A message from Mr. Stacho:
Please help us with the following issues:
1) "Birthday Treats" and shared food. We have had several birthday treats sent in this past week that we have been unable to pass out because they don't meet the district guidelines. Please remember that regardless of whether or not there is a food allergy in your child's class, certain foods are prohibited.
*Please click here to view the letter from the Superintendent regarding district policy on
shared foods.
*Any cookies or cupcakes purchased at local stores MUST have the sticker that identifies the product as "Peanut Free". Not only must the product itself be "nut free" but it must be verified that it was produced in a "nut free" environment. We simply do not have time to call companies to check on the safety of the product.
*If you are unsure of what foods are allowable, you can check "SnackSafely.com". Once
at the link, click on "click to download your copy" to find the list of foods that are
allowable.
* Pencils and stickers and other NON-FOOD items are encouraged.
*We can NOT distribute individually "gift wrapped" combination bags of snacks as we can not check each item for it's compliance.
2) Cell phones and Smart watches - Please be reminded that electronic devices such as cell phones and watches are NOT ALLOWED in school. At the elementary level, these are a distraction for students during instructional time and also can become a problem if students are calling, texting friends, or posting to social media accounts during the school day.
Just like when we (adults) were in elementary school, if your child needs to contact a parent, school personnel will determine if a call is necessary and make the phone call on your child's behalf.
Additionally, these items often become "lost" or "stolen" as we do not have secure lockers for children at this age. If you feel it is absolutely necessary for your child to have these items for an after school communication purpose, they will be asked to turn them off and keep them in their backpacks during the day so that they are not an issue while in school.
3) Dismissal - Please, please, please . . . especially with our little ones in KDG and 1st grade, make sure that your child knows if they are a car rider at dismissal.
*If they are an "everyday" car rider, we need a note in the office that states that.
*If you are changing them to be a car rider for a day, the teacher needs a note AND we need a phone call in the office prior to 3:00 p.m.
*Remind your child to listen at dismissal for their name so they know when to exit to the car pick up lane. In the past, it has taken us no longer than 10 minutes to get all of our cars out of the parking lot and free up traffic on Whitney Road. So far, this year, it is taking almost 30 minutes. We need you to work with us to get the routine down.
*Please be patient in the car pick up lane and DO NOT pull out of the line to exit unless directed to do so by a staff member. This is for EVERYONE'S SAFETY!
4) To provide for the safest environment possible, we will be changing our lunch procedures effective August 30th. To provide for more social distancing, we will only be having 2 classes per lunch period eating in the cafeteria each lunch session with other classes eating in the classrooms. We will rotate classes into the lunchroom by week when possible, however, based on staffing available to supervise the classrooms based on location, there may be some classes that don't currently get the opportunity to eat in the cafeteria. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continually strive to do what's best for everyone.
We truly appreciate your attention to and support with these matters.
And, finally, thank you, thank you, thank you to those who donated either money or books as "Book Fairies" so every student can select a book from my office on their birthday. At this time, my shelves are overflowing (this is a great thing). For now, I think we are good for the year. If near the end of the year it seems that our supply is dwindling, I will send out another request. I can't thank you enough. The kids eyes really do light up when I tell them they can pick any book they want and that they get to keep it.
Sincerely,
Mr. Stacho
Whitney Night at SHS Football!
Please join our Whitney community at the SHS Football game vs. Midview on August 27th at 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss the Mustangs first home game as they battle the Midview Middies! Join other students and families of Whitney Elementary in this very special night of Mustangs football and spirit! Whitney families will receive a free student ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket ($7) on this night only. Please bring a copy of the flyer to the Pat Catan Stadium box office on Friday night.
Student Council Fundraiser
Arrival and Dismissal
We need your help at arrival and dismissal in the carpool lane. Please follow these rules.
1) Pull all the way up to the front and as close to the car in front of you as possible. In the a.m., once you are stopped along the side of the building, students should exit the car . . . don't wait to be in the front two spots to have your child get out of the car.
2) Students should only enter and exit cars on the sidewalk/school side of the car. Please do NOT get your kids out of the car on the opposite side.
3) Children need to be able to independently get into and out of your car. Please do NOT put your car in park and get out of it to say goodbye in the morning. Say your "goodbye's" while in the car lane.
4) As soon as your child is on the sidewalk in the a.m. or in your car in the p.m., please pull forward to exit the car lane in a single file. DO NOT pull out of the line to pass anyone UNLESS directed to do so by a school staff member.
