Celebrating Our Teachers: Ross Local Schools Honors Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week

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At Ross Local School District, we know that the heart of our schools lies in the passion, dedication, and care of our teachers and staff. Every day, our educators pour their energy, creativity, and compassion into the lives of our students—preparing lessons, building engaging classroom environments, offering support and encouragement, and going far beyond the job description to help our children grow and succeed.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to express our deepest gratitude to every teacher and staff member who works with students each day. You prepare tirelessly, worry endlessly, care deeply, and teach exceptionally. Our students are better because of you—and so is our entire community.

Recognizing Teachers of Excellence

In addition to honoring all educators, our district also took time this spring to recognize several outstanding staff members as Teachers of Excellence—those who exemplify what it means to serve students, support colleagues, and represent Ross Local Schools with integrity and heart.

The process began with nominations from building principals and administrators. Each building nominated one or two educators who consistently go above and beyond in their service to students and colleagues. The district team then voted to select one nominee to represent Ross Local School District in the Ohio Teacher of the Year program, and we proudly selected Ross Middle School’s Mrs. Holly Vining as our 2025 nominee.

In April, the Ross Local Schools leadership team visited each of these educators' classrooms to surprise them in front of their students and colleagues, presenting them with a certificate and reading aloud the powerful words of their nomination letters. These moments were filled with emotion, joy, and heartfelt appreciation.

Later that month, each Teacher of Excellence was also recognized at the Ross Board of Education meeting, where they were honored for their contributions and impact.

2025 Ross Local Schools Teachers of Excellence

Ross Intermediate School: Catherine Wormus & Nichole Green
“Ross is fortunate to have these two amazing ladies working with our students and families here at RIS. Not a day goes by where they are not going the extra mile for our students. They are beloved by the kids and they are the true definition of what it means to be a teacher at the Ross Local Schools. I admire the passion and care in which they advocate for their students and our school.” – Mr. Rettinger

Ross High School: Jennifer Harrison
“Jennifer is an exceptional team player, always willing to lend a hand to colleagues without hesitation. She understands the delicate balance between caring for students and pushing them toward excellence—a balance that is difficult to strike, yet one she navigates masterfully.” – Mr. Martin

Elda Elementary School: Jessica Jackson
“Jessica makes time for each individual student, including the resource room students in her classroom. I have witnessed Jessica consistently working one-on-one with our students to help them with their letters, letter sounds, and now these specific students are reading sentences.” – Mr. Hull

Elda Elementary School: Jessica Merkhofer
“Jessica has created and implemented behavior supports for specific students in her classroom, created engaging lessons for students, and has stayed after hours to create individual lessons and activities for students and families to use at home. Jessica allows students to be part of the classroom management plan and offers student voice when it comes to rules and procedures. I love that she cares so deeply for her students and treats all of them with respect and kindness.” – Mr. Hull

Morgan Elementary School: Jen Chuhak
“Jen is an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond in the classroom. Her ability to engage students, foster a love of learning, and create a supportive environment that demonstrates extreme growth in her students, emotionally and academically. She consistently implements innovative teaching strategies, ensuring that every student, regardless of their learning style or background, has the opportunity to succeed.” – Mr. Perry

Ross Middle School: Holly Vining
“Holly is a true champion of education, teaching Life Skills courses that equip students with essential abilities they will carry throughout their lives. From sewing and cooking to financial literacy, she ensures that her students are prepared for the real world, fostering independence and confidence in every lesson. Her classroom is not just a place of hands-on learning but a nurturing environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.” – Mr. Saylor

Mrs. Vining was also selected to represent Ross Local School District as our nominee for Ohio Teacher of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for her incredible impact on students and education.

To all of our teachers and staff—thank you. You are shaping lives, building futures, and making a difference every single day. We are proud to celebrate you not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but all year long. 💛

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at Ross Local School District!