A Message to Our Eastern Community
Over the weekend, concerns were shared publicly and brought to our attention regarding an incident involving students in our district. I want our families, students, staff, and community to know that we take these concerns seriously.
Racial slurs, harassment, bullying, and physical violence have no place in our schools or athletic programs. When concerns are brought to our attention, it is our responsibility to look into them, determine what occurred, and respond appropriately.
As we address this situation, we must also remember that we unfortunately cannot control everything another person may say or do. Our kids will encounter difficult people and difficult situations throughout their lives. What we can control is how we respond. Part of our job as educators and parents is to help young people learn how to handle those difficult situations.
No student should accept harassment, racial comments, bullying, or physical mistreatment. Those behaviors need to be reported, investigated, and addressed.
I believe something that I have shared many times during my career: schools are made up of people, and people are imperfect. Students will make mistakes. Teachers and coaches will make mistakes. Principals and superintendents will make mistakes.
I believe we are all flawed people. That isn't an excuse for poor behavior or a reason to lower our expectations. To me, it means we should be willing to acknowledge when we fall short, make things right when we can, learn from it, and try to be better tomorrow than we were today.
We want our students to leave Eastern better prepared to handle adversity, treat others with dignity and respect, take responsibility for their actions, and hopefully become better people than we are.
Our staff makes a concerted effort each year to communicate expectations through multiple meetings with students and parents. We will continue to do so in the future, and we will explore ways to do this even more frequently and effectively.
Because this situation involves students, there are details we simply cannot discuss publicly. I understand that can be frustrating. Our inability to publicly discuss individual students, investigations, or disciplinary matters should not be interpreted as a lack of concern or a lack of action.
We will continue to listen, investigate concerns, protect our students, hold people accountable when appropriate, and do everything we can to help our kids learn and grow.
We love the students we serve and the Eastern Local community. That will continue to guide the decisions we make.
See Something, Say Something
We also encourage all of our students and community members to let us know if you see or hear something that you believe we as a district should investigate or be aware of.
We frequently tell our students, “See something, say something.” That goes for our community as well. Please reach out if you have concerns or information that can help us make our schools safer and better places for our students.
You can contact any of our school administrators directly:
Dr. Tara Bell
Principal, K–6
740-985-3304
tbell@easternlocal.net
Garret Hall
Jr./Sr. High School Principal
740-985-3329
gahall@easternlocal.net
Brock Stewart
Athletic Director/Career Coach
Grades 7–12
740-985-3329
bstewart@easternlocal.net
Dr. Nick Dettwiller
Superintendent
740-667-6079
ndettwiller@easternlocal.net
Safer Ohio School Tip Line
Students, parents, and community members can also submit concerns through the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, which is available through the link at the bottom of every page of our district website.
https://ohioschoolsafetycenter.ohio.gov/pre-k-12-schools/safer-ohio-school-tip-line
Over the weekend, concerns were shared publicly and brought to our attention regarding an incident involving students in our district. I want our families, students, staff, and community to know that we take these concerns seriously.
Racial slurs, harassment, bullying, and physical violence have no place in our schools or athletic programs. When concerns are brought to our attention, it is our responsibility to look into them, determine what occurred, and respond appropriately.
As we address this situation, we must also remember that we unfortunately cannot control everything another person may say or do. Our kids will encounter difficult people and difficult situations throughout their lives. What we can control is how we respond. Part of our job as educators and parents is to help young people learn how to handle those difficult situations.
No student should accept harassment, racial comments, bullying, or physical mistreatment. Those behaviors need to be reported, investigated, and addressed.
I believe something that I have shared many times during my career: schools are made up of people, and people are imperfect. Students will make mistakes. Teachers and coaches will make mistakes. Principals and superintendents will make mistakes.
I believe we are all flawed people. That isn't an excuse for poor behavior or a reason to lower our expectations. To me, it means we should be willing to acknowledge when we fall short, make things right when we can, learn from it, and try to be better tomorrow than we were today.
We want our students to leave Eastern better prepared to handle adversity, treat others with dignity and respect, take responsibility for their actions, and hopefully become better people than we are.
Our staff makes a concerted effort each year to communicate expectations through multiple meetings with students and parents. We will continue to do so in the future, and we will explore ways to do this even more frequently and effectively.
