May 2025

Third graders enjoying the FFA's Elementary Day.  FFA members brought animals and machinery to our campus to share with our youngest Hornets!

 

Upcoming Dates to Note

• Saturday 5/17/25:  Art Show, HS Commons and Abbey Gym, (12:00-5:00pm)
• Tuesday 5/20/25:  Grades 5-8 Band & Choir Concert, auditorium (7:00pm)
• Wednesday 5/21/25:  Costa Rica Trip Departure Meeting, cafeteria (6:00pm)
• Friday 5/23/25:  Seniors last day
• Sunday 5/25/25:  Graduation, Hive Gymnasium (2:00pm)
• Monday 5/26/25:  Memorial Day - No School
• Thursday 5/29/25:  Last student day of 2024-2025 school year
• Friday 5/30/25:  Staff work day

Notes from Nurse Jamison

Jennifer Jamison, School Nurse (jamison@cory-rawson.org)

• Urgent Alert: Record drowning of kids with autism
• Summer Safety Tips
• Rethinking drinking website
• Individual and Family Preparedness
• CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Substitutes needed

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

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

April 2025

For the full 2025-2026 school calendar, click here.

Upcoming Dates to Note

• Thursday 4/17/25:  CRHS Community Day
• Thursday 4/17/25:  Elementary Musical (6:00pm, auditorium)
• Friday 4/18 and Monday 4/21/25:  Spring Break - No School
• Friday 4/25/25:  Open enrollment applications for 2025-2026 due
• Saturday 4/26/25:  CRHS Junior-Senior Prom (6:00pm)
• Tuesday 5/6/25:  Junior Mock Interview Day
• Monday 5/12/25:  HS Band & Choir Awards Concert (7:00pm, auditorium)
• Wednesday 5/14/25:  Senior Recognition Banquet (7:00pm, The Hive gym)
• Friday 5/16/25:  CRES Habit Hop
• Saturday 5/17/25:  K-12 Art Show (12:00pm-5:00pm, Bob Abbey gym)

Helpful Hive open by appointment on Community Day

The Helpful Hive will be open on Community Day, April 17th, by appointment only. Book yours now!

Spring Break

Classes will not be in session on Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21, 2025 for our spring break. Happy Easter!

MARCS Radio Project

Cory-Rawson Local Schools is partnering with the Southwest Hancock Joint Fire District on a project to improve first responder radio signal (MARCS) on our campus.  Donations are being sought so that we can secure a substantial matching grant for this project, which is estimated to cost $117,920.  If you are interested in donating, checks can be made payable to Cory-Rawson Local Schools (MARCS radio project in memo line) and mailed to Cory-Rawson Local Schools, 3930 County Road 26, Rawson OH 45881.   

CRHS State Testing Schedule

• Wednesday 4/23/25: 7th grade math, 8th grade math, Algebra 1 (part 1) ,and Geometry (part 1)
• Thursday, 4/24/25: Algebra 1 (part 2) and Geometry (part 2)
• Tuesday 4/29/25: 8th grade science, Biology, World History, and Government

Help FHCPL preserve C-R history!

Help the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library preserve the history of Cory-Rawson School! It’s time to scour those attics, basements, closets/cupboards, and desk drawers! We are seeking copies of the Cory-Rawson student Hornet newspaper to scan for the “Ohio Memory” website at https://www.ohiomemory.org/. In addition, we are also seeking copies of the Rawson Herald newspaper (published from 1890-1897 and again from 1903-1906) and the Mount Cory Press newspaper (published in 1896). All copies will be returned to their original owners. If you (or any relatives, friends, neighbors, classmates, etc.) have copies you wish to share, please contact Justin at the library (phone: 419-422-4553; e-mail: askgenealogy@findlaylibrary.org). Thanks!

Family Engagement Survey

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce asks that parents/guardians of children with special needs (an IEP) complete a 10-minute survey about their child's education.  This survey is offered every six years and will close on May 7, 2025.  ODEW is awarding a $50 gift card drawing for completion of the survey.  To navigate to the survey, follow this link.

From Nurse Jamison...

• Measles - Before and After Travel
• About Measles

March 2025

CRES Family Literacy Night was a huge success!  We loved seeing our families and appreciate the hard work of our staff and generosity of partners making this special event possible.

Upcoming Dates to Note

• Saturday 3/15/25 - Powder Buff volleyball fundraiser (1:00pm)
• Thursday 3/27/25 - End of 3rd Quarter
• Friday 3/28/25 - PD Day, No school
• Friday 3/28/25 - Musical: Matilda (Auditorium, 7:00pm)
• Saturday 3/29/25 - Musical:  Matilda (Auditorium, 3:00pm)
• Wednesday 4/2/25 through Saturday 4/5/25 - 8th Grade Washington, DC Trip
• Friday 4/4/25 through Sunday 4/6/25 - Senior Class Trip
• Friday 4/11/25 - FFA Banquet (Hive Gym, 6:00pm)
• Thursday 4/17/25 - HS Community Day
• Friday 4/18/25 - Spring break, No school
• Monday 4/21/25 - Spring break, No school

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

Family Engagement Survey

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce asks that parents/guardians of children with special needs (an IEP) complete a 10-minute survey about their child's education.  This survey is offered every six years and will close on May 7, 2025.  ODEW is awarding a $50 gift card drawing for completion of the survey.  To navigate to the survey, follow this link.

CREA Scholarship Applications Accepted

B-WISER STEM Camp for Girls in grades 7 & 8

B-WISER (Buckeye Women in Science, Engineering, and Research) is a residential summer science camp for teen girls hosted by The College of Wooster from June 16-21, 2025.  B-WISER is a team-taught, hands-on science experience.  Campers stay in college dorms and participate in laboratory-based courses in state-of-the-art science facilities.  Curriculum includes biology, chemistry, physics, geology, engineering, and select advanced topics.  Participants will also meet with experienced and successful women working in various STEM fields.   

 

Established in 1990, the mission of B-WISER is to encourage young women to pursue their interests in the sciences.  The camp is supported by The College of Wooster, the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, and the Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation, Inc.  B-WISER camp is a girl-centered program open to students finishing 7th or 8th grade.  The application deadline is April 30.  Several financial aid scholarships are available to those who qualify.  For more information and to register, please visit the camp website:  https://bwiser.spaces.wooster.edu/

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