August 23, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) invites elementary school students across Ohio to participate in its Fire Safety Poster Contest. The contest is held annually to engage young minds, emphasize various issues related to fire safety education, and recognize those who have shown the ability to visually demonstrate that knowledge. This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!”

On Monday evening, Temple Christian School unveiled their new elementary building to the public ahead of the upcoming school year. Around 150 people came out to the facility located at 750 Brower Road in Lima. The 32,000 square-foot facility, formerly the Lima Manor, will house grades kindergarten through 5th grade and includes 16 classrooms, a complete kitchen and lunchroom, and additional office space. Over the past 5 years, Temple Christian has observed a 45% increase in the student population to a current enrollment of 360 students. As the elementary students move into the new building, school officials are ready to serve the growing number of students.

Students in Lima Senior's Early Childhood Education program spent two weeks creating educational activities to teach kids in grades K-4 about math, reading, and art in a fun way for their "Family Literacy Night."

Activities included board games, coloring and crafts, a puppet show, and even a station where they could make valentines that will be sent to a local nursing home. 

Students, faculty, and parents at Saint Charles Elementary School organized a baby shower for Baby Jesus as the advent service project. They donated diapers, formula, clothing, and more that has been given to Heartbeat of Lima. The organization will hit a milestone next year as they will have been serving mothers and their children up to three years of age. Organizers say this donation will help dozens of babies.

The Lima Exchange Club and Santa surprising the students at Freedom Elementary Friday afternoon, during their annual Christmas Party.   240 students in the pre-kindergarten through fourth grade classes got gift bags.  In the bags, the students got health care times, snacks, toys, and a book thanks to donations from local businesses.   Nutrien also helped again this year by getting each child a hat, gloves and socks.    Club members say this is one of their favorite activities they do each year and continue their mission of supporting local kids. 

United States Representative Jim Jordan says the shooting that took place in Texas Tuesday was "Terrible" and "Tragic". Appearing at Anthony's for the Wapakoneta service club meeting, Jordan says that he hopes to explore possibilities to address school shootings, such as adding more security at schools, but is against anything that would involve the 2nd amendment.

One staff member from each of the school buildings was nominated for the Outstanding 11 award by their peers. The award is given to a staff member that exemplifies the 11 qualities outlined by educator Ron Clark as the best to motivate and educate children. Some of those qualities include enthusiasm, compassion, and creativity.

Unity Elementary helped spread the joy of reading to one another. Unity Elementary school fourth-graders helped read books to preschoolers in order to help them understand the importance of reading -- especially at an early age. Teachers state that the peer-to-peer relationship helps get students accustomed to helping one another,