Pike County K-6 Heart for Art students participated in a recycled art workshop with artist Eric Marlow. Mr. Marlow shared his artwork with them and led them to create their art with recycled materials. Thank you to the Ohio Arts Council for making this experience possible through their generous grant!
The Ross-Pike ESD has the following positions currently available for the 2025-2026 school year:
School Psychologist placed at Southeastern Local Schools
School Psychologist placed at Union-Scioto Local Schools
High School Classroom Aide placed at Eastern High School
Speech and Language Pathologist for Ross-Pike Districts
*Interested candidates should email Ed Dickens, Asst. Superintendent at edickens@rpesd.org
Congratulations 2025 Pike County Jr. High Quiz Bowl Winners!
1st Place: Eastern Jr. High coached by Erika Tuuri
2nd Place: Western Jr. High coached by Rebecca Fite
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 High School Quiz Bowl Tournament!
First Place: Eastern High School coached by Kathy Osborne
Second Place: Waverly High School coached by Danielle Penrod
Congratulations to our 2025 Pike County Spelling Bee Winners!
1st Place: Zain Brigner (Eastern)
2nd Place: Isabelle Lapp (Piketon)
3rd Place: Mattylynn McKee (Eastern
Congratulations to our Ross County Spelling Bee Winners!
1st Place: Addison Hughes (Adena)
2nd Place: Allison Ashcraft (Adena)
3rd Place: Daniel Leachman (Zane Trace)
The Ross-Pike ESD is raising money for Autism resources for students in our districts through our annual T-Shirt fundraiser. Purchase yours today on the RPESD webstore or through a Ross-Pike ESD Supervisor.
Order and money for the shirt is due by March 13th.
Cost: $20.00
Sizes: Small- 5X available.
Last day to order: March 13th
www.rpesd.org
Congratulations to the Winners of the Pike County Quiz Bowl Tournament!
On Tuesday, March 4th, some of the brightest students in Pike County competed in the Pike County 6th grade Quiz Bowl Tournament, showcasing their knowledge, teamwork, and quick reflexes!
Waverly took home 1st place, led by their coach, Dawn Smith, and Eastern secured 2nd place, with coaching from Kim Brown, after five hard-fought rounds of competition!
Congratulations to all the students, coaches, and schools who participated. Your hard work and dedication made this an exciting and competitive event. Thank you to everyone who supported these outstanding students and helped make this tournament a success!
Today art educators and artists from Pike and Ross County gathered at the Pike ESD office to evaluate student portfolios for gifted identification! The artwork and discussions were amazing! Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this happen for our talented students!
Our talented Pike County gifted visual art students in grades 7-12 had an inspiring day in the studio, exploring the art of portraiture with the incredible visiting artist Miriam Baranov! This workshop was made possible through a grant from our friends at the Ohio Arts Council.
Under Miriam's guidance, students learned about proportion, expression, light, and shadow. Their creativity and hard work showed as they worked on their art with a live model. We also had some special guests from the Unioto gifted art program come and join us!
We’re so proud of our students and grateful to Miriam for sharing her expertise and passion. Thank you to the Pike CTC for allowing us to use your wonderful space today!
Ross Pike ESD is currently seeking individuals for paraprofessionals at Zane Trace and Pickaway Ross CTC. Interested applicants should contact Lynn Cowman at lcowman@rpesd.org for the Zane Trace position and Tricia Crawford at tcrawford@rpesd.org for the CTC position.
We will be closed Wednesday, January 8, 2025
The Ross-Pike ESD offices will be closed Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Our offices will be closed tomorrow, January 6, 2025.
The Ross-Pike ESD is proud to announce that our preschool program at Pickaway-Ross CTC has achieved a Gold Rating for Step Up To Quality from the Ohio Department of Children & Youth! We are now rated Gold at all 9 of our preschool locations.
Yesterday, our 7th and 8th grade Piketon students in the Gifted Program led by their teacher Amanda Entler had an incredible opportunity to visit the BCI Lab in Dayton as a culminating field trip following their BCI Forensics Unit! A huge thank you to Malorie Kulp, DNA Lab Supervisor, for leading our tour and giving students a firsthand look into the fascinating world of forensic science. Students participated in a variety of hands-on experiences such as:
Fingerprint Lab: Students observed a technician working on identifying and matching fingerprints from a suspect, showcasing the precision and skill needed in this field.
Firearms and Ballistics Lab: A lab technician performed a firearms test, firing five shots and then analyzing the bullets and shell casings. The lab supervisor explained how they use these tests to match evidence from crime scenes.
Chemistry Lab: Students learned how substances are tested and how criminals try to evade detection by altering chemical compositions—an eye-opening look at the challenges faced by forensic chemists.
DNA Lab: Malorie walked us through the process of DNA extraction, analysis, and its critical role in matching suspects or solving cold cases with the latest technology.
It was an inspiring day for our students, who gained valuable insights into careers in forensic science. Thank you to the BCI staff for an unforgettable experience!
*photographs were not permitted inside the building so these photos are from some of the classroom unit activities.
#GiftedProgram #ForensicScience #InspiringFutures
Now hiring full-time attendants for students in our multiage k-5 classrooms in Ross County. Must have a high school diploma/GED, pass background checks, and have the ability to obtain an educational aide permit. In addition, you will need a passing score on the state of Ohio paraprofessional assessment (given by ESC) OR the equivalent of a 2-year associate degree or higher with official transcripts. Contact Lynn Cowman at lcowman@rpesd.org for more information and to set up an interview.
Last Friday, Western students in the gifted program wrapped up their Simple Machines unit with an exciting trip to Urban Air Trampoline Park! Led by their teacher, April McDonald, they explored real-world examples of levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws, and wheels and axles in action—all while having a blast bouncing, climbing, and learning. It was the perfect opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios, seeing firsthand how simple machines make work easier in fun and practical ways!
Today, our talented Pike County Masters of Music students (grades K-6) embarked on a musical journey through time with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They experienced the captivating rhythms of riverboat melodies and the iconic sounds that have shaped Cincinnati's rich musical heritage. After the performance, students had the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the conductor, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the art form. We are deeply grateful to the Ohio Arts Council for making these inspiring music and art field trips possible!
