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Napoleon Junior/Senior High School

Lead, Learn and Live in Pursuit of Excellence

Back to School Letter 2026-2027

Posted Date: 08/12/26 (04:00 PM)
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BACK TO SCHOOL 2026–2027 

August 12, 2026

📩 Welcome Message from the Principal

Dear Grades 7-12 Students and Families,

Welcome back to a new school year at Napoleon Junior/Senior High School (NJSHS)! As students return to school, they can look forward to a year of learning, growth, and fun. I encourage all students to take advantage of the academic opportunities available and get involved in school activities whenever possible. Our dedicated staff is working diligently to ensure that your child(ren) receives the education and support that they need to be successful. Parents, we value your partnership and welcome your involvement in our school community. As we work together to make this school year enriching and successful, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance at 419-599-1050.

We are here to support your child(ren), and want to emphasize our commitment to creating an educational environment where our students can thrive.  Let’s make it a great year!  

Go Cats!

— Mr. Brian Burden, Principal 

🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDAR: UPCOMING DATES

  • Tuesday, August 11

    • 1:00p – 6:00p: Chromebook Pickup Session #1 (Media Center)

  • Wednesday, August 19

    • 8:00a – 3:00p: CCP Textbook Pickup (Guidance Office)

    • 8:10a Start: Four County Career Center Starts (Juniors & New Students)

  • Thursday, August 20

    • All Day: Student Schedules Available on PowerSchool

    • 8:10 AM Start: Four County Career Center Starts (Seniors)

  • Monday, August 24

    • 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Chromebook Pickup Session #2 (Media Center)

    • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: NJSHS Open House (Tour, find lockers, meet teachers!)

  • Tuesday, August 25

    • 🎉 8:10 AM – 3:00 PM: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (Grades 7–12)

  • Thursday, September 3

    • School Hours: School Picture Day (Retake Day: October 23)

  • Tuesday, September 8

    • School Fees Applied to student accounts

  • Friday, September 18

    • 7:00 PM: Homecoming Game

  • Saturday, September 19

    • Evening: Homecoming Dance

  • Mon, November 9 & Thurs, November 12

    • Evening: Parent/Teacher Conferences

  • Friday, November 13

    • All Day: Parent/Teacher Conferences (No school for students)

  • Sunday, May 23

    • 🎓 Graduation Class of 2027

  • Wednesday, May 26

    • Last Day for Students

🏫START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT…

💻 Checklist to complete before school begins 

  • Complete student record updates online at napoleon-oh.finalforms.com.

  • Pay the $25 Chromebook Insurance Fee at payschoolscentral.com.

  • Pick up your laptop on Aug 11 or Aug 24 (1:00 PM – 6:00 PM).

  • Check your schedule after Aug 20  at powerschool-grades

  • Look up Junior High School Supply List (Grades 7 & 8). High school students will receive details on specific supplies in their classes the first week of school.  

  • Review Student Handbook online.  Junior High students will receive a Datebook Agenda on the first day of school, which includes the Student Handbook as well.


⏰ DAILY BELL & BUILDING HOURS

  • Main Office Hours: 7:45 AM – 3:30 PM (Mon–Fri)

  • Doors Open: 7:45 AM (Front & Rear Concourse)

  • School Day: 8:10 AM – 3:00 PM (8-Period Schedule)

  • Drop-off / Pick-up: Wildcat Drive in front of HS (One-way traffic. Avoid BOE & Visitor lots during arrival/dismissal).

  • Four County Bus: Departs promptly at 8:10 AM, returns around 3:15 PM.

🥪 LUNCH: Accounts & Assistance


🔔 ATTENDANCE: Policies & Guidelines

  • Reporting Absences: Call 419-599-1050 by 8:30 AM on each day of absence.

  • Absence Cap: Ohio law permits up to 65 hours of absences per year with parent notes/calls. Official documentation (doctor note, funeral card, court document) is required once 65 hours are reached.

  • Tardies & Dismissals: 3 unexcused tardies may result in assigned consequences. Custodial parent approval is required prior to early release; students must sign out in the main office. This includes our students who are over 18; parent contact is required.

  • Review current school district attendance policy located in the Student Handbook on NAS website. 

  • Contact District Attendance Officer BJ Horner at 419-599-1050 or bhorner@napoleonareaschools.org for any questions or concerns with attendance.

🎒 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: POLICY HIGHLIGHTS

Complete details on District School Policy are available in the Student Handbook at njshs.napoleonareaschools.org/ under OTHER RESOURCES

📱 Cell Phones/Electronics (OH House Bill 96)

  • Zero Phones During School Hours (8:10 AM – 3:00 PM): Cell phones and personal communication devices must be powered off and stored in lockers.

