The Spartan Family Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I want to share a growing concern regarding a recent uptick in vaping use among our student body. While we strive to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, we have noticed an increase in these devices being brought onto school grounds.

We are asking for your partnership in addressing this issue. Please take a moment this week to have an open, honest conversation with your student about the health risks and legal consequences associated with vaping.

Health Risks: I am not speaking about parent/guardians legal usage. This is for our student body. Vapes contain much more than "Just Water Vapor". Many students believe vaping is a harmless alternative to smoking. However, the reality is much more concerning: For developing youth, vapes contain high levels of toxic chemicals that can permanently alter brain development and lung disease.

Legal and School Consequences: It is important that students understand that vaping is not just a violation of school policy; it is a legal infraction. In accordance with state law and local ordinances: Youth Tobacco Tickets: Students caught in possession of or using tobacco or vapor products are subject to a civil infraction, often referred to as a "Youth Tobacco Ticket." Fines & Community Service: These tickets can result in mandatory fines (often starting at $50 plus court costs) and up to 16 to 48 hours of community service for repeat offenses. School Discipline: Per our Student Code of Conduct, students found with these devices will face immediate disciplinary action, which will include suspension and the confiscation of the device.

How You Can Help

Start the Conversation: Ask your child what they know about vaping and if they see it happening at school.

Know the Signs: Modern vapes are often designed to look like everyday objects such as USB drives, pens, or even highlighters. Be aware of sweet, "fruity" scents that seem out of place.

Encourage Support: If you believe your student is struggling with nicotine addiction, please reach out to our school counseling office. We can provide resources for cessation programs specifically designed for teens.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students healthy, focused, and safe.

Basketball Jones will be at Waldron this week. He'll be holding two assemblies on Tuesday, March 3rd. Please take a few minutes to discuss his message with your child.
For our Elementary assembly, he will be speaking about kindness.

For our MS/HS assembly, he will be speaking about Leadership and Anti-Bullying.

Here is his website if you'd like to look into him: https://www.jimbasketballjones.com/

Below is an order form if you are interested in one of Basketball Jones books. This is not a fundraiser for the district.

If you know of anyone looking for an AMAZING kindergarten class next school year, please share this information. We have great things going on here at Waldron and this upcoming KG class is the start of something even better for all of us.

Breakfast & Lunch are both free to ALL students.

Served in the cafeteria.

Breakfast 7:40 - 8:05

Lunch H.S. 11:10 - 11:40

M.S. 11:40 - 12:10

Elem. 12:10 - 12:40

Waldron’s Sports events

We currently do not have any sporting events until Spring sports start up.

March 3 - Basketball Jones Assembly

March 6 - End of 3rd Marking Period

March 11-13 - Smiles on Wheels

March 19 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 20 - Half Day

March 23-27 - No School - Spring Break

April 3 - No School - Good Friday

April 6 - No School - Possible weather make up day

April 14 - 9th - 12th Grade Domestic Violence Assembly with Domestic Harmony.

April 30 - Music Concert

May 1- Last day of school for Seniors

May 7 - Half Day - Exams

May 8 - Half Day - Exams

May 14 - Senior Night

May 17 - Graduation

May 22 - Half Day

May 25 - No School - Memorial Day

June 3 - Half Day- Last day of School

As of now, we aren't exactly sure how many days we will need to make up from all of the days that we had to take off this year. The State gives us 6 and we can apply for an additional 3, which we have applied already. Due to so many Michigan schools being in the same situation as us, we are hopeful that the state will give us a few more. Once we know what we need to do for any possible make up days, I will let you know.

All of our students, 4th grade and attended a virtual OK2Say presentation. I've heard a lot of positive responses from students. I hope that they came home and discussed it with you. For those who were able to attend our parent presentation, thank you and I hope that you got a lot out of it. Below are several way to contact them if you ever need to.

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.

Waldron Senior Night has been scheduled in the Multi-Purpose room for Thursday May 14th at 7pm.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Waldron Boosters, please let me know and I will put you in contact with them. They are a great group of people who do a lot of work for our school and students.

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 and with it getting so cold out, we can't have any students standing at the door waiting for someone to come let them in. Thank you for help with this.

Our elementary students are still going outside for recess, please ensure that they are bringing appropriate clothing for the cold temperatures. If you need any hats, gloves, coats for your child please contact Mr. Furtney

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.

Your cooperation with these small matters is greatly appreciated!

The class of 2027 advisor is in need of some additional volunteers. There are many opportunities to support your students. The money raised goes towards their Prom, graduation, and senior trip. Even if your student doesn't plan on attending the senior trip, they could definitely use the help to raise funds for prom and graduation. If you are interested, please contact their class advisor, Diane Evers. Phone - (517)260-2291. Email - gypsy.snickers@gmail.com