East Holmes Local School District

Today, we recognize the principals across the East Holmes School District who work hard each day to support our students and staff. Join us in celebrating the following individuals:
Hiland High and Middle School: Principal Tyler Renner, Assistant Principal Mark Schlabach
Berlin Elementary: Darren Blochlinger
Chestnut Ridge Elementary & Mt. Hope Elementary: James Luneborg
Flat Ridge Elementary & Wise Elementary: Casey Travis
Walnut Creek Elementary & Winesburg Elementary: Darrell Haven
Thank you for your leadership and for making a positive difference in our schools and community!

Recognizing National Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Our bus drivers are a vital part of our school community, ensuring students arrive safely and ready to learn. Thank you for all you do!

This month, we're highlighting the amazing extracurricular activities available at Winesburg and Walnut Creek:

The Winesburg Running Club is a staff-led (Liz Weber) athletic initiative designed to challenge students' physical endurance and personal boundaries. By fostering a high-participation environment, the program emphasizes consistency and stamina through regular group trail runs.

The Walnut Creek Crochet Club, led by Mrs. George, is a weekly extracurricular program for 4th–6th graders that fosters creativity and peer-to-peer mentorship. With 14 members meeting on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, the club utilizes a student-led instruction model headed by Sixth Graders to teach various crochet techniques.

The Walnut Creek Chess Club launched its season on September 9th, beginning a schedule of twice-monthly meetings for the remainder of the year. Under the organization of Tonya Widder, the club provides students with technical guidance on rules and strategy through coaching from Jeff Perry, Ted Troyer, and Dustin Yoder.

Happy National Administrative Professionals Day! Today, we recognize the many contributions of our district’s administrative staff. Your dedication and hard work keep our schools running smoothly, and we appreciate all that you do. Thank you!

Report concerns anytime—anonymously and safely with Say Something ARS. Together, we can create a compassionate school community where everyone feels supported. To submit a tip, download the Say Something SHP app, call 1-844-5SayNow, or visit https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=3387. #SaySomething

Happy National Kindergarten Day!

Kindergarten Registration is open for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Your child must be 5 years old by August 20, 2026, to be eligible for kindergarten.

For enrollment details, contact your building office:
Berlin: 330-893-2817
Chestnut Ridge: 330-893-2413
Flat Ridge: 330-893-3156
Mt Hope: 330-674-0418
Walnut Creek: 330-893-2213
Winesburg: 330-359-5059
Wise: 330-893-2505

East Holmes: Following this morning’s BOE meeting, calendar updates are now official.

May 14 is a student day.

Last day: Berlin & Chestnut Ridge – May 22;

All other buildings – May 27.

Every month, we highlight the amazing staff members who make a lasting impact in our schools. Join us in celebrating the following staff members recognized for their efforts in March!

Each month, we have the honor of recognizing exceptional students from across our district. Help us celebrate these students who went above and beyond in March!

Early this month was Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and we’d like to take a moment to recognize the incredible paraprofessionals and aides in our district who support students, assist in classrooms, and help educators every day. We truly appreciate all that you do to make a difference in our schools!

We’re very excited to announce that Mr. Tyler Cook has been selected as the next Principal at Flat Ridge and Wise. Following an extensive search and interview process, it became clear that he is the right person to lead these buildings and serve the students, staff, and families in the Valley. Tyler has been part of the East Holmes community for the past 11 years, serving our families as a Title I and third-grade teacher at Flat Ridge for the past 7 years. Mr. Cook will officially begin his new duties on August 1.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Cook as he prepares to step into this important leadership role at East Holmes.

On February 27, 2026, the District Leadership Team (DLT) reviewed Student Success Trackers samples from across the district to reflect on our work on Instructional Clarity. During this time, we analyzed our current practices and determined our next steps in supporting our district in planning our spring professional learning time. It was noted that focusing on assessments for our success trackers is appropriate according to the informal data collected.

Over the next few years, the district will continue to focus on our Progress Component which aligns student growth across the district, building on Instructional Clarity and continuing to shape our professional learning around specific instructional strategies for the next several years.

Our first Leadership Development Session was held on March 9, 2026. The session, facilitated by Bruce and Jocelyn Hamsher of Toward the Goal Ministries, focused on developing greater self-awareness, both personally and as a leader. Participants completed a DISC assessment to better understand their behavioral tendencies and how those tendencies influence and engage during their interactions with others.

We are looking forward to our next session on April 9, which will focus on conflict resolution and communication strategies. Our facilitators will be Jim Smucker and Mark Leinbach from Keim Lumber.

April is Counseling Awareness Month, and we’re grateful for the important role our school counselors at East Holmes play in supporting our students academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you!

Happy Easter! Wishing our East Holmes community a wonderful day full of joy, laughter, and time with loved ones.

Reminder: There will be no school for students tomorrow, Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday.

Reminder: There will be a 2-hour early dismissal for students tomorrow, Thursday, April 2.

Our 5th Annual Leadership Night was a true celebration of our journey to becoming a Lighthouse School.

Families explored Berlin during an open house, supported our raffle, and—most importantly—learned from our student leaders. From designing dream houses (Begin with the End in Mind), to prioritizing what matters most (Put First Things First), to collaborating in a tower-building challenge (Synergize), the 7 Habits came to life in meaningful ways.

We’re so proud of our students for leading the way and making this night unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Berlin shine!

Spring Break takes place March 23-27. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, March 30. Have a great break!

What a game. What a TEAM. State Champions – 2025-26! Proud of this group of young men and their coaches. The hard work, discipline, and commitment showed all season — and especially last night. A special moment for Hiland and our entire East Holmes community.