Whitehouse News - Aug/Sept 2025

The mission of Whitehouse School is to provide children with a nurturing environment where they will feel safe and accepted. Our school community encourages respect and builds independence while fostering academic and personal growth, and creating a love for learning!

It is almost time!! Are you ready?? We hope you had an amazing summer, but we cannot wait to see our little Cubs of Character!!!

School begins on Thursday, September 3

(8:30am - 3:20pm)

• 11:30am - 12:45pm - Kindergarten Bus Ride and Open House (Gymnasium & Classrooms)
• 12:30pm - 1:45pm - Preschool Meet & Greet (Classrooms) and Bus Ride
• 12:30pm - 1:00pm - New Family Orientation (Cafetorium)
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Grades 1 - 3 Open House (Classrooms)

The Parent Portal will open at 2:00pm on Wednesday, August 19. At that time, you will need to complete mandatory online forms. Then, you will be able to access your child's class assignment. Nut-free rooms will be announced right before the school year begins.

Mrs. Lisa Crowe, Grade 1 LTS Teacher

Ms. Ava Denlinger, Grade 1 Teacher

Ms. Lauren Hall, Grade 2 Teacher

Mrs. Kaitlyn Rega, Grade 2 Teacher (Joining us from RMS!)

Ms. Bria Whatley, Grade 2 Teacher

Mrs. Megan Heckman, Special Education Teacher (Joining us from TBS!)

Mrs. Heather Gibbons, Child Study Team, LDTC (Joining us from TBS!)

Mrs. Ann Roarty, Child Study Team, LDTC (Joining us from RMS!)

Ms. Stephanie Schwarzmann, Preschool Teacher

Mrs. Ashleigh Lambert, Paraprofessional

Friday, September 4 - Responsibility Month

Thursday, October 1 - Friendliness Month

Monday, November 2 - Gratitude Month

Tuesday, December 1 - Patience Month

Monday, January 4 - Fairness Month

Monday, February 1 - Caring Month

Monday, March 1 - Trustworthiness Month

Monday, April 5 - Grit Month

Monday, May 3 - Loyalty Month

Tuesday, June 1 - Helpfulness Month

Wednesday, June 9 - Grade 3 Send-Off!

As you will discover when you read the letter I wrote to the children, this year's annual thematic unit is Shrek, by William Steig, published in 1990. As always, this school-wide initiative promises to be an exciting journey as we come together to read, learn, and explore concepts throughout the book. In addition to its humor and imaginative storyline, Shrek provides meaningful opportunities for character education as it will encourage discussions about kindness, acceptance, individuality, and empathy. Stay tuned for more information about the creative ways we will bring this unit to life throughout the school year!

September 3

• First Day of School for Students!

September 4

• Early Dismissal Day
• Wear-Your-Red-Cub-Shirt!

September 7

• School Closed - Labor Day

September 9

• Kindergarten Back-to-School-Night (6:00pm-6:45pm)
• Grade 1 Back-to-School-Night (7:00pm-7:45pm)

September 10

• Grade 2 Back-to-School-Night (6:00pm-6:45pm)
• Grade 3 Back-to-School-Night (7:00pm-7:45pm)

September 16

• WHS Picture Day

September 21

• School Closed - Yom Kippur

2026-2031 Strategic Plan Goals

• Academic Rigor: We hold high expectations for every learner. By meeting students where they are and providing essential supports, we ensure that rigor serves as a bridge to their future success.

• Belonging and Human Connection: We believe belonging is the catalyst for achievement. We are dedicated to creating a culture where every student feels supported and empowered to shape our collective success.

• Future Preparedness: We are equipping our learning community to act with confidence and ethical discernment. Our curriculum will emphasize digital literacy, critical thinking, and sustainability to prepare students for an evolving world.

• Fiscal Stewardship: We remain committed to responsible budgeting and proactive monitoring of costs. Our goal is to protect the long-term financial health of the district while sustaining the high-quality education all children deserve.

New Cell Phone & Internet Device Policy

• The Board is in the process of adopting a newer policy regarding student-owned devices. The policy aligns with the state guidelines and prioritizes digital citizenship.

• It refers to the term, “Bell-to-Bell", which means devices must remain off and stored from when students arrive at the first "bell" to when they leave at the end of the academic day - the last "bell." This timeframe includes lunch, recess, and time spent between classes.

• Students will still use district-managed tools (like school-issued laptops and iPads) for educational purposes under teacher supervision.

• Students may bring devices to school, but they must remain off and stored. At the elementary level, it will mean storage in the student's backpack and placed in the cubby. If parents need to contact children during the school day, please contact the main office. Likewise, children have the ability to make phone calls from the main office to parents as needed.

• The policy and discipline may be administered according to the Code of Conduct and Expectations for Behavior.

• The district remains committed to supporting students with specific needs. Use of an internet-enabled device is permitted in the following circumstances:

1. To fulfill IEP or 504 Plan accommodations;
2. To monitor a documented health condition (requires documentation from a healthcare professional);
3. For translation services or for students who are regular caregivers for family members;
4. During a legitimate emergency.

Artificial Intelligence Protocols

• AI technology is now part of our students' daily lives and we are committed to student learning in all contexts with a variety of tools. Nothing will replace the value of human connection and engaged, hands-on learning in our schools, but we believe it is essential to help our students learn to use these tools responsibly, ethically, and effectively. This requires a partnership between home and school, with both parents and teachers playing active roles in managing and guiding AI use.

• Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, our district convened a series of four comprehensive meetings bringing together educators, administrators, technology specialists, students, and a parent. These collaborative sessions were dedicated to developing clear, thoughtful protocols for AI use in our schools. We included three key components: Guidelines for Ethical and Acceptable Use, Guiding Principles, & Best Practice Protocols. For more information, please visit the district website or access the AI Handbook.