NES Principaw Update #9 (Apr 2024)
Mr. Vince Sette and Mrs. Nicole McQuate
April is a beautiful Month!
Greetings Bobcat Families,
We are officially rounding the final corner of the 2023-2024 school year as we being the month of April. Hard to believe in just a few shorts weeks the school year will be over. Before we get there we have a lot of different activities taking place this month. Spring Fling, OST tests, concerts, and field trips are sprinkled throughout the month of April.
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
In April, our class lessons will focus on solving interpersonal problems. The upper elementary grades define these as problems between you and at least one other person.
3rd-5th grade students were given the option to complete an “SEL Sketchbook” that was designed by Mrs. Dutter and I. This is an optional activity to practice expressing feelings through art. We hope that your student will find enjoyment with this optional activity. If they choose to participate, they will need an adult’s signature on each of their art creations. When they finish, they will turn it into me to earn a reward in May!
Class Lesson Topics in April
Kindergarten: Weekly - We will work on being better friends and classmates by learning how to navigate friendship problems by coming up with different solutions. We will also do this by practicing how to talk to peers about our feelings and apologizing.
Personal Space
We Can Say The Problem (Solving Friendship Problems)
Ready to Solve the Problem (Solving Friendship Problems)
Apologizing Can Help
I Messages (Instead of saying “You made me mad” Try “I feel mad when you say hurtful words.”)
1st Grade: Weekly - We will be discussing how to solve conflicts with classmates with apologies, forgiveness, and coming up with solutions.
Apologies
Forgiveness/Accidents
How to Say the Problem (Solving Friendship Problems)
We Can Make it Better (Solving Friendship Problems)
Solving Problems (Solving Friendship Problems)
2nd Grade: Bi-Weekly - In class, we will learn how to solve conflicts with peers with STEP: 1. Say the Problem 2. Think of Solutions 3. Explore Outcomes 4. Pick a Solution
The Way to Solve a Problem (Friendship Problems)
Thinking of Solutions
Which Solution?
3rd Grade: Weekly - In class, we will learn how to solve conflicts with peers with STEP: 1. Say the Problem 2. Think of Solutions 3. Explore Outcomes 4. Pick a Solution. In addition, we will also talk about working together as a team and learning how to determine what kind of conflict we are in.
Teamwork
Types of Conflict (Bullying vs Disagreements Vs Rude Moment)
I Messages (Instead of saying “You made me mad” Try “I feel mad when you say hurtful words.”)
STEP by STEP: Say the Problem
T: Think E: Explore
4th Grade: Bi-Weekly - In class, we will learn how to solve conflicts with peers with STEP: 1. Say the Problem 2. Think of Solutions 3. Explore Outcomes 4. Pick a Solution. We will also practice being an active listener with each other.
Ask, Listen, Learn (How to actively listen to each other)
A Good Problem-Solver & Saying it Respectfully
5th Grade: Bi-Weekly - In class, we will learn how to solve conflicts with peers with STEP: 1. Say the Problem 2. Think of Solutions 3. Explore Outcomes 4. Pick a Solution. We will end the month by addressing personal hygiene and self-respect as our 5th graders get closer to transitioning to middle school.
Problem-Solving with Friends
Personal Hygiene & Self-Respect
Alexa Monte
School Counselor
Norwayne Elementary School
(330)-435-6383
Family and Community Liaison Newsletter from Tri-County ESC (2/26/2024)
Family and Community Liaison Newsletter from Tri-County ESC (3/22/2024)
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:
- 2024 Mother Son Dodgeball event was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who helped plan and attend.
- Daddy Daughter Dance took place on Sunday February 18, 2024. The event will ran from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at NES.
- NES Book Fair took place the week of March 4th. Thank you to everyone who helped volunteer ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Important Upcoming Dates:
State testing breakfasts (3rd and 5th Grade ELA April 16 and 17, 4th Grade ELA April 18 and 19, 3rd and 5th Grade Math April 24 and 25, 4th Grade Math April 30 and May 1, 5th Grade Science May 2)
NES Spring Fling (Friday April 12 @ NES)
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
- NES Spring Fling will take place on April 12, 2024. More details with specific times will be forthcoming.
APRIL SNAPSHOT and IMPORTANT DATES
Several important dates are coming in March. We ask that you please review the dates below, as there have been changes to the school calendar.
