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Jefferson Journal

August 1, 2025

Jefferson Journal August 1, 2025
JeffersonJournalAugust 1, 2025

Jefferson Journal- May 11, 2026 Jefferson Journal- May 11, 2026

A Message from Our Principals A Message from Our Principals

Photos show principals sitting in front of a Jefferson Elementary sign
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Hello Families,


As we head into these final weeks of the school year, the energy in our hallways is truly inspiring. It’s a season of celebration, and we have plenty of reasons to cheer! We are currently seeing the incredible results of a year’s worth of hard work as our students shine on their end-of-year assessments. The academic growth we’ve witnessed across every grade level is nothing short of amazing, serving as a powerful reminder of what our students can achieve through dedication and steady effort.


A very special thank you goes out to our incredible PTO for everything they did to spoil us during Staff Appreciation Week. Our team felt truly celebrated, and we are so grateful for the kindness and support shown to our educators.


To ensure every student crosses the finish line with confidence, we want to emphasize the importance of staying focused and maintaining consistent attendance through the final days of the year. Every day counts, and some of our most engaging projects and final discoveries happen during these closing weeks. While the weather is getting warmer, keeping our minds in high gear ensures that every child can fully solidify the progress made throughout this year.



Let’s keep this incredible momentum going right up until the very last day. Thank you for your continued partnership in making this a year characterized by growth, achievement, and success!


Thank you,

Mrs. Platt & Mr. Eberly

Contact Us Contact Us

35980 Lakeshore Blvd. Eastlake, OH 44095

Office Email: tj.office@weschools.org

Main Office Line: 440-942-7244

Attendance Line: 855-612-7207 (24 Hours)

Transportation Department: 440-975-3736

School Website
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YMCA Child Care Information

Office Staff Office Staff

  • Mrs. Candace Platt, Principal
  • Mr. David Eberly, Assistant Principal
  • Mrs. Lori Dugger, Principal's Secretary
  • Mrs. Wendy Flick, Administrative Secretary
  • Mrs. Jacque Sparent, Family Liaison
  • Ms. Katie Klemencic, School Nurse

Save the Date Save the Date

  • 5/11- 5th Grade Music Program- 7 PM at North High School (students should arrive by 6:45 PM)
  • 5/12- 5th Grade Parent Night at EMS- 6-7 PM
  • 5/22- Field Day
  • 5/22- Lake County Captains Reading Program Night
  • 5/27- 5th Grade Day
  • 5/28- Last Day of School for Students
  • 5/28- 5th Grade DARE Graduation- 1:30 PM (Clap Out to Immediately Follow)
The Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools 2025-2026 Calendar Highlights infographic provides a comprehensive overview of important dates for the school year.  School Year Basics The first day of school varies by grade level, starting with Grades 6th–12th and a staggered start for Grades 1st–5th (A-L) on August 21.  The staggered start continues for Grades 1st–5th (M-Z) on August 22, with all students in those grades attending by August 25.  Kindergarten has a staggered start on August 25 (A-L) and August 26 (M-Z), with all Kindergarten students attending by August 27.  Preschool begins on August 26, and the last day of school for all students is May 28.  Major Breaks and Quarter Ends Thanksgiving Break is scheduled for November 27–28.  Winter Break runs from December 22 through January 2.  Spring Break takes place from March 23 to March 27.  The end of each quarter falls on October 17, December 19, March 20, and May 28.  Graduation and Closings South High School Graduation is on May 26 at 6:30 p.m., while North High School Graduation is on May 28 at 6:30 p.m..  District Holidays include Labor Day (Sept 1), NEOEA Day (Oct 10), MLK Day (Jan 19), Presidents Day (Feb 16), Good Friday (April 3), and Memorial Day (May 25).  No classes will be held on Professional Development Days—August 19 & 20, October 17, November 4, February 23, and March 20—or on Teacher Comp Days scheduled for December 1 and April 6.
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WE District Calendar

Field Day Volunteers Needed Field Day Volunteers Needed

  • Our Field Day is taking place on Friday,5/22 rain or shine. If the weather does not cooperate, we will move the activities indoors We need volunteers to help run our activities. There will be no spectators, so if you'd like to attend, please plan to volunteer and sign up below.
  • Please send your child in comfortable clothing, tennis shoes, sunblock, and with a water bottle labeled with their name on Field Day so they can safely enjoy the fun. Thanks!
Jefferson Field Day 2026

