America 250 Project at Fairless High School

Sunday, Apr 26 2026

Exciting News: Expanding Our Fine & Performing Arts ...

Exciting News: Expanding Our Fine & Performing Arts Programs! Good afternoon Fairless Families, I am thrilled to share some incredible news! Last night, the Board of Education officially approved  five brand-new courses for the FHS Programs of Study. This expansion marks a major milestone in our commitment to providing world-class fine and performing arts opportunities for our students. Starting in  Fall 2026 , these courses will be open to all high school students . This isn't just about classroom learning; these programs are designed to be "hands-on" experiences that bridge the gap between passion and profession. What Makes These Courses Unique? Career-Focused: A deep dive into the diverse career paths within the performing arts industry. Immersive Experiences: Exclusive field trips to professional theaters to see the industry in action. Expert Instruction: We are currently conducting a search for a dynamic educator to lead this new department. We Need Your Input! While we finalize the hiring process, we are looking for students ready to take center stage in these new classes. Because course requests for next year have already been processed, we need to move quickly to adjust schedules for those interested. If your student is excited to join one of these new programs, please email me at superintendent@fairless.sparcc.org or send a  ParentSquare message to Mike Hearn with the following information: Course Interest: Which specific course(s) is your student interested in? Schedule Adjustment: Since requests are already in, is there a current course they would like to drop to make room for this new opportunity? Timing Preferences: To help us build the master schedule, which time slot works best? Zero Period (Before school) AM Classes PM Classes Period 8 (After school) Potential Barriers: Are there any obstacles (transportation, sports, etc.) that might prevent your student from participating? Not a high school student?  If you are not a high school student, but would be interested in taking a course like these at your grade level, let me know! This is a phenomenal opportunity for our students to explore their creativity and build a foundation for a future in the arts. I can’t wait to see these programs come to life! Please reach out if you have any questions. Mike Hearn Superintendent Here are the new courses with a brief description for each: COMMERCIAL DANCE AND PRODUCTION Gr. 9-12 18 Weeks .5 credits COURSE DESCRIPTION: Step out of the studio and onto the stage. This course explores the high-energy, fast-paced world of Commercial Dance—the styles seen in music videos, world tours, television, and professional musical theatre. Beyond just the movement, students will pull back the curtain to learn the Production side of the industry, gaining the skills needed to market, tech, and stage a professional-grade performance. This is a dual-track course: students will train as elite performers while simultaneously learning how to manage the logistics of a live show. Prerequisite:   None DANCE FOUNDATIONS AND CHOREOGRAPHY Gr. 9-12 18 Weeks .5 credits COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for students who want to move beyond "learning steps" and start understanding the architecture of movement. Students will develop a strong technical base rooted in contemporary and modern dance while exploring the creative tools needed to build their own original choreography. The semester is divided into two primary halves: the first focuses on the physical instrument (body alignment, strength, and technique), and the second focuses on the creator’s voice (choreographic devices, spatial design, and emotional storytelling). Prerequisite:   None THEATRE 1 Gr. 9-12 18 Weeks .5 credits COURSE DESCRIPTION: Theatre 1 is an immersive introduction to the world of performance and the mechanics of the stage. The primary focus of this semester is the actor’s process and the creation of a cohesive ensemble. Students will shed self-consciousness and build confidence through movement, vocal work, and improvisation. This course lays the groundwork for stage production by teaching students how to analyze a script, develop a character, and understand the basic "rules" of the stage—from blocking to backstage etiquette. Prerequisite:   None THEATRE 2 Gr. 9-12 18 Weeks .5 credits COURSE DESCRIPTION: Theatre 2 shifts the focus from the individual actor to the collaborative production. In this semester, the classroom transforms into a professional "Production Lab." While continuing to refine their acting skills, students will explore the various roles that bring a show to life—including directing, dramaturgy, and technical integration. The semester culminates in a Student-Driven One-Act Showcase, where students take ownership of every aspect of the performance, from the first table read to the final curtain call. Prerequisite:   Theatre 1 ENTERTAINMENT OPERATIONS Gr. 9-12 36 Weeks 1 credits COURSE DESCRIPTION: Entertainment Operations is a comprehensive, "all-access" pass to the massive industry that exists behind the curtain. This course is designed for students who are passionate about entertainment but want to explore the diverse career paths beyond acting and performing. From the high-stakes world of Business & Marketing to the tactile, creative world of Technical Production, students will learn how a professional production moves from a boardroom concept to a sold-out opening night. Over the course of a full year, students will function as a professional production firm, managing real-world projects and supporting school-wide events through both creative design and strategic business management. Prerequisite:   None

Wednesday, Apr 22 2026

Bus Drivers Needed

Wednesday, Apr 08 2026

Tickets for Moana Jr. are on sale NOW

Wednesday, Apr 01 2026

Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year!

