Notes from the Principaws #9(April)
Mr. Vince Sette and Mrs. Nicole McQuate
Is it really April already?????
April is here, which means we are very much coming to the final stretch of the 2023-2024 school year.
The office will be closed during the week of April 3 for Spring Break. When we return on the 10th, we will resume normal hours from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at the elementary.
We continue to have our different grade-level concerts throughout the year. Please refer to the letter from Mrs. Brown that was sent home to parents about our concerts during the school year.
Mrs. Brown's Letter for NES Concerts
Parents, please return all school forms ASAP. These are essential to ensure we have the most up-to-date information for your child. Thank you for your continued support in filling these forms out for us. We will be calling to ensure we have updated email addresses for our parent contacts. This is important as we have moved to an online form system for next school year. There is more information later in the newsletter for Final Forms.
Norwayne Elementary LITERACY Spotlight
Literacy is an integral part of a student's success in school. Please reach out to the administration or teachers with any questions concerning literacy at Norwayne Elementary.
OHIO SCHOOL SAFETY CENTER - SAFER OHIO
Norwayne has signed up with the Ohio School Safety Center by enrolling in the statewide phone or text hotline. Parents, students, and community members are asked to report anything suspicious or endangering you, your friends, or our school. The hotline number is listed below, and we thank everyone for helping to SPEAK UP and SAVE LIVES.
Text or Call the number below:
844-SAFEROH
844-723-3764
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Monte
We are transitioning from our empathy and kindness lessons to problem-solving. You will notice topics that include STEP. Students will learn to Say the problem respectfully, Think of possible solutions, Explore outcomes of different solutions, and Pick a solution. 5th grade will do something different and begin conversations of personal hygiene to prepare them for their fast approaching transition to middle school.
Kindergarten:
Apologizing Can Help
I Messages (Using “I feel ___ when you _____.” so we are not blaming others)
We can solve the problem (Problem-Solving)
First:
Ask For What You Need
We Can Make It Better (Deescalating a Problem)
Solving Problems
Second:
Thinking of Solutions
Which Solution? What Would I Want?
Third:
STEP by Step
S: Say the Problem
TE: Think and Explore
Fourth:
A Good Problem-Solver: Saying it Respectfully
Fifth:
Healthy Habits
Visit the Counselor’s Corner Site for details about the topics we are learning in the classroom. You can also find some ways to encourage social emotional learning with your family over Spring Break or whenever you can include the activities in your day! There will be a separate activity for 4th and 5th grade that they can redeem for a prize if completed.
Alexa Monte
School Counselor
Norwayne Elementary School
(330)-435-6383
NES PTO
How Can You Find More About NES PTO:
- Find the PTO page on Facebook for updates and information. Search Norwayne Elementary PTO and follow the page to stay in the know.
- email PTO at norwaynepto@gmail.com with any questions
- Join the Remind Group for NES PTO (www.remind.com/join/nespto21)
Old Business to Review:
- Book Fair was a great success and the kids loved it again this year.
- Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the 2023 Spring Fling. It was once again an amazing event. Without the volunteers and this great community, we would not be able to hold such events.
Important Upcoming Dates:
- If you are interested in helping with different PTO events please reach out. We appreciate everyone's help with fun activities for the students.
- Sterling Cookbooks will be on sale for two dates (October 31st and March 31st).
- Spirit wear shop fundraiser will be coming this spring be sure to be on the lookout for that information.
2022-2023 Officers
- President = Nikki Wincek
- Vice President = Danielle Saurers
- Secretary = Rhonda Gowin
- Treasurer = Angie Smith
2023 SPRING FLING PHOTOS
APRIL and MAY SNAPSHOT and IMPORTANT DATES
Several important dates are coming in April. We ask that you please review the dates below, as there have been changes to the school calendar.
