Leighton Update

Dear Leighton Families,

I want to start by extending a huge thank you to our incredible PTO for organizing such fantastic Valentine’s Day parties for our students this past week. The classrooms were filled with energy and joy, and it was wonderful to see our students having so much fun together. We truly appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into making these parties a success.

Our Leighton Leaders have also been hard at work preparing for our upcoming Kindness Spirit Week, which will begin on Monday, February 23rd. This week is all about fostering a positive school culture and celebrating the impact of small, kind gestures. We have been implementing this all month. You can find the full schedule of theme days detailed further down in this newsletter.

We also want to share a special thank you to Dr. Iriarte and Mr. Downing from Harmon Middle School. They recently visited with our 5th graders to provide an exciting glimpse into middle school life and a preview of what the music program looks like in 6th grade and beyond. These transition conversations are vital, as they allow our students to share their experiences and build confidence as they prepare for the next step in their academic journey.

Finally, please remember that school will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 16th, in observance of Presidents' Day. We look forward to seeing all of our students back in the building when classes resume on Tuesday, February 17th. Please remember, as communicated, we rescheduled our building-wide Leighton group photos for Thursday, February 19th.

We hope you enjoy the extended holiday weekend with your families!

Sincerely,

Spencer Warders

Principal

Leighton Elementary

Our Leighton Legends are students who have shown a tremendous demonstration of our three PBIS expected behaviors pillar of Being Respectful, Being Responsible and Being a Problem Solver.

The Leighton Legends for the month of January are:

3rd Graders: Paige Summahawong, Nirvi Balasankula, Sharvani Baliwada, Ellie Todd, Sreeja Pulla and Remi Milner

4th Graders: Penelope McPhee, Penelope Biel, Ryker Malloy, Ethan Berger, Makayla Ramsey and Harrison Ritter

5th Graders: Ally Wasil, Levi Yates, Jenna Dobnikar, Laurissa Dyer, Miles Bahr and Emily Nixon

Outstanding job!

Leighton will be participating in a Kindness Week, led by our Leighton Leaders! This will be during the week of February 23rd through the 27th. The theme days will be as follows:

Monday, Feb. 23rd: Hat Day! "Hats on, Kindness on!"

Tuesday, Feb. 24th: Twin Day "Kindness looks better when you match!"

Wednesday, Feb. 25th: Teachers and Students switch styles "Teach with style, lead with kindness"

Thursday, Feb. 26th: Red and Pink day! "Kindness never goes out of Style"

Friday, Feb 27th: Cozy Day! "Cozy up with Kindness"

To prepare for the future Aurora City Schools’ facility needs, the district has been examining facility master plan options. Please click below to stay updated on the Essential Plan and informational videos.

Introducing The Essential Plan - "Why Now?"

Click Here For The Essential Plan District Website

Yearbook order forms for 25-26 have been sent home with your child. Physical payments should be sent back to the school with your child or dropped off by parents in the enclosed envelope to the main office. The due date for physical payments is March 9th. Alternatively, you can order online using the provided instructions on the form or QR code. The online order due date is open until March 16th. Please be advised that Leighton does not purchase “extra yearbooks” and the only way to guarantee you will have a yearbook for this school year is to purchase one now during this window.

Click Here for PDF of Leighton Yearbook Order Form

Please join us for the Aurora Orchestra Association's upcoming 12th Annual Spring Strings Event and Fundraiser to support Aurora School System Orchestras! The event takes place Saturday, March 7th 2026 at 5:00pm. This special evening includes a wonderful dinner, fantastic music, dozens of raffle baskets, and numerous silent auctions items.

Instrumental classics will be performed by our international award winning Aurora High School Orchestra!

Ticket sales end February 19th. Scan QR code or visit auroraorchestras.org/shop

Look forward to seeing you there March 7th!

Feb 19: Parent/Teacher Conferences

Feb 26: Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 6th: No School Teacher Professional Development

March 13th: End of 3rd Grading Period

March 16th: 5th General Music Concert 6:30-8

March 23-27: Spring Break

April 3: No School

April 6:No School

April 30: 2nd to 3rd grade parent orientation 6:00 pm

Click Here For Leighton 25-26 Important Dates Calendar

Click Here For Leighton's Lunch Menu

You can track your child's lunch account by setting up your profile. You may also send in cash or a check written out to the Aurora City Schools.

Click Here To Add Money To Your Child's Lunch Account

Change In Transportation Form

Click For Leighton Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

When reporting your child's absence, please call 330-562-2209 and select option 1. You will be prompted to leave a message with the name of your child and the reason for the absence. If you need to talk to our attendance secretary, Mrs. Mariah George, please select 0 and you will be connected during normal school hours.