Speech and Language Pathologist

Madeline earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, now known as PennWest Clarion, in 2015. She furthered my education at Ohio University and earned my Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2017. After graduating, Madeline accepted a position at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. South Range was one of the districts she served. In 2019, she graciously accepted a full-time position at South Range. Madeline loves our District- the students, staff, and families have welcomed me since day one. It is such a rewarding experience to watch the students grow and develop their speech and language skills in order to better access their education and gain confidence.

Madeline resides with her husband, two children, and our labradoodle. As a family, they enjoy taking walks, reading together, and playing bocce. In her spare time, Madeline enjoys dabbling in photography and taking courses to further her skills. While she is a novice, Madeline loves the creative process of capturing life's precious moments through the lens!

• Susan Durr

• Janet Freedy

• Brenda Petit

• Deborah Spiese

• Jill White

Pictured: Front row: Jill White, Janet Freedy; Back row: Jack Dawson, Brian Bagwell, Liz Johnson, Tyler Bates, Jarred Zapolnik, Mario Nero

1. Important Dates 📆

We are list 'em here! Events, parent conferences, special programs, etc. https://www.southrange.k12.oh.us/view-all-events

2. Superintendent One Calls 📣

Review the weekly all-calls here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k4aM4E9nO77_GALKZPIKzHrRNDjcjJ2AYYBw87Uk1P4/edit

3. District Text Messages 💬

Review the district text messages here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k4aM4E9nO77_GALKZPIKzHrRNDjcjJ2AYYBw87Uk1P4/edit

4. Parent Resources 🤗

Is your child struggling with coming to school or with homework? Here's how we can help:

• Call our school staff!
• Review our community resources document 👉https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_K0Oqdc9IGNbPutFvd7yCHHIR55Gnru1/view