NES Principaw Update #5 (Dec 2023)
Mr. Vince Sette and Mrs. Nicole McQuate
2023 is Coming to an End!
As we approach the holiday season we want to express say THANK YOU to everyone for such a wonderful year thus far. We are so blessed to be working with the students, families, and staff that we have at Norwayne Elementary.
The office is currently open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at the elementary.
Parents, please make sure you complete the Final Forms online. If you need assistance, reach out, and we can help complete that if needed.
INSTANT CONNECT
The district will move to a new communication text messaging system this year. We are replacing REMIND with a new product that will be easier to use called Instant Connect. This product syncs and works with Final Forms and DASL so that we always have the most up-to-date contact information for parents. At the beginning of the school year, Mr. Leatherman sent a text message asking parents, staff, and students to opt-in to our alerts from our new notification system. Your phone number is not in our system if you did not get that text.
If you wish to join our new alert notification system, text YES to 87569, and your number will be added.
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Monte
Some of this month’s counseling lessons will continue to be taught by Ms. Zollinger. Mrs. Monte will return on December 13th.
As we approach another break and the weather grows colder, it can be easy for students to become frustrated and distracted at school. We will be focusing on improving our confidence, being kind to ourselves, and reviewing how to stay focused and motivated in class!
*Please make a counseling referral using this link if you would like your student connected to counseling services. Mr. Sette and Mrs. Mcquate will receive these requests until Mrs. Monte returns on December 13th.
Class Lesson Topics in December:
Kindergarten: Weekly - Students will learn to talk positively about themselves and learn how paying attention helps us to do our best!
Mindfulness
Self-Esteem Part 1
Self-Esteem Part 2
We Watch. We Listen. We Think.
Some classes will not have class the week of Christmas Break and will make up lessons as we return to school.
1st Grade: Weekly - Students will learn to grow their confidence and learn to keep themselves focused so that they can practice and do their best work!
Self-Esteem
Time to Pay Attention
Everyone Gets Distracted
Some classes will not have class the week of Christmas Break and will make up lessons as we return to school.
2nd Grade: Bi-Weekly - Students learn what self-esteem is and why it is important. We also can grow our confidence by practicing things to get better.
Self-Esteem
How to Get Good at Something
Some classes will not have class the week of Christmas Break and will make up lessons as we return to school.
3rd Grade: Weekly - Students learn what self-esteem means and how to improve it. We learn about how our brains change as we learn new things.
Self-Esteem Part 1
Self-Esteem Part 2
Changing Your Brain
Some classes will not have class the week of Christmas Break and will make up lessons as we return to school.
4th Grade: Bi-Weekly - Students learn about growth mindset vs fixed mindset. This helps us believe in working hard to improve and grow instead of believing that our skills are “fixed”.
Growth Mindset
5th Grade: Bi-Weekly - Students learn various study strategies to prepare and feel confident about tests.
Study Strategies
-Looking forward to a fun-filled December!-
Alexa Monte
School Counselor
Norwayne Elementary School
(330)-435-6383
2023-2024 NES PTO
How Can You Find More About NES PTO:
- Visit the Norwayne Elementary PTO Website by clicking the link below.
- 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:
- n/a
Important Upcoming Dates:
Anyone donating homemade gifts for Santa Shop needs to have them turned into the office by no later than Friday December 1st at the end of the school day.
Santa Shop @ NES (December 4th through December 8th) = Family Night is Thursday December 7th from 4 to 7 pm.
2023-2024 Officers
- President = Nikki Wincek
- Vice President = Danielle Saurers
- Secretary = Rhonda Gowin
- Treasurer = Angie Smith
2023-2024 PTO Meeting Dates (All take place at 6:00 pm in the NES Library)
- 9/20/23
- 10/18/23
- 11/15/23
- 1/17/24
- 2/21/24
- 3/20/24
- 4/17/24
- 5/15/24
2023-2024 PTO Events
- Mother Son event will take place on January 14, 2024—more details will come.
- Daddy Daughter Dance will occur on February 18, 2024—more details will come.
- Santa Shop will visit NES from December 4 through December 8, 2023. Family night will take place on December 7th.
- NES Book Fair dates have not been finalized at this time. This event will take place sometime in 2024.
- NES Spring Fling will take place in March or April of 2024. More details will come.
DECEMBER SNAPSHOT and IMPORTANT DATES
Several important dates are coming in November. We ask that you please review the dates below, as there have been changes to the school calendar.
2023-2024 Norwayne Color Calendar
- December 1, 2023 = Interims Home
- December 5, 2023 = 5th Grade Concert @ NMS/PAC (7:00 pm)
- December 4 - 8th, 2023 = Santa Shop @ NES during school hours
- December 7, 2023 = Family Night for Santa Shop @ NES (4:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
- December 8, 2023 = NHS Band and Choir Show @ NES (9:30 am)
- December 14, 2023 = 5th Grade Concert performance for NES School @ NES (9:30 am)
- December 15, 2023 = 2nd and 7 visit from the CRUSH group @ NES (11:10 am)
- December 18, 2023 = NLS Board Meeting @ NHS (4:00 pm)
- December 20, 2023 = NES Christmas Parties @ NES (2:00 pm)
- December 21, 2023 - January 2, 2024 = Winter Break and time to enjoy family friends and the holidays.
