February 2025

Go Hornets!  Our Hornette elementary cheerleaders led halftime entertainment at the February 10 varsity girls basketball game.

Dates to Note

• Sunday 2/16/25 - All-County Band & Choir Festival Concert (3pm, Hive Gymnasium)
• Monday 2/17/25 - Presidents Day (No school)
• Wednesday 2/19/25 - Steps with the Superintendent (5:30-6:30pm, Door B1)
• Tuesday 2/25/25 - Juniors take the ACT
• Wednesday 2/26/25 - Elementary School Spring Pictures
• Wednesday 2/26/25 - Steps with the Superintendent (5:30-6:30pm, Door B1)
• Tuesday 3/4/25 - Spring OHSAA Parent/Player Meeting (7pm, Cafeteria)
• Wednesday 3/5/25 - CRES Family Literacy Night (4:30-6:30pm)

Preschool Screening sign-up ends February 28

Preschool screening sign-up will be held through February 28, 2025 for children who are at least 3 years of age by August 1, 2025.  To register, visit https://5il.co/351rs or call the Cory-Rawson Elementary School office at 419-963-3415, option 1.  

Kindergarten & Begindergarten Screening set for April 9

Kindergarten screening is scheduled for April 9, 2025 and requires pre-registration, which can be completed online at https://forms.gle/MuoGfCSsBsXSoZn56.  Begindergarten admits children who are at least 5 years of age by September 30, 2025 and kindergarten admits children who are at least 5 years of age by August 1, 2025.    Questions can be directed to the Cory-Rawson Elementary School office at 419-963-3415, option 1.

In a partnership with the Findlay YMCA, the Early Learning Center at Cory-Rawson provides childcare for all ages including before- and after-school care right here on our campus.  More information on this child care center is available at https://www.findlayymca.org/ymca-child-development-center-cory-rawson

CRES Spring Pictures to be taken February 26

Open Enrollment Applications Available

The Cory-Rawson Local School District is accepting applications from those interested in attending through open enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year.  Students living in any Ohio school district may apply and enroll at Cory-Rawson tuition-free.  

Applications are approved annually on a first come, first served basis and approval is subject to grade level enrollment and educational programs.  Applications are available in our school offices and online at https://www.cory-rawson.org/documents/resources/forms/open-enrollment-forms/244743

Our staff looks forward to meeting with any potential families to provide information about our district and programs.  Call the district office at 419-963-3415, option 3 or email April Sybert at sybert@cory-rawson.org to schedule a meeting and tour.

Join us at CRES Family Literacy Night!

Reading is FARMtastic!

RSVP for Cory-Rawson Elementary School's Family Literacy Night, which is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 4:30-6:30pm.  Pizza and snacks will be provided in addition to activities and the book fair.  https://forms.gle/4SpQurK2Midjh6Ly5

Attention 3rd-6th Graders:  Complete Athlete Development Camp

This unique 5-day camp is designed to help young athletes grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's not just about sports—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, on and off the field.

🌟 What Your Athlete Will Gain:

• Improved running form and performance techniques
• Essential nutrition tips to fuel their growing bodies
• Tools to manage stress and build mental resilience
• Hygiene practices for healthy living and confidence
• Injury prevention knowledge and proper stretching techniques

🙌 Why It Matters:
Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or just starting their journey, this program is tailored to help them succeed in any sport. We focus on the foundations that build strong, healthy, and confident athletes for the future.

💪 For ALL Athletes, Boys & Girls (Grades 3-6):
No matter the sport, every athlete will benefit from this program. From running mechanics to mental health, we cover it all to help your child excel both in and out of competition.
Don’t wait—register now and help your athlete build the skills they need for success in sports and life!

ALL PROCEEDS go to the Cory Rawson Youth Track Program.

