Jonathan Alder Local Schools

It was a "buggy" day at Monroe Elementary!

Our 3rd and 4th graders had a blast visiting The Ohio State University BUGmobile. Students got hands-on with live insects and learned all about the amazing world of entomology! 🐜🔬

4 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Our Canaan Middle School students are shaping the future...of breakfast! Today in the cafeteria, students taste-tested and voted on potential new breakfast items for next school year's menu! Swipe to see our student food critics in action. What would get your vote? 🗳️🧇

4 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

On March 27th, Monroe Elementary and our PTO welcomed two amazing authors, Marie Weller and Paula Vertikoff, creators of the Cranium Critters series. Our students participated in an engaging presentation focused on understanding their feelings and learning strategies to manage them.

5 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

The Junior High Stadium revitalization project is underway. The bleachers, light poles and scoreboard have been removed. Additionally, power lines were moved underground.

We are excited for the future of this site and opportunities it will provide to the district's and community's athletic teams.

5 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Happy National Assistant Principal Week! ❤️🖤 Thank you to our incredible APs for your daily dedication, leadership, and unwavering support of our students and staff. We appreciate everything you do!

5 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Headshots of Assistant Principals in the district

During Spring Break next week, work will begin on the Junior High Stadium revitalization project. As we look ahead to these exciting improvements, we invite our community to stop by this weekend to take in the space and reflect on the memories made there over the years.

5 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Welcome back Donnie Nickey! The Alder grad, Ohio State Football National Champion, and former NFL safety visited Plain City Elementary on Monday as part of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge.

Nickey will be the "challenge buddy" for PCES 3rd and 4th grade students participating in the Lt. Governor's fitness challenge over the next month.

#jaCONNECT #alderFAMILY #ElevateAlder #PioneerTogether

7 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Nickey doing pushups in front of students

Message from the Superintendent regarding school delays, cancellations, and weather-related make-up days.

#jaCONNECT #alderFAMILY #ElevateAlder #PioneerTogether

7 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Jonathan Alder Families As we move through the winter months, I want to provide clarity on how decisions are made regarding school delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. These decisions are never based on a single factor. District officials closely monitor multiple conditions, including temperatures at bus start times, wind chill during student pickup, road and driving conditions, visibility concerns such as fog, and whether conditions are improving at sunrise. We are in constant communication with crews who are actively driving routes, the Madison and Union County Sheriff’s Offices, and surrounding school districts. This collaboration with neighboring superintendents allows us to compare conditions across counties and make informed, safety-centered decisions. Our goal is always to communicate decisions as quickly as possible while ensuring student and staff safety remains our highest priority. Families have also asked about missed school and make-up days being required. Under Ohio law and Board Policy 8210, school districts are accountable for meeting a required number of instructional hours rather than a limited number of calamity days. Jonathan Alder Local Schools proactively builds additional instructional hours into the school calendar to account for potential weather-related closures. At this time, despite recent closures, the district remains above the state-required minimum instructional hours, and no make-up days are anticipated based on days missed so far. We will continue to monitor instructional hours closely and will communicate with families should that status change. Thank you for your continued understanding, patience, and support as we navigate winter weather together. We are grateful to welcome students back to school this week with beautiful skies, crisp air, and the sun shining.

Due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions, Jonathan Alder Local Schools will be CLOSED on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Please continue to follow the district website and social media channels for any additional updates.

9 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Due to dense fog and dangerous driving conditions, Jonathan Alder Local Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, November 21, 2025. Please continue to follow the district website and social media channels for any additional updates.

9 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

🎉 Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day! 🎉

On Friday, November 14th, we encourage all students to WEAR BLUE to show support for diabetes awareness.

We know you love wearing your Jonathan Alder gear, and you absolutely should! Simply incorporate a shade of blue with small accessories, such as:

💙 Blue accessories (jewelry, pins, scarves)

💙 Blue footwear (socks, laces)

💙 Blue clothing underneath (undershirts)

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

After further consideration, Jonathan Alder Local Schools will now be CLOSED on Monday, November 10, 2025. Please continue to follow the district website and social media channels for any additional updates.

- Jonathan Alder Local Schools Administration

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions, Jonathan Alder Local Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday, November 10, 2025. Please continue to follow the district website and social media channels for any additional updates.

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Connecting our "Best Days" for a Future Ready school year! 🤝 Our staff spent professional development time on Nov. 4 diving deep into what makes learning truly irresistible through the "Best Days" activity. By identifying the conditions that make "magic happen" in the classroom, we're investing in our students and staff to elevate our community!

