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Tuggles brought smiles and storytime fun to our Cardinal Preschool Program! On September 30, ESCWR’s Student Wellness and Prevention Services team shared Tuggle Tales with our preschoolers, supporting early literacy and a love of reading. The students loved spending time with Tuggles!
Tuggles brought smiles and storytime fun to our Cardinal Preschool Program! On September 30, ESCWR’s Student Wellness and Prevention Services team shared Tuggle Tales with our preschoolers, supporting early literacy and a love of reading. The students loved spending time with Tuggles!

Tuggles brought smiles and storytime fun to our Cardinal Preschool Program!  The students loved spending time with Tuggles!

Gaitway High School students helped give Fieldstone Farm a fresh fall look.

Gaitway High School students helped give Fieldstone Farm a fresh fall look. 

Gaitway High School students helped give Fieldstone Farm a fresh fall look.

Gaitway High School students helped give Fieldstone Farm a fresh fall look. 

Our Student Wellness and Prevention Services team joined the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition at Mentor High School’s Homecoming Blitz, engaging students in hands-on games, pedal karts, and impairment-goggle activities to promote healthy decisions and safe driving. Thank you for having us, MHS!

Our Student Wellness and Prevention Services team joined the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition at Mentor High School’s Homecoming Blitz, engaging students in hands-on games, pedal karts, and impairment-goggle activities to promote healthy decisions and safe driving. Thank you for having us, MHS!

Our Student Wellness and Prevention Services team joined the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition at Mentor High School’s Homecoming Blitz, engaging students in hands-on games, pedal karts, and impairment-goggle activities to promote healthy decisions and safe driving. Thank you for having us, MHS!

Our Student Wellness and Prevention Services team joined the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition at Mentor High School’s Homecoming Blitz, engaging students in hands-on games, pedal karts, and impairment-goggle activities to promote healthy decisions and safe driving. Thank you for having us, MHS!

Emotional Poverty Into workshop Professional Development Session Header graphic is pictured.
A little creativity in action! Gaitway High School students worked on an art project during art therapy.

A little creativity in action! Gaitway High School students worked on an art project during art therapy.

Our Student Wellness and Prevention Services team brought Tuggle Tales to Fairport Harbor Preschool, sharing a story to spark curiosity, encourage a love of reading, and support early literacy skills!

Our Student Wellness and Prevention Services team brought Tuggle Tales to Fairport Harbor Preschool, sharing a story to spark curiosity, encourage a love of reading, and support early literacy skills!

Administrative assistants explored practical ways to use AI in their daily work during today’s AI Tools Series session. Thank you to The Impact Group and everyone who joined us!

Administrative assistants explored practical ways to use AI in their daily work during today’s AI Tools Series session. Thank you to The Impact Group and everyone who joined us!

Ohio educational service center leaders on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during the AESA Legislative Advocacy Conference, September 23–25, 2026.

Ohio educational service center leaders on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during the AESA Legislative Advocacy Conference, September 23–25, 2026.

Ohio educational service center leaders on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during the AESA Legislative Advocacy Conference, September 23–25, 2026.
Ohio educational service center leaders on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during the AESA Legislative Advocacy Conference, September 23–25, 2026.
A promotional graphic header image with ESCWR branding is pictured for Seeing the Story, Data Team Alignment, session on October 7th.
Big tricks and an even bigger message at Cardinal Schools! Thank you to Cardinal Local Schools for partnering with us to bring two Go Big BMX Anti-Bullying Assemblies to students. What a fun way to spark conversations about kindness and standing up for others!

Big tricks and an even bigger message at Cardinal Schools! Thank you to the Huskies for partnering with us to bring two Go Big BMX Anti-Bullying Assemblies to students. What a fun way to spark conversations about kindness and standing up for others!

Big tricks and an even bigger message at Cardinal Schools! Thank you to the Huskies for partnering with us to bring two Go Big BMX Anti-Bullying Assemblies to students. What a fun way to spark conversations about kindness and standing up for others!

Big tricks and an even bigger message at Cardinal Schools! Thank you to the Huskies for partnering with us to bring two Go Big BMX Anti-Bullying Assemblies to students. What a fun way to spark conversations about kindness and standing up for others!

Our Lake County SAIL students enjoyed getting creative with paint during art therapy on September 22! Along with the joy of making art, the activity gives students a way to explore their senses, express themselves without words, and work on managing emotions.
Learning healthy habits with Tuggle Tales! Fairport Harbor students explored good decisions and healthy choices through the new Too Good curriculum.
Learning healthy habits with Tuggle Tales! Fairport Harbor students explored good decisions and healthy choices through the new Too Good curriculum.
ESCWR’s Student Wellness and Prevention Services team brought Tuggle Tales to Fairport Harbor elementary students, connecting storytelling with early literacy!
ESCWR’s Student Wellness and Prevention Services team brought Tuggle Tales to Fairport Harbor elementary students, connecting storytelling with early literacy!
Show Up and Shine—Every School Day Counts! ESCWR teamed up with Fairport Harbor to encourage attendance and celebrate learning.
Twinkle had a visit from Geauga Park district naturalist Miss Dottie. She taught us about the Monarch Migration!

