Miami East Local Schools
Home of the Vikings
THE VIKING MINUTE | October 23, 2026
We're taking The Viking Minute on the road this week!
Join Dr. Hoelzle and some special Viking guests as they enjoy the beautiful fall weather and share another look at what's happening around Miami East!
It's a great day to be a Viking!
🎬 Watch this week's episode of The Viking Minute here!
https://youtu.be/WZViaIRoPOE
END OF THE FIRST QUARTER IS ALMOST HERE!
Viking families, can you believe we're already wrapping up the first quarter of the school year?
Friday, October 23, marks the end of the first grading period at Miami East Local Schools!
This is a great time for parents and students to check ProgressBook, review grades and missing assignments, and touch base with teachers if there are any questions or concerns.
Let's finish the first quarter strong and head into the second quarter ready for continued success!
Keep up the great work, Vikings!
Viking families, can you believe we're already wrapping up the first quarter of the school year?
Friday, October 23, marks the end of the first grading period at Miami East Local Schools!
This is a great time for parents and students to check ProgressBook, review grades and missing assignments, and touch base with teachers if there are any questions or concerns.
Let's finish the first quarter strong and head into the second quarter ready for continued success!
Keep up the great work, Vikings!
Bus routes 10 and 26 are running 10-15 minutes behind. We had a few mechanical issues this morning.
IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER VIKING MINUTE!
This week, we're catching up with some of our Miami East FFA students to talk about two exciting initiatives — their annual FFA Fruit Sale and the Feed the Farmer Program!
Hear directly from our students about these programs, how they're making a difference, and how our community can get involved and show support!
We love seeing our Vikings put leadership, service, and hard work into action!
🎬 Hit play and enjoy this week's Viking Minute!
https://youtu.be/LYy8qnz5q3k?si=HtHz4ZN57kU1_VpB
Today is the last day for sign ups for youth girls basketball. If you need a registration form, please stop by the elementary school office.
REMINDER: FINANCIAL AID NIGHT IS TONIGHT!
College-bound students and families, don't forget! Miami East High School is hosting Financial Aid Night TONIGHT, Wednesday, October 14, at 6:00 PM!
We are excited to welcome Maribeth Yoder, Enrollment Coordinator at Wright State University, who will share valuable information about:
The do's and don'ts of completing the FAFSA
How to apply for financial aid
Helpful tips for navigating the financial aid process
Whether you're preparing for college or just beginning to explore your options, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about paying for college!
TONIGHT — Wednesday, October 14
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Miami East High School Lecture Hall
We hope to see you there!
Miami East Junior High Families,
Are you ready to hit the mat?
The Miami East Junior High Boys Wrestling Team is gearing up for the upcoming season, and we encourage all interested 7th and 8th grade boys to come learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Whether your student is an experienced wrestler or has never stepped onto a wrestling mat, no experience is necessary! Wrestling is a great way to build physical strength, confidence, discipline, mental toughness, and lasting friendships.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Date: Monday, October 19
Time: 11:25 a.m.
Who: Interested 7th and 8th grade boys
Mr. Unger will call students down for the meeting. Coach Knoop will be available to provide information and answer questions about the upcoming season.
FIRST OPEN MAT
Date: Tuesday, October 20
Location: Board Office Wrestling Room
Open mats will continue every Tuesday evening. Please refer to the attached flyers for additional information and times.
We encourage students to come out, give wrestling a try, and discover what it means to be part of the Viking wrestling family!
No experience needed — just a willingness to learn, work hard, and have fun!
Are you ready to hit the mat?
The Miami East Junior High Boys Wrestling Team is gearing up for the upcoming season, and we encourage all interested 7th and 8th grade boys to come learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Whether your student is an experienced wrestler or has never stepped onto a wrestling mat, no experience is necessary! Wrestling is a great way to build physical strength, confidence, discipline, mental toughness, and lasting friendships.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Date: Monday, October 19
Time: 11:25 a.m.
