McComb Reader

				
	
May 2025

Congratulations Class of 2025

Help us celebrate the class of 2025 graduates by coming out to the parade after graduation. The parade will take place on June 1st at approximately 3:00 p.m. Route below:

McComb Local School 328 S. Todd Street McComb, OH 45858 419-293-3979

McComb Reader

A Message from Mr. Herr

Sometimes it’s hard to focus when it’s 80 degrees outside. While the temperatures have been fluctuating, the trend is that warmer weather is upon us. With summer vacation just around the corner, it can be difficult to concentrate in the classroom. Our teachers do work to find engaging lessons and activities down the stretch. There are also several field trips in May. As parents - please encourage your child to stay focused through the end of the school year. Summer break will officially begin for students after June 3!

Monday, May 12 @ 6:30 PM we are having another community meeting in the auditorium regarding the potential building of a new school. This is quite an undertaking and I want to be sure voices are heard, whether those voices are sharing ideas or concerns - we want to do this the right way and during the right time. I am keeping an eye on activity from our legislators that could affect school funding. Honestly, the proposed bills (on the house or senate floor) do not bode well for school districts. McComb School District has been responsible with finances and have set themselves up to help fund initiatives around the school facility. Some of these bills threaten our carryover balance (our tax money that has been safely collected / invested over time). Please read a letter in this Reader edition giving some explanations for why.

I’m increasingly amazed at how quickly school years go by. Make no mistake; sometimes school days can be long. However, looking at time over a longer period makes it seem to travel faster. Here we are, entering the month of May 2025. As I reflected on time, I realized that my birthdate is closer to the Great Depression than it is to today’s date, which simply means I’m getting old:)

On sunny days, get outside and do something fun. Try to stay positive and encourage those around you. Find time to laugh - have you ever noticed that the number seven has the word ’even’ in it? Isn’t that odd?

Attention Seniors

Important forms regarding post-graduation plans and scholarship awards have been sent to all seniors. The information collected will be utilized during our Senior Recognition Ceremony to appropriately acknowledge student achievements. We kindly request your assistance in ensuring your student completes and submits these essential forms in a timely manner.

	McComb Reader

Subject: Important Update on the Future of Our Schools

Dear McComb Community,

We are writing to you today to share important information about two critical issues that could significantly impact the future of our schools and the quality of education we provide to your children.

1. Ohio House Budget Proposal

A proposal in the Ohio House Budget, presented as “property tax relief,” poses a serious threat to our district’s financial stability. This proposal would force our school district to return a significant portion of locally approved carryover funds. These funds are not excess; they are essential for responsible financial planning and help us manage unexpected expenses, maintain consistent programs, and avoid frequent tax levies. This proposal is not genuine tax relief; it merely delays tax collection and will destabilize our district's finances. In the long run, it will likely force us to seek additional funding from you, the taxpayers, sooner than necessary. It also undermines local control by disregarding the funding decisions you made when you voted for local levies.

Our district has a proven track record of responsible financial management. We:

Live within our means. Find cost-saving measures. Invest wisely in facilities. Secure alternative funding.

We urge you to contact our state legislators to express your concern about this harmful proposal.

2. Expansion of Ohio’s Private School Voucher System

We are also deeply concerned about the ongoing expansion of Ohio's private school voucher system. While we support parental choice, the voucher program diverts critical funds from our school, which serves as the [cornerstone/hub] of our community.

The voucher system impacts public schools in several ways:

Financial Impact: Vouchers take away funds from our already strained budgets, affecting the resources available for all students.
Lack of Accountability: Private schools receiving vouchers are not held to the same standards of accountability as public schools.
Selective Admissions: Private schools can choose which students they admit, potentially leaving public schools with a higher concentration of students with greater needs.
Economic Segregation: Vouchers can create inequity because they don't cover the full cost of private school tuition.

	McComb Reader

It is vital to remember that public schools provide:

Universal access to education for all students. Accountability through state standards and local control. Highly qualified teachers.
A foundation for community cohesion.

