Notes from the Principaws#9 (April)
Mr. Vince Sette and Mrs. Nicole McQuate
Welcome to 2022
Spring has arrived and with it comes some warmer (sometimes) weather, more sunshine, and the rapid approach to the end of the year. April is a busy time at NES as we begin our state testing for grades 3, 4, and 5. We celebrate Easter and everyone gets a much needed spring break.
The office is currently open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at the elementary.
STUDENT FEE UPDATES
Please be sure to turn in your student fees to the office as soon as possible. We will send reminders out, but your partnership and diligence in regard to the fees are greatly appreciated. The fees go directly to your child and help provide consumable materials for their education. Please call the office and ask for me or Mrs. McQuate directly if you have any questions.
Norwayne Elementary LITERACY Spotlight
Literacy is an integral part of a student's success in school. Please take some time to visit the NES Literacy Page where we highlight different aspects of what the students are working on in school along with book recommendations from staff and students. Be on the lookout for some Literacy Parent Nights in the near future.
NES Principaws are on Twitter. Check us out @NES_principaws as we dabble into the social media world to help keep everyone up to date on things at NES.
Counselor's Corner with Ms. Achberger
Hello NES Families! Spring is here, and excitement is in the air as we continue to have a wonderful year of learning. We are currently talking about Kindness across all grade levels here at NES! Kindness is a key ingredient in spreading positivity throughout our school. You may have noticed a paper come home with your child about Kindness. This was to let you know that I have visited their classroom to begin our kindness unit! I visit different classrooms at various days and times, so this could vary by grade level and homeroom. This paper lists different discussion points and activities that may be helpful at home to continue learning about kindness as a family. I hope this is something that you and your family enjoy!
A new activity that we are doing in 4th and 5th grade this year is Bobcat Bingo! Bobcat Bingo is an OPTIONAL activity for 4th and 5th-grade students! You may have noticed this come home with your 4th or 5th-grade child! This is an opportunity to strengthen their creativity and social-emotional well-being. There is more information on the back of the Bingo Boards. Please call or email me if you have any questions about this optional activity.
Please check out the Counselor’s Corner Google Site for more information about what we are currently talking about in each grade level!
-Mrs. Monte
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:
- Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the Spring Fling. We were able to put on an amazing event after being on hiatus for 2 years.
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.
Thank You to all of the parents sending in birthday baker treats to our staff.
APRIL SNAPSHOT and IMPORTANT DATES
2021-2022 Norwayne Colored Calendar
- April 1 = 4th Grade ELA OST Part 1 @ NES
- April 5 = 4th Grade ELA OST Part 2 @ NES
- April 5 = 4th Grade Concert @ NMS/NHS PAC (7:00 pm)
- April 11 - April 17 = SPRING BREAK (NO SCHOOL)
- April 18 = PTO Meeting @ NES Library (6:00 pm)
- April 25 = Board Meeting @ NHS (4:00 pm)
- April 26 = 3rd and 5th Grade Math OST Part 1 @ NES
- April 27 = 3rd and 5th Grade Math OST Part 2 @ NES
- April 27 = 1/2 1st Grade visits Oneslager Preserve
- April 28 = 4th Grade Math OST Part 1 @ NES
- April 28 = 1/2 1st Grade visits Oneslager Preserve
- April 29 = 4th Grade Math OST Part 2 @ NES
- April 29 = Interims sent home
Tips for the Year from Mr. Sette
April Transportation Department Updates
We'd like to welcome back Terry Valentine as our Transportation Assistant and also Marti Webber as a new CDL driver.
March kicks off our busiest time of year for field trips. We will have buses out almost every day for sports and activities.
Our drivers are excited to see students even more as they take everyone to their activities!
If you have any questions, you may reach out to Lori Weinman (Transportation Coordinator) via email (lweinman@norwayne.net) or phone call (330-435-1141)
Transportation Trivia Question for April: (Look for the answer somewhere in the newsletter)
When a bus is stopped at a railroad track everyone should yell and jump around in excitement!
