NEWTON FALLS | Tiger Path December 2025
Welcome to Winter Break – a well-deserved time off from school, homework, and tests! There’s a lot to celebrate, and our staff and students have really gone above and beyond this year to make it happen for each other and for our academic and athletic achievements!
I’m proud to lead here in Newton Falls, and can’t wait to see what spring has in store for us, even though it might come with a grim outlook in terms of school funding (see below). We’ll make it happen, regardless, like we always do in public education, and hope that sooner or later, we see the light from the State of Ohio in prioritizing 90% of kids who attend our public schools.
In this newsletter, you can expect more information on our academic and athletic success in Newton Falls, catch up on the latest news you might have missed from this fall semester, learn more about our new Board members, re-engage with the district’s cellphone policy that’ll be in effect when we come back from break, and maybe learn a new phrase or two. Enjoy!
Academic Achievement & Growth
In November, the State of Ohio released the value-added data set after a much-anticipated wait, and I wanted to continue to update you – our community – on what they are, what they mean, and how we know we’re doing the right thing here in Newton Falls.
These data give us a much better understanding of where, and how, we’re growing kids, and where we need to keep stepping on the gas. And guess what? Newton Falls knocked it out of the park!
Through the roof, literally, scores in almost all areas shifted right compared to last year, and offer a true testament to our teachers’ dedication to learning, excellence, and continued drive for student achievement in all areas.
The value-added scores tell the story of growth, based on standardized measures of performance on state-assigned assessments. While there will always be work to do to keep high levels of rigor in place, and keep the focus on learning, our staff and students really pushed their limits this past year, and it shows.
With your support, our teachers and support staff’s dedication to their craft, Newton Falls is unstoppable, and will continue to deliver on our promise to educate all kids while preparing them for a beautiful future in Ohio, and beyond!
Read the rest of the story here: https://1tiger.org/a-dance-to-the-right/
Enrollment Steady
Our enrollment is holding steady, and while students join us or depart for other districts during a normal school year, it’s really encouraging to see our numbers not rapidly declining like in the past.
With renewed efforts to create attractive programming, such as e-sports, wrestling, flag football, and bowling, to name a few, we’re hoping to continue attracting students, whether they’re returning from another district or enrolling with us for the first time.
Around the Quad…
Throughout the school year, we post in-depth updates and news about all things Tigers, especially focused on learning, student achievement, experiences, and opportunities for our students. Here are some of those stories from the fall semester:
- NFHS Hosts Speaker to Honor Local Holocaust Survivor’s Story
- Got Wrestling?
- Holiday Magic at the North Pole Elf Make & Take Party!
- Celebrating Excellence: Ellie Falb Named Trumbull County’s Top “Twenty Under 20” Honoree
- United Way Kickstarts Food Pantry at NF ES
- A Patriotic Day of Learning at Newton Falls Elementary!
- NF Elementary Launches Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
- Beta Club Shines Through Service and Leadership
- Honoring Our Heroes: NFHS Veterans Day Ceremony
- Newton Falls Students Hear Firsthand Account from Holocaust Survivor Erika Gold
- Real-World Learning in Action: CBI Students Take on Village Landscaping Project
- Newton Falls Schools Serves Its 200,000th Free Meal!
- Thank You, City of Newton Falls — New Antenna Installed!
School Board & Board Office Updates
Two new Board members will join the Board in January. Jae Leeworthy and Rachael Rankin will join the Board and be sworn in at the Board’s Organizational meeting on January 8th, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Amie Crowder and Daniel Williams are leaving the Board after years of dedicated service to the district.
Tonya Kline (re-elected), Teresa Oakes, and Mark Stimpert remain as members for the remainder of their terms. The regular Board meeting will follow immediately afterwards. Find the agendas and minutes here: https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/newtonfal/Board.nsf/Public
The Board plans to meet in the High School’s newly renovated media center, now known as the Tiger Learning Lab.
Ben Marko is leaving the district after 2 ½ years as the district’s Treasurer to take a new position with Canfield Local Schools. Angela Giuliano, Accounts Payable Clerk, is leaving, too, for a position in the private sector.
The Board has enlisted a search firm to identify a new candidate for the Treasurer position and has contracted with the Shared Services Alliance for interim treasurer support in the meantime. Alan Boone, a Newton Falls graduate, will serve as the interim treasurer until the Board appoints a new treasurer.
Earlier this year, the Board adopted a new policy package, now managed by Pepple & Waggoner. You can access the Board Policies here: https://pepple-waggoner.com/newton-falls-exempted-village-school-district/
Student Culture & Phone Usage – Revisited
At Newton Falls, we are committed to building a positive learning culture where students can focus on their education without unnecessary distractions.
