The Spartan Family Newsletter

We have great things going on for our students at Waldron Area Schools this week! I won't take up too much time in this area so you can be sure to see everything else that we have. Thank you for taking the time to read through my newsletters. As always, if you ever have any questions, please be sure to reach out and let me know.

It’s a great day to be a Spartan!

We are STRONGER TOGETHER!

I am very excited to welcome Mr. Wallace as our new Building Administrator starting Monday, October 26th! I am personally looking forward to working alongside him as he brings a passionate energy to our school and an exceptional ability to connect with and inspire students. Mr. Wallace joins us with years of valuable experience and comes highly recommended by trusted educational leaders across the state. Please join me in giving him a warm Waldron welcome!

Below, you will find an introduction letter from Mr. Wallace himself.

I’m excited to join the Waldron community as the K-12 Building Administrator. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to strengthening school culture, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for students to succeed. With more than 16 years of experience in education, leadership, and trauma-informed practices, I understand the importance of connection, collaboration, and creating an environment where both students and staff feel supported. As I begin this role, my first priority will be to listen and learn. I want to understand Waldron’s strengths, learn from the experiences and perspectives of our staff and students, and identify opportunities for continued growth. I believe meaningful progress starts with relationships, understanding, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for students. I’m an Adrian College alumnus and I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, so I’m a lifelong Alabama fan. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Rachel, and our three daughters, Londyn, Evie, and Iylah. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Waldron community and look forward to working alongside staff, students, families, and community members to strengthen connections, foster belonging, and support student growth.

In Partnership,

Tavarski Wallace

Excitement is building across our district as final preparations come together for our 1st Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat! Thanks to the incredible community response, this event has grown even larger than we had hoped. Our team will be hard at work on Monday and Tuesday to ensure a fun, exciting, and safe evening for all our families.

Event Details

• 🎃 When: Tuesday, October 27th | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• 📍 Where: Waldron Area Schools (Circle Drive) - Please park in the main parking lot.

• 🎟️ Cost: 100% FREE for everyone!

What to Expect

• 🚗 Trunk or Treat (candy galore!)

• 🚜 Hay Rides

• 🎯 Yard Games

• 🍩 Cider & Donuts

• 🍕 Snack Food

• 🎃 Pumpkin Patch: As a special treat, the first 200 kids will receive a free pumpkin to take home!

Everyone is invited to come out, join the fun, and celebrate together. Thank you for your continued support and we can't wait to see you there! 🎃

Waldron Area Schools would like to extend a huge congratulations to 2026 alumni Chase Schaedler on passing the Expert Course at Western Welding Academy!

Not only did Chase master the course, but he finished a whole month ahead of schedule. This is a true testament to his work ethic and dedication. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishment, Chase!

https://www.facebook.com/share/19yowx84U7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

#WaldronWelder

Let me start by saying how much I love seeing our students express their creativity and have fun during Halloween! It is always one of the most vibrant times of the year in schools. To ensure that everyone has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable day, I do have to play the role of "fun police" for a moment to share a few quick rules regarding costumes on campus.

Costumes are welcome on Friday, October 30th, provided they follow these guidelines:

• Hair, Makeup, and Face Paint: Students may wear hair dye, face paint, and makeup to school, but all application must be completed at home. No dyes, paints, or cosmetics should be brought onto campus.

• Masks:

  • Middle & High School: Masks are not permitted at any time.

  • Elementary School: Students may wear masks specifically during their designated parade and classroom party.

• No Toy Weapons or Props: Toy guns, swords, knives, bows, or sharp accessories are strictly banned even if they are clearly plastic, foam, or plush. Please leave all costume props at home.

• Safety & Mobility: Outfits must allow students to move safely and quickly in the event of an emergency, navigate hallways, and sit comfortably at their desks.

• Dress Code Alignment: Costumes must comply with standard school dress code policies regarding coverage and general appropriateness.

• Inclusive & Respectful Themes: Costumes depicting drug or alcohol references, political satire, religious mockery, or cultural stereotypes/appropriation are strictly prohibited. Additionally, costumes designed to impersonate or mock specific students, faculty, or staff members are not allowed.

Thank you in advance for your partnership in keeping our celebrations safe, positive, and inclusive for all of our students. We look forward to a great day!

The Waldron High School Student Council is hosting its Annual Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive from October 26 to November 13!

Help us give thanks by donating non-perishable canned/boxed items. Middle and High School students can drop off donations in Room 7, while Elementary students can place items directly in their classroom collection boxes. Winning classes will receive special prizes including a mystery surprise prize and a Special Activity Day for MS/HS classes. Let’s work together to make a difference this season!

Link to our Waldron School Store

Nothing beats seeing our students, staff, and community repping Spartan gear! Need to upgrade your wardrobe? Click the link above to check out the latest collection.

For those of you who have already placed orders, please know that I have been able to use the "profits" to purchase 15 Spartan shirts to hand out to students as rewards. This is the start of getting our halls, games, and community repped with Spartan pride! Thank you!!