We ask you to join us in advocating for:

A fair and equitable school funding formula. Targeted support for struggling schools. Accountability measures for voucher programs. Continued support for our public education system.

Call to Action - We urge you to contact your state representatives and senators to express your concerns about these issues. Your voice is crucial in protecting the future of our schools and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. Thank you for your continued support of our schools and your commitment to our community’s future.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Herr, McComb Superintendent

Please contact our state legislators and respectfully share your concerns. Here’s a message you may use or personalize as you please.

Subject: Concern About State Budget Impacting [Our School District]

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I am a resident of [Your Town/City] and a taxpayer in the McComb Local School district. I am writing to urge you to protect our public schools by opposing harmful legislation and supporting policies that strengthen public education.

Specifically, I am concerned about:

A proposal in the Ohio House Budget that would require school districts to return locally approved carryover funds. This is not true tax relief and will destabilize school funding and undermine local voters’ decisions.
The expansion of the EdChoice voucher program, which takes funding away from public schools and lacks sufficient accountability.

Our public schools are vital to our community. I ask you to advocate and support the Fair School Funding Formula, oppose voucher expansion, and prioritize the needs of the vast majority of Ohio students who rely on public education.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address]
[Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

Our Local Legislators: Representative Ty Mathews
Email: rep83@ohiohouse.gov 

Senator Rob McColley

Email: sd01@ohiosenate.gov

	McComb Reader

Be on the look out for information about a
5th/6th Grade Girls Volleyball League for the fall of 2025.
If interested email Robyn Downing at downingr@mccombschool.org

	McComb Reader

NO SCHOOL May 26, 2025
Memorial Day

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

JUNE 3, 2025

	McComb Reader

We're pleased to share that graduation requirements and course selection presentations have been completed in English classes for grades 7-11. We encourage you to have conversations with your students about their choices, so you'll be well-informed

about the classes they've selected for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Your involvement in this process is greatly appreciated!
Reach out to Mrs. Huth-Parker for any questions!! Huthparkere@mccombschool.org or 419-293-3853 x
303

SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVE-A-WAY McComb Presbyterian Church 100 S. Church Street

MONDAY AUGUST 11, 2025 6-7PM and SUNDAY AUGUST 17, 2025 11:30-12:00 You only need to attend one time slot
Open to any McComb School District student in Grades K-6

	McComb Reader

McComb Local Schools Celebrates Month of the Military Child

April is Month of the Military Child, which is a time to applaud military families/military-connected students for the daily sacrifices and the challenges they overcome. As a Purple Star school, we are excited to have had the chance to recognize, celebrate, and honor these students/families in our school district. Throughout the month of April there has been a display of military books in our school library. The students have enjoyed seeing the wide variety of books represented. We also had a bulletin board display, by the elementary office, with military and purple star facts. Did you know that the dandelion is the official flower of the military child? Why, you might ask? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it’s almost impossible to destroy.
During the week of April 7-11, we held a schoolwide spirit week with a variety of dress-up days. We also kicked off this special week with a breakfast for all military-connected students and their families in our school district. Each morning this week, we had a military-connected student read an announcement where he/she introduced him/herself and who in their family is currently serving in the military and in what branch. They also read a military fact of the day and announced the spirit week dress-up day for the following day. They all did a great job!
McComb Local School District is proud to be a Purple Star School. We are passionate about serving our military-connected students and their families.

			McComb Reader

Elementary Phone Number: 419-293-3286

A Message from Mr. Payne

This past week I was looking through the very busy calendar that we have coming into view as we enter the home stretch of the 2024-2025 school year and a few dates popped out to me that had a theme. The word “service” came to mind and I thought about what that word and the actions that come with it mean for those who serve and those that receive the fruits of others’ service. When we provide a service for others we are modeling to our youth that the care for others is important, that our time can be spent in making others’ lives better, and that each of us have the opportunity to serve others and make an impact.