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/FTDH7vnDrhCTVTGw5

Future Calamity Days in 2024-2025

It has been past practice at Cory-Rawson that we shift to remote learning in some form , once we use 5 calamity days (days school is closed due to weather).  As of last week, we reached 6 calamity days for the 2024-2025 school year.  
Looking ahead, any additional calamity days this school year will be handled as detailed below:

• Elementary school (grades K-6):  We will not utilize "blizzard bag" assignments as they are not effective and our philosophy does not support sending electronic devices home with younger students.  As always, students are encouraged to read for pleasure!  Elementary staff members will report virtually for meetings/professional development at 10:00am.  
• High school (grades 7-12):  High school students will have online assignments posted by 11:00am on the calamity day through the online tools used in their classes (such as Google Classroom).  An allowance will be made for due dates in the case that internet service is not available on the calamity day.  Teachers will be available online for students until 2:00pm on the calamity day.  Mrs. Gerten will send out any further details to students.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the appropriate building principal:

• Miss Delaney - Elementary School (delaney@cory-rawson.org)
• Mrs. Gerten - High School (gerten@cory-rawson.org)

Hancock County Food Resources

January 2025

CRES Hornet Squad members Dakota and Qori during the January Leader in Me Leadership Luncheon with Mr. Clark and our guest Kalista Thain from Grob. 

Upcoming Dates to Note

• Friday 1/17/25:  End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
• Friday 1/17/25:  Early dismissal (1:00pm)
• Saturday 1/18/25:  Junior Class Pork Dinner
• Monday 1/20/25:  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No school
• Friday 1/24/25:  Sophomore Class Chicken BBQ Dinner (4:30-6:00pm)
• Thursday 1/30/25:  Hancock County Spelling Bee - MCPA (7:00pm)
• Wednesday 2/5/25:  Steps with the Superintendent - enter at door B1 (5:30-6:30pm)
• Saturday 2/8/25:  8th Grade Spaghetti Dinner

Steps with the Superintendent in February

Join Cory-Rawson Superintendent Jay Clark as we take advantage of our 1/4 mile loop of ground-floor school hallways for winter walks. Bring along ideas or questions!
The B1 door (connector between HS and Elementary School) will be open 5:30-6:30pm on Wednesdays throughout February starting on the 12th for walkers (2/12, 2/19, and 2/26/25).  If school activities are canceled due to weather, we will not walk that day.

Cory-Rawson is excited to welcome our youngest Hornets for 2025-2026!

Preschool, Begindergarten, Kindergarten, and Early Learning Center Registration/Screening Information

🟢 Preschool Registration Information: https://5il.co/351rs
🟡 Begindergarten/Kindergarten Registration Information:  https://forms.gle/MuoGfCSsBsXSoZn56
🟢Open Enrollment Information & Application: https://www.cory-rawson.org/documents/resources/forms/open-enrollment-forms/244743
🟡YMCA Early Learning Center:  https://www.findlayymca.org/ymca-child-development-center-cory-rawson

Hancock County Internet Access survey

The Hancock County Commissioners are collecting data about internet access.  Please consider completing their survey linked here:  Hancock County Internet Access survey 

Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Nominations Accepted for 2026

In one year, we will be recognizing the next class of Cory-Rawson Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductees! Know of a Cory-Rawson graduate who's risen above the rest? Nominate them today!  

Cory-Rawson Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Information and Nomination Form

Affordable Childcare Options Available at the Early Learning Center at Cory-Rawson!

Includes before- and after-school care for school-aged children

We’re excited to share that we have childcare space available for children from infants to school-age at our Cory-Rawson ELC. Did you know that we accept Publicly Funded Childcare? If you need help covering childcare costs, Ohio’s subsidized childcare program can make a difference. Signing up is simple:

• Visit benefits.ohio.gov
• Click on "Apply for Benefits" to get started

Follow the steps to determine your eligibility and submit your application.
We’re here to support your family’s childcare needs and make high-quality care accessible for everyone. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to sdawson@findlayymca.com

Attention Cory-Rawson Alumni!

