Mayfield Preschool honored; Ohio Department of Education designates program 5‑star

Mayfield Preschool staff and students were honored during a presentation at a Mayfield Board of Education meeting where the board announced the Ohio Department of Education had determined the preschool a 5‑star program under current leadership.

The preschool’s principal, Nikki Ritchie, introduced nominees and described program highlights including individualized instruction, social‑emotional learning and a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) approach she said teaches cooperation, understanding, responsibility and safety. "You never get to ask her twice," Ritchie said of one longtime staff member describing the staff’s responsiveness to families.

The board’s Treasurer, Treasurer Schneider, announced the Ohio Department of Education determination, noting, in the meeting, that "the Ohio Department of Education has determined that Mayfield's preschool under the leadership of principal Grucci and her staff is a 5 star preschool." The presentation included a short video produced by teacher Amanda Fona that officials said illustrates the program’s four pillars and community partnerships.

Presenters described the preschool as serving children ages 3 to 6 and using individualized learning paths so children of differing abilities are educated together. The program is pursuing a gold rating in the state’s Step Up to Quality system, staff said. Staff identified community partners including the North Strand Nature Center, the Mayfield Village Fire Department and librarians from the Mayfield branch.

Several staff members were singled out during the presentation. The meeting record names Kristen Matziga as a nominated staff professional and Darcy Edelman as the school psychologist; presenters said Edelman has more than 30 years of service and plays a key role in supporting families through the special education process. A student, Braden Scheider, was introduced as one of the students honored for growth in the preschool program.

Board members and presenters closed the item by thanking staff and recognizing the preschool’s role in early childhood education within the district. No formal board action on the preschool program or its rating was recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.