  • Exceptions: Approved medical monitoring (doctor's note required), IEP/504 accommodations, or explicit teacher permission for instructional tasks.

  • Emergency Contact: Parents can reach students directly through the Main Office.

🎒 Backpack Policy

  • Backpacks, bookbags, and large bags are NOT permitted in classrooms.

  • Store bags in your assigned locker upon arrival; retrieve them at dismissal.

Lockers & Personal Items

  • Lockers are school property. Lockers are subject to search upon reasonable suspicion.

  • Keep lockers clean and do not share them. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Automobiles & Student Parking

  • Licensed students MUST park in the rear student lot or along Briarheath Ave.

  • No Parking for Students at any time in Visitor lots, Staff lots or on Wildcat Drive.


🗣️ COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER

Keeping Current & Staying informed

👥 Have a Concern, Issue or Compliment?

For classroom, academic, or athletic concerns, please follow this 3-Step Communication Process:

  1. Direct Contact: Reach out to the teacher, advisor, or coach first. Be sure to give time to respond.  Remember our teachers and coaches are busy with students or jobs during the day.

  2. Building Admin: If unresolved, contact the Principal, Assistant Principal or Athletic Director

  3. District Office: If further resolution is needed, contact the Board Office.

🛡️ SAFETY & THE WILDCAT WAY

  • PBIS Core Values: At NJSHS, we live by the Wildcat Way: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe.  Check out the Student Handbook for more details.

  • Visitor Policy: All visitors must report directly to the main office to sign in. All exterior doors remain locked during the school day.  Please park in oval visitor lot and come in via the front glass doors.

  • Safer Ohio School Tip Line: Anonymous 24/7 safety reporting for threats, bullying, or self-harm concerns.

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:  For free confidential support-anytime

    • 📞 Call/Text:  988

    • 🌐 Webform:  https://988lifeline.org/

🏆 GET INVOLVED: Clubs & Athletics

Co-Curriculars & Clubs:  Student Advisory Board (ABC) • National Honor Society • Quiz Bowl • DECA • Envirothon • Spanish Club • French Club • HIOY • N Club • Student Council • Thespian Club • Art League • Speech • Writing Society • Marching Band • Yearbook •  Class Officers • Newspaper

Varsity & Club Sports:  Baseball • Softball • Basketball • Soccer • Bowling • Swimming • Cheerleading • Tennis • Cross Country • Track & Field • Diving • Volleyball • Football • Water Polo • Golf • Wrestling • Gymnastics • Esports

📋 2026–2027 SCHOOL FEE SCHEDULE

Fees are assessed starting Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Payments can be made online via PaySchools Central or in the Main Office.

  • General & Technology Fees

    • Junior High (Grades 7–8): $30.00 (Includes agenda, science, art, and grade-level supplies)

    • Chromebook Insurance Assessment (Grades 7–12): $25.00

    • Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: $99.00

  • High School Art Courses

    • $25.00: Design Foundations, Drawing

    • $35.00: Ceramics, Painting, Sculpture, Senior Studio

    • $50.00: Art 1

    • $60.00: Art 2

    • $70.00: Art 3, Art 4

  • High School Health Course

    • $10.00: Health

  • High School Science Courses

    • $10.00: Physical Science, Physics, Ecology

    • $15.00: Biology

    • $20.00: Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Collegiate Chemistry

    • $25.00: Anatomy & Physiology

👋 Welcome New Staff Members!

  • Tina DeBord — High School ELA

  • BJ Horner — Attendance Officer

  • Dylan Unverferth — High School Health & Physical Education

☎️ CONTACTS: Administration, Office, and Guidance

Administrative Team

  • Brian Burden — Principal (7–12): brian.burden@napoleonareaschools.org

  • Joe Pennington — Assistant Principal (7–12): joe.pennington@napoleonareaschools.org

  • Christine Siebeneck — Student Services Director (7–12): csiebeneck@napoleonareaschools.org

  • Andy Ham — Athletic Director: andrew.ham@napoleonareaschools.org


Office Secretaries

  • Stacy Eberle — Main Office Secretary: seberle@napoleonareaschools.org

  • Angela Etoll — Athletic Office Secretary: angela.etoll@napoleonareaschools.org

  • Carrie Drewes — Guidance Office Secretary: carrie.drewes@napoleonareaschools.org




🎓 School Counselors

  • Grades 7–9: Mrs. Megan Gerken — mgerken@napoleonareaschools.org

  • Grades 10–12 (A–K): Mrs. Heidi Mekus — hmekus@napoleonareaschools.org

  • Grades 10–12 (L–Z): Mrs. Megan Frankart — mfrankart@napoleonareaschools.org






Let's make it a fantastic year at Napoleon Junior/Senior High School! If you have any questions before opening day, reach out to the main office at 419-599-1050.