Who: Interested 7th and 8th grade boys
Mr. Unger will call students down for the meeting. Coach Knoop will be available to provide information and answer questions about the upcoming season.
FIRST OPEN MAT
Date: Tuesday, October 20
Location: Board Office Wrestling Room
Open mats will continue every Tuesday evening. Please refer to the attached flyers for additional information and times.
We encourage students to come out, give wrestling a try, and discover what it means to be part of the Viking wrestling family!
No experience needed — just a willingness to learn, work hard, and have fun!
Even though today is a scheduled no school day for Miami East, we still provide transportation for other educational services such as MVCTC and Miami County ESC Preschool. Due to fog in parts of the county, the Miami County ESC preschool has cancelled the AM preschool session for today. Transportation to MVCTC will still be provided.
NO SCHOOL REMINDER
Miami East Local Schools will be CLOSED on Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 13.
Enjoy your three-day weekend, Vikings!
Miami East Local Schools will be CLOSED on Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 13.
Enjoy your three-day weekend, Vikings!
IT'S TIME FOR THE VIKING MINUTE!
We're back with another edition of The Viking Minute with Superintendent Dr. Joe Hoelzle!
This week, we're coming to you from the gymnasium to share what's happening around Miami East! From exciting updates to Viking highlights, there's always something worth celebrating in our district!
🎥 Click the link below to catch the latest edition of The Viking Minute with Dr. Hoelzle and see what's happening across Miami East!
📣 FINAL DAY OF HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK!
We’ve made it to Friday, Vikings! Let’s finish Spirit Week with our BIGGEST show of Viking pride!
Elementary & Junior High – Midnight Madness!
Go crazy for the Vikings! Wear your Miami East gear, jerseys, blue & gold, beads—anything that shows your Viking spirit! NO FACE PAINT!!!
High School – Midnight Madness!
Break out the Viking gear, blue & gold, jerseys, tutus, face paint, beads, and all the school spirit you can handle!
Let’s fill our schools with BLUE & GOLD and get ready for Homecoming!
GO EAST! GO VIKINGS!
Gate Announcements for Friday’s Homecoming Football game versus Milton-Union :
The Main Ticket gate will open at 5:15 p.m. . Tickets can be purchased online in advance through Hometown Ticketing. Tickets can be purchased at either ticket booth at the gate with cash or
credit/debit card (there is a fee for using a credit/debit card).
**Students with a punch card**
You can enter the North gate and Mr. Evans will punch your card for you beginning at 6pm until the game starts. If you are coming to the game before 6:00 pm or after 7:00 pm, you will need to enter the main ticket gate.
**Fall Frenzy**
Students in K-5 will receive a free ticket to the game when they attend Fall Frenzy. STUDENTS MUST PRESENT THE TICKET AT THE MAIN GATE UPON ENTERING THE GAME!! If students attend Fall Frenzy and do not have a ticket, they will have to pay to attend the game.
**Pre-purchased tickets/Punch Cards/Passes (Senior Passes, League Passes, All Sport Passes)**
You need to show your pass and/or have your punch card punched at the main gate. You do not have to wait in line for the actual ticket booth. There will be a representative from the school who will be scanning and punching tickets (please see the signage at the game).
Dear Miami East Families,
We want to make families aware of changes to Ohio law that will affect mathematics education beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Ohio Senate Bill 19 places greater emphasis on identifying students who need additional support in mathematics and ELA and providing them with evidence-based interventions at no cost to families.
What Senate Bill 19 Means for Students and Families
Free Academic Intervention and Support
Under the new requirements, schools must provide free, evidence-based academic intervention to students who demonstrate limited proficiency on Ohio’s State Tests or applicable diagnostic assessments.
Depending on a student’s individual needs, the school will determine the appropriate additional supports and interventions to help strengthen mathematics skills. These supports may include additional instructional time, extended learning opportunities, small-group instruction, or other targeted, evidence-based interventions. Mathematics intervention is designed to provide students with additional support and is provided in addition to, not in place of, regular classroom mathematics instruction.
