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FCCLA students installing sign
Ross Local School District

Recently, you may have noticed eye-catching signs in front of Ross Middle and High Schools along Route 128. These installations are the result of the proactive efforts of Ross Middle School students, who took part in the national program, Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety, under the banner of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America.

Their initiative aimed to raise awareness among 16 to 18-year-old drivers, as well as the wider driving populace, about Ohio's new Distracted Driving law, which came into effect last year. This legislation prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving. To amplify their message, the students produced a compelling public service video and launched a sign campaign. They collaborated closely with the Ross Township police department, seeking their support and expertise.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these students for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in executing a project that profoundly impacts the community. Their dedication has not gone unnoticed, as they have been rightfully recognized with an award of $1,250 for their exceptional work.

FCCLA students installing sign
Ross Township police officer and students installing signs
  • Elda Elementary School
  • Morgan Elementary School
  • Ross High School
  • Ross Intermediate School
  • Ross Middle School
RLSD SRO and SSO staff members
Mandy Rice

School safety has become a critical focus in education in the 21st century, and providing safe schools is fundamental to the success of the Ross Local School District.  Not only are Ross students achieving academically, but they are doing so in a safe manner.

There are many layers to providing a safe school environment involving physical, mental, and emotional factors, and the district has implemented various strategies to effectively address them.  The ultimate, district-wide goal is to proactively serve students in overall health, maintaining day-to-day safety protocols, while preparing staff and students for any potential safety challenges.

Each of the Ross Local school buildings is staffed with an armed officer or security officer.  The School Resource Officer (SRO) and four School Security Officers (SSO) do a great job in protecting students and staff.  Not only are they visible each day and building positive relationships with students, they also provide safety training for staff.  Additionally, they lead monthly safety drills with staff and students followed by conversations on what went well and where improvements can be made.

Superintendent, Chad Konkle shares, “Our model of having an armed officer in every school building is very important for our community.  We are thankful for the outstanding work by our officers to keep us safe.  Not every school district has this model.”

To maintain and improve the mental and emotional health of students and staff, the RLSD curriculum department and school counselors have implemented a comprehensive mental health plan.  Catalyst Counseling is a third-party organization that works with families and students to better navigate any mental health issues.  Because of this partnership, school counselors, who are academic counselors, can refer mental health issues to the trained therapists with Catalyst Counseling. 

RLSD also uses curricular programs such as Second Step (K-5) and Sandy Hook Promise (K-12) to provide students with practical tools and strategies for managing mental and emotional health.  In addition, RLSD has developed a strong partnership with 1N5, a nationally recognized, non-profit mental health organization to guide the process in developing a system to monitor and maintain student and staff wellness. 

Finally, Ross Local School District wrote and secured a grant in the amount of $500,000 in funds from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and Governor Mike DeWine’s Safety Grant program.  Each of the District’s 5 buildings received $100,000. These funds were used for physical security expenses such as security doors, cameras, radios, ballistics film, interior signs and other upgraded items. 

Students, families, and community members play a pivotal role in school safety as well.  If at any time the safety of a student, staff member or school may be in question, the Safer Ohio School Tip Line is available as an anonymous reporting system that accepts both calls and texts 24 hours-a-day.  Things to report to the tip line include (but are not limited to):

Bullying incidents;
Withdrawn student behaviors;
Verbal or written threats observed toward students, faculty or schools;
Hazing;
Weapon/suspicious devices on or near school grounds;
Gang related activities;
Unusual/suspicious behavior of students or staff;
Self-harm or suicidal sentiments; and
Any other school safety-related concerns.

Thank you for partnering with the Ross Local School District to keep our schools safe.

Ohio Safer School Tip Line 844.723.3764


 

  • Elda Elementary School
  • Morgan Elementary School
  • Ross High School
  • Ross Intermediate School
  • Ross Middle School
Kindergarten Registration logo
Robin Baker

For Elda Elementary AND Morgan Elementary 

If you reside in the Ross Local School District and your child turns 5 on or before August 1, 2024, you are invited to SAVE-THE-DATE to register for Kindergarten! 