2022-2023 Norwayne Color Calendar
- April 3 - 9 = 2023 Spring Break
- April 18, 2023 = 3rd and 5th Grade ELA OST Part 1 @ NES (9:00 am)
- April 19, 2023 = 3rd and 5th Grade ELA OST Part 2 @ NES (9:00 am)
- April 19, 2023 = PTO Meeting @ NES Library (6:00 pm)
- April 20, 2023 = 4th Grade ELA OST Part 1 @ NES (9:00 am)
- April 21, 2023 = 4th Grade ELA OST Part 2 @ NES (9:00 am)
- April 26, 2023 = Interims are due @ NES
- April 26, 2023 = 3rd and 5th Grade Math OST Part 1 @ NES (9:00 am)
- April 27, 2023 = 3rd and 5th Grade Math OST Part 2 @ NES (9:00 am)
- April 28, 2023 = Interims are sent Home w/ Students
- May 2, 2023 = 4th Grade Math OST Part 1 @ NES (9:00 am)
- May 3, 2023 = 4th Grade Math OST Part 2 @ NES (9:00 am)
- May 4, 2023 = 5th Grade Science OST Parts 1 and 2 @ NES (9:00 am)
- May 8, 2023 = Kindergarten Registration Day #1 @ Norwayne Admin Building
- May 9, 2023 = Kindergarten Registration Day #2 @ Norwayne Admin Building
- May 11, 2023 = Reading Under the Lights @ NHS (see flyer for more details)
- May 30, 2023 = Track and Field Day @ NES/NHS
- May 31, 2023 = Last Day for students - Early Dismissal and Possible Rain Date for Track and Field @ NES/NHS
Tips for the Year from Mr. Sette
2023 Winter Norwayne Youth Accomplishments
April Transportation Department Updates
April Showers bring May flowers!
With rain comes many obstacles for drivers. It can be hard to see, flood roadways, and even cause delays and rerouting of buses. We appreciate everyone's patience as our drivers navigate through it all. Remember, to wait in your place of safety at least 5 minutes before scheduled bus time and give at least 5 minutes after scheduled time in case of delays. You can check for updates at our Facebook page Norwayne Transportation.
We have spring field trips rolling in and our drivers are pumped to get out on more trips and see everyone succeed in all their activities!
If you have any questions, you may reach out to Lori Weinman (Transportation Coordinator) via email (lweinman@norwayne.net) or phone(330-435-1141)
Question: Who should you call when you need to make a change in your transportation plans?
Answer: Call the Transportation Office.
Student Handbook Talking Points
ATTENDANCE and UNDERSTANDING ODE LANGUAGE
We are mandated by law to inform parents when students reach different thresholds for absences. Please note that if you receive an attendance letter from the school, we encourage you to call in with any questions to understand better what is going on. We want everyone to be informed, and we realize that our current policies may require some families to stay at home, which puts them above the allowable absences from ODE. We will continue to work with families on how to help on a case-by-case basis, as every scenario could be unique. Please note that missing school, whether excused or unexcused, still impacts a child's education. We will also begin to do this monthly so that we can better keep parents updated on things.
- Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason. This includes excused and unexcused absences.
- Habitual Truancy is defined as any child of compulsory school age who is absent without legitimate excuse from the public school for thirty or more consecutive hours, forty-two or more hours in one school month, or seventy-two or more hours in one school year. This is different than chronic absenteeism as this only counts absence without legitimate excuses.
- Excessive Absences are defined as a student being absent with a nonmedical excuse for thirty-eight or more hours in one school month or sixty-five or more hours in a school year.
- Tardies are defined within our student handbook. A student may receive a tardy letter notice if they exceed 4 or more tardies within one month.
2022-2023 NES BREAKFAST and LUNCHES
Nutritious breakfasts and hot lunches are served at our school. For the 2022-2023 School Year, breakfast and lunch are no longer free of charge. Milk is available for purchase for those carrying their lunches. Lunch and milk prices are established annually by the Norwayne Board of Education and can be found noted below. If your child is going to eat a school lunch regularly, we encourage you to send in money for lunches weekly or monthly. Please put your money in an envelope with the student's name and teacher on it or use the online payment system to add money to their account.
Please note that there is now only a $10.00 charge limit in the lunchroom. Norwayne Local Schools have enrolled in https://www.payforit.net/. This service provides parents with a secure, fast, and convenient way to view and manage student lunch activities. Parents can sign up for low-balance notifications, can view students' balances, and deposit money into their children's meal accounts. Note there is a transaction fee for online student deposits. Parents can also send payments to school with their children. Please make checks payable to Norwayne Elementary School.