Jefferson Field Day 2026

Thank you for volunteering to help out at Thomas Jefferson's Field Day this year.  Field Day is on May 22, 2026.  Please select a time slot that you can volunteer for (AM or PM) and also pick the event that you would like to help run.  A few notes: 1. If you want to help with both sessions, AM and PM, just sign up for the AM slot and you can arrive in the afternoon and just help out at the same station in the afternoon.  Do not sign up for both sessions. 2. There will be NO RAIN DATE in the event of inclement weather.  We will hold the event indoors if that is the case. 3.  All parents who wish to volunteer must have their driver's license scanned into our Raptor security system, located in the school lobby, prior to Field Day. This way your badges will be ready for you ahead of time;  if you have ever volunteered or signed your child out of school, you are likely already in the system. If you have not done so before, please stop by the front office before Field Day to have your license scanned.  If you're unsure whether you're in the system, feel free to call the school office at 440-952-7245—we’ll be happy to check for you. All volunteers should check in on Field Day at the pavilion behind the building to get a badge. If you are NOT volunteering to run a game or help out on Field Day, then you cannot just be a spectator and show up.  Volunteers only. For the morning session, volunteers need to arrive at the pavilion at 8:45am.  For the afternoon session, volunteers should plan on arriving at the pavilion at 11:45am. If you have any questions, please email me at michael.krawczyszyn@weschools.org or Mrs. Platt at candace.platt@weschools.org Mr. Krawczyszyn

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26-27 School Supply Lists 26-27 School Supply Lists

school supplies
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Click Here for Supply Lists

Alternate Bus Stop Form Due July 1st Alternate Bus Stop Form Due July 1st

picture of a bus
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Need an alternate bus stop for next school year? Complete your request and submit it prior to July 1st.


*Transportation is only available for students to attend their home schools. Families are responsible for the transportation of students who attend schools via intradistrict transfers. *


To access the form, use the following link: https://bit.ly/4f2c6FX


You can also go to the website www.weschools.org and search for the Transportation page.

Need help? Call Transportation at 440-975-3736.
#WeAreWilloughbyEastlake

Incoming Kindergarten Information Incoming Kindergarten Information

In the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools district students who are 5 years old on or before August 24, 2025 are eligible for kindergarten. Online kindergarten registration will begin February 15, 2026.
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Jefferson Elementary’s Kindergarten Kickoff on August 11, 2026, features sessions for last names A-L (9:00–10:30 AM) and M-Z (11:00 AM–12:30 PM) to help students see the school and teachers assess their abilities. You can register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxWaA10U9pSsQZIAaJ7o-KTI1I-0I3KcZBSKS7PpN-MRbhag/viewform or call 440-942-7244 for information. Teacher assignments for the 2026-2027 school year will be released via the Parent Portal and email on Friday, August 14, after 4:00 PM.
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"Flyer for the June 2026 Kindergarten Readiness Camp presented by the ESC of the Western Reserve and the Ohio Department of Children & Youth. The header highlights the state-funded initiative to prepare children for K-12 schooling.  A photo on the right shows a group of children with their hands raised in a classroom.  Camp details include:  Dates: June 8 – June 26, 2026, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (no session June 19).  Eligibility: Students entering Kindergarten in 2026 within the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools district.  Location: Longfellow Elementary, 35200 Stevens Blvd., Eastlake, OH 44095.  Notes: Transportation is available, and families are expected to participate in three literacy/math events.  The bottom includes a 'Register Here' section with a QR code."
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Summer Sidekicks Program Summer Sidekicks Program

