CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH (Date) – The Cuyahoga Falls City School District is excited to announce that beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the district will fully operate its half-day preschool program. This transition marks a significant step in enhancing early childhood education opportunities for our youngest Black Tigers.

The preschool program will be housed at its current location within the Schnee Learning Center, where students will benefit from a high-quality early learning experience designed to foster growth and development.

“This transition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional early education,” said Superintendent Andrea Celico. “We are eager to create an enriching environment where our youngest learners can thrive.”

Over the summer months, the district will be updating the Schnee Learning Center with new furnishings and curriculum enhancements to ensure a top-tier preschool experience.

Enrollment Information
Families interested in enrolling their child in the preschool program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to limited class sizes. To begin the application process, please visit the preschool enrollment website using this link.

For questions regarding the program or enrollment process, please contact the Student Services Department at 330-926-3800 ext. 502040 or 502096, or email [email protected].

Thanks to the dedication of Eagle Scout candidate Dennis Schaefer and the collaborative efforts of Security Supervisor Ben Gessford, every classroom in the Cuyahoga Falls City School District now has a safety bucket, an essential addition to the district’s emergency preparedness measures.

Dennis, a former Preston Elementary student, sought to complete an Eagle Scout project that would benefit the school community. During a Board of Education meeting, Mr. Gessford highlighted the need for lockdown safety buckets in classrooms, inspiring Dennis to take on the initiative.

The project required multiple levels of approval, including endorsements from his Boy Scout Troop 152, the school district, and the local Boy Scout Great Trail Council. Once approved, Dennis partnered with Mr. Gessford and District Nurse Krystal Nykaza to determine the contents of the buckets, which were designed as starter kits that schools could expand as needed.

Generous donations enabled Dennis to purchase essential supplies, including buckets, bottled water, toilet paper, candy, and storage bags. Additionally, Mr. Gessford secured a grant that provided first aid kits valued at $25,000, ensuring that each bucket was well-equipped with critical emergency supplies.

With the support of family and friends, Dennis dedicated significant time to preparing the buckets. Using the district’s bus garage as a workspace, the team thoroughly cleaned and dried repurposed pickle buckets before assembling and organizing them. The district’s maintenance team then distributed the completed buckets to classrooms across the district.

Dennis is the son of Board of Education member Carrie Schaefer, who expressed her gratitude for those who supported the project. “Dennis could not have completed this endeavor without the guidance and encouragement of Mr. Gessford and Maintenance Supervisor, Mr. Woodard,” said Mrs. Schaefer. “Their patience and dedication were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.”

This initiative not only fulfilled his Eagle Scout requirement but also made a lasting contribution to the safety and preparedness of the Cuyahoga Falls City School District.

About the Students:

Noah Adkins is a senior at CFHS, where he performs with the Gold Tones and Symphonic Band. Noah is also actively involved with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, and the University of Akron Community Trombone Choir. Under the guidance of Dr. Lauren Rudzinskas, trombone professor at the University of Akron, Noah has honed his skills to become an accomplished trombonist.

Ayden Stevens, a sophomore at CFHS, performs with both the Gold Tones and Symphonic Band. He also showcases his talent as a member of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy Big Band and JazzFest Academy Small Group in Cleveland. In addition, Ayden is an active performer, playing in various duos, trios, and quartets at venues around Northeast Ohio. His jazz studies are under the mentorship of Grant Heineman, an accomplished vocalist and jazz pianist.

"We are incredibly proud of Noah and Ayden for this well-deserved recognition," said Principal Jason Smith. "Their dedication and talent truly reflect the strength of our music program here at Cuyahoga Falls City School District. We look forward to their outstanding performances in Cleveland this February."

The OMEA conference performance is a significant milestone for Noah, Ayden, and the entire CFHS music community, highlighting the district's commitment to fostering exceptional musical talent and supporting students’ artistic aspirations. 

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