EAST AURORA, NY—The East Aurora School District is celebrating a smooth start to the 2025-2026 school year, marked by significant capital project completions, a continued push for innovative instruction, and a deepened focus on preparing students for life beyond graduation, according to the Fall 2025 edition of The Challenger.
District-Wide Vision and Academic Innovation
Superintendent Brian D. Russ reported that the opening weeks of the new school year went "exceptionally smoothly," with students and staff returning with a renewed sense of purpose. The district is continuing to build on its academic foundation by maintaining the use of Kagan Cooperative Learning structures and exploring equitable grading practices to ensure assessments accurately reflect student growth.
A major initiative this year is the deeper dive into the Portrait of a Graduate framework and New York State's Blueprint for the Future of Graduates. This framework prepares students with essential skills for life, including adaptability, critical thinking, empathy, and resilience. For High School students, planning for the 2029 NYS Portrait of a Graduate is already underway, focusing on key attributes such as effective communication and civic responsibility.
Mental health and well-being remain top priorities, with the district expanding its use of restorative practices to foster a stronger sense of community and help individuals rebuild relationships.
Capital Projects Transform Athletic Spaces
The completion of Phase One of the district's facilities project has delivered major improvements to athletic spaces. The new, state-of-the-art multi-sport turf field and brand-new tennis courts are now open, supporting the high level of student participation in extracurricular athletics. Looking ahead, Phase Two of the facilities project is scheduled to begin in December and will focus on significant enhancements to the Middle School, including a remodeled library/media center and an updated family and consumer science classroom. Hear more from Bryan Mertzlufft, Director of Buildings & Grounds, and get a sneak peak of some new spaces here!
In other High School developments, the East Aurora Educational Foundation awarded significant grants, including $39,535 for a new CNC machine to provide students with hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing.
School and Community Highlights
Elementary Focus on Literacy and STEAM: Parkdale Elementary launched its first-ever schoolwide Read-A-Thon, aiming to read 140,000 minutes to support a new playground for Pre-K students and children with disabilities. Parkdale teachers have also integrated Virtual Learning Expeditions into their curriculum, using tools like zoo webcams and virtual field trips to enhance science and technology instruction.
Middle School Resilience: East Aurora Middle School (EAMS) hosted the powerful "Find A Way" assembly with guest speaker Brad Hurtig, who shared his message of resilience and determination after losing both hands in an accident. Additionally, the school launched its 2nd annual WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) orientation day, pairing incoming 5th graders with trained 8th-grade mentors to ease the transition.
Community Recognition: Christina Schutrum was honored with the 2025 Ford Commitment to Excellence in Education Award for her more than 25 years of service. Her legacy includes innovative physical education classes, leading the Adventure Club, and creating the Bagel Club as a safe, welcoming mentorship space for students.
Student Voice: The Board of Education structure has been updated to include student representation, with Charlie Finnerty and Aiden Frey (Class of 2026) joining the board to ensure student perspectives are central to decision-making.
For all the details on these fantastic programs, capital upgrades, and student achievements, be sure to grab your copy of the Fall 2025 edition of The Challenger! You won't want to miss a single inspiring story about the great things happening in the East Aurora School District.