District E-Newsletter, May 2025

To Jonathan Alder Students and Families:

As we journey through 2025 and welcome the summer season, there is so much to be grateful for.  This month, we proudly celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, honoring our incredible educators and staff.  Words cannot fully express how deeply I value the dedication, passion, and tireless commitment each team member brings to our schools.    

The School Board, along with our district and building administrators, joins me in recognizing and applauding the hard work and unwavering dedication of every staff member.  Each Jonathan Alder leader, educator and staff plays a crucial role in fostering a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment.

To our entire Jonathan Alder School Community, thank you for continuing to inspire one another, Elevating our district, and the steadfast service to our students and Families. 

Jonathan Alder Special Board of Education Meeting, Community Forum

📅  Date: Tuesday, June 10th
⏰  Time: 6:30 PM
📍  Location: Jonathan Alder High School

Join us for a Special Board of Education meeting, open invitation to the community.  This is an opportunity to connect, listen, and collaborate with one another on topics such as facilities, enrollment, and the bond issue. With over 30% of voters in our community voicing their opinion at the ballot box, it’s clear our community is actively engaged.  The School Board wants to answer questions and continue conversations that support understanding and collaboration on this important issue.

Our buildings are quickly reaching capacity, and we remain committed to ensuring that students have access to safe, effective, and well-equipped learning environments. With thousands of new homes planned in the Plain City area, rapid growth is not just on the horizon, it’s already happening. As we work to address these space challenges, our goal is to minimize the need for temporary solutions and prioritize long-term, sustainable facilities that meet the needs of our students and community.

This is a meaningful opportunity to strengthen our connection with the community. By planning proactively for our students and Families now, we can avoid costly and ineffective solutions down the road.

You’ll find all the facts, bond details, plans, and presentations available at ElevateAlder.com.

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

In Gratitude,

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

Dr. James Miller headshot

We want to hear from you! Click the image above to submit your questions prior to the special Board meeting on June 10, 2025.

Teacher Appreciation Week

We LOVE our amazing ALDER FAMILY staff! Click the graphic above to check out heartfelt student interviews sharing how teachers have impacted their education!

Teaching & Learning Department Leaders

Message from Teaching & Learning Department

As the school year draws to a close, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and commitment to our students’ education.  Your partnership has been instrumental in creating a nurturing and enriching environment where every child can thrive. Click the link below to read the full May update from the Teaching & Learning department.

Teaching & Learning May Update

Teaching & Learning Webpage

Carla Quick

Assistant Superintendent
Email

Becky Krall

Director of Student Services
Email

Nicole Schrock

Director of Instructional Technology
Email

JA's "Hadestown: Teen Edition" Shines at CAPA Marquee Awards

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JAHS at CAPA Awards

Jonathan Alder’s debut at the CAPA Marquee Awards was nothing short of epic—Hadestown: Teen Edition earned top honors, standout performances, and a red carpet moment! From Best Direction to Outstanding Ensemble, our students made their mark in the biggest season CAPA has ever seen.

News From Across the District

Spanakopita from Greece

Monroe Elementary Hosts First-Ever Children's Day Celebration

Monroe Elementary proudly hosted its first-ever Children’s Day Celebration, a vibrant evening of cultural sharing, delicious food, and joyful activities organized by our new Cultural Group. With strong family turnout and student performances, it was a heartwarming celebration of community, diversity, and tradition.

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students at tomb of unknown soldier

Junior High Students Participate in Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Ceremony

A group of JAJHS 8th grade students had the honor of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during their Washington, D.C. trip. This powerful experience, along with visits to historic landmarks, made for an unforgettable week of learning and reflection.

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PCES students

Author Visit: Laura Numeroff Inspires Plain City Elementary

Plain City Elementary had the incredible honor of hosting beloved author Laura Numeroff for a magical day of storytelling and inspiration! With over 700 students captivated by her books and behind-the-scenes stories, it was a truly unforgettable experience made possible by the support of our amazing PCES community.

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JAHS at CBC Cup

JAHS Participates in CBC Cup Field Day

On May 2, students from all 12 CBC schools came together for the unforgettable CBC Cup — a field day celebrating inclusion, sportsmanship, and the joy of play for our special needs athletes. With student-athlete coaches, community support, and smiles all around, it was a powerful reminder that the best part of the game is simply the opportunity to play.

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CMS students at Math Bee

Canaan Middle Claims Top Awards at Madison County Math Bee

Canaan’s 5th and 6th grade Mathletes shined at the Madison County Math Competition on April 29, earning multiple top placements against students from four county schools! Their hard work and dedication paid off in a big way—congrats to all our talented competitors!

Read More >>

Click the image above to learn about the District's May 2025 Five-Year Forecast

Celebrating School Lunch Heroes

CLICK HERE to learn more about Jonathan Alder's Food Services Department, including updates before the end of the school year

Upcoming Events

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View a specific school calendar link below for additional details.

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