It's almost August, and the first day of school for the 2021-22 school year is quickly approaching. The first day of school is set for Thurs., Aug. 19 for grades 1-5, 6 and 9. The rest of middle and high school will begin on Fri., Aug. 20. Kindergarten will have screening dates during the first three days of school, followed by a phase-in during the next three days.

Newark City Schools now owns the former State Farm building at 1440 Granville Road after completing the purchase earlier this month. The district purchased the 350,000 square foot building for $2.2 million. Over the next couple of years, the district will centralize its preschool program, relocate NCS Digital and move the technology department to the building.

Congratulations to the students who received Academic Awards for the 4th quarter of the 2020-21 school year. Click below to find your school's awards:

The Newark High School Class of 2021 will graduate during its ceremony at 10 a.m. on Sat., May 29, at White Field. The program will stream live on the district Facebook page and the Wildcat Network's Vimeo page. It will also air on Spectrum channel 1021 later. Please click here to find a PDF of the graduation program.

The Newark High School Class of 2021 has big plans for after graduation. They're headed to the military, cosmetology school, and a variety of community colleges, four-year universities and adult education centers. They're attending schools from Pennsylvania to Texas and Michigan to Florida, with many staying local to Central Ohio. Click here to view a map of where the 2021 graduates are headed.