Happy New Year!

Here's hoping your holidays were filled with laughter, love, joy and peace.

We are thrilled to welcome students and staff back to school after a well-earned holiday break.

Students have picked up their studies right where they left off in December. The second grading period ends on Friday, Jan. 13, so it's a good time to check in with your students or log onto the parent portal of Powerschool, to ensure their assignments are caught up.

On Monday, Jan. 16, schools will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Students are also off on Tuesday, Jan. 17, for Records Day, as teachers finalize grades. The full school calendar is available on the district's website.

After the whirlwind of December, January brings back a more regular pace to the school days. It is a great time for a few reminders as we move into the last half of the school year.

As students re-acclimate to the day-to-day pace of school, please ensure they are getting a good night's sleep and fueling up on healthful foods so they feel rested and energized for each day. Visit our website if you are interested in learning more about school meals and eligibility for free and reduced-price meals. You may also contact Aramark Foodservice directly at 440-284-8253 to speak to a member of the foodservice team.

Student health, wellness and safety are our priorities.

A matter that increasingly has our attention and concern is students' use of vaping and e-cigarettes.

School Board policy prohibits smoking and use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and vapor products, on school grounds or at school activities. Students who violate the policy will face disciplinary action.

Medical experts are speaking out against vapes and e-cigarettes used by kids and teens. The products are highly addictive and contain harmful properties. The stats show that e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product by youth in the United States.

These products aren't permitted in school. The FDA launched a highly acclaimed educational campaign on e-cigarette use called, "The Real Cost," and the agency partners with the National Cancer Institute's smokefree.gov and teen.smokefree.gov to provide help and resources for quitting smoking.

Our school nurses can also help guide your student with any health-related questions they may have on this topic or any health matter. You'll find a quick guide to contacting the nurses at this link on the district's website.

Thank you for reading this issue of Pioneer News and, as always, please don't hesitate to contact us anytime at 440-284-8203 or ask@elyriaschools.org. Enjoy your weekend!

Amy Higgins

Communications Director