Ralph E. Waite Elementary School

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Dear Waite Families:

Spring is almost here! We are looking forward to a lot of engaging learning experiences and fun events and activities as we move toward spring break at the end of the month. Following the spring break, April will be the start of Ohio State Spring Testing. Please see the schedule below and read on for important information and many pictures of the fun learning experiences students enjoyed in February. Have a great month!

February Building Highlights:

Kindergarten Registration Opened

Magic Gives Back Assembly

PTO Family Bingo Night

Field Trip Grade 3 Playhouse Square

Valentine’s Day Parties

No School, InService Day

Valentine’s Day

No School, Presidents’ Day

End of Trimester 2

No School, Teacher Work Day / SNOW DAY

Report Cards/Invoices Sent Home

Student Absences Reminder:

With many cases of illness this winter, please remember to call the office to report a student absence. Please do not email the office or contact your child's teacher. The office must be informed via phone call of a student absence. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Mr. Mattie

Waite, Principal

Important Dates

3/2/26: Yearbook Sale Ends for cash/check sales only

3/4/26: Early Release, 2:30 Dismissal and Parent Conferences

3/5/26: United Way Read to Me Day and Field Trip, Grade 2, Playhouse Square

3/8/26: Daylight Savings Time Starts (move clocks ahead 1 hour)

3/9/26: Yearbook Sale Ends for online orders

3/13/26: PTO Son and Someone Special Event

3/17/26: Happy St. Patrick’s Day and 5th Grade Kid Scripts Performance

3/18/26: Grade 5 Musical Dress Rehearsal

3/19/26: Grade 5 Music Program, HS Middle Stage and Happy Ramadan

3/23/26: PTO Meeting

3/25/26: Spring Picture Day

3/29/25: PTO Monsters Family Night

3/30/26 – 4/3/26: No School, Spring Break

4/5/26: Happy Easter

4/6/26: No School, Easter Monday

Linked below are several resources for families as we prepare for spring testing. These test are important; however, they are not a full reflection of your child. The spring assessment is a snapshot of learning and helpful information in determining mastery of State of Ohio Learning Standards; however, school is about much more than a single assessment of learning. At Waite we are about growth, fun, and learning in the time it takes for each student with their peers and the support of our incredible educators.

Please use these resources at your discretion and know our amazing Waite teachers will be supporting and encouraging your children as we head into the spring testing season. Please reach out with any questions.

Ohio State Test Practice Site - Students and Families

OST Home Support - (This guide is written specific to 3rd grade; however, it might be helpful to parents of 4th and 5th grade students as well in preparation of spring testing).

March News

Kindergarten Registration NOW Open

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. For more information, please click here, email registration@medinabees.org

Kindergarten Registration is open.

NEW Preschool Peer Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year!

A peer model is a role model student, aged thre to five, who demonstrates age-appropriate language, behavior, and social skills, and does not have special needs. Peers need to be toilet-trained by their first day of preschool.

The first step of the process is to complete and return a peer model application. All peer applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be completed electronically. After we receive the application, it will be reviewed and a Peer Screening will be scheduled for early April. Registration will take place until all openings are filled.

In late February/early March, you will receive a notification letter on whether your child has been accepted into the Helping Hands Preschool or has been placed on a wait list.

Helping Hands Peer Application

Helping Hands Information Flyer