C-R alumni from far and wide are asked to provide us with contact information for reunions and to share news from Hornet Country!  Visit the Cory-Rawson Alumni Contact Form today!

Cory-Rawson Local School District Receives Bond Rating Upgrade and Saves Taxpayers Over $200,000 in Interest Expense

On December 4, 2024, Cory-Rawson Local School District received a bond rating upgrade from Moody’s Investors Service to “Aa3” which is considered “high quality” according to Moody’s methodology. Like a personal credit report, the District carries a bond rating from a bond rating agency to signify the District’s financial, management and demographic strength to investors and potential investors who buy the District’s bonds. The higher the bond rating, the lower the cost of financing. For comparison purposes, this ranks Cory-Rawson Local School District, in the top 25% of all currently rated Ohio public schools.
Mike Burns, Managing Director at Baird, who served as the District’s bond underwriter commented, “Receiving a rating upgrade in today’s climate is a testament of the administration’s strong fiscal management, hard work and positive momentum at the District. There is a bright future ahead for the students at Cory-Rawson Local School District.”
In addition to the rating upgrade, the District is also pleased to announce that the Cory-Rawson board of education and administration decided to refinance the Series 2014 Bonds (from the elementary school construction project) which resulted in total interest savings of over $200,000. Since these are voted property tax bonds being repaid by the taxpayers, 100% of the savings will flow back to the taxpayers during the remaining term of the bonds.
Jay Clark, the Superintendent of Cory-Rawson Local School District stated, “It was important for the administration to take advantage of the current interest rates to generate these strong savings for the taxpayers. Additionally, the rating upgrade to ‘Aa3’ bond rating is something that we are very proud to have achieved. We believe it proves how well the district is financially managed and the many wonderful things going on at Cory-Rawson.”.

December 2024

Seventh grade STEM students see their learning in action at Grob.

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dates to Remember

• Tuesday 12/17/24:  Grades 1-4 music program (6pm, auditorium)
• Monday 12/23/24:  Winter break begins, classes resume Monday 1/6/25
• Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
• Thursday 1/9/25:  JH Spelling Bee (8:15am, auditorium)
• Friday 1/17/25:  End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
• Friday 1/17/25:  Planned two hour early release (1pm)
• Monday 1/20/25:  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No classes
• Friday 1/24/25:  Sophomore Pork Dinner (more details coming soon)

Planned Early Release - January 17

Cory-Rawson Local Schools will have a planned early release on Friday, January 17, 2025.  On this day, students will be dismissed at 1:00pm.

From Nurse Jamison

From the Ohio Department of Health:

Respiratory Virus Season Update and Recommendations

The CDC tracks respiratory disease activity in the U.S. for several respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses, COVID-19, and RSV, across multiple indicators including laboratory test positivity, emergency department visits, wastewater testing, and hospitalizations. Overall respiratory illness activity in the U.S. is currently considered low. COVID-19 activity remains low nationally and is stable in most areas. Seasonal influenza activity is increasing slightly among children but remains low nationally. RSV activity is elevated nationally and continues to increase in the southern, central, and eastern United States, particularly in young children. Ohio is currently experiencing low influenza-like illness activity and moderate overall respiratory illness activity.

In anticipation of increased respiratory virus circulation, healthcare providers are encouraged to review the updated respiratory virus guidance provided by CDC. Patients with respiratory illness should isolate until 24 hours after resolution of fever (without anti-fever medications) AND symptoms have improved for 24 hours. Healthcare providers should also counsel patients about testing and other preventive measures, including covering coughs/sneezes, masking, staying at home when sick, improving ventilation at home or work, and washing hands to protect themselves and others against respiratory diseases. Continuing to recommend influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination is also vital for preventing the spread of these respiratory viruses and improving patient outcomes.