In alignment with Ohio’s new state law prohibiting student cell phone use in the instructional environment at all times, effective January 1, 2026, and consistent with Board Policy 6.19 – Student Code of Conduct, cell phones must remain stowed away and not visible or in use during the instructional day. Our priority is keeping students engaged, connected, and present in their learning.
To further support a focused and respectful learning environment, families are reminded that hoods up, pajama pants, earbuds in, and similar attire are not permitted during the school day. These expectations help reinforce professionalism, readiness to learn, and respect for the instructional setting.
Thank you for partnering with us to uphold these expectations as we work together to create an environment where all students can thrive.
Throughout the year, students will hear a consistent message from our staff centered on responsibility, respect, engagement, and integrity, and we ask families to support these values at home by promoting strong attendance, hard work, and a genuine love of learning.
Fall Athletics Highlights
This fall season, Newton Falls athletics continued to thrive by expanding opportunities for students, celebrating participation across grade levels, and laying the groundwork for exciting new programs that meet the diverse interests of our Tigers.
Student Participation and Engagement
Fall athletic programs saw strong student involvement, with teams competing across varsity, junior varsity, and middle school levels. Our students demonstrated commitment, teamwork, and school pride while representing Newton Falls both on and off the field. Participation continues to be a key driver in building confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging for student-athletes.
Building Pathways Through New Programs
A major focus this fall has been expanding access to athletics for more students. New and emerging programs such as E-sports, Bowling, Wrestling, and Girls Flag Football are designed to meet students where they are, offering opportunities for those who may not traditionally participate in school sports.
These programs emphasize inclusion, skill development, and personal growth, while opening doors for students with a wide range of interests and abilities.
Preparing Students for What’s Next
The introduction and exploration of new athletic offerings reflect a broader commitment to student voice and choice. These programs promote physical wellness, mental resilience, teamwork, and accountability, while also creating new leadership opportunities and strengthening connections to school and community.
Together, our fall athletic season highlights a clear theme: more ways to belong, more chances to grow, and more opportunities for students to shine as Tigers.
A look towards the future…
As we head towards 2026, we’re chasing that 4th star as a District in terms of student achievement to show our community Newton Falls Schools is the place to be for learning, excellence, and student opportunities.
We plan to continue our work in classrooms, aligning curriculum, and providing targeted interventions where needed. We expect our Tigers to be engaged, respectful, and responsible at all times, and you’ll hear this throughout our language, our hallways, and our communications with you and your students.
On the facilities side of the District, we’re wrapping up a capital improvement planning project that has inventoried every nook and cranny of the district, from retention ponds to driveways to playgrounds to student desks, roofs, locker rooms, and more!
There’s lot to be done over the next 20 years to keep this District operating at peak performance, and keeping kids dry, safe, and warm (or cold, season depending…)
Look for the Capital Plan to be shared with the community later this year (2026) after the Board and District, and community members, have given input to priorities, wishlists, and more.
State legislation took a turn for the worse this week, as Governor DeWine signed several bills into law that will negatively impact school districts like Newton Falls.
Drastic changes to our financial forecast (as of December) will now force our district to take a hard look at not only where money is spent, but where sources of additional funding might come from.
Without a change in the local property tax code and how school districts are funded, we stand to lose out on real opportunities when it comes to educating our kids in Newton Falls.
I remain hopeful that we can continue to create stability in educating our children and families desperately need and ask for – by hiring the best educators and administrators, by providing world-class education and instruction our teachers are capable of, and by serving generations of Newton Falls residents for years to come.
I’m excited to lead the schools through these tough times, and remain committed to our kids and staff who make this district what it is – the place to be!
Onward!
Andreas Johansson, PhD
Superintendent
Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools
PS – I’m in the schools, hallways, and classrooms a lot… and thought another updated edition would be helpful for you at home, below…
Slang Corner: December Edition
Get ready for Winter Break, and for some new terms around the Christmas Tree! Student language evolves quickly, especially online. So we’re all speaking the same language as our kids, here’s Part 2, with a few phrases I’ve definitely heard in our classrooms and hallways, or you may at home, translated for adults:
“quarter-zib vibes” – A playful phrase students use to describe the feeling of being deep into the school quarter, when energy is lower, deadlines are real, and everyone is just trying to push through. Often used humorously. Example: “It’s mid-December… definitely quarter-zib vibes.”
“lock in” – To focus seriously or commit full attention to a task, especially schoolwork. Example: “We’ve got finals coming up, it’s time to lock in.”
“slay” – A positive expression meaning to do something exceptionally well or look confident while doing it. Example: “That presentation? Absolute slay.”
Language changes fast, but staying curious helps us stay connected. And if all else fails, asking “what does that mean?” usually leads to a good laugh and a great conversation.
