This week is National School Bus Safety Week, and the theme for 2025 is "Safe Stops. Stronger Communities". This theme emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility at every stop, from drivers following the law to students and parents knowing safety rules. School bus drivers have one of the most important jobs in our community, ensuring that over 350 students are transported safely each day. Their quick thinking, attention to detail, and care help keep our children safe on the roads.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated bus drivers of Columbus Grove Schools. Every day, they handle this enormous responsibility with professionalism and kindness, often going above and beyond to create a safe and welcoming environment for our students. Thank you to each of our drivers for your hard work and dedication—you are an essential part of our Bulldog family! Regular route drivers for CG Schools are Deanna Ricker (25 years), Shelly Schroeder (22 years), Linda Ridenour (18 years), Mike Fanaff (16 years), Joanne McKanna (11 years), Janel Hardeman (10 years), Brad Anderson (9 years), Bill Heilman (4 years), Chad McCluer (3 years), Jeff Gertsen (2 years), and Pete Langhals (2 years). 

In last week’s update, I highlighted the many activities taking place with our students competing in various activities. This weekend continues to be a busy one, as CGHS students continue to excel on the fields of competition. Here’s a quick recap:

Lily Montgomery- 19:29

Sarah Kamphaus 20:11

Alexa Kamphaus 21:21

Claire Koch 21:39

Lauren Martz 22:16

Breanne Fuerst 22:55

Dakota Dunn 23:25

The girls will compete at regionals this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Tiffin.

Caiden Squillante 16:21

Holden Hartzog 16:27

Aidan Vogt 16:42

Zack Bryan 16:43

Braylon Best 16:51

Joel Schumacher 18:10

A.J. Doseck 18:20

The Bulldogs will compete this Saturday at 10:40 a.m. in Tiffin as well.

CONGRATULATIONS to our students, coaches, and directors for your outstanding work and accomplishments! We wish you all the best of luck in your games, races, and competitions, beginning this evening! Go Bulldogs! 

Remember that there will be no school Friday, October 31, for the fall break. This break will also give kids a day off after trick-or-treating the evening before. To see the 2025-26 school year calendar in its entirety, go to http://cg.noacsc.org/bell-schedules and click on “2025-2026 School Year Calendar” towards the bottom.

Bulldog fans are reminded that all tournament events for our fall teams will accept cash at the gate. Passes issued by the Columbus Grove athletic department cannot be accepted for OHSAA-sponsored tournament events. Please note that ticket prices for tournament games are set by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, not the Columbus Grove Athletic Department. 

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.

Varsity Football vs. Bluffton – 7:00 p.m.

Cross Country @ Regionals @ Tiffin – 10:00 a.m.

Board of Education Sub-Committee Meeting- Building/Grounds/Transportation- 4:15 p.m.

Varsity Soccer vs. Mansfield Christian @ Edison High School – 7:00 p.m.

Parade and Costume Contest in the park - 6:00 p.m.

Trick or Treat – 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

No School – Quarter Break

Board of Education Sub-Committee Meeting- Technology- 6:30 p.m.

Board of Education Sub-Committee Meeting- Curriculum- 7:00 p.m.

Board of Education Regular Meeting- 8:00 p.m.