We have just finished our first quarter and there is so much to celebrate across Mayfield City Schools! From exciting learning experiences in our classrooms to accomplishments on the athletic fields and upcoming performances, our Wildcats are making the most of every opportunity.
As we continue to SAY YES, our students and staff have jumped into the school year with a renewed focus on growth, goal setting, and embracing new possibilities.
Our UNDEFEATED Wildcats Are Heading to the Playoffs!
It is official! Our undefeated Mayfield Wildcats football team has clinched a postseason berth and earned a first-round bye in the OHSAA Division II, Region 5 Tournament. The Wildcats are awaiting the winner of Wadsworth and North Royalton and will host their second-round matchup at Wildcat Stadium on Friday, November 6. Congratulations to our players and coaches on an outstanding season so far. We look forward to cheering you on as the postseason continues!
The Arts Take Center Stage: MHS presents "Little Women" Nov. 20-22
Our talented Mayfield High School students are preparing to bring Little Women - The Broadway Musical to the stage November 20–22. We look forward to seeing our students' hard work, creativity, and dedication shine in this upcoming production. Mark your calendars and plan to join us in supporting our Wildcats in the arts!
Celebrating 100 Years of Gates Mills Elementary
The rich tradition of Mayfield City Schools will be celebrated as Gates Mills Elementary School marks its 100th anniversary! For a century, Gates Mills Elementary has been an important part of our community, creating lasting memories and providing generations of students with a foundation for learning and growth.
Join us on Saturday, November 21, at StoneWater as we celebrate 100 years of Gates Mills Elementary, honor its remarkable legacy, and recognize the students, staff, families, and community members who have helped shape its history. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together!
As we look ahead to the months to come, I encourage you to stay connected, celebrate our students' accomplishments, and continue to be part of the incredible Mayfield community. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students, staff, and schools. Together, we will continue to pave the path for every student to learn, grow, and succeed.
Every Student. Every Day.
Go Wildcats!
We Say Yes, Mayfield.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael J. Barnes
Superintendent
Mayfield City Schools
MAYFIELD CITY SCHOOLS 5-STAR RATING
Mayfield City Schools is starting the new school year with top marks, earning an overall 5-star rating on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce State Report Card released September 15, 2026.
About Mayfield City Schools - Beyond the Report Card
Mayfield City Schools is committed to providing innovative, personalized learning experiences that prepare every student for success in an ever-changing world. Guided by its commitment to Every Student. Every Day., the district continues to focus on academic excellence, student growth, innovation and preparing students for their future.
For more information about our district and achievements beyond the State Report Card, please read our latest Quality Profile. 2025_26 MAYFIELD QUALITY PROFILE
ABOUT MAYFIELD SCHOOLS - Beyond the Report Card
Mayfield City Schools is committed to providing innovative, personalized learning experiences that prepare every student for success in an ever-changing world. Guided by its commitment to Every Student. Every Day., the district continues to focus on academic excellence, student growth, innovation and preparing students for their future.
For more information about our district and achievements beyond the State Report Card, please read our latest Quality Profile. 2025_26 MAYFIELD QUALITY PROFILE
BOARD OF EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
Millridge Elementary / October 2026
This month we feature Millridge Elementary students, teachers and staff sharing how WE SAY YES!
Millridge Elementary will be the Building Spotlight at the regular meeting of the Board of Education Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 5:30 pm at Millridge Elementary, 962 Millridge Road, Highland Heights, Ohio.
THANK YOU, PRINCIPALS
HERE’S TO OUR MAYFIELD PRINCIPALS! Thank you for all that you do for our students, teachers, staff, parents and community!
MAYFIELD WILDCATS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLARS
Mayfield City Schools is proud to announce three Mayfield High School Wildcats have been named National Merit Commended Students! Congratulations to: MHS Seniors - Andrew B. • Jenna I. • Sri-Krishna P.
National Merit Commended Students are high-scoring participants in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program, placing among the top 3% to 4% of students nationwide.
WE SAY YES STORIES: MHS BAKER’S DOZEN
New Baking Club Becomes a Lesson In Leadership
Because sometimes, all it takes is a little softened butter and a teacher willing to Start With Yes.
What started with one student, one baking assignment and a batch of cookies that didn’t quite turn out has grown into a new opportunity for Mayfield High School students to learn, lead and create together.