2023 NES Veterans Day Slide Show
You can click the picture below which will open the slide show in presentation mode. Please go to the bottom left corner and select the three dots that look like a snowman and choose auto play (It times up best if you select either 2 or 3 seconds). This will start the slideshow automatically with the song and names being read. If you would rather scroll through and look at the pictures you can do that as well at your own pace. Thank you to everyone who was able to create the slideshow for our Veterans.
Tips for the Year from Mr. Sette
December Transportation Department Updates
December is upon us and that means hazardous weather is too! When inclement weather conditions occur, a decision might be made by the Transportation Coordinator and/or the Superintendent to delay the opening of school, to close school, or to dismiss school early.
Under conditions of hazardous weather or roads, school may be cancelled or delayed for the day. Wooster radio, WQKT 104.5 FM and WKVX 960 AM will broadcast school delay or closing information by 6:00 a.m. Information will also be broadcast on Cleveland TV stations, Channels 3, 5, 8 and 19. If conditions indicate that a delay will permit school to open (fog, ice, etc.) bus runs may be delayed for one or two hours. If conditions do not improve during the delay, schools may be dismissed for the day. Please stay tuned to the radio or television.
Norwayne Transportation would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
If you have any questions, you may reach out to Lori Weinman (Transportation Coordinator) via email (lweinman@norwayne.net) or phone (330-435-1141)
Student Handbook Talking Points
- As a reminder, we have updated our Fever policy in the student handbook. Please be sure to review this section along with our other illness policies. We appreciate everyone's flexibility going forward as we navigate the current landscape.
- If your child has a fever they must remain out of school for a minimum of 48 hours. They are able to return after these days as long as the last 24 hours they were fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medication.
DRESS CODE REMINDER
- Tank tops, muscle shirts, bare midriffs, or sleeveless shirts are NOT permitted. Also, socks are to be worn at ALL times, even with sandals.
- With the weather changing, we do go outside for recess as much as possible. We do not have ample extra clothing for students so please ensure your child dresses for the weather appropriately.
2023-2024 NES BREAKFAST and LUNCHES
Breakfast and Lunches for the 2023-2024 school year will no longer be free. Please be on the lookout for the monthly lunch menus once school begins. We will send a hard copy home as well as make them available online to view.
2023-2024 Breakfast and Lunch Prices
Breakfast = $2.50
Lunch = $3.00
Extra Items
Student Milk = $0.75
Pizza Per Slice (on pizza day) = $2.50
Main Dish Only = $2.50
DECEMBER STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Kindergarten Spotlight
- Leah Burns = Leah is a great example of a true Bobcat student! She is so kind and helpful to all the friends in our room. She is a very responsible student. She is always prepared and ready to work. Leah loves to participate in any activity that is going on in our room. Way to be a super bobcat, Leah!
- Evelyn Church = Evelyn is such a great friend to everyone! She is a hard worker and is doing GREAT at her fluency books, reading CVC words like a CHAMP! Her favorite thing at school is “Mrs. Rupp” ❤️ and she loves playing with her “digger thing” outside in the sandbox at home. 🙂 Her friends say that Evelyn has the best giggle and is fun to play with. We are so thankful to have Evelyn in our room!
- Isaiah Williams = What a Bobcat!! Isaiah is responsible and always eager to learn. He completes his work very carefully and neatly. He is doing awesome recognizing digraphs in words! Outside of school Isaiah enjoys playing at home and playing soccer. Isaiah is a great friend in our classroom!
- Brynn Maibach = Brynn is a natural in the classroom! She is the kind of leader that others want to follow. She is always kind and helpful, ALL THE TIME! We love having Brynn in our classroom!
1st Grade Spotlight
Jack Webb = Jack is a pleasure to have in our first grade classroom. He does a great job following directions and is always volunteering to participate in class discussions. Jack is kind and helpful to fellow classmates in the classroom and on the playground. Keep up the good work Jack!
Deklin Klotzle = Deklin is an amazing first grader! He comes to school ready to learn, he follows directions the first time and is always a good role model for his classmates. Deklin is kind and thoughtful and he is always willing to help clean up (even if it isn’t his mess!) Keep up the great work, Deklin!
Harrison Stoller = Harrison is a fabulous first grader. He is always looking for ways to help in the classroom whether it be picking up, helping a friend, or offering to help the teacher with something. Harrison is kind to all those around him and always has a positive attitude. Keep up the great work Harrison!
Charley Lycans = Charley is a sweet student to have in class! She is always paying attention and ready to learn. Charley is a hard worker and a kind friend to all. We love having Charley in our classroom!
