Ohio Council of Community Schools

08/13/2026

One week later, we are still smiling about the moment Kim Strobel turned her keynote into a dance party.
She challenged educators to reconnect with why their work matters and reminded them that joy deserves a place in that work. Then she brought the entire room to its feet.
Thank you, Kim, for giving Ohio’s community school educators a meaningful message and one of the most memorable moments of convocation!

08/12/2026

Some of the most valuable convocation conversations happened between sessions.
Our exhibitors gave educators and school leaders a chance to explore resources, ask questions, and connect around the needs of their students. Attendees learned about personalized instruction from Bloomy, literacy resources from Benchmark Education, Brain Balance’s approach to supporting focus and behavior, and Lester Sanders’ work in college, career, and life readiness.
Thank you to Bloomy, Benchmark Education, Brain Balance, and Lester Sanders for spending the day with Ohio’s community school educators and helping make a meaningful experience.

08/10/2026

We are proud to celebrate Dainta Teeple of Ohio Virtual Academy as the 2026 OCCS Virtual Teacher of the Year!
As OHVA’s High School Career Technical Education Media Arts teacher, Dainta connects virtual instruction with meaningful career experience. She created a media arts internship program that gives students the opportunity to work with clients, manage projects, and build professional portfolios while producing career-exploration videos for younger students.
Her students’ success speaks volumes. Every one of Dainta’s concentrator students achieved proficiency on the WebXam, and many have earned Adobe certifications and received national recognition through Business Professionals of America.
Congratulations, Dainta! Your creativity and dedication are helping students build the skills and confidence they need for life beyond graduation.

08/10/2026

We are proud to celebrate Cole Prophet of Western Toledo Preparatory Academy as the 2026 OCCS Teacher of the Year!
Cole is a 4th–6th grade English teacher who also serves as an instructional coach and lead teacher. His impact reaches throughout his school community. He has expanded summer learning opportunities for students, led professional development, and provided ongoing coaching to fellow educators.
His principal, Kechan Johnson, describes Cole as an educator who leads with humility, integrity, and servant leadership. His dedication to helping students and teachers succeed represents the very best of the teaching profession.
Congratulations, Cole, on this well-deserved honor! 👏

08/06/2026

Resilience is not about asking students to push through every challenge on their own. In 5 Keys to Resilience, educators are learning practical ways to help young people recognize their strengths and grow with confidence.
This work is an important part of building school communities where students feel supported through difficult moments.

08/06/2026

Practical support starts with understanding what behavior is communicating. In The Behavior Playbook, educators are exploring ways to build stronger relationships and set clear expectations. The session also examines how a predictable learning environment can help students feel ready to succeed.

08/06/2026

The Science of Possibilities is officially underway!
Educators and school leaders from across Ohio are gathering for the 2026 OCCS Convocation. We have a full day ahead of us with new ideas to explore and meaningful conversations to bring back to our school communities.
Follow along for highlights and share your own experience using .

07/22/2026

What does it really mean to be ready for kindergarten?
Readiness includes more than recognizing letters, numbers, and colors. It also includes skills such as communicating needs, following routines, interacting with others, and developing coordination and independence.
Ohio offers a helpful resource for families who want to better understand the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment and the areas educators observe.
Learn more:
🔗 https://loom.ly/bB6Jgkc

07/20/2026

Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday is coming!
From August 7 through August 9, families can purchase qualifying back-to-school essentials without paying sales tax.

👕 Clothing priced at $75 or less per item
✏️ School supplies priced at $20 or less per item
📖 Instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item

Qualifying purchases can be made in stores or online. Make your list and save the dates!
Learn more at: https://loom.ly/l184--E

07/14/2026

This Make a Difference to Children Month, we’re celebrating the organizations making a lasting impact on the lives of children. OCCS is proud to sponsor the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo’s Barefoot at the Beach event. Join us in supporting programs that help Toledo’s youth reach their full potential.

Come to the Beach. Have fun. Support kids!

Proceeds from our 25th Annual Barefoot at the Beach 2026 will benefit youth programs for Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo. We’ve been serving Toledo youth since 1892. We were one of the original 53 Clubs that now make up more than 5,000.

Grab your tickets today! https://www.barefootatthebeach.org/tickets/