Information on prices is noted below:
2022-2023 NES Breakfast and Lunch Prices
Breakfast = $2.35
Lunch = $2.85
Extra Items at NES
Student Milk = $0.75
Pizza Per Slice (on pizza day) = $2.50
Norwayne Local Schools participate in the government's free and reduced lunch program. Parents are encouraged to fill out free and reduced forms if they feel they would qualify for these services. A new form must be filled out each year, even if a family qualified in years past. Guidelines and applications are sent home at the beginning of each school year. If you feel you qualify, please apply.
APRIL STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Kindergarten Spotlight
Tessa Kohler: Tessa is always so happy and encouraging to others! Tessa is truly a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day!!
Emma Riggenbach: Emma always works hard and tries her best at school. She pays attention and asks questions and is doing wonderful at reading! She is kind, responsible, helpful to others and is very nurturing. I can always count on Emma to help me in class if needed. Emma’s friends say that she is, “nice and is good at sharing”. At school, Emma loves to learn about math, Emma’s favorite thing to do at home is to draw. Emma is very excited that her cat, Sprinkles, had a new litter of kitties!
Hadley Rupp: Hadley likes learning and her enthusiasm is reflected in the quality of work she does in class and at home. She is a great reader and is really good with her addition facts. She is a great student and friend to all her classmates!
Felicity Hartzler: Felicity is a real role model and leader to our other kindergarten friends. She is always ready to learn, a great listener, and always puts her best effort into her work. She is truly a kind and responsible Bobcat!
1st Grade Spotlight
Maria Smith: Maria is a wonderful first grade student! She helps to keep our classroom clean and is the first to volunteer to help with any task. She is kind, polite and hard working. Each day she comes to school with a smile on her face and ready to learn! Great job, Maria!
Roman Monteith: Roman is a pleasure to have in class. He comes to class with his homework done ready to learn something new. He always gives his best effort. When he is in class he does a great job helping his classmates and making sure that the classroom is neat and tidy. Keep up the good work Roman!
Addi Beery: Addi is a star student! Not only is she kind, smart, and hardworking, but she is always willing to help her classmates and teachers. Thank you Addi for being a positive role model for your classmates daily. Go Addi!
Wyatt Hartzler: Wyatt is a fantastic first grader. He is kind and is great at following directions. Wyatt is always ready to help his classmates when they need it. Keep up the good work Wyatt!
2nd Grade Spotlight
Brooklyn Gasser: Brooklyn is always on task and working hard. She is kind to her classmates and always willing to help a friend in need. She comes to class with a smile! Brooklyn is a star student!
Andrew Seran: Andrew is a very hardworking 2nd grader. He always does what he is asked to do without complaining. Andrew takes pride in his work and gives his best effort no matter what the task might be. Keep up the hard work Andrew!
Lucas Hanzie: Lucas is an excellent 2nd grade student. He is a hard worker and is quick to help his classmates. He loves the IXL leaderboard and is working hard to accomplish his goals. Lucas is kind to all students and is a great friend! Keep up the good work, Lucas!
Maddie Keppler: Maddie is a sweet, hard working student; we are so thankful to have her in our class family! She is always eager to help others and when a task is at hand she is quick to get it completed. Outside of school, Maddie is on a gymnastics team. We are proud of you, Maddie girl!
3rd Grade Spotlight
Anibal Pastor Perez: Anibal has made so much growth this year. He is constantly working hard and doing the right thing. He loves playing outside and recess with his friends. Keep up the great work!
Jennifer Sica Ixcoy: Jennifer is a great student leader. She works extremely hard and is always kind to others. She is helpful to teachers and other students. Keep up the good work!
Conner Thibodaux: We have really enjoyed watching Conner grow as a third grader. He started the year focused on his own wants/needs; however, now you can see the care he has for others through his words and his actions. Conner is a good friend and tries to encourage others around him. It is also fun to watch Conner’s excitement when he is involved in something he is passionate about. Keep up that compassionate spirit, Conner!
Ella Stoller: Ella's positive mindset and great attitude are contagious. She always brings a smile with her and loves showing off her creativity. She goes out of her way to be helpful whenever it is possible and it is greatly appreciated.Her favorite part of school is reading because reading is the BEST! Outside of school, she enjoys riding horses and is participating in Girls on the Run this year. Keep being awesome, Ella!