THE ENROLLMENT WINDOW IS FEB. 5 - APRIL 5!

Did you know that we offer a tuition-based ALL DAY KG option? Enroll as soon as possible - space is limited!

Please view the linked Kindergarten Registration information or type bit.ly/rosskg2024 in your search engine's browser bar for more details.


 

  • Elda Elementary School
  • Morgan Elementary School
Ross Rambotics on Fox19 news
Mandy Rice

In January, the Ross Rambotics team was visited by Fox19 News to feature a story on the team's work to help a little girl in Lexington, Kentucky, be able to use her walker when she is also visually impaired. As if it isn't cool enough to have news coverage of your work, the bigger story is of the impact RHS students are having on another person's life that is nothing short of life-changing.

The team rose to the occasion when the project was brought to them, delivering a functioning product that will help the 10-year old maneuver through the halls of her school with ease.

Here is what the little girl's mother, Sarah Borders, had to say.

"Among the many challenges of raising a child with disabilities is accessing adaptive equipment that meets the needs of your child.  I am thankful to the Ross Rambotics Team for diligently working to design a walker for a visually impaired child. The students that I met as well as their team members are certainly creating a positive impact in Harper's daily life.  I am sure that these young men and women will continue to be a force of innovation within their community.  They certainly seized an opportunity to bring accessibility and independence to my daughter and I look forward to seeing how the team will continue to customize their design."

Steve McManus, a volunteer with the non-profit organization, May We Help, that helps to provide custom solutions for individuals with special needs shares, "Immense thanks to the Ross Rambotics Team for their dedication on developing the gait trainer with ultrasonic sensor vibration feedback. I could not have done this without the team. They delivered what the University of Dayton Robotics could not do for the pas 2.5 years. Delivered a working product! Also, I want to recognize Hollis Schuller for his support, knowledge and leadership on this project. Included with Hollis and the team are Dan Morrisey, Laura Counts and Jennifer Noxsel."

Huge kudos and job well done to the Ross Rambotics team.  Keep up the great work of using your talents and skills for the benefit of others.

Check out the full story from Fox19 here.

  • Elda Elementary School
  • Morgan Elementary School
  • Ross High School
  • Ross Intermediate School
  • Ross Middle School
RHS student conducts Everybody Counts lesson at Elda
Ross Local School District

Ross High School Student, Kailyn May, visited Elda Elementary students last week to conduct her "Everybody Counts" lesson as a part of her membership in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).

Kailyn walked students through various activities that included learning their name in American Sign Language, simulating hearing impairment with ear plugs, and many more hands-on activities, all with the help of her family.

Kailyn shares, "I planned this activity to help students learn about kids with disabilities. Doing this early helps them later in life with communication skills with others who aren't exactly like them because no one is. This also leads into adulthood where they still have these skills and can use them with their peers and coworkers. My goals were to help kids understand that everyone is different and that is okay, another goal was for the students to be more comfortable with their peers and work with them better in understanding them."

Adam Hull, Elda Elementary Principal shares, "Kailyn has done a tremendous job preparing lessons for our students and giving them the opportunity to experience real life challenges such as being visually impaired or deaf. Our staff and students have really enjoyed these lessons and leave them with a renewed perspective on their peers." 

Shout out and a job well done, Kailyn, representing what it means to be a #RossRam by empowering students with empathy and inclusion.

RHS student conducts Everybody Counts lesson at Elda
RHS student conducts Everybody Counts lesson at Elda
RHS student conducts Everybody Counts lesson at Elda
  • Elda Elementary School
  • Morgan Elementary School
  • Ross High School
  • Ross Intermediate School
  • Ross Local School District
  • Ross Middle School