This inaugural issue of Bexley Schools' Embracing Equity newsletter highlights the important work done every day in our schools to live our mission of Learning with Curiosity, Demonstrate Kindness, and Embrace Equity.
Embracing EQUITY Bexley City Schools | Spring 2026
Belonging in Action: 100 Years of Progress, and the Work Ahead
IN THIS ISSUE • Reflecting on 100 years, and what comes next • Honoring Lella Pullens and a legacy that opened doors • Celebrating Black History Month across our schools • Supporting every learner, every day • Building connection through food and shared experience
A member of One Bexley enjoys the beautiful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, performed by the Bexley High School symphonia and vocal ensemble to open the 2026 State of the Community event on Feb. 25.
The Next 100 Years As we reflect on 100 years of progress in Bexley City Schools, we are reminded that belonging is not something we inherit. It is something we build. Nearly a century ago, Lella Pullens became the first Black graduate of Bexley High School. Her achievement marked an important moment in our district’s history and serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to open doors for others. Today, our work continues. We ask ourselves: How do we ensure every student feels seen, heard and valued? What does equity require of us now? How do we create a school community where every student knows they belong? Equity is not defined by a single program or moment. It is reflected in the opportunities we create, the voices we elevate and the care we show each day. It is how we respond when students face challenges, how we support one another and how we continue to grow as a community. The next 100 years in Bexley City Schools will be shaped by our commitment to belonging in action. This means ensuring every student has the support, opportunity and sense of connection they need to thrive.
by Jason Fine Superintendent of Schools
Lella Pullens: Opening the Door In 1924, an 18-year-old young woman placed a short advertisement in the Columbus Dispatch. She was new to the city and looking for work with a family who would allow her to attend school. “I am a stranger here and would like to complete my education,” the ad read. Her name was Lella Fratona Pullens. Just two years later, in 1926, Pullens made history as the first Black student to graduate from Bexley High School. Pullens came to Ohio from Nashville, where she grew up after being born in Mississippi. Seeking opportunity, she worked as a domestic servant in the home of Columbus attorney and real estate developer Corwin A. Fergus on Brentwood Road. Because the Fergus family lived in Bexley, Pullens was able to enroll in Bexley Schools. She entered Bexley High School as a junior in 1924 and graduated two years later in a class of about 40 students. Pullens was the only Black student in the class. Like many of her classmates, she hoped to attend The Ohio State University and become a kindergarten teacher. After graduation, Pullens returned to Nashville, where she married Maylon Rhodes and started a family. Her life was short; she died in 1933 at age 26 after contracting tuberculosis. Although little is known about her day-to-day experience in Bexley, Pullens’ achievement marked an important moment in the district’s history. By earning her diploma in 1926, she opened the door for the generations of Bexley students of color who would follow. Nearly a century later, her story reminds us that belonging begins with opportunity, and that each step forward helps create a more welcoming future for the students who come next.
Historical research for this article was conducted by Bexley resident, historian, and BHS teacher Dr. Scott King-Owen.
Honoring Black History, Inspiring the Future
Black History Month provided an opportunity for students across Bexley City Schools to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history and future.
student-led activities and schoolwide initiatives that highlighted the impact of Black leaders, innovators and change makers. Dedicated time to recognize and honor these contributions helps ensure that the stories and experiences of Black Americans remain an essential part of how students understand our shared history and the future they are helping to shape.
Across all five Bexley City schools, students and school communities engaged in assemblies, classroom learning,
Bexley Staff and Students Celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month Door Decorating Contest Bexley Middle School students and staff celebrated Black History Month with a door decorating contest that highlighted messages of history, culture and unity. The winning door, created by Mrs. (Señora) Maria Zeman, featured the message “I Choose to Love, Not Hate,” reflecting the spirit of the month and the importance of kindness, respect and understanding.
Kelly Starling Lyons Inspires Young Readers Elementary students at Montrose, Cassingham and Maryland welcomed children’s author Kelly Starling Lyons for special Black History Month assemblies celebrating stories, identity and perseverance. Students sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and explored Lyons’ books featuring Black protagonists. Kindergarten and first-grade students also received a copy of her Ty’s Travels series to take home. Community Voices Panel Community leaders shared their lived experiences as African American residents of Bexley and Ohio during a special panel discussion. Speakers included State Senator Hearcel Craig, State Representative Dontavius Jarrells, Bexley Chamber of Commerce President Bryan Drewry, OSU Professor Dr. Eva George and Bexley Athletic Coordinator Carleton McGrady.
