To Jonathan Alder Students and Families:

As we enter the final stretch of the 2024–2025 school year, I continue to be inspired by the focus, hard work, and perseverance demonstrated by our students, staff, and Families. With state testing underway and graduation preparations in full swing, the dedication across our district is evident in every classroom and hallway.

While we navigate this critical part of the school year, I’m excited to share some incredible news that highlights the excellence within our district. Plain City Elementary has been named a 2025 OAESA Hall of Fame School by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the everyday commitment, passion, and collaboration that define our school community.

This honor is shared by everyone, our remarkable students, talented educators, supportive Families, and community partners who all play a vital role in creating a purposeful, high-quality educational experience for every child.

A special congratulations goes out to our students and coaches for their recent recognitions and outstanding accomplishments. Our winter sports programs wrapped up their seasons with strong performances across the board, and I want to especially acknowledge the teams and individuals who reached the pinnacle of high school athletics. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have made our district incredibly proud.

STATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

2024-2025 Boys Bowling

• Drew Damron – 1st Team All-CBC, District Tournament Individual Champion, 4th Place in the OHSAA State Tournament (1st Team All Ohio)

2024-2025 Boys Basketball

• Team – Central Buckeye Conference Champions, District Champions, Regional Runner-Up

• Noah Hess – 2nd Team All Ohio, District 10 Div. IV Player of the Year, All Central District Div. IV 1st Team, 1st Team All Central Buckeye Conference

• Ryan Mark – Honorable Mention All Ohio, All Central District Div. IV 2nd Team, 2nd Team All Central Buckeye Conference

2024-2025 Girls Basketball

• Natalie Walker – Honorable Mention All Ohio, 2nd Team Div. IV All Central District, 2nd Team All Central Buckeye Conference

2024-2025 Girls Swimming

• Team – Central Buckeye Conference Champions

• Lily Schneider – 8th Place State Championship 200 Yard Freestyle, 6th Place State Championship 100 Yard Breaststroke, 2nd Place District 200 Yard Freestyle, 3rd Place District 100 Yard Breaststroke, 5th Place District 200 Yard Medley Relay, 7th Place District 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, Central Buckeye Conference Swimmer of the Year

 2024-2025 Boys Wrestling

• Team – Central Buckeye Conference Champions

• Ethan Kuhns – 7th Place State Tournament, 3rd Place District Tournament, 2nd Place CBC Tournament  

• Trenton Moodispaugh – State Tournament Qualifier, 4th Place District Tournament

• Rayce Watson – 2nd Place State Tournament, 1st Place District Tournament, 1st Place CBC Tournament, CBC Kenton Trail Division Wrestler of the Year

 2024-2025 Competition Cheerleading

• Team Results - State Champion OASSA Div. III Non-Building, Central Buckeye Conference Champions

• Team Members - Sydney Bauerle, Myla Dickey, Reese Fry, Annie Kenyon, Abbey Lewis, Ava Rapp, Alaina Reynolds, Kamila Shiblaq, Hannah Shop, Paige Sifrit, Cara Smith, Olive Smucker, Head Coach Haley Cochran, Asst. Coach Kaylie Kindler

Our 18-month Master Facility Planning process has been an incredible journey, one marked by collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to the future of our schools.  We’ve worked hard to ensure that every step has been informed by data, community input, and a clear understanding of the financial impact. All of the details, facts, bond implications, plans, and presentations are available at ElevateAlder.com.

As always, we are here to serve. We remain focused on Valuing the Past, Investing in Today, and Elevating the Future.  With your continued partnership, we will never stop Elevating Alder.

In Gratitude,

James Miller Ed.D. 
Superintendent
Jonathan Alder Local School District 

The Board of Education approved updates to the upcoming 2025-26 Academic Calendar. Per the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Wednesday, August 20, 2025, will now be a professional development day.

Students will now start the 2025-26 school year on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with kindergarten approved for a staggered start on the 21st and 22nd.

The revised 2025-26 Academic Calendar is available for viewing by clicking the image.

Additionally, the 2026-27 Academic Calendar went through a first reading at the April Board of Education Meeting. The calendar is scheduled for a second reading and approval process at the May Board Meeting.

Highlights include moving fall break to the week of Thanksgiving, allowing a full week off, while keeping the traditional two-week winter and one-week spring breaks. The latter of which aligns with the Easter holiday.

A draft version of the 2026-27 calendar is available for viewing by clicking here.