Using Student Data to Provide Support
Senate Bill 19 places a greater emphasis on using assessment and diagnostic data to identify students who may need additional help. Schools will use this information to determine appropriate interventions and monitor student progress.
Math Achievement Improvement Plans
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, schools in which 51% or fewer of third-grade students demonstrate proficiency on the state mathematics assessment are required to develop and submit a formal mathematics achievement improvement plan.
State Guidance and Resources
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is providing districts with guidance regarding implementation of Senate Bill 19, including information about mathematics diagnostics, interventions, instructional materials, and other requirements.
Why This Matters
The goal of these changes is to strengthen mathematics achievement by identifying learning needs early and providing students with additional support. Senate Bill 19 emphasizes mathematical proficiency, high-quality classroom instruction, evidence-based intervention, and the use of student data to guide instructional decisions.
As we implement these new requirements at Miami East, our focus will continue to be on providing students with the instruction and support they need to be successful. Families whose students qualify for additional intervention will receive information from the district regarding the support available to their child.
Additional information about Senate Bill 19 and Ohio's mathematics requirements is available through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Legislature.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Miami East Local Schools
We want to make families aware of changes to Ohio law that will affect mathematics education beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Ohio Senate Bill 19 places greater emphasis on identifying students who need additional support in mathematics and ELA and providing them with evidence-based interventions at no cost to families.
What Senate Bill 19 Means for Students and Families
Free Academic Intervention and Support
Under the new requirements, schools must provide free, evidence-based academic intervention to students who demonstrate limited proficiency on Ohio’s State Tests or applicable diagnostic assessments.
Depending on a student’s individual needs, the school will determine the appropriate additional supports and interventions to help strengthen mathematics skills. These supports may include additional instructional time, extended learning opportunities, small-group instruction, or other targeted, evidence-based interventions. Mathematics intervention is designed to provide students with additional support and is provided in addition to, not in place of, regular classroom mathematics instruction.
Using Student Data to Provide Support
Senate Bill 19 places a greater emphasis on using assessment and diagnostic data to identify students who may need additional help. Schools will use this information to determine appropriate interventions and monitor student progress.
Math Achievement Improvement Plans
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, schools in which 51% or fewer of third-grade students demonstrate proficiency on the state mathematics assessment are required to develop and submit a formal mathematics achievement improvement plan.
State Guidance and Resources
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is providing districts with guidance regarding implementation of Senate Bill 19, including information about mathematics diagnostics, interventions, instructional materials, and other requirements.
Why This Matters
The goal of these changes is to strengthen mathematics achievement by identifying learning needs early and providing students with additional support. Senate Bill 19 emphasizes mathematical proficiency, high-quality classroom instruction, evidence-based intervention, and the use of student data to guide instructional decisions.
As we implement these new requirements at Miami East, our focus will continue to be on providing students with the instruction and support they need to be successful. Families whose students qualify for additional intervention will receive information from the district regarding the support available to their child.
Additional information about Senate Bill 19 and Ohio's mathematics requirements is available through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Legislature.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Miami East Local Schools
📣 REMINDER: Homecoming Spirit Week Continues Tomorrow!
Thursday is Hunters vs. Hippies Day!
Whether you’re Elementary, Junior High, or High School, it’s time to choose your side!
🦌 Team Hunter: Break out the camo, flannel, and outdoorsy gear!
☮️ Team Hippie: Think tie-dye, peace signs, groovy vibes, and flower power!
Which side will take over Miami East tomorrow?
GO EAST! GO VIKINGS!
Thursday is Hunters vs. Hippies Day!
Whether you’re Elementary, Junior High, or High School, it’s time to choose your side!
🦌 Team Hunter: Break out the camo, flannel, and outdoorsy gear!
☮️ Team Hippie: Think tie-dye, peace signs, groovy vibes, and flower power!
