I hope your summer has been one of relaxation for our students and their families. Believe it or not, the first day of school for the 2025-26 school year is less than a week away, beginning Wednesday, August 20. To view the entire 2025-26 school year calendar, please go to the district’s website at https://cgbulldogs.org/ and click on “Calendars” link under the Parents and Students tab.

There will be a couple of new faces in the building as we begin the 2025-26 school year. We welcome the following staff members:

Chad Brinkman (JH/HS Principal) - Chad comes to us from Delphos Jefferson, where he spent the past 25 years. Chad resides in Ottawa with his wife, Jennifer, who is an intervention specialist at Ottawa-Glandorf. They have four children, Emma and Carlie who attend The Ohio State University, Rilee a sophomore at OG, and Jack will be a 6th grader at Glandorf.

Scott Palte (7th/8th Social Studies) – Scott comes back to CG (2005-2014) from LCC, where he was an intervention specialist and head football coach from 2014-2025. Scott and his wife Amber reside in Columbus Grove and have three children, Everett (2024 Grad), Kendal (Senior) and Rylan (8th Grade).

Kimberly Kemper (Part-Time Food Service) – Kimberly will be joining our kitchen staff this fall. She is a graduate of Columbus Grove and a current resident with her husband and kids (Bronson 1st Grade and Easton 3rd Grade). Kimberly is also the sister of Michelle Norway, a current CG employee.

Columbus Grove Schools will host its annual Open House on Monday, August 18, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Please come out to meet your child’s teacher for this school year. Parents can pay 2025-26 school fees at this time as well. Our secretaries will be set up in elementary/high school office to collect payment for fees.  

Parents and students can begin filling out their Final Forms information for next school year. Log in at https://columbusgrove-oh.finalforms.com/ (or use the Popular Links tab at the top right of the website) and click the "Click to Switch to 2025-26 Registration" button at the top of the page to get started. Please contact Mr. Keehn at mkeehn@cgbulldogs.org if you have any questions.

1.     Elementary, Middle, and High School Start and Ending Times- The elementary school students (K-4) will start at 8:00 a.m. and dismiss at 2:50 p.m. daily. 5-12 students will begin at 8:00 a.m. as well, but will dismiss at 2:55 p.m. 

2.     School Supplies Lists- These lists are posted on the district website. You can come to the building and receive a hard copy as well.

3.     School Fees- School fees for the 2025-2026 school year remain the same as last year.  Fees for grades K-11 are $60. For grade 12, fees are $75. Additionally, for high school students taking an online technology course, there will be a $15 fee per course. Please make checks payable to Columbus Grove Local Schools. Payments can be submitted at the offices or they may be given to your child’s teacher. Secretaries will be in the elementary/high school office collecting fees at the Open House on Monday, August 18. 

 

4.     Pick-Up and Drop Off Reminder- A few years ago, we implemented one-way transportation on Pendleton during pick-up (2:30-3:15 p.m.) and drop off (7:30-8:00 a.m.). This has worked well and increased safety measures in this high traffic area. Please remember that Pendleton will become a one-way street during these times when school begins on Wednesday, August 20. Also, we ask that parents/guardians do not park in the spots right before the bus pick-up/drop off lane, as this makes it very difficult for buses to get into the bus lane. These spots will be painted accordingly to signifying non-parking areas. 

 

5.     Breakfast & Lunch Prices- Breakfast prices are $2.50 for K-12 students. Lunch prices are as follows: $3.15 for K-5 students, $3.25 for 6-8 students, and $3.50 for 9-12 students. Please note, parents are welcome to sign up for free and reduced lunches through PaySchools Central located on the school website under Departments and then Cafeteria. Please take advantage of this opportunity if you are eligible! 

Columbus Grove Schools uses ParentSquare to quickly notify students, parents, and community members in the event of an emergency or threat to safety within the district.

Instructions for signing up for the ParentSquare communications app were shared earlier this summer. If you need more information or assistance registering for the app, please contact our Technology Coordinator, Mike Keehn, at mkeehn@cgbulldogs.org.

Staying connected helps keep everyone safe and informed!

It may seem odd to discuss 2026 commencement exercises when we have yet to begin the 2025-26 school year, but the Board has finalized this date for Sunday, May 17, 2026. Commencement will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the high school gym. Please note: this is the week before Memorial Day weekend. This is will be the fifth year in which the Board has scheduled commencement exercises one week prior to Memorial Day weekend, as they have received positive feedback from parents and the community. Having this date set so early will allow parents of graduating seniors to plan accordingly for graduation parties. 

Columbus Grove Local Schools is accepting applications for substitute bus drivers. This position has the potential of becoming a full-time bus driver in the future, if applicants are interested. Substitute bus drivers are contacted to drive extracurricular field trips and occasionally drive a regular morning or afternoon route. Certification requires the completion of attending a pre-service class, a written and driving test, CDL license, a medical physical exam, drug test, BMV check of driving record, and a background check. Cost for training will be reimbursed by the district for any individuals who serve as a substitute bus driver for Columbus Grove Local Schools. If you are interested in becoming a bus driver for Columbus Grove School, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 659-2639 for further information.