School News

Willoughby Middle School is proud to partner with the Freedom Flag Foundation in honoring the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. As part of this partnership, the school now proudly displays the Freedom Flag, the nation’s only codified 9/11 flag of remembrance. This powerful symbol has been flown or displayed in nearly 2,000 schools, fire stations, and civic buildings across all 50 states. Originating in Richmond, Virginia, the Freedom Flag has been designated as the Official Flag of Remembrance for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Students at Willoughby Middle School have engaged deeply with the meaning behind each symbol on the Freedom Flag, sharing what they’ve learned during annual Patriot Day remembrance activities and through a special presentation at a Board of Education meeting.

In addition, Willoughby Middle School holds the unique distinction of being the only middle school in Ohio with a World Trade Center artifact on loan for educational display. The steel beam, recovered from Tower 1 at Ground Zero, serves as a profound teaching tool. Though today’s students were not yet born on 9/11, the opportunity to see and reflect on this artifact brings history to life in a meaningful and emotional way, bridging the past with the present and fostering a lasting understanding of the day’s impact.

This partnership and artifact display represent a tremendous honor for the school and the Willoughby-Eastlake community.

 

Willoughby Middle School’s Career Connections has done a lot of work this year already! From exploring the field of engineering with a competition to build the tallest stable structure, hosting Mrs. Tigue-Matos to learn about project management, advertising and working with the public and clients, to learning from Dale at Laketran about transportation systems, our 7th graders are learning a lot! Thank you to everyone who has visited the classroom to help our students learn about different career paths. If you have expertise that you would like to share, please reach out to Willoughby Middle School and volunteer as a career speaker! We would love to see you!

Community pride runs deep in Willoughby-Eastlake, and it shows! Generations of families have attended our schools, with many alumni now raising their own children in the same close-knit neighborhoods. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding the Eastlake North Rangers and Willoughby South Rebels continues to grow, and now we’re excited to take that spirit to the next level!

We’re proud to announce a districtwide rebranding that unifies our schools under the Rangers and Rebels banners. Moving forward, all elementary and middle schools that feed into Eastlake North High School will be known as Rangers, and those that feed into Willoughby South High School will be known as Rebels. 

WE are the Rebels! We share a campus with Willoughby South and our middle schoolers will walk those halls one day so they are getting a jump start on proudly wearing the blue and gray!

This exciting change not only honors the strong traditions of our two high schools but also celebrates the journey of every student. From their very first day of school, our youngest learners will know they are already part of something bigger - being a proud Ranger or a spirited Rebel!

As we start the new school year, we want every family to know that we will work very hard to ensure that every student feels connected and has a positive experience in our building. Our emphasis is on:

Relationships: Develop lifelong friendships as well as strong relationships with adults who are role models and provide guidance
Leadership Skills:  Through classroom activities, athletics, clubs, volunteering, and more, students develop positive habits and skills
Exploring Interests: Students have opportunities to participate in a variety of activities and explore their interests

Whether it’s in the classroom, or as a participant in the many clubs, sports and activities we offer throughout the year, every student will find a place where they belong and thrive!

 

We are excited to welcome Phil Kern as our new Assistant Principal. Mr. Kern brings 11 years of experience in education, having served as an assistant principal, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and reading intervention teacher. He holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and Indiana Wesleyan University in education and school administration.

Originally from Northeast Ohio, Mr. Kern lives with his wife, Stephanie, their son, Andrew, and their dog, Cashew. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on Cleveland sports teams, and playing golf.

Mr. Kern shared, “I am honored to join Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools as an Assistant Principal at Willoughby Middle School and excited for the opportunity to serve in a district dedicated to excellence, innovation, and student success. I look forward to building strong relationships, supporting educators, and helping every student grow and thrive.”

We look forward to the positive impact Mr. Kern will bring to our school community!