Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
We are thrilled to welcome back all students and staff for the 2026-2027 school year!
This summer has been a productive one! Our custodial and maintenance teams have been hard at work preparing buildings and implementing exciting updates across the district. Both the EMS/EHS and Elementary summer school/jump start programs ran smoothly, and our Junior High and High School extracurricular groups have been actively preparing for upcoming competitions.
We’re excited to welcome several new faces to the ELSD family this year! Stay tuned to the “Weekly Warrior” for introductions to our new staff members—talented individuals ready to make a difference at Eastern.
Stay Connected
Parents and community members are encouraged to follow us on social media:
FinalForms Information
Parents and guardians should have received an email from FinalForms prompting the completion of back-to-school paperwork online. Please ensure that all forms are completed and up to date, as they are essential for accurate transportation planning and communication.
Make sure to provide an up-to-date physical address and valid email address. Forms may be added or updated throughout the year, so keep an eye on FinalForms notifications.
Login details and more information can be found under the Parent Area on the district website:
https://www.elsd.us/ParentArea.aspx
Attendance Policy
Eastern Local Schools has updated attendance policies to comply with Ohio House Bill 96, which includes new requirements for how schools track absences, notify families, and support students who miss school. More information about ELSD’s attendance policies can be found under the Parent Area on the district website:
https://www.elsd.us/ParentArea.aspx
“Weekly Warrior” Updates
All parents/guardians will receive our weekly district newsletter, The Weekly Warrior, from the desk of the Superintendent.
Important Dates
Back-to-School Open Houses:
First Day of School – August 20
Bus drivers will contact families before school begins with pick-up/drop-off details. For transportation questions, contact Transportation Supervisor Ryan Cole:
[email protected] or Transportation Coordinator Connie Hoeper ([email protected]| 937-695-6276
(This information is also available via FinalForms.)
The full district calendar, student handbooks, and more can be found here:
https://www.elsd.us/DownloadsForms.aspx
Meal Applications & More
Online Applications for Free & Reduced Meals for 2026-2027 are now available at:
https://www.elsd.us/ParentArea.aspx
When completing the application, please use the district ZIP code: 45697 (Winchester).
Important: Be sure to check YES in the Share Information box to request a waiver for school fees. This ensures that if fees are ever reinstated or necessary at any point, your student is already covered.
SCHOOL LUNCH/BREAKFAST
The charge for a hot lunch (milk included) is $2.85 per day for students in K-5. For students in K-5, breakfast is free. Students who prefer to bring a packed lunch from home may purchase a half pint of milk for $0.50 in the cafeteria. Lunches for grades 6-8 are $3.15, 9-12 are $3.20. The cost of breakfast is $1.00. When available, al-a-cart items may be bought separately in the high school and junior high. No soft drinks may be brought to school and consumed during the lunch period. Breakfast and lunch will be served each day school is in session.
Completing this form early ensures your application will be processed in time for the first day of school.
For lunch menus, lunch prices, and food service info, visit:
https://www.elsd.us/LunchMenus.aspx
Questions? Call Kim Jeffreys- Food Service at 937-695-6276.
Additional Reminders/information
Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date.
View the school vaccination requirements here:
School Immunizations Requirements
(Also available under the Parent Area of the district website.)
Diabetes care resources
Special Education information can be found at:
https://www.elsd.us/SpecialEducation.aspx
We’re looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and community. Welcome back, Warriors!