Which side will take over Miami East tomorrow?
GO EAST! GO VIKINGS!
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT — ONE WEEK FROM TONIGHT!
College-bound students and families, mark your calendars!
Join us Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 PM in the Miami East High School Lecture Hall for Financial Aid Night.
Maribeth Yoder, Enrollment Coordinator at Wright State University, will be joining us to share helpful information about:
✅ The do’s and don’ts of completing the FAFSA
✅ How to apply for financial aid
✅ Tips to help families navigate the financial aid process
Whether college is right around the corner or you’re simply starting to plan ahead, this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and learn more about paying for college.
📅 Wednesday, October 14
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 HS Lecture Hall
We hope to see you there!
📣 REMINDER: HOMECOMING PARADE TONIGHT!
It’s Homecoming Week, Vikings! 🎉 Join us TONIGHT for the Miami East Homecoming Parade!
🕡 Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
The entire Miami East community is invited to come out and help us celebrate our 2026 Homecoming Court, Junior High & High School fall athletic teams, student organizations, and Marching Band!
🚗 PARKING & PARADE INFORMATION
🔹 Spectators should park in the back parking lots of the BOE building, MEHS, or the K-8 building.
🔹 Spectators may view the parade from the sidewalks in front of or behind MEHS and the K-8 building.
🔹 If you are dropping off a parade participant, please enter campus from State Route 589 between the BOE building and MEHS OR from Troy-Urbana Road behind the BOE building. Students should then walk to the front BOE parking lot.
🔹 Only parade vehicles will be permitted in the front parking lot of the BOE building.
🔹 The parade route is outlined with the blue arrows on the map.
⚠️ IMPORTANT TRAFFIC REMINDER: At 6:25 p.m., the front entrances to the Miami East campus will close. After that time, all vehicles entering campus should use the south entrance off Troy-Urbana Road behind the BOE building.
🏈 STICK AROUND FOR POWDER PUFF!
The Junior vs. Senior Class Powder Puff Game will be played at Viking Stadium 30 minutes after the conclusion of the parade.
Come out, show your Viking pride, and enjoy a great Homecoming evening!
GO EAST!
POWDERPUFF FOR A PURPOSE!
Heading to tonight’s Powderpuff Game? Don’t forget your “admission” — a canned good!
Each year, Miami East Student Council collects canned goods at the Powderpuff Game and donates them to the Fletcher Food Pantry to help families in our community.
🥫 Admission: One canned good
🏈 Powderpuff Game: TONIGHT
⏰ Game begins approximately 30 minutes after the Homecoming Parade
Come cheer on our students, enjoy a fun Homecoming tradition, and help us fill the pantry while we fill the stands!
Vikings helping Vikings — and our community!
Heading to tonight’s Powderpuff Game? Don’t forget your “admission” — a canned good!
Each year, Miami East Student Council collects canned goods at the Powderpuff Game and donates them to the Fletcher Food Pantry to help families in our community.
🥫 Admission: One canned good
🏈 Powderpuff Game: TONIGHT
⏰ Game begins approximately 30 minutes after the Homecoming Parade
Come cheer on our students, enjoy a fun Homecoming tradition, and help us fill the pantry while we fill the stands!
Vikings helping Vikings — and our community!
📣 REMINDER: Homecoming Spirit Week Continues Tomorrow!
Wednesday is all about CLASS COLORS!
Elementary & Junior High – Class Colors Day:
Wear your grade-level color and fill the halls with color!
K – Red ❤️ | 1st – Yellow 💛 | 2nd – Purple 💜 | 3rd – Green 💚 | 4th – Orange 🧡 | 5th – Blue 💙 | 6th – Pink 🩷 | 7th – White 🤍 | 8th – Black 🖤
High School – Class Color War:
Freshmen – Orange 🧡 | Sophomores – Green 💚 | Juniors – Blue 💙 | Seniors – Pink 🩷
Let’s see which class can show the MOST SPIRIT!
