Ralph E. Waite Elementary School
September Parent Newsletter
What a Great Start to the School Year!
Dear Waite Families:
To start the school year, I asked teachers to reflect on the notion that school can be a place for human growth and development where teachers and learners are indistinguishable. We are part of a community of learners here at Waite Elementary School. All of us are learning and growing together, both adults and students. To this end we are aiming to further integrate our Medina Portrait of a Bee competencies into our curriculum with an emphasis on deeper learning experiences for students. This involves students setting goals, identifying pathways to reach those goals, and having agency and ownership in their learning. These conditions foster a hopeful and rich learning environment: a space for academic and personal growth.
This year we will also continue to implement the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) framework. This framework is used in schools across the nation to positively support and recognize students for meeting expectations. The focus is on "looking for the good". Students respond well to predictable routines and procedures when expectations are clearly taught and reinforced with positive feedback, experiences, and tangible incentives.
You might hear your child talk about PBIS Reward "points" this school year. Teachers implemented this system last school year and will continue to use it this year. It is intended to recognize and reward positive student behavior and further support students in meeting expectations to be successful at school. This is an evidence based model supported by research that empowers students to be successful and take ownership of their behavior with a focus on promoting a nurturing and positive school environment.
I look forward to seeing all of the good things your children will do this year to make positive contributions to the Waite learning community.
Please read on for important parent information for the month of September. As always, please reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Mr. Mattie
Principal
Ralph E. Waite Elementary School
Mark your Calendars!
Important Dates
Friday, 9/1: Community Spirit Night/Kindergarten Parade
Monday, 9/4: NO SCHOOL, Labor Day
Tuesday, 9/5: Steel Pan Begins
Monday, 9/11: Patriot Day
Monday, 9/11: Girls on the Run Begins
Tuesday, 9/12: Bus Safety Drills
Tuesday, 9/12: Glee Club Begins
Wednesday, 9/13: KidScripts Writing Rally, Grade 5
Thursday, 9/14: PTO Meeting, 7:00 (Library) w/Officer Pinkas and Levy Updates
Friday, 9/15: Fire Drill
Friday, 9/15: PBIS Celebration! Extra Recess and Popsicle Party (grades K-2)
Week of 9/18-9/22: Spirit Week!
Wednesday, 9/20: DARE Begins, Grade 5
Thursday, 9/21: Homecoming Parade, 6:30
Friday, 9/22: Homecoming football game. PBIS Celebration! Extra Recess and Popsicle Party (grades 3-5)
Saturday, 9/23: First Day of Fall
Tuesday, 9/26: Fall Picture Day
Wednesday, 9/27: PTO City BBQ Night
Friday, 9/29: NO SCHOOL (K-5)
Homecoming Spirit Week - Week of September 18
The theme for Homecoming this year is "Battle of the Biomes". To join in on the spirit and excitement of Homecoming, we will be celebrating a different biome each day of the week with a spirit day:
- Monday, September 18 - Bundle up in pajamas as we explore the tundra!
- Tuesday, September 19 - The grasslands are windy and known to cause some wacky hair days.
- Wednesday, September 20 - Better wear a hat as we try to stay dry in the rainforest!
- Thursday, September 21 - Break out your tropical gear as we head to the ocean biome.
- Friday, September 22 - Wear your green and white as we celebrate Medina's biome, the temperate forest!
Elementary Teacher Work Days
- September 29 - (No school K-5)
- November 13 - (No school K-5)
- February 26 - (No school K-5)
- May 17 - (No school K-5)
We Need You!
We have a vacant Paraprofessional position at Waite that needs filled. Our paraprofessionals work to support students and teachers in the classroom, the lunchroom, and at recess. They serve a vital role in our school community. If you are interested in a fulfilling job working with students, please consider applying to be a paraprofessional at Waite! Even if you're not interested in the daily position, we can always use good substitutes in these positions.
Medina City School District employs approximately 300 people in Support Staff roles. These include Custodial/Maintenance and Child Nutrition & Food Services personnel as well as Bus Drivers, Instructional and Support Paraprofessionals, Secretaries, and Media Aides.
The first step in obtaining one of these positions (except for Bus Drivers) is to take the appropriate Civil Service Commission test(s) which are administered as needed. (Notices of Civil Service test dates for Medina City Schools are published at least once in a local newspaper.) Further information about the Medina Civil Service Commission can be obtained by calling (330) 722-9077.