Twinkle Preschool had a visit from Geauga Park District naturalist Miss Dottie. She taught us about the Monarch Migration! 

Twinkle had a visit from Geauga Park district naturalist Miss Dottie. She taught us about the Monarch Migration!

Twinkle Preschool had a visit from Geauga Park District naturalist Miss Dottie. She taught us about the Monarch Migration! 

Students from across Lake County participated in the 2026 Fall Student Leadership Summit, connecting with peers and building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Students from across Lake County participated in the 2026 Fall Student Leadership Summit, connecting with peers and building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Students used impairment simulation goggles during a breakout session at the Fall Youth Leadership Summit to better understand how impairment can affect vision, perception, and decision-making.
Students used impairment simulation goggles during a breakout session at the Fall Youth Leadership Summit to better understand how impairment can affect vision, perception, and decision-making.
Students used THC impairment simulation goggles during a breakout session at the Fall Youth Leadership Summit to better understand how impairment can affect vision, perception, and decision-making.

Students used impairment simulation goggles during a breakout session at the Fall Youth Leadership Summit to better understand how impairment can affect vision, perception, and decision-making.

ESCWR leaders attended Fieldstone Farm’s Chefs Unbridled fundraiser on September 19 in support of our valued partner and its important work in the community.
ESCWR leaders attended Fieldstone Farm’s Chefs Unbridled fundraiser on September 19 in support of our valued partner and its important work in the community.
We’re proud of our partnership with the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities!

We’re proud of our partnership with the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Participants engaged in meaningful learning and discussion during ESCWR’s Beyond the Report Card session on September 18, 2026.
Participants engaged in meaningful learning and discussion during ESCWR’s Beyond the Report Card session on September 18, 2026.
Gaitway High School welcomed students, families, and community members for its Community and Parent Open House on September 15, providing an opportunity to connect, learn more about the school, and celebrate the Gaitway community.

Gaitway High School welcomed students, families, and community members for its Community and Parent Open House on September 15, providing an opportunity to connect, learn more about the school, and celebrate the Gaitway community.

Northeast Ohio Workforce Connect Business Advisory Council met on September 15 at Great Lakes Cheese, bringing education and business partners together to strengthen workforce connections and support opportunities for students across the region.

The Northeast Ohio Workforce Connect Business Advisory Council met on September 15 at Great Lakes Cheese, bringing education and business partners together to strengthen workforce connections and support opportunities for students across the region.

Following the Northeast Ohio Workforce Connect Business Advisory Council meeting on September 15, attendees toured Great Lakes Cheese to learn more about its operations and workforce opportunities.
Following the Northeast Ohio Workforce Connect Business Advisory Council meeting on September 15, attendees toured Great Lakes Cheese to learn more about its operations and workforce opportunities.
a graphic is pictured for recruitment purposes. It directs people to the careers and contact page to find our employment opportunities.

Latest News

ESCWR Featured in Story on Helping Schools Navigate Budget Challenges

As Ohio schools face rising costs and tighter budgets, educational service centers are helping districts make the most of their resources while continuing to support students and educators. A recent Ideastream Public Media article, shared by WYSO, features ESCWR Superintendent Jennifer Felker and explores how ESCs provide shared staffing, specialized services, professional learning, and fiscal expertise tailored to local needs.
funding performance and advocacy impact data for the ESCWR is pictured in an infographic image.

ESCWR Funding Impact Highlighted in Statewide Analysis

A new analysis from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association highlights ESCWR’s success in securing resources for schools.

ESCWR received approximately $3.78 million in ESSER/GEER-related funding for initiatives including extended learning, tutoring, and family partnerships.

Discover Gaitway High School

At Gaitway High School, learning extends beyond the classroom. Through small class sizes, individualized instruction, experiential learning, vocational opportunities, and meaningful connections with horses, students receive the support they need to build confidence and work toward success.
Chrissy Henninger, ESCWR Student Wellness and Prevention Service Coordinator is pictured addressing Lake County High School and Middle School students at the Fall Youth Summit

Lake County Youth Summit Empowers Student Leaders

The second annual Lake County Youth Summit was recently featured in The News-Herald! Presented by the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, the event brought together approximately 90 middle and high school students for a day focused on leadership, mental wellness, prevention, decision-making, and empowerment.
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About ESCWR

The Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR) plays a crucial role in enhancing education within Northeast Ohio. With a steadfast commitment to our counties, region, and state, we strive to serve the students and staff of local exempted villages, city school districts, and joint vocational schools. As the educational landscape in Ohio undergoes rapid evolution, we understand the significance of adaptability, innovation, and dynamic leadership. 

Our Impact in Fiscal Year 2026

  • $4.93M in grant funding secured
  • High-Performing ESC 10th Consecutive Year Designated by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
  • 9 Ohio Counties Serviced through programs and services

Events

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