We appreciate your support in keeping our carpool lane moving safely and swiftly. These rules are essential to keep everyone safe as well as to keep as much traffic off of Whitney Road as possible.
Would you like to follow Whitney Elementary on Twitter....
Strongsville Public Library
***Please note the following September 2021 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events in order for us to send you the Zoom invitation. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
***Please note all branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library and the Administration Building will be closed on Sunday, September 5th and Monday, September 6th for the Labor Day Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 7th.
Cuyahoga Works – Need help with your resume or interview skills? A Cuyahoga Works Career Counselor will be at the Strongsville Branch on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. to meet with individuals in need of job search assistance. For more information, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/Services/Cuyahoga-Works.aspx To schedule an appointment, please call (216) 475-2225.
English as a Second Language. IN PERSON Thursdays & Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Aspire Greater Cleveland is once again teaching IN-PERSON classes to help non-native speakers learn English and validate their skills. Students must attend an ESOL/Citizenship orientation session before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. If you are interested in attending these ESOL classes, please call Aspire at 833.277.4732 to register.
Computer Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Classes are currently being held VIRTUALLY using the program Screenleap which requires a web browser and an internet connection. There is no additional software to download. Google Chrome is the recommended browser. A valid email address is required for registration. Registrants will receive an email with a link to join the class at least an hour before the start time. Registration opens 30 days before the start of the class and closes prior to the start of the class. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit
https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes/Virtual-Classes.aspx
Take & Make At Home Crafts!
Stop into the Strongsville Branch to see what the current take it and make it craft of the month is for All Ages. Each month the Youth, Teen, and Adult Departments are offering free craft kits to take home while supplies last.
Discuss & Design: Millennial Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 1st / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Attention millennials we're going virtual! Are you looking for something fun and different to do with your friends? How about a book club with a twist. We meet bimonthly, alternating between children's, teen, and adult books. We discuss the assigned book and design something that complements the title, subject, or book cover. Maker kits will be available as a part of this program and can be mailed to a branch near you for pick up! Our next discussion will be on the book My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh. Register online to receive your materials and Zoom link to participate.
Fall Into Health. Tuesday, September 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
CSU nursing students along with licensed RN will provide health screenings, one-on-one chronic disease education and general health education with the focus being overall health and wellness.
Young at Heart Virtual Book Discussion. Tuesday, September 7th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The next discussion title is Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, 2021. Register online to receive the Zoom link for the discussion.
Zoom Virtual Preschool Storytime. Tuesdays, September 7th, 21st, and 28th from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Toddler Storytime. Wednesday, September 22nd and 29th from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Baby & Me. Wednesday, September 1st, 8th, 22nd, and 29th from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursdays, September 2nd, 9th, 23rd, and 30th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Virtual Studio Orientation. Saturday, September 11th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or Monday, September 27th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Have you ever thought about recording your own music, making a video, digitizing memories and more? The Strongsville Branch Library is home to both Audio and Video Recording studios that can help you do just that! You must go through an orientation in order to use the spaces. These orientations will be held VIRTUALLY ONLY. Patrons 11 & up can participate in the orientation and must turn in the User Agreement form at the branch in order for the orientation to count. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Galaxy in a Jar. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. IN PERSON - Monday, September 13th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Learn about the universe while creating your own galaxy to take home in a mason jar. Registration for this in-person event begins August 9th at 9:00 a.m.
Colorful Shrubs Through the Seasons. Tuesday, September 14th / 7:00 p.m.
With a bit of planning, you can create a welcoming and colorful landscape year round. The key is to plant perennials and shrubs that bloom at all different times of the year. The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will introduce you to combinations of perennials, shrubs, and even small trees to achieve this effect. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 15th / 7:00 p.m.
Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion has gone VIRTUAL and will be live on Zoom at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
First Page Book Club. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Monday, September 20th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
The Strongsville Teen librarian will read the first page of a few teen books of various genres. We will then discuss other books we have read and enjoyed. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Southwest General Health Talk: You May Be Losing More Sleep. Tuesday, September 21st / 10:00 a.m.
Everyone has an occasional restless night, but if sleepless nights are persistent, it can affect your health! A Southwest General Pharmacist will discuss ways to improve your sleep hygiene! Learn about medications that may cause insomnia and medications that may help. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Six Wives of Henry VIII. Thursday, September 23rd / 7:00 p.m.
Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. These were the fates of the six wives of Henry the VIII. Susan Cannavino will talk about each woman's personality, personal life and circumstances, as well as Henry the VIII's. You will be transported back to 16th century British court life. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