Mayfield High School math teacher Katie McCartney, founder of the Mayfield High School Baker’s Dozen Club, first connected with Bansari Patel, MHS Class of 2026, two years ago when Bansari was assigned a baking project in her 10th-grade Spanish class.
There was just one problem: Bansari didn’t know the butter needed to be softened.
The cookies kinda crumbled, but what could have been a baking mishap became a “Start With Yes” moment. Miss McCartney took the opportunity to teach Bansari how to bake. During Bansari’s sophomore and junior years, the two spent time together baking cookies, zucchini bread, cakes and more. That simple investment of time, encouragement and guidance helped Bansari grow into a confident baker and leader.
And that experience became the inspiration for something bigger.
Today, the Baker’s Dozen Club is creating those same opportunities for current Mayfield students.
At the club’s first meeting, more than 15 students worked alongside three experienced MHS student leaders - seniors Alexa R and Sofia K and junior Vidhi P. to make three batches of chocolate chip cookies.
“The kitchen became the classroom,” said Miss McCartney, who teaches AP Pre-Calculus, Algebra 2 Honors and Geometry when she’s not baking. “The students aren’t just learning to bake something from scratch, they’re learning Portrait skills like how to follow directions, problem-solve, communicate, collaborate and the process of trial and error.”
The Challenge: Keeping the Pantry Full
The club’s biggest challenge is funding basic pantry items such as flour, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Miss McCartney has generously covered some costs herself, and the MHS Friendship Club last school year supported a heart-themed cookie project in collaboration with Kathy Morgan’s special needs class.
The Mayfield Alumni Association also recently donated $500 to support the Baker’s Dozen Club.
“We try to help academic and extracurricular groups as often as we can,” said Wayne Farinacci, president of the Mayfield Alumni Association. “It's heartwarming that Katie has taken the time to organize a club like this for our students.”
While students may say they joined the Baker’s Dozen Club for the sweets, they are discovering something much more valuable: real-world skills, confidence, leadership and the power of someone simply saying, “Yes, let’s try.”
Do you have a START WITH YES STORY? Contact the Office of Community Relations 440-995-7222 or luhlir@mayfieldschools.org
TRUNK OR TREAT BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER
The Mayfield Preschool Trunk or Treat was spooktacular fun for our littlest ghosts and goblins, families and community supporters. A special thanks to all of our donors: Dairy Queen, Bremec Garden Centers, Foster's Homemade Ice Cream, Master Pizza, Mayfield Alumni, Mayfield Library, Patterson's Fruit Farm, Drug Mart, Alladin's, Romeo's Pizza, & Corbo's Bakery.
Little Women The Broadway Musical arrives at MHS
November 20-22, 2026
MAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL presents "Little Women - The Broadway Musical"
Nov. 20-21 at 7 pm and Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
A special screening for senior adults who reside in the Mayfield School District will be Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
The link to purchase tickets will be posted soon on www.MayfieldVocalMusic.org.
Adults - $15
Students, Children, & Senior Citizens - $10
NEW: Tickets are specific admission, not general admission as we’ve done in the past. You pick your specific seat when you purchase the ticket.
HONOR CHOIR FESTIVAL
The Ohio Music Education Association District 4 and District 7 Honor Choir Festival brought together top singers from across the greater Cleveland area for a special weekend of choral music. Seven Mayfield students earned the distinct privilege of participating in the 2026 festival, held at Cleveland State University. Participation required an immense amount of preparation, talent, and dedication.
Singing alongside hundreds of voices and working with two inspiring guest conductors, our students returned energized and inspired to bring their experience back to their own school ensembles.
Congratulations to Danielle F., Katya B., Adam A., Zoe S., Maddie B., Camille P., and Chrys C. on this outstanding achievement!
MMS UNDEFEATED
Gr 7-8 Suburban League Champions
MMS CHAMPIONS! UNDEFEATED! Congratulations to our Mayfield Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Wildcats, SUBURBAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
Both teams finished their seasons undefeated, with impressive 8-0 records!
Congratulations to our outstanding Wildcats, Coach Stephens, Coach Parker, our assistant coaches and the families who supported our teams throughout the season. Your hard work, teamwork and dedication made this an unforgettable Wildcat season.