Coming in May we have a couple of big opportunities to celebrate and participate in service to others. On May 16th all of our staff and students will be taking part in our 2nd annual McComb Elementary Service Day. Our kids will be giving back to the school and the community as they head out to help complete jobs and projects around the school, park, and cemetery. Last year this event was a great experience in partnering with the Village of McComb administration and Mr. Ewing here at the school and we look forward to another great day. Finally, the week of May 5th-9th is Teacher Appreciation week. When it comes down to it, the educators at McComb and throughout the nation, define service. Each and every day teachers come to school to serve and care for students and dedicate their lives to educating the future generations of our community. I hope that you will join me in thanking our teachers at McComb Elementary for all that they do to help our students, families, and school community.

On March 26th, the 5th and 6th grade Builder’s Club traveled to Findlay to attend a Kiwanis Meeting. In order to be invited, students had to volunteer in various community service activities throughout the school year which included raking leaves, preparing goodie bags, making Christmas cards for the elderly, cleaning the gym bleachers, and helping with Pancake Day. 32 students got treated to lunch, watched a weekly Kiwanis Meeting, and presented to the club a powerpoint presentation on our accomplishments for this school year. It was a great trip to connect with other Kiwanian members and see the Kiwanis club in action. Thank you for the invitation and for your sponsorship each and every year.

McComb Reader

			McComb Reader

7-12 Phone Number: 419-293-3853

A Message from Mrs. Sager

Our final full month of the 2024/2025 school year is finally here. In April, we were honored to have a McComb graduate, Mr. Travis Clark, speak to our students about opportunities and choices. He let students know that opportunities are right in front of them, however, they need to choose to go through the door, even if they fall. He told students to make good choices about who they surround themselves with, and he left them with a great thought: “You are capable of doing anything you want; you just have to put in the work.” We greatly appreciate Mr. Clark taking time out of his short trip home to inspire and encourage us all!

Excitement is in the air, especially for our seniors! Graduation plans are underway, and students are anxiously waiting for that diploma they have worked so hard to earn. Soon, these seniors will be starting new jobs, decorating dorm rooms, and putting to use the education they have gained at McComb School. As a staff, we wish our seniors the very best and hope they achieve their life goals. Graduation is scheduled for Sunday, June 1st.

We will be finishing up our state testing on May 2nd. We appreciate the support you’ve shown to our students while they have navigated these assessments. Below, you will find a list of a few of the events scheduled to happen this month; however, be sure to check with your student, as there are field trips that may be specific to your student.

May 1st - Decision Day! Seniors - Wear your college/career gear! May 1st & 2nd - State testing & FFA Convention
May 3rd - Prom - Juniors & Seniors (Promenade @ 5:30 PM) May 6th - Mock Interviews for Juniors (Dress for success!) May 8th - Spring band & choir concert
May 23rd - Seniors' last day (pending no exams, unfinished coursework, or disciplinary requirements) June 3rd - 7th - 11th students’ last day

Mrs. Misty Sager

McComb MS/HS Principal

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Hancock Youth Leadership high school students on their
HYL Graduation!

L to R: Grady Schroeder, Brayden Welty & Gracin Romero

	McComb Reader

2025 8th Grade Washington DC Trip a Success!!

At the end of March, a group of McComb Middle School 8th graders, parent chaperones, and teacher-advisors were able to take advantage of the improving spring weather to travel to Washington D.C. to see the amazing sights and beautiful cherry blossoms. From the opening stop to tour the battlefields in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the way to D.C., to the stunning and historically significant memorials and monuments in the city, the group was able to experience much of our nation’s history over the four-day trip. The Panthers even had the remarkable privilege to witness the veterans and their escorts from Hancock County Honor Flight lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Finishing the trip discovering all of the beauty of George Washington’s Mount Vernon before heading for home has become an annual tradition enjoyed by everyone, and was a great way to end the memorable week.
Trips such as these can only be accomplished with tremendous support from the community, families, friends, and school personnel. Thank you to everyone who helped make this annual trip a success, including all those supporting the Chicken and Noodles Dinner last fall, those who visited the concessions during middle school volleyball and basketball games, those who sent donations and supplies, and many others who sacrificed so much to make this trip possible. Everyone’s incredible thoughtfulness and generosity is greatly appreciated!!

	McComb Reader