We wish you much joy this holiday season and extend our heartfelt appreciation for choosing Elyria Schools.

This time of year brings lots of fun to the classrooms, and to the stage of the Elyria High School Performing Arts Center.

We hope you'll check out our holiday concert schedule at www.elyriaschools.org. Most concerts are free or have a minimal charge to attend. Please watch for newsletters from your child's principal and teachers, as well, with additional details on coming events and activities in December and January.

Most holiday performances are also posted on the district's YouTube channel called Pioneer TV.

The month of December comes and goes so quickly. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season but be sure to allow for downtime to relax and rejuvenate, especially while students are home on break. Winter break begins Dec. 24 and extends through Dec. 31. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 3.

An article at pbs.org offers tips and ideas for mixing quality time with learning . The author suggests activities like baking or cooking together, reading, crafting and playing board games.

Another article found online at VeryWellFamily.com offers ideas for reducing stress around the holidays, especially for children. The author suggests sticking to routines as much as possible, scheduling quiet time into your child's day and getting outside as much as possible to play.

Whatever your plans for the coming holidays, we wish you a merry season filled with happiness and healthfulness. Enjoy!

With the widening availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 and older, Elyria Schools is poised to eliminate mask requirements for students in all grades.

This change would take effect on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

The district administration will continue to examine the guidelines and make decisions that align with health department recommendations.

As of Jan. 3, 2022, students will no longer be required to wear masks—they most certainly can continue to wear them if they desire.

Elyria Schools still adheres to other policies surrounding COVID-19, for example, masks are still required on busses, per the Centers for Disease Control.

If students display any signs of illness, they are asked to stay home. Also, any students who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 must remain out of school for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, returning once their symptoms are improving and they have no fever.

Elyria Schools Foodservice Director, Lauryn Palgut of Aramark, never stops seeking ways to meet the food needs of kids.

She and her team are launching a new bulk dinner distribution plan that includes heat-and-eat meals. The ready-made dinners are convenient and nutritious, and can simply be popped in the oven or microwave for quick heat up.

Heat-and-eat meal distribution begins tomorrow, December 8. All Elyria students, ages one through 18 years old, are eligible to receive meal kits. There is no charge for meals.

Distribution will take place tomorrow at Elyria High School off West Ave. (dock area near the gymnasium) from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. A meal kit bag includes five heat-and-eat meals and each student is eligible for a meal kit bag.

Meal kits are limited, so parents are advised to arrive at 3:15 p.m. when distribution begins. (Elyria High School dismisses at 2:40 p.m. and traffic is heavy. No arrivals before 3 p.m.)

The next distribution will take place on Dec. 15, same time and place. Meal bag distribution will then resume after winter break and a schedule will be announced.