Waite Elementary Parent Update
December, 2025
Dear Waite Families:
This is my favorite time of the year at Waite Elementary School. There is a festive atmosphere that permeates the building each day. Our students are in good spirits and excited about the upcoming break and holiday celebrations with family. There are musical programs and fun activities, spirit days, and classroom parties. The Holiday Shop has returned this December as well. This is a special time of the school year when we have a unique opportunity to create experiences and lasting memories for our students and their families.
School is about more than academics, although incredibly important. School is a space for growth and hope. It is during this magical time of the year that I am reminded how grateful I am to have the opportunity to spend each day working with your children and fostering conditions with our amazing Waite educators to cultivate rich learning experiences. Your children give me hope for our future and it is a true gift to serve as Waite principal.
This month our PBIS focus will be on Gratitude. We will be looking for occasions to promote gratitude with our students. Students will continue to review the three (3) Rs: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Ready to Learn.
We also plan to have a few guest “elves” visiting the building throughout the month to encourage and support our focus on gratitude this holiday season (in the spirit of Elf on the Shelf - I know many of our families enjoy this tradition in their homes as well).
Spirit day information is included below (12/11-12/18). Most classroom holiday parties will be on either 12/17. See information from your child’s teacher. Please note that all snacks MUST be store bought and pre-packaged. A simple craft, game, or other activity is a good and safe alternative to food items. For a list of allergen-friendly snacks, please visit the Snack Safely website: Click HERE.
We have much to be grateful for and there is a lot of hope for our school community moving forward.
Best wishes to all of our Waite families for a beautiful holiday season full of family traditions, new memories, and a happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Mattie
Waite, Principal
Upcoming Important Dates
*See Spirit Day Themes Listed Further in the Newsletter
12/1/25 – 12/4/25: PTO Holiday Shop
12/1/25 – 12/5/25: Toys for Tots Collection
12/9/25: PTO Dine to Donate at Guy’s Pizza
12/11/25: Picture Retake Day/Candids/Group and Spirit Days Begin (details will be provided soon)
12/14-12/22: Happy Hanukkah!
12/16/25: Choir Karaoke Party and Field Trip Grade 5, PAC Encore Performance
12/17/25: Classroom Holiday Parties
12/18/25: Early Release
12/19/25 – 1/2/26: Winter Break
12/25/25: Merry Christmas!
1/1/26: Happy New Year and Happy Kwanzaa!
1/5/26: School Resumes
Here are some school events that happened in November:
Candy for a Cause – Treats for Troops 2025 Candy Collection
Coats for Kids Week
Election Day
Scrabble Club Began
PTO Dine to Donate, Culvers
End of Trimester 1
Veterans Day and assembly
PTO Meeting
Field Trip, Grade 3, Medina City
Report Cards/Invoices Sent Home
PTO Ornament Night
Thanksgiving Break
The Holiday Shop was open for business this week! The Waite PTO has collaborated with The Penguin Patch Holiday Shop company. Every child wants to surprise their family and friends in a big way!
Our exclusive Penguin Patch gifts were designed with every budget in mind. Plus, it’s perfect for families with siblings. Our gifts are priced just for kids! Gifts start at just 25 cents, with 80% of our items being under $5.00 and 60% of our items being under $3.00. The school nor the PTO will apply any markup to prices (this is not a fundraiser), as we want each child to enjoy giving back to others this holiday season.
Spirit days will be the last six (6) school days before winter break: 12/11-12/18. This year students voted to select themes. Each grade level brainstormed and then voted to contribute one school-wide spirit day. Participating is encouraged but optional!
Please look for information from your child's teacher regarding classroom holiday parties. Teachers were given the option to schedule the party on either 12/17. There is a limit of two (2) approved parent volunteers per classroom. Teachers will provide sign-up information if you are interested in volunteering. Please check-in at the front office on the day of the party to obtain a visitor badge.