Student Handbook Talking Points
CELL PHONE POLICY @ NES (Found on Page 10)
Students' cell phones should remain in their lockers/book bags at all times unless otherwise directed by a staff member. Students using their cell phones without permission will have the device confiscated until the end of the day. If the device is confiscated more than 3x times, the administration will become involved and parents will need to schedule a time to pick up the device. Further action may be taken.
SMART DEVICE POLICY @ NES (Found on page 34)
Smart devices are becoming more prevalent in our daily lives. We strongly discourage the use of smart devices (watches, etc..) for recreational purposes during the school day. The use of these devices during the school day needs to be approved by teachers or another staff member. If a student is using the watch to communicate during the day without permission on multiple occasions the device will be taken and a time will be set up for parents to pick up from the office. Administration can require devices to be kept at home if continuous issues occur throughout the year.
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 better understand what is going on. We want everyone to be informed and we realize that in our current pandemic some families are required 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 has an impact on 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.
Transportation Trivia Answer:
No! At a railroad track it is very important to stay seated and quiet so the driver can hear of any incoming trains.
2021-2022 NES BREAKFAST and LUNCHES
Norwayne Masks Update as of April 1, 2022
- For the 2021-2022 school year, students/families will have the option to choose what they would like to do with mask-wearing when on Norwayne grounds. This option to choose now includes school transportation which was updated by the district starting March 1, 2022.
- The only exceptions remain with students who have a positive case in the family but are showing no symptoms. Students with a positive case in the family with that family member isolating may continue to come to school as long as they are not exhibiting symptoms as long as they wear a mask at all times.
****Please note that we can update the mask stance at any time as we continue to listen and follow mandates from the governor and health departments as new information is made available during the pandemic.
We thank everyone so much for helping comply with all the changes that have taken place. Together we can accomplish so much and continue to make Norwayne amazing!
POP TAB COLLECTION @ NES
APRIL STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Kindergarten Spotlight
Christopher Brodwolf: I am so proud of how far Christopher has come this year! He has blossomed into a smiley, social kid with a big imagination and is a great friend! He is doing great at sounding out words and knows most of his sight words! Keep up the great work, Christopher! :)
Layn Ramsier: Layn is always willing to help others and she works hard in class!
Seraphina Finney: Seraphina always comes to school with a smile and a positive attitude. She works hard at everything she does! She has been working really hard making words and writing sentences using neat handwriting! She likes playing outside and coming to school and is a great friend to others in the room.
1st Grade Spotlight
Briana Mason: Briana always has a smile on her face. She is a willing helper and shows compassion for her classmates. Her favorite subjects are art, gym, and math. She loves to play outside, build with legos, and do arts and crafts. She likes to work with her hands.
Ana McClain: Ana always comes to school eager to learn. She is curious and energetic. She works hard and is proud to say that she is currently learning about multiplication and division! Great job, Ana!
Anderson Blough: Anderson brightens our classroom by always looking at the positive side of things. He is responsible and hard working. He is motivated to learn and is a good example for his classmates. Great job, Anderson!
2nd Grade Spotlight
Maddy Hornak: Maddy is a very hard worker and always on task. She takes pride in keeping our community clean. Maddy’s smile can light up a room! Keep up the good work, Maddy!
Lizzy Smith: Lizzy is always willing to give her best effort in everything she does. She has a caring heart and comes into the classroom with a smile every day. It does not matter what the task is, Lizzy jumps in without complaining. Keep up the the great spirit!
Scarlet Guthrie: Scarlet has been showing so much improvement this year! She follows directions well and is always on task. She works hard and tries to go above and beyond expectations. Good job, Scarlet!
Tate Stoller: Tate is a Super Second Grader! He tidies our classroom each afternoon without expecting a reward. He is a hard worker and has grown as a reader so much this school year, even if it isn’t his favorite subject. :) Way to go, Tate!
3rd Grade Spotlight
Claire Bauman: Claire may be quiet in the classroom, but she has a big personality. She knows when it is time to be quiet and work and when to be creative, silly, and have fun. Claire is always ready for class and is willing to help around the room if we need it.
Kason Leach: Kason is a wonderful 3rd-grade student who treats all of his classmates and teachers with respect. He is a hard worker who always puts forth his best effort and tries to help his peers in any way he can.