Oct 27th - Waldron 1st Annual School Trunk or Treat

Oct 30th - End of Marking Period 1

Oct 30th - Halloween Parade in school

Nov 5th - Conferences

Nov 6th - 1/2 Day

Nov 12th - School Board Finance Mtg 6pm in the Media Center

Nov 18th - Waldron School Board Mtg 7pm in the Media Center

Nov 25th - 1/2 Day

Nov 26th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving

Nov 27th - NO SCHOOL

Dec 3rd - Picture Retake Day

Dec 10th - School Board Finance Mtg 6pm in the Media Center

Dec 16th - Waldron School Board Mtg 7pm in the Media Center

Dec 17th - 1/2 Day - Exams

Dec 18th - 1/2 Day - Exams

Dec 21-31 - NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

Jan 1st - NO SCHOOL - New Year's Day

Jan 18th - NO SCHOOL - MLK Day - Possible weather make-up day

Waldron’s sports for the week of Oct. 26 – Oct. 30

Monday (10/26) –

Tuesday (10/27) –

Wednesday (10/28) –

Thursday (10/29) – HS Volleyball @ Coldwater Pansophia at 5:30pm.

Friday (10/30) – Cross Country @ Ella Sharp Park (Jackson, Regionals) at 3:30pm.

Elementary breakfast will be served in the classrooms from 8:00 to 8:15 and HS/MS will have breakfast in the cafeteria from 7:40 to 7:55.

Elementary lunch in the cafeteria 11:00 to 11:30

MS/HS lunch in the cafeteria 11:30 to noon

In Person Support

• Community Action Agency (Hillsdale County Branch)

  • Distance from Waldron: ~25 minutes north

  • What's offered: Free family support resources, developmental programs for young children, weatherization support, and financial counseling.

• Lenawee County Family Resource Center (Adrian, MI)

• Distance from Waldron: ~35–40 minutes northeast

• What's offered: Free play-and-learn groups for toddlers, parenting workshops, car seat safety inspections, and developmental screenings.

Online Support

As a reminder, all Waldron 2026/2027 seniors are required to complete the FAFSA this year even if your child is not currently planning to attend a college or trade school, as completing it keeps all post-graduation options open. To ensure a smooth process, please visit FAFSA.gov to create your FSA ID and gather key materials in advance, including Social Security Numbers, driver's licenses, prior-prior tax returns (IRS Form 1040/W-2s), and current financial records for both students and parents. The FAFSA opens on October 1st; we will hold a student session in the media center on October 2nd at noon, and Mrs. Crist will be hosting parent help sessions every Thursday in October until 8:00 p.m. to assist you through the steps.

The Waldron Daycare will be closed on Friday, Sept 4th and Monday. Sept. 7th in observance of Labor Day. We hope you have a wonderful long weekend.
If you are interested in your child(ren) attending the Waldron Daycare, enrollment forms are available in the main office. For questions regarding before-school care, please contact Tammy Fix at tammy.fix@waldronspartans.org.

Please see the attached link to view our new "High School Highlights". Mrs. Crist will be putting these out throughout the year with information guided towards our HS students. If there are any questions in these article, please reach out to Mrs. Crist.

For students that are wanting to join coding club please sign up in the office. The first meeting is Wednesday September 2 from 3-4pm. Coding Meetings will be held every Wednesday from 3-4pm, unless noted.

High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a welcoming, student-centered group where high school students can come together to grow in their faith, build positive friendships, and encourage one another. Although FCA has its roots in athletics, students do not have to be an athlete to participate! All high school students are welcome.

During meetings, students will have opportunities to participate in short devotionals, Bible discussions, activities, and conversations focused on faith, leadership, character, and making positive choices. FCA provides a supportive environment where students can connect with their peers and explore how their Christian faith can be part of their everyday lives.

Our goal is to create a positive community where students feel welcomed, encouraged, and supported as they grow into confident and compassionate young adults.

High School Literature Club

High School Literature Club is a welcoming and engaging space for students who enjoy books, stories, writing, and discussing literature with others. Students do not have to be avid readers to join! Whether they love reading or simply want to explore new stories and genres, all high school students are welcome.

During meetings, students will have opportunities to discuss books and short stories, share recommendations, participate in creative activities, explore different genres, and connect with other students through a shared appreciation of storytelling. Activities may also include book-themed games, creative writing, movie discussions, and other fun literary experiences.

Our goal is to create a relaxed and positive environment where students can build friendships, express their ideas, discover new interests, and develop a lifelong appreciation for reading and literature.

High School Dungeons & Dragons Club

High School Dungeons & Dragons Club is a fun, welcoming space where students can use their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills through collaborative storytelling. No previous Dungeons & Dragons experience is required! Whether students are experienced players or completely new to the game, all high school students are welcome.

During meetings, students will work together to create characters, explore imaginative worlds, solve challenges, make decisions, and tell stories as a team. Dungeons & Dragons encourages important skills such as communication, cooperation, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and respectful decision-making.

Our goal is to provide students with a positive and inclusive environment where they can make new friends, express their creativity, build confidence, and—most importantly—have fun together!

If you have any questions regarding these clubs, please reach out.

