West Union High School

🏫 STRIVE FOR 5. EVERY DAY COUNTS!

Every day in school matters! Regular attendance helps students stay connected, keep up with instruction, and make the most of every opportunity to learn.

We also know that there are times when mental health or behavioral health needs can become a barrier to regular attendance. Connecting students with the right support—without requiring them to miss additional school—is one way we can work together to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Through ACOVSD’s partnership with R.E.A.C.H. for Tomorrow, students can access services right at school, during the school day.

Services include:
• Mental health therapy
• Case management
• Substance abuse treatment and support, including vape groups

Providing services at school means less time out of class, fewer disruptions to the school day, and greater access to support when students need it.

Our goal is simple: remove barriers, reduce absences, and help students stay present, engaged, and ready to learn.

⭐ Strive for 5. Every day counts!

Want to learn more about R.E.A.C.H. services or how to access support for your child?

Braydan Shelton, LSW
📧 Braydans@Reach4t.org
📞 937-217-7260

📅 Religious Expression Days & Holiday Calendar Guidance

As required by Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code 3320.04), Adams County/Ohio Valley School District is providing families with information regarding Religious Expression Days and the District’s non-exhaustive religious holiday calendar for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years.

Families should know:
• Students may receive up to 3 excused religious expression days each school year.
• Parents/guardians must provide written notice within the required 14-school-day timeframe.
• Reasonable academic accommodations will be provided when an excused religious expression day conflicts with an assessment or major academic requirement.
• Students remain eligible to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities on an excused religious expression day.

The District’s calendar is not an exhaustive list of religious holidays and observances.

📌 Please review the accompanying calendar for dates and additional information.

Please Note: This is a two-year calendar, covering both the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years, and is being provided to assist students and families with planning in advance.

Questions or need to submit written notice? Contact your building attendance officer:

Peebles Elementary: Heidi McAdow • (937) 587-2611
Peebles High School: Marla Jones • (937) 587-2681
North Adams Elementary: Billy Bloom • (937) 386-2516
North Adams High School: Deirdre Mills • (937) 386-2528
West Union Elementary: Guy Hopkins • (937) 544-2951
West Union High School: Guy Hopkins • (937) 544-5553
Ohio Valley CTC: Allan Crump • (937) 544-2336
Central Office: Tracy Spires • (937) 544-5586

🎒📚 WELCOME BACK, ACOVSD! 📚🎒

We are excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back for another great year at Adams County Ohio Valley School District! 🏫⭐

As we begin the new school year, we want every student to start strong—and that starts with being at school, on time, every day!

⭐ STRIVE FOR 5! ⭐
✅ Be present 5 days a week
✅ Strive to miss fewer than 5 days all year
✅ Be here. Be on time. Be ready to learn.

📣 IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

ALL absences count toward chronic absenteeism—regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) defines chronic absenteeism based on the amount of instructional time a student misses and has established a goal for students to maintain a chronic absenteeism rate of less than 10% for the school year.

📝 Written notes are required for ALL absences.
Please make sure documentation is provided to the school whenever your child is absent.

Missing school adds up quickly. Every day matters. Every class matters. Every opportunity to learn matters.

🏫 Attend Today. Achieve Tomorrow. 🎓

Good attendance leads to stronger learning, higher grades, more opportunities, and brighter futures. Together, our students, families, and staff can make attendance a priority and help every student succeed!

🎓 🌟 🏆 STRIVE FOR 5. EVERYDAY COUNTS! 🏆 🌟 🎓

📢 Community Invitation: Annual Federal Programs Meeting

The Adams County Ohio Valley School District invites parents, families, staff, and community members to attend our Annual Federal Programs Meeting.

📅 Monday, August 24, 2026
🕔 5:15 p.m.
📍 Career and Technical Center
175 Lloyd Road, West Union, OH 45693

Join us to learn more about the district’s federal programs and how these resources support student learning, achievement, and opportunities across our schools. We’ll also share information about programs and initiatives planned for the upcoming school year.

The meeting will be held 15 minutes prior to the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting.

We hope you’ll join us as we continue working together to provide opportunities and support for the success of every student!

🍎 Welcome Back to the 2026–2027 School Year! 🍎

As students return to school, we want to share a friendly reminder that ACOVSD provides FREE breakfast and lunch to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

There is no cost to families, and no meal application is required. Through the CEP program, every ACOVSD student has access to nutritious meals each school day, helping them stay fueled, focused, and ready to learn.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mr. Greg Grooms
Assistant Superintendent
📧 greg.grooms@ovsd.us

Shari Austin
Food & Nutrition Secretary
📧 shari.austin@ovsd.us
📞 (937) 544-5586, ext. 17310

📚✏️ At ACOVSD, we believe that well-nourished students are better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a fantastic 2026–2027 school year! 🍎🎒

🎬 Community Event: Family Movie Night! 🍿

Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, food, and community!

📅 Friday, August 7
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Adams County Courthouse Square – West Union
🎥 Featuring: A Minecraft Movie
✨ FREE Admission • FREE Food • FREE Games • FREE School Supplies (while supplies last)
🤝 Hosted by: Adams County Probation Department & Operation Better Together

This free community event is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy an outdoor movie, connect with community partners, and learn about local programs and resources available to support children and families throughout Adams County.

🥕🍎 Adams County Food for All Mobile Pantry 🍎🥕

Need fresh fruits and vegetables? The Adams County Food for All Mobile Pantry is here to help!

📍 Location: Adams County Fairgrounds (Boyd Avenue), West Union
🕚 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📅 Upcoming Distribution Dates:
• Tuesday, July 28, 2026
• Tuesday, August 25, 2026
• Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Fresh produce is available to eligible households with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level through the TEFAP program.

📞 Questions or interested in volunteering? Contact the CCSWO Food for All Coordinator at 513-672-3720.

📢 Please help spread the word by sharing this post with friends, neighbors, and family members who may benefit from this valuable community resource.

⏰ Reminder! ⏰

The Adams County Health Fair – Ready to Thrive is coming up on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at Adams County Christian School!

This FREE community event will feature health screenings, food, games, giveaways, school supplies, performances, a produce pop-up, and more.

🎨 Don't forget about the Student Art Contest and Showcase! Students in Pre-K through 12th grade are invited to submit original artwork, photography, or poetry centered around the theme "Ready to Thrive." Selected entries will be showcased at the Health Fair.

📍 Adams County Christian School
📅 August 1, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
💲 FREE Admission

A great opportunity to celebrate health, creativity, and community!

🚨 REMINDER: Family Movie Night is THIS Friday! 🌟🎬🎬 Lilo & Stitch
📍 Outside the Courthouse
📅 Friday, July 24

🎲 Games begin at 7:30 PM
🌅 Movie starts at dusk

✨ FREE for everyone!
🍿 Popcorn
🍭 Cotton Candy
🥤 Drinks
🎯 Games & family fun for all ages

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends for a relaxing summer night with your community.

🌧️ Family Movie Night Rescheduled 🌧️

Due to the forecasted rain, Family Movie Night has been rescheduled to Friday, July 24th.

🎬 Family Movie Night – Lilo & Stitch
📍 Outside the Courthouse
📅 Friday, July 24th

🎲 Games begin at 7:30 PM
🌅 Movie starts at dusk
🍿 FREE popcorn
🍭 FREE cotton candy
🥤 FREE drinks
🎯 Games and family fun for all ages!

Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of fun under the stars. Mark your calendars for July 24th!