2023-2024 Norwayne Color Calendar
- April 5, 2024 = 3rd Nine Week grade cards go home
- April 8, 2024 = No School - Eclipse Day
- April 11, 2024 = 4th Grade Concert @ NMS Performing Arts Center (7:00 pm)
- April 12, 2024 = Spring Fling @ NES (5:00 to 7:30 pm)
- April 17, 2024 = NES PTO Meeting @ NES Library (6:00 pm)
- April 16 and 17, 2024 = 3rd and 5th Grade ELA OST Dates @ NES
- April 18 and 19, 2024 = 4th Grade ELA OST Dates @ NES
- April 19, 2024 = 1st Grade Field Trip to Great Lakes Science Center
- April 22, 2024 = Board of Education Meeting @ NHS (4:00 pm)
- April 24, 2024 = Reading Under the Lights Meeting @ NES Library (4:15 pm)
- April 24 and 25, 2024 = 3rd and 5th Grade Math OST Dates @ NES
- April 30 and May 1, 2024 = 4th Grade Math OST Dates @ NES
- May 2, 2024 = 5th Grade Science OST Date @ NES
ECLIPSE DAY
Norwayne Local Schools will be closed on Monday April 8, 2024 for the eclipse. The Wayne County Eclipse Planning Team has reached out to offer some information to families. Here are some things to consider:
Safety
As most schools will be closed on that Monday, we realize that some students could be home alone if their parents both work. We want to be sure all students and parents have been made aware of the very real damage that looking at or toward the sun could do.
- Sunglasses, even multiple pairs, are not sufficient to protect your eyes from the sun/eclipse.
- Eclipse glasses must be worn and the glasses must comply with the International Standard ISO 12312-2.
- Make sure eclipse glasses are not scratched or torn, making them less effective.
- The public library is handing out some glasses free of charge, but they only have a limited supply.
- Glasses can be purchased fairly inexpensively online, just make sure they comply with the above ISO safety standard. I believe Walmart has some also; I would get them sooner than later.
- Even with eclipse glasses on, people should not look at the sun through a camera, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device as the concentrated solar rays can damage the filter on the glasses causing eye injury.
- Exposure can cause damage or even destroy cells in the retina (back of the eye). It may be temporary or permanent and can occur with no pain. It may take hours to days to realize the damage has occurred. It may cause loss of central vision, distorted vision or altered color vision.
- Welder’s glasses or shields are only safe if they are rated number 14 or higher.
- When trying to take a picture of the eclipse through a cell phone or other camera, be careful not to accidentally look at the sun while setting up the picture.
If there is a large influx of eclipse viewers coming into the county, cell phone communications could be impacted.
- Cell phone companies recommend that wireless users access secure wi-fi networks if they are available. This allows people to make calls and send texts without using their carrier’s wireless network.
- Parents should have a plan to communicate with children given that cell phones may not work for a period of time. Perhaps establish a check in time/location, things of that nature.
- All drivers, but especially teen drivers should watch out for distracted drivers who may be trying to get a glimpse of the eclipse while driving.
- There may be increased traffic in the area on April 8th and the preceding weekend; out of town drivers may not be familiar with our area, so may drive slowly or somewhat erratically.
- Do not pull off onto a roadway berm to view the eclipse – this is a traffic hazard and needs to be free for emergency services.
- Similarly, do not pull into an empty field to view the eclipse – all property belongs to someone. We do not want to have legal complaints about damage to property or farm fields.
We want this to be an exciting, educational and safe experience for everyone. Here’s hoping for good weather! Please share this information with any other entity that you think it might benefit. J
For more information: Eclipse.Ohio.Gov
Tips for the Year from Mr. Sette
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)
All weather related announcements will be made through the following media outlets: Wooster radio WQKT 104.5, and WKVX 960 AM will broadcast school delay or closing information.
Cancellations/delays will also be reported to Cleveland TV stations, Channels 3, 5, 8 and 19. Also, Norwayne Local Schools Alert system will send out a text, (if you are signed up) as well as posted on the Norwayne Local Schools website @ http://www.norwaynelocal.k12.oh.us
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.
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.
Friendly reminder that when we are on a 2 hour delay breakfast will not be served.
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
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
Kaycee Smead = Kaycee is such a great student. She is doing a great job reading words and stories. She is also doing a great job in Math. She is a great friend and helper to all her classmates.
