September 11, 2025

Families, Friends & Community Members,

This week, I’m reminded of how much inspiration we can draw from our own APS family. Barber CLC’s youngest first grader, Keziyah Meriweather, is just five years old and already showing us what confidence and curiosity look like. He even spoke to our staff at Convocation with a message that lifted the whole room.

We also celebrate East High graduate Frank Williams, whose journey from student athlete to Hall of Fame inductee reflects a lifetime of service and leadership here in Akron. His story is a reminder that the lessons learned in our schools ripple out for decades.

As we recognize Suicide Prevention Week, I encourage all of us to keep the conversations about mental health open and compassionate. Together, we can build a community where every child knows they are seen, supported, and never alone.

I hope you’ll join us at upcoming events, including our district-wide Father’s Day Walk on September 18 and the Pfeiffer/Miller South community update meeting on September 23. Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us in supporting the success and well-being of our scholars.

Mary B. Outley, Superintendent

• Sept. 18 - District-wide Father's Day Walk
• Sept. 23 - Pfeiffer and Miller South Community Update Meeting
• Sept. 26 - Staff Professional Development Day (no school for students)
• Oct. 10 - Parent-teacher Conferences (no school for students, contact schools for details) 
• More upcoming dates 
• 2025-26 school calendar of holidays and breaks

Meet 5-Year-Old First Grader Keziyah Meriweather

At just 5 years old, Barber CLC’s Keziyah Meriweather is already making his mark with confidence, curiosity, and big dreams for the future. He even energized the crowd at APS Convocation with a message to teachers and staff. Read more.

More district news

• Enrollment for 2025-26 - Register your new student using Akron Public Schools online registration system. Learn more.

Hall of Fame Inductee

Frank Williams made his name as a two-sport standout at East High in the 1960s, but his greatest impact has been through decades of mentoring, service, and leadership in the Akron community. Discover his journey from athlete to Hall of Fame inductee. Read more.

Suicide Prevention Week & World Suicide Prevention Day

Dr. Erich Merkle, School Psychologist, Office of Special Education

During this week in September, people across the world will acknowledge Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 under the theme, "Changing the Narrative on Suicide." This important recognition encourages families and schools to move beyond silence and stigma to create open, supportive conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. This theme calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. Together, we can build communities where young people feel safe to seek help and support when they need it most.

National Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Free 24/7 support by phone, text, or chat for anyone facing mental health struggles. Click here.
• World Health Organization - World Suicide Prevention Day - Official information about the global campaign. Click here.
• SAMHSA 988 Resources - Comprehensive information about the national crisis lifeline. Click here.

Local Akron/Summit County Resources:

• Akron Children's Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) - 24-hours a day, 7 days a week triage and referral service. Click here.
• Summit County ADM Board Crisis Services - Crisis services for adults, teens and children in mental health, alcohol & drug services. Click here.
• Portage Path Behavioral Health Emergency Services - 24/7 psychiatric emergency care center to help individuals manage crises and stabilize safely. Click here.
• NAMI Summit County Crisis Information - Peer-support service providing information and resource referrals. Click here.

Community resources

• Project Learn GED Classes - Offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. by Project Learn. Open to ages 16+. More information.

📆 Fun things to do! 

• Akron Artwalk – Sept. 11, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.. Enjoy The Art of Recovery: Supporting Community Through Healing Akron ArtWalk! with local vendors, music, and creative activities. Free outdoor community event. More information.
• 2025 Annunciation Greek Festival - Sept. 18 to 20 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St. in University Park.
• John S. Knight Center Lecture - Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. at The University of Akron.
  Join pioneering news anchor Connie Chung in conversation with UA President R.J. Nemer. Free and open to the public. More information.

General resources

• APS district website
• APS resources
• Home Access Center
• Inclement Weather Procedures
• Akron Summit County Library
• Get 2 School/Stay in the Game
• Ohio Department of Education
• Summit County Public Health
• United Way 2-1-1 Resource Referral
• Akron After School
• Street card

Mental health services 

• APS district counselors
• APS district psychologists
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• NAMI Summit County mental health services
• Red Oak Behavioral Health
• Minority Behavioral Health Group 

Forms and downloads

• Bullying/Harassment Complaint Form

Have a Story to Tell?

We’re always looking to spotlight the people, programs, and moments that make our district shine. Whether you are a parent, staff member, student, or community partner, if you've seen something inspiring, share it with us!  Click here to share your story.

What stories interest you? 📣

What kinds of stories do you want to see in our district newsletter? Do you want to hear more about classroom innovations? Student achievements? Staff spotlights? Community partnerships?  Let us know what matters most to you!  Click here.

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