The 2022-23 school year is off to a great start!

• Our youngest students are getting to know their teachers, practicing safety drills, making friends, and learning new things.
• Our Middle School students are strengthening their Math and ELA schools during an expanded period.
• High School students are navigating new schedules, getting used to the new electronic hall pass system, and looking forward to all the excitement of our WHS Homecoming traditions.
• WHS Theatre Dept is planning a Fall production of Clue and is holding auditions 9/13 and 9/14.
• The Band Boosters are planning their 66th Annual Chili Supper.
• Our Athletics program is in high gear!

We hope you’ll take a few minutes to catch up on all of our Hurricane Happenings, projects we are working on, and upcoming events.

Did you know that poor attendance in early grades can make it harder for kids to gain early reading and math skills? The negative impact of poor attendance only escalates as students progress through the grades*:

• Poor attendance in early grades can make it harder for kids to gain early reading and math skills.
• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
• By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
• Missing 10%, or 2 days a month, over the course of the school year, can affect a student’s academic success.

Developing strong attendance habits will help your child build habits that will help them successfully navigate college and career. Check out the helpful information and tips from Attendance Works:

• Preschool and Kindergarten (pdf)
• Elementary (pdf)
• Middle/High School (pdf)

Documents are available in additional languages online.

*Source - attendanceworks.org/

We want to keep you in the loop as we work toward improving our schools. Below is a list of current projects that we are researching or currently implementing this school year.

Currently Researching: Vaping Prevention
Vaping among teenagers remains a national concern. As schools across the country struggle to address the issue, a variety of resources are being researched. We are among the many schools in our region that are currently looking at (or have implemented) vape detectors. Funding for detectors and related expenses would potentially come from the Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant or ESSER Grant funds. We are also working with Talbert House and Clinton Memorial Hospital to establish prevention and treatment programs. We’ll keep you posted as we move through the process of evaluating pros and cons for our District.

Currently Planning - ESSER and Safety Grants

Our administrative staff continues to work on developing appropriate and meaningful uses for this last year of ESSER funds. The next focus will be toward security and safety upgrades throughout the District utilizing Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant funds. Watch the next newsletter for updates on our ESSER expenditures and plans for this final year of grant money and the safety grant progress.

Currently Implementing - Electronic Hall Passes

Our High School has implemented electronic hall passes this year! Our students, staff, and administrators are acclimating to this new system designed to better monitor student movement outside of the classroom.

We’ll keep you posted on our progress!

Don't forget to submit your Free and Reduced Meal Application by September 29th! Applications will be sent home with all students at the beginning of the school year. They are also available in each school office or you can print a F & R Meals Application here (pdf). Click here for more information.

If you are looking for ways to keep up with District news and stay on top of your child's progress during the year, then you may find the following resources helpful.

Newsletters and social media

You can find our main social media links at wilmingtoncityschools.com/communication. There is also a place to subscribe to our Newsletter and view current issues.

ProgressBook Mobile App!

Did you know that you can track your child’s progress (grades, attendance, tardiness, etc) in ProgressBook? ProgressBook has a parent/student mobile app available! Just check the document below for instructions on how to find and use the app. Download the app today and stay connected to your child's progress in school.

Frontline ProgressBook Parent/Student Mobile App (instructions pdf)

Overview of Mobile App (YouTube video)

The WHS September Newsletter is out and it is packed full of helpful information for students and families. Check it out today for information on:

• Homecoming
• Attendance
• New format for Parent/Teacher Conferences!
• Student information on cell phone policy, close lunch, student parking passes
• Progress Book Access
• Drop-off safety
• WHS Food Pantry
• Upcoming Career Fair!

We are fortunate to have a number of organizations that support our students, staff, and school. This month we want to share information about the Elementary PTO!

The Elementary PTO is up and running for the 2022-23 school year and is planning a whole host of events for our elementary students. Check out their September Newsletter (pdf) for more information and follow them on facebook. Here are a few of their upcoming events:

• 9/15 Skate Night
• 9/22 Homecoming Parade
• 9/23 Facepainting tent at the Homecoming game
• 10/6 PTO Meeting at Holmes 6-7:30pm

A giant THANK YOU to our Elementary PTO for their warm "welcome back" to our staff and students at the beginning of the school year and for all their extra time and effort to support our students and enhance their elementary experience.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. We encourage you to join us in being vigilant in watching for signs of depression, learn about the risk factors and warning signs for suicide, read and share stories of hope and recovery, and know that there is help and there is hope for those who are struggling. For more information and resources please visit our Parent Resources page and scroll down to the Family Resources Section / Suicide Prevention Resources.