Ronan Ardrey = I’m so proud of how far Ronan has come this year, but especially in the last month! His reading has taken off and lately he has become so helpful in the classroom. He’s one of the first to jump up and help a classmate in need, help me or one of the substitutes in our room and it’s just so nice to be able to count on him! He loves to play soccer and has two younger brothers he likes to play with. He’s excited for one of his brothers to come to kindergarten next year. At school, he loves to play outside and is excelling at Prodigy on the computer. He is working on first grade math skills and is doing so well with his fluency books! Our classmates say Ronan is “helpful and kind”. We are so thankful to have Ronan in classroom 206! 🙂
Remi Buckingham = Remi has really grown since the beginning of the school year! She has become a great model by always being one of the first ones ready whether it’s standing in line or during class. She has taken off with reading sight words and writing her numbers to 100! She likes playing outside and helping mommy make dinner. Great job Remi!
Brooklyn Gaser = Brooklyn is a future kindergarten teacher in the making! She is always kind & helpful! She always works hard and works with a big smile! Even after working hard at school all day, she goes home and plays school. She loves Heggerty! We are so thankful to have Brooklyn in our classroom :)
1st Grade Spotlight
Brooklynn Contrascier = Brooklynn is a such a sweet first grader. She works hard and always tries to do her best! She is a good friend and classroom helper. She follows directions the first time and is a good role model for her classmates. Keep up the good work, Brooklynn!
Oliver Mravic = Oliver has shown so much growth in first grade. His sense of humor makes us all laugh. Oliver is so creative and makes amazing sculptures of all kinds of things that impress everyone. We love having Oliver in our class.
Kingston Chinn = Kingston is a good helper in our first grade class. He always comes to class with a smile on his face and is always ready to learn something new. We can always count on Kingston to give his best effort and never gives up. Kingston, keep up the good work!
2nd Grade Spotlight
Selene Gillis = Selene is always happy! From the moment she walks in the class until the time she leaves, she has a smile on her face. She is also very helpful. She asks if there is anything she can do to help and helps clean the classroom each day. Selene also gives the best hugs!
Olivia Bauman = Olivia is so helpful! She is always on task and ready to learn. I appreciate how hard working Olivia is in our math and writing class.
Arabella Chizmadia = Arabella is a ball of sunshine. She has a fun sense of humor and a positive approach to learning. Arabella makes each day at school enjoyable for her teachers and peers. Thank you for being you, Arabella!
Jaxon Crawford = Jaxon has been a wonderful 2nd grade student. He listens well in class and follows directions. He works hard s and always tries his best! Keep up the good work, Jaxon!
3rd Grade Spotlight
Josie Buckingham = Josie is a wonderful classroom helper. She is kind and hardworking. She has really taken pride in her learning this year. Josie is a good friend. She has been a joy to have in class. Keep being kind, safe, and responsible!
Paisley Skaggs = Paisley is such a joy to have in class. She is very well mannered and helpful around the room. Paisley is a great friend to others and always works really hard in class. Paisley is a great example to others! Keep being an awesome bobcat!
Andre Burnside = Andre is a wonderful Bobcat. He is always kind and helpful in the classroom. He takes pride in doing his best work at all times. Andre's favorite class is Math and he enjoys Gym as a special. At home he likes to ride his bike and play the Nintendo. Keep being an awesome Bobcat, Andre!
Ava Harrison = Though Ava can have a shy side at times, you will find out how funny she actually is once you get to know her. She works hard in class and takes her time on her work. Ava is kind to the people around her and enjoys spending time with her friends and her sister at school. Keep being a kind, safe, and responsible Bobocat, Ava!
4th Grade Spotlight
- Zane Klotzle = Zane is a kind-hearted 4th grader. With a passion for numbers, Math becomes his playground, where he eagerly explores and conquers challenges. Beyond the classroom, Zane's love for learning extends to the world of literature, as he likes spending his free time immersed in captivating books. Way to go, Zane!
- Alayana Finney = Alayna is a diligent and responsible fourth grader. She is trustworthy, hardworking, and helpful. In her free time Alayna enjoys going to the park, and hanging out with friends. Alayna really enjoys playing fortnite and roblox as well. At school Alayna enjoys gym and art class. Her favorite thing about fourth grade right now, is being closer and closer to fifth grade. Keep working hard Alayna! You are almost there!
- Aubrey Wellman = Aubrey is a caring, helpful, reliable, and hard-working student. Her favorite subject in school is Reading and her favorite part of being a fourth-grader is that she gets to have Specials right away in the morning. In her free time, she enjoys going to camp and spending time with her family. Keep up the great work, Aubrey!
