Molnar's Community Update

Amherst Community,

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their patience and understanding on Tuesday afternoon while we worked diligently with the Amherst Police Department to manage the threat discovered at Marion L. Steele High School. We appreciate the swift response by the high school staff, central office staff, school resource officers, and the Amherst Police Department. Together, we were able to mitigate the problem and ensure the safety of everyone in the building.

I also want to share that we had a copycat instance at the junior high yesterday. Our staff and school resource officer were able to complete a threat assessment and determined that there was no threat. A copycat situation is not meant to cause threat or harm, but panic and chaos. Because of their quick action and investigation, the team was able to contain the situation, identify the person responsible, and avoid a lockdown which would have caused more panic and chaos. In both the high school situation and the junior high situation, the right decisions were made for the safety and security of our students, staff, and community. Job well done!

While real threats and copycat situations are different, both situations result in severe consequences. No one has the right to threaten or pretend to threaten another individual. Please remind your child that they are responsible for the words they say and the actions they choose. In this current environment, local police departments, state officials, and the FBI are applying very serious consequences that can impact a child's life. Students are being charged with misdemeanors and felonies with consequences ranging from probation to juvenile imprisonment.

Below is a short video for you to watch with your child. Let's work together to stop these occurrences so that the district's time and resources can be focused on education. For any safety or security concern, students and parents/guardians should report suspicious behavior to building administration or utilize the Ohio School Tip Line at 844-723-3764. Thank you for your support and attention on this very important topic.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Mike Molnar

Congratulations to Nyah Jesko for being selected as one of just three winners in the Biomimicry Visions: Youth Art Challenge! Nyah is a student in Mrs. DeLeon's Biomimicry class at Marion L. Steele High School. According to the Biomimicry Institute, "Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies used by living organisms to solve challenges comparable to the ones we face as individuals and societies."

The Biomimicry Institute said this about Nyah and her art: "Your creativity, imagination, and interpretation of biomimicry with the cheetah and car truly stood out to us. We were inspired by how beautifully your work captures the essence of our theme, and we’re excited to celebrate your achievement!" Nyah's artwork will be featured in the Biomimicry Institute's special greeting card collection used to spread joy and inspiration to their cherished donors. Additionally, her work will be showcased on AskNature.org, reaching a global audience of nature enthusiasts, innovators, and students just like her. Nyah also received a prize of $100 for being selected. Congratulations Nyah! We are very proud of this great accomplishment. Please see Nyah's winning art below!

COMETSLIVE! will run a year-round fundraiser where you can give a COMET SHOUTOUT to your favorite Comet for just $10 during a live broadcast. All proceeds from the SHOUTOUTS will go directly to COMETSLIVE! students for advanced training to improve our broadcasts. We hope you will consider supporting them in this fundraiser throughout the school year!

The Amherst Schools - A Community of Excellence

mike_molnar@amherstk12.org

440-988-4406

The mission of the Amherst Schools is to educate, equip, and empower all students to choose their path and make a positive impact in our community and beyond.

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