Welcome Back to the 2025–2026 School Year!
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Dear Students, Families, Faculty, and Community Members,
Welcome back! With tremendous excitement and anticipation, we open our doors for the 2025–26 school year across Noble Local School District. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to welcome you to a school community committed to excellence, innovation, and putting kids first, every decision, every time.
Summer of Growth and National Recognition
This summer has been both energizing and historic for NLSD. In July, our district was honored at the Jason Learning Nation Conference as the first district in the United States to earn the AASA/Jason STEM Designation at the prestigious level of an Empowering District. This is not just an award — it is a testament to the passion, talent, and relentless dedication of a staff that works tirelessly to create meaningful learning experiences for every student.
At NLSD, STEM stands for Strategies That Engage the Mind. When we operate through that lens, we transform school into a place where students are inspired to thrive — a place where big dreams are born and the unimaginable becomes achievable.
This national milestone now sets the stage for our next major focus: Ohio STEM redesignation through the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN), which is fast approaching in late September and early October. We are confident and committed to demonstrating once again the high standards that set NLSD apart.
Academic Progress: A Community-Wide Achievement
We are also proud to celebrate our most recent academic growth. The Ohio State Report Card — which uses a 5-star rating system — NLSD showed strong growth again this past school year. This continued growth reflects the collective effort of students, staff, and families. Yet, we are not satisfied with simply getting better — we are focused on becoming the best. We believe in a growth mindset where grit, resilience, and determination open doors to unlimited potential. That’s the mindset we foster in every classroom, every day.
Investing in Our Future: Facilities & Expansion
Our commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. Over the summer, we’ve managed as many as 15 different projects across our campuses — each one designed to improve the experience, safety, and pride our facilities bring to the community.
The Hall Building has undergone a stunning renovation. Once again, our sports teams have a modern, welcoming space to call home — a place that reflects the vision and generosity of those who originally brought it to life in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, their legacy and commitment to our students continues.
At Shenandoah Elementary, major upgrades have modernized the middle school wing — from enhanced classrooms and hallways to the revitalization of the Family and Consumer Science (FCS) lab, lower level office areas, and SES gym surroundings.
Perhaps most exciting is the groundbreaking of our new high school academic wing at Shenandoah High School, along with the beginning of site preparation on the 44-acre property across from SHS for future expansion. These developments signify not only investment in infrastructure but belief in the continued excellence of our district for decades to come.
Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the crash of the USS Shenandoah, our school’s namesake and a symbol of resilience and pride. While we pause to remember our past, we are firmly focused on the horizon — looking forward to the next 50 to 100 years of innovation, success, and legacy-building at Noble.
In Closing
Our district is thriving because of a shared commitment — from educators, students, families, and the broader community. As we step into this new academic year, let us do so with renewed purpose, high expectations, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible when we work together for our students.
Here’s to a great year ahead! Go Zeps!!
With gratitude and excitement,
Justin Denius
Superintendent, Noble Local School District