Ranger News

Dear Ranger Families,

I hope you are all enjoying this fall weather! As we welcome the month of November, there are many exciting events and important updates happening across our district. This time of year brings opportunities for growth, reflection, and connection, and we are eager to share what’s in store for our students and community.

Today, our students actively participated in a mock election, gaining firsthand experience with the democratic process. This hands-on learning opportunity allowed them to engage in discussions about civic responsibility, the importance of voting, and how elections shape our society. You can read more about this activity below.

With Election Day around the corner, please note that there will be no school on Monday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 5 to give our families time to participate in this important event. We encourage everyone to get out and vote, setting a great example of civic engagement for our students.

In addition, we are honored to celebrate Veterans Day this month. On Friday, November 8, at 12:00 PM, NRHS is hosting a special Veterans Day Luncheon and Assembly to recognize and thank all those who have served in the military. This event provides our students the opportunity to connect with veterans in our community and express their gratitude for the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. We extend our thanks to all veterans for their service and dedication. If you’re a veteran who would like to attend this free event, you can RSVP here.

We would also like to remind you that report cards are now available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. This is a great opportunity to review your child’s progress and achievements so far this school year. We encourage all families to log in, discuss the results with your student, and reach out to teachers if you have any questions or concerns.

As we move through this busy and exciting month, we hope you and your family enjoy the wonderful events happening in our community! We wish all of our Rangers a fantastic November filled with learning, gratitude, and connection!

Sincerely,

Roxann Ramsey-Caserio

Be in the know about all of breaks, days off, and more with the 2024-2025 district calendar. Click here for a printable version.

Monday, November 4: No School

Tuesday, November 5: No School, Election Day

November 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 20 - January 3: No School, Winter Break

January 13: No School, Professional Day

January 20: No School, MLK Day

February 10: No School, Professional Day

February 17: No School, Presidents' Day

March 17-21: No School, Spring Break

Today, students across the district participated in a mock election, gaining firsthand experience with the voting process. Our youngest learners, in grades K-4, voted for their favorite animals or playground equipment, while students in grades 5-8 used their Chromebooks to cast votes on local issues. High school students had the opportunity to engage in a more realistic simulation of Election Day. During social studies classes, they visited the media center, presented a specially-issued ID card, and waited in line to cast their votes electronically.

This engaging activity provided our Rangers with valuable insight into their civic duties, offering a practical glimpse of what Election Day will be like when they turn 18. Adding to the experience, a group of 18-year-old students went on a field trip to the Lorain County Board of Elections to cast their first official votes, marking an important milestone in their journey as active, informed citizens.

Parents, be sure you make it to the polls on Tuesday, November 5. Polls will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Click here to find your polling location. Make sure your voice is heard.

We extend our gratitude to all Veterans for the sacrifices you have made to protect our freedoms and serve our country with honor. Your courage, dedication, and resilience inspire us daily, and we are forever grateful for your commitment. As a community, we recognize the immense contributions you have made to our nation and our lives. Thank you for your service.

We are honored to recognize one of our own from the North Ridgeville City School district, Shawn Mincik, who proudly served in the Navy for 5 years. He has shown dedication both in service to our country and within our high school.

Mr. Mincik shared his inspiration to join the military. The sense of pride and patriotism that came with serving his country, the idea of exploring the world, and the benefit of learning who he was as a person influenced him to join the Navy. He is currently a North Ridgeville High School CCP/AP English Teacher - Currently in his 12th year working at NRCS. His decision to go into the education field was led by an inspiring desire to connect with students in a way he felt was lacking in his own schooling. He now serves as an advocate for student success by being flexible, empathetic, and attentive to individual learning needs. His story of service, both in the military and in our schools, shows his dedication and selflessness.

During his time in the US Navy, Mr. Mincik had the opportunity to travel the world, experiencing life that very few Americans get to see. His journeys took him to countries such as Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Egypt, Djibouti, Turkey, Crete, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, and more. Each destination offered a glimpse into the history and cultures, and this broadened his understanding of the world. His travels allowed him to see life through non-American eyes, which gave him a more worldly perspective. He no longer viewed the United States as the epicenter of the world but rather as a joint participant on the global stage. This realization helped him develop a deeper appreciation for the freedoms and luxuries that many of us take for granted.

