November Newsletter
Waltham Elementary School - Let's Go, Hawks!
There’s a buzz of excitement at Waltham as we move into November! The crisp mornings and golden leaves remind us that fall is in full swing, and our classrooms are alive with energy, curiosity, and creativity. Students have found their rhythm, and it’s wonderful to see their confidence and connections continue to grow each day.
Here are some important dates to keep on your calendar this month:
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Thursday, November 6th – Fall Band Concert, 6:30 p.m.
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Friday, November 7th – Pizza Hot Lunch
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Sunday, November 9th – PTCC Pancake Breakfast, 8–11:30 a.m., Waltham Gym
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Monday, November 10th – PTCC Meeting, 6 p.m.
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Tuesday, November 11th – Veterans Day Celebration in the morning; student National Anthem performance at 5:30 p.m. during the home 7/8 Boys Basketball game vs. Oglesby
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Monday, November 17th – Waltham PTCC’s Rotary Park Celebration of Lights Fundraiser
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Wednesday, November 19th – 11:35 a.m. dismissal for K–8 students; AM/PM classes in session for preschool; Board of Education Meeting at 6 p.m.
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Monday, November 24th – No preschool classes; 1:35 p.m. dismissal for K–8 students; Parent/Teacher Conferences 2:30–6:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, November 25th – No school for students; Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, November 26th–Friday, November 28th – No school for students or staff. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
As we enter this season of gratitude, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of such a caring and connected school community. The kindness, involvement, and support of our families make Waltham a truly special place for students to learn and grow. Thank you for all that you do to make our school feel like home.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful November filled with warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. 🍂
Mrs. Melanie Lukacsy,
Principal
- Strengthening Math Instruction - This year, we’re transitioning to the new Illustrative Math program to deepen student understanding. Our staff is undergoing specialized training to bring this new and improved curriculum to the classroom.
Fostering a Safe, Inclusive, and Positive Climate - Our school culture is built on strong relationships. We're committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels welcome and supported to be their authentic self.
Increasing Student Attendance and Engagement - Our attendance incentive programs were a big hit last year—so they’re back and even better! Students will once again have chances to win awesome prizes just for showing up and giving their best each day.
Strengthening Staff Development Aligned to School Priorities - Our professional learning this year is focused on the things that matter most to students: math instruction, use of AI in education, grading practices, and meaningful assessment.
Enhancing Communication and Community Outreach - We are committed to keeping you connected. We will continue to use our newsletters, social media, and in-person events to ensure you feel like a valued partner in your child's education.
Student Absences
- If your child/children are going to be absent for the day, for any reason, please contact the office directly at 815-667-4417 or email both tlewis@wesd185.org and shewitt@wesd185.org.
- Do not contact your child's teacher directly with daily absences.
- Any absences for extended periods of time, please communicate with homeroom teachers AND the main office.
- Any student absences not communicated to the office by 10 a.m. will receive a phone call from the school.
Student Arrival
- Students that do not ride the bus should be dropped off/picked up in the car line in the front of the building. When entering the parking lot, cars should veer to the right and enter the pick-up/drop-off line.
- The car line will begin moving at 8:00 a.m.
- PreK-8 students should not arrive before 8:00 a.m. Students can be picked up at the same entrance at the end of the school day.
- Please stay in your car after you pull up in front of the building during arrival.
Student Dismissal
- Unless written notice or a phone call from a parent/guardian is received by the school office one hour prior to dismissal, students will be sent home on the bus.
- Cars should not line up for the end-of-day car line until 15 minutes prior to student dismissal. If you arrive early, you will be asked to park your vehicle in a parking space until the appropriate time.
- If you need to buckle a child into your vehicle, please pull forward into a parking space after they get into your car. We need to keep our car line moving at a steady pace.
- Please stay in your car after you pull up in front of the building during dismissal.
- It is important that you pass this information along to anyone who may be picking up your child at the end of the day.
Tardiness / Early Departure
- Students will be marked tardy if they are not in their classrooms, ready for learning, at 8:10 a.m.
- If your child needs to be picked up early, please pull up to the front of the building and call the office at 815-667-4417. We will sign your child out and send them out to your car.
- If you are dropping a junior high student off late, they MUST enter the building through the office. No students should go directly to the trailer after 8:10 a.m. without first stopping in the main building.
- We ask that you please make every effort to make appointments for your children before or after school to minimize disruptions to the learning environment and office.
No students will be dismissed in the final 20 minutes of the school day unless they are leaving for a Waltham-sponsored event.
Early Release Days for K-8 Students
- Students will be dismissed at 11:35 a.m. on the following days:
- Wednesday-September 17th,
- Wednesday- October 15th,
- Wednesday- November 19th,
- Wednesday, December 17th,
- Wednesday- January 21st,
- Wednesday-February 18th,
- Wednesday-March 18th,
- Wednesday-April 15th, and
- Wednesday-May 20th.
Student Illness Policy
Students must be 24 hours fever-, vomit-, and diarrhea-free before returning to school.
A doctor’s note is required if a student is absent 3 or more consecutive days due to illness.
Students absent for any part of the school day due to illness may not attend school events that evening—this applies to both participants and spectators.
Non-Prescription Medicines
- Non-prescription medications will not be dispensed by school personnel. If students need non-prescription medicine during the school day, a parent/guardian is required to come to school and administer the medicine.
Student Lunch Information
Daily Lunch – Students must bring their own lunch to school each day.
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Monthly Hot Lunch – Once a month, students will have the option to order Pizza Hut pizza, organized by our PTCC.
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Drinks – Only water or milk are allowed at school. Other drinks such as juice boxes, Gatorade, soda, colored/flavored waters, etc. are not allowed at school.
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Milk at School – Milk can be purchased at school for $0.40 per carton. Please send exact change if possible.
School Day Disruptions
- In order to minimize disruptions in the classrooms, we request that items (i.e., lunches, P.E. clothes, uniforms, instruments, homework, etc.) be dropped off in the office. Office personnel will make sure the item gets to your child.
Cellphones and Wearable Technology
- During the school day, which is the time between 8:05-3:10 p.m. on regular school days, electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds/headphones must be kept powered-off, and in locker/backpack.