WESTLAKE, Ohio -- Westlake students will return to school Aug. 28, and the district is gearing up for another year of academic excellence. Superintendent Scott Goggin recently shared insights into the upcoming school year and the district’s ongoing efforts to foster a strong community and provide top-tier education.
One of the first things on the minds of students and their families is the availability of student schedules, which will be accessible online through PowerSchool starting Aug. 21. PowerSchool is an essential online tool for both students and parents, providing not only schedules and teacher information, but also access to the Education Focus Report.
This report offers research and insights on educational challenges, learning and leadership within the schools. In preparation for the new school year, Westlake principals are communicating important August dates for schedule pickup for grades 5-12 and other back-to-school information. Students are reminded to ensure that their back-to-school update requirement is completed and submitted to be eligible for schedule pickup.
Goggin emphasized the district’s commitment to excellence, highlighting the strategic planning process that involved more than 50 community members, including businesses, nonprofits, civic entities, mental health facilities, higher education institutions, clergy, parents and neighborhood leaders. “The purpose was to gather input, strategies and ideas to help set the course for the district’s future,” Goggin explained. The process involved in-depth presentations on academics, technology, finances, facilities and community research, followed by group discussions to identify and address the growing needs of the community.
Goggin expressed a deep belief in the role of the school district as a pillar of the community. “Our school is more than just services for students and parents. We are a part of the entire community, building connections with organizations, the city, the library, police and fire departments and recreation centers,” he said.
“We are not just a stand-alone organization.” Addressing the importance of facilities and resources, Goggin noted the district’s focus on maintaining its relatively new buildings. “Three of our four buildings are 10 years old or less, and they require maintenance to stay strong,” he said.
“For example, after the recent tornadoes, we were fortunate that the high school’s roof had already been replaced, saving us from more significant damage. “Our team has worked hard over the summer to get ready for our students to return to school. “We have upgraded some of our facilities, brought in new resources for our staff to use with our students and will be competing in the newly formed Cleveland West Conference.
“We hope our students are as excited as we are to start the 2024-2025 school year.” Specifically, Goggin is proud of: • The Westlake School District and every school building receiving a 5-star rating from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. • Westlake High School having more students participate in and succeed on Advanced Placement assessments than in the past.
He anticipates being named an AP Honor Roll School. • Westlake High School offering students 121 elective courses, 23 AP courses, 26 honors courses, 20 college credit courses, 21 music and performing arts courses, 18 technology and engineering courses, 25 art courses and 26 sports. • The district offering students beautiful facilities and vast opportunities at one of the lowest tax millage rates in Northeast Ohio.
In closing, Goggin reflected on the district’s mission: “The core of what we do is the classroom. That’s what we’re here to do.” His words reinforce the district’s commitment to maintaining a tradition of excellence in education, rooted in community-driven goals.
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