THE BEST & THE BRIGHTEST
Mayfield City Schools Hosts Inaugural College Summit
THE BEST & THE BRIGHTEST: Mayfield City Schools Hosts Inaugural College Summit
Mayfield City Schools is building connections with the next generation of educators. The district recently hosted its first annual College Summit, welcoming representatives from colleges and universities across Ohio to explore the opportunities, innovative programs, and outstanding learning environment that make Mayfield a great place to work and learn.
College representatives toured Mayfield Middle School, Mayfield Center Elementary School, and Mayfield High School, gaining firsthand insight into the district’s innovative programs, dedicated staff, students, and community.
The summit was designed to showcase the strengths of Mayfield City Schools while building meaningful partnerships with colleges and universities that prepare future educators.
"By strengthening these relationships, the district aims to establish connections with talented, passionate, and highly qualified candidates when teaching opportunities become available," said Mayfield City Schools Human Resources Director Paul Destino.
“Through this initiative, Mayfield City Schools is taking a proactive approach to educator recruitment, encouraging our college partners to recommend their best and brightest future teachers for opportunities within the district."
The inaugural College Summit represents another step in the district’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and investing in the future of education
MAYFIELD CITY SCHOOLS: Architects of Learning
Reimagining Differentiation
What if we differentiated the learning experience itself?
Mayfield City Schools Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Legan and Mayfield High School Principal Brian Linn took that question to the national AASA EdLeader Promise Conference, sharing how Mayfield is reimagining differentiation by putting students at the center of learning.
"By connecting students’ interests, strengths and needs with teachers, community partners and flexible learning experiences, Mayfield is creating more opportunities for students to take ownership of their education," Mr. Legan explained. "It's not less rigor. It's more agency."ts.
Celebrating 100 Years of Gates Mills Elementary
It’s time to celebrate our history, tradition and legacy as Gates Mills Elementary School reaches a remarkable milestone - 100 years of educating, inspiring and shaping generations of students.
For a century, Gates Mills Elementary has been more than a school. It has been a place where children have learned, friendships have formed, and traditions have been created.
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of Gates Mills Elementary and honor the students, families, educators, staff and community members who have helped to build a proud Mayfield City Schools tradition at Gates Mills Elementary School.
CUBS CLUB
"Where every Wildcat Starts Their Journey"
At Mayfield, we believe every child deserves a strong start. Through Cubs Club and our partnership with Footsteps2Brilliance, we empower families and prepare young children in our community with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond. Together, we’re building the foundation for lifelong learning, for every child, every day - the Mayfield Way.
Research shows that regular attendance is one of the key factors in a child’s academic success. When students miss school, they miss valuable instruction, collaboration with peers, and learning experiences that simply cannot be replicated outside the classroom.
In the state of Ohio, a student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of the school year—for any reason, whether absences are excused or unexcused. It’s important to remember that absences are measured in minutes, not just days, so even partial-day absences can add up quickly.
To put this in perspective:
Missing just 10% of the school year — about 2 days each month — adds up to nearly a month of lost learning.
Students who miss 10% or more of school (around 18 days a year) lose the equivalent of almost 4 weeks of instruction.
Even a few absences each month can quickly add up — a student absent 2 days a month misses over 120 hours of class time in a year.
10% absenteeism = 1 month of lost instruction; 20% absenteeism = 2 months of lost instruction.
We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable, such as when a child is ill. However, whenever possible, we encourage families to schedule doctor’s appointments, dental visits, and other commitments outside of school hours. Every minute in the classroom contributes to your child’s growth and success.
Our goal is to partner with families to support consistent attendance and address any barriers that may arise. Beginning this quarter, families will receive a weekly notification each Friday showing their child’s total number of absences for the school year, along with their attendance percentage as it relates to chronic absenteeism.
If you need any support for your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor, principal, or classroom teacher. We are here to help and want to work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to helping every student thrive.
Together, we can make every day of learning count.
COMMUNITY COMMUNICATIONS
We want to communicate with ALL of our residents!
STAY CONNECTED: Sign up for Mayfield City Schools Communications - Community Members without students
At Mayfield City Schools, our stakeholders include you – our residents of Gates Mills , Mayfield Village, Mayfield Heights, Highland Heights.
As part of our ongoing community outreach and engagement, we would like to invite community members without students to sign up through our Parent Square platform to receive communications from Mayfield City Schools, including Your Mayfield Schools newsletter, Quality Profile, Mayfield Monthly, and district events.
Click the link below to join our Community Communications.