Common PBIS Expectation Language
PBIS SELFIES!
School Safety
In addition to fire drills (which teachers discuss and practice with their classes in advance), we also practice school safety drills. The first drill was conducted on Friday, August 25. Officer Pinkas, School Resource Officer, was involved in this drill. He led students through scenarios in a calm and student friendly manner with Mr. Mattie.
Mr. Mattie and Officer Pinkas also visited kindergarten classrooms on the morning of August 25 to teach safety lessons and prepare students in advance of the safety drill. The aim was for our youngest students to anticipate what we would be practicing later that day.
For additional information on how to discuss school safety with your child, please click on the link below:
How to talk to your child about school safety
We will conduct similar safety drills once per trimester.
Do not hesitate to contact Mr. Mattie with any questions.
Counselor Corner
What is Zones of Regulation? Zones of Regulation is an approach used to support the development of self-regulation in children. All the different ways children feel and the states of alertness they experience are categorized into four colored zones. Children who are well regulated are able to be in the appropriate zone at the appropriate time.
Why use Zones of Regulation? To teach children how to:
- Identify their feelings
- Be aware of what zone they are in
- Start to use tools to be in the appropriate zone for the moment
How do I reinforce Zones of Regulation?
- Identify your own feelings using Zones language in front of your child (e.g. “I’m frustrated, I am in the yellow zone”)
- Talk about what tool you will use to be in the appropriate zone (e.g. “I’m going to go for a walk, I need to get to the green zone”)
- Label what zone your child is in throughout the day (e.g. “you look sleepy, you are in the blue zone”)
- Teach your child what Zones tools he can use to help him stay in the zone or move to a different zone (e.g “it’s time for bed, let’s read a book together in the rocking chair. We’re in the blue zone”)
District Events and Information
Homecoming
Homecoming Parade and Powderpuff Football Game
Thursday, September 21
6:30 PM Starting at Garfield Elementary
7:30 PM-Powderpuff Football Game at Ken Dukes Stadium
Tickets $5 each. Purchase online at www.medinabees.org. Here is the link to purchase tickets.
The parade will step off from Garfield Elementary School. The theme is the "Battle of the Biomes." Participants will start to line up at about 5:30 p.m.
Homecoming Football Game and Fireworks Display
Friday, September 22
7:00 PM Battling Bees vs Euclid Panthers at Ken Dukes Stadium
Fireworks display sponsored by Student Council after the game
Ace for Grace
Ace for Grace Annual Volleyball Charity Event
Tuesday, October 3
4:30 PM Medina High School Gymnasium
November School Bond/Levy Information
quality education but the right tools to
help develop skills that will last a lifetime
through a fun, hands-on learning
environment while strengthening your
child’s social, emotional, and intellectual
growth.
School Reminders
School Fees
2023-2024 School Fees:
Grades K-2: $36.00
Grade 3-5: $44.00
School Fees are due Sept. 15 and can be paid using https://www.payschoolscentral.com/
Grades 2-5 Chromebook insurance is a $30 fee. Parent can opt out through Final Forms by Sept. 15.
Electronic Devices - Student Code of Conduct
As cell phones and smart watches continue to grow in popularity, we like to remind parents of the expectations for these devices during the school day. From the student discipline code:
RULE 4 - ELECTRONIC DEVICES
● Electronic devices such as (laser pointers, video cameras, cameras, etc.) are prohibited in
school.
● Cell phones, smartwatches, electronic devices such as (Ipods, MP3 players, Ipads, Nooks,
Kindles, Gizmos, etc) and any video game devices must be turned off and in the student’s book bag during school hours.
Please have a conversation with your child about this expectation so that
everyone is on the same page in regards to these devices!
School Based Health Services
School based health services (SBHC) are provided to students in person monthly on the 1st Thursday of every month and virtually EVERY SCHOOL DAY. The Nurse Practitioner can provide well visits, immunizations, sports physicals, sick visits and chronic disease (such as asthma) management. For virtual visit days she uses a special telehealth equipment called tytocare. This equipment allows her to do a more complete physical exam using attachments that let her assess the ears, throat and skin with a special camera. She can even listen to heart, lungs and belly sounds with a stethoscope attachment. The SBHC even have the ability to test patients for things such as strep throat or a urinary tract infection without them leaving the school building.