2nd Grade Spotlight
Abby Valentine = Abby always comes to class with a smile. She is very kind and giving to her classmates. Everyday, she is ready to learn and willing to participate in class discussions.
Edith Hazzenzahl = Edith is an excellent classmate. She is always on task, working hard, and taking pride in her work. She is kind, caring, and a wonderful role model for our Bobcat community!
Lorelai Stump = Lorelai comes to school each day ready to learn. She has a fun sense of humor and a sweet smile. Lorelai is a leader in our classroom with her positive attitude, behavior, and work ethic. She loves all things Disney- especially the princesses. Keep up the great work, Lorelai!
Brielle Messenger = Brielle is a fabulous student. She is quiet, always follows directions, and gets her work completed. Brielle is a great friend to her classmates, always willing to help out if needed, and is an excellent role model!
3rd Grade Spotlight
- Cassie Ritchie Higgs = Cassie is a young lady who comes to school ready for the day. With a smile on her face, she always gives her best effort in class. Cassie also loves to participate and share her ideas along with helping around the room to keep it clean. Awesome job, Cassie, being a kind, safe, and responsible Bobcat!
- Briana Mason = Briana is an excellent leader in our classroom. I can always count on her to set an example for what a Kind, Safe, and Responsible Bobcat looks like. She enjoys Math, Reading, and Social Studies as well as her favorite Special, Gym. Outside of school, Briana loves to play outside, especially on the swings. Keep being a Bobcat Leader, Briana!
- Tate Riggenbach = Tate is such a great 3rd grader. He works very hard during class and is always working with a smile. Tate is respectful and kind to others. Keep being awesome, Tate!
- Harper Ratta = Harper is a sweet girl and is working hard in class. She tries her best while juggling a lot of extra work. She is kind and thoughtful. Great job, Harper!
4th Grade Spotlight
Ava Smithberger = Ava is a Fantastic Fourth Grader! She leads by example each and every day, as a hard-working, respectful, and helpful student. Ava does not have a favorite subject; she likes them all! She considers her teachers and–of course–having a locker as the best parts of being a fourth grader. When not in the classroom, Ava plays softball, volleyball, and basketball. Way to shine, Ava!
Miah Loar = Miah is an excellent 4th grader! Her favorite subjects are reading and science. Miah loves being a fourth grader because she gets to see her friends everyday, and enjoys her teachers this year. Miah is a great example because she is caring, trustworthy, respectful, and helpful. When she is not in school working hard, Miah enjoys gymnastics, cheerleading, and spending time with her friends. Keep up the great work Miah!
Anna Hilty = Anna is a cheerful 4th-grade student, who loves reading and writing. What excites her most about 4th grade is having her very own locker and tackling the challenges of long division. Outside of school, Anna enjoys playing soccer and expressing her creativity through drawing. Her friends appreciate her caring nature, trustworthiness, and helpful attitude, making her a fantastic classmate and friend. Way to go Anna!
5th Grade Spotlight
- Mia Henico = Mia is a confident and reliable 5th grade student. She always leads by example and sets the bar high when it comes to her work ethic. Mia’s favorite subject is science and enjoys being a role model for the school. Outside of the classroom, Mia likes to draw, listen to novels, and play outside. Mia helped organize the Feather Fundraiser by putting all of the donation feathers up for all grades.
- Lane Butler = Lane is a respectful and helpful 5th grade student that is eager to learn and willing to tackle any challenge. Lane enjoys being the oldest in the school and his favorite subject is Math. Outside of school, Lane likes to compete in swimming, football, and baseball. Lane helped organize the Feather Fundraiser by putting all of the donation feathers up for all grades.
- Zsofi Davidovics = Zsofi is a very helpful and kind 5th grade student. What Zsofi enjoys most about being a 5th grader is science class and the teachers. Outside of school she plays soccer and makes arts and crafts. Zsofi helped organize the Feather Fundraiser by putting all of the donation feathers up for all grades.
- Adam Douglas = Adam is a hardworking and trustworthy 5th grade student. Adam’s favorite subject is gym and he enjoys being a leader of the school. What Adam enjoys most outside of school is hunting. Adam helped organize the Feather Fundraiser by putting all of the donation feathers up for all grades.
VOLUNTEER UPDATES @ NES
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.
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.
2023-2024 SCHOOL FEES
BOBCAT COMMUNITY CLOSET
The Closet at 121 S Main St in Creston (right across from the Post Office) offers clothing, shoes, backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, hygiene items, socks and underwear and much more to anyone who could use any of these type of items. We are open the first and third Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm and can also do private appointments. All are welcome and all items are free.
Join us on facebook at Bobcat Community Closet for updates and information or contact us at 330-439-9401
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
NES JOB OPPORTUNITY
As of 12/1/2023 Norwayne Elementary Schools have a 2nd/3rd shift 12 month custodian position opened. If you are interested or would like to hear more about this opportunity please reach out to Mr. Sette at the school. We are willing to work with interested candidates schedules with competitive pay. Not to mention NES is the best place to work. We look forward to hearing from interested candidates.
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