I hope this message finds you well and enjoying this beautiful --albeit brisk-- fall weather!

The month of November signals the end of the first grading period. Records Day is Monday, Nov. 8, and students will not have school as teachers are finalizing grades.

This time of year brings much joy and celebration to schools with holiday-themed projects and activities, concerts and programs and a general air of seasonal fun.

I encourage you to visit our new website to follow our school calendar and keep up on the activities of the district.

The new website is still under construction but the calendar draws directly from our "master calendar" of activities and is updated weekly. You may wish to pay special attention to activities taking place in the Performing Arts Center, as it is home to most of the grade-level concerts.

I also urge parents to watch their emails for newsletters from their student's principal or teachers with events and details that are specific to each school.

The month of November reminds us to give thanks.

I am thankful for this community and the families of Elyria. And I'm grateful for the fine staff of Elyria Schools working diligently to meet the all-around needs of our students.

After many months of uncertainties that came with the pandemic, I'm sincerely grateful to see our students back in the classroom, learning and making friends.

It is truly a season to be thankful.

As always, please reach out to us by phone, 440-284-8000, or by email, ask@elyriaschools.org, if we can assist. You can also contact your school directly to speak with the school principal.

Sincerely,

Ann Schloss

Superintendent

The survey asked for input on ways to boost learning and address the social/emotional wellbeing of students, and for input on the operation of the facilities themselves.

The survey showed that respondents had an interest in tutoring programs and afterschool learning options, as well as strategies for coping and relieving stress. Operationally speaking, respondents expressed a desire for improved air-filtration in classrooms and schools.

To provide students with additional learning and enrichment opportunities, the district is launching after-school tutoring service at the elementary level beginning Nov. 15. Tutoring services will be available for other grade levels, as well, after the start of the new year. More information to come.

In addressing the social and emotional needs of students, the district hired additional guidance counselors and social workers, and has purchased a new curriculum for guidance counselors. School staff members recently participated in training sessions that offered strategies for reducing stress and anxiety.

By design, the new schools offer improved ventilation and airflow throughout the buildings. According to the CDC, better ventilation is a strategy for reducing virus particles in the air.

Elyria Schools is a district rich with services to meet the needs of its students in all aspects, but the ESSER III funds help the district zero in on key areas triggered by the pandemic.

In our ongoing efforts to address academics, social/emotional wellbeing and facilities, we are asking parents and staff to again share their thoughts in these areas.

Please take a few moments to complete this opinion form. Answers must be submitted by Nov. 10. The result of the survey will be shared out in a later issue of Pioneer News.

The Ohio Department of Education announced the information earlier this year. Free meal service extends through the 2021-2022 school year. All students are eligible to receive free meals.

Aramark, foodservice partner of the Elyria Schools, has launched many new menu items that appeal to kids and to encourage their participation.

The foodservice team wants to hear from you! Is your student participating in the school meal program? Please take a few moments to complete this survey.

During the pandemic, Aramark prepared and delivered more than two million meals to Elyria students in need.

Foodservice Director Lauryn Palgut never stops seeking ways to meet the food needs of kids. She and her team are working on a concept now that would replicate the convenience of grocery-store-style, ready-to-eat meals for bulk distribution. Think "heat and eat" meals like chicken parmesan, rice bowls, etc., that would be available to any child in Elyria Schools using a pre-order process.

This is indeed exciting food news! More details to come as available.

Lorain County Public Health announced a new round of vaccine clinics beginning as early as tomorrow, Nov. 6. Two of clinics are close to home at Elyria High School and Lorain County Community College. Sign up is easy by clicking the link above and following the registration process.

Health officials announced earlier this week that the COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children five years old and up.

Lorain County has seen a drop in COVID-19 cases. The CDC uses a formula of "cases per 100,000 persons" to determine how high the transmission level is in a community and Lorain County's numbers are steadily falling.

We will continue working with the health department and keep parents apprised of any changes that may impact schools.

Please continue to monitor your family's wellness and do not send students to school if they are experiencing symptoms of illness.