Whitney's Rockin' Review

Mr. Stacho's Newsletter - November 19, 2021

Reading Rocks at Whitney!

Happy Thanksgiving! No School November 24-26th

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A Message From The Principal

Dear Parents,


At this time of the year we often reflect on things we are thankful for. I am truly thankful to be working with such wonderful staff, students, and parents at Whitney.


As we head into the busy holiday times, we could use your help. It seems that some students, after being at home/online last year, are having trouble with the "structured" setting of school. We also have some students that are "talking back" or being argumentative when things don't go their way. And, lastly, we've been hearing a lot of swearing or cuss words. Please help us by reminding your children about proper behavior and language at school.


We could use your help to remind your children to demonstrate "PRIDE" each day by being Prepared, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged. A nice reminder from Mom and Dad goes a long way to help each child have a successful day.


On a lighter note, I'm thankful that our parents have gotten into the routine of our carpool lane. It's an oddly satisfying image when 8 cars pull up in the morning and every car door opens at the same time and kids get out and I get to say "Good Morning" to them. It's like something choreographed in a movie. The same for the afternoon, when kids go to their assigned number and every student gets in the cars and we can send an entire row of cars out the driveway while another line moves into the que. I told you it was "oddly" satisfying. LOL.

PBIS Assembly - J-Line Dance Crew

We had the J-Line Dance Crew at Whitney on Friday, November 12th. They brought with them a very positive message about Anti-Bullying, Believing In Yourself, Showing Respect, and Being Resilient. Check out the video link below to get a glimpse of what they brought to us. The kids ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
JLINE DANCE CREW

Veterans Day Celebrated at Whitney Elementary School

Some more pics of Veterans Day below!
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A Message From Mr. Stacho:

We wanted to do a better job of letting all of our students and parents know a little more about our staff, so each week, I'm going to share a few video introductions so you can get to know us a little better. We are all a TEAM at Whitney, so we want you to be part of our team and know who we are. This week, meet Mrs. Vukovic - ELL Teacher, Mrs. Koch - Title I Teacher, Ms. Barrett - Title I Teacher, and Ms. Heidt - Speech Teacher

Spirit Days

11/19: Wear your Reading Rocks t-shirts

12/3: Tie-dye day

12/10: Whitney Reading shirts

12/16: Ugly Holiday Sweater/shirt day

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Woo Hoo Cart Week of 11/8/21

Winter Reminders

As the cooler temperatures arrive, here are the guidelines for outdoor recess. Students will go outside for recess when the temperature is 20°F or above and the wind-chill is 10°F or above. Children should always come to school prepared to go outside for recess. So, remember to get out your mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, and heavier coats.


Please also remind your children that they are NOT to pick up snow or ice at school, during recess, or at bus stops. Snowball fights are fun when at home with a few close friends or family, but at school, at the bus stop, during recess, etc., throwing snow often results in someone getting hurt. We appreciate your help in supporting us in our efforts to keep everyone safe by having this conversation with your children. Thanks so much.

Electrify Your Symphony - Friday, November 19

Don't miss the "Electrify Your Symphony" concert with world-renowned violinist Mark Wood, featuring SMS and SHS orchestra performances, on Friday, November 19. Two shows are scheduled - get your advanced tickets for the 6:00pm show HERE & for the 8:30pm show HERE.

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Whitney Cookbooks for sale!

Are you tired of eating the same thing? Whitney Cookbook can help!

Today is cold and wet, how about some Hot Sausage and Kale Soup? Tomorrow is game day, up your half time game with Jalapeno Kickers.

These are just 2 examples of recipes from our awesome Whitney Family Cookbook. The cookbook is 112 pages long and contains over 130 recipes!

Cookbooks are for sale for $10. All proceeds go directly to the purchase of a new basketball hoop for the playground. Simply send your Child's/Your name and cash or check made out to Whitney Elementary PTA to school with your child marked Cookbook.

Keep an eye out for more previews of the recipes included!

Food Bank Sharing Tree

Here is a sign up genius link to know what items the food bank needs.
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Mr. Schibley's November Guidance Newsletter

Please click here to view Mr. Schibley's guidance newsletter.
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Free Books For Children Birth To Age 5

Ohio has taken Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which previously was only offered in certain counties, and now offers it to all families with children birth-five. Using this gives families access to free books so they can develop their own in-home libraries. Click on the link below to register to receive FREE BOOKS!

