Wickliffe Family Update

Dear Wickliffe Families,

It has been a great week, and I hope you are enjoying the long weekend!

Our teachers have been helping students settle back into the rhythms, routines, and expectations of school. Your child’s classroom teacher will communicate regularly about classroom learning and upcoming events. As co-educators, we believe that open communication and a strong school-family partnership help our students be successful.

This year, we are continuing to build students’ understanding of our Three Cs: Community, Compassion, and Civility. During our Town Meetings, we will celebrate students who demonstrate these qualities through their words and actions. Our goal is to recognize the many students who help make Wickliffe such a wonderful school community. We will also continue to reinforce our school rules and explore what it means to be a Wickliffe Wolf.

We hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

Angela

September 7th: No School - Labor Day Holiday

September 7th: Meet, Play, and Learn with Dr. Hunt @ Wickliffe Playground, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

September 11th: PTO Fall Flower / Mum Pick-Up @ Wickliffe 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

September 16th: Town Meeting

September 16th: Early Release @ 1:00 p.m

September 17th: Jones Swing Space Informational Mtg.,7:00 p.m. @ Jones Middle School cafeteria

September 18th: Jones Swing Space Informational Mtg.,11:00 a.m. @ Bob Crane Community Center

September 18th: Restaurant Night at City BBQ on Henderson Road

September 21st-25th: PTO Literati Book Fair

September 21st-25th: Start with Hello Week

September 25th: PTO Fall Fest, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

September 30th: Family Literacy Night @ Wickliffe, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

October 15th: PTO Fun Run, Walk & Roll

October 23rd: School Picture Make-Up Day

This year, we will recognize and celebrate students during our Town Meetings who demonstrate community, compassion, and civility through their words and actions. Whether they are helping a classmate, including others, showing kindness, solving a problem respectfully, or contributing positively to our school, we want to highlight the many ways our students help make Wickliffe a welcoming and caring community.

Community:

• Nora Taylor

• Emma Egnot

• Rowan Beniard

• Noah Wlodarski

• Louise O'Leary

• Ripley Charlton

• Beckett Neeley

• Graham Dusseau

• Jo Hope

• Claire Gazda

Compassion:

• Landon Valazquez

• Emerson Roberts

• Betty Juett

• Charlie Hammond

• Kate Grau

• Cindy McMillian

• Juni Bailey

• Sophia Valdes-Burrola

• Emmalyn Johnson

• Henry Poydence

• Gwen Geckler

• Londyn Fain

Civility:

• Elizabeth Essex

• Elise Imm

• Elise Anctil

• Ford Martin

• Rae Martin

• Alma Bracha

• Henry Sommers

• Callum Sandy

• The Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School Library Birthday Book Program is a program in which your child can celebrate their birthday in a special way -- and also help our library collection continue to grow at the same time.
• Participation involves a $15 fee per book, and your child gets to select a new book from the library's "Birthday Bookshelf." That book is then added to the library collection. The book's inside front cover will have their name and birthday inscribed on a bookplate, and your child also gets to be the first person to check out that new book.
• If you are interested in participating, please complete this order form and turn it in with a check for $15 per child. (The check should be made out to: U.A. Schools) Order forms and checks may be given to Mrs. Young or Mrs. Coplin, who will then help yqur child select a book near their birthday. (For summer birthdays, we have children pick books on their half-birthday).
• You can join the Birthday Book Program at any time during the school year, and your generosity benefits all of our students.

• Interested in having your child join Mindful Mentors this year? Sign them up here for this special year-long opportunity to practice mindfulness, build confidence, and help create a calm and connected school community!
• Mindful Mentors is a morning SEL program for K–5 students that builds mindfulness, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. Students practice mindful strategies and, as student leaders, have opportunities to model and share these practices with classmates and teachers.
• Want to learn more? Visit our website to see photos, activities, and highlights from last year!

We are receiving multiple emails from families regarding students riding home with friends. Please be advised that this practice is not currently permitted.

At the beginning of each new school year, we request that students ride only on their assigned bus. This is necessary so route drivers can become acquainted with their assigned students and so that we can create/maintain seating charts, which are required through ODEW.

Effective Dates / Policy

• Beginning Monday, August 31, 2026:
  Students are not permitted to ride any bus other than their assigned bus until after October 9, 2026.
• Exception (Limited):
  Students may only ride with another bus in sitter/care provider circumstances that have been authorized through Transportation and communicated to the school.

