About Our District

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Dr. John Stoddard
Superintendent

Winter 2025

Berkshire Families,

Winter weather arrived during the last month and on behalf of the district, thank you for your patience as our administrative team closely monitors inclement conditions and communicates with you. We’ll do our very best to make sure that the Berkshire Local Schools corresponds with you in a timely manner, being mindful of student and staff safety as a top priority.

Winter Break begins in our district on Monday, December 22nd and runs through Friday, January 2nd, 2026. Classes resume in the Berkshire Local Schools on Monday, January 5th. The grading period for the 1st semester comes to a close on Friday, January 16th. On behalf of our Badger family, we hope you have an enjoyable Winter Break, and upon returning, that we finish the first half of the school year strongly.

Board of Education Organizational Meeting

The Board of Education will host its Organizational Meeting for the term on Monday, January 12th immediately following the swearing-in ceremony, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Gym. Congratulations to John J. Manfredi, who was re-elected, and Brandon Townsend, who joins the Board and who will officially be sworn in at this time. The Berkshire Local Schools would like to commend Jody Miller on her long-standing service on the Board of Education, and who will complete her service in this capacity to the district, at the end of the calendar year. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

Workforce Development Pathways Info on Website

The Berkshire Local Schools has become the leader in Northeast Ohio for creating innovative job and career pathways for our Badger students, and a recent web update summarizes those opportunities with our school family. Over the last several years, many of our students have identified meaningful workforce pathways during their time in our district across a variety of industries and careers. Some of those include Advanced Manufacturing Career Opportunities, Agriculture and Environmental Systems, Healthcare, Information Technology, and more. Please take a moment to review this comprehensive listing of Workforce Development Pathways, which is available under the About Us section of the website.

Badger Administrative Team Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Give Back Project

The Administrative Team recently had the opportunity to provide meals and support to approximately 24 local families through a strong and coordinated set of community partnerships. This event, the Thanksgiving Give Back Project, kicks off our current season of giving and charity. Several organizations came together to partner with great generosity, including Claridon Congregational Church who provided space for meal assembly, and Claridon Community Helps, who supplied food containers and gathered donations for a portion of the meal items. The Burton/Middlefield Rotary contributed funds to purchase the remaining food needed and also delivered the completed meals directly to families.

Vet and Special Guest Visit 6^th Grade Science Classes at Middle School

Science is a vital part of many career paths, including veterinary medicine. Dr. Jennifer Kartley visited all 6^th grade Science classrooms at Berkshire Middle School during the week of Thanksgiving and taught students about the daily use of scientific knowledge in her practice at Aurora Veterinary Clinic. She brought her friendly canine companion, Reese, to teach the students about the application of science concepts in her career field. Dr. Kartley and an assistant from her veterinary practice drew blood from Reese and used a centrifuge to separate blood into distinct components and layers based on its density. Students enjoyed getting to know Reese and learning about the responsibilities of raising and training a dog. Dr. Kartley’s guidance, expertise, and willingness were appreciated by all, and she was welcomed into the building by her daughter Natalie, a 6^th grade student. Thank you to Berkshire Middle School teacher Liza Warner who helped facilitate this educational and exciting partnership.

Support the Berkshire PTO at the Hoedown Showdown on January 31st

An outstanding opportunity to support the PTO will take place at the Hoedown Showdown on Saturday, January 31st from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Bond Building at Century Village. This adults only event will feature a buffet dinner, live dancing, axe throwing, fun games, and more. Most importantly, this event raises money for the generous work of the PTO, which ultimately benefits students. $50 per ticket, and be sure to wear your western wear.

Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday season.

GO BADGERS!

Dr. John Stoddard

Superintendent