Ohio Imagination Library

Would you like to follow Whitney Elementary on Twitter.... (Repeat Item)

For up to date highlights on Whitney Elementary, follow @WhitneyElement1 on Twitter!

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS (Repeat Item)

COVID-19 prevention strategies remain critical to protect people, including students, teachers, and staff that may not be vaccinated. As we want to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone, we will continue to implement the following preventive measures for the 2021-22 school year in consideration of the recommendations provided by the Ohio Department of Health.


  1. Vaccination. We will continue to share vaccination opportunities/locations for eligible students and staff.

  2. Wearing Masks. Per the CDC, masks must be worn by all students and staff when riding on the school bus. When at school and indoors, masks are optional for students and staff, yet strongly recommended for those who are unvaccinated. When outdoors, masks are not necessary, but still are optional based on individual/family preference.

  3. Ventilation. We will continue to implement our ventilation protocols to bring in as much outside air as possible and provide air filtration at the highest level possible for our existing HVAC units.

  4. Social Distancing. We will strive to maintain 3 feet social distancing within classrooms, cafeterias, and learning spaces. Cooperative grouping opportunities for students may be phased throughout the fall based on COVID trends in the school district.

  5. Additional Mitigation Strategies. We will continue to provide opportunities for regular hand washing / hand sanitizer use and educate students on proper respiratory etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes.)

  6. Cleaning / Disinfection. We will continue to implement the same cleaning / disinfection procedures as were implemented last school year.

  7. Health Screenings. Families/Staff continue to be required to perform daily health screenings and must stay at home when feeling ill and/or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (CLICK HERE).

  8. Contact Tracing, Isolations, and Quarantines. We will continue to perform regular contract tracing in combination with isolation or quarantine mandates as set by the Ohio Department of Health or other state/local mandates.


Note. The Superintendent may enact further restrictions, such as mandatory masking and increased social distancing by classroom, grade-level, or building based on COVID-related data and trends.


For additional information on the prevention strategies listed above and COVID-related restrictions in our buildings for the 2021-22 school year, click on the link below.


PREVENTION STRATEGY DETAILS


SCHOOL BUILDING OPERATING PROCEDURES / RESTRICTIONS

Strongsville Public Library

***Please note the following November 2021 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events in order for us to send you the Zoom invitation. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.

**The Cuyahoga County Public Library and Administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, November 11th for Staff Development Day. We will resume normal hours on Friday, November 12th.

**The Cuyahoga County Public Library and Administrative offices will be closed at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24th and all day Thursday, November 25th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Friday, November 26th.

Cuyahoga Works – Need help with your resume or interview skills? A Cuyahoga Works Career Counselor will be at the Strongsville Branch on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. to meet with individuals in need of job search assistance. For more information, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/Services/Cuyahoga-Works.aspx To schedule an appointment, please call (216) 475-2225.

English as a Second Language. IN PERSON Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Aspire Greater Cleveland is once again teaching IN-PERSON classes to help non-native speakers learn English and validate their skills. Students must attend an ESOL/Citizenship orientation session before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. If you are interested in attending these ESOL classes, please call Aspire at 833.277.4732 to register.

Computer Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Classes are currently being held in-person as well as some VIRTUALLY using the program Screenleap which requires a web browser and an internet connection. There is no additional software to download. Google Chrome is the recommended browser. A valid email address is required for registration. Registrants will receive an email with a link to join the class at least an hour before the start time. Registration opens 30 days before the start of the class and closes prior to the start of the class. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit
https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes/2021-Virtual-and-In-Person-classes.aspx

Take & Make At Home Crafts!
Stop into the Strongsville Branch to see what the current take it and make it craft of the month is for All Ages. Each month the Youth, Teen, and Adult Departments are offering free craft kits to take home while supplies last.

Zoom Virtual Preschool Storytime. Tuesdays, November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.

Zoom Virtual Toddler Storytime. Wednesday, November 3rd , 10th, 17th and 24th from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.

Zoom Virtual Storytime Baby & Me. Wednesday, November 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.

Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursdays, November 4th, 11th, and 18th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.


Intro to Indian Classical Music. Tuesday, November 23rd / 7:00 p.m.
Sugata Chatterjee will perform the ancient form of “raaga” which is the melodic framework for improvisation akin to a melodic mode in Indian classical music. Registration and an email address are required to receive the Zoom link to participate.