YMCA Early Learning Center @ Cory-Rawson

Special pricing offer for Cory-Rawson families

Starting December 1, 2024, through the end of the school year, we’re offering a promotion for children who attend Cory-Rawson schools:

• Part-time rates available for all Cory-Rawson families.

• Registration fee waived for new enrollments!

Learn more about our program, including tuition rates, by visiting https://www.findlayymca.org/CREarlyLearningCenter. You can also explore our activities and see pictures on our YMCA Early Learning Center at Cory-Rawson Facebook page!
This is the perfect opportunity to join our program and enjoy high-quality care and engaging activities for your children all at Cory-Rawson schools.  
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Secure your spot today.
Contact Stephanie Dawson at sdawson@findlayymca.com to schedule a visit and to learn more and enroll!

Invitation to Join Athletic Boosters

Come join us on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the high school study hall room to get a glimpse of the Cory-Rawson Athletic Boosters and what they provide for our programs. The Athletic Boosters are instrumental in helping purchase uniforms for all of our 7-12 athletic programs, providing equipment and raising funds, and numerous other things to help give our student-athletes the best experience possible. Meetings are open to the public and we encourage everyone to attend and get involved in being a part of giving our student-athletes the best possible experience!
 

November 2024

Cory-Rawson Imagination Station Tinkering Festival
Thanks to Autokiniton, DNC Hydraulics, Grob, and SOS for their generous support of our K-8 TInkering Festival this week!

The first quarter of the year has been full of achievements to celebrate here at Cory-Rawson! To name a few:

• JH Volleyball Dominates: The 8th grade volleyball team won the NWCC tournament and 7th grade was runner up.
• Miles earns American Degree: 2023 graduate Jacob Miles earned the FFA American Degree
• Featured Speaker Series: For a third year, we featured guests from colleges and employers to help inform high school students on their many options upon graduation.
• Hornets Highlighted by T-Mobile: Our athletic department won $5,000 in the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights contest.
• 7th Grade Outdoor Education: Seventh graders traveled to Camp Nuhop near Mohican for a three-day outdoor education experience.
• Trail of Treats: Elementary and YMCA Early Learning Center students celebrated Halloween on the Cory-Rawson "trail of treats".
• NWCC First Team All-Conference Honorees: Carson Reese (football), Wyatt Foust (boys XC), and Karlee Sammet (girls XC).
• CRHS expands College Credit Options: Over the last three years, CRHS has expanded CCP/dual credit options for families right here on our campus to better support our students.
• Girls Soccer Academics Recognized: For the seventh consecutive year, CRHS girls soccer was recognized for team academic performance.
• Staff Share Practices: Mrs. Rhiel, Miss Wente, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Niekamp, and Mrs. Hosler presented on practices and programs at Cory-Rawson during the all-county professional day in October.
• Cross Country Success: Our junior high boys cross country team won the NWCC conference meet with a first place finish by Micah Benedict.
• Egts selected for All-State Band: Senior flute player Jacob Egts was selected to perform in the Ohio Music Education Association all-state band.
• CRES developing Leadership Traits: Our sixth grade student lighthouse team is leading all-school townhalls to highlight each of the Leader in Me habits and celebrate the work of students and staff.

None of the above would be possible without the commitment of staff members and parents/guardians, and the hard work of our students. Thank you all for making Cory-Rawson a special place.

I wish all of our students, staff, and families a happy Thanksgiving!


