Principal reports outline October events, testing schedule; liaison urges homework routines

At the Austintown Local School District board meeting, the principal provided school-by-school updates and the district's student achievement liaison offered tips for family support of homework routines.

Principal's report: The principal (identified in the transcript as Mister Skarmak) reviewed activities and dates for the district's schools. For Austintown Elementary School (AES) he said October will include Fire Safety Week from Oct. 6 to Oct. 10 with a fire-truck presentation; a Fall Fest on Oct. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and an outdoor Halloween parade and classroom parties on Oct. 31 (weather permitting). Falcon Outreach begins Oct. 3. The principal also thanked the PTA for sponsoring assemblies and noted that benchmark testing had finished.

At the middle school (AMS) the principal reported a strong start to the year, completion of IXL benchmark testing, an eighth-grade trip to a skill-trade expo at the Canfield Fair, a choir trip to the opera and upcoming October events including a PTA Book Fair, Falcon Outreach, parent-teacher conferences and schoolwide assemblies.

At Fitch High School the principal said interim grades would be distributed at the end of the week, picture day is Oct. 3, all sophomores are scheduled to take the preACT on Oct. 9, and the Fitch Haunted House event will return this year.

Student achievement liaison: An individual identified in the record as the student achievement liaison encouraged families to clarify the purpose of homework, to determine whether assignments are practice, new learning or long-term projects, and to set a regular time and place for students to complete work. The liaison emphasized talking with children about the importance of homework and, when no homework is assigned, encouraging reading.

Other board remarks: The board thanked community donors and acknowledged two staff retirements referenced in the record: one employee with 31 years of service and another with 20 years of service. No public comments were recorded on these items in the transcript.

Why it matters: The schedules and supports described affect day-to-day school operations, parent planning and student routines for October. The liaison's guidance reflects district emphasis on consistent homework habits and family involvement.

Meeting logistics: The board announced its next public meeting for Oct. 23 with a work session at 4 p.m. and a regular meeting at 5 p.m. at the middle school.