Because this situation involves students, there are details we simply cannot discuss publicly. I understand that can be frustrating. Our inability to publicly discuss individual students, investigations, or disciplinary matters should not be interpreted as a lack of concern or a lack of action.
We will continue to listen, investigate concerns, protect our students, hold people accountable when appropriate, and do everything we can to help our kids learn and grow.
We love the students we serve and the Eastern Local community. That will continue to guide the decisions we make.
See Something, Say Something
We also encourage all of our students and community members to let us know if you see or hear something that you believe we as a district should investigate or be aware of.
We frequently tell our students, “See something, say something.” That goes for our community as well. Please reach out if you have concerns or information that can help us make our schools safer and better places for our students.
You can contact any of our school administrators directly:
Dr. Tara Bell
Principal, K–6
740-985-3304
tbell@easternlocal.net
Garret Hall
Jr./Sr. High School Principal
740-985-3329
gahall@easternlocal.net
Brock Stewart
Athletic Director/Career Coach
Grades 7–12
740-985-3329
bstewart@easternlocal.net
Dr. Nick Dettwiller
Superintendent
740-667-6079
ndettwiller@easternlocal.net
Safer Ohio School Tip Line
Students, parents, and community members can also submit concerns through the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, which is available through the link at the bottom of every page of our district website.
https://ohioschoolsafetycenter.ohio.gov/pre-k-12-schools/safer-ohio-school-tip-line
Curriculum Night-3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th Grade Parents
Parents we would like to invite you to attend Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 8th. Two different sessions will be offered-5:00p.m. OR 6:00p.m. This is your chance to learn everything you need to know about your child's grade and the expectations for the 2026-2027 school year. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade teachers will hold two different meetings to share important information that will help you to understand the curriculum and the work that your child will be doing this year. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session.
K-6 September Newsletter
Game Day!
Athletics schedule for 8/30-9/5
Game Day!
Game Day!
Come out and support the Lady Eagles in their season opener at home tonight at 6:00pm!
As we get ready to welcome our students back for another school year, we’re throwing it back 50 years to 1976 at Eastern!
New clothes, new classes, catching up with friends, and the excitement of another year ahead. A lot has changed in 50 years, but being an Eastern Eagle never goes out of style.
Take a look through these pictures from 1976. See anyone you recognize? Tag them in the comments and help us put some names to these faces!
We hope all of our students, staff, and families have a great first day and an even better school year.
Small School. Big Expectations.
Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle!
New clothes, new classes, catching up with friends, and the excitement of another year ahead. A lot has changed in 50 years, but being an Eastern Eagle never goes out of style.
Take a look through these pictures from 1976. See anyone you recognize? Tag them in the comments and help us put some names to these faces!
We hope all of our students, staff, and families have a great first day and an even better school year.
Small School. Big Expectations.
Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle!
Morning drop-off will follow the same system as last year. Between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m., please follow the procedures below based on your student’s grade level:
Grades K–3: Use the southern entrance, stay to the right, and pull forward as far as you can in front of the elementary before letting your student out.
Grades 7–12: Use the southern entrance, stay to the left as you enter, and drop students off along the new high school sidewalk.
Grades 4–6: Drive behind the building and drop students off at the back entrance.
For everyone’s safety, please only let students out in one of these designated areas.
When exiting, all vehicles will loop around the student parking lot. If you are heading south toward Chester, use the left lane. If you are heading north toward Tuppers Plains, use the right lane.
Preschool drop-off should not enter the parking lot until after 7:45 a.m.
Afternoon pick-up will remain the same as last year with parents coming to the doors between the two buildings.
Please allow yourself a little extra time these first few days. We typically have more drop-offs than usual and, understandably, some longer goodbyes. Please be patient and take your time.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
Bus Riders on Smith Ridge will need to meet the bus at the Bashan Firehouse at approximately 6:30 am and 3:30pm or at the Long Bottom Post Office at approximately 6:30am and 3:30pm. The change has been prompted by the road closing on Long Run Road and will be in place until repairs can be made.