While he deeply appreciates the respect and honor shown to veterans, he believes that society can do even more to support those who have served. He takes pride in having defended the citizens of this country, especially during wartime, but acknowledges that many veterans return home with challenges not immediately visible to others. He stresses that it’s important to recognize that not all veterans come back whole and healthy. For many, the sacrifices made during their service are lasting, and some may need help physically, mentally, emotionally, or psychologically as they transition back to their civilian life. He encourages society to be more understanding of these challenges and to provide support systems that help veterans acclimate and heal from the toll their service may have taken. We can honor their sacrifices not just through words, but through meaningful actions that help them rebuild their lives.

In recognizing Mr. Mincik’s journey, we gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted lives of our veterans and the profound ways they continue to serve after their military careers. His story reminds us that dedication to community and country extends far beyond active duty; it is woven into the fabric of everyday life through teaching, mentoring, and advocating for others. We are grateful for Mr. Mincik's contributions to both the Navy and North Ridgeville High School, as he continues to shape and inspire the next generation. May his story encourage us all to support our veterans and honor their service, today and every day.

Each month the Board of Education recognizes two staff members who have shown extreme care, demonstrated excellence, and/or provided exemplary professionalism. These nominations may come from students, parents, colleagues or administration. Please take the time to nominate a staff member today. Complete this quick form to nominate a deserving staff member. Submissions are reviewed regularly. Thank you for taking the time to recognize our valuable staff members.

The North Ridgeville City Schools are always looking for great candidates to fill our many full and part-time positions. Please check out our Employment information on our district website. Looking for something part-time? Looking to help out for limited hours during the school year? Please consider becoming an important part of our team.

Ohio Substitute Teacher Services serves as our district’s substitute management provider, responsible for the recruitment, training, and employment of substitute teachers. To begin the employment process as a valued substitute teacher for North Ridgeville City Schools, click here.

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree with official transcripts or a valid teaching and/or substitute license from the Ohio Department of Education.

• Valid BCI & FBI fingerprinting background check results in less than 12 months old and are on file with the Ohio Department of Education.

Please consider becoming a substitute teacher today!

Substitute support staff play a vital role in keeping our buildings and facilities open and running efficiently. Many diverse opportunities exist for your consideration. Please consider applying to become a substitute cleaner, custodian, food service worker, paraprofessional, media specialist, secretary, bus driver, bus aide, or health care associate. Please start an application here if interested in one of these positions.

The NRHS Game Day Cheer Squad competed in the Ohio Regional Competition last weekend. Their scores earned them a bid to Nationals in Florida, which will take place in February! Congratulations, Rangers!

The NRHS Entrepreneurship Class has partnered with Able Not Label to do a Customized Ranger Apparel Fundraiser. Click here to place your order and support our outstanding students!

Enjoy some delicious food and support the NRHS Student Council by Donating while you Dine at Culver's on Tuesday, November 12 between 4 PM and 8 PM.

Join us on Saturday, November 9 to get your photos with Santa for those holiday cards! 🎅🎁⛄🎄

NRHS is hosting a blood drive on Friday, November 22 from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. To make an appointment visit vitalant.org and search with Blood Drive Code, U0255.

Mark your calendar for November 25 and enjoy an evening of incredible music while making a difference! Join the North Ridgeville High School choir along with talented choirs from Lorain County for a performance that benefits both the Second Harvest Food Bank of Lorain County and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Join us on Sunday, December 8, at 4 PM for a special Reunion Concert hosted by the NRHS Choral Department, featuring our talented choir along with guest performers! This unique event brings together current students, alumni, and special guests for a memorable afternoon of music and celebration.

Join us on Saturday, January 25, 2025 for an NRCS Night with the Cavs! Thanks to our partnership with Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, we are getting discounted tickets for this event AND 40 lucky students will get the experience of a lifetime to be on the the court for the cheer tunnel and the National Anthem. Click here to buy your tickets! Once they have been purchased, please fill out this form for your student to be eligible for the pregame festivities.

In addition to our NRCS Cavs Night, our partnership with Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse includes other perks. Disney On Ice is taking place January 15-19 and you can get discounted tickets here and use code NEOPTA22.

The Columbus Blue Jackets offer a Student Achievers program that recognizes academic accomplishments for straight A students and improved grades. Click here to read more about the program and enter for an exclusive ticket offer!

The City of NR Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Nerf Battle on Friday, November 15 for kids ages 6-12. Register here.

Connecting for Kids offers resources, support, and a sense of community to families in Northeast Ohio with concerns about their child, including those dealing with mental health issues, developmental delays, disabilities, and significant life changes. Program highlights for the November and December include:

• A Share & Support Group Parenting is Lonely
• Speaker Series: Autism 101
• Workshop: Behavior Chat
• Music Therapy & More sessions and Adapted Playgroups

Click here to learn more about all of their programming.