District Newsletter: 02/12/2026

Local Businesses Inspired Cassingham Students’ Custom T-Shirt Artwork

Brad Rocco, of Bexley Pizza Plus, talks with several Cassingham 5th-grade boys for their project.

Earlier this school year Cassingham Elementary art teacher Ben Pinciotti began a project with the school’s 5th graders, introducing them to community business owners and officials to help them learn about Bexley commerce and services to the community, ultimately translating that information to a small-group art project.

Many thanks to the business owners and staff from 20 Bexley area businesses and organizations who offered their time to share their success, wisdom and encouragement with some of the district’s elementary students. Students began interviewing business owners and staff members in October to learn about their business service or product and how they serve the Bexley community. Initial art sketches followed their interviews, and they fine-tuned their artwork in the classes that followed.

Last week, the 5th graders saw the result of their months of hard work when they received their custom-designed t-shirts with artwork representing their project’s business. Smiles and pride beamed from the students’ faces when they saw their artwork imprinted on their t-shirts.

Cassingham 5th graders interview Laura Dennison, co-owner of Newfangled Kitchen, for their project.

Thanks to the generosity of the Bexley Education Foundation, participating students and business owners all received t-shirts with the students’ artwork printed on the front.

Participating businesses included Kelly Schmidt Wellness, Macelleria Butcher Shop, Bexley Pizza Plus, Bluespot Yoga, Bexley Optical, Bexley Animal Hospital, Fox’s Bagels, Be Well Studio, Sweet Thing Gourmet, and Chambers Music. Other businesses that worked with the students were Jersey Blanket, Drexel Movie Theater, Price’s Macho Mustard, Petals that Inspire, Gramercy Books, Newfangled Kitchen, Bexley Automotive, and The Disrespected. The Bexley Public Library and Bexley Recreation & Parks also took part.

‘A Spirited Evening’ Silent Auction Opens Tomorrow Evening; See Auction Items Online

Looking for a fun activity to do over this Presidents Day weekend? Check out the items and experiences available for bid in the Bexley Education Foundation’s “A Spirited Evening” silent auction. The auction opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 and continues through 10 p.m. Feb. 28. 

Not only are there great items to bid on, including restaurant gift certificates, family outings, jewelry and art, but there are also fun experiences for Bexley students. These include “the Superintendent Experience” with Dr. Jason Fine and experiences with the Bexley band and Bexley athletic teams, including girls basketball, cheerleading, boys lacrosse, volleyball and field hockey teams.

To bid, go to auctria.events/aspiritedevening to register your credit card. For questions or additional information, contact Allison Simons at allison.simons@bexley.us or call the Foundation office at (614) 338-2093.

BE A CHAMPION

High School Student Recognized as Newest ‘Champion’

This week we recognize a Bexley High School freshman as a Champion in Bexley Schools. Congratulations Michael O’Brien, who was recognized for Demonstrating Kindness, the second pillar of the district’s mission.

Michael was nominated by a faculty member, who explained that he went out of his way to help a fellow student who is new to BHS navigate Canvas, help him with homework, and navigate the cafeteria. His nominator wrote, “This was such a nice way to make our new student feel welcome in a new setting.” Way to BE Michael!

Pictured: Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine; Michael O’Brien; and high school faculty member Kara Whitlatch.

One Bexley

Don’t Miss Next Week’s ‘Story Slam: Stories of Resilience’

One Bexley’s second annual “Story Slam: Stories of Resilience” will be Wednesday evening, Feb. 18, at the Drexel Theatre. The event begins at 7 p.m.

Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour, One Bexley’s Story Slam will feature community members, including Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine, who will share his journey growing up and living with Tourette Syndrome. The community is encouraged to attend and listen to true, personal Stories of Resilience, where you’ll be reminded of the courage, grit, and humanity that lives in our community – one powerful story at a time.

Reserve your seat now. The event is free, but registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Kindergarten Registration for 2026-2027 School Year Is Open

Kindergarten enrollment and enrollment for all other grades is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Registration is completed online.

Parents and/or guardians who already have a PowerSchool account with other children currently enrolled in Bexley Schools can log in to their current account and select “add a student” to begin a new enrollment. Anyone who does not have a PowerSchool account must create an account in order to begin a new student enrollment.

Bexley offers all-day kindergarten for all students who will turn 5 years old by Thursday, Aug. 13, the first day of classes for Bexley Schools for the 2026-2027 school year. A recent change in Ohio law modifies the kindergarten cut-off date to coincide with each district’s first day of instructional classes. Consequently, the cut-off date for kindergarten will be different each year and may be different by school district.

Bexley Board of Education policy requires all enrolled students to reside within Bexley City School District boundaries.

Students currently enrolled in Bexley Schools do not need to re-register before each school year. However, parents/guardians must complete the Student Verification process, which confirms those students who will continue in Bexley Schools for the following school year. Watch for the Student Verification messages later in the Spring or Summer.