What to Do If You Need an Exception

If you believe your situation qualifies as an approved exception, please contact Transportation for authorization and ensure the approval is shared with the school.

Thank you for your cooperation and support of student safety and required transportation procedures. If you have questions, please reach out to the our transportation department: schoolbusquestions@uaschools.org.

Bring the family and join Dr. Hunt for an evening of fun and facts about the Nov. 3 ballot issue.

• September 7th, 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Wickliffe playground!

• Any prescription medication administered at school requires written authorization from the student’s physician as well as written parental permission. Per Ohio Revised Code, the Prescribed Medication must be received by the health office in the container in which it was dispensed by the provider or pharmacist (we cannot accept medication in baggies).
• Medication authorization forms and other health forms can be found on the district website at: UA Health Forms. Should you have any questions, please contact the Wickliffe Health Office at 614-487-5150.
• Our health clinics track communicable illnesses and work with local public health agencies to mitigate potential outbreaks. If your student is diagnosed with or treated for a communicable illness/condition (strep, pinkeye, influenza, COVID-19, lice, etc.), please report those to the school nurse at wickliffehealthclinic@uaschools.org, or wickliffeattendance@uaschools.org.
• Thank you for partnering with us to ensure Wickliffe is a healthy learning environment for all of our students!

The nurse's office is desperately in need of girls underwear in all sizes! If your child has outgrown theirs or you would like to donate some to the clinic, we would welcome any and all sizes!!

Thank you for considering!

Hello fifth grade families,

We are so excited to start another year of Ruling Our Experience (ROX) at Wickliffe. This is a group designed for fifth grade girls focused on female empowerment, healthy relationships, and positive self esteem. Please check out their website for more information. The district has provided Wickliffe with a select number of spots, so not every girl will be able to join; however, they will have more opportunities throughout middle school as the program is run 6th-8th grade as well. Please fill out this interest form if you would like your daughter to participate this year. This group is high commitment - meaning they will be missing lunch/recess 1x a week from October - March. Because this is a limited opportunity, we ask that you talk through the expectation with your child before filling out this form. The deadline is Friday, September 11th.

Sign up here.

Warmly,

Renee Shaffer & Beth Uhlenhake, school counselors

• Attention parents! The deadline for the Golden Bear Summer Discovery Project is fast approaching on September 30th.

• Be sure your student turns in their completed form to the main office secretary to claim a special prize for all their hard work this summer

Menu Link

We are grateful for the many parents and family members who volunteer to chaperone our field trips each year! If you hope to join your child's class on a field trip this school year, now is a great time to complete your volunteer requirements so you're ready when opportunities arise.

All volunteers must have a current background check on file with Upper Arlington Schools. Background checks are completed at the Mincy Center (1619 Zollinger Road) Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (closed 12:30–1:30 p.m. for lunch).

Thank you for partnering with us to help make field trips safe, fun, and memorable for our students! More information can be found on the UA Schools Volunteering webpage.

• September 11th - Flower Sales Pickup, 4-7:00 p.m. at Wickliffe
• September 18th: Restaurant Night at City BBQ - Henderson Road
• September 21st-25th - Book Fair
• September 25th - Fall Fest
• October 15th - Fun Run, Walk & Roll

Mark your calendars for our next Restaurant Night at City BBQ (2111 W. Henderson Rd) on Friday, September 18th. Make sure to use the code GIVE, and 20% will be donated back to the Wickliffe PTO.

• Volunteer in the lunch line with Chef Amber! Sign up here: Lunch Help!
• Checkout our General Volunteer Interest Form if you're interested in open volunteer positions!

Support Wickliffe and Make a Lasting Impact in Our Community

• We're seeking local businesses and community partners who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, teachers, and families. To learn more, visit our website here!

Check our website for details on the PTO and upcoming events!

On November 3, residents will vote on a combined operating levy and bond issue that would maintain the district’s current educational programming and fund the second phase of the facilities master plan, which calls for rebuilding Hastings Middle School and Burbank Early Childhood School as well as renovating and rebuilding Jones Middle School.

As residents consider Issue 7, we are providing opportunities to get a first-hand look inside each of these schools. All three buildings will be open on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday October 8, with tours beginning at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

To learn more about the building tours or Issue 7, please click here.