School Based Health Services Video
Students and families can refer themselves to the SBHC by calling to make an appointment or turning in a completed consent form to their nurses office. School nurses offices can directly refer students who may need or services. School staff can also refer students or families that may need assistance with care. Services are billed though medical insurance. Families without insurance will receive help in obtaining insurance and will not get billed for services rendered before they obtain of medical insurance.
See the forms below for further information regarding this optional service for students.
Breakfast and Lunch
We are excited to now offer an online free and reduced-price meal application through PaySchools Central for families that believe they may qualify.
Remember, all students are able to enjoy breakfast at school every morning. Doors open at 8:35 AM for breakfast in the cafeteria.
PaySchools Central has provided How-To-Guides to set up your account and to complete an online free and reduced meal application. If you choose not to use the online application you can fill out the paper free and reduced meal application and return to the Food Service & Child Nutrition Department located at the Board of Education Office, 739 Weymouth Road.
The form can also be obtained and returned (completed) to any school office. You will be notified by email of your child's status. Until notification is received, you must provide your child with breakfast/lunch or money in their student accounts.
Also new this year, the signed Ohio Budget Bill included the provision for the State to cover the cost for reduced-price breakfasts and lunches for this school year. This means if you qualify for reduced-price meals, you do not have to pay the $0.30 for breakfast or the $0.40 for lunch.
School Meal Prices: 2023-2024
Lunch
Elementary $3.25
Milk $0.50
Breakfast
Students $2.50
Milk $0.50
Payment of school meals can be made by cash or check at each individual school. For your convenience you may also pay online by ACH Check or Credit Card through PaySchools Central. You will be charged a small fee if you use PaySchools Central. Note: You cannot combine lunch payment with payment of school fees.
Absence/Tardy Procedure
Absence/Tardy Procedure
If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please call the attendance line at 330-636-4504 before 9:00 am. Please do not email the teacher or secretary. Please remember to call the attendance line only.
Student Sign-In
If a student is returning to school from an appointment or arriving late to the building:
The parent and student will enter the vestibule together.
The parent signs the student in on the attendance log which will be located in the office vestibule.
After signing the student in, ring the buzzer & the office staff will unlock the door for the student to enter the office.
Student Sign-Out
If a student needs to leave school early:
The parent will enter and remain in the office vestibule.
The parent will speak through the intercom to provide the name of the student they are picking up. The parent/guardian will be required to show ID through the office window.
The office staff will call the student down to the office.
The parent will sign the student out on the attendance log.
The parent waits in the vestibule for their student.
Student Arrival: (8:43 am, 8:55 tardy bell)
Students will arrive to school (bus, carline, walkers) by 8:43AM (arrival bell). They will be in their classrooms no later than 8:55AM (tardy bell).
Staff will be present at all locations and in the halls to welcome our students and help them navigate to their classroom.
Morning Arrival: Bus Riders
Bus Riders
Buses will arrive in the main entrance loop.
Buses will stagger dismissal into the building.
Grades K-4 will enter the main entrance doors and:
Grade K will proceed left to K hall classroom
Grades 1-2 will proceed straight through cafeteria to classroom
Grades 3-4 will proceed right down main hall to classroom
Grade 5 will enter the fifth grade door (to the right of the main entrance door) and proceed to the classroom.
Morning Arrival: Walkers/Car Riders
Walkers will use the walking path only and remain at the end of the walking path until 8:43 a.m. At that time, Safety Patrol will signal for the students to cross, then enter the side entrance of the building.
Car riders will use the carline and will enter through the side entrance of the building.
Students are permitted to exit cars at the side entrance beginning at 8:43 a.m. when staff arrive and signal to exit the car. Students are not to be dropped off prior to 8:43 a.m. since there is no adult supervision until that time.
Upon exiting cars and entering the side entrance:
Grade K will sit on a green floor dot right inside the carline doors, and they will be escorted to their classroom.
Grades 1-4 will turn right and proceed to their classroom.
Grade 5 will turn left, stay on the right side of the hall, and proceed to their classroom.
Please pull all the way forward to the yellow cone (by the flagpole), and the entire curb-line of cars will exit at once. Once all curb-line cars are unloaded, follow the car in front of you in a line to exit. Please do not pull out of line. It is a serious safety concern.