PROGRAM DETAILS Join us for a FREE Summer Enrichment Program filled with fun, learning, and exciting activities! Designed for students (entering) grades 1-4, this program focuses on Math and Literacy while staying engaged all summer long. Led by teachers, school staff, college students, and teen volunteers, each session includes snacks, interactive learning, a free book, and prizes! Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive, fun environment!  WHAT TO EXPECT Engaging activities led by school staff, college students & teen volunteers Fun Themes: Summer Vibes, Happy Tails, Party in the USA: Happy Birthday America, Sports Mania, Pool Party & ESCWR Carnival Snacks provided at every session  Each child gets a free book, prizes, and a carnival and farewell pizza party    PROGRAM DATES June 2nd - June 18th Tuesday and Thursday Evenings 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM   PROGRAM LOCATION ESCWR Hale Road Building, 56 Hale Road Painesville Township, Ohio 44077  Questions or to register: Call 440-553-7462 or email kllewellyn@escwr.org  Or  scan the QR code available on the flyer
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Positive Parenting Program Positive Parenting Program

FREE Crossroads Early Head Start/Head Start Positive Parenting Program  Are you struggling with challenging behaviors from your child? Do you want real strategies that are proven to be effective?  In this session, you will meet other parents facing the same challenges as you in a stress free environment. You will walk away with tools for managing AND preventing challenging behaviors.  Tuesday, May 12, 2026 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 1083 Mentor Avenue Painesville OH  Childcare and snacks are provided.  Join us for this information program. To register, scan the QR code on the flyer or register by calling 440-358-7370, extension 479. Space is limited.
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Reminders from the Clinic Reminders from the Clinic

Dear Parents,

As the warmer weather approaches and spring begins to bloom, we are reminded that for many students, seasonal allergies can be a challenge. With the increase in pollen levels, allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose can significantly affect a child's comfort and focus during the school day.

We strongly encourage you to consider starting allergy medication now, before the pollen counts rise. By beginning treatment early, you can help prevent symptoms from becoming overwhelming and ensure your child is better able to concentrate on their studies and enjoy the season.

Consulting with your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate course of action, whether it's over-the-counter antihistamines or other medications that may work best for your child.

Getting ahead of allergy season can make a significant difference in how your child feels, so we recommend taking action now to help set them up for a more comfortable and successful spring.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,


Nurse Katie

General Illness Guidelines Fever: Keep your child home if their temperature reaches 100°F or higher. They are cleared to return once they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.  Vomiting: If a child vomits two or more times in a single day, they should stay home. They may return to school 24 hours after the very last time they vomited.  Diarrhea: Children with two or more loose stools in one day must stay home; they can return 24 hours after the final episode has passed.  Specific Conditions Head Lice: If live lice are discovered, the child should stay home. They are permitted to return to class immediately after their first treatment, even if nits (eggs) are still present.  Pink Eye: If a child has eye redness accompanied by drainage or crusting, they should remain home. They can return after 24 hours of treatment (if prescribed), though a doctor’s note is required for reentry.  Hand, Foot & Mouth: Keep your child home if they have a fever or open, painful sores. They may return once they have been fever-free for 24 hours and any remaining sores can be effectively covered.  Important Reminders Beyond these specific symptoms, the school advises keeping your child home if they simply feel too sick to participate in class activities. Always notify the school if your child is diagnosed with a contagious illness. If you are ever unsure about a specific situation, please feel free to contact the school clinic for guidance.
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Learning, eating, playing at recess, and using the restroom can be messy for students of all ages.  Please keep a spare change of clothes in your student's book bag.
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Celebrating Ranger PRIDE Celebrating Ranger PRIDE

Party with the Principals

In March we were focusing on the "I" in our PRIDE Promise which is "Integrity". Students who exemplified this characteristic were invited to a Party with the Principals at the beginning of April. We had snacks, games, and play time to recognize these students. In April, we are focusing on "Dedicated" and "Excellence" and will celebrate with those students at the beginning of May.


Congratulations to the following students for showing "Integrity":


  • Kindergarten: Avery Way, Jayce Weiss, Charlotte Barnes, Tallula Donnelly,
  • 1st Grade: Emma McDonald, Adaliene Pirnat, Ariella Zangare, Aubriella Lovric, Charles Fronczek, Emery Francis
  • 2nd Grade: Emmett DeMilta, Ryleigh White, Owen Veres, Oliver Hyvarinen
  • 3rd Grade: Carson Atkins, Zachary Cain, Ecko Lelii, Alonzo Davis
  • 4th Grade: Natalie Samford, Skylah Collins, Seth Bonnell, Levi Vazquez
  • 5th Grade: JoJo Colon, Fiona McCandless, Hailey Wolf
A photo of a group of children smiling with the Principal at the Student of the Month party.
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User uploaded image
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Attendance Award

Attendance Matters! Every week we award the homeroom with the best attendance from the week before with our attendance trophy! They get to have it (and bragging rights!) for the week until they pass it to the next winners. Any homeroom that wins three times in a grading period will get a special prize.