In our hearts, the Green and Gold,
Jay Clark
Superintendent

October 2024

Saturday was successful for the Fighting Hornets!
8th grade volleyball: NWCC champions
7th grade volleyball: NWCC champion runner-up
JH boys cross country: NWCC champions (including first place finish [Benedict] and three top seven finishers [Sammet, Craig, Foust])
JH girls cross country:  Fought 3rd place
HS girls cross country:  Sammet 6th place and first team All-NWCC
HS boys cross country:  Foust 3rd place and first team All-NWCC

Noteworthy Dates

• 10/30-11/1/24 - 7th grade to Camp Nuhop
• 11/1/24 - End of First Quarter
• 11/4/24 - Planned two-hour delay
• 11/6/24 - ES Parent-Teacher Conferences
• 11/7/24 - National Honor Society Induction (7:00pm)
• 11/12/24 - ES Parent-Teacher Conferences
• 11/13/24 - K-8 Tinkering Festival (school day)

Two-hour delay 11/4/24

A reminder that Cory-Rawson has a planned 2-hour delay on Monday, November 4, 2024.  

Freshmen Discount Card Fundraiser

Support the Freshman Class in future events such as Prom and their Senior Class Trip by purchasing a discount card. Each card is $10 and the discounts can be used more than once over the next year. Buy your card today by either speaking with a Freshman or emailing Mrs. Barnhart at barnhart@cory-rawson.org

Athletics Updates

• The 2024 Athletic Boosters Reverse Raffle will take place on Nov. 9, 2024 at the Old Millstream Center in Findlay. Tickets are still available and can be purchased from an Athletic Booster member or from the athletic office.
• Fall sports OHSAA Tournament play begins this week for our fall sports teams. Good luck to our cross country, soccer and volleyball teams as they enter the postseason.

Attention Cory-Rawson Alumni...

Plan ahead... Winter Music Performances

• 12/4/24 - 5-8 choir and band concert (7:30pm, auditorium)
• 12/10/24 - 9-12 choir and band concert (7:30pm, auditorium)
• 12/17/24 - Begindergarten - 4th grade program (6:00pm, auditorium)

September 2024

#BeeTheOne

Noteworthy Dates

• Friday 9/13/24: Elementary Night at Cory-Rawson vs. North Baltimore football
• Tuesday 9/24/24:  Picture day
• Friday 9/27/24:  Community Hub survey closes
• Saturday 10/5/24:  CRHS Homecoming Dance (8pm)
• Tuesday 10/8/24 and Wednesday 10/9/24:  CRHS Parent-Teacher Conferences (evenings)

Home Football Game Changes & Reminders

Cory-Rawson fans are reminded that parking is available in the two parking lots in front of the elementary school and entry to the game is available through the "connector" - door B1.  Entry is also available at the east end (bus garage/greenhouse area) of the stadium.

For safety and security, the gates at the west end of the stadium (near the playground and concession stand) are locked during the game.  This will change two practices:  

• Due to safety concerns, fans will no longer be permitted to park inside the stadium along the southwest end of the track.  Handicapped fans are welcome to park just outside the west gate along the outside of the stadium fence and enter through that gate prior to kick-off. 
• For their safety and supervision, students will not be able to use these gates to access the elementary playground during the game as they will be locked and/or monitored.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this effort as we balance both the safety and accommodation of fans.

Picture Day is September 24!

Picture Day is coming soon!  Pictures will be taken on Tuesday, September 24.  Preorder online and receive a FREE 10x8 Photo Collage with purchase!
To order your photos, click the below link (specific to school building):

• Elementary School (PK-6)
• High School (7-12)
• Senior parents were emailed a link for the senior composite photo order

Community Hub Survey closes soon

Cory-Rawson Local Schools is a hub of our community and we want to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of our whole community. This is represented in the recent opening of the YMCA Early Learning Center child care and the Helpful Hive. We wish to explore any additional partnerships to meet the needs of our community. The Cory-Rawson Community Hub committee, made up of school representatives and community leaders, is asking for anyone connected to Cory-Rawson (residents, parents/guardians, family members, etc.) to complete a short, anonymous survey at:
https://bit.ly/CRhub
The survey will close on September 27, 2024.  Once you complete the survey online, you can enter for the chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

School Meals Information

Lunch menus are available online at https://coryrawson.healtheliving.net/.  The free lunch application is also available at the same website and can be completed online.