The fall survey window is September 21st - October 2nd. The district office will email parents/caregivers links to survey questions and to topic alignment with our Profile of an Engaged Learner. Families will also receive the link to opt their student(s) out of the survey if they so choose. The opt-out form will accept responses through September 17th.

If you plan to cheer on your Golden Bears this season, please keep in mind the following important rules. These expectations will be enforced throughout the football season in order to create a positive and enjoyable environment for Golden Bear fans of all ages.

• If you choose to participate in a tailgate, please be aware that state law prohibits the possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances on school grounds or at school-related events. This includes any school parking lot.

• If you have a young fan in your family, please remember that elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a supervising adult throughout the entirety of the game. These students should sit in the stands during the game unless they are using the restroom or waiting in line at the concession stands. There should be no loitering at the concession stands, restrooms or under the bleachers.

• Footballs and other sports equipment are not allowed at the game and will be confiscated. Students should not throw these or other items, spit or touch each other.

• Elementary and middle school students are not permitted on the field after the game until the visiting team is off the turf and the alma mater has concluded.

• Students must leave the stadium within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the game.

• Finally, the turf practice fields will be off limits during and after varsity football home games.

If a student is not able to meet these expectations during the game, a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the student immediately.

• If the November 3 ballot issue funding the second phase of the master plan is approved by voters, Jones Middle School would undergo a major renovation and rebuilding project. That work would tentatively begin in the spring / summer of 2028 — and, because of the scope of the project, Jones students would need to learn in alternate locations for approximately 2 ½ to 3 years, beginning with the 2028-2029 school year.
• This would impact students currently in grades 2-6 who would be attending Jones during that time. We know that is a significant change for students and families, and we want to make sure you have an opportunity to learn more about what that would look like and ask questions.

• Families of students currently in grades 2-6 at Barrington, Tremont, Wickliffe and Jones are invited to attend one of two swing space informational meetings.

• Thursday, September 17: 7:00 p.m. in the Jones Middle School cafeteria

• Friday, September 18: 11:00 a.m. at the Bob Crane Community

Based on changes in Ohio law and Upper Arlington Schools Board of Education policy, new attendance requirements will be in effect beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. These changes affect how schools track student attendance, when families receive notifications, and when districts must intervene to address attendance concerns.

The biggest change is that all missed time is counted — includes tardies, medical absences, pre-planned absences, non-school-sponsored activities and competitions, and Religious Expression days — toward chronic absenteeism. Parents/guardians may find information about the changes in attendance policy on our website.

Attendance Information

District Attendance Policy

• Please obtain a medical excuse for ANY visit to a doctor, dentist, therapist, etc that occurs during a school day.

Planned Absence Form - Forms should be completed 10 school days in advance of the first date of the planned absence whenever possible. Otherwise, the absence may be unexcused.

District Website Link

• 2026-2027 School Year Calendar

• A-E Calendar

Instagram Account ~ @wickwolves

Lunch Menu

Difficulty accessing your PaySchools Central account? Email psc_help@payschools.com or

call 1-877-393-6628 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET Monday-Friday.

Nurse Notes

Any prescription medication administered at school requires written authorization from the student’s physician as well as written parental permission. Per Ohio Revised Code, the Prescribed Medication must be received by the health office in the container in which it was dispensed by the provider or pharmacist (we cannot accept medication in baggies). Medication authorization forms and other health forms can be found on the district website at: UA Health Forms. Should you have any questions, please contact the Wickliffe Health Office at 614-487-5150.

Our health clinics track communicable illnesses and work with local public health agencies to mitigate potential outbreaks. If your student is diagnosed with or treated for a communicable illness/condition (strep, pinkeye, influenza, COVID-19, lice, etc.), please report those to the school nurse at wickliffehealthclinic@uaschools.org, or wickliffeattendance@uaschools.org. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure Wickliffe is a healthy learning environment for all of our students!

PowerSchool Parent Portal: https://ps-uar.metasolutions.net/public/home.html

If you need assistance logging into PowerSchool, you may reach out to: familytechhelp@uaschools.org

Technology Family Support

• Check out this resource for K-5 families.

• WOSU Digital Wellness

• CommonSense Media Activities

Transportation Services

Email: schoolbusquestions@uaschools.org

UA Flyer Connection

Wickliffe PTO

Links to Previous Updates:

All of our updates can be found on the Wickliffe website under “school news”.