4th Grade Spotlight
- Easton Tarleton: Easton is polite, kind to others, hard-working, and willing to help others. He is a great member of our Bobcat community!
- Rorie Sheehan: Rorie has been working hard, completing all of her work, puts forth her full effort, and is a responsible young Bobcat!
- Skylyn Rieman: Skylyn puts forth effort in her classes and is a kind student. She is a great member of our Bobcat community!
5th Grade Spotlight
One of the rules in 5th grade is to make “smart choices.” We have a “hole punch” system in fifth grade that tracks when we don’t always make smart choices. The following students have done an excellent job following fifth-grade rules and being good leaders. They have received one or less punches on their card for the entire school year so far.
- Cassidy Stoller: Cassidy Stoller enjoys eating sushi and sour candy. She participates in 4-H and choir. She will show sheep, cows, chickens, and rabbits at the Wayne County Fair in the fall. Her favorite subjects are science and art. In her free time, when she is not tending to her animals, she is drawing or making crafts. Cassidy really enjoys spending time with her friends and doing fun things.
- Bradley Lanz: Bradley loves to participate in sports. He plays baseball, basketball, and football. His favorite foods are pizza and hot dogs. His favorite subjects in school are science and gym (which makes sense since he loves to play sports). When Bradley has free time, you will find him playing outside. He wants us to know that he is a very cool kid.
- Sierra Bauman: Sierra is active in 4-H. She will be showing rabbits this fall at the Wayne County Fair. She likes to eat sour candy. Her favorite subject in school is science. In her free time, she likes to craft. She is also an avid reader. Her favorite color is blue.
- Delaney Riggenbach: Delaney is a very busy girl. She is a participant in the choir, plays the piano, and is involved in her 4-H. She will be showing cows at the Wayne County Fair in the fall. Her favorite snack is Twix bars. Her favorite subject in school is art. In her free time, she is practicing the piano and completes art projects. Her favorite art project is drawing.
APRIL STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Mrs. Wilson
- My current position at NES is working with 4th Graders as a Paraprofessional as well as helping in the Special Education classroom.
- I started working here at Norwayne this past Fall towards the end of October 2021.
- I love many things about my job here at Norwayne. The staff here has been very supportive, kind, and caring. I work with an amazing team here at Norwayne. I have really enjoyed helping the students I work with and even the ones around me in the classrooms. I have enjoyed getting to know many of the students and to be an encouragement to them, has made it better.
No particular funny moments at this time.
- God is Good! Progress over Perfection. Faith over Fear. and Grace over Grudges. And to remember that every day you make a difference!
Mrs. Rupp
- I am in my second full year of teaching Kindergarten. I've taught 2nd grade, half time kindergarten, and preschool prior to being placed back in Kindergarten!
- I am in my 14th year here and I love it!
- My favorite part about my job is the relationships I build with my students for the 180 days that we spend together. I also value the continued relationships I have with my students when they leave my classroom and go to the next grade. I love going to Norwayne athletic events, concerts and plays. I love seeing them show their animals at the fair and take on leadership roles at their church, their 4H clubs, and extracurriculars at the middle school and high school. I am still close to some of my former students who have graduated and are now beginning their own families and now I cherish the relationship we have as adults!
What is a funny moment during your time at Norwayne?
A lot of other teachers have mentioned this, but it's just too good to not bring up again and----I have pictures! The sumo wrestling match between Mr. Sette and Mr. Dreher is one of the best memories so far! The kids and teachers LOVED it! :)
- You are
BRAVER than you believe,
STRONGER than you seem,
SMARTER than you think,
and LOVED more than you know.
-Winnie the Pooh
Mrs. Hess
- 5th grade social studies
- Language Arts in the middle school and 3rd grade
- 23 years
- interacting with kids & researching new ideas & strategies.
What is a funny moment during your time at Norwayne?
- Beating Mr. Dreher in a race even though he still won't admit it.
Any words of advice for our students?
- Your words & actions will be what forms people's opinions about you. This includes the way you treat others & the effort you put into your work. Think about this, even in the little everyday interactions & activities.
Mrs. Rupp's Funny Moment #1 @ NES
Mrs. Rupp's Funny Moment #2 @ NES
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.
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
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