Pioneer News

Welcome back to school!

This time of year brings with it a wave of emotions for students and parents alike -- exhilaration to trepidation, and everything in between.

A new school year is invigorating and for staff of the Elyria Schools, it fosters a sense of great excitement and joy.

We kickstart each new year in the district by first welcoming back our teachers and staff during our Opening Day convocation, which is an all-staff gathering at Elyria High's Performing Arts Center.

Often we have a guest presenter who speaks to the goals we've set as a district and the culture of our organization as a whole. This year we welcomed author and former Superintendent of Fall Creek School District, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, who's gained a following for his dynamic, inspirational style of school leadership and relationship building skills with students, staff and community.

On Opening Day, Joe bounded onto the stage and instantly grabbed the attention of everyone in the room. He told personal stories and shared experiences in education that everyone could relate to. His passion and enthusiasm were irresistible, and his message was compelling.

He talked about connections, and how each one of us makes an impact on every life we touch.

He said, “Every interaction matters because every interaction could be the one they talk about for the rest of their lives.”

Dr. Joe had lots more to say, of course, but key to it all was a message of intentionality: being intentional in how we interact and relate to people, and most especially to our students. He said, “The fact is simply this…you will be remembered, the only question is how.”

The message hit home. And it led all of us in the room to the simple concept of joyfulness—beginning and ending each day with joy.

So, I want to wholeheartedly welcome you to a new school year, and to wish you a most joyful experience filled with laughter, love and learning.

We are quite intentional in creating a culture of positivity in the Elyria Schools and sharing the joy of our work and the successes of our students.

It’s our hope that you’ll share in the joy and keep us with us throughout the school year and even attend some of the many public activities and happenings that we host. You’ll find our full calendar of events at www.elyriaschools.org, or you can follow us on social media.

Welcome back and have a joy-filled year. And Go Pioneers!

Ann Schloss

Superintendent

School supplies. Check.

First day of school. Check.

Meet new teachers at open house. Check.

You've already conquered some of the early essential elements of going back to school but there may be a few more items to check off the list.

Free, reduced-price meals

Have you completed a free and reduced-price meal application? You'll find a link to complete this process electronically here through PaySchools Central. It's quick, risk-free and confidential. All families are encouraged to complete the form.

PaySchools Central links right from the district's website, which makes managing your child's meal account easy-peasy! You can check school meal account balances and add funds instantly from the PaySchools Central page.

From the district website, you can also keep up with a our monthly school breakfast and lunch menus. Aramark Foodservice will offer an array of meal combinations coming this school year, with new hot selections that students will no-doubt warm right up to. Stay tuned for more on this in coming issues of Pioneer News.

Back-to-school forms

The year is officially underway and your child's back-to-school form must be completed to ensure that we have their essential home and emergency contact information current in our system. You can make quick work of this required process through the parent portal of PowerSchool.

If throughout the year your child's address, phone number or emergency contact information changes, please notify your school's main office as soon as possible so staff members can make the necessary updates.

Text Message Sign Up

One way to ensure you never miss an important announcement from the Elyria City School District is to sign up for instant messaging by text.

The service is free and opting in is easy.

Parents or guardians simply need to send a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our district's short code number at 67587.

Just as simple, you can opt out at any time by replying to one of our messages with “Stop.”

The text feature and the robocall system are tied directly to a student's contact information so it's crucial to keep this information up-to-date to ensure you continue receiving calls and/or texts from Elyria Schools.

Now the school year is underway, just a quick reminder that hoods may not be worn up during the school day.

The Student Code of Conduct offers guidance on attire. Clothing must be school appropriate and may not present a health or safety hazard or disrupt the educational environment. Pants and tops must fit properly and be in good repair. Crop tops are not permitted.

Additionally, footwear must be school appropriate--slippers and slipper socks are not permitted. Blankets also may not be worn in school.

Students may bring their cell phones to school but they must be turned off and put away during the day unless they are used as a part of a teacher-directed lesson in class.

Parents may contact their school's main office to reach their student during the school day.

The Elyria City School District Office of Communications earned an Award of Excellence for Petey Podcast in the 2023 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards contest through the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

The Communications team also earned awards in the areas of branding and marketing, and in video production.

Find all of our content in one easy place right here, and on our website, and find Petey Podcast anywhere you go for podcast media!

Email: ask@elyriaschools.org
Website: www.elyriaschools.org
Location: 42101 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH, USA
Phone: 440-284-8000
Facebook: facebook.com/elyriacityschools
Twitter: @twitter_elyriaschools