Equity is not only about celebration. It is about response. It is about what happens when conflict arises, when a student struggles or when a family faces something difficult. When young people are learning how to navigate differences. At Bexley City Schools, supporting every learner means building systems of care, connection and compassion. It also means continually listening to students about how we can do better. Supporting Every Learner
Learning Across Borders Maryland Elementary and Bexley Middle School welcomed five educators from Brazil as part of a Rotary-sponsored exchange. Hosted by teachers Margaret Cieply and Crystal Carley, the visit included classroom tours and student-led presentations highlighting academics, wellness supports and cultural projects. The experience reinforced an important lesson for students: culture is something we share and learn from, and connection extends beyond borders.
Belonging starts early, and it grows when older students model it for younger ones and for the broader community. Service That Connects Generations On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, members of the Bexley High School Key Club and adviser Marybeth Motasem spent their day of service creating art alongside adults with disabilities at the PAL Chrysalis Health Center in Gahanna. Inspired by Dr. King’s reminder that “everybody can serve,” students honored his legacy through creativity, connection and shared experience.
Building Understanding Through Restorative Practices When conflict happens, students are learning that punishment is not the only path forward. Through student-led restorative practices, students take an active role in building community, navigating conflict and taking responsibility for repair. Just before the school year began, six high school students who are members of the Culture Climate Council participated in a three-day Student-Led Restorative Practices training. The training provided a leadership opportunity for students to learn how to lead and facilitate restorative circles while developing skills in self-regulation, metacognition, active listening, empathy, accountability and responsibility. Through this experience, students are building their own capacity, and helping build it in others, to strengthen relationships, foster belonging and support a more connected school community.
Demonstrating kindness is a pillar of Bexley Schools’ mission — and students continue to show that service strengthens understanding.
Scan the QR code to hear directly from students about how restorative practices are shaping a more connected school community.
When One Student’s Story Becomes Ours
Supporting every learner also means standing beside families during life’s hardest moments. On World Sanfilippo Awareness Day, Maryland Elementary staff wore purple to celebrate Oliver, a joyful fourth grader living with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that primarily affects children. His parents and sister joined the celebration, making the day especially meaningful. Each year on Nov. 16, families and schools around the world raise awareness and honor the strength of those affected by Sanfilippo. At Maryland, the day was a reminder that when one student’s family faces something difficult, the community shows up.
Belonging in Action: “No Place for Hate” Across Bexley Schools
This school year, Bexley City Schools again earned the No Place for Hate designation, reflecting a districtwide commitment to building belonging, addressing bias, and fostering positive school climates. Across all buildings, students and staff led activities promoting kindness, inclusion, and connection. These efforts included World Kindness Day, Start with Hello Week, cultural celebrations, service projects, and classroom-based learning focused on empathy and understanding. Together, these efforts mark a strong second year of participation and a shared commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and connected.
Equity in action means every student — regardless of need, circumstance or ability — knows they are not alone.
Breaking Bread, Building Bridges At Bexley High School, equity is not only discussed. It is experienced. Through the Healthy Cuisine program, students are exploring the connections between food, culture and community in a project titled Breaking Bread. The initiative connects students with members of Central Ohio’s immigrant community, allowing them to hear firsthand how personal journeys, cultural traditions and faith shape the way people gather and eat. Healthy Cuisine teacher Marybeth Motasem invited local immigrant restaurant owners to share their stories. One owner described moving from Dubai to Columbus and opening his restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained the importance of Halal food in Islam and how religious beliefs guide food preparation. Students also learned about Ramadan and how fasting from sunrise to sunset shifts throughout the year. In class, students examined concepts such as food sovereignty, food deserts and food apartheid, studying how access to fresh food varies across neighborhoods and affects health outcomes. The project’s next phase moves from learning to service. Students are preparing a “Welcome to America” experience for 19 immigrant families from Haiti, Tanzania and Afghanistan. They will design meals tailored to each family’s culture and dietary needs and create a cooking video and translated recipe to deliver alongside the ingredients. “Food connects people in ways we don’t always think about,” said Hazel Lee a BHS 9th grader. “Hearing someone’s story and then cooking something that reflects their culture makes it feel real. It makes you think differently about what belonging means.” Through this work, students are learning that sharing a meal can also mean sharing understanding, and building a more inclusive community in the process.
“I am a stranger here and would like to complete my education.” — Lella Fratona Pullens, Class of 1926
Today, Bexley students continue the work she began, building a community where every learner is seen, heard and valued.
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