Congratulations to our winner: Mrs. Deitrick's Class!

User uploaded image
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Positive Shout-Outs

Students are nominated by our staff members for showing PRIDE and kindness and recognized weekly. Keep up the great work!

Students posing with their Positive Shout-Out Certificates
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Students posing with their Positive Shout-Out Certificates
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Jefferson Elementary T-Shirts Available Jefferson Elementary T-Shirts Available

We have a limited number of new Jefferson Rangers t-shirts left. Click the button below to order and we will send them home with your student immediately. Please be sure to type the student’s first and last name when ordering.

Click Here to Buy a T-Shirt
An image of the t-shirt for sale which is a white t-shirt with Jefferson Rangers on it and the school's Star logo.
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Information from Our PTO Information from Our PTO

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! We have a lot of fun things planned this year, but first get to know the PTO!


President: Diana Warner
Vice President: Marcia Gamiere
Secretary: Katie Pavlick
Treasurer: Melissa Grinstead


Contact: jefferson.pto01@gmail.com

Thank you, families! Thank you, families!

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Volunteer to Help with Popcorn
Join the PTO Mailing List
Check Out the PTO Facebook Page
Jefferson PTO Website
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Jefferson "F.A.Q" School Policies Jefferson "F.A.Q" School Policies

Birthdays/Invitations

  • Students may not pass out birthday invitations. If the family is having a party and wants to invite the entire class, the parent may contact the teacher and request for the teacher to pass the invitations out to all students in the class. NO FOOD BIRTHDAY TREATS MAY BE SENT IN TO SCHOOL THROUGH THE STUDENT OR DROPPED OFF IN THE OFFICE. We will contact the family to pick these up. Thank you for your cooperation!

Lunch

  • Outside Food Deliveries are Prohibited (Uber Eats, GrubHub, etc). If a student forgets a lunch, and the family can’t drop one off prior to the student lunch period, we will provide them with a school lunch.

Student Cell Phones, Smart Watches, and Earbuds

  • Student cell phones must be turned off and stored in student backpacks. Students may not have their cell phones in their pockets (pants, sweatshirts, jackets etc). Some bus drivers allow kids to use their phones on the bus, but they should not be walking in or out of school with them in their hands/pockets.
  • Offense #1 - Staff Member reminds the student to turn the phone off and put it in their backpack (notify classroom teacher for tracking purposes).
    • Classroom teacher discretion whether to notify parents or not.
  • ​​​Offense #2 - Staff Member takes the student’s phone and keeps it in their possession (or gives it to the classroom teacher to keep in their possession) until the end of the school day.
    • Classroom teacher will notify parents of the 2nd offense and warn about the consequences of a third offense.
  • Offense #3 - Staff Member notifies the classroom teacher and brings the student’s cell phone to the office.
    • Principal or Assistant Principal calls home and informs parents that the phone will remain in the office until picked up by the parent.
  • Smart watches may only be used to tell time. If students are using them for communication or gaming purposes, they will follow the same rules above stated for cell phones.

    Students are not allowed to have their personal headphones (airpods, earbuds) during class time (unless approved by teacher for use), recess, or during ENCORE classes. Unauthorized use of these items will result in the above stated processes for cell phones and smart watches.

Student Toys/Balls/Electronics

  • Students should not bring their own toys, balls, or electronics to school and may not bring them out to recess. If they do bring them to school (for before/after school use), this is at their own risk, and they need to be kept in the student’s backpack. The school is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.

Student Hoodies/Hats

  • Students may wear hoodies inside the school, but they must keep their hoods down at all times. Having hoods up makes it difficult to identify students and their actions, and often leads to academic disengagement. Hats are not permitted inside the school unless it is a designated “hat day”.

Candace Platt
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