Ohio Council of Community Schools

09/02/2026

An excused absence is still excused. But under Ohio’s new attendance rules, it still counts toward chronic absenteeism.
That distinction matters, especially because two or three missed days a month can add up faster than many families realize.
Want to know more? Read our latest blog: https://loom.ly/khfDCn4
We removed the legal language and explained what parents actually need to know: what counts, when schools must reach out, how chronic absenteeism differs from truancy, and what families can do before missed time becomes a pattern.

The new Ohio Attendance laws cover chronic absence, early intervention, and family involvement. Find out what’s different and what you need to know as a parent.

08/27/2026

The right school will not look the same for every child.
As Akron families prepare for the 2026–27 school year, Signal Akron has published a helpful look at the education options available in the community. OCCS Associate Executive Director Jason Wall spoke with reporter Carissa Woytach about tuition-free public community schools and the flexibility they can offer families.
“The big piece about the charter world is one size doesn’t fit all.”
Read the full article:
https://loom.ly/-eyWwmw

Still choosing a school in Akron? Here’s how to enroll in APS, explore other schools, use Ohio vouchers or homeschool for 2026-27.

08/26/2026

On Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the women through the generations who have brought us this far on the journey toward equality, and we know the work isn’t done yet.
Every girl has a right to grow up knowing her voice counts. Her thoughts are valuable. Her dreams shouldn’t be hindered because of what she is.
In our schools, this shows up in how students are inspired to raise their voices and dream bigger dreams.

08/19/2026

Back-to-school season is about more than backpacks, school supplies, and first-day photos.
For families, one of the biggest challenges is getting everyone back into a routine, and that can look very different depending on whether a student is returning to a classroom or learning online.
Our latest blog shares practical ways families can make the transition a little easier, including tips for sleep routines, attendance, communication with school, virtual learning, and recognizing when a student may need extra support.
Read “Back to School Without the Chaos”: https://loom.ly/vgtSHIY

Help your child start the school year strong with practical tips for routines, attendance, communication, and success in virtual or in-person school.

08/13/2026

One week later, we are still smiling about the moment Kim Strobel turned her keynote into a dance party.
She challenged educators to reconnect with why their work matters and reminded them that joy deserves a place in that work. Then she brought the entire room to its feet.
Thank you, Kim, for giving Ohio’s community school educators a meaningful message and one of the most memorable moments of convocation!

08/12/2026

Some of the most valuable convocation conversations happened between sessions.
Our exhibitors gave educators and school leaders a chance to explore resources, ask questions, and connect around the needs of their students. Attendees learned about personalized instruction from Bloomy, literacy resources from Benchmark Education, Brain Balance’s approach to supporting focus and behavior, and Lester Sanders’ work in college, career, and life readiness.
Thank you to Bloomy, Benchmark Education, Brain Balance, and Lester Sanders for spending the day with Ohio’s community school educators and helping make a meaningful experience.

08/10/2026

We are proud to celebrate Dainta Teeple of Ohio Virtual Academy as the 2026 OCCS Virtual Teacher of the Year!
As OHVA’s High School Career Technical Education Media Arts teacher, Dainta connects virtual instruction with meaningful career experience. She created a media arts internship program that gives students the opportunity to work with clients, manage projects, and build professional portfolios while producing career-exploration videos for younger students.
Her students’ success speaks volumes. Every one of Dainta’s concentrator students achieved proficiency on the WebXam, and many have earned Adobe certifications and received national recognition through Business Professionals of America.
Congratulations, Dainta! Your creativity and dedication are helping students build the skills and confidence they need for life beyond graduation.

08/10/2026

We are proud to celebrate Cole Prophet of Western Toledo Preparatory Academy as the 2026 OCCS Teacher of the Year!
Cole is a 4th–6th grade English teacher who also serves as an instructional coach and lead teacher. His impact reaches throughout his school community. He has expanded summer learning opportunities for students, led professional development, and provided ongoing coaching to fellow educators.
His principal, Kechan Johnson, describes Cole as an educator who leads with humility, integrity, and servant leadership. His dedication to helping students and teachers succeed represents the very best of the teaching profession.
Congratulations, Cole, on this well-deserved honor! 👏

08/06/2026

Resilience is not about asking students to push through every challenge on their own. In 5 Keys to Resilience, educators are learning practical ways to help young people recognize their strengths and grow with confidence.
This work is an important part of building school communities where students feel supported through difficult moments.

08/06/2026

Practical support starts with understanding what behavior is communicating. In The Behavior Playbook, educators are exploring ways to build stronger relationships and set clear expectations. The session also examines how a predictable learning environment can help students feel ready to succeed.