North Notes

Greetings Ranger Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! The new school year brings with it a unique opportunity for a fresh start. Next Wednesday is a chance to make a whole new set of first impressions, form the beginnings of new friendships, and try new things. Enthusiasm is always high, and the excitement is palpable. We are committed to keeping that spark going all year by focusing on personalizing learning to fit the needs of our students, and supporting them every step of the way.

Last year was a pivotal year for the Willoughby Eastlake City Schools. We have a new Portrait of a Graduate that will guide our work as a district (pre-K-12), ensuring that all graduates are able to Communicate and Collaborate effectively, Think Creatively and Critically, while demonstrating Empathy and Resiliency. We are experimenting with how students experience learning by piloting Flex Classes that will give teachers more agency and autonomy and students more time for enrichment and support. Eventually every student will be able to work through courses they enjoy, in ways they learn, taking assessments when they are ready. In other words, we are creating a school culture where learning is the constant - and time and modality are the variables - STAY TUNED!

Communication is a challenge in any comprehensive public high school. There are 1,235 students at North High School, and literally HUNDREDS of games, concerts, meetings, and events throughout the year. We will communicate in the following ways:

1. School Messenger Email/Text Blasts

2. School Messenger Phone Calls (reserved for urgent or time sensitive information).

3. Social Media - Our Facebook page is Eastlake North High School, it is updated daily with pics from around school or at school events.

4. North Notes - Bi-weekly newsletter sent to everyone on North School Messenger distribution list.

5. School Webpage - updated daily.

Finally, North High School is a special place. Our staff prides itself on TAKING CARE OF KIDS better than anyone else. There are 109 adults that work at North High School, and EVERY ONE OF THEM will drop anything to take care of a student in need.

We are not just providing an outlet for kids to get diplomas at North High School. Our goal is to help kids figure out what they're passionate about, and give them time to pursue it! We are trying to light the sparks, fan the flames, and send them out to set the world on fire!

I will be sending out an email blast every two weeks with information about upcoming events, class info, Booster info, etc. I hope you find this information useful. If at any time you want additional information, please refer to our school website HERE.

Sincerely,

Eric Frei

Principal

440-975-3692

eric.frei@weschools.org

Thank you to all that contributed to, what was without a doubt, the BEST New Student Orientation Day we've ever had! Special thank you to the dozens and dozens of Marching Band Students who served as tour guides for our new students on Wednesday! I'm sure the energy and positivity of the day turned any anxiety into excitement!

Also, thank you to the 2025 After Prom for hosting the 2nd Annual Back to School Bash! As the pictures below can attest - it was a smashing success!

You should become familiar with logging into two programs to help monitor your student’s academic progress. Schoology is our Learning Management System. Teachers post videos and assignments in Schoology. As a parent, you have the ability to access your child’s classes. You will need an access code to do so. PowerSchool is our Student Information Management System. This is where grades, attendance, and transcripts can be accessed. It is also where all emergency contacts and parent information is stored as well. If you need help gaining access to either of these programs, please call the main office for assistance.

The doors at North High School open for students at 7:00 AM. Buses will not allow students to depart buses bound for North prior to 7:00 AM. Please do not drop students off prior to 7:00 AM as they will not be permitted in the building. This creates problems on days we have inclement weather. The school day ends at 2:20 PM. Students not staying after for a supervised club, sport, or activity must exit the building by 3:00 PM. Below is the North bell schedule.

Note - we are transitioning from 5 minutes of passing time between classes to 4 minutes this year. We feel this will help students maximize their time during the day.

The following letter was sent home earlier in the month explaining our transition to Professional Learning Communities, and the impact it will have on students and families. Ultimately, the use of this collaborative professional time will allow our educators to tailor the educational experience to best meet the needs of our students.

North's Open House is scheduled for September 4th from 6:30-8PM. This is an opportunity for you to follow your student's schedule, hearing a little bit about the experience in each class from each teacher.