4th Grade Spotlight
- Lane Butler: Lane is a respectful, hardworking and caring fourth grader! He comes to school everyday in a cheerful mood excited to tackle the day. Lane's favorite subject is Math because he loves working with fractions. When Lane is not at school he likes to swim, play baseball and create art. Lane's consistent hardwork and positivity in class make him a great leader among his peers. Keep up the great work, Lane!!
- Hadleigh Widmer: Hadleigh is a hardworking, trustworthy, and respectful fourth-grader! She loves riding horses, making crafts (including an awesome Valentine's Day box), learning, and helping others. Her favorite subjects are ELA and Math! Her bright, kind, and caring spirit is a welcome addition to our Bobcat family!
- Luke Armstrong: Luke is a fantastic fourth grader! He is hardworking, trustworthy, reliable, and confident. Luke loves being in fourth grade this year. His favorite subjects are reading and science. In his free time you will find Luke playing with Legos and riding his dirt bike. Keep up the fantasic job Luke!
Preston Hull: Preston is hardworking, reliable, and respectful. Preston enjoys gaming and playing baseball and soccer with friends. His favorite subject is math. His favorite thing about fourth grade is that he is older and gets to learn new things in math.
Case Morlock: Case is a Fantastic Fourth Grader! He sets an excellent example in the classroom as a helpful, hardworking student. Case enjoys coming to school to be with his friends, and his favorite subject is science. Outside of school, he likes to spend time farming and fishing. Way to go, Case!
5th Grade Spotlight
Bentley Chinn: Bentley is hardworking, helpful, and respectful. Bentley enjoys gaming and playing baseball and soccer with friends. He collects Pokemon cards. His favorite subject is math and he likes to go to gym. His favorite thing about fifth grade are the experiments that he gets to do in science.
Hannah Wiles: Hannah is a trustworthy and reliable 5th grade student. Her favorite things about fifth grade are the teachers, her friends, and science class. Outside of school, Hannah likes to play the piano and read. Hannah leads by example by being one of the hardest working students in the 5th grade.
Virginia Graham: Ginny is a respectful and helpful 5th grader. Inside school, Ginny loves math class and hanging out with her friends. She enjoys listening to Harry Potter and creating with legos on her own time. Ginny is a well-rounded student who tackles any challenge she faces with determination.
Landon Garrison: Landon is a hardworking and confident 5th grade student. Within school, Landon enjoys math class and having some freedom as a fifth grader. Outside of school he loves farming and football. Landon is a confident student and has a bright future ahead of him.
Carys Hassenzahl: Carys is a helpful and hardworking 5th grade student. She enjoys time with her friends and history class with Mrs. Hess the most. Outside of school, Carys enjoys being creative with arts and crafts. Carys embodies the Super Improver mindset each day she walks into the classroom.
MARCH STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Mrs. Gerber
How long have you been at Norwayne?
- 38 Years
- I love working with my students and watching them grow and succeed. There is always something new to learn and every day is different.
Working with K-1 students, I hear a lot of funny stories. Then I have to decide if the story is true or not.
- Life isn't all about you. Take time to encourage and help others along the way.
Mrs. Ogg
How long have you been in Norwayne?
- This is my first year in Norwayne.
- First, I love my team members and working in such a supportive environment. We are always there for each other! Second, my students are amazing. I love getting to know each and every student and watching them be successful.
What is a funny moment during your time at Norwayne?
Every day gives an opportunity where I can laugh with my students!
- Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! -Dr. Seuss
Ms. Gill
How long have you been in Norwayne?
This is my second year at Norwayne as an educator, but Norwayne is my alma mater!
The students. They are why we are all here, and I love every single one of them for the unique individuals that they are.
When I thought it was jeans day, so I wore jeans... Turns out I was the only one in jeans that day.
Any words of advice for our students?
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes. See them as a source of improving and learning to become a better you.
2023 CAMP INVENTION @ NES
Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity at Camp Invention®! This nationally acclaimed K-6 program comes to Norwayne Elementary from June 26 to 30 with all-new, hands-on STEM fun.
Save $25 using code SUM25 by 3/30.
Go to http://bit.ly/3xwHx4p for more information and discounts.