Congratulations to Mrs. Kristine Scheetz - The Fairless Local Schools Teacher of the Year!  Mrs. Scheetz is a veteran  teacher  who exemplifies dedication and passion as the building STEM  teacher  for grades K–5. She consistently exceeds expectations, dedicating her planning time to support special student activity groups. She even teaches swim lessons during the school day to Fairless 2nd graders, using her swim coach experience to provide instruction that goes above and beyond her  teaching  role. Faithfully maintaining the staff calendar and supporting others behind the scenes, she makes a lasting impact on all Fairless Elementary students. Congratulations to Mrs. Haley Hoskins - The Fairless Local Schools Rookie Teacher of the Year!

Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Welcome Mrs. Hookway to Fairless

Good afternoon Falcons! Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Lisa Hookway as our new Food Services Director! Lisa officially joins the Fairless family on August 1, 2026. She steps into the role following the retirement of our longtime director, Julie Miller. While Julie will be sorely missed, we are so excited for her as she begins this next chapter—please join us in celebrating her incredible legacy! In an innovative move for our community, Mrs. Hookway will serve as the Food Services Director for both Fairless and Canton Local Schools. This shared-service model allows both districts to operate more efficiently and save valuable taxpayer dollars. Welcome to Falcon Country, Mrs. Hookway! Hello Falcons! My name is Lisa Hookway, and I am excited to introduce myself as the Food Services Director serving the Fairless Local and Canton Local School Districts. I have dedicated more than 27 years to school nutrition services and am looking forward to supporting both communities through this shared partnership. I began my career in food service because it aligned with my schedule while raising my children, but it quickly became a true passion. Over the years, I have gained extensive K–12 nutrition experience and proudly served as a kitchen manager for 15 years at both the middle and high school levels. I also serve on the Ohio School Nutrition Association Board as the Professional Development Chair. I look forward to enhancing our nutrition programs to ensure every student receives nutritious, delicious meals that support their growth, health, and learning. Outside of work, I have been married to my husband, Karl, for 43 years. We have three grown children, seven wonderful grandchildren, and two lovable Labrador retrievers who keep life fun and active. Another fun fact: Karl and I hosted 10 exchange students from 2005 to 2014

Wednesday, Mar 18 2026

New Elementary Assistant Principal

Please join me in welcoming the new Assistant Principal at Fairless Elementary School - Mr. Adam Amato. Mr. Amato will enter the role in August 2026 pending approval by the Board of Education. Adam is a long-time Fairless faculty member, who first joined our team as a student teacher while in college. He started his career as a teacher at Fairless Elementary and has also served as a literacy coach and instructional coach.  He and his wife Sara have two children who attend Fairless Local Schools. Congrats Mr. Amato!!

Thursday, Feb 26 2026

Athletic League News

February 13, 2026 Eight Area Schools Announce Formation of a New Athletic League Carrollton Exempted Village Schools, Claymont City Schools, Fairless Local Schools, Marlington Local Schools, Minerva Local Schools, Sandy Valley Local Schools, Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, and Tuslaw Local Schools jointly announced today the formation of a new interscholastic athletic league. The league will bring together eight long-established programs from Carroll, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties that share deep-rooted athletic traditions, geographic proximity, and decades of competitive history. The league is scheduled to begin competition in the 2028-2029 school year. “These schools are bound by more than geography,” said representatives of the founding superintendents. “We share longstanding rivalries and a commitment to providing competitive, student-centred athletic and scholastic opportunities.” All of the founding members were once in the old Senate League and have competed against one another for generations, helping to define high school athletics in Northeast Ohio. These schools represent long-standing rivalries throughout the region that have been staples of Friday nights and tournament brackets for generations, filling stadiums and energizing communities. Rooted in the shared history of former Senate League competition and decades of regional play, these programs come together as founding members of a league built on tradition, intensity, and pride. The Conference reflects competitive balance, with member schools competing similarly in sports. This alignment was a key factor in the league’s formation and is expected to enhance scheduling consistency and postseason preparation. “Our goal is stability,” the superintendents noted. “Stability for our students, our coaches, our communities, and our athletic programs. The conference is built to last.” Additional details regarding league bylaws, scheduling, and the hiring of a conference commissioner will be announced at a later date. Founding Members of the Conference: Carrollton High School Claymont City Schools Fairless High School Marlington High School Minerva High School Sandy Valley High School Tuscarawas Valley High School Tuslaw High School This is a great opportunity for student-athletes and the communities served by the member schools. 

Friday, Feb 13 2026

Winter Focus on Fairless

Falcons, Attached is the Winter Edition of the Focus on Fairless . M. Hearn

Tuesday, Feb 03 2026

Board of Education Appointment

1/21/2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -  The Fairless Local Schools Board of Education is proud to announce that at its January 20, 2026 Special Meeting, Mr. Charlie Snyder was appointed to complete an open seat unexpired term. Mr. Snyder will serve in this role until the term expires on December 31, 2027. Snyder was first elected to the Board of Education in November 2011 and went on to be reelected three times serving through December 31, 2025. He and his wife, Rhonda, have three adult children, all of whom graduated from Fairless, and three young grandchildren. The Board of Education is very grateful to have someone of Charlie’s knowledge and experience willing to fulfill this opening. Please join us in welcoming him back!

Wednesday, Jan 21 2026