All absences, late arrivals and early releases should be reported to the 24-hour attendance line at 440 283-2178. Please allow 30-40 minutes processing time due to high call volume at times. If you have an urgent attendance situation you may call the main office or attendance desk 440-283-2209. Otherwise, please be patient while we process calls. If your child is under the weather, they must go to the clinic. An early release will not be granted unless they leave through the school nurse.

Doctor’s Notes

If your child is absent due to illness or needs to leave due to a dental, medical or counseling appointment, they may turn in the provider's excuse to the attendance desk for an excused medical absence. These documents will prevent your child from being penalized for hours missed, as Ohio House Bill 410 requires us to track attendance hours. Should your child exceed the limit for hours, you will receive a letter, and we can no longer excuse your students' absence unless proper documentation is provided. Please Note - Drivers Education is not an excused absence.

Vacations and College Visits

All students needing time off for vacations or college visits should pick up a form to be signed by staff and guardians. Anything over five days must be approved by the student’s grade level administrator. Failure to report could result in an unexcused absence. These forms can be found in the main office.

Late Arrival

All students should enter the building through the main office upon arrival no matter the circumstance (Tech, CCP, class change, etc). They will be expected to sign in. No student should allow any student into the main doors. They must properly identify themselves at the attendance desk.

Early Release Process

Parents are not required to come in and sign their students in/out. However, we require a documented guardian to authorize the release from the building prior to departure.

School Pictures will be August 27th. No Forms will be used. Cirino Photography will be our photographer. See below for details.

Our Homecoming football game is Friday, September 20th against Garfield Heights. The Homecoming Dance will be Saturday, September 21st at 7:00 PM at North High School. Ticket information will be sent out soon!

We realize shopping for formal attire can be a big financial burden for families, and we would hate for students to not attend a fun event due to lack of formal attire. Do you have any gently used dresses taking up space in your closets? How about a suit that no longer fits? Would you like to donate them to North so we can build up a collection for students to look through in the event they can’t afford to buy a dress or suite? If so, just drop them off at the main office between 7:00 AM-3:00 PM Monday-Friday. We will take it from there!

We host a Homecoming, Winter Formal, and Prom each year. There is no reason all these perfect, beautiful dresses and suits - worn one time - should be taking up spaces in closets never to be worn again. Let’s spread some positive vibes!

The research on cell phone use and teens is clear. In order to provide the optimal educational setting for learning to occur, we are no longer permitting cell phone (or any non-school issued electronic device) use in classrooms. This will be shared with students by teachers on the first day, at grade level meetings by administrators on the second day, and repeatedly over the announcements in the days ahead. Students will be instructed that devices need to remain out of sight within the classroom, or while using collaboration spaces during class time. Students MAY use phones during passing time, study hall, or lunch.

Violations of this policy will be handled as any other policy infraction would be - with classroom level consequences, parental contacts, and if necessary, referrals to the office.

It is our hope that we can work together with families to help our kids find the balance they need with these devices in their daily lives. It takes a village.

Student Parking Passes are $20. Students must provide their vehicle info, insurance info, and parent signature by submitting the form found HERE.

Parking without a pass, or in an unauthorized area, could result in towing at the owner's expense. Make sure your parking pass is easily visible in your front window.

Chromebook Repairs

Students should report broken devices to Mrs. Bouplon in the library immediately. This should be happening in-between periods or at the beginning of a class period only. Hardware repairs only. Software repairs go to Mrs. Medic in room 134.

Students will be issued a loaner device until their original device is repaired. If a student is keeping a device overnight, they will receive a pass indicating so.

Chromebook Loaners

In the event that a student needs to use a device because theirs isn’t charged, they can check one out in the library. Ideally, students will come to school each day with a fully charged device, but things happen. We understand. Repeatedly coming to school without a charged device, or any device altogether will not be permitted.

Loaners must be returned by the end of 8th period, 2:20pm.

An electronic notice is generated and sent via email to both student and parent if a device is being kept overnight or if not returned on time.

Guidance is on Schoology!! You can find important information there that will help you navigate high school, future planning, graduation, school tips, and more! Check it out!

Find the most up to date list of available scholarships HERE.

