Cherry Aly
Lancaster, OH 43110

I really struggle with how winter break is structured here. It’s especially hard for families with shared parenting, because the court splits the schedule that one parent gets the kids only until Christmas, while the other has them for the entire remainder of the break. Since Canal only allows a few days off before Christmas, it consistently works out that I get about five days with the kids, while my ex gets nearly two and a half weeks. It’s upsetting for me and for the kids, who long for more time with their mom.More broadly, the district isn't supportive of single parents who work full-time and are just trying to get by. There’s very little flexibility or understanding, even for something as minor as being a minute late in the morning. I had cancer just a few years ago and I am tired from the treatment and from working 40-50 hour weeks non-stop, with no breaks just so that I can struggle to pay for my medical debt, pay my ex-husband child support, pay for the kids sports, and also be able to buy them everything else they want and need. By contrast, Groveport felt far more parent-friendly and realistic about the challenges families are facing in this economy. Canal often feels out of touch, or structured around wealthy families with resources and stay-at-home parents which simply isn’t and never will be my reality.

My children are able to learn in a safe, bully-free environment. My children show their results in learning by their understanding and ability to read, complete projects, do math, and learn history at very young ages. I'm proud my children have the support and love of the amazing teachers in this school.

Canal Winchester High School stands out as a premier educational institution dedicated to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. The highly qualified and passionate faculty go above and beyond to provide personalized instruction, ensuring that each student reaches their full potential. The curriculum is both challenging and innovative, incorporating cutting-edge technology and offering a broad array of subjects and extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests and talents. The school’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity creates a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, promoting both academic and social-emotional well-being. Additionally, the robust extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and clubs, enrich the student experience and encourage the development of well-rounded individuals. The strong connection between the school, parents, and the local community enhances this supportive atmosphere, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future success. Canal Winchester High School is truly a beacon of excellence, providing a nurturing environment where students are empowered to excel and thrive.

I really struggle with how winter break is structured in this district. It’s especially hard for families with shared parenting, because the court splits the schedule so that one parent gets the kids only up until Christmas, while the other has them for the entire remainder of the break. Since Canal only allows a few days off before Christmas, it consistently works out that I get about five days, while my ex gets nearly two and a half weeks. It’s upsetting, not just for me, but for the kids too.More broadly, the district doesn’t feel supportive of single parents who work full-time and are just struggling to get by. There’s very little flexibility or understanding, even for something as minor as being a minute late in the morning. In contrast, Groveport felt far more parent-friendly and realistic about the challenges families are facing. Canal often feels out of touch, or structured around families with resources and stay-at-home parents—which simply isn’t my reality.