NES Principaw Update #7 (FEB 2024)
Mr. Vince Sette and Mrs. Nicole McQuate
February has Arrived!!!!
Wow already 1 full month of 2024 has finished. Hard to believe in just a few shorts months the school year will be over. Before we get there we have a lot of fun times to celebrate.
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
Happy February!
In addition to my class lessons, I have started seeing students for small group counseling and individual counseling again. As a school counselor I work with students to accomplish short-term goals like learning emotion management skills, friendship skills, and other social emotional topics that are developmentally appropriate.
Anyone can refer a student for school counseling with this link. I will be the one who sees these responses and will be in contact with the person that completed the form, the child’s teacher, and caregivers to discuss next steps.
In February, our lessons will focus on kindness and empathy. This will support our Kindness Spirit Week that will take place February 12th-February 15th! I will be sending flyers home as well as attaching a copy to my website to describe the spirit days. You can visit the counselor corner to see notes on each lesson as we complete a topic.
Class Lesson Topics in February:
Kindergarten: Weekly - Students will learn the importance of kindness and how they can be kind to people at home, school, and their community.
We Can Be Kind
Why Kindness?
Sharing
Kindness at School
1st Grade: Weekly - Students will learn the importance of being an upstander. This is someone that stands up for others. They will also learn that listening is a way to show kindness, as well as several other kind actions that they can show others.
Being an Upstander
Listening Vs Blurting
The Power of Kind Acts
Ways to be Kind
2nd Grade: Bi-Weekly - Students will learn the meaning of the word “empathy” and how to use their “social filter”. A “social filter” is a person’s ability to filter out negative thoughts that should stay in our heads instead of sharing them out loud.
What’s Empathy
Social Filter
3rd Grade: Weekly -Students will learn to be an “upstander” which is someone who stands up for others. They will also learn the consequences of gossip and how to build a healthy friendship.
Being an Upstander
Trouble Talk (Consequences of Gossip and Rumors)
Kindness and Friendship
Building a Friendship
4th Grade: Bi-Weekly - Students will learn that adding “Just Kidding” to a hurtful joke does not take away the hurt. We will talk about how to decide if a joke is fun or hurtful. We will also learn about perspective taking and seeing things from another point of view.
Just Kidding (Fun Vs Hurtful Jokes)
Different Points of View
5th Grade: Bi-Weekly - Students will learn how to work together effectively and understand the consequences of bragging.
Cooperation
Better Than You: A Lesson about Bragging
-Mrs. Monte
Alexa Monte
School Counselor
Norwayne Elementary School
(330)-435-6383
2024 NES SPREAD THE LOVE CAMPAIGN
Help Norwayne Elementary raise money for the United Way. This agency continues to focus on the caring power of the community to improve peoples lives.
The fundraising event will run from February 5-15. Each heart will be $1.00. Students are to bring their money to the office in order to purchase their hearts to help spread the love!! Each grade level will have a specific color of heart and they will be hung on the wall near the music room. Let's see how many hearts we can hang and how much money we can raise for the United Way!!
The winning grade level will get the chance to launch water balloons at Mr. Sette after the grade level teachers duct tape him to a piece of playground equipment. This will take place after our Reading Under the Lights assembly in May.
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.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Daddy Daughter Dance is set to take place on Sunday February 18, 2024. The event will run from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at 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 Book Fair will occur the week of March 4th through March 8th. Family night will be Tuesday March 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at NES Library.
- NES Spring Fling will take place on April 12, 2024. More details with specific times will be forthcoming.
FEBRUARY SNAPSHOT and IMPORTANT DATES
Several important dates are coming in January. We ask that you please review the dates below, as there have been changes to the school calendar.
2023-2024 Norwayne Color Calendar
- February 2, 2024 = 100th Day of School @ NES
- February 7, 2024 = 2nd and 7 Visitors to 2nd Grade @ NES
- February 12, 2024 = NES Conference Night @ NES (4:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
- February 12 - 15, 2024 = NES Kindness Week @ NES
- February 15, 2024 = Valentines Day Parties @ NES
- February 15, 2024 = Kindergarten Concert @ NMS/PAC (7:00 pm)
- February 16, 2024 = No School / Conference Comp Day
- February 18, 2024 = Daddy Daughter Dance @ NES (2:00 pm)
- February 19, 2024 = No School / Presidents Day
- February 21, 2024 = NES PTO Meeting @ NES Library (6:00 pm)
- February 21, 2024 = Interims are Due
- February 23, 2024 = Interims are sent home
- February 23, 2024 = Author Visit Assembly for NES K-5 Students
- February 26, 2024 = NLS Board Meeting @ NES (4:00 pm)
Tips for the Year from Mr. Sette
February Transportation Department Updates
We're feeling the love down in transportation as we move in to February because it is Love the Bus month!
