Good News from Around the District

Friday, September 25, 2026

Superintendent Murphy Takes CPS to the Airwaves
Superintendent Shauna Murphy continued her monthly appearances Sept. 17 on Radio One Cincinnati, visiting three stations and sharing the latest news and progress from Cincinnati Public Schools with listeners across the city. She joined Supreme on 101.1 The WIZ, Da’Juan Fashow on 100.3, and longtime Cincinnati radio host Lincoln Ware on 1230 The Buzz. During her conversation with Ware, Superintendent Murphy discussed CPS’ recent Ohio School Report Card results, including the District’s move to an overall three-star rating, and answered questions about the upcoming levy.

CPS Receives Metro Community Impact Award
Cincinnati Public Schools received Metro's Community Impact Award this week in recognition of the District's partnership with Metro and their shared commitment to connecting students with education, opportunity and the Greater Cincinnati community. CPS was honored during Metro's State of Metro event Tuesday at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Superintendent Murphy, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Alesia Smith and Transportation Manager Pam Williams, along with Board of Education members, accepted the award.

Safe Sleep Lot Security Guard Goes Above and Beyond
For families staying at the CPS Project Connect Safe Sleep Lot, overnight security guard Cor’Nya Pitts has become much more than a familiar face. Parents describe her as part of their family and say their children see her as a trusted adult. Pitts organizes dance contests and dress-up time and plays with the children on the playground, creating moments of fun and normalcy while giving parents a brief break from the stresses they are managing. Pitts says she has found the right job for her — helping children feel safe, supported and able to simply have fun during a difficult time. Hats off to you, Ms. Pitts!

North Avondale Montessori Connects With Families Over Cookies
North Avondale Montessori brought families together for Cookies & Conversation, a parent information series designed to make important school information easier to understand and give families tools to support their students. Principal Kieli Ferguson led the Sept. 16 session, “Demystifying Student Data,” helping parents better understand standardized test scores, report cards and Individualized Education Programs. The Title I family engagement event is part of a broader series covering school metrics, supporting learning at home, social-emotional wellness and planning for students' academic futures. The sessions also give families an opportunity to connect directly with the principal and school team in a relaxed setting. Cookies just make it better.

PRM Bike Bus Builds Community on the Ride to School
Every Friday morning, about 35 Pleasant Ridge Montessori students and at least 15 adults start their school day together on two wheels. The PTO-sponsored Bike Bus offers three routes to school and brings together students, families, staff and even neighborhood residents for exercise, friendship and community. The tradition began in April, and students especially enjoy seeing Principal Amber Simpson arrive on her bike. Read more about this on the CPS webpage: https://bit.ly/4xPnb2Z 

FOX19 Brings Football Friday to Clark Montessori
Clark Montessori High School started its Friday in the television spotlight when FOX19 brought its Football Friday with Ken Baker celebration to campus. The morning began with the Clark Montessori band and free doughnuts for students, courtesy of FOX19. Then, cheerleaders and Student Council members joined the festivities. The celebration eventually moved to the football field, where the Cougars showed off some plays for the cameras. Principal Eric Higgins even got into the action, heading onto the field and running a route for a pass from the quarterback. The morning gave Clark students a chance to show off their school spirit to viewers! See the action for yourself: https://bit.ly/4ykfdQE

Nine CPS Schools Earn $245,000 for Arts Education
Nine Cincinnati Public Schools will bring additional arts experiences to students through $245,000 in grant awards from the Ohio Arts Council’s TeachArtsOhio program. The funding will support artist residencies ranging from several weeks to a full semester, giving students extended learning opportunities alongside professional teaching artists. Grant recipients include Aiken High School, Cheviot School, Ethel M. Taylor Junior High School, Evanston Junior High School, Pleasant Ridge Montessori, School for Creative and Performing Arts, South Avondale Middle School, Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students and Woodford Academy. Congratulations to all these schools!

Tickets Go on Sale Sunday for CPS Athletics Hall of FameTickets go on sale Sunday, Sept. 27, for the 2026 Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This year’s class features 14 athletes and coaches and one honorary inductee who will be recognized Oct. 28 at TQL Stadium for their accomplishments and contributions to CPS athletics. The Class of 2026 represents generations of CPS athletic excellence, with honorees from Aiken, Walnut Hills, C.A.P.E., Hughes, Withrow, Shroder, Western Hills, Taft and Woodward. The class also includes former Activities Beyond the Classroom Executive Director Brian Leshner as its honorary inductee. Find your tickets here once the link goes live Sunday: https://bit.ly/4hn8tdr

Cincinnatus Education Awards Nominations Open Through Nov. 13
Nominations are open for the Cincinnatus Association's Education Awards. The deadline is Nov. 13. Information about the awards, prior-year recipients and the nomination form is available on their website. CPS employees are encouraged to consider outstanding educators and education supporters for recognition. Nominate someone here: https://bit.ly/4h8kD9F

Have Good News to share? Please complete the Good News Story Submission Form (preferred) at cpsselfservice.tfaforms.net/150 or send your story idea to Joe Wessels at wesselj@cpsboe.k12.oh.us