Gabby Lind recently finished runner up in a TVC match at Ohio University shooting a 47. She also placed 5th place at Riverside and 6th place at Franklin Valley. Congratulations, Gabby! Keep up the good work!
Athletics schedule for 8/23-29
It's Game Day at East Shade River Stadium!
Tailgate parking opens at 3:00pm. Please drive slowly and use caution!
Live stream links:
YouTube @EaglesWJEHTV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uppqTyhXo4
WJEH Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/931-The-WOLF-RADIO-100094904236939/?scrlybrkr=a4a54fef
*For smart TV's - WOWK+ App
Radio stream:
92.1 FM
Total Media Radio App (search WYVK 92.1 Hank FM)
Tailgate Update:
Weather and field conditions permitting, the tailgate area will open at 3:00pm. Currently, the field is too wet to safely allow vehicles on it. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide an update as soon as we can.
Live stream links:
YouTube @EaglesWJEHTV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uppqTyhXo4
WJEH Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/931-The-WOLF-RADIO-100094904236939/?scrlybrkr=a4a54fef
*For smart TV's - WOWK+ App
Radio stream:
92.1 FM
Total Media Radio App (search WYVK 92.1 Hank FM)
This week we're looking back at one of the most memorable seasons in Eastern football history—the 2000 Eagles.
From TVC Championships to a State Playoff appearance, this team left a lasting legacy of hard work, toughness, and Eagle pride that continues to inspire generations of players.
Do you recognize anyone in the photos? Tag a former teammate, coach, or friend and share your favorite memory from that incredible season!
As we celebrate the past, let's also look ahead. Join us as the Eagles open the 2026 season Saturday, August 22, against Meigs at East River Shade Stadium.
Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.
From TVC Championships to a State Playoff appearance, this team left a lasting legacy of hard work, toughness, and Eagle pride that continues to inspire generations of players.
Do you recognize anyone in the photos? Tag a former teammate, coach, or friend and share your favorite memory from that incredible season!
As we celebrate the past, let's also look ahead. Join us as the Eagles open the 2026 season Saturday, August 22, against Meigs at East River Shade Stadium.
Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.
The Meigs County Food Pantry will hold its monthly food distribution on Thursday, August 20th, from 4:00-6:00 PM, or until supplies run out.
Distribution will take place at the Meigs Local Administrative Offices.
In addition to their regular food offerings, fresh produce from the Pomeroy Farmers Market will also be available.
The food distribution is the third Thursday of every month from 4:00 until supplies run out. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from this community resource.
Eastern Local is grateful for the organizations and volunteers who work to support families throughout Meigs County and help strengthen our community.
Distribution will take place at the Meigs Local Administrative Offices.
In addition to their regular food offerings, fresh produce from the Pomeroy Farmers Market will also be available.
The food distribution is the third Thursday of every month from 4:00 until supplies run out. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from this community resource.
Eastern Local is grateful for the organizations and volunteers who work to support families throughout Meigs County and help strengthen our community.
FOOTBALL TAILGATE UPDATE
We are hoping to open Tailgate parking early at 3:00pm for Saturday night's game.
Weather and field conditions permitting, the tailgate area will open at 3:00pm. Currently, the field is too wet to safely allow vehicles on it.
Please remember that our tailgate area also serves as our practice fields for our student-athletes, so we have to make sure we protect the field and avoid unnecessary damage.
We will continue to monitor conditions and provide an update as soon as we can.
Thank you for your patience and understanding! Go Eagles!
We are hoping to open Tailgate parking early at 3:00pm for Saturday night's game.
Weather and field conditions permitting, the tailgate area will open at 3:00pm. Currently, the field is too wet to safely allow vehicles on it.
Please remember that our tailgate area also serves as our practice fields for our student-athletes, so we have to make sure we protect the field and avoid unnecessary damage.
We will continue to monitor conditions and provide an update as soon as we can.
Thank you for your patience and understanding! Go Eagles!
Tonight's JH Football scrimmage will be played at Nelsonville-York High School at 7:30pm.
SCHEDULE UPDATES:
8/24 Girls Golf @ Lakeside 4:00pm
8/27 Girls Golf @ Ohio University 4:00pm
8/24 Girls Golf @ Lakeside 4:00pm
8/27 Girls Golf @ Ohio University 4:00pm