Auditions for Elementary Grades 4-5 Play Are Next Week

Auditions for this year’s Grade 4-5 play, A Tale of Two Jacks, are  Feb. 17, from 3:15-5:30 p.m. in the Cassingham Theatre, with call backs scheduled for Feb. 18 from 3:15-5:30 p.m. in the Cassingham Theatre. Audition forms are due Feb 12. Click for the audition form and more information.

Crew interviews for A Tale of Two Jacks are Feb. 23, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Cassingham Theatre. Crew Interview forms are due Feb. 23. Click for the crew interview form and more information.

Future Health Professionals Club to Host Blood Drive Next Saturday, Feb. 21st

Make plans now to participate next weekend in the Bexley High School Future Health Professionals Club’s blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 21st. The drive is open to the public and will be conducted by the American Red Cross from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. All are welcome!

Anyone who is age 17 and older can donate, and those who are 16 years old can donate with parent/guardian permission.

You can sign up for the blood drive online (enter code bexley43209 to select the school blood drive) and select a time to make your donation. Call (866) 236-3276 if you have questions.

Tressel Challenge ‘Buddy’ Encourages Cassingham Students to Commit to Fitness

The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge is underway in Bexley Schools, and this 30-day challenge is helping students take ownership of their health.

Cassingham parent Adam Licker, who is a former Ohio State football player, was assigned by the lieutenant governor to be a “Challenge Buddy” to Cassingham Elementary students. Working alongside the school’s physical education teacher Nicole Grzywna, Mr. Licker took part in Challenge activities during multiple class periods over a few days recently, encouraging students and exercising alongside them. He also helped students complete their Challenge workbooks and assisted with learning the Challenge activities.

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel named Mr. Licker and more than 60 other former collegiate and/or professional athletes to serve as Challenge Buddies, matching them with schools across the state, to work with and encourage students to promote healthy habits.

Mr. Licker has three children in Bexley Schools; Ava and Noah attend Cassingham and Dylan attends the middle school.

Allied Arts Fair Helps 6th, 7th Graders Prepare for Course Scheduling

Bexley Middle School recently held its first Allied Arts Fair for 6th- and 7th-grade students, to help them prepare for course scheduling for next school year.

According to Ashley Ball, a health and physical education teacher who chairs the Middle School’s Allied Arts Department, the goal is to help inform students about their opportunities and options for elective courses during 7th and 8th grade.

As students rotated through the fair during the school day, allied arts teachers were on hand to explain the elective courses they teach.

Many of the elective courses were implemented this school year, so students are still learning about all their new options, which include outdoor adventures, lifetime sports, weight training, team sports, visual art, digital art, video production, fashion design, video game design, career connections, entrepreneurship, and leadership for life.

Also available as middle school electives are band, symphonic band, jazz band, orchestra, acting, choir, beginning guitar and beginning piano.

You’re Invited to the 2026 Bexley State of the Community

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m., St. Charles Preparatory School Brotherhood Center, 2010 E. Broad St.

Building community starts together! Join Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine, Mayor Ben Kessler, and Library Director Ben Heckman at the 2026 State of the Community at the new St. Charles Brotherhood Center. Hear how our community leaders are partnering to strengthen what makes Bexley feel like home.

New this year is a community resource fair and light refreshments beginning at 6 p.m. The full address starts at 6:30 p.m. Come to connect, learn, and be part of what’s building next for Bexley. REGISTER ONLINE

Important Dates

Feb. 13 (Fri.) – No Classes for Students; Teacher Conference Comp Day

Feb. 16 (Mon.) – Presidents Day, No Classes; District Closed

Feb. 17 (Tues.) – Grade 4 & 5 Play Auditions, 3:15 p.m., Cassingham Theatre; Audition Form

Feb. 17 (Tues.) – Montrose PTO Meeting, 7 p.m., School Library

Feb. 18 (Wed.) – Grade 4 & 5 Play Callbacks, 3:15 p.m., Cassingham Theatre

Feb. 19 (Thurs.) – Middle School/High School Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

Feb. 20 (Fri.) – Cassingham PTO School Dance (Grades K-1-2 at 5:30-7 p.m.; Grades 3-4-5 at 7-8:30 p.m.)

Feb. 18 (Wed.) – One Bexley Story Slam Event, 7 p.m., Drexel Theatre; Reserve your seat

New Date! Feb. 22 (Sun.) – Bexley New Resident Open House, 2-4 p.m., Jeffrey Mansion

Feb. 22 (Sun.) – Teen Driver Safety with Bexley Police Department, 2-6 p.m., St. Charles Robotics Center

Feb. 23 (Mon.) – Grade 4 & 5 Play Crew Interviews, 3:15 p.m., Cassingham Theatre; Crew Form

Feb. 23 (Mon.) – Board of Education Regular Meeting, 6 p.m., Bexley City Hall

Feb. 25 (Wed.) – State of the Community, 6:30 p.m., St. Charles Brotherhood Center

Feb. 26 (Thurs.) – Middle School/High School Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m., Schottenstein Theatre

Feb. 27 (Fri.) – Maryland’s Got Talent, 6 p.m., Maryland Elementary Gymnasium