Athletics Passes Available

All-sports passes are on sale for the 2024-25 academic year. You can purchase your passes by visiting https://www.cory-rawson.org/page/athletics and selecting "2024-25 All-Sports Passes." 

We are excited to offer all-sports passes for free to senior citizens (60 years or older) that live inside the school district with proof of residency. 

All-sports passes include all home 7-12 athletic events, excluding any OHSAA tournament contests or non Cory-Rawson athletic events hosted here.

Substitutes needed

Cory-Rawson seeks substitutes for a variety of roles:  Teachers, bus drivers, aides, food service, and custodians.  To learn more, click here.  

YMCA Early Learning Center @ Cory-Rawson enrolling

The YMCA Early Learning Center is a nurturing and dynamic childcare facility that is enrolling children from toddler age through to school age. This center provides a safe, engaging, and educational environment where young minds can flourish. The YMCA Early Learning Center offers a blend of structured activities and free play. One of the key aspects of the YMCA Early Learning Center is its comprehensive curriculum, which is designed to cater to the varying needs and developmental stages of children. In addition to its educational programs, the YMCA Early Learning Center places a strong emphasis on building a community where children feel valued and respected. We are located in Cory-Rawson school, which gives us the opportunity to be a part of an outstanding school community. By fostering positive relationships among children, staff, families, and Cory-Rawson School District the YMCA Early Learning Center helps to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and social development.

Navigate here to register your child or contact Stephanie Dawson at sdawson@findlayymca.com or 419-963-3415 ext 9025.

Stay connected to Cory-Rawson!

School events and activities are posted on our website and can be accessed here.

For updates and school news, follow @coryrawsonlocal on social media channels:

• Facebook
• X (Twitter)
• Instagram

May 2024

Thanks to SOS for their efforts during Staff Appreciation Week and for sponsoring events like this morning's breakfast treats! 

Year-End Events and Noteworthy Dates

• Monday 5/13/24:  Middle School Awards Concert (grades 5-8), 7:00pm
• Wednesday 5/15/24:  Class of 2024 Senior Awards, 7:00pm
• Thursday 5/16/24: CRES Leadership Day
• Saturday 5/18/24:  Art & Technology Show (Abbey gym and Commons), 1:00-6:00pm
• Sunday 5/19 - Tuesday 5/21/24:  Senior class trip
• Wednesday 5/22/24:  Amazing Shake
• Thursday 5/23/24:  2025 8th Grade DC Trip Meeting (Cafeteria), 6:30pm
• Thursday 5/23/24:  2024 7th Grade Camp Nuhop Meeting (Cafeteria), 7:30pm
• Sunday 5/26/24:  CRHS Graduation (Hive gym), 2:00pm
• Monday 5/27/24:  Memorial Day - no classes
• Thursday 5/30/24:  Last student day for 2023-2024

CRES Leadership Day

Attention CRES parents, guardians and grandparents: We look forward to seeing you at our May 16th Leadership Day where you can enjoy lunch on the lawn with your student, lawn games, and learn about our Leadership Habits! To register, go to https://forms.gle/AX1amYa6t1DHYHUUA

Surplus Equipment Auction

Cory-Rawson Local Schools is auctioning surplus equipment through an online platform.  To learn more, go to https://www.govdeals.com/search?accountId=26239

Community Hub Survey

Cory-Rawson Local Schools is a hub of our community and we want to help facilitate meeting the needs of our whole community.  This is represented in the recent opening of the YMCA Early Learning Center child care and the Helpful Hive.  We wish to explore any additional partnerships to meet the needs of our community.  The Cory-Rawson Community Hub committee, made up of school representatives and community leaders, is asking for anyone connected to Cory-Rawson (residents, parents/guardians, family members, etc.) to complete an anonymous survey. The survey is available in paper form at area churches and the schools and school events or online at https://bit.ly/CRhub

Will be held at Mt. Cory Church of Faith - click here to register