Mrs. Gallucci Last Names A-D jennifer.gallucci@weschools.org

Mrs. Vaughan Last Names E-K kirsten.vaughan@weschools.org

Mr. Zenz Last Names L-Q jack.zenz@weschools.org

Mrs. Phillips Last Names RZ lindsay.phillips@weschools.org

Mrs. Ungar Guidance Secretary robin.ungar@weschools.org

All information related to the guidance department can be found HERE.

Students in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools can anonymously report anything that could potentially be harmful or dangerous to any of our staff or students. Students can access the Safe Schools Helpline through the district website HERE. Students are encouraged to say something if they see or hear something. We are all in this together and need to take care of each other.

Students can also call or text 844-723-3764 to anonymously report concerns.

For general information about Health Services click HERE.

All current seniors will need proof of a meningococcal booster shot (MCV4), unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday. Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that affects the brain and the spinal cord. It is spread through saliva and can be contracted by sharing food, drinks or makeup, kissing, sneezing and coughing. Meningitis can cause shock, coma and death within hours of the first symptoms. Please have your student bring a hard copy of their updated vaccine record to the clinic; you may also fax the record to our clinic at: 440-975-3831.

As with all immunization requirements, students who do not provide documentation of these immunizations are subject to exclusion from school, unless proper documentation is submitted to the school in accordance with Ohio Statute 3313.671, which allows for parents or guardians to object to the immunizations--for good cause.

Medications

Any medications (including over the counter medications, prescription medications, inhalers and epi-pens) to be consumed during the school day require a completed medication form. These forms can be found on our website HERE. Along with the completed form, a supply of the medication should be delivered to the clinic.

Clinic Visits

Our clinic utilizes software to document student visits. If your child visits the clinic with a minor issue, you will be notified via email of the visit. For major issues (fever, substantial injury, vomiting, etc.) you will receive a phone call from clinic staff. These protocols are in place to keep you informed of your child’s status during the day!

Contact Us

Please reach out if we can assist you in any way! The clinic phone number is: 440-975-3683.

NORTH ATHLETICS WEBSITE: https://rangernation.org/

ALL ATHLETES must be registered on Final Forms and have a current physical on file in order to participate in a sport. Please see link to register for Final Forms:

https://willoughbyeastlake-oh.finalforms.com/

Eligibility for Fall 2024 Sports:

Just a reminder that fall eligibility is based on the 4th quarter grades. You must be passing 5, or the equivalent to 5 high school credits, in the 4th grading period to be eligible for Fall sports. PE does not count towards eligibility. Contact your guidance counselor or the athletic department if you have any questions. If you have any fall sport specific questions, please contact the coaches.

PARTICIPATION FEES for fall sports are due Friday, August 23rd and can be paid online on Final Forms or in the athletic office. All sports fees are $125. Any student athlete qualifying for reduced fees must pay their fee in the athletic office by cash or check made payable to North Athletics. Reduced fees are as follows: $55 for those qualifying for free lunch and $85 for those qualifying for reduced lunch.

SPECTATOR & TICKET INFORMATION:

Please be informed that the WRC has raised ticket prices. Football tickets at the gate are all $8. Senior Citizens (60+) are free. Football presale tickets for students (online only until 5:30pm day of game) are $6. All other sporting events are $8 for Adults and $6 for students. Individual game tickets are also available online if you want to purchase before entering.

Download the HomeTown Fan App or go to: https://rangernation.hometownticketing.com/embed/all to purchase tickets. Tickets can be printed at home or your phone can be scanned at the gate. There will be cash sales at the gate and a credit card scanner.

Varsity Football

• Adults $8

• Students $8 (or $6 for pre-sale purchased online by 5:30pm on game day)

• Senior Citizens Free (60+ No Ticket Required)

• Kindergarten aged students and older require an admission ticket

JV/Varsity Volleyball, Soccer

• Adults $8

• Students $6

• Senior Citizens Free (60+ No Ticket Required)

• Kindergarten aged students and older require an admission ticket

Freshman Volleyball

The Western Reserve Conference has established admission rates for basketball games when part of a triple header

• Adults $8

• Students $6

• Senior Citizens Free (60+ No Ticket Required)

• Kindergarten aged students and older require an admission ticket

Ticket and pass information

Most opponents will have similar ticket policies.