Students must exit only on the curb-side. Parents - please stay in your car.
Please be sure your child is ready to exit the car as you enter the drop-off line.
If you are dropping off your child after 8:55 a.m. or picking up your child early, you will need to park in the front lot, enter the main entrance vestibule, and sign your child in. Students will be buzzed in by the office staff.
Afternoon Dismissal: General
Please have an established plan in the morning with your child for dismissal.
If there is an emergency where your child’s dismissal plan needs to change at the last minute, please call the Waite office BEFORE 3:00 p.m. to ensure your child receives the necessary information.
Staggered classroom dismissal will take place between 3:20 - 3:23 p.m.
Walkers and car riders will exit through the side entrance. Bus riders will exit through the front/main entrance.
Afternoon Dismissal: Carline Procedures
As you enter the carline to wait for student dismissal, PLEASE DO NOT PARK BY THE DOOR. PLEASE PULL ALL THE WAY FORWARD TO THE FLAGPOLE.
Safety Patrol/Staff will escort walkers to the walking path.
Staff will direct car riders to the car pick-up area on the sidewalk.
Students will sit/stand in the designated alphabetical zones on the sidewalk
A-L will sit closest to the front of the crosswalk
M-Z will sit on the end of the line past the crosswalk
Cars will continually be moved ahead (toward the flagpole) while you are waiting for your child.
Mrs. Cavey will radio to an aide as you pull to the front of the line for your child to come to the vehicle. Once the car has safely stopped, your child will walk to the front of the line to enter your vehicle.
- Once your child is in the car, you may pull around to exit (P.M. Dismissal ONLY) only once you have passed the crosswalk.
Please have your last name written on a large paper and visibly displayed in the front window/dash of the vehicle.
Parents - please stay in your car.
When exiting the lot, please yield to the buses. Thank you!
Students will be placed into “blocks” alphabetically by their last name. If there is a carpool of students, they will go to the “block” of the student’s parent/guardian who is picking them up.
In order to provide optimal safety during dismissal, parents are not permitted to park in the side or front lot and walk their children to their cars. All children must be picked up in the car line.
Planning Ahead for Dismissal
End of Day Dismissal Plans
Please make every effort to have an established end of the day dismissal plan with your child. In the event of an emergency where dismissal plans have changed, please call the office prior to 3:00 to notify your child.Covid- Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids have to stay home if someone in the family has COVID? In general kids can come to school as long as they are feeling well unless they have tested positive for COVID. If a student tests positive for COVID, they have to stay home 5 days from symptom onset (symptom onset is day 0). On Day 6, as long as the student is feeling well, and has been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, they may return to school.
Are masks required days 6-10?
No, they are recommended and encouraged. Per the CDC, individuals should wear a well-fitting mask if they have symptoms of COVID-19, if they had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test in the past 10 days, or if they had recent exposure to someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Streaming (in the event of an extended absence)
In order to access streaming:
Parents/Guardians whose child tested positive for COVID-19 should have their child contact their teacher. Streaming will be offered and should begin within one day of their first absence or when they are physically able to attend due to illness
Parents/Guardians whose child is quarantined for COVID-19 close contact should have their child contact their teacher and streaming should begin within one day of their first absence
Parents/Guardians whose child is absent or is going to be absent for greater than 5 school days due to a medical issue should provide documentation of that to the building principal. The principal will then contact the teachers to discuss and provide the approval to the parents/guardians. After this approval process, the student should contact their teachers who would already be alerted to the student's approval of streaming. Students that will be absent 15 days or more may qualify for home instruction.
Weekender Bags
Weekender Bags
Waite Elementary School is excited to participate in the 2023-2024 Weekenders program! The Weekenders for Children program is made possible through a partnership with Feeding Medina County. The purpose of this program is to support elementary children who qualify by providing a bag of food to eat over the weekend. Weekender Bags will be given to your child to take home every week during the school year, except during breaks.
If you are interested in your child/children participating in the Weekenders program, please fill out this form as soon as possible. Please call the office with any questions. Thank you!
Building Volunteers
Click here to view the information on completing the necessary paperwork.
Portrait of a Bee
Have a great month!
Ralph E. Waite Elementary School
Email: mattiem@medinabees.org
Website: www.medinabees.org
Location: 4765 Cobblestone Dr, Medina, OH 44256
Phone: 330-636-4500