- Noah Mowrer = Noah is a confident, hardworking, helpful, and caring fourth-grader. Aside from his favorite subject, Science, Noah’s favorite parts about being a fourth-grader are helping others and learning. Outside of school, he enjoys racing on the Xbox. Keep working hard, Noah!
5th Grade Spotlight
- Cooper Froelich = Cooper is a hardworking, respectful, and reliable 5th grade student. Cooper is a strong leader within NES, and amongst his peers. He enjoys Math class as well as playing football and basketball. Keep up the great work Cooper! You have a bright future ahead of you!
- Derek Shaffer = Derek is a trustworthy, helpful, and respectful 5th grade student. Derek enjoys Science and Gym class but loves the challenges the other subject areas give to him. Outside of school, Derek likes to play games, listen to music, and play various sports. Derek is one of the many hard workers in the 5th grade and we are very proud of him.
- Claire Bauman = Claire is a helpful and reliable 5th grade student. Her favorite subject is Science. Outside of school, Claire enjoys competing in softball. What Claire enjoys most about being a 5th grader is being the top cat of the school. Claire also assists in the library in her free time organizing books on the shelves.
- Elinore Haynes = Elinore is a confident, helpful, and trustworthy 5th grader. While she enjoys Science class inside the school, she loves the arts outside of school. Elinore is a talented dancer and clarinet player. What Elinore enjoys most about being a 5th grader is being the top Bobcat of the school. Elinore also assists in the library in her free time organizing books on the shelves.
2024 STATE TESTING DATES
APRIL 16, 2024 - Grade 3 Language Arts Part 1
APRIL 16, 2024 - Grade 5 Language Arts Part 1
APRIL 17, 2024 - Grade 3 Language Arts Part 2
APRIL 17, 2024 - Grade 5 Language Arts Part 2
APRIL 18, 2024 - Grade 4 Language Arts Part 1
APRIL 19, 2024 - Grade 4 Language Arts Part 2
APRIL 24, 2024 - Grade 3 Math Part 1
APRIL 24, 2024 - Grade 5 Math Part 1
APRIL 25, 2024 - Grade 3 Math Part 2
APRIL 25, 2024 - Grade 5 Math Part 2
APRIL 30 , 2024 - Grade 4 Math Part 1
MAY 1, 2024 - Grade 4 Math Part 2
MAY 2, 2024 Grade 5 Science Part 1 and 2
**Please try not schedule any doctor's appointments on your child's testing days.**
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.
FINAL FORMS for 2023-2024
- If you move, get a new phone number during the school year please log on and make the changes in Final Forms while also letting the office know. Having your most up to date information is important for us to ensure effective communication.
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
Kindergarten Registration and Screening for 2024-2025 School Year
We are asking that the Kindergarten enrollment application be completed in Final Forms by May 1st, 2024. Enrollment application will be active on Final Forms starting on March 1, 2024.
***CHILD MUST BE 5 YEARS OLD BY AUGUST 1, 2024 to be eligible for Kindergarten.***
Items to be turned in with the online application include:
- Birth Certificate
- Immunization Record
- Proof of Residency (current utility bill showing name, address and date or a signed lease agreement)
- Custody documents (if applicable)
Please call the elementary office building at 330-435-6383 to schedule your child for the time to attend screening.
Screening Location:
Norwayne Community Center
161 South Main Street
Creston, Ohio 44217
Screening Dates:
Monday May 6, 2024
Tuesday May 7, 2024
- The Wayne County Health Department can provide needed immunizations. Please contact the health department in Wooster at 330-264-9590 for further information.
- If you need a copy of your child's birth certificate and your child was born in Ohio, a copy can be obtained from the Wayne County Health Department, Vital Statistics Division.
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, May 9, 2024
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Reading Under the Lights
Held at Norwayne Community Stadium
- Reading Under the Lights is a FREE family-friendly, summer kick-off reading event. The evening is built to target youth in grades K-6 to encourage student participation in summer reading. This fun interactive 2-hour event includes a free dinner for each attendee, reading stations with celebrity readers, library card sign-ups, free books and much more. So often reading reduces in the summer months and in turn causes what's referred to as the "Summer Slide". Save the date and join us for a fun, memorable evening!
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
WAYNE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The 2024 Spring Classes and 2024 Summer Camps from the Wayne Center for the Arts is linked below. Please reach out to the Wayne Center for the Arts for further details.
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