VOLUNTEER UPDATES @ NES
Hello Bobcat Families,
We wanted to share some new information with everyone in regard to volunteers at NES. The district has recently moved to a new background check system (SecureVolunteer, a BIB product) for any and all volunteers in the building. For those of you who frequently visit the NES website, you may have noticed there is a new tab that can be found labeled "Volunteer". I have also linked the tab directly below. By clicking the link you will find information on the volunteer process which will answer many frequently asked questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
Norwayne Local School Volunteering Website
VOLUNTEER PROCESS
The Norwayne School Board believes one of the greatest resources available may be found in the citizens of the community who have special knowledge and talents to contribute to the District. The use of citizens as volunteers within the school program enhances the educational process not only for students but for the community as well. Volunteers may provide additional support in the classroom, promote community-school cooperation in facilitating the learning process and provide for individuals who have expertise in various areas to be used as resource persons. While we are continually grateful for this support, we are also aware of the potential concerns that can arise when volunteers are working directly with students. The District notifies current and prospective volunteers who have or will have unsupervised access to children on a regular basis that a criminal records check may be conducted at any time. Norwayne Local Schools prioritizes safety for our students and has established a new volunteer process that includes a background check.
What is required?
A background check through the district’s online system will be required of all school volunteers.
How long does it take to process a background check?
Volunteers should apply for the check at least one week prior to an event.
What activities require a background check?
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some examples that do or do not require a background check:
Background Check Required
Chaperoning a field trip
Providing learning support for a classroom
PTO volunteer work
Volunteering for a classroom celebration at school
Assisting in school during the instructional day
How much does a background check cost?
At this time, Norwayne Local Schools will be covering the cost of the required background checks for volunteers.
How long is a background check effective?
Background checks are good for three years. You will receive an email 30 days prior to expiration informing you that a new background check is needed.
***Norwayne Local Schools utilizes SecureVolunteer, a BIB (Background Investigation Bureau) product, for our background checks. Click the bar below to be taken to the SecureVolunteer website.
NORWAYNE LOCAL REMIND
- Go to our Elementary website.
- Click on the Parents tab.
- Click on Norwayne Remind Sign-Up.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
FINAL FORMS for 2023-2024
Parents can follow the link provided if they did not receive an email to begin the Final Forms process. We thank everyone for their patience as we transition to this online system.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
SUBSTITUTES NEEDED
If you have ever thought to yourself how you can help children and be a part of such an amazing school system look no further. We are ALWAYS looking for substitutes for teaching and support staff positions. We encourage anyone seeking the opportunity to help the district to please get in contact with Mr. Sette or Mrs. McQuate so they can help direct you in the proper direction.
Tri-County ESC Substitute Website
ODE Teacher Substitute Requirements
NORWAYNE ELEMENTARY TRACK AND FIELD TSHIRTS!!!
Over the last several years, we have heard the request from parents about bringing back track and field shirts. We have developed a design for those families that wish to have a shirt to remember the yearly event. FAMILIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A SHIRT AS THIS IS A TOTALLY OPTIONAL OPTION. If you would like to have an item to remember, track and field by, this could be a way to go. Thank you for your continued support.
GO BOBCATS!!!
https://norwayne-elementary-track-and-field-day.itemorder.com/shop/home/
2023-2024 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten Screening/Registration for the 2023-24 School Year will occur in May 2023.
STEPS FOR PARENTS TO TAKE W/ REGISTRATION:
1. Call Fran Hansen, the district Registrar, @ 330-435-6382 to sign up for a time slot on either May 8th or May 9th.
2. After confirming with Mrs. Hansen, parents must fill out registration forms on our new online system, "Final Forms." This system will be located on our district webpage for parents to access or you can click the link here directly. Norwayne Final Forms Link
3. If you are waiting to upload documents into Final Forms, you could bring paper copies to have our staff scan during the registration date.
4. Attend your registration time and date in May to meet the teachers, Mrs. McQuate, and Mr. Sette.
We can't wait to see everyone!
Monday, May 8, 2023, 08:30 AM
161 South Main Street, Creston, OH, USA
2023-2024 SCHOOL FEES
Mr. Vince Sette
Email: visette@norwayne.net
Website: www.norwayne.net
Location: 286 South Main Street, Creston, OH, USA
Phone: 330-435-6383
Twitter: @NES_principaws