Mathews Local Schools

Teacher Delaney Wyant’s Spanish Club enjoyed an unforgettable field trip to Thyme in Your Kitchen, where students participated in an authentic, hands-on cooking class. They made homemade tortillas, fresh pico de gallo, tacos, and finished with churros for dessert! With Spanish music playing and students working together, everyone loved sitting down to enjoy the meal they created. A fun and meaningful way to explore culture beyond the classroom! 🇪🇸

While there’s been a lot of buzz about cursive writing, but did you know Mathews Elementary School never stopped teaching it?! Wendy Gibson, who is in her 25th year of introducing students to cursive, has begun the unit with her 2nd graders. Even after cursive was removed from state standards, our teachers continued teaching it because research shows cursive activates different areas of the brain. Cursive also helps students read historical sources like letters, diaries, and even the Constitution. We’re proud to continue this meaningful tradition!

Let’s give a big shoutout to our December Mustangs of the Month!

Kindergarten: Kody Konitsney
First Grade: Ella Haynie
Second Grade: Samantha Ring
Third Grade: Scylla Gerke
Fourth Grade: Gannon Gilliam
Fifth Grade: Kamilla Walters

We are so proud of each of you. Keep leading the way, Mustangs!

#MathewsMustangs #MustangOfTheMonth #StudentSpotlight #ProudToBeAMustang

Students in Daniel Voytko’s 6th grade science classes braved the elements last week for a hands-on soil lab investigation. Students collected samples outdoors and analyzed them back in the classroom!

⏰ Reminder: Join Us for the Mathews Elementary Gymnasium Ribbon-Cutting!

📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 Mathews Elementary School Gymnasium

This $2.2 million project was completed with NO levy or new tax dollars, fully funded through existing district resources.

Come celebrate this investment in our students and get a sneak peek at what’s coming next this spring!

Bethany DelGarbino’s 8th grade science students wrapped up their genetics and heredity unit with an engaging, hands-on lab experience. Students tested simulated “blood” samples from members of a family to determine compatible blood types. Along the way, they applied their understanding of blood typing, pedigrees and Punnett squares to solve a real-world problem.

📚Treasured Tales Await! 📚

Our Literati Online Book Fair is now OPEN for families to shop!

🛍️ Shop online now: https://literati.com/store/?school=01837fe9-2e3a-1186-f55f-d4f366458562
📖 In-Person Book Fair: February 2–6, 2026

Join us for the Mathews Elementary School Gymnasium Ribbon-Cutting!

📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍Mathews Elementary School Gymnasium

This $2.2 million project was completed with NO levy or new tax dollars. It was funded entirely through existing district resources. Come celebrate this investment in our students and see what’s coming next this spring!

2025–2026 Mathews Jr./Sr. High School Yearbooks are on sale now!

Take advantage of early bird pricing: $55 if purchased by February 28. After that, the price increases to $65.

🔗 Order here: www.buytheyearbook.com/en/bty/findmyschool
🏫 School Code: 732364

Our new gymnasium is complete! While a few minor finishing touches remain, our gym classes are already enjoying the space. This is such a wonderful addition to our school, and we’re excited to see our students learning, playing and growing here for years to come!

NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING - Mathews Local School District Board of Education - January 10, 2026

In accordance with R.C. 121.22, R.C. 3313.16, and applicable laws; the Treasurer of the Mathews Local School District Board of Education (“Board”) hereby serves written notice that a special board meeting has been called for the Board to enter into executive session for the purposes of interviewing potential Board Member candidates. No action will be taken. The special meeting will be held at 10:30 AM on January 10, 2026, at the Mathews Board of Education Office, 4096 Cadwallader Sonk Rd, Cortland, OH 44410.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING - Mathews Local School District Board of Education – January 9, 2026

In accordance with R.C. 121.22, R.C. 3313.16, and applicable laws; the Treasurer of the Mathews Local School District Board of Education (“Board”) hereby serves written notice that a special board meeting has been called for the Board to enter into executive session for the purposes of interviewing potential Board Member candidates. No action will be taken. The special meeting will be held at 5:30 PM on January 9, 2026, at the Mathews Board of Education Office, 4096 Cadwallader Sonk Rd, Cortland, OH 44410.

January is School Board Recognition Month in Ohio! Mathews Local Schools proudly recognizes and thanks our Board of Education for their leadership, dedication and commitment to our students, staff and community.

Mathews Local Schools Board of Education:
⭐ President: Joel Polonus
⭐ Vice President: David Wise
⭐ Members: Michele Garman, Beth Haddle

We would also like to welcome David Wise to the Mathews Board of Education as he begins his service to our district. In addition, the Board will be interviewing interested candidates on Friday to fill our open Board of Education position.

Before winter break, Mathews Elementary School’s first graders experienced the magic of The Polar Express! 🚂✨

Our 4th grade students brought extra holiday cheer on the last day of school before break by dressing up as elves! From pointy elf ears to festive tights, creativity and holiday spirit were on full display, making it a fun way to wrap up the school days before the holidays!

Our Mathews High School choir students shared their talents by performing at Warren Nursing and Rehab and Mathews Elementary School. Check out these photos capturing the joy and holiday spirit!

Mathews Elementary 5th graders enjoyed a festive twist on math! For more than a decade, teacher Janice Lucas has brought learning to life with gingerbread-themed lessons focused on budgeting, area, perimeter and volume. To wrap up the unit, students applied their skills by designing and building their own gingerbread houses.

A big thank you to our parents who prepared the icing and helped students assemble their mini milk carton and graham cracker creations. It’s wonderful to see learning come to life in such a hands-on and sweet way!

Last week, Melissa Stivers’ students put their quadratic knowledge to the test with an interactive review before their quiz! She posted 21 problems around the room, and students worked in groups to find and solve each one. As they moved through the activity, they used what they’ve learned about quadratic graphs to tackle real-world word problems, many involving maximums, minimums and finding the vertex. Students were encouraged to use their notes, collaborate with classmats and apply their problem-solving skills.

To make things even more exciting, the groups were competing for prizes: a homework pass, bonus points, or candy/snacks. Congratulations to our top teams! 🥇 1st Place: Mike Leonard & Dameon Capan 🥈 2nd Place: Brianna Majirsky, Ava Conklin & Maddie VanDyke 🥉 3rd Place: Frankie Stimac, Morgan Fox & Rylan Tarantino

Our Mathews Elementary K–2 students recently wrote their Santa letters, and the Mathews Key Club Elves came to pick them up! We appreciate our continued partnership with VCAC, whose volunteers help bring holiday magic to our students. 🎅📬