This month we try to show our drivers some extra love for all their hard work! Being a bus driver is both rewarding and stressful. Our drivers really put their heart into their job and we want to show our appreciation. If you check out our Facebook page we will be spotlighting each driver and why they are so great!
Speaking of great drivers... we are always looking to add to our team. If you or someone you know would love a new career then contact us at 330-435-1141 and we can give you more information!
When inclement weather conditions occur, a decision might be made by the Transportation Coordinator and/or the Superintendent to delay the opening of school by one hour, two hours, to close school, or to dismiss school early. Every effort will be made to announce delays/closings as early as possible. Also, there may be an announcement to delay school openings with a re-evaluation period to possibly close schools. 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 WQMX 94.9, WONE 97.3, WNCO 101.3, WAKR 1590 AM and 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
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 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.
OUTDOOR vs. INDOOR RECESS
- Now that cold weather has arrived, please be reminded that 20 degrees is the benchmark, at which time we look at other weather conditions, such as moisture and wind chill, to decide whether we have indoor or outdoor recess.
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
FEBRUARY STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Kindergarten Spotlight
- Caleb Moore = Caleb is a very independent kindergartener. He works hard on any assignment or project I give him. He gets along great with all the students in our room. I can always trust him to be doing what he is asked to do. He has all the qualities of a great Bobcat student!
- Phillip Phalsgraff - Phillip has done such a great job this last month! He has ALWAYS been a very kind and helpful person to teachers and students alike, but he is really starting to do well with paying attention, staying focused on his work and raising his hand to answer questions! Great job, Phillip!! Phillip’s handwriting is beautiful and he is such a great artist. I’m so proud of how far he’s come! At school Phillip likes centers and working on the computer. At home he enjoys playing Roblox with his sister.
Brenna Wellman- Brenna is tackling reading like Myles Garrett after a QB this year! 🙂 She is working so hard at school and at home and it shows! She’s on her last fluency book and is ready to crush it and start reading longer passages. I’m so proud of her progress! At school Brenna enjoys playing on the monkey bars and outside of school she loves taking gymnastics lessons. So proud of you, Brenna!
Cashton Steidl = Cashton is ALWAYS happy with a positive attitude! He is a hard worker and always gives his best. When he’s not at school he loves playing toy tractors with his brothers. Cashton is a kind friend in our class!
Eli Simonik- Eli is such a bright light in our classroom! He is kind, hard working, and trustworthy! Eli loves playing football at recess and reading about snakes. We LOVE having Eli in our classroom.
1st Grade Spotlight
Bryla Williams = Bryla is such a sweet student to have in class. She comes to school ready to learn and work hard. Bryla is always kind to those around her and willing to help whenever needed. Thanks for being such a great first grader Bryla!
Josie Johnson = Josie is a wonderful student to have in class. She always comes to class prepared and ready to learn something new. She has a positive attitude and always does what she is asked to do. Keep up the good work Josie!
Elaina Douglas = Elaina is a very sweet and kind first grader. She is a wonderful student to have in class. She comes to school with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She follows directions the first time and is always a good role model for her classmates. Keep up the great work, Elaina!
Finnigan Harte = Finnigan is a special student. He is always willing to help in our classroom, and is soft spoken and sweet to his classmates. He has made a ton of progress in both reading and speech. We love having a friend like Finn in first grade!
2nd Grade Spotlight
Layn Ramsier = Layn is one of our hardest working students. She takes pride in all of her work. She helps keep our classroom clean, always has a kind word, and comes to school with a smile!
Oaklyn Stoller = Oaklyn is always willing to help around the classroom. At the end of the day she helps clean up the floors and room. She is a hard worker, always working on her extra math packets. Keep up the good work, Oaklyn!
Tenley Hoobler = Tenley is always on task and works hard in class. She participates in class discussions and adds great insight into our discussions through her questions and comments. She is an example to the other students through her comments and actions!
Sophie Grimm = Sophie is a ray of sunshine in our gray January days! She comes to school with a smile and is always ready to help her teacher and peers. She works diligently to get her assignments done. Sophie has a kind and loving personality and we are so thankful to have her in our class family!
3rd Grade Spotlight
- Chloe Ebersole = Chloe is a wonderful student to have in class. She is always so caring and kind to others. She has such a big heart and is so helpful. Not only does she have a heart of gold, but she is working really hard academically. Keep being awesome Chloe!
- Jaycee Musser = Jaycee is such a joy to have in class. She is a great helper and is always eager and ready to learn. She is kind to others and works hard in class. Keep up the great work Jaycee!
- Kenna Edington = Kenna always comes to school ready for the day. She has a smile on her face, her supplies together, and she is ready to take on each class. When she approaches a challenging problem, she does not let it discourage her. Instead, Kenna does a wonderful job of using her problem-solving skills or asks others for help. Awesome job, Kenna!
4th Grade Spotlight
Ben Ramsier = Ben is a Fantastic Fourth Grader! Ben feels the best part of fourth grade are his teachers. His teachers feel equally lucky to have him as a student! He is a leader in the classroom. He has a huge heart for others, and Ben is always helpful and hardworking. His favorite subject is reading. Outside of school, Ben enjoys hunting and farming. Way to go, Ben!
Lizzy Smith = Lizzy is such a thoughtful fourth grader! She always tries her hardest and always double checks her work. She is hardworking, respectful, and confident. Lizzy's favorite subject is Math. She is enjoying 4th grade this year because she has more responsibilities, as well as more friends. Lizzy likes to spend her time playing soccer and basketball. Keep being a great role model Lizzy!
Tania Ritchie Higgs = Tania, a vibrant 4th-grade student, thrives on the joy of playing soccer and spending quality time with friends and family. Her enthusiasm extends to the classroom, where she excels with a caring, hardworking, and confident attitude. Tania's love for gym class adds an extra layer of excitement to her school days, making her a well-rounded and admirable student.
Anabel Moran = Anabel is a respectful, helpful, and caring fourth grader! Her favorite part of fourth grade is helping out the teachers. Her favorite subject is Math. She works hard in her classes. Outside of school, she enjoys a lot of hobbies, including shopping, playing with dogs, and crocheting. Keep up the great work, Anabel!
5th Grade Spotlight
- Kayla Krueger = Kayla is a respectful, confident, and reliable 5th grade student. Kayla’s favorite subject is Social Studies as she enjoys being the top Bobcat of the school. Outside of school, Kayla enjoys word searches, and competes in both softball and basketball. Kayla is also a member of a 5th grade group that helps find the owners of items in the school lost and found.
- Kason Leach = Kason is a helpful, trustworthy, and hard-working 5th grade student. Kason’s favorite subject is Science. What Kason enjoys most about being a fifth grader is setting a positive example for the little Bobcats. Outside of school, Kason loves anything sports related including competing in various sports and collecting sports cards. Kason is also a member of a 5th grade group that helps find the owners of items in the school lost and found.
- Rosemary Valentine = Rosemary is caring, confident, and leads by example as a 5th grade student. Rosemary’s favorite subject is Math. What Rosemary enjoys about being a fifth grader is the ability to improve her learning and skills by being challenged. Outside of school, Rosemary likes to read, create art, and play outside. Rosemary is also a member of a 5th grade group that helps find the owners of items in the school lost and found.
- Aubrey Liston = Aubrey is a very trustworthy, hard-working, and respectful 5th grade student. Aubrey loves all subjects in school. She also enjoys having more freedom and the ability to learn new concepts while hanging out with her friends. Outside of school, Aubrey enjoys playing with her sister, spending time with her family, and playing with her bunny Daisy. Aubrey is also a member of a 5th grade group that helps find the owners of items in the school lost and found.
- Keegan Duminske-Rutter = Keegan is a helpful, confident, and hard-working 5th grade student. Keegan’s favorite subject is Math, but enjoys the challenges and teachers of all classes. Outside of school, Keegan likes to stream and game on various platforms. Keegan is also a member of a 5th grade group that helps find the owners of items in the school lost and found.
NES HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout the years our Nature Club has grown and evolved. From the guidance of Mrs. Dutter, Mrs. Murphy, and others this after school club has easily become one of the coolest around. The work of the staff to provide opportunities for our older students to participate is greatly appreciated. After careful consideration Nature Club at NES is rebranding to the Jr Conservation Club as we begin to align with the Conservation Club at the high school. Our hope is the introduction to nature at a young age will help flow to the Conservation Club as the students get older. Please take a look at their website to see what they have been up to this school year.
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
- 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
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
2024 NES Yearbook Orders
2024 NES Yearbook order forms were sent home with children on January 3rd, 2024. Orders can be made online by clicking the link below, or with the actual forms that need to be filled out and returned to NES. Orders can be made through February of 2024.
Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025 School Year
Kindergarten Registration forms will go live on Final Forms starting on March 1, 2024.
We will have more information on the kindergarten registration date for families to visit and meet with teachers and staff. We are looking at May 6th and May 7th as the actual days where the new kindergarten students come in and families learn about the school and what to expect.
If you have any questions please call NES office to speak with either Mrs. Suppes, Mrs. Sparks, or Mrs. Albaugh. 330-435-6383
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