Whitmer Word

August 14, 2024

Dear Whitmer Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at Whitmer High School. We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with you as we continue to strive for excellence and foster a positive and enriching school culture.

As we prepare to open our doors for a new year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and commitment to our school community. This year promises to be filled with new opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement.

For Students: Get ready to explore new subjects, engage in stimulating discussions, and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. This year, we are introducing eighteen new courses to the Whitmer Course offerings, and we encourage you to get involved and make the most of your experience at Whitmer High School. Remember, each of you bring something unique to our school, and your contributions help make our community vibrant and successful.

For Parents and Guardians: Your involvement is crucial to our students' success. We appreciate your support in encouraging and motivating your children. Please stay connected with us through parent-teacher conferences, school events, and our communication platforms. We are here to work collaboratively with you to ensure that every student has the resources and encouragement needed to thrive.

Key Dates and Information:

• First Day for Freshman:Staggered start

• August 19, 2024 A-K and New students A-K

• August 20, 2024 L-Z and New students L-Z

• First Day of School: All Whitmer High School students, Wednesday, August 21, 2024

• Open House: Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 3:00-7:00

We are excited about the upcoming year and look forward to working together to make it a memorable and successful one. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 419.473.8490.

Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and new experiences!

Go Panthers,

Mr. Jerry Bell
Principal
Whitmer High School
gbell@wls4kids.org

Important Announcement: Updated Electronic Device Protocol

Dear Families and Students,

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer break! As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to inform you about an important update to our school protocol regarding the use of electronic devices. We believe that this updated protocol will help students stay engaged in their studies and reduce distractions.

Starting August 21, 2024, we will be implementing an updated Electronic Device protocol designed to create a more focused and productive learning environment for all students. Here are the key points you need to know:

Devices Permitted:

• Personal Electronic / Communication Devices including earbuds, cell phones, smart watches, tablets, pads, laptops, etc. may be brought to school but can only be used at designated times.

• No over-the-ear devices are permitted in the school building, including in the cafeteria.

Restricted Spaces:

• Devices are not permitted for use in the learning space including classrooms, Learning Lab, and during assemblies.

• Earbud devices are not permitted to be worn in the building with the exception of the cafeteria (only one is permitted to be worn).

Usage Guidelines:

• Cell phones may only be used before and after school, during the student lunch break, and in between classes as long as they don’t create a distraction, disruption or otherwise interfere with the educational environment.

• Students must place smaller electronics (cell phones, earbuds, etc.) in the device pocket holder when entering the classroom. Items will remain in the pocket until the end of the class period, including when leaving to use the restroom.

• In an emergency (such as a lockdown), students will be permitted to collect their devices to communicate home to families.

Consequences:

• Any misuse of devices will result in the device being confiscated for the remainder of the day.

• First offense will result in a warning and the student will be permitted to pick up the device from the ARC at the end of the day.

• Repeated violations will lead to further progressive disciplinary actions. In addition, the guardian will need to pick up the confiscated device.

As a reminder, The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, misuse or unauthorized use of PCDs brought onto its property.

The full board policy can be referenced HERE.

We appreciate your support in ensuring a smooth transition to this updated policy. Please feel free to review the Whitmer Device Confiscation Form with your student.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Warm Regards,

Whitmer Administration

Infosnap- Returning Student Registration- IMPORTANT

Please log into your Parent/Guardian Power School account to complete the Returning Student Registration as soon as possible. This verifies that we have the most current information as far as phone numbers, changes in medical information, emergency contacts etc. If you are having trouble logging into your PowerSchool account, please contact Wendy Kiser at wkiser@wls4kids.org or 419-473-8490.

Transportation

Is your student riding a bus this year? You can find bus schedules by clicking here. If you have questions regarding your student’s transportation, please call the Transportation office at 419-473-8356.

12th Grade Immunization

Ohio School Vaccination Requirements include a booster shot of Meningitis vaccine for all children entering the 12th grade. Please plan now to make sure that your child receives this vaccination as soon as possible. If you have questions, please contact our school nurse, Julie Worstell at jworstell@wls4kids.org.

Whitmer Cafeteria

Breakfast is free for all students for the 2024/2025 school year!

Lunch is $3.00

Your children may qualify for free meals or reduced priced meals. Please fill out a Free or Reduced Lunch application. Lunch applications can be found by clicking here or at the school office. We require that a lunch application be submitted each year. If you have any questions, please call Jen Murray at 419-473-8458.

School Fees

Whitmer High School calculates school fees based on the classes your student attends. School fees will not be added to your student’s account until October, 2024. Fees may be paid online by clicking here.

Student Parking

Students who wish to park on the Whitmer campus must obtain a parking permit. These permits are processed through the Principal’s office. You can print the parking permit by clicking here or by picking up a copy in the office. We only have a limited number of spots available so complete the application and turn it in with the necessary documents as soon as possible. The cost is $10.

Attendance

If your child will be absent from school, you must call the Whitmer Attendance line at 419-473-8406. If your student needs to leave early, they must bring in a note to the Attendance Office the morning of their early excusal. Please send a note as to the reason for their absence or early release when they return to school.