This shared reflection is all about strengthening the connections between our instructional strategies and optimal learning experiences. We believe in the value of every life and are committed to supporting each person's potential to contribute to our future. ✨

#jaCONNECT #alderFAMILY #ElevateAlder #PioneerTogether

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

Our JA Cheerleaders (HS, MS and Youth squads crushed it today, hosting the central district - OHSCCA competition with over 20 teams! Incredible energy, pride and CONNECTION!. Well done, Alder! 👏❤️🖤

10 months ago, Dr. James Miller

We're wrapping up our week-long celebration for National Principals Month by shining a spotlight on a phenomenal leader: Mrs. Savage of Plain City Elementary School! 🎉

This is Mrs. Savage's third year leading PCES, capping off an incredible 26-year career in education. Her leadership is all heart, focusing on a positive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and loved. ❤️

Get on the Energy Bus!

Mrs. Savage truly makes PCES a "Hall of Fame kind of place" where students and staff are "Enjoying the Ride!" Her warmth, humor, and genuine care are what make her such an inspiring principal.

What she loves outside of school:

🍕 Exploring different pizza places across Ohio with her family.
📚 Reading and watching movies.
🐾 Enjoying time with her dogs.

Thank you, Mrs. Savage, for your passion, energy, and dedication to the students and staff of Plain City Elementary!

#jaCONNECT #alderFAMILY #ElevateAlder #PioneerTogether #ThankAPrincipal

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

We're hitting the home stretch of our series with Day 4 of National Principals Month celebration, and today we are celebrating the dedicated leader of Jonathan Alder High School, Mr. Hayes! 🎉

Mr. Hayes is deeply rooted in our community, living right here in Plain City and serving the district with tremendous Pioneer Pride!

When he isn't leading the high school, here's what he loves:

Family Man: Blessed with five kids and loves traveling with his wife.

Pioneer Superfan: He loves and support all Alder sports and extracurriculars, but you can count on finding him at the gym for volleyball—it's his favorite! 🏐

The Big Leagues: He loves to take the family out to watch the Cincinnati Reds! ⚾

We are so grateful for his passion for Alder High and the community. Thank you for your leadership!

#jaCONNECT #alderFAMILY #ElevateAlder #PioneerTogether #ThankAPrincipal

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

It's day three of our National Principals Month celebration, and today we are celebrating the incredible leader of Canaan Middle School, Mr. Walter! 🎉

This is Mr. Walter's fourth year with the JA/Canaan family, and we are so proud and blessed to have him working with our amazing staff and students every day. The CMS team is truly a family!

Outside of the Hallways...
When he’s not guiding our students at Canaan Middle School, you can find him:

☀️ Spending time outdoors!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cheering on his kids at their activities.
🐾 Going for walks with his wife and their dog, Chubbs!

Join us in giving a huge shout-out to Mr. Walter for his dedication to making Canaan Middle School a great place to learn and grow!

#jaCONNECT #alderFAMILY #ElevateAlder #PioneerTogether #ThankAPrincipal

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

The Value of a Pioneer Education

#jaCONNECT #alderFAMILY #ElevateAlder #PioneerTogether

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District

As a public school district, one of the most important things we can do is communicate with you in regard to the effectiveness Jonathan Alder Local Schools provides to all taxpayers. Our purpose is to elevate our community by investing in students, families, and staff members. We serve, grow, and support each person in our schools with a deep belief in the value of every life and potential for every individual to contribute to the betterment of our future. Recently, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce released its annual Local Report Card (LRC). As the superintendent, I am pleased to inform you that Jonathan Alder Local Schools received 4.5 out of a possible 5 overall stars. Only 23 percent of Ohio school districts earned this rating. This is also an increase from our 2024 LRC overall rating and a testament to the exceptional work that is happening in our schools every day. We also saw growth in our Performance Index, meaning more students are achieving at higher levels of excellence on the state tests. We continue to look at this information and refine our practices to provide the best possible experience for each of our students. You can read more about how Jonathan Alder Local Schools performed on this important measurement on our website. Our commitment to transparent communication with taxpayers is paramount. We want you to understand where we are now and how we continue to grow in the future. We are excited to celebrate the significant accomplishments of this year’s LRC with you, our community, and are grateful for your partnership and support. -James Miller Ed.D. Superintendent Jonathan Alder Local Schools

Time for day two of our National Principals Month celebration! Today, we're spotlighting the amazing leader of Jonathan Alder Junior High, Mr. Malany! 🎉

This is his seventh year with the Pioneers, and he's still grateful every day to work with our students, caring families, and dedicated staff!

Beyond the Office: Get to Know Mr. Malany!

When he's not leading JAJHS, you can find him:
📣 Cheering on his girls at their activities.
✈️ Traveling and working outside.
📚 Enjoying a great book.
🏀 Watching College Basketball (Go Duke!) and playing with his family dog, Boomer!

His favorite parts of the school year are the events where our students shine, like the pumpkin drop, dances, pep rallies, and classroom projects!

A Fun Fact & Daily Inspiration!
Ever heard him say, "Make it a Great Day, or Not…the Choice is Yours”? That daily word of wisdom comes straight from one of his own middle school teachers! What a wonderful legacy to carry on!

Join us in thanking Mr. Malany for his dedication to JAJHS!

10 months ago, Jonathan Alder Local School District