* subject to change

RANGER NATION DIGITAL STUDENT PASSES are now available online only. The Ranger Nation pass allows general admission to all home sporting events throughout the year (excluding any home OHSAA tournament). If you are interested, go to the link below to select the pass. All passes are digital and will be placed in an app on your phone that will be scanned at home events. If you have any questions, please contact the North Athletic Office at 440-975-3679. Click on the link for our online box office below:

https://rangernation.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/396?es=klraljf9str810v8vj88u1gapl

Pass will scan one time to every home North athletic event for the 2024-25 school year.

BOOSTER MEMBERSHIP: Available through the BOOSTERS! Please Join –Membership and passes available online:

https://rangernation.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/398?es=klraljf9str810v8vj88u1gapl

LIVESTREAM of our games in the gym and stadium (all levels) can be viewed through our subscription service on the NFHS network via the following link:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/

Fall Head Coach Contacts and Sports Information Links:

Football: Shawn Dodd shawn.dodd@weschools.org

Volleyball: Nicole Balsom nicolebalsom24@gmail.com

Cross Country: Rob Grove rob.grove@weschools.org

Boys Soccer: Steve Misick smmisick@aol.com

Girls Soccer: Samantha Richter samantha.richter@weschools.org

Girls Tennis: Alexis Danch alexis.danch@weschools.org

Girls Golf: Royal Brettrager royal.brettrager@weschools.org

Boys Golf: Hannah Mitchell hannah.mitchell@weschools.org

Football Cheerleading: Marissa Gehrisch gehrischmarissa@yahoo.com

Breakfast and Lunch are served every day at North High School. For the 2024-2025 school year, breakfast is $2.25 and lunch is $3.75. A la cart menu items can be purchased for additional cost. Cash will be accepted, but no change will be given at the register. Change will be credited to student accounts. You can add money to your student’s account at PaySchools Central. Information about PaySchools Central can be found HERE.

All meals include one main entrée and up to 3 total fruit and vegetable sides and a milk. Students may qualify for free or reduced priced meals. Please fill out a paper application and return it to your school or find the online application and instructions HERE.

The Food Services Department ensures that its operations are following the federal guidelines for operating the nutrition program. Federal guidelines prohibit the district’s Food and Nutrition Department from writing off bad debt as a result of charged meals. Please review the Food Services Policy Regarding Meal Accounts.

At North, we have a program designed to promote positive behaviors. It is referred to as PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support). Students are awarded Ranger Bucks when they demonstrate any of the traits we are focusing on – Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness to Learn. Students can turn in their Ranger Bucks at monthly Ranger Buck Stores, special events, and raffles throughout the year.

At North, we schedule our parent-teacher conferences at the halfway point of each quarter. The logic behind this is to provide students, parents, and teachers time to develop a plan to improve grades before they are finalized at the end of the quarter. Our conferences are always from 4-8PM, in-person, first come, first serve. Specific information about conferences will be sent out in a separate message. Our conference dates this year are as follows:

September 26

November 14

February 6

Last year we experienced an influx of students attempting to order food delivery services such as Uber Eats or Door Dash to the school. This is NOT PERMITTED. Food deliveries will not be accepted in the office, and any students attempting to open doors for delivery drivers will be suspended. This is a serious safety concern and consequences for violating this policy need to be severe. Parents wishing to drop off food for a special occasion may do so in the main office but we would encourage students to either purchase lunch in the student union or pack their own.

Communication is critical at any school, but with over 1,300 students, 100 staff members, and dozens of sports, clubs, and activities it is especially important at North! Each week there are so many events going on, that keeping up with them all can be challenging.

Did you know that North's daily announcements can be found on the website each day? It's true! They can be found HERE.

If you believe your child is experiencing challenges in terms of their mental well-being, it is important to reach out to your principal. To meet your child’s needs, it’s essential to collaborate with the principal and school personnel to explore resources and services available at school. In addition to Crossroads Counselors, the District also has family liaisons and guidance counselors who can provide needed interventions and support.

