The district is proud to announce that all three of our elementary buildings have been officially recognized by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin as a Governor’s Science of Reading Champions.
This prestigious designation is awarded to a select group of schools across the state - 109 in total for the 2026 class - that demonstrate a proven commitment to high-quality literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. The award recognizes schools where evidence-based instructional practices are being implemented with fidelity and where students are making significant measurable progress.
The application for this designation was a collaborative effort led by the district’s instructional coaches and the Assistant Superintendent, who sought to highlight the rigorous work occurring within the school’s classrooms.
The recognition is the result of a dedicated four-year endeavor focused on transforming literacy outcomes. This success is rooted in the strong implementation of the school’s current structured literacy core curriculum and targeted intervention programming. Furthermore, the designation celebrates the advanced, specialized training completed by both teaching staff and administrators to master the mechanics of how children learn to read.
“This designation celebrates each school’s proven commitment to providing every student with high-quality literacy instruction,” noted the Department of Education and Workforce in their congratulatory announcement. “These schools are demonstrating strong implementation of evidence-based instructional practices where students are making significant progress.”
As part of this recognition, each elementary will receive a celebratory banner to display at the school. The schools also plan to utilize the official Science of Reading Champion logo on future materials to highlight this significant achievement.
The district extends its deepest gratitude to the teachers, staff, students, and families whose hard work and support have made this transformation possible. The schools remain committed to ensuring that every student develops the foundational literacy skills necessary for lifelong success.
About the Governor’s Science of Reading Champion Awards:
Developed by Governor Mike DeWine in coordination with the Department of Education and Workforce, this program recognizes Ohio schools that have successfully transitioned to literacy instruction based on the Science of Reading, ensuring that all students have access to the most effective, research-proven reading methods.
Congratulations to our three elementary buildings!
📣 DID YOU KNOW?
💚 Strive for 5 — Healthy Students. Every Day Counts! 💚
Adams County Ohio Valley School District is proud to partner with ACRMC Family Medicine to provide onsite medical services at:
🏫 Peebles Elementary (937-587-2611)
🏫 North Adams Elementary (937-386-2516)
🏫 West Union Elementary (937-544-2951)
Through this partnership, students who become sick and visit the nurse’s station may be able to receive care right at school — helping them feel better faster and stay in class where they belong!
ACRMC providers can evaluate and treat a wide range of common concerns, including:
✔️ Coughs, colds, flu, and fever
✔️ Earaches and sore throat
✔️ Asthma and allergies
✔️ Headaches and rashes
✔️ Pink eye and skin irritations
✔️ Head lice
If your child does need to go home, you may already have a diagnosis and any needed prescription ready for pickup.
When students have access to care at school, families miss less work, students miss fewer days, and learning stays on track. That’s what Strive for 5 — Every Day Counts! is all about.
📝 Parents/guardians must complete registration and consent forms before services can be provided.
For more information about enrolling your child in ACRMC Family Medicine services at your child’s elementary school, please contact your building office.
Together, we’re removing barriers and keeping students learning today and leading tomorrow. 💛💚
#StriveFor5 #EveryDayCounts #HealthyStudents #ACOVSD #ACRMC
Current sophomores and families — don’t forget about the OVCTC Open House on Thursday, March 12 from 4:30–7:30 PM!
Come tour the building, meet instructors, and explore the programs that can help launch your future career.
With the Peebles Boys Basketball team advancing and playing that evening, we know many families will want to support them. Because of this, applications will be extended until Friday at midnight so every student still has the opportunity to apply.
If you can’t make the Open House but would like to visit the building or have questions, please call the CTC to schedule a time to come in.
Your future starts here — Pioneer Your Pathway!
#PioneersTodayProfessionalsTomorrow
#OVCTCLearnThenEarn
The 2026-2027 School Year Preschool Application will be available on April 1, 2026.
Application will be available online at www. ovsd.us under the Department Tab – Preschool.
If you need accommodations or assistance, please contact Stacey Camp , Early Childhood Education Supervisor
stacey.camp@ovsd.us / 937-544-5586, Ext. 17815
What Makes a Teacher of the Year?
The Adams County Teacher of the Year award recognizes outstanding full-time certified classroom teachers who make a real difference. These exceptional educators set high expectations for both their students and themselves, inspiring everyone around them - students, colleagues, and the entire community. They maintain the highest level of professionalism while continuously growing in their craft, and most importantly, they demonstrate genuine care and respect for every student. Help us honor a teacher who transforms learning, empowers students to succeed, and truly makes a difference in our schools!
Please share so that others may submit nominations, as well!
bit.ly/ACOVTOY
What Makes a Classified Employee of the Year?
The Adams County Classified Employee of the Year award recognizes outstanding full-time classified staff members who make a real difference in our schools. Whether they serve as bus drivers, teacher aides, secretaries, custodians, maintenance workers, food service staff, technology support, or in any other vital classified role, these exceptional team members set high expectations for themselves and inspire everyone around them – students, colleagues, and the entire community. They maintain the highest level of professionalism while continuously growing in their roles, and most importantly, they demonstrate genuine care and respect for every student they serve. Help us honor a classified employee who keeps our schools running smoothly, supports student success in countless ways, and truly makes a difference in our educational community!
🥕🍎 Adams County Food for All – Mobile Pantry 🍎🥕
Fresh fruits and vegetables will be available at the Adams County Fairgrounds (Boyd Ave, West Union) every 4th Tuesday of the month!
📅 Upcoming Dates:
• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
✔️ Eligibility: TEFAP household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
If local schools close or delay due to inclement weather, the Mobile Pantry will be canceled or rescheduled.
❓Questions or interested in volunteering? Contact the CCSWO Food for All Coordinator at 513-672-3720.
Please help us spread the word to families who may benefit from this opportunity!
With 38 years in education — 36 of those dedicated at North Adams Elementary — Mrs. Purdin represents the very best of our profession. She is often one of the first lights on in the morning, a quiet symbol of her unwavering commitment to students.
Her passion for mathematics shines through in every lesson. She doesn’t just teach math — she inspires students to understand it, grow in it, and love it. Her thoughtful instruction, high expectations, and consistent student achievement speak volumes about her dedication to excellence.
Generations of families have walked through her classroom doors, and her name carries deep respect throughout our community. She continues to evolve, adapt, and refine her craft — always with students at the center of every decision.
North Adams Elementary and the Adams County Ohio Valley Local School District are incredibly blessed to call Mrs. Purdin one of our own.
Congratulations, Mrs. Purdin!
Due to the multitude of snow days, virtual learning days, and delays, we are extending the third nine weeks an additional 5 days. This means the new end of the nine weeks will be Friday, March 20th. Grade cards will be sent home by Friday, March 27th. The early dismissal will be rescheduled for Friday, March 20th as well.
We really wanted to try and see our students today but the risk is not worth it. Adams County Ohio Valley School District will be closed Friday, February 6, 2026. We are monitoring our make up hours and are comfortable calling No Online Learning for students.