OK2SAY is a 24/7 confidential safety tipline for reporting threats against students or schools. Contact them by phone at 855-565-2729, text at 652729, email at okaytosay@mi.gov, the OK2SAY app, or via their website.

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve school safety and daily operations, we are implementing a few updates to our morning drop-off routine.
- Building Opening Time: Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.
- Early Arrival & Before-School Care: Please note that morning supervision with Mrs. Brenda is no longer available prior to 7:30 a.m. If your child needs to arrive before 7:30 a.m., our on-site daycare is available for a fee. Children must be officially enrolled prior to attending; enrollment forms are available in the main office. For questions regarding before-school care, please contact Tammy Fix at tammy.fix@waldronspartans.org.
- Morning Supervision (7:30 a.m. – Bell): Once students are dropped off after 7:30 a.m., they will head directly outside to the playground for morning recess with Mrs. Olivia. In the event of rain or extreme cold, students will gather in the elementary gym until the school day begins.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in keeping our mornings running smoothly!

As we start the 2026/2027 school year, I would like to remind everyone about the Student Handbook Dress Code. Please know that all students and staff are required to abide by the dress code set forth by the school district. While we understand that some parents might not fully agree with every aspect of the policy, it is part of our official code of conduct and must be followed.

It is never our intention to embarrass or humiliate any student regarding their attire. Should a situation arise, we will always offer an alternative clothing item at school before reaching out to ask a parent or guardian to bring a change of clothes.

If you would like to review the full details, you can view the student code of conduct at the link below. The dress code section can be found on pages 30 and 31:

Waldron Dress Code

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the dress code, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

We are so glad to have you visit and hope you feel welcomed in our building! To best ensure the safety of our students and staff and maintain the daily flow, we have a couple of important requests for visitors:
When you arrive, please use the front doors to check in and sign out at the main office.

Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the front bus loop during the busy morning drop-off or afternoon dismissal times. We need to keep this lane clear for our buses to maneuver safely and efficiently.

If you are late dropping off your student, after 8am, please be sure to drop them off at the front door. All other doors will be locked at 8am, we can't have any students standing at the door waiting for someone to come let them in. Thank you for help with this.

Your cooperation with these small matters is greatly appreciated!

How to Sign Up for Kroger Community Rewards - benefits Waldron Special Education Classrooms

1. Go to Kroger App

2. Click on person icon in Top Left corner

3. Click on Payments and Resources

4. Click on Community Rewards

5. Type in DW074 to choose Organization or type in Waldron Special Education Classrooms.

6. Click Enroll button

7. Thank you for your support!

As we kick off the new school year, our top priority is providing a safe, engaging, and distraction-free learning environment for all students. With research showing the significant impact of personal screen time on classroom focus and student well-being, we are implementing a district-wide Cell Phone & Personal Technology Policy.

We ask for your partnership and support in reviewing these guidelines with your child before the school year begins.

Important Legal Notice: State Law Mandate

Please be aware that this policy is governed by state law, which mandates restrictions on personal telecommunications devices in public school classrooms. Waldron Area Schools is legally obligated to implement and strictly enforce these requirements. We appreciate your full support and cooperation in helping us comply with state regulations to maintain a focused learning environment for every student.

Policy by Grade Level

Elementary Students

• No Phones Allowed: Elementary students are not permitted to bring cell phones or personal communication devices into the school building.

Middle & High School (MS/HS) Students

• Classroom "Pouch" System: Students may bring cell phones, smartwatches, wireless headphones/earbuds, and other devices to school, but they are strictly prohibited from having them on their person during class time.

• Passing Periods & Lunch: Students are permitted to use their technology responsibly between classes and during lunch.

• Restrooms & Locker Rooms: For privacy and safety, cell phones and personal technology are strictly prohibited in all bathrooms and locker rooms at all times.

How the Classroom System Works (MS/HS)

To ensure consistency across every classroom, we are using a Wall Pouch System:

1. Classroom Arrival: Upon entering every class period, students will immediately place their phone, smartwatch, and headphones into an assigned, numbered pouch on the wall chart.

2. Instructional Focus: Devices must remain in the assigned pouch for the entire class period.

3. Out-of-Class Passes: Students leaving the room during class (e.g., to use the restroom or visit the office) are not permitted to take their technology with them.

4. End of Class: Students retrieve their devices when the end-of-period bell rings.

Consequences (MS/HS)

To keep expectations fair and clear, the following steps will be taken if a student chooses not to place their technology in their designated pouch during class:

Offense and Action Taken

1st Offense

2nd Offense

3rd Offense

4th Offense

📞 How to Reach Your Child During the School Day

We understand that parents sometimes need to contact their children during the day. To help us maintain an uninterrupted learning environment, please keep the following options in mind:

• For Urgent Messages or Emergencies: Please call the Main Office directly at 517-286-6251. Our staff will immediately get a message to your child or bring them to the office.

• For Non-Urgent Messages: Feel free to text or message your child! They are welcome to check their phone and respond during passing periods or their scheduled lunch break.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in helping our students stay focused, engaged, and successful this school year! As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me: Matt.Furtney@waldronspartans.org.