Crossroads Opt Out Form

End 68 Hours of Hunger is a national organization with the goal of assisting with food security issues families may encounter from the end of school Friday, until the beginning of the school day Monday morning. For some students, the dependable hot meals served during school are the only ones they can consistently count on.

There should be no stigma attached to asking for help when needed. Our kids need us, and it takes a village! If you would like assistance from this organization please contact Robin Ungar at robin.ungar@weschools.org. She is our guidance staff member who organizes this for our families. Students come down at the end of the day on Fridays and pick up their food items in non-descript, unmarked bags (like giant eagle bags). Some parents prefer to pick theirs up a the end of the day as well. That can be arranged.

Are you looking for activities for your children? Interested in family programs in the community? There are so many options for Willoughby-Eastlake families, such as city departments of recreation, sports teams, scouting, camps and special events in all of our surrounding communities, plus so much more!

Information from approved organizations who host activities for Willoughby-Eastlake youth and the community are posted electronically. Paper flyers from organizations are not sent home with students. To access the flyers, visit the COMMUNITY link on the district and building website pages Community Activities Flyers

For specific information about the events, you need to contact the sponsoring organization. Flyers are updated periodically during the month so remember to visit often to check for new postings.

Enjoy what our community has to offer!

Hello Ranger Families! The new school year is nearly upon us, Marching Band Season is just getting started and as always we have been busy helping support your North High Music Students!

Our biggest fundraiser of the year, Game Show Night, will be held on Saturday, November 16th. Kick off back to school week with a SALE on Game Show Night tickets! Ticket sales start on Monday, August 19th. Watch our Facebook page to order your tickets!!!

Our annual Music Boosters Picnic for all North High Music students (band and choir) will be held on Wednesday, August 28th at the North High Courtyard starting at 6pm. Please use the following link to RSVP if you are coming.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0549AAA92AA0FD0-50528331-rsvp

Please use this link to indicate what dish you’re able to bring to the picnic or if you’re available to help us grill. Thank you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0549AAA92AA0FD0-50235975-music

The North Music Boosters are always looking for volunteers to help us. With football season starting we are in need of some help running our Visitor side concession stand during Friday night home games. If you’re able to donate some of your time to help out please use the following links to sign up!

North VS Lakeside - August 23rd

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0549AAA92AA0FD0-50528572-concession

North VS Norwalk - August 30th

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0549AAA92AA0FD0-50528750-concession

Fall is right around the corner and with Fall comes Mums! This year the North Music Boosters will be selling Mumkins from August 23 through September 11th. Mumkins are colorful Mums in an adorable pumpkin container, perfect for Fall and Halloween decorating! Please keep an eye out for ordering information soon!

Save the Date: On September 24th we will be having a Dine to Donate at Willoughby Chipotle, more details to come.

We are also excited to share that on October 8th, Chick-Fil-A will be hosting a Battle of The Bands Dine to Donate Fundraiser. Get ready to support the Eastlake North Marching Rangers and the Willoughby South Marching Rebels during our North vs South football game week!

Please follow our Facebook page to keep up to date about upcoming Dine to Donates, fundraisers, important information and updates we send throughout the school year! Our Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/EastlakeNorthMusicBoosters/.

Also don’t forget to check out our North Music Boosters’ website at: https://northmusicboosters.com

The best way to help support your Band or Choir student is to attend a Music Boosters Meeting! This month our Annual Picnic will take place of our normal August meeting. Joining Music Boosters is $10 per family, per year. You can find more information and the contact form to join on our website. https://northmusicboosters.com/boosters-1

Thank you for your support of the Eastlake North Music Boosters as we strive to help give our Music Students the best experience possible!

Your 2024-2025 Music Boosters Board Members:

Choir Director: Mrs. Levine

Band Director: Mr. Sell

President: Tina Galletti

Vice President: Lisa Mooney

Secretary: Melanie Champa

Treasurer: Sherie Scott

Trustee: Diane Lloyd

Trustee: Amy Harris

Trustee: Leann Hardy

Welcome to SENIOR YEAR!!