GO EAST! GO VIKINGS!
Wednesday is all about CLASS COLORS!
Elementary & Junior High – Class Colors Day:
Wear your grade-level color and fill the halls with color!
K – Red ❤️ | 1st – Yellow 💛 | 2nd – Purple 💜 | 3rd – Green 💚 | 4th – Orange 🧡 | 5th – Blue 💙 | 6th – Pink 🩷 | 7th – White 🤍 | 8th – Black 🖤
High School – Class Color War:
Freshmen – Orange 🧡 | Sophomores – Green 💚 | Juniors – Blue 💙 | Seniors – Pink 🩷
Let’s see which class can show the MOST SPIRIT!
GO EAST! GO VIKINGS!
📣 REMINDER: Homecoming Spirit Week Continues Tomorrow!
Get ready for Tuesday’s Homecoming Spirit Week fun!
Elementary & Junior High: Tourist Day!
Dress for vacation in a tropical shirt, sunglasses, or your favorite souvenir tee!
High School: Parisian Chic vs. Lost Tourist!
Dress fashion-forward and channel your inner Parisian OR go full tourist with cameras, fanny packs, maps, bucket hats, socks with sandals, and more!
We can’t wait to see your looks, Vikings!
GO EAST! ⚔️
Get ready for Tuesday’s Homecoming Spirit Week fun!
Elementary & Junior High: Tourist Day!
Dress for vacation in a tropical shirt, sunglasses, or your favorite souvenir tee!
High School: Parisian Chic vs. Lost Tourist!
Dress fashion-forward and channel your inner Parisian OR go full tourist with cameras, fanny packs, maps, bucket hats, socks with sandals, and more!
We can’t wait to see your looks, Vikings!
GO EAST! ⚔️
Important Changes to Ohio Attendance Laws
Miami East Families,
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Ohio has changed its state attendance requirements. These changes place a greater emphasis on regular attendance, early intervention, and communication between schools and families when attendance concerns arise.
One of the most important changes for families to understand is that ALL absences, excused, medically excused, and unexcused, count toward a student's total missed instructional hours when determining chronic absenteeism.
What Families Should Know
• Earlier Family Notification
Families will receive notification when a student has missed 5% or more of the school year for any reason. This includes excused, medically excused, and unexcused absences.
• Chronic Absenteeism
A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year for any reason, approximately 90–100 instructional hours, depending on the school calendar.
• All missed time counts
Full-day absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals all contribute to a student's total missed instructional hours. This includes absences with or without medical documentation.
• Early Intervention & Support
When attendance concerns arise, Miami East may work with families to identify barriers that are affecting attendance and connect students and families with appropriate support. These may include transportation, medical, or other concerns.
• Excused vs. Unexcused Absences
Although all absences count toward chronic absenteeism, documentation still matters. Ohio's habitual truancy requirements are based specifically on unexcused hours.
A student may be considered habitually truant after:
● 30 consecutive hours without a valid excuse
● 42 hours within one month without a valid excuse
● 72 hours within one school year without a valid excuse
Please refer to the student handbook for information regarding valid excuses and required documentation.
• Attendance Intervention & Follow-Up
When attendance concerns arise, schools may work alongside families to develop appropriate interventions and identify ways to improve attendance. If attendance concerns continue, additional steps may be required under Ohio law, including possible referrals to outside agencies.
• Driver's Education Requirements
High school families should also be aware that students must meet Ohio's attendance requirements before participating in the in-car portion of driver's education.
• We're Here to Help
We understand there are many legitimate reasons a student may need to miss school. The purpose of these changes is to identify attendance concerns earlier and provide support before missed instructional time becomes a larger issue.
If your family is experiencing challenges that make regular attendance difficult, please reach out to your child's school. Our goal is to work with you—not simply notify you—to help your student stay connected, supported, and learning.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting strong attendance and helping us make every instructional hour count at Miami East!
