Cherokee Elementary welcomed half its students Thursday, Aug. 13, and the other half Friday, Aug. 14, giving new principal Mike Stapleton and his staff two smaller groups to walk through the building before the full school comes together Monday, Aug. 17.

The staggered opening is the first visible move of Stapleton's tenure. He served as Cherokee's assistant principal since 2022 before the Lakota Local Schools district promoted him to lead the Liberty Township school this summer, as we reported July 17.

During the half-day sessions, students rotated through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports stations set up around the building. At each stop they met staff members and learned expectations for the cafeteria, recess, buses, restrooms and hallways.

"We are off to a fantastic start, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for our Cheetahs!" Stapleton wrote in his Aug. 14 Cheetah Mail newsletter.

Kelly Welling joins Stapleton as assistant principal, according to the district. She came to Lakota from Reading Community Schools, where she was an intervention specialist.

What Cherokee families need to know for Monday:

  • Doors open at 8:05 a.m. for students eating breakfast.
  • All students must be in classrooms by 8:20 a.m. to avoid a tardy mark.
  • Dismissal starts at 2:50 to 2:55 p.m. during the first weeks, then shifts to the regular 3:00 p.m. time once routines are set.
  • The school communicates through ParentSquare; families can log in via OneLogin or download the free Lakota app.

Stapleton acknowledged the adjustment period in his newsletter, writing that arrival, dismissal, lunch and transportation logistics take time for students and adults alike, and asking families for patience as routines take hold.

Upcoming community events

  • Venardos Circus "ALICE" at Liberty Center through Sunday, Aug. 23. Shows at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets at venardoscircus.com.
  • Liberty Township Fall Festival: Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty Park.
  • Spot-A-Truck & C3 OHIO Firefighter Chili Cook-Off: Sunday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liberty Center.