Hello Class of 2025 families and students! Please be sure to check the North Notes when they come out as we will be sharing information in them and on our Facebook page!

The after prom event for this year will be held at Kalahari Water Park in Sandusky. This event was chosen by the majority of the students who took the survey during the sophomore year. Much more information will be coming out closer to Prom. If you want to chaperone, priority is given to those who have helped or attended meetings.

Next Meeting

• Tuesday, August 27 at 7:30pm at North High School - Student Union

Fundraiser Updates

• Back to School Bash 2024

• Thank you to all the amazing student & parent volunteers, North staff, community members and businesses for their time and support! The event was a huge success and we couldn’t have pulled it off without you!

• Thank you to our Diamond Sponsor Be Smoothie Cafe in Willowick for supporting The Bash through a sponsorship, an amazing Gold Basket worth a weekly smoothie for a year and for donating 50 Free Smoothie coins for our Grab Bags! Head on over and check out their amazing smoothies, drinks and food at 30480 Lakeshore Blvd., Willowick

• The Craft Fair Before Christmas: Saturday, November 23 from 10am-2pm at North High School

Stay Connected with Us!

• Facebook: @NHSClassof2025

• Email: nhs2025afterprom@gmail.com

Welcome to Junior year!

We hope your summer was filled with adventures, fun and relaxation.

Our first meeting of the year is September 5th at 7p.m. in the student union. We hope to see you there. We will be discussing events and ideas for the upcoming school year.

We need volunteers to help sell 50/50 tickets at the first Varsity home game on 8/23. Please email or message us if you can help.

We will be announcing our fundraisers for this year in the upcoming weeks.

Join our Facebook group https://tinyurl.com/classof26afterprom

Email us at north2026afterprom@gmail.com to be added to our email list

Check back each week in case things are added/changed.

Date Event

August 21 First Day of School

August 27 Picture Day

August 30 Activity Fair (Lunch Periods)

September 2 Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

September 4 Open House 6:30-8:00PM

September 9 Booster Meeting 7PM

September 12 Blood Drive

September 17 AVIS Awards 8:30 AM (By Invitation)

September 21 Homecoming Dance 7PM

September 26 Conferences 4-8PM

October 2 Financial Aid Night 6:30 PM

October 7 Spirit Week Begins

October 11 NEOEA Day - NO SCHOOL

October 29 Picture Retakes

November 4 Booster Meeting 7 PM

November 11 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 7PM

November 14 Conferences 4-8PM

November 27 Thanksgiving Break Beings

December 3 School Resumes

December 5 End of Course Exam Fall Window Opens

December 9 Holly Jolly Week Begins (PBIS)

December 9 Booster Meeting 7PM

December 12 Choir Concert 7PM

December 13 Blood Drive

December 13 Fall Play Opening Night 7PM

December 16 Band Concert 7PM

December 23 Winter Break Begins

January 6 School Resumes

January 6 Booster Meeting 7PM

January 20 MLK Day - NO SCHOOL

January 22 CCP Night 7PM

February 6 Conferences 4-8PM

February 17 Presidents' Day - No School

February 21 Winter Formal 7PM

March 14 Prom Fashion Show 7PM

March 24 Spring Break Begins

March 31 School Resumes

April 2-5 Senior DC Trip (Dates may move, but will be this week)

April 7 Booster Meeting 7PM

April 18 Good Friday - NO SCHOOL

April 21 Teacher Comp Day - NO SCHOOL

May 2 Prom 7PM Croation Hall

May 5 Booster Meeting 7PM

May 7 Choir Concert 7PM

May 8 Band Concert 7PM

May 9 Band to Cedar Point

May 14 Seniors' Last Academic Day

May 15 Senior Exams (5-8)

May 16 Senior Exams (1-4)

May 16 Senior Picnic

May 26 Memorial Day - No School

May 27 Final Exams (Periods 1, 2, 4)

May 28 Final Exams (Periods 7, 8, 6)

May 29 Final Exams (Periods 3, 5)

May 29 Commencement Rehearsal 9AM

May 29 Commencement 6:30 PM (Connor Palace Theater)