Westropp News
December Parent Update
Hello Clara Westropp Families,
As we head into the final three weeks before Winter Break, we can’t help but share how much we love seeing our students fully engaged in learning and proudly showing their Wildcat spirit every day.
We have so many exciting activities planned, and we don’t want you to miss a thing! Please take a moment to check out the dates below and on ClassDojo so your family can join in the fun and stay connected.
During this time, your children will be exploring new ideas, working on hands-on projects, and sharing experiences that make learning come alive. These moments help build a strong foundation for the second half of the school year—and we love seeing their enthusiasm and growth every day!
November may have been short, but it was filled with incredible moments and celebrations. One highlight was our All-Out School Spirit Week, where students and staff came together to showcase creativity and Wildcat pride. We also welcomed the Cleveland Public Library Mobile Reading Van, giving students the chance to enjoy a special read-aloud and take home a brand-new book—what a wonderful way to spark a love of reading!
As we move into December, we ask families to help us finish the quarter strong by ensuring students are present, on time, and ready to learn. Your partnership makes a tremendous difference in helping our students succeed.
And now for some festive fun:
- Countdown to Winter Break Spirit Days are here! Participation is optional—join in on the days that work for you and let’s make this countdown fun and festive together.
- Our House Team Tree Decorating Contest voting begins Friday, 12/5, and runs through 12/18. The winning team will be announced on 12/19!
We hope you all have a joyful and restful Winter Break when it arrives. It’s hard to believe how quickly this school year is moving, and we are so grateful for your continued support and the excitement your children bring to Clara Westropp each day.
Thank you for being part of our Wildcat community!
Warmly,
Mrs. Bing
December Attendance Incentive
- Starting Monday, December 1st, every student will receive a Bingo board from their homeroom teacher.
- Each day your student is at school, they’ll mark off that day on their board.
- Earn a Bingo? See Mrs. Cantrell for a prize!
- Students who complete a perfect board will join our December Perfect Attendance Celebration! (This includes being on time!)
If your child will be absent, please call our school office as early as possible at 216-838-6250 and include:
- Your child’s name
- Reason for absence
- Date of absence
We’re here to support you, and we appreciate everything you do to help your child succeed. Let’s keep working together to make every day count at Clara E. Westropp.
As we approach winter break, please encourage your child to check the Lost and Found bin in the front office if they are missing anything, such as gloves, hats, lunchboxes, coats, boots, or shoes. To help prevent future losses, we suggest labeling your child’s clothing and belongings on the inside tag. This simple step makes it easier to return lost items to their owners. Thank you for your cooperation!
Happy December!
Right now, Influenza A (flu virus) is on the rise in Cleveland. This year’s flu strain is causing particularly bad symptoms, with symptoms including body aches, congestion, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and fever.
To help to protect your family from the flu, you can take the following precautions:
v Get the flu shot!! Our Metro clinic has the flu vaccine in the clinic. If you would like to schedule your student for a flu vaccine, please contact myself 216-838-6262 or the Metro clinic at 216-957-7011.
v Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer
v Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
v Clean surfaces that are frequently touched at home
v Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
v EMERGENCY- if a member of your household has chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or persistent vomiting, please seek care right away.
And lastly, please stay home when sick. For a fever of 100.4 or greater (without fever reducing medicine) within the past 24 hours, a severe cough, or just generally feeling very unwell.
Nurse Claxon
216-838-6262
3rd Annual Snowflake Shop
December 2nd-4th is Clara E. Westropp's 3rd Annual Snowflake Shop. Students will be able to purchase gifts for their family members and friends. All items are priced from $1-$5. Students, Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade, should have come home with a flyer and a return envelope to put their money in. Please have students turn in their envelopes to their teacher or the main office. All funds from the snowflake shop will be used to buy a gift for each student and to re-stock our shop for the next school year. Please contact me at 216-894-4959 if you have any questions.
Change of Clothes
For students, Pre-Kindergarten through Third Grade: Please send a labeled change of clothes for your child to keep at school. Spills, unexpected messes, bathroom accidents, and playground accidents can happen. Having extra clothing helps keep students comfortable throughout the day. Please send a full change of clothes (shirt, pants, socks, and underwear) in a labeled ziploc bag that can stay in their locker or backpack. If your student does not have a change of clothes, you may receive a call to bring them clothing items as we have a low supply at this time. We truly appreciate your support.
Winter Coats and Hats
We have a limited supply of winter coats and hats. If we have your student size, there is a required form that needs to be completed to receive these items. Please call or text 216-894-4959 for more information.
Free Produce Market for the month of December is Thursday, December 18, 11:30 am- 1:15 pm. Please bring your bags and boxes! This is a community event. Please share it with your family members, friends, and neighbors. Please allow us time to set up as we will distribute food items promptly at 11:30 am.
Food Pantry Resources For December
Lincoln West High School Free Produce Market is the third Wednesday of every month, 12 pm until all food items are gone. It is located in the school's parking lot. The address is 3202 W. 30 Street, 44109.
Garfield Elementary School Free Produce Market is December 16, 1 pm- 2:30 pm. The address is 3800 W. 140 Street, 44135.
Lakewood Community Service Center, Every Thursday, 10 am- 2 pm, 14230 Madison Avenue, 44107, 216-226-6466 (please call for more info)
Salvation Army- West Park, Every Thursday, 9 am- 11:30 am, 12645 Lorain Avenue, 44111, 216-252-3593 (please call for more info)
Bountiful Basement, Every Thursday, 9:30 am- 12 pm, 4370 W. 140 Street, 44135, 216-671-3870 (please call for more info)
Ann George Food Pantry, Every Thursday, 5 pm- 7 pm, 6369 Pearl Road, 44130, 440-334-4464 (please call for more info)
Community Corner Hunger Center, Every Thursday, 10 am- 2 pm, 8302 Detroit Avenue, 44102, 216-631-6509 (please call for more info)
Marion Seltzer School, 1st Friday of Every Month (November 7), 4pm-5pm, 1468 W. 98th Street
New Beginnings Ministries, 3rd Saturdays, 10 am- 12 pm, 2060 W. 65th Street
Metrohealth Outpatient Plaza,3rd Thursday of Every Month, 9:30 am- 11:30 am, 2500 Metrohealth Drive
Weekend Meal Boxes
All Clara Westropp students will receive weekend meal boxes every Friday at dismissal. Your student must be in school to receive their box. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call me at 216-894-4959.
Additional Resources
CHN Housing Partners has their 2025 Utility Assistance Programs. Homeowners who are customers of the Cleveland Division of Water may be eligible. Income restrictions may apply. The following documents are required: Current Water Bill, Valid Photo ID, 30 days income for household members 18+ years. Visit chnhousingpartners.org/housing-services/utility-assistance for application and more information.
Step Forward provides Energy Assistance Programs. Please call Step Forward's 24/7 Automated Contact Center at 216-480-HEAP/4324. You can apply for the Winter Crisis Program, November 1- March 31 which is for household that have been disconnected from utilities or have a utility disconnection pending. To schedule an appointment and submit an application at least one day before appointment at energyhelp.ohio.gov
May Dugan Center, located at 4115 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, 44113 has free food and produce distribution on Wednesdays, 11:30 am-6:30 pm and Fridays, 11:30 am- 3:30 pm. You will only be able to pick up once a week and will receive pantry bags, produce and meat (when available). They also have clothing distribution on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays; 9:30 am- 2:30 pm. You are allowed up to 10 clothing items per person a week. No ID required for clothing items.
Elizabeth Baptist Church, located at 6114 Francis Avenue, 44127 has a clothing giveaway every Thursday, 10 am- 12 pm. They also have a clothing and food giveaway on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, 10 am- 12 pm. Please call the church office at 216-429-2922 for questions and additional information.
Lakewood Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 1382 Arthur Avenue, Lakewood, provides adults and children with gently used clothing items. Their hours are Tuesdays, 10:30 am- 12 pm and Thursdays, 5p-6:30 pm. You may need to provide proof of income and emergent need. For more information, please call 216-221-9612.
Edulog Parent Portal: monitors the location of school buses as they travel their routes across the city. By connecting to Edulog Parent Portal, you can see how close the bus is to the bus stop and the current transportation assignment. Click Here for more information.
Parents Make The Difference Newsletter: These newsletters are tailored by grade level and are geared towards creating opportunities to grow stronger school-to-home connections. They are updated each month. Click Here for more information.
Important Dates
12/3: Cavs Pep Assembly (PK-8)
12/5: No School For Kindergarten Students Only
12/11: House Team Family Bingo(5th-8th) 4-6PM
12/12: No School for PreK Students Only
12/15-12/19: All School Spirit Week
12/19: Winter Showcase 8:30-9:30 AM
12/19: End of Quarter 2
12/19: Last Day of School For All Students
12/22-1/2: Winter Break
1/5/26: Classes Resume
Dear Families,
As we continue through the school year, it’s also important that we have the most up-to-date contact information for you. Accurate details help us keep you informed about daily updates, school events, and important reminders. Most importantly, in case of an emergency, we need to be able to reach you right away.
Please take a moment to fill out this short form with your name, address, phone number, and email. If any of your contact information has changed—especially your address—please notify the main office immediately. Proof of address is required for any address changes. You may share these updates directly with Ms. Dobransky